Book Review: Stormbreaker

Title: Stormbreaker
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Published: 2000 Pages: 192
Genre: YAL

Buy  |  Borrow  |  Accept  |  Avoid

Plot Synopsis
Alex Rider lost his parents shortly after his birth, and now 14 years later, he stoically accepts the news that his uncle, his only known parent, has also died. But that's not the only news to reach Alex. His uncle was apparently much more than a banker, and now Alex must join an elite spy unit to finish the job his uncle started.

My Thoughts
A quick 192 pages, Stormbreaker is a quintessential book for pre-teen boys. There is action, neat-o gadgets, viral computers, and a giant deadly jellyfish. And to top it off the protagonist is James Bond for kids, fulfilling youthful fantasies of power and intrigue with a not-so-subtle reluctant hero undertone.

This book was clearly designed to entertain, and it does. Alex is an easily likeable character despite the less-than-in-depth characterization. The action never stops, and far from being a fight all the time type of action book, Stormbreaker serves up fights and chases, sneaking around, jumping out of planes, and crashing through ceilings.

What it doesn't serve up is thought-provoking, quotable content. However, if you are looking for an exciting piece of young adult literature, I recommend reading this book. Personally, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Question: Have you seen this movie? If so, how was it?

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