For the teen navigating the deadly world of high school dating, or perhaps, literally, deadly dating, this book offers a blend of humor, action, and romance.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the awkward, high-stakes world of high school relationships and feeling like they have to be someone they're not to fit in. This action-packed romantic comedy follows Ianthe, a teen from a family of assassins, who must go undercover at a normal high school. Her mission gets complicated when she has to start dating a popular classmate to maintain her cover. The story cleverly uses its over-the-top premise to explore relatable themes of identity, loyalty, and the bravery it takes to be yourself. It’s a great choice for teens who enjoy humor, thrilling plots, and a sweet romance that tackles the feeling of being an outsider in a fun, engaging way.
Protagonist's family are assassins, presented as a morally neutral family business.
Sensitive Topics
The book's premise is built on violence, but it is handled in a stylized, action-movie manner rather than as graphic or realistic trauma. The concept of assassination is presented as a family business, a metaphorical stand-in for any high-pressure family expectation. The resolution is hopeful, suggesting a path where the protagonist can integrate the different parts of her identity.
Ideal Reader
A 14- to 16-year-old who loves genre-mashing stories, witty banter, and the "secret identity" trope. This reader enjoys authors like Ally Carter or Jennifer Lynn Barnes and is looking for a book that is equal parts thrilling and funny. They will connect with the feeling of trying to balance who you are with who the world (or your family) expects you to be.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the premise is built around a family of assassins. This moral ambiguity is played for laughs and is the central conceit of the plot. The romantic content is age-appropriate for teens. The book can be read cold, as its humor and high-concept plot are immediately accessible. A parent might hear their teen say, "I feel like I have to be a totally different person at school," or express frustration with social pressures and the confusing rules of dating. This book is a great, lighthearted entry point for those feelings.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely enjoy the fast-paced plot, the fish-out-of-water comedy, and the action sequences. An older teen (15-17) will appreciate these elements but may also connect more deeply with the satirical commentary on high school social structures and the thematic exploration of identity and family expectations.
What Makes It Special
Unlike typical high school spy stories, this book leans into the absurdity of its premise. It uniquely frames the anxieties of teen romance and social navigation as being more complex and dangerous than literal, life-or-death assassin work. This sharp, humorous juxtaposition makes the relatable teen experience feel both epic and hilariously over-the-top.
Read plot summary
Ianthe, the youngest in a family of assassins, is sent on her first solo mission: to go undercover at a high school and protect a target from a rival organization. To maintain her cover as a normal teenager, she must navigate classes, friendships, and the most terrifying challenge of all: a fake relationship with a popular, charming classmate. As the lines between her mission and her real feelings blur, Ianthe has to figure out who she can trust and who she wants to be, all while trying not to get killed or die of social embarrassment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ianthe struggles to balance her 'assassin' identity with her 'normal teenager' identity. Have you ever felt like you had to act like two different people in different parts of your life? How did that feel?
2
The book treats deadly skills and navigating high school social rules as equally difficult. What parts of school life do you think can feel like a secret mission?
3
At the beginning, Ianthe's relationship with her classmate is just part of her cover. At what point do you think her feelings became real? What specific scene or moment showed that shift?
4
Ianthe's family has very specific and unusual expectations for her. How do these expectations help her, and how do they hold her back from discovering who she really is?
