From the beginning, Alex Rider is already in hospital after being shot just above the heart, only millimetres away from death. Then when a gang called force three come o kidnap the boy next door to Alex, he decides to sacrifice himself, with knocking out the men. However he is caught by one of the gang, and take him to their leader- Kasper- who thinks he is the other boy,Paul. After a lot of arguing a few newspaper articles they decide that it is not Paul. But Alex is still put in danger as he is then made prisoner in a building yet the building is then set on fire. Therefore, Alex has to use all his skill to escape. He is then rewarded by Paul's multi billionaire father who decides to give Alex a two week holiday with him. After Alex reluctantly agrees, he finds out that Dervin (boys father) is launching a space hotel at his island and Alex will be there for the lauch. After many killings, bad losers and another encounter with Force Three, Alex is asked to help the CIA to arrest Dervin response to many murders they think he is linked to. After many more near death experiences, Alex is sent up to space to defuse a bomb which will destroy Washington,but is it to late?
I really enjoyed this book as my favourite types of book are action and this book is full of it. It grips you and even though you know Alex survives because there is half the book left or there are still two more in the series, it still has you on the edge of seat the entire time as you pray he survives. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who was looking for a good book. In especially enjoyed the part where Alex was trapped in the fire lit building, the way Horowitz described it so well.
IN this book my favourite character is defiantly Mr Dervins personal assistant Tamara Knight. Personally, I think it is how she changes throughout the book and has one of the biggest surprises in the end. After starting out being so boring and hardly ever smiling, one who would never think about danger she surprises everyone by not only saving Alex's life but also turning out to be a CIA officer. My favourite quote is " 'Alex' he says, ' I'm afraid we're going to need your help'" I like this quote as it is one of the few repetitive quotes in the book and each time it is right at the end of a chapter, leaving suspense as you never know what they will need him for . I think its a really interesting way to finish off a chapter and adds so much to the books concept.
I would give this book ***** 5 STARSM as it is gripping, full of suspense ans action as is a book that you can not put down, even once you have finished it.
For more reviews, both good or bad visit the website- http://www.readingmatters.co.uk/book2.php?id=274
Or watch this series of book trailers 1-5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5klvuMgyv7o&feature=related
