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A review by smiley_c
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
4.0
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.