Van Sickle’s spirited YA debut invites readers inside the mind of Hedy Hinterschott, a 17-year-old assassin-in-training. Since birth, Hedy and her simple-minded twin brother, Gerhardt, have been groomed to take over Hinterschott Logistics, the current name for a family business that, for over 500 years, has specialized in espionage and murder for hire. As Hedy explains in a playful (and imaginary) classroom lecture, this is, in truth, a sort of import/export business: it’s just that “the word ‘export’ did not mean to transport iron from Wankendorf to Shag Island, but rather to transport someone into the afterlife, case in point, Hitler.” A normal day turns into a fun meet-cute when Hedy talks to Dave Corso for the first time at her San Francisco high school. Breaking protocol, she allows herself to develop feelings for Dave as they bond over hatred of their teacher, Dr. Markensen.
 

But as Hedy learns more about her secretive family history, she must navigate the dangerous complexities of her legacy and being a normal teenager with feelings, especially when she gets caught up in a plot to uncover Hitler’s lost fortune. Hedy is smart, determined, focused, and prepared to take over the family business. When challenges come her way, she shines. As would probably be the case for any teen assassin holding such life-and-death secrets, she’s also stand-offish and a bit of a know-it-all, especially toward her brother Gerhardt.

Van Sickle emphasizes themes of growth and belonging while challenging Hedy’s self-assurance and digging deep into her unique perspective on the world. Reading Hedy’s thoughts as she assesses strangers and their threat level is fascinating. As the action picks up in the novel’s second half, Van Sickle’s storytelling is crisp, assured, and surprisingly emotional as Hedy faces jolting revelations and her fears of letting everyone down. Readers on Hedy’s wavelength will want more.

Takeaway: Polished YA thriller about the teen daughter in a storied family of assassins.

Comparable Titles: Jennifer Brady’s Runaway Thief, Charleigh Frederick’s Rule 25: Don’t Fall for the Target.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

Assassins Are Us is a surprising-sounding title for a young adult story. Still, seventeen-year-old Hedy Hinterschott's role as a family assassin-in-training isn't the only surprise this story offers to mature teens.

Equally unusual is an opening in which a first-person prologue details a meeting between two mothers, one of which considers her newborn a "spawn from Hell."

Fast forward seventeen years later in Chapter 1, where honor student Hedy deconstructs the Hitler psyche and myth in front of a classroom, then faces the equally formidable task of deconstructing her role as the family's first female assassin in decades.

Hedy's inspection of her legacy, future, and values creates a thought-provoking story that mature teens will find thoroughly fascinating. It departs so much from the typical young adult themes of destiny and choice that its profile of a budding young murderer assumes the countenance of a moral and ethical quandary that prompts readers to enter Hedy's world to examine its underlying influences and motivations.

Despite its young adult protagonist and school encounters, Kimberly Van Sickle's Assassins Are Us is almost adult in its themes and approach. It evolves on the playing field of history, mystery, and the unraveling of family secrets that come to influence Hedy's life and choices.

The revelations and logic Hedy faces are impeccably wrought and compellingly presented: "Opa's swan analogy helped me understand the necessity behind why our family did what it did and why it was so important for our family to continue to do what we did."

The result is unexpectedly enlightening, engrossing reading that pairs psychological examination with a sense of discovery and adventure as Hedy faces romance, new understandings, and insights into how her family's past influences the course of her future.

Libraries seeking reads for mature teens that hold the added value of surprise and action as well as food for thought and opportunities for classroom or book club discussions will find Assassins Are Us a study in growth and uncommon realizations:

"Hedy, you are in denial. Liebchen, you know you do not fit. I've watched you for four years. Your confidence in everything you do masks your insecurity in everything your family stands for."

Assassins Are Us, Kimberly Van Sickle’s debut novel, is a yummy blend of humor, sarcasm, whimsy, and a dash of romance that will keep her audience entertained from beginning to end.

