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topdragon 's review for:
Stormbreaker
by Anthony Horowitz
Fourteen year old Alex Rider, an orphan since a very young age, has been raised by his Uncle Ian, (a banker in London) to be not just self-sufficient, but keenly observant as well as trained in karate, languages and math skills. So following the death of his uncle in an automobile accident, it is not so surprising that young Alex notices some suspicious abnormalities that lead him on his own personal investigation that proves the man was, in fact, murdered. Assassinated would be a better word. This brings him to the attention of his uncle’s real former employers who happen to be none other than MI-6. With Ian’s death, MI-6 has the need for a replacement spy in the investigation of a humanitarian who might be something else entirely. A 14-year-old might just be able to assist them in a small task that will help gather some critical intel without ever being suspected as a spy.
The first in the massively popular Alex Rider series was just what I expected (and hoped for). It’s a YA book to be sure, filled with unlikely escapades by an incredibly gifted teenager who always manages to escape from dangerous situations at the last second. He goes far above what MI-6 has asked of him and, in fact, risks his life many times to save the day. The character of Alex Rider is, perhaps, a little over-the-top at times but he combines that with a down-to-earth perspective on life and people. He is very relatable. He makes mistakes which often get him into deeper trouble but his intellect wins out in the end.
I expected a YA version of James Bond, and that is exactly what this is (the movie version of Bond: pre- Daniel Craig). This sort of thing could be really absurd but in the hands of Anthony Horowitz, it’s done right. This is a fun ride and I am happy to hang on through the entire series.
The first in the massively popular Alex Rider series was just what I expected (and hoped for). It’s a YA book to be sure, filled with unlikely escapades by an incredibly gifted teenager who always manages to escape from dangerous situations at the last second. He goes far above what MI-6 has asked of him and, in fact, risks his life many times to save the day. The character of Alex Rider is, perhaps, a little over-the-top at times but he combines that with a down-to-earth perspective on life and people. He is very relatable. He makes mistakes which often get him into deeper trouble but his intellect wins out in the end.
I expected a YA version of James Bond, and that is exactly what this is (the movie version of Bond: pre- Daniel Craig). This sort of thing could be really absurd but in the hands of Anthony Horowitz, it’s done right. This is a fun ride and I am happy to hang on through the entire series.