Book Blog #205: Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

Title: Snakehead
Author: Anthony Horowitz
# of Pages: 388 (paperback)
Genre: YA, Action, Adventure
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: When Alex Rider crash-lands off the coast of Australia, the Australian Secret Service recruits him to infiltrate one of the ruthless gangs operating across Southeast Asia. Known as snakeheads, the gangs smuggle drugs, weapons, and worst of all, people. Alex accepts the assignment, in part for the chance to work with his godfather and learn more about his parents. What he uncovers, however, is a secret that will make this his darkest and most dangerous mission yet . . . and the knowledge that his old nemesis, Scorpia, is anything but out of his life.
Review: Alex Rider books never fail to follow the basic plot Horowitz created: Alex receives some cool gadgets, gets incredibly lucky in defeating the enemy, and returns home to try to return to his normal life. This book is no different. Sorry, I just spoiled the book for you.

Although lacking in originality from the preceding books, it was exactly what I expected from Snakehead; those who enjoyed the first six books will also enjoy this one.

Book Blog #172: Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz

Title: Ark Angel
Author: Anthony Horowitz
# of Pages: 323 (paperback)
Genre: YA, Action, Adventure
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: The sniper’s bullet nearly killed him. But Alex Rider managed to survive . . . just in time for more trouble to come his way. When kidnappers attempt to snatch a fellow patient from the exclusive hospital where Alex is recovering, he knows he has to stop him. But the boy he saves is no ordinary patient: He is the son of Nikolai Drevin, one of the richest men in the world. The eccentric billionaire has been targeted by Force Three, a group of eco-terrorists who claim his project Ark Angel—the first luxury hotel in outer space—is a danger to the environment. Soon Alex discovers that Force Three will stop at nothing to destroy Ark Angel, even if it means sending four hundred tons of molten glass and steel hurtling down to Earth and killing millions . . . unless Alex can stop them.
Review: While I've read more attention-gripping books in my lifetime, this book served its purpose.

What I like about Alex Rider is that its a series based on action; there's no romance to muddle up the plot line. However, the plot was drawn out slightly too much. I enjoyed reading the end and the scene that involved Force Three; everything else could have been cut shorter.

If you liked the other Alex Rider books, you'll like this one too!

Book Blog #66: Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz

Title: Scorpia
Author: Anthony Horowitz
# of Pages: 388 (paperback)
Genre: YA, Adventure, Action
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: Still reeling from the terrible discovery he has made about his father, teenage MI6 superspy, Alex Rider, is determined to find out more. Travelling to Italy, he manages to infiltrate the glamorous world of Claudia Rothman, beautiful society hostess and member of the international criminal organization, Scorpia. She reveals that Alex’s father was murdered by MI6, in an operation masterminded by Head of Special Operations, Mrs. Jones. Shocked and angry, Alex faces a choice: to continue to work with the British security services, or to become an agent for Scorpia, and get revenge.

Review: Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! Horowitz is finally breaking away from the Alex Rider mold that he created and is making the plot less predictable. Of course, I still predicted most of what was going to happen, but not until after I read over half the book. And the ending was COMPLETELY unexpected. I couldn't quite comprehend what actually happened.

Although this is one of my favorite Alex Rider books, it still isn't five star quality. There were times where there was a little too much detail, making some scenes a little dry. If there was just a tad bit less detail, then I may have given the book five stars.

Book Blog #61: Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

Title: Eagle Strike
Author: Anthony Horowitz
# of Pages: 322 (paperback)
Genre: YA, Adventure, Action
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: Teen superspy Alex Rider has seen his share of criminal master-minds. But none like Sir Damian Cray, the most popular man on earth, who also happens to be a madman bent on destruction. Only Alex can stop his evil plan...but this time, Alex Rider is on his own.
Review: I always have enjoyed reading Alex Rider books. They're entertaining, and I find it refreshing to step away from the romance novels for once. But there's one tiny detail why it's one star less than perfect.

All of the books are the same.

Sure, Alex Rider is tossed into "different" situations, but the format is the same. He's doing whatever he usually does with his life, then suddenly has to go on some sort of mission. His given some gadgets and chases after the bad guy. He finds himself in a tricky situation in which the bad guys reveals his plans. At last minute, Alex saves the world and life goes on.

Sorry if I spoiled the book for you. But that's just how it is. The lack of a unique storyline really, really bugs me. However, I can't help but give it a high rating. I enjoyed reading it, so that's just how it turned out. I recommend it!!!