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A review by topdragon
Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz
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.
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.