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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Fourteen year old Alex Rider doesn't want to be a spy, but he doesn't get to choose. When his uncle is killed, Alex stumbles onto the realization that his life is built on lies and his boring uncle was really an agent for MI6. Alex is coerced by the agency into picking up right where his uncle left off on a case of computers and corruption and bad intentions. I picked this one up because Isaac liked it, and found it full of action and humor. I'm excited to continue the series.
Since I ride the BART a lot now between Fremont and SF, I've been turning to YA books because they're lighter and I can finish them in one or two trips. The problem is finding a steady stream of them. I remembered this title from a movie that came out a while back and decided to pick it up.
I really liked this book, reading some parts in the beginning felt rather like watching an action movie. I might have even held my breath at one point. It's a rare reaction and sign of an engrossing and fun book.
I really liked this book, reading some parts in the beginning felt rather like watching an action movie. I might have even held my breath at one point. It's a rare reaction and sign of an engrossing and fun book.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have been a long time fan of the Alex Rider series and revisiting the series has been such a treat! The action and adventure is good. Like really good.
Horowitz says, “The world of Alex is dark and quite adult. I’ve often called these stories adult books for kids.” I think that’s why I enjoyed this so much in middle school and now in my late 20’s.
Alex being manipulated into becoming a spy is heartbreaking and his cunning solutions are quite surprising. Highly recommend for lovers of YA.
Horowitz says, “The world of Alex is dark and quite adult. I’ve often called these stories adult books for kids.” I think that’s why I enjoyed this so much in middle school and now in my late 20’s.
Alex being manipulated into becoming a spy is heartbreaking and his cunning solutions are quite surprising. Highly recommend for lovers of YA.
Reread- sep ‘22
3.5 ✨
this series is my childhood, I love it so much. I can't wait to reread the next books in the series!!
3.5 ✨
this series is my childhood, I love it so much. I can't wait to reread the next books in the series!!
adventurous
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
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Awesome spy techniques and a great first book. Great for anyone who dreams of becoming a spy.
2020 review:
This summer I started rereading the Alex Rider series, mostly because there is a new TV series based on the books. But I decided to not add the books on goodreads, because I honestly thought it was a little embarrassing to be reading spy novels aimed at 11 year olds when I'm a 23 year old woman. It's no secret on here that I love rereading books that I read as a kid, I love that nostalgia, but usually I end up rereading books that are already considered "classic" (and I don't think anyone would include Alex Rider in that group).
But that's stupid. Who didn't want to be a teenage spy when they were young? It's a great premise. So today I'm embracing my rediscovered Alex Rider love.*
So, thoughts on this book. First of all Alex is a terrible spy in this one. It's his first job, he's making some rookie mistakes, that's fine. It's all very endearing.
This book does have the whole "kid comes from foreign country -> goes to posh school in England -> is bullied because kids are racist -> becomes a literal terrorist" thing going on which is definitely uncomfortable. It was published in 2000, so I guess sensitivity was not on the top of his mind.
I also have to admit, Stormbreaker has a special place in my heart just because I named my favorite stuffed animal as a kid after one of the villains in this one. He's not even a particularly great villain, but the name must have just stuck with me when I read it the first time.
All in all an okay time, can't wait to see the tv show when I finish my reread. There is a movie too, I have the DVD but when I watched the trailer on youtube absolutely nothing looked familiar to me, so it's possible that I just never watched it.
* yes I think I'm in a dramatic mood day.
This summer I started rereading the Alex Rider series, mostly because there is a new TV series based on the books. But I decided to not add the books on goodreads, because I honestly thought it was a little embarrassing to be reading spy novels aimed at 11 year olds when I'm a 23 year old woman. It's no secret on here that I love rereading books that I read as a kid, I love that nostalgia, but usually I end up rereading books that are already considered "classic" (and I don't think anyone would include Alex Rider in that group).
But that's stupid. Who didn't want to be a teenage spy when they were young? It's a great premise. So today I'm embracing my rediscovered Alex Rider love.*
So, thoughts on this book. First of all Alex is a terrible spy in this one. It's his first job, he's making some rookie mistakes, that's fine. It's all very endearing.
This book does have the whole "kid comes from foreign country -> goes to posh school in England -> is bullied because kids are racist -> becomes a literal terrorist" thing going on which is definitely uncomfortable. It was published in 2000, so I guess sensitivity was not on the top of his mind.
I also have to admit, Stormbreaker has a special place in my heart just because I named my favorite stuffed animal as a kid after one of the villains in this one. He's not even a particularly great villain, but the name must have just stuck with me when I read it the first time.
All in all an okay time, can't wait to see the tv show when I finish my reread. There is a movie too, I have the DVD but when I watched the trailer on youtube absolutely nothing looked familiar to me, so it's possible that I just never watched it.
* yes I think I'm in a dramatic mood day.
Action packed thriller about a 14 year old secret agent Alex Rider. Great pace to this and it's easy on one hand to see why it's so popular. On the other hand, Alex's determination to complete the mission through mortal danger leaves me unconvinced. He admits he isn't motivated by patriotism like James Bond, nor particularly out of revenge. Then why? Though he's skilled and resourceful, Alex comes off rather flat and not personally committed.