Books Jack Reads

Note: This book is recommended for readers aged 13 and over.

Reasons: Violence and mature themes.

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After his parents are killed in an unexplained mass murder, 13 year-old Zak Darke ends up living with his resentful aunt and uncle. Zak's life is normal enough until a mysterious man known only as Michael approaches him in the park one day.

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Michael tells Zak he works for a shadowy government agency, and Zak soon becomes one of its agents, training under the guidance of agents Raf and Gabs (although Zak quickly learns that those aren't their real names), and mastering new skills such as using firearms and surviving interrogations.

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And it isn't long before Zak is sent on his first mission: to infiltrate a powerful drug lord's compound...and bring it down from the inside.

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If your kids are fans of books like the CHERUB or Alex Rider series, then they'll enjoy this one. There are six books in total in this series, and this one is the first.

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However, unlike most spy novels like those, Agent 21 is a little different, as there aren't any Aston Martins or fancy gadgets in this series.

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Being a former SAS operative, Chris Ryan has lots of experience in survival, so all the situations that Zak finds himself in feel realistic and believable, such as when Zak learns how to recognise and use different firearms.

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Also, despite being only 13, Zak is a strong main character, highly intelligent, brave and smart. During the story, Zak has to make a lot of tough decisions, and quickly learns that not everything is as it seems.

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Overall, this is an exciting and realistic spy thriller from a master writer, and perfect for fans of this genre.