Most people love to read a good and exciting thriller; whether it is a detective solving a tricky case or a spy thwarting an evil plot and saving the world. Teenage readers are no different, and when transitioning from middle grade readers to more exciting and thrilling novels, there is lots of choice. For teenage readers there is just something electrifying and exciting about a fast-paced action-packed mystery thriller where danger lurks around every corner. Welcome to the Alex Rider series, which features an inquisitive teenage emerging superspy. The first book in the series is Stormbreaker.
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz is the first book in the Alex Rider series, an action-adventure spy thriller for YA readers. With exhilarating themes with dynamic characters, combined with coming-of-age emotions and insecurities, it blends the wholesome detective skills of the Hardy Boys with the more exciting and dangerous world of James Bond (just without his sexual exploits).
Alex Rider is the protagonist of the series. Alex is a fourteen year old boy who lives in London. Living with his uncle Ian Rider since a baby as both his parents died in a plane crash. His life changes again when his uncle dies in a “car crash”, which on further investigation he discovers that this wasn’t strictly the case as the car is littered with bullet holes! This puts him on the radar of the British Security Services, namely MI6, where he is recruited for a top-secret dangerous mission.
After being recruited by MI6, Alex is given some basic training and sent off to Cornwall to investigate the Lebanese multimillionaire Herod Sayle. Why? Sayle is donating a revolutionary computer called Stormbreaker to children in every school in the country. But while the government loves this idea, he isn’t trusted by the security services and Alex is sent to find out if anything is wrong. Alex soon uncovers a plot that could cause damage on a massive scale, and needs to find a way to stop it.
Overall, Stormbreaker is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled, action-packed adventure. Alex Rider is MI6’s most unlikely recruit. This James Bond-style thriller blends thrilling spy intrigue with the sensibilities of a teenage protagonist. A fast engaging read the young teenagers will love.
It starts with a bang… literally. And it doesn’t let up. It grabs readers by the collar and throws them straight into the action. It is a high-stakes action-adventure spy thriller with breakneck pacing, a touch of danger and just enough emotional grounding to keep Alex sympathetic and teenager readers engaged. While the villains may be slightly exaggerated with the likes of Mr Grin, and the motives behind the plot Alex needs to find feeling slightly exaggerated, it is a good story.
It’s short, fast-paced chapters ensures that the story travels along at a good pace that will keep readers attention; from undercover training with the SAS to near-death experiences and a showdown with the boss villain. And there are enough plots twists to keep the story interesting along with some cool spy tech gadgets and robotic henchmen.
I enjoyed reading Alex Rider: Stormbreaker and think that is would be suitable for readers age 13+. Packed with non-stop action and excitement, it does have themes of danger, violence and death, so may not be suitable for everyone. Readers will devour chapter after chapter, making it a fast and exciting read.
An explosive start to the Alex Rider series, of which there are 13 books in the series for young page turners to sink their teeth into.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £14.99 (Hardback) / £7.99 (Paperback) / £5.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit anthonyhorowitz.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
