7 Snakehead

Alex Rider has hardly splashed down off the coast of Australia, than he is back in the world of espionage. But this time it is for different reasons than his other missions, and very different stakes. Alex travels across the world fighting against the massive gangs called snakeheads, and perhaps Scorpia?

A few more swearwords than the others. Otherwise????? Violence as usual.

Alex saves the world once again (it's not as pathetic as it sounds), this time around he seemed a little harder, less compassionate. Though he must be motivated by more than just the thrill of adventure, I hope.

A very different style than the other Alex books, and yet very enjoyable, with new action, ideas and gadgets. Personally I think Mr. Horowitz should have left off with Scorpia, but that's just me.

2 Evil Star

Matt is needed again, this time a second gate is opening in Peru. But who is Matt's friends and who are his enemies? Will Matt, with his friends, be able to save the earth from destruction by The Old Ones?

The Old Ones are back in full force (not really out but they still are in the story). Matt loses control and makes some stupid moves.

Richard is still helping Matt, letting him live in his house, taking care of him (mostly) and putting himself in danger for him. It sounds like Matt is finally going to accept that he's a part of this (he is ?? Wow).

I think it might have been better for Mr. Horowitz to stick with reality. The whole Old Ones/ Five idea is a little hard to swallow. He seems to be using the same themes as from Alex Rider, but they just don't work with fantasy. We can sympathize with Alex not wanting to be a spy (though it gets a little old), but fantasy is all about excepting you destiny, why can't Matt? And what is it with rich and/or deformed people??

1 Raven's Gate

Matt hasn't had a good life. His parents died when he was eight, the aunt who he lives with is nasty, so when he finally finds a friend, he would do almost anything to keep him. When a job goes bad and someone is stabbed, Matt has two choices, jail or a fostering program. It turns out it might have been better if he had chosen jail.

The Old Ones are the ultimate evil, according to the book, Christians call them Satan, but he is just a shadow of The Old Ones. These books of Mr. Horowitz are more horror than action.

Matt gets mixed up in the wrong crowd, but he's generally a nice guy. Richard, though reluctant, helps.

A weird religion and a creepy story, a character whose head is impenetrable, and a story line that is very similar to Alex Rider. You can just skip the weirdness and read Alex Rider (again), it would probably be more worth your time.

6 Ark Angel

What Alex really needs is a some R&R. As you would imagine after having heart surgery. But was suppose to be a simple sneak outside for some fresh air turns into a stroll across a cable strung between two hi-rises hundreds of feet above the ground. With one of buildings burning. It might have been better for him if he had opened a window. Just as Alex thinks he is going to get his R&R after all, he goes from the frying pan into the fire.

All in the first chapter one man is killed and four knocked out. Though on the screen these things would so painful to watch, but they work in book form. Alex swears at people.

This book is in a happier vein then the ones before it. It is also really fun to read, especially the last chapters. A brush with death has changed Alex.

You may be able to guess how this book is going to end, everybody falling into the places you had them. But this book is still Alex Rider. The last chapters are really worth reading.

5 Scorpia

Alex Rider, drawn by Yassen's last words, travels to Venice with his friend Tom. Hoping to find the organization called Scorpia. -To give you an idea about the book: Scorpia stands for Sabotage Corruption Intelligence Assassination-. Alex gets involved in Scorpia, he tries to figure out the lesser of two evils, MI6 or Scorpia. He chooses the path of his father. But there are things that Scorpia isn't telling him. (Does this not sound like another organization???)

Alex throws out a few minor swearwords as do other characters. A man is killed by scorpions. People are trying to kill Alex. It just wouldn't be an Alex Ride book if they weren't. Mrs. Rothman plans to kill thousands of people. People are mowed down before Alex's eyes.

This book tones down the plain macabre action. Scorpia isn't a joy ride, quite the opposite. More of the agony is left in Alex instead of the blood of people.

Interested in learning more about Alex. This is the book you have been waiting for. It is about Alex. Not to say that action is lacking. Ha, no. If you are prone to tears, I would really recommend some tissues. In fact, a box.

