Book Review: Scorpia Rising

This is one of three books I bought recently. It's the last (and final) of the Alex Rider series, by Anthony Horowitz, and even though it's one of nine books, they aren't connected much so it can be read without having to go through the first eight. Of course there are some references to the others so it would obviously be a better reading experience if you've been following the books all along.

The cover is awesome, a huge red scorpion against a black background. That's the one I bought, at least. Very polished looking. 431 action-packed pages in total.

A different cover

Cover

This time, Alex has a mission in Egypt, something he doesn't want to do (but has no choice in the matter, as like all of his missions). His best friend and housekeeper, Jack Starbright went with him. The story starts by letting us know directly that Scorpia, a major criminal organization (introduced in the earlier books) planned the ruse that would make M16 send Alex to Egypt, where they're planning to get rid (read: kill) of him, due to him being a nuisance (Alex had beaten Scorpia twice in two missions) and also as part of a project they've undertaken.

Anthony Horowitz, author of Alex Rider series

So there's not much suspense, at least at the start. It's great for some light reading, with a straightforward plot that is easy to comprehend and catch on, and not too many winding twists. There are some surprises in store near the end (it isn't a Disney kind of happily-ever-after, there are deaths) but nothing really, really, REALLY unexpected.

Alex Rider is a very successful series though (like James Bond, only very much younger), and although it's mainly aimed at boys, it's also great for girls who like action books.

Rating: 4 Stars