I got into CJ Daugherty's books while reading the Harper McClain mysteries (excellent, by the way!). Number 10 was the first YA book I'd read from Daugherty, and I've been waiting eagerly for the sequel since I binge-read Number 10 in one weekend. Codename Firefly does not disappoint! This time around, I needed to experience it through Audible books, as I have a long commute to work. I've never been so happy to sit in traffic. I must be an old romantic because my favorite parts were Gray's swoon-tense scenes with Dillon. If you or your teen haven't read CJ Daugherty yet, you absolutely should.

Positive thoughts:
- I enjoyed the multiple perspectives because a lot of early Night School was just Allie being confused what was going on and Gray is also incredibly confused what’s going on but through Julia’s and Allie’s perspectives we get a more varied look of what’s happening which I appreciate
- I read this in just over 4 hours (during which I also watched a tennis match, so technically not even that long) so the intrigue was definitely there
- The writing style works well for the story and is just overall enjoyable and easy to read without being oversimplified
- just a good old fun time which is what I wanted and needed from this book

Less positive thoughts:
- The gay side character feels a little too based on stereotypes (there’s a lot of other queer rep, specifically wlw characters which feel way more authentic)
- The author really is just using the same character archetypes she used in Night School (I did like most of them but boy, they’re similar at times)
- The set up for the last plot point and also the set up for the reveal at the end both didn’t make a lot of sense of me (I did see the last reveal coming but I think that’s less predictability and more actually good storytelling with foreshadowing and I don’t think it was intended to be a huge surprise)

If you are familiar with C.J. Daugherty's books then you will know that she has a knack of writing engaging and thoroughly enjoyable YA fiction. Her new Number 10 series is set in the same world as her Night School books, and the first book Number 10 introduced us to Prime Minister Jessica Langtry and her teenage daughter Gray. The second book in the series, Codename Firefly, goes a step further towards the Night School series, because in this book Gray finds herself as pupil at the exclusive Cimmeria Academy - which features in the Night School books.

Since Gray's mother became Prime Minister both of their lives have changed enormously, with their every move the subject of close scrutiny by the media, but it has also put them in danger by making them the targets of a Russian assassination plot. In an effort to provide some protection for Gray, she has been enrolled in the elite boarding school Cimmeria Academy, where her parents and security team believe she will be away from the prying eyes of the press and the chance that those with sinister intent will be able to get anywhere near her again. Of course, she has her own team of body guards on hand to make sure she remains safe behind the high walls of the Academy too, and they will be keeping an eye on her using her unique codename Firefly.

Gray starts to feel safe for the first time in many months, settling into school life, coming to terms with the events of Number 10, and making friends among the kind of students that know only too well what it means to live a high profile life. She also finds herself becoming close to an American student called Dylan, but she is really not sure whether she can trust him as he seems to know more than a bit too much about her and why she is here.

Unfortunately, it's not long before Gray's peace is shattered when Russian spies discover where she is laying low, and send a team of masked men to abduct her. Her security team manage to thwart their efforts more than once, but this is a foe determined to succeed. The constant feeling of danger is very unsettling and although she tries to carry on with the routine of school life, it is proving impossible to ignore the fact that her life is in danger once more. As the dark nights close in, Gray must learn how to protect herself from attack - especially since someone on the inside is helping the Russians in their deadly pursuit.

My favourite thing about these books is the way they make both domestic and world politics so accessible to a younger audience, and their success lies in the way this is done through the eyes of a teen herself, combining her very typical hopes, dreams, likes, dislikes and anxieties with real world danger and intrigue in the upper echelons of Downing Street, Whitehall and beyond. Gray herself is a lovely character, at times brave and bold, and at others shy and fearful - forming a very realistic mix of traits in any teenage girl trying to find her identity and forge a path in the world, which makes her highly relatable to teenage readers. In this second book, we get to see Gray making friends in a school environment, albeit a rather select set of classmates, bringing an a big dollop of threads in the coming of age vein, and we also get an intriguing glimpse behind the faces of her security team, which broadens the range of themes explored in the story nicely.

I can't go into too much in the way of detail without giving the game away, but this is so much more than a tale of teenage angst. There is plenty here to get readers of all ages perching on the edge of their seats, with gripping storylines that include elements of danger, conspiracy and mystery - all of which provide wide appeal and actually make these great books for you to read alongside your teens. The way Daugherty touches on many topical issues around relationships, divorce, sexuality, mental health and of course politics in an age appropriate way (perfect for readers aged 13 and up), incorporating them into a cracking page turner, gives plenty of opportunity to talk freely about subjects which might not always trip off the tongue too - a little school librarian tip for you there folks!

Back to school time seems like the best time to think about choosing some great new books for your teen readers, and I can highly recommend any of C.J. Daugherty's books as ones sure to please the most picky among them - but I am going to give a little extra shout for the Number 10 books too, because this is shaping up to be an absolute cracker of a series. I am really looking forward to the next one!

How am I supposed to wait for the 3rd one?

This was such a good read! Very unique. Gripping. Gray is in a boarding school which houses very special children from people who want to hurt them, kidnap them and the media wanting to capture them. Kids like Gray… The presidents daughter. But can the school handle these intruders? Is Grey safe? Is the security tight? They’ll soon find out…
An action packed, tense, gripping and fast paced read. A real page turner that I devoured. A perfect YA read. Loved most of the characters including Greys friends. This would make a brilliant film or TV series. I’d love to see more of Grey & her friends. A read I won’t forget for a long time. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me.