Mission: Red Scythe: A James Vagus Teen Espionage Thriller by C.W. James
A YA Spy Novel published by Insundry Productions Books on (06/12/25)
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
Summary:
“Just moments ago, he didn’t have an idea about his future. Now, he was being offered the opportunity to become a secret agent — it was all too much to take in.”
In 1965, rookie teen agents James Vagus and Dakota Walker dive into a deadly mission to stop a global conspiracy. From Miami to Madras, they race against time, facing betrayal, espionage, and a threat that could change history.
Keywords:
Short Book, Teen, Spy, Thriller, Espionage, Orphan, Mission, Cold War,
My Review:
The story wastes no time pulling readers into the action with main character James’s first mission: an assignment that immediately goes off the rails. The story may have skipped past the classic training montage, but we immediately get a sense for what James learned and how he reacts under pressure when things don’t go as planned. The stakes are set early and escalate with each chapter, pulling the reader deeper into an adrenaline-filled adventure.
The writing is tight and focused, zeroing in on the action without getting sidetracked. The pacing keeps you right alongside James, allowing you to experience the tension, urgency, and thrill of the moment with him. He might keep his cool, but I was on the edge of my seat. I felt fully immersed in what was happening, with each scene pulling me deeper.
The setting is a fitting backdrop for a young spy, as it takes place in Miami, where there is sun-soaked energy and an undercurrent of youthful mischief. The setting feels alive and layered, and the action remains in Miami long enough to build out the world of the story before expanding internationally.
There’s something wonderfully cinematic about the whole setup. The time period, mysterious plot threads, and fast-paced momentum remind me of a young, trained Indiana Jones story, blending classic adventure with covert espionage back in time (the 1960’s).
The world-building is balanced, and the story is strong but not overpowering of the immediate action. The story doesn’t try to be overly expansive because it focuses on what’s right in front of James. This is exactly what gives the world a sense of authenticity. We get just enough backstory on James and eventually Dakota to make us care about them as people and as spies on a mission.
Tension is built masterfully throughout, keeping stakes high without ever feeling forced. If you are a fan of a good action spy thriller, then this is a great and quick read.
This novel was published by Insundry Productions Books on 06/12/25 and is available on Amazon here.
TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75
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