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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Anthony Horowitz mentions the Alex Rider series (aimed at young readers) in all his other novels (aimed at adults), so I thought of check it out. This first of the series was entertaining and has lots of action. Horowitz achieved his stated objective: presenting a teenage James Bond.
There seems to be excessively gruesome death and violence, but compared to video games it is probably mild, and at least kids are reading.
There seems to be excessively gruesome death and violence, but compared to video games it is probably mild, and at least kids are reading.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
I read the book a while back. I recently found the TV series and laughed out loud when Alex's friend was wearing a t-shirt that said "The book was better" in one of the episodes. (FYI - The series follows the "spirit" of the book, not the story as written. I actually thought the main character was less arrogant, more likable in the TV series.)
I can't make up my mind about this book. Part of me is bothered and disappointed, but there's a grudging exhilaration and wonder at how the author so cleverly links the events and clues together: that's the point making this a 4-star instead of 3 as I thought it would be.
I read it mostly because this book's everywhere, and by that I mean everywhere. Peering at me from the school classroom shelves, libraries, charity shops, second-hand bookstores... Then I decided to have a try and see what all that's about.
Got the middle grade adventure vibe, very much like Young Sherlock, personally, but with less characters. There's only Alex Rider, who seemed strangely robotic and distant, someone whose only feeling is curiosity, anger, responsibility and stoic blandness. Hopefully we'll see more of his personality instead of just seeing a plot device protagonist.
Sometimes I can't help wishing I'm not so much of an 'apprentice writer' (as Reedsy says), but to enjoy the book purely as an 'avid reader' I once was, because now, alas, I can't unsee the shallow piles of description and the abundant 'telling'.
He was impressed. next. Alex was sad. next. He was too tired for public transport.
See. I understand this is just for middle grade/ early teens, but the writing style still puts me off.
The good thing's the plot and how clues are linked. Great example of Chekhov's Gun in action: every little gadget fulfils its role in the story. And that's real exhilarating to see the story play out. The action scenes are exciting too: I can't put down the book!
It's not the greatest literature piece, but if you're looking for something fun and exciting for a free afternoon, this is a great book to try.
I read it mostly because this book's everywhere, and by that I mean everywhere. Peering at me from the school classroom shelves, libraries, charity shops, second-hand bookstores... Then I decided to have a try and see what all that's about.
Got the middle grade adventure vibe, very much like Young Sherlock
Spoiler
(even down to the evil overlord speech)Sometimes I can't help wishing I'm not so much of an 'apprentice writer' (as Reedsy says), but to enjoy the book purely as an 'avid reader' I once was, because now, alas, I can't unsee the shallow piles of description and the abundant 'telling'.
He was impressed. next. Alex was sad. next. He was too tired for public transport.
See. I understand this is just for middle grade/ early teens, but the writing style still puts me off.
The good thing's the plot and how clues are linked. Great example of Chekhov's Gun in action: every little gadget fulfils its role in the story. And that's real exhilarating to see the story play out. The action scenes are exciting too: I can't put down the book!
Spoiler
The ending went completely unexpected!It's not the greatest literature piece, but if you're looking for something fun and exciting for a free afternoon, this is a great book to try.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lots of adventure and excitement, as Alex tries to figure out how his uncle was killed while also thwarting the evil plan of a computer magnate. The satisfying, yet open ending, left me wanting to read the next one!
Another read with my Year 5s, and while it wasn’t the best written book I’ve ever read, it was still utterly captivating.
None of us wanted to stop reading at any point, and following finishing book 1, I ordered all of the rest to have a set of my own. (I have not yet gotten round to reading them, but I absolutely plan to!)
None of us wanted to stop reading at any point, and following finishing book 1, I ordered all of the rest to have a set of my own. (I have not yet gotten round to reading them, but I absolutely plan to!)
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No