Hedy Hinterschott may only be seventeen, but she’s on her way to becoming quite an accomplished assassin. She and her twin brother Gerhardt (Gary) are being groomed to be the next generation of assassins to execute the ‘family business.’ Hedy is secure with the love of her family, yet she often has an intuitive sense when she puts too much thought into the notion that she doesn’t quite fit in with them. She and Gary are typical siblings who get along as much as they annoy each other to no end. Given their line of business, both Hedy and Gary learned at a very young age that what happens in the Hinterschott family stays in the Hinterschott family. Both children were committed to following this rule and were (somewhat) accommodating.

Hedy had a natural ability to give a tail the slip as much as she was deeply knowledgeable of her training. On the other hand, Gary took a bit more handling and repetition before he caught on, if ever. Hedy’s personality was razor sharp, and she took her assassin training quite seriously. On the other hand, Gary often struggled, and even their parents were concerned with the hopes of their son ever becoming a fraction of the sleuth they were confident their daughter was becoming. She even overheard them discussing their concerns about Gary one evening: "...We can’t delay much longer. Hedy was hitting her marks at eight years and consistently at that...he’s already behind the learning curve in so many areas..." (pg. 76) The Hinterschotts were always ready for the next assignment and on constant high alert. However, one day in Honors World History class, Hedy was about to compromise the family rule of never sharing too much information. She was distracted by a cute boy, and the next time she was at the library, she ran into that cute boy, Dave Corso. This was the first time her judgment was clouded: are family secrets really the number one priority? Maybe crushing on Dave Corso was more of a priority at the moment...

Kimberly Van Sickle has written a great plot twister and infused entertaining exchanges and scenes throughout this read. The teenage dialogue is spot-on and believable as much as the plot is sound, yet not predictable. She’s taken a historical figure (Hitler) and spun a tale around his legacy that presents some interesting factoids to consider. Her fluid prose is effortless from chapter to chapter. The continuous dark humor (laced with sarcasm) she assigns to the character Hedy is great when she sets up a scene where Hedy attempts to explain the origins of the swastika: "...the whole class stares at me as if I was about to reveal a Taliban vest beneath my clothes, so I go to the board to demonstrate..." (pg. 6). Even though this is a work of fiction, Ms. Van Sickle manages to weave nuggets of historical fact into the storyline, and this is another example of her gift when it comes to intentional writing. Fun read, Ms. Van Sickle! I look forward to your next book.

Quill says: Assassins Are Us has great plot twists as much as humorous moments.

For more information on Assassins Are Us, please visit the author's website at kimberlyvansicklewrites.com/ .

Assassins Are Us delivers action, heart, and laughs in equal measure. 

Buckle up for a wildly entertaining ride through family secrets, flirtatious encounters, and dangerous missions in uproariously captivating ways. Hedy Hinterschott is a protagonist you’ll wish was your best friend. 

Hedy isn’t your average teenager. She’s next in line to inherit her family’s centuries-old legacy as secret assassins. Picture this: deadly skills, killer charm, and a hint of rom-com magic. With Hedy and her family at the helm, you’ll want to prepare yourself for this unique combination of snort-inducing laughter and heart-pounding action. 

Balancing a budding romance with Dave, a student in her class, and the weight of her family’s destiny, Hedy’s journey is quite a complicated one. Is she meant to carry on her family legacy? Will pursuing Dave affect her focus and put herself, her family, and Dave in danger, potentially exposing their family’s sordid past? Assassins Are Us is a seamless blend of high school drama and covert ops, served with a side of chaotic family dinners that’ll make you grateful for every mundane gathering.

Unraveling the family’s history leads Hedy down a rabbit hole that uncovers an unexpected tie to none other than Hitler and the Nazis. Yes, you read that right—Hitler and the Nazis become intertwined with the Hinterschotts’ story in a way that’ll leave your jaw on the floor and your brain in a frenzy of curiosity. Van Sickle also adds layers to the intrigue, leaving readers flipping pages faster than Hedy can disarm a target.

