umm....i wasn't a big fan of this book. i only got up to like chapter 3 then gave up. i wasn't that interested in the plot and where the story was going. i decided to give the book to a friend who might enjoy it more than me. I wish i would have loved it but it wan't the book for me. ( )

Maya's parents were killed in a Serbian revolution, and she was rescued and adopted by Pam, a woman who works in a Counter Terrorism unit. One day, while they are out jogging, they are ambushed and Pam is taken. The action up to this point had me very engaged but everything after that was disappointing for me because I had to suspend my belief a little too much. Maya is just a little too capable, a little too clever, and things happen a little too easily for me to get fully into the story and forget that I was reading a book. Having said that, I do think that young readers, ages 11 - 13 would probably enjoy the story. I did like that Maya was Muslim, because there are not enough stories featuring Muslim children where the setting is not India, so for that reason and the adventure, I'd put it in on my library shelf. ( )

Circle of Fire is a quick, enjoyable read. It reminds me of something the CW or ABC Family would turn into a tv series. :) Maya Brown is relatable, and likeable, and even though the story slows at times it has enough action throughout to hold interest. I would reccommend this book to a friend. :)

I found Circle of Fire to be a fast-paced, fun read. Maya Brown is a great heroine for young adults to rally behind. She does some amazing things, and it works. I will definitely be recommending this book to the various students I work with, I know they will enjoy it immensely. ( )

Circle of Fire, Book 1 of The Maya Brown Missions, is an action packed, sit-on-the-edge-of-your seat, rip-roaring adventure that younger teens will most certainly enjoy.

Maya’s family was killed in Serbia during the revolution and she was rescued by, and eventually adopted by Pam. The story takes place in Great Britain, and Pam is head of the government’s Counterterrorism Unit. Maya’s original family was Muslim, but Maya wants nothing to do with her heritage, since terrorists (who are Muslim extremists) have threatened harm to both Maya and Pam.

Pam is kidnapped in front of Maya while they are jogging, and the story never stops after that moment. Maya, of course, is not going to listen to authority. She has her own ideas about where her mother is, and she runs away to rescue her. Rescue doesn’t come as easy as Maya had hoped. There’s much deception and danger, and it is difficult for Maya to figure out who she can trust.

Not only is there the kidnapping, but the terrorists have vowed to blow up tourist attractions in major cities. Will Maya have to sacrifice her mother, or even her own life, to save thousands of potential victims?

This book will appeal to those younger teens who want nothing but action. There’s nothing particularly original here, but the story is satisfying. Hall includes a message about Muslims and the extremist philosophy which isn’t preachy but works well into the story. One must certainly suspend a great deal of disbelief at what Maya is able to accomplish, but if you allow yourself to go along, this is a very suspenseful, exciting story, with a nicely wrapped up conclusion.

Fans of Horowitz’s Alex Rider Series will find similarities here. The second book is called Breaking the Circle which is reported to be available February of 2012 (but I believe that’s in the UK.) ( )