 |
|
Title: STORMBREAKER
ISBN: 1844289141
Author:
HOROWITZ
Publicate Date: 2004
Publish: 2004
List Price: $33.52
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
 |
|
|
|
|
Amazon Lowest New Price: $33.52
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $13.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Customer Review: |
|
1: Willing suspension of disbelief
Stormbreaker is a new whiz-kid kind of computer that Herod Sayle wants to put into every English school in the country. M16 (you know, James Bond's world) is supportive of the effort, but officials want the skinny on Sayle just in case he is not the philanthropist he seems to be. Ian Rider, an M16 agent, is killed trying to learn this background.
Thus sets the beginning of the Alex Rider series, a thrill-a-minute ride (pardon the pun). Ian Rider was Alex's uncle and guardian, who lived his public life as a bank manager. The only bank he managed was the bank-on-it, it's the spy business! Alex discovers his uncle's identity through a spy-like setup by M16 officials. They want him to assume work where his uncle left off.
His mission, should he accept it--and he will have no choice--is to continue to learn what he can about the Stormbreaker with a signature lightning bolt across its side. M16 trains him extensively for two weeks, then sends him out on his mission.
Everything that happens to him from this point on is unbelievable, unless you examine each situation and finally admit, yes, this could be possible. Given that he is in unusual circumstances doesn't mean he can't do the job. Alex must improvise almost constantly.
The amazing gee-gaws he is given by the equipment team are stunning and, of course, work out perfectly for his benefit. For example, the one that melts metal (it looks like skin blemish medication, ha ha) but comes in very handy at the appropriate time. I wonder if Anthony Horowitz laid out his story beforehand, knowing that Alex would need this cream in this scene, or if he invented the products and decided their use as the scene developed.
Oh, why is this book believable when impossible situations arise for the average fourteen-year-old? Alex is not average because of his M16-employed uncle. In fact, his uncle began training Alex at an early stage in self-defense, sports skills such as scuba diving and snowboarding, language acquisition by living in three other European countries, and how to drive, as well as other skills.
This series is great reading for the middle school set, ages 11-15, depending on interest and reading level. It's not an easy read, but definitely not difficult. There is violence but not too graphic, no cursing, and no "adult situations." It would appeal to action junkies, thrill seekers, and Double 07 fans, all of which I am one.
I wish to inject a theme. Sayle is the childhood victim of bullies. What he endured because of his nationality (Egyptian), coloring (dark), and stature (quite short) is indefensible. Just now in the past few years have educational officials begun to enact a serious plan to halt bullying. Its effects on young children can be devastating and life-altering, as with Herod Sayle.
Trust me to say that the book is an exciting ride. I've never been able to convince the middle school students to read this book, but I think I can now, especially as a movie tie-in. (I'm a librarian, but then again, I could be in black ops. You never know.)
|
2: The best of Alex rider
A fantastic book. The best in the Alex Rider series, far better than the film. Alex is a teen age brought up by his uncle, who just happens to be a British MI6 Agent. He teaches Alex everything, I dont wish to spoil the plot, its its a very good book and a good start to a new series.
|
3: Alex Rider
This is a great book, I picked it up at a book store and started reading it in the car, two hours later I was still reading.
The author has done a brilliant job here, the action is non stop. It clean safe and fun.
|
4: Alex Rider
This was a really fun book that I will recommend on to many readers, young and old alike. I had heard many good things about Anthony Horowitz and I was not to be disappointed. His pace of storyline is excellent and his characters are wonderfully developed. The villains are as colourful as any created by Ian Fleming and the background for the evil plot was well thought out. The actual diabolic plan and described results were in fact highly unrealistic, but that did not matter one iota to this gold nugget of a story. I read the entire book in about three and a half hours and will be quick to go and find the subsequent volumes in the series.
Where the story of Alex Rider differs hugely from the run of the mill James Bond stories is the distinct lack of female characters. Given Alex's tender age, this is not a criticism, more of an observation and keeping the book to the boy hero conquering adult villains against all odds storyline was an excellent path to tread. The story was undoubtedly aimed at the young male audience, but I have a feeling that there will be a lot of Tom boys out there amongst the girls who will enjoy this every bit as much.
|
5: a stork of a story l
.
wow. that was my first alex rider book and i must admit i finishedit the same day i bought this. great adventures however books are never perfect. one of the flaws for this book would be. well for me, that it didnt seem realistic. but really, you dont notice it when your reading unless you think it over pondering7 like me. haha. i would recomend this book.
|
|
|
|
|
