The Conspiracy of Us

By: Maggie Hall

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

A fast-paced international escapade, laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance - perfect for fans of Ally Carter

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle - beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family - but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.

©2014 Maggie Hall (P)2014 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“This is such a fun, wild read.... I recommend this for anyone looking for adventure, spice, forbidden romance and very powerful families who rule behind the scenes. Oh, and conspiracies, lots and lots of conspiracies.” (USAToday.com)

“A cinematic, puzzle-solving action-adventure that...will appeal to those who want puzzles and action mixed with their fashion and romance.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Hall’s worldbuilding is as enthralling as the best fantasy sagas, even though it is a world within our own. Her characters are captivating, again cleverly mixing believability with the outrageous demands of her conspiracy. The puzzle and mystery of her plot will draw readers in.... This is a fun, fast read.” (VOYA)

Slow start great cliff hanger

Though it took forever to "start" it had all the ingredients to be fun. Ill be reading the next one now

Perfect for My Roadtrip

Last weekend I took a road trip with my toddler. I was facing ten hours of driving with only a nonverbal and mostly asleep passenger as company: I needed something that would keep me awake, engaged, and on the edge of my seat, but not scandalize my little guy’s delicate ears (he’s at that stage where he understands WAY more than he lets on). A recommendation from fellow editor Katie, The Conspiracy of Us, fit the bill perfectly. The publisher describes it as a Da Vinci Code with teens, and while this is fairly accurate, I think it undersells it somewhat. This first book in Maggie Hall’s planned trilogy is intriguing but light, with touches of romance, and plenty of fast-paced action. Enter one world-controlling secret organization and a high-stakes treasure hunt, and my imagination was completely captured. Julia Whelan’s accents (necessary with such an international cast of characters) were spot on and totally sucked me right into the story. And best of all, it wrapped up exactly as I pulled back into town at the end of my trip!

A decent YA novel.

This was a decent YA novel but I found some decisions the characters made and several coincidences very hard to believe, especially when it seemed to turn to some sort of near magical ability for one of the characters near the end. I didn't see that coming but oh well. The book is obviously the first in a series and while it was good I doubt I will continue in the series. Overall, a nice, clean, easy listen but I think it could have been a lot better.

Loved it

Had to get the next book within minutes of finishing this one! Great narration. Perfect for this story.

interesting plot

Interesting plot, a good YA read. narrator did a great job with the story, overall a good read.

Not really my thing

I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will love this book, it's just not my favorite type of story.

rather meh ending

I know there is a sequel but I was me down with the ending...even if I did see it coming... just not with the 2 characters I thought it would be.

that said, I'm looking forward to the next book.

A little more than Young Adult

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was shocked at the beheading early in the book, and the following killing in the same scene. I thought this was a young adult book and was very surprised at that level of gruesome violence described in detail.

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't get this book again I think, and I don't think I'll be getting the sequels. There was some fun adventure and interesting turns in the story, and I enjoyed it to some extent, but other parts of the story just made me cringe either in yuck or sarcasm at the contrivances. I would read it for free, but not pay for it.

Definitely worth the listen!

Definitely worth the listen! I enjoyed the story and Ms. Hall's spin on an entertaining "conspiracy".

Great book but ended on a sequel note.

I enjoyed this book. It had a fast pace and action. I did wish the heroine had a few more fighting skills: with a blade or kick ass karate. She seemed to "throw up" a lot. But overall I liked her as she was intelligent and well-read. She figured out all the clues to the mandate. She is also 16 so this may be more of a YA selection. The narrator was very good and kept the pace and interest going. I am looking forward to a sequel ASAP.