I have loved all of Stuart Gibbs's series, but if this one keeps on going the way it has begun, this will be my favorite series of all. The book had me absolutely riveted. Charlie is a pretty unbelievable character who seems perfectly real. I can't wait for the next book.

This book was super fast paced from the very first page. Lots of action, humor, adventure and suspense with a hint of mystery kept the story moving along. At times, the main character was a bit unlikable and I wish she exhibited some flaws. There was more violence present in this book than any of the author's previous books, but it fit the spy/thriller theme and actually read like an action movie, complete with shootings, car chases and explosions. The chapters told through the terrorist's POV might be upsetting to sensitive readers- just something to be aware of. Overall, an exciting and entertaining read!

SUMMARY:
Albert Einstien made a secret discovery, an equation that would mean the end to energy problems forever, but it could also be used as the most powerful weapon in the world. So he hid it, the world couldn’t be trusted. Now a terrorist group is onto the trail and the FBI needs to beat them to the equation. That’s where Charlie Thorne comes in. She’s a genius on the level of Einstien himself, she’s also 12.

CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: none
Violence: mild-- bad guys chase the good guys and are definitely planning to harm them. The good guys come out on top but they do beat the bad guys up pretty good.
Drugs/Alcohol: none


THEMES:
family, persistence, good vs. evil

THE BOTTOM LINE:
I am a big Stuart Gibbs fan and I think this is his best by far! I loved Charlie and I found this book so compelling. I was constantly trying to find time to get back to it.

A fantastic read for kids (and everyone else) who like spy/FBI/thriller books with lots of adventure!

STATUS IN MY LIBRARY:
We already have it in the middle school library and I will be buying it for the lower school as well!

READALIKES:
Gallager Girls by Ally Carter
Swindle by Gordon Korman
Loot by Jude Watson

I really wasn't expecting much for this book just based on the cover, but you know what they say, "Don't judge a book by its cover!" This book was filled with action and adventure, suspense, mystery and was just a lot of fun to read! This is a great title for reluctant readers because it definitely moves quick!

I am constantly amazed but the diversity of Stuart Gibbs’s series - from outer space to the Three Musketeers to a kid living at a zoo! Charlie Thorne is Gibbs’s newest character and will certainly attract a fan base. Full of action and adventure, the 12-year-old genius who is recruited by the CIA is relatable as Gibbs not only explores her intellectual prowess but recognizes character flaws and struggles. The fact that she has no relationship with her parents nor any close friends invokes sympathy from the readers and the cliff hanger ending of this debut title in which Charlie finds and interprets clues from fellow genius Einstein will have readers eagerly awaiting the nexus installment. Gibbs is a master action/adventure storyteller for upper elementary and middle school age students, and this book will be a welcome and sought after addition in many school libraries.

I really can’t believe Stuart Gibbs just ended this book like that. I can’t believe I finished it after over a month of visiting these characters almost daily. What am I supposed to do with myself now?

Anyway, Charlie Thorne was Stuart Gibbs’ z a first book with a female main character. That was exciting for me, as a female fan of Gibbs. His books are my favorite action novels and I never miss out on reading his books. I also am not used to reading a Gibbs book in the third person POV. All the books I’ve read by him are narrated in first person, which is what I prefer. But, it was a nice change of pace, seeing things from different sides.

The best part about switching from one person’s experiences to the next was the ending. It was super exciting and I especially enjoyed the epilogue!

If you’re looking for a good action novel with an intelligent female lead, Charlie Thorne is right up your alley! I’m so happy Stuart Gibbs decided to make one of the smartest people on the planet a girl!

The first thing that strikes me about this book is that Charlie is a kid. Yes, she's a genius who does impossible things. But she's ultimately unprepared for violence and terrorism. Being attacked leaves her in pain and in tears. Seeing death leads her to vomit. She mouths off to people and fails to think through her decisions. She's a teen and ultimately makes teen mistakes. Her adventure forces her to look at her life and the decisions she's making, to start considering responsibility and making decisions for more than just her own good. It's puberty on a macro scale. It asks the reader to consider, too, the implications of world altering technology and the responsibility of those who create it.

Charlie Thorne is a 12 year old genius who is squandering her talents. The CIA coerces her into working for them to help find Pandora, an equation that Einstein hid before he died that would allow the person who solved the equation to create large amounts of energy that could be used for good (like electricity) or for evil (like a really big bomb). Charlie and the CIA agents are flung into a fast paced chase around the world to try to be the first one to find it. Charlie is a bit of a questionable character but by the middle of the book, she seems to be developing into a more considerate person. This is a wild ride and I thought it was terrific. I can't wait for the next one!

Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation is a fast paced espionage mystery that is written for children but is on par to rival books written for adults. Students who like intriguing mysteries involving math clues will enjoy this book, as Charlie Thorne, a twelve-year-old child genius, outwits the adults to search for a formula Albert Einstein hid years ago. On his death bed he revealed the final clue, that no one has been able to figure out until now and the race is on with terrorists, and the CIA battling to find the final hiding place. Will Charlie be able to figure out the clues and who can she trust?

Charlie Thorne will surely captivate Gibbs’ existing fans along with newcomers! She has the feel of a modern Artemis Fowl.

I have enjoyed all of Stuart Gibbs’ books, but this may now be a favorite. Charlie is beyond smart, having an IQ of 220. She has been living life for herself, flying under the radar of her parents tucked away at college at age 12. But Charlie is also a thief. And she is a typical tween. But now the government is asking for he help-blackmailing her actually. And Charlie agrees because she has demands of her own. What Charlie didn’t realize is how dangerous saving the world could be when you try to save it. Albert Einstein left clues to find Pandora’s box- a scientific equation that is so powerful it can cause the next world war. If it falls into the wrong hands, and there are sone pretty bad guys who want it, the balance pf power will shift. Charlie has to help the CIA or does she? Charlie has some plans of her own.

This is one story I cannot wait to book talk to my students- boys and girls.

Excitement from beginning to end! Once again, Gibbs delivers as he has repeatedly done in his Spy Series.
Thorne, a 12 yr. old girl genius, is recruited by the CIA, to unravel Einstein's parting message for the security of the world. It's sure to be a hit!

Love Charlie! Gutsy and no frills, she does what needs to be done in this latest effort from Stuart Gibbs. I'm hoping the movie rights were sold as this action packed book has scenes right out of a James Bond or Indiana Jones movie.

The story starts out fast and furious with Einstein’s death and a huge secret he accidentally says in German... Then it goes to the present day when the CIA asks super genius 12 year old girl named Charlie to help find the missing “Pandora” theory of Einstein’s. You will fall in love with Charlie—she’s a creative thinker and survivor who is a kid despite all her knowledge yet can outwit bad guys in amazing ways! Terrorists, Moussed, cross-world travel, mathematical clues, and more combine with excellent writing to make the perfect action adventure spy story starring a female!