Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula by Elise Stokes

Title: Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula
Author: Elise Stokes
Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA
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Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced.

After exploring her newfound abilities, Cassidy learns that the geneticist, Professor Serena Phillips, is missing and that foul play is suspected. Terrified that her physical changes and Professor Phillips' disappearance are somehow connected, Cassidy decides to keep her strange transformation a secret. That is, until she meets the professor's brilliant and mysterious fifteen-year-old son, Emery. An unlikely duo, they set out to find Emery's mother, who is key in explaining Cassidy's newly acquired superpowers.

Their lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything - including murder - to reach his own ambitious goals.

I want to start by simply saying...I loved this book. I don't typically read books whose main characters are younger than 16, just a preference of mine, but Cassidy was a fun and engaging character. I loved the fact that the parents are highly involved in the kids lives and are major players in the story. The events of the books are well written in first person from Cassidy's point-of-view. The action sequences were amazing...I could picture every move Cassidy was making, possibly because I watch too much TV. Elise's world-building creates a dynamic scenario for Cassidy and Emery.

There was no "real" romance in Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula. Allusions to typical fourteen year-old crushes are made but not delved upon. Cassidy's emotions are all over the place...again, in typical fourteen year-old girl style, but Elise puts a twist on the reasoning of these mood changes and brings Emery in as a diversion.

Everything about this book sucked me in completely. The action starts on the first page and just keeps on going.  Although, I do have to say, I wasn't sure where Elise was taking me in the beginning. It wasn't long before the mission was revealed. The nail-biting action scenes kept the story flowing at a perfect pace, pulling me along on the roller-coaster ride that was Cassidy's life. She was a complete kick-butt heroin who pulled out an arsenal of moves and weapons to save the things most important to her.

 Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula is a perfect read for all ages...even middle school. You won't find cursing or inappropriate sexual content in this book. Perfect for middle-school. There are many scientific references that may be over most people's heads (including many adults) but all you need to know is Cassidy has superpowers and you will love this book.

*I was given a free ebook by the author in return for my honest review.