“Before you can be a hero, you have to learn how to be a person.”
— Kinsman's advice to Jimmy on his journey.
Archivist's Choice
Target
Joe Craig (2014)
Genre
Fantasy / Mystery / Science Fiction / Young Adult
Reading Time
300 min
Key Themes
See below
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Genetically engineered teen assassin Jimmy Coates must outmaneuver a ruthless government agency, a deadly rival, and his own estranged father, all while questioning where his true loyalties lie.
Synopsis
Jimmy Coates, a genetically engineered assassin, is on the run from NJ7, the agency that created him. They want him working for them or dead. While evading capture, Jimmy uncovers a new threat: 'The Target,' another genetically modified individual like him. He forms an alliance with old friends and new acquaintances to understand who The Target is and why NJ7 wants to control or eliminate it.
The investigation leads Jimmy to confront his father, Robert, who is involved with NJ7 and The Target's creation. As Jimmy learns the truth, he realizes that NJ7's plan extends beyond him, involving a widespread conspiracy to control other engineered individuals. The confrontation with Robert forces Jimmy to face betrayal and sacrifice. He fights not just for his survival, but for the future of all like him. Turning the tables on NJ7 and his father, Jimmy gains a new understanding of his identity and a new beginning, ready to face future challenges.
Reading time
300 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Action-packed, Suspenseful, Thrilling, Adventurous
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced YA thrillers with genetically engineered super-soldiers, government conspiracies, and a young protagonist fighting for his freedom.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer character-driven stories over plot-driven action, or are looking for a standalone novel (this is a sequel).
Plot Summary
The Escape and the New Threat
Jimmy Coates, still processing revelations about his past as a genetically engineered assassin, is on the run with his friend, Paul. They hide in a remote cabin, attempting a normal life, but their peace is shattered when they are attacked by a new, highly skilled assassin known as 'The Target'. This assassin is as proficient and untraceable as Jimmy, suggesting a similar origin. At the same time, NJ7, the government agency that created Jimmy, intensifies its efforts to capture or eliminate him, seeing him as a dangerous rogue asset. Jimmy realizes his hope for a normal life is dim as he is caught between two powerful, opposing forces.
Uncovering 'The Target'
Driven by the need to understand who 'The Target' is and why they are after him, Jimmy and Paul begin their investigation. They use Jimmy's enhanced abilities and Paul's hacking skills to look into NJ7's archives, uncovering references to earlier, failed assassin programs. They learn that 'The Target' is likely another product of NJ7's genetic engineering, perhaps an older, more unstable prototype. This discovery explains 'The Target's' similar combat prowess and unsettling familiarity with Jimmy's own capabilities, suggesting a shared, though distinct, lineage within NJ7's history of human experimentation.
A Desperate Alliance
As attacks from 'The Target' and NJ7 become more frequent and coordinated, Jimmy realizes he cannot survive alone. He receives a cryptic message suggesting a potential ally: Dr. Tim, the scientist who played a role in his creation. Despite his deep mistrust of Dr. Tim, Jimmy understands that Dr. Tim has crucial knowledge about NJ7 and 'The Target' that could be vital for his survival. This desperate situation forces Jimmy to weigh the risks of trusting someone from his past against the certainty of being hunted by two formidable adversaries.
The Father's Shadow
A major turning point occurs when Jimmy is confronted by his father, who he believed was dead or absent. His father, a former high-ranking operative within NJ7, reveals he was instrumental in Jimmy's creation and training, though under duress. He explains he has been hiding, trying to protect Jimmy from a distance, and that he has critical information about NJ7's true motives and 'The Target's' identity. This reunion is tense, as Jimmy struggles to reconcile his anger and fear with the possibility of gaining a powerful, though morally ambiguous, ally.
The Truth About 'The Target'
Through his father and Dr. Tim, Jimmy uncovers the truth about 'The Target'. 'The Target' is Robert, Jimmy's older brother, a previous, less successful genetic experiment by NJ7. Robert was deemed a failure due to his instability and violent tendencies, and was kept in stasis, only to be reactivated as a weapon against Jimmy. Robert's erratic behavior and intense hatred for Jimmy stem from his tortured existence and perceived favoritism shown to Jimmy by their creators. This revelation adds a personal and tragic layer to the conflict, as Jimmy is now forced to confront a broken sibling.
NJ7's Master Plan
As Jimmy, his father, and Dr. Tim combine resources, they uncover NJ7's overall plan. The agency plans to activate and control all their genetically engineered assassins, including Jimmy and Robert, to create an unstoppable, loyal army. They intend to use Robert's instability to provoke a confrontation with Jimmy, hoping to eliminate one or both and consolidate their power. This design reveals the true extent of NJ7's ambition and ruthlessness, turning the personal conflict into a fight against a much larger, more dangerous organization that seeks to weaponize human life.
