City Spies

James Ponti’s City Spies incorporates 21st century values and technology into a spy novel that features odes to British and French history. This mixture of the old and new creates a setting and cast of characters that is designed to break norms surrounding gender, family, the capabilities of youth, and to shed light on the power and beauty of diversity. Each member of the City Spies comes from a unique background. They each have different tastes, skills, perspectives, and histories. Rather than these differences being a mechanism of hate or division, the City Spies draw upon each other’s differences to be successful in their missions. The novel also incorporates references to historical figures, events, and places, such as the importance of Benito Viñes’ work, the origins of the catacombs in Paris, and Mother’s love of Impressionist artists like Monet and Renoir. Ponti includes history, using it as a backdrop for action scenes and mystique. Ponti’s work also challenges stereotypes by following female characters who are intelligent, strong, and capable. Both the origins and experiences of the City Spies serve to instill values of diversity, teamwork, and trust.