Reviews - Alex Rider, Band 5: Scorpia

281 reviews for:

Alex Rider, Band 5: Scorpia

Anthony Horowitz

3.96 AVERAGE

mpiritidis's review against another edition

4.0

A highlight is the way Horowitz wrote the ending. Absolutely CHILLING!

pinktotodile's review against another edition

4.0

I always thought the story of Scorpia was well developed. It had twists that I didn't immediately anticipate and it ended on a cliffhanger that ultimately would have been a good end to the series if it had ended there. Reading it back now, the criticisms of Western governments is spot on, though of course is coming from the "bad guys" of the story. And honestly the way that Nile's vitiligo is constantly referenced and mocked was awful. I think this was the second reference to Israel/Mossad in an Alex Rider book. This time, it mentioned a soldier that fought "in the occupied Gaza Strip". I guess I'm glad that that was all and that it was rightfully named as occupied, but I am aware the the author had made Zionist remarks in the past so I am not giving much credit here.

sophieamreacher's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Tense, emotional, cliffhanger. Really enjoyed.

Content Warnings

bibliotea's review against another edition

5.0

I'm thinking maybe this one is my favourite so far... I don't know. But I loved it so much and I'm so pleased with how realistic Alex was acting in it. From everything that Alex has gone through, I firmly believe he has some depression in this book. It's very evident from the way he behaves.

I also just have to mention the very final scene in this book. It is honestly one of the best written scenes ever (I might be biased). Every time I read it I can absolutely and truly see what is happening. It's like I'm experiencing it. This might be confusing but I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't read the book... (you should read it, is what I'm trying to say).

Seriously I don't care what age you are, these books are grEAT.

Spoiler

Having Yassen Gregorovich tell him that his father was also a Bad Guy (at the end of the last book), it's no wonder Alex got depressed. He wants to feel close to his dad, who he never knew, so he tries to be more like him and even joins Scorpia in his attempt. He's lost almost all of his sarcasm. He doesn't care about anything. It's so clear to me that he's depressed in this book.

I remember first reading this book and reading the ending. Where Alex gets shot. AND NO ONE KNEW IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK!? WAS THIS THE ENDING? DID ANTHONY HOROWITZ JUST KILL ALEX? In some ways it was a perfect ending, in others I WAS SO ANGRY. But wow. When Alex is shot and it describes the world tilting and everything, just... WOW. I love it.

Yeah, I think it's my favourite book.

Summary time:
Venice, bird-seed handbag snatchers, Tom, scorpion gift, masquerade, Live Tiger, nearly drowned, Tom is the best friend ever, BASE jumping, Scorpia is Friendly, the 'Truth' about John Rider, sent to kill Mrs Jones, bullet-proof glass, fake car escape, nanoshells, hot air balloon, John Rider was a Good Man, SHOT TO THE HEART.

gallysgirl's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

clare_s2395's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Really enjoyed re-reading something from my childhood.

iamabooknerd's review against another edition

4.0

This has been my favorite Alex Rider book thus far. The content is a bit darker but brings light to Alex's past and his choice between the light side and the dark side. Of any in the series, this one is a must read.