The Confrontation with Robert
The inevitable confrontation between Jimmy and Robert takes place in an NJ7 facility. Robert, driven by madness and a desperate need for validation, attacks Jimmy with everything he has. The fight is brutal, showing their identical skills but also highlighting Robert's uncontrolled rage versus Jimmy's more strategic approach. Jimmy struggles with the emotional weight of fighting his own brother, knowing Robert is a victim of NJ7 as much as he is. The battle tests Jimmy's physical and mental fortitude, forcing him to make difficult choices about his brother's fate.
Betrayal and Sacrifice
During the battle against Robert and NJ7 operatives, Dr. Tim makes a selfless sacrifice to help Jimmy and his father escape. His actions provide a vital diversion, allowing them to gain an advantage. Afterward, Jimmy's father, despite his questionable past, proves his loyalty by helping Jimmy neutralize some of NJ7's immediate threats. However, Jimmy still grapples with deep mistrust he feels towards his father, unable to fully forgive him for his role in his creation and subsequent suffering. This moment highlights the complex nature of family and loyalty in a world defined by espionage and genetic manipulation.
Turning the Tables
Armed with evidence gathered by Paul and insights from his father and Dr. Tim, Jimmy devises a plan to expose NJ7 to the world. He uses their communication networks and Paul's hacking skills to leak sensitive information about their genetic engineering programs and their plot to create an army of assassins. This move is a direct assault on NJ7's secrecy and power, aiming to dismantle their operations from within. Jimmy's actions show his growth from a weapon to a strategic thinker who can fight back not just with force, but with intelligence and information.
The Aftermath and New Beginning
The leaks cause significant disruption within NJ7, forcing them to retreat and regroup, though they are far from defeated. Robert's fate remains ambiguous, hinting at future possibilities. Jimmy, though still a fugitive, has gained a clearer understanding of himself and his purpose. He now accepts his abilities and is determined to use them to fight against NJ7's tyranny, not as their weapon, but as an independent force. He and Paul continue their journey, now knowing they are not just running, but actively fighting for a future where genetically engineered children are not exploited. The ending sets the stage for future conflicts, with Jimmy embracing his role as a protector rather than just a target.
Principal Figures
Jimmy Coates
The Protagonist
Jimmy evolves from a reactive fugitive to a proactive fighter who understands his origins and embraces his abilities to dismantle the organization that created him.
Paul
The Supporting
Paul grows more confident and resourceful in his technical abilities, becoming an indispensable part of Jimmy's fight against NJ7.
Robert (The Target)
The Antagonist
Robert's arc is one of tragic inevitability, as his instability and hatred lead him to a violent confrontation with Jimmy, ultimately cementing his role as a dangerous, broken weapon.
Jimmy's Father
The Supporting
He transitions from a shadowy, guilt-ridden figure to an active, albeit still complicated, ally, attempting to make amends for his past.
Dr. Tim
The Supporting
Dr. Tim moves from a guilt-ridden scientist to a sacrificial figure, finding redemption through his aid to Jimmy.
NJ7 (The Agency)
The Antagonist
NJ7 remains a constant, formidable antagonist, suffering setbacks but never fully defeated, representing the ongoing struggle against oppressive power.
The Director
The Mentioned
Remains a distant, powerful figure, symbolizing the ultimate antagonist of the series.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Belonging
Jimmy's central struggle is to define his identity beyond being a genetically engineered weapon. He grapples with who he is and where he belongs, especially after learning about his brother, Robert, and his father's involvement. The conflict with Robert, who embodies the destructive potential of their shared origin, forces Jimmy to choose his path. His desire for a normal life with Paul, despite his abilities, highlights his yearning to belong to something ordinary and human, rather than being an asset of NJ7. This theme is evident in his attempts to hide and his eventual decision to fight for his own future.
““I wasn’t a weapon. I was Jimmy. And Jimmy wasn’t going to let them win.””
The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
The novel explores the moral implications of creating human beings for specific purposes. NJ7's experimentation on Jimmy and Robert, treating them as property rather than individuals, forms the core ethical dilemma. Dr. Tim's guilt and ultimate sacrifice highlight the internal conflict faced by those involved in such projects. Robert's tragic fate, driven to madness by his flawed design and treatment, serves as a warning about the dangers of playing God. The story implicitly asks what defines humanity and whether an individual's right to self-determination can be overridden by scientific ambition or national security.
““They made us. But they don’t own us.””
