Actually enjoying this series, even though its for teenagers.

It’s madness how good this is! I knew that the Alex Rider books hit their stride between the fourth and seventh volume, and now I think that Scorpia was that turning point. This is where the writing became masterful, the formula was perfected and the most amazing backstory is introduced.

This is the first re-read after many years and I’m shocked that I’ve forgotten how the story went down. I always thought that Alex went to Scorpia undercover, but now I read that he went there voluntarily, as himself, with real intentions of joining them?! Of course, this is attributable to the shock of what happened in the Widow’s Palace and the revelations of Julia Rothman. However, this shock and confusion is not described, Alex seems to feel no emotions in that part of the story. I can’t imagine what he’s going through and I’m worried about him. It would really be impossible to take: Scarred from the last adventure that happened in August, Alex now spends his September disappearing into Scorpia for a couple of weeks, has a few near-deadly stunts in London, manages to stop by school for 5 days and then he has the very worst visit to the department, ever. Mr Blunt and Mrs Jones have no mercy, and apparently, barely any will to live, judging by their insistence on keeping the truth from Alex (until crushing him with it all of a sudden) and not worrying about the possible consequences. I feel so bad for Alex!

The strangest things about this novel are

a) temporary lapses of judgement and emotion by Alex and Mrs Jones.
b) negative health-related descriptions that have not aged well.
c) Jack’s near-complete absence and Tom’s attitude towards the spy reveal and work, which is almost criminally chill and misses the point completely.

Overall, Scorpia deserves a 5 star rating for the explosive plot, charming villain, mind-blowing ending, and above all, the most intriguing, twisted and emotional backstory of all series I have ever read.

I still remember when the boys in my class would boast how many times they re-read this book. I was a late-comer when I read the series at age 14, but I couldn't agree more that Scorpia is by far the best volume in the series.