Don’t be fooled by the laughs; author Kimberly Van Sickle also has a knack for tugging at heartstrings. The bonds formed among Hedy and her quirky crew ooze authenticity, adding warmth to the story’s action-packed and slightly outlandish core. This book doesn’t just capture the essence of being a teenager; it catapults you into a world where family, romance, and thrilling twists intertwine constantly.

Hedy’s quick thinking, intelligence, and sassiness will win you over faster than you can say “undercover operation.” When you think you’ve cracked the code, Van Sickle throws curveballs that leave you gasping and grinning simultaneously.

This book injects a breath of fresh air into the YA landscape, embracing its quirks while charming readers with heart and wit. If you’re searching for a funny thriller that actually keeps you guessing, snag a copy of Assassins Are Us. It boasts a sure-fire recipe for enjoyment: humor, excitement, and a heroine you’ll be rooting for long after the final page.

A teenage assassin-in-training stumbles on dark family secrets and confronts an unforeseen menace in Van Sickle’s novel.

Hedy Hinterschott keeps a relatively low profile at the University of San Francisco High School. Eschewing parties and personal relationships isn’t her choice; it’s done for her family’s preservation—the Hinterschott ancestry includes generations of assassins going back half a millennium. Hedy’s parents have been coaching her and her half-witted twin brother, Gary, in talents befitting assassins. Hedy meets Dave Corso, a fellow USF student who intrigues her like no other. Then she learns that her uniqueness—she’s the only Hinterschott female born in 500 years—comes from a horrific practice of her unusual family. As if this weren’t enough for a 17-year-old prospective assassin to handle, Hedy is abducted, though the motive isn’t immediately apparent. Are the kidnappers targeting a certain person she’s close to? Or is there another secret her parents haven’t told her? The story, aside from snippets of violence, is lighthearted. Much of it centers on the Hinterschott household, animated by the twins’ sibling banter and their grandmother’s German lilt. Hedy, who narrates, isn’t an instantly likable hero; she berates nearly everyone, from a teacher to Gary’s affectionate dog, with her brother taking the brunt of her incessant jibes (“You are too dumb to breathe”). However, she’s never outright cruel, and she proves bright and capable in all sorts of ways; the ever-vigilant Hedy “reads” strangers, assesses their threat level, and responds to them accordingly (“He’s a short man who approaches us with assertiveness. ‘You can’t loiter here!’ Little big-man syndrome. If I’ve seen it once, I’ve seen it a thousand times. Verdict: all talk, no action”). The final act amps up suspense when a villain steps into the spotlight. This narrative could easily serve as the first installment of a series that readers would surely welcome.

A sly, unconventional household enlivens this edgy, delightful romp.

In Assassins Are Us, author Kimberly Van Sickle unveils a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of the Hinterschott family, a lineage steeped in 500 years of professional assassination.

The novel introduces us to Hedala Hinterschott, a young member of this intriguing family, who skillfully takes over her history class to discuss the after-story of Adolf Hitler. Seamlessly weaving her family’s history into the discussion, she captivates her classmates without betraying her secret lineage.

The Hinterschott family consists of immediate members, including Hedala’s twin brother Gerard, mother Adelinda, father Herald, and grandmother Gertrude. Each is proficiently trained in the art of assassination, accepting contracts while maintaining an unassuming façade. The novel poignantly explores the family’s historical tradition of dealing with twins, a dark secret that evokes intrigue and conflict.

A prohibition against romantic relationships complicates Hedala's life further, a necessary measure to ensure her focus and readiness. Nevertheless, youthful longing finds its way into her life through her classmate Dave Corso. The author paints the relationship between Hedy and Dave with delicate strokes, allowing it to blossom innocently. Dave’s successful navigation of the family’s interrogation endears him to the Hinterschotts and becomes a symbol of trust and acceptance.

Van Sickle skillfully introduces unexpected twists, like the sudden appearance of Dr. Markensen, a seemingly ordinary history teacher whose true identity will be revealed. This mystery challenges the character’s lives and raises even more questions.

From the opening page, Assassins Are Us is a whirlwind of action and emotion. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eager to follow the twists and turns of this thrilling story. The author’s adept character development and narrative craft connect deeply to each character, making the book an engaging read. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of suspense, intrigue, and human connection, Assassins Are Us is a standout novel that leaves a lasting impression.