Family and Betrayal
The concept of family is explored through the complex relationships between Jimmy, Robert, and their father. The revelation that 'The Target' is Jimmy's brother, Robert, changes the conflict from a simple hunt into a personal and tragic sibling rivalry. His father's reappearance, with his past involvement in Jimmy's creation and his attempts to help, creates a dynamic of mistrust, anger, and a desperate search for connection. The betrayal by NJ7, who are effectively Jimmy's creators, underscores the idea that those who should nurture can instead exploit, forcing Jimmy to forge his own definition of loyalty and family outside of blood ties.
““He was my brother. And they had broken him.””
Freedom vs. Control
The narrative is a struggle between Jimmy's desire for freedom and NJ7's efforts to control him. Jimmy is constantly on the run, trying to escape the agency that believes it owns him. NJ7's master plan to activate and control all their engineered assassins represents the ultimate form of control, turning individuals into tools. Jimmy's journey is about breaking free from this control, not just physically, but also mentally, by asserting his own will and making his own choices. His decision to expose NJ7 is the ultimate act of defiance, choosing freedom over a life of being a controlled asset.
““They wanted to own me. I wanted to be free.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The MacGuffin (Genetic Blueprint)
The underlying genetic code that defines Jimmy's and Robert's abilities.
While not a physical object, the 'genetic blueprint' or 'code' is the central MacGuffin. It's the knowledge and technology NJ7 possesses that allowed them to create Jimmy and Robert, and what they seek to replicate and control. NJ7's desire to retrieve or destroy Jimmy, and to activate other subjects, is all tied to maintaining exclusive control over this foundational scientific breakthrough. The blueprint represents the source of both Jimmy's power and his predicament, driving the agency's relentless pursuit and Jimmy's fight for freedom.
The Unreliable Ally (Jimmy's Father)
A character whose loyalty and motivations are initially ambiguous and constantly questioned.
Jimmy's father serves as an unreliable ally. His past involvement with NJ7 and his role in Jimmy's creation make him a figure of deep suspicion for Jimmy. While he provides crucial information and assistance, his true intentions are always under scrutiny. This device creates tension and forces Jimmy (and the reader) to constantly evaluate his father's actions, adding layers of psychological complexity to their relationship and the overall plot. His ambiguity highlights the theme of betrayal and the difficulty of trust in Jimmy's world.
The Dark Mirror (Robert/The Target)
An antagonist who reflects aspects of the protagonist, highlighting potential darker paths.
Robert, 'The Target', functions as a dark mirror to Jimmy. He is also a genetically engineered assassin with similar abilities, but his instability and uncontrolled rage show what Jimmy could become if he succumbs to his violent programming or the trauma of his past. Robert's existence forces Jimmy to confront the darker side of his own nature and the potential consequences of NJ7's experiments. This device intensifies the personal stakes of their conflict, making it a battle for Jimmy's soul as much as his survival.
The Information Leak
The strategic release of classified data to expose and destabilize the antagonist.
The information leak, orchestrated by Jimmy and Paul, is a critical plot device for turning the tables on NJ7. Instead of solely relying on physical combat, Jimmy uses the agency's own secrets against them. This leak exposes NJ7's unethical practices and grand schemes to the wider world, creating public pressure and internal chaos within the organization. It represents Jimmy's growth beyond a simple weapon, allowing him to fight back with intelligence and strategy, and serves as a significant blow to NJ7's power and secrecy.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The greatest weapon isn't a sword or a spell, but an idea.”
— A recurring theme emphasized by various characters.
“Sometimes the hardest battles are fought not with enemies, but with yourself.”
— Jimmy's internal struggle with his identity and powers.
“Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken and hard to mend.”
— Jimmy's reflections after a betrayal.
“The future isn't written; it's something we create, moment by moment.”
— A philosophical point about free will and destiny.
“Even in the darkest places, a flicker of hope can ignite a revolution.”
— Describing the resilience of characters in dire situations.
“Knowledge is power, but understanding is wisdom.”
— A distinction made during a lesson about ancient texts.
“A true leader doesn't command, but inspires.”
— Observation about an effective leader within the story.
“The world is full of wonders, if only you open your eyes to see them.”
— A character encouraging Jimmy to appreciate his surroundings.
“Every choice has a consequence, no matter how small.”
— A warning given before a critical decision.
“Sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when to ask for help.”
— Jimmy learning the value of teamwork and humility.
“Fear is a powerful enemy, but it can also be a powerful teacher.”
— A character reflecting on overcoming their fears.
“The past shapes us, but it doesn't define us.”
— Jimmy coming to terms with his origins.
“There's always another way, if you're brave enough to look for it.”
— Encouragement during a seemingly impossible challenge.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the start of 'Target', Jimmy is caught in a precarious situation where the government agency NJ7 wants him either to join their ranks as an assassin or be eliminated. This ultimatum forces him to constantly evade capture while contemplating a future he desperately wants to avoid.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