4 Eagle Strike

Alex is taking a well deserved holiday with Sabina. This time of his own free will. The results are worse that last time he took a holiday. This time Alex doesn't have MI6 on his side as he tries to pursue the person who could be the greatest criminal ever. Or he could just be a singer who is passionate about world peace. To borrow a quote from myself; Yeah, right.

Alex tries to kill Yassen, he wouldn't have even if he could have we learn later. And here is the line you all have been waiting for, People are trying to kill Alex. Yup, still happening. Alex also steals a ticket. A man is crushed to death. Damian puts Alex in a deadly 'maze'. Someone is kidnapped. Several people die.

Alex is trying to save everybody again, this time with no prompting.

Confusing, depressing, mysterious and funny. Frustrating, gruesome, interesting and enjoyable. Not synonyms, but words that describe these books. If you are ready to experience these things, please add this book to your reading list (if you have one).

2 Point Blank

Alex Rider is at home trying to catch up with his school, recuperating from his last mission. But before Alex is done with his home work MI6 has a new mission for him. Two well known men have mysteriously died, the only thing connecting them is were their sons go to school. Teenage sons, school, who else can they send but Alex Rider?

People are once again trying to kill Alex, need I say more? The answer to the mystery is unpleasant and gruesome. Mild swearing.

Alex is polite to people, even if they are not to him. This may sound strange, but Alex meets lots of people that it could be easy to be nasty to.

No, I don't think these books have much to teach us. If you love action books and witty writing these books are clean not objectionable as this genre goes. I am not saying they are just bearable, I myself really like them. If you like to read books for the fun of it, these books I recommend.

3 Skeleton Key

Alex has a simple assignment, go to the tennis tournaments and find out who broke in, and didn't steal anything. But it's not that easy, Alex uncovers a plot by a violent gang. When Alex busts their party he becomes a target for assassination by angry gang members. MI6 suggests that Alex needs a break, somewhere he won't be found. What better idea that to complete two CIA agents covers as being their kid? It's just a routine mission, no risk. Yah, Right.

People are still trying to kill him. If you didn't like the last three (why are you reading this?) this book is NOT for you, the action is stepped up a notch. Alex is used again and becomes more unhappy, hurt and frustrated. A man shoots himself in front of Alex.

Alex puts his life on the line to save people. Though he doesn't like his job, he does it well. He doesn't try and get back at Mr. Blunt and Mrs. Jones. Reminiscent of a Bible verse maybe?

The first two are light hearted compared to this one. It may sound like I keep stressing this point, and I am, but it is important to me that you understand what I am saying. No, this series is not too dark to read, not bloody and gruesome in ways that will make your parents shudder, but for some of you it may be too much. Just because I recommend it doesn't mean you should read it.

1 Stormbreaker

Alex Rider has a wish, to go to school. Not your average English fourteen year old boy's dream. Quite a few probably want to be a spy. For Alex it is the opposite. Manipulated into being what he doesn't want to be by MI6, Alex must go to finish the work his uncle started.

Yes, he is a spy, but with no gun. Punching, hitting, giant crushers and jellyfish attacks; though Alex isn't given a gun, that doesn't prevent EVERYONE else from having one. A lot of people are trying to kill Alex. And their not trying to be nice about it.

Alex is a reluctant hero, but a hero none the less. Given the choice I would rather stay home with my family then go put myself in peril for and organization that doesn't care about me. Jack cares about Alex unlike everybody else and tries to do what is best for him.

Really it is hard to write about the book with the new movie's rep hanging over it like a bad omen. But really this is a well written book with action enough for anyone (I think). Alex has characteristics that we can identify with; maybe not the problem of being a spy, but being confused about the authorities of our country. Not just the public figures, but even the people closest to you. Who are they and why did they do what they did? These books are not for everyone, they are rather dark and frightening. Though not without funny one liners and clever gimmicks, these books are not about a young James Bond, thankfully for everybody.