From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-This work of contemporary suspense is a prequel novel, based on the enormously popular Alias TV series. Brainy but socially inept Sydney Bristow is a freshman at UCLA, where she plans to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a teacher. It's not long, however, before she begins questioning her reasons for wanting to teach. Meanwhile, she strikes out with a cute guy, gets fired the first day on a job, and spends a lot of time pitying herself. Then, a recruiter mysteriously appears from an organization Sydney believes is the CIA. With an offer to become a secret agent, she can move in a different, and far more exciting, direction. She is not quick to give up her old life, however. Half the book is over before she decides to accept the offer. It's understandable: the penalty for deserting, should she want out, is certain death. Also, she is not allowed to tell anyone about the offer. Readers are into the final quarter before Sydney becomes embroiled in heart-stopping danger, but they should feel that the payoff is worth the wait. While the prose and the plot development are workmanlike, the intended audience won't care. Because of its connection to the TV show, even reluctant readers should devour this one.
Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
From AudioFile
This "prequel" novel for the TV series tells the story of how Sydney Bristow first became involved with SD-6, what she believes to be a top-secret division of the CIA. The story itself has a typical teen plot: A brainy and socially inept girl finds a way to be tough and gorgeous, a transformation that leads to inevitable romance and adventure. Amanda Foreman reads with a light touch, conveying Sydney's emotions but making no attempt to distinguish among characters. The production features a funky, bass-heavy musical track that serves as filler between chapters and plays too loudly and obviously during important scenes. Even so, the production is good fun for "Alias" fans. A.F. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
