Reviews

Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz

rvfrueh's review against another edition

3.0

Ehh. Finished so I could be done, which is a bad reason to keep slogging through.

topdragon's review against another edition

4.0

SCORPIA, an elite international criminal organization isn’t so elite anymore. That’s due to interactions with young Alex Rider who has beat them twice in the past. So now they plan to return to form by taking on a high-profile job and frame Alex for it. They will also ensure the secret of a 14-year-old boy being used by MI-6 with full knowledge of the Prime Minister gets out, destroying their reputations.

I understand this 9th novel in the Alex Rider series was originally meant to be the final one. It certainly reads like that. It is the longest book yet, adding several chapters at the beginning from SCORPIA’s perspective and establishing the primary antagonist’s background. It isn’t until page 129 (in my copy) that Alex makes his first appearance in the book. But more than that, this one really delves into just how dangerous the spy game is. At one point someone very close to Alex is killed. It was certainly unexpected and emotional for me and it nearly broke Alex. Also, along the way, it seemed like we were saying goodbye to a lot of characters, whether through impending retirements, or Alex needing to finally get away from the dangerous life that has been thrust upon him. As usual, Alex displays remarkable cleverness in getting out of tough spots but this time his anger really takes him to the edge. The ending of the book is bittersweet with Alex still suffering from loss but with a glimmer that he might have turned the corner and we hope he will be all right.

But, of course, there are now more books, probably due to their popularity. I, for one, am very happy about that, so I can check in on this young man that I’ve been following through nine books so far.

liv_demarco's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

2.5

bayfleming's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

brucerobertson's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

o_oliviarose_o's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

charlie_dws's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kiri23's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

elliepardoe's review against another edition

challenging reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

honestlyholly's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Ending was a bit meh so I'm glad this isn't actually the final one! But a fun mission otherwise.