Lilibet Bombshell's Reviews > Alias Emma

I was absolutely giddy to read this book, because I not only love spy thrillers with a female protagonist, but I absolutely adore when it turns out to be a Russian spy thriller. I know, I know. I probably shouldn’t be fangirling so hard over Russian spy thrillers in this day and age, but for some reason I can’t resist them and never have been able to. Did I watch too many 007 movies growing up? Maybe. Do I love Natasha Romanoff from the bottom of my black heart? Most certainly. Do I have quite a few biographies and nonfiction books about the Cold War? How about we don’t talk about my nonfiction collection or my love of Russian history.

This book flies by like a great spy movie does. Think Bourne. Think Bond. Think La Femme Nikita. Heck, you can even think of Mrs. Emma Peel if you want. From the time Emma Makepeace is sent out on the mission that makes up the plot of this propulsive and thrilling read up until almost the very end, this book lays its foot on the accelerator and simply does not let off until the exact right time; and when it does, it’s like crossing the finish line only hundreths of a second before the car behind you. It’s fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, unpredictable, addictive, and impeccably edited to keep that thrilling pacing taut like a piano wire.

I can’t tell if this is the first book in a series or not. Some places (like Goodreads) say it’s the first in the series, but I can’t find that information anywhere else. I’ll tell you what: If Ava Glass decided to make this into a series, I’ll sign up to read it right here and now. I would definitely read more about Emma Makepeace getting her revenge on the Russians one day at a time.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballatine, and Bantam for granting me access to this title.