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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
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
Fourteen-year-old Alex is forcibly recruited into MI6 after discovering that the death of his mild-mannered uncle/legal guardian was no accident. In fact, the murdered man was not a bank manager, but a spy. The series features colorfully sinister villains, exhilarating chases, deadly animals and fun James Bond-style gadgets with a twist. Those gadgets doled out to Alex are designed to look like things a teen might be likely to own, like “zit cream” that eats through metal. Free of naughty language, and while people do get killed, blood never seems to splatter, which makes the series both kid-and teen-friendly. –Kate D.-
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A fun little journey to my early reading days, with a YA read that holds up pretty well honestly.