My bookshelf—either virtual or physical—has looked something like this since I became a mom: picture books, self-help, more picture books, parenting guides, more picture books, and a little bit more self-help. I haven’t had much time to read for the sheer joy of reading, although, don’t get me wrong, revisiting the classics of my childhood with my own children is amazing, but it’s not quite the same as getting lost in a book you truly love to read.
That’s why I was so happy to take on this assignment: review Untraceable by Aya de León, a compelling addition to the gripping spy series that began with Undercover Latina.
Set in the high-stakes world of The Factory, an international organization of spies dedicated to safeguarding individuals of color, this companion novel dives into the complex life of 15-year-old Amani Kendall. And let me tell you, you dive right along with her. We’re talking suspense, intrigue, and the struggles of identity, all blended to take you on a thrilling journey that explores family secrets, danger, and the resilience of a young girl thrust into a tumultuous situation.
The heart of the story is Amani.
Amani is a resourceful Black teenager who attends a predominantly white private school. Her concerns about fitting in and navigating the challenges of her environment take an unexpected turn when her house burns down, forcing her family to go on the run. The revelations come thick and fast—her seemingly ordinary mother is being pursued by a dangerous ex-boyfriend turned stalker, while her scientist father has vanished without a trace. As they attempt to vanish from their pursuers, Amani finds herself grappling with cultural shifts as she transitions from her predominantly white school to a more diverse one, meeting old family friends and encountering a budding romance.
Hooked yet?
The story weaves together Amani's personal struggles with the bigger picture of espionage and the danger that surrounds her family. Her relentless curiosity and determination lead her to investigate the truth behind her family's situation, unveiling hidden family legacies that have far-reaching consequences. It kept me on the edge of my seat as Amani peeled back the layers of deception and unraveled the secrets that bind her family to the dangerous world of spies. Sure, this may be a novel for young adults, but this “old” adult was hooked from the beginning. Now I just have to go back and read Undercover Latina to get my Factory fix!
You can pick up your copy of Untraceable at retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or via Bookshop to support your local bookstore.
