One of PW’s “New and Noteworthy Children's and YA Books: July 2025”
One of WAMC’s “Roundtable” Picks
One of Bookstr’s “New in Young Adult: Fiction Books Releasing This July”
One of Beyond the Bookends’s “July 2025 Book Releases”
One of Perfect Duluth Day’s “Duluth Book Releases in 2025”
One of Thrift Book’s “July Books We're Excited About”
“Clever codes, puzzles, and ciphers form the base of this intricately designed codebreaker mystery that’s enlivened by page-turning action and Mia and Logan’s sharp banter and magnetic chemistry. A beginning author’s note instructs readers on how to participate in the codebreaking and investigating alongside Mia, injecting a playful interactive element to Martel’s propulsive debut novel.”—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
“The propulsive plot is peppered with their clever banter, which balances the weightier themes of social justice and Mia’s sympathetic struggle with disillusionment as she suddenly makes disorienting discoveries . . . A smart, gripping thriller with engaging interactive elements.”—Kirkus Reviews
“If The Da Vinci Code had a YA cousin, it would be Codebreaker . . . With a lot of heart, especially regarding how Mia’s grief manifests itself, this propulsive novel will appeal to fans of puzzles and spy stories.”—Booklist
“Author team Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka debut under the Martel pen name with an exciting adventure that is a blend of National Treasure and The Inheritance Games . . . This uniquely engaging thriller features an interactive format . . . [and] is an engrossing, adrenaline-packed mystery. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, and Kayvion Lewis.”—School Library Journal
“This Duluth writing couple have real talent . . . [Codebreaker’s] breakneck pace will attract readers of all ages.”—The Minnesota Star Tribune
“Codebreaker is an exciting interactive adventure filled with spies, codes, twists, and romance. You’ll love working alongside Mia to solve puzzles, decode ciphers, uncover buried secrets, and work to save the country in this innovative thriller from Jay Martel. I know I did.”—G. T. Karber, internationally bestselling author of the Murdle series
“The Da Vinci Code for Gen Z. Teen mystery (and history!) fans will devour this. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!”—Alexa Donne, author of The Ivies and The Bitter End
“At once an action-packed political thriller, captivating puzzle game, and heartfelt love story, Codebreaker is a delight from start to finish! Perfect for fans of National Treasure, this whip-smart, original debut will have readers tearing through the pages as they race alongside Mia to find answers.”—Olivia Worley, author of People to Follow
“A fast-paced, ingenious, and twisty caper, Codebreaker is a roller-coaster ride with a heart of gold. Fans of The Inheritance Games are in for a treat.”—Ripley Jones, author of Missing Clarissa
“Codebreaker is a touching and witty coming of age story disguised as an action-packed suspense novel. You'll be looking for secret codes long after you finish the last page.”—Kate McLaughlin, author of Pieces of Me
