Review Detail

Cassie Arroyo is spending another typical day at school in Rome when her father, an art history professor, abruptly shuffles her into the car, saying they need to get away and hide quickly. It turns out Cassie is the descendant of a bloodline that can control the Spear of Destiny, a tool that can shape and change the future, and a secret organization is trying to kill her because of that. When her father is attacked and in the hospital, Cassie must seek answers for herself and save her father.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez’s MOVING TARGET is an exciting beginning to a series about being chosen, the weight of responsibility, and the importance of family and friendship. Cassie’s journey takes a rough start as she has little information to go on, you can keenly feel her frustration, worry, and growing determination. Though some readers may be tiring of the Chosen One plotlines, this story’s heart is far more about human relationships and power structure than what makes Cassie’s bloodline special. However, the fantastical elements are still a delight and create a mystery full of twists and a wealth of secrets to be uncovered.

While there is much to love in this middle grade novel, my person favorite part is the female friendship at the center between Cassie and Simone. From the beginning, Simone is on Cassie’s side, ready to fight, protect, and do whatever is necessary. While Cassie is the protagonist, Simone has her own complex characterization beyond that of a typical sidekick. These two girls are different and sometimes butt heads, but they truly care about each other, even though good intentions for another person doesn’t always work out well. Together, they offer a great discussion about what it means to be a good friend and how trust must work.

Prepare to be enthralled as Cassie discovers her own destiny, evades a number of killers, and gives everything she has to save her father.