The Athena Protocol

Dive into the heart-stopping world of espionage and intrigue with Shamim Sarif's "The Athena Protocol," a thrilling young adult hardcover that blends the high-stakes action of *Bourne Identity* with the suspenseful twists of Karen McManus. This captivating series opener introduces readers to Jessie Archer, a fiercely independent operative of the Athena Protocol, a covert organization of skilled female spies dedicated to delivering justice where it's desperately needed. Jessie is no ordinary spy. She's a natural, excelling in combat and strategy. The Athena Protocol's strict code forbids lethal force, but in a split-second decision during a crucial operation, Jessie breaks the rule, costing her everything. Exiled from the only family she's ever known, just as the team is gearing up to tackle a major human trafficking ring in Belgrade, Jessie is left adrift and determined to redeem herself. Driven by a burning desire to right her wrong and expose the sinister network preying on the vulnerable, Jessie goes rogue. Stripped of her resources and support system, she embarks on a perilous solo mission into the darkest corners of the underworld. The deeper she investigates, the more horrifying the truth becomes, and Jessie finds herself facing unimaginable dangers at every turn. She quickly realizes she's in over her head. But Jessie isn't just fighting the traffickers; she's also running from her past. Her former teammates, bound by duty and loyalty to the Protocol, are tasked with bringing her in, adding another layer of complexity and danger to her already precarious situation. Hunted by both criminals and her former allies, Jessie must use all her skills and instincts to survive. Can she expose the human trafficking operation and prove her worth, or will she become another victim of the very forces she's fighting against? "The Athena Protocol" is a relentless thrill ride from start to finish, packed with pulse-pounding action sequences, intricate plot twists, and compelling characters. Shamim Sarif masterfully weaves a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, exploring the complex moral dilemmas faced by those who operate outside the law. The book's exploration of strong female characters and its tackling of important social issues, such as human trafficking, elevate it beyond a typical action thriller, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for young adults and adults alike. Expect to be gripped from the very first page. As New York Times bestselling author Patrick Ness aptly put it, this is "a ferocious, take-no-prisoners thriller that actually thrills!" Perfect for fans of Ally Carter's *Gallagher Girls* series and the hit TV show *Killing Eve*, "The Athena Protocol" will leave you breathless and eager for the next installment. A must-read for anyone seeking a suspenseful and empowering story about a young woman fighting for justice in a world filled with shadows.