Joe Craig (1) (1980–)

An interesting young adult read. Jimmy is an ordinary boy, or so he thinks, living an ordinary life. One day his life changes and he starts having more power, more energy, abilities he never knew he possessed. When strange men in black turn up to bring him to a secret underground lair he's not sure that it's for the best.

In a future London with England a near-dictatorship and products from the US being banned this is an interesting spy story. Fun, lightweight stuff.

Jimmy is on the run from the secret government organisation who developed him. He's coming to terms with some of his abilities and trying his best to stay alive. One of the other genetically engineered assassins is chasing him and it's forcing him to kill.

It's an interesting story, Jimmy is slowly but surely coming to terms with his past and trying to forge a future that has meaning for himself.

Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

This is the sequel to JIMMY COATES: ASSASSIN?

I had a little trouble wrapping my imagination around a main character who was a robot but also 38 percent human, and who was programmed to be a killing machine. However, Jimmy is a very compelling character, especially when his human side takes over and decides to do the right thing.

The harsh government of Great Britain in Jimmy's era is a cruel dictatorship known as NJ7. Jimmy belongs to them, but then show more he joins forces with the opposition government. NJ7 realizes that Jimmy knows enough to be a serious problem to them, so they send another robot boy to kill him.

Joe Craig has an incredible imagination and he really puts it to the test in this exciting and innovative thriller. It is filled with high-octane chases and hair-raising escapes that kept me reading into the early morning hours. The personal inner conflict that Jimmy has between his human and robot sides is gripping. He desperately wants to just be a normal boy, but has to deal with the fact that he was created by NJ7 to kill.

I can't wait for the next installment of this great sci-fi/fantasy/action-adventure series. show less

Jimmy Coates: Target by Joe Craig
4 out of 5 stars

Jimmy Coates: Target by Joe Craig was an interesting, action packed book. This fast paced book was a great sequel to Jimmy Coates: Assassin.

While in France hiding, Jimmy learns more and more about himself. But as his many skills develop greater and better strengths, Jimmy's mind is in a haze. How can he possibly concentrate if everyone depends on him? How can he be there for them and act mature for their benefit, if deep down he is show more fighting?

Jimmy's many fights and unimaginable stunts are clearly visible by the reader. The description and narration throughout the book transports you into the hectic world of Jimmy Coates.

The struggle between Jimmy's human and genetically altered nonhuman's will are excellently depicted in all aspects of his life. If it be straggling his friend because of surprise or to simply go to sleep, there is a battle going on inside him.

A difference between this book and the previous installment is the side stories. While Jimmy is trying to survive, his enemies are growing more powerful. We begin to acknowledge different character's personalities, wills, and loyalties. The side stories help to smooth the bumpy edges of the book out and creates a 360 degree view and understanding of the book through all the characters eyes.

Jimmy Coates: Target is a worth while read that is full of action, suspense, thrills, and even a little mystery.

Date Reviewed: July 19th, 2008 show less