Reviews

I’ve been an avid reader of the Alex Rider books, and omg, this one had to be the best on yet! I’ve loved reading this series; like a blast from the past from my childhood. I was on the edge of my seat reading this, flicking through the pages so fast so I could get answers quicker!

There was a great amount of story and character development in this one, where we got to find out a little more about Alex’s parents and the fate of his father. I can’t wait to read on and find out more about what happens and I’ve loved these adventures with Alex so far.

And also, after that ending I really will have to read the next book!

lilfox's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

peppermintz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I forgot how much I love big bad secret organisations with massive convoluted plots. They always make for interesting stories. Plus, this book has the sins of the father trope which is hard not to love. Also, this is another book of basically every adult (but Jack) failing Alex continuously -

I need you to understand that Alex was groomed to be a spy by an Uncle who constantly lied and then was manipulated by two difference organisations that are directly linked to his fathers and his uncle's death!!! Sure Scorpia are the worst, but MI6 you aren't that much better.

is it bad that in the final scene, I thought that Alex might finally get to rest for a little bit. Then I remembered that there are like 4 more books in this series and I just sighed internally

Content Warnings

mhairicavill's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mudder17's review against another edition

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5.0

Great story, but oh man, that ending! I was going to wait for 3 weeks to read the next one (I've been listening to these while donating platelets), but I don't know if I'll be able to wait that long! We shall see!

pinktotodile's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm a big fan of this series and this book in particular. It not only leaves you on a cliffhanger, but nearly none of it is predictable and there are times that you wonder how the scenario will end. I said that there had not been much character development thus far for Alex, but he learns a lot about himself, his past, be really matures in the 388 pages.

bibliotea's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm thinking maybe this one is my favourite so far... I don't know. But I loved it so much and I'm so pleased with how realistic Alex was acting in it. From everything that Alex has gone through, I firmly believe he has some depression in this book. It's very evident from the way he behaves.

I also just have to mention the very final scene in this book. It is honestly one of the best written scenes ever (I might be biased). Every time I read it I can absolutely and truly see what is happening. It's like I'm experiencing it. This might be confusing but I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't read the book... (you should read it, is what I'm trying to say).

Seriously I don't care what age you are, these books are grEAT.

Spoiler

Having Yassen Gregorovich tell him that his father was also a Bad Guy (at the end of the last book), it's no wonder Alex got depressed. He wants to feel close to his dad, who he never knew, so he tries to be more like him and even joins Scorpia in his attempt. He's lost almost all of his sarcasm. He doesn't care about anything. It's so clear to me that he's depressed in this book.

I remember first reading this book and reading the ending. Where Alex gets shot. AND NO ONE KNEW IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK!? WAS THIS THE ENDING? DID ANTHONY HOROWITZ JUST KILL ALEX? In some ways it was a perfect ending, in others I WAS SO ANGRY. But wow. When Alex is shot and it describes the world tilting and everything, just... WOW. I love it.

Yeah, I think it's my favourite book.

Summary time:
Venice, bird-seed handbag snatchers, Tom, scorpion gift, masquerade, Live Tiger, nearly drowned, Tom is the best friend ever, BASE jumping, Scorpia is Friendly, the 'Truth' about John Rider, sent to kill Mrs Jones, bullet-proof glass, fake car escape, nanoshells, hot air balloon, John Rider was a Good Man, SHOT TO THE HEART.

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