Jimmy Coates - Killer

Jimmy Coates is just sitting at home, minding his own business, when two big men in suits arrive at his house and tell his parents that they've "come for the boy". So begins a gripping thriller that will inevitably be compared to the Alex Rider series and the Young Bond books. "Jimmy Coates: Killer" will definitely appeal to fans of those books, but if anything, it has an even greater sense of urgency. The mystery is as important as the action, and there is a genuine feeling of danger and paranoia surrounding the wonderfully created central character. In fact, I was reminded more of Robert Ludlum (of "The Bourne Identity") than Anthony Horowitz, but either way, the book stands up some pretty high calibre comparisons. It is a very inventive book, and at times it is also very funny, while always propelling the story onwards at a rollicking pace. This is one that is too good to be left only to children. It's as well constructed and pacy as anything by Matthew Reilly, as gripping as Ludlum, and as inventive as Horowitz.

i loved this book my brother loved it my mom loved this book even my grandma loves this book. it ends in a cliffhanger so i've been waiting for a sequel. please make a suequel!

Jimmy Coates is a normal eleven year old kid with an annoying sister and parents who love him. One night the doorbell rings and a tall man with a thin tie enters their family's home and announces "We've come for the boy." His "normal" life is over. He hears his mother yell, "JIMMY RUN!" and though he is bewildered by the sudden change from mundane family life to men in dark suits chasing him, he finds he can run, jump, dodge and defend himself expertly. The book takes off with Jimmy as he runs for his life and tries to understand his new abilities and strengths. The action is fast paced as he learns the devastating truth about secret government agencies, his family, his life and existence. One aspect of this story that will resonate with readers is Jimmy's struggle to overcome his "programming." He does not want to become the assassin he was created to be. His refusal to succumb to his nature is admirable and reminds us that we all have choices to make in our behavior, despite our background. I think this is one of the most interesting points of the book. Jimmy's loyalty and love for his family is strong despite his conflicted emotions. His sister Georgie is fiesty and you don't mess with her. This is a fun read with echoes of the Bourne Identity that readers will enjoy. I am looking forward to seeing what Jimmy's next move will be.

I really like this book. I don't usually read this stuff, but a friend of mine said it was great, so I got it. I think it's a really cool story. At the back, it says there's going to be another Jimmy Coates book. That'd be awesome.

'Gripping' is the one word I would use to describe this book above all others. I couldn't put it down. I might be an adult, but this children's book had a depth and quality that should satisfy anybody after an action-packed adventure written with wit, imagination and brains! It's set in London, and it evokes the setting brilliantly. Especially as there is a creepy, undemocratic regime in charge of this version of Britain. When they come after Jimmy, the boy hero of the story, their intentions are mysterious, but almost certainly sinister. Imagine a book which takes all the best elements from The Bourne Identity, The Matrix, 1984, The Fugitive and the Alex Rider books (because, remember, it still suits kids perfectly - especially boys). Add that special spice which marks it out as something unique, and you have 'Jimmy Coates: Assassin?' summed up. It's the first of a series, too. And once you've read this, you'll be locked in for the long run! Highly recommended.