Assassins Are Us, by Kimberly Van Sickle, is brimmed with twists and turns through one of the most bizarre “what ifs.” Part thriller, part romance, part family drama, and yet somehow still grounded in history, it is a tale of an assassin-in-training.

The reader experiences an odd sensation when they read the first few chapters. It’s as if they’ve been teleported into a sitcom. It’s not bad, but it makes them feel like they belong in the Hinterschott family. The author does this through their chaotic family dinners, Oma’s thick German accent, Hedy’s lessons on becoming an assassin, Gary’s love for singing and Krisses, Linda’s sarcastic remarks, and Herald disguising himself to spy on his daughter. Then, any doubt that these characters are normal is shattered when Linda asks Hedy if she touched anything of Dave’s in a non-sexual way, when Oma doped her own granddaughter, or when Hedy was taught how to crack safes by Opa.

Hedy is next in line to inherit the family assassin business because the male heir to the empire is not as bright as his twin sister. Juggling schoolwork and a crush on someone is hard enough in itself. But Hedala has a lot more on her plate. She’s proud of how she can balance algebra with the need to neutralize threats in the blink of an eye. But she doesn’t know what possible love interest Dave would think if he knew about her “unusual family trade.”

The characters in Assassins Are Us make this story so enjoyable to read. Van Sickle somehow crafted these people so anyone could fall head over heels for them. Their humor, hearts, and humanity jumped off every page, turning a thriller story into something about connection as much as it was about missions.

Hedy’s family is odd. They can make you laugh easily. But Hedy stands out the most. She’s an assassin with a powerful and clever personality. It’s easy to think she can’t solve something, but she always does. Just imagine being both a teenager and an assassin; it sounds impossible. Teenage drama doesn’t get past her either; she knows how to ease it with witty comebacks and sassy remarks. Whenever you read about her journey to find herself and learn about her family’s unusual history, you’ll flip through pages like there’s no tomorrow.

Hedy comes across as tough initially in the novel, but later, we find her soft and vulnerable sides. This builds the character and makes her more relatable, especially for young readers. Family has always been a priority for her, but she also wants to know what it’s like to live an everyday teenage life. The reader can be there when Hedy thinks she’s an extraordinary teenager going through self-discovery and trying to figure out her purpose.

Kimberly Van Sickle keeps the suspense throughout the novel, telling a story of surprises you can’t predict. She shows her talent again by delivering that punch after what we thought was already the climax. The ability to mislead the reader and then provide a breath-holding climax is a skill that Van Sickle needs to be commended for. Author Kimberly Van Sickle has concocted an addictive blend of humor, danger, and family drama that feels raw and fresh. How she developed her characters showcases passion and thoughtfulness to ensure the relatability of the characters to the reader. She is profound in piling on puzzle pieces, even when you think you experienced one of the most breathtaking climaxes.

Two stories in this novel will resonate with the readers the most: Hedy’s and Gary’s. Besides the relatable and comical sibling banter that is heart-warming, one cannot help but feel for Hedy. She’s torn between her family heritage and the chaos of high school life. Somehow, she manages to be a role model during her struggle. In contrast, Gary was initially set up as an underdog, only to come out on top by the end. He’s been trying to make a place for himself in his family tree the whole time, but it wasn’t easy because his character is written as dumb and immature.

Overall, this book delivers everything you could want in a light read: funny moments, tense scenes, a main protagonist you’ll root for, even when you don’t want to. You’ll find yourself questioning reality all while being at ease.

Ready for an exhilarating adventure? Dive into the world of teenage assassins with

Assassins Are Us by Kimberly Van Sickle. Get a copy on Amazon today and join Hedy Hinterschott in a thrilling rollercoaster of humor, heart, and edge-of-your-seat action. Discover shocking family secrets and follow Hedy’s journey through high school crushes, all within the pages of this captivating YA thriller. Don’t miss out—order your copy now!