(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

New to Edmonds College, Simone, Taj, and Maya find themselves sharing a dorm room in Lovelace Hall. Though they're all exceptionally talented young women with ginormous brains, they seemingly have little in common: Simone the biologist loves doting on her ant colony, while ambitious mathematician Maya hopes to impress her demanding father by cultivating influential Mensa connections. Computer wiz Taj is a bit of a rebel, with her illicit art installations and penchant for (well-deserved) fisticuffs, both virtual and IRL. Needless to say, all these big personalities crammed into one small space results in conflict like whoah.

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The trio is forced to work together - and, dare I say, bond? - when they all receive cryptic invitations to join The Curie Society. Founded by none other than Marie Skłodowska Curie herself, the secret society exists to help women scientists achieve their full potential, despite the many hurdles placed in their paths by entrenched misogyny (and racism!). The Edmonds chapter is led by two of their professors, Drs. Burkhart and Warsame, as well as their "orientation guide," Emma - and they waste no time in pushing their latest recruits to their physical and mental limits.

The girls' training is fast-tracked when, during a field trip to the Waterton Glacier International Park, thieves manage to break in and steal hard drives containing years of the group's de-extinction work. Worried that the information will be sold on the black market, the new class's first mission is to intercept the suspected sale at the upcoming N.E.D. talk. But why are their mentors acting so sketchy about the group's history? Where are all the previous class's members? And what is Dr. Burkhart and Emma hiding about their connection to corporate espionage?

THE CURIE SOCIETY is a really fun and engaging spy story that has the added bonus of promoting STEM/STEAM as an exciting opportunity for girls and women, including women of color. There's lots of nerdy goodness to be found here, whether you're into IT, math, biology, cryptography, engineering...the list goes on.

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Among my favorite panels are those set in the wildlife park, where thylacines and wooly mammoths walk the earth again (even if I don't necessarily agree with the ethics of the thing).

The mystery that drives the plot is interesting enough but, to be honest, it mostly takes a backseat to the ins and outs of the secret society - and, of course, the science!

The characters are fairly multidimensional, especially considering there are around eight major players in a 168-page book. They're very diverse, with the main and supporting characters coming from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. There's also what looks to be a budding F/F romance that's been super-sweet to watch unfold thus far. (Let's hope!)

The plot's denouement involves a potential "ecoterrist" threat which could be prove fertile ground in future installments. (Again, let's hope!) I'm interested to see how it plays out. ( )