Alex Rider Stormbreaker

Ever since Alex has been scouted by MI6, a secret British spy organisation, he has been hounded to go on his first mission - but it may very well be his last. He is plunged into gunfights, backstabbing, and a jellyfish tank. Will he survive what is coming, and will England survive…

What I liked

• Alex is really funny whether he is at school or strapped to a chair with a bunch of terrorists.
• He is go-with-the-flow in the best way - jumping out of a helicopter, shooting the prime minister (it makes sense in context).
• Proper thriller pace. I did not want to put it down.

What I didn’t like

• 12+ for real - terrorism, drugs, violence, mild swearing, and mild sex. Not for younger readers.
• It is prose only so no art to rate highly, but the story more than makes up for it.

Verdict

5 paws on story, rereadability, and thrills. One of the best spy books I have read. Check with a parent because of the mature content.