STORMBREAKER

by Anthony Horowitz

Published by Walker Books

THIS was one of those books that cemented my love of reading when I was introduced to it at school. The 12-book Alex Rider series that started in 2000 with Stormbreaker caught my attention again when the stories featured in a recent Amazon Prime television show. It’s always interesting to look back on books that were important to me a few years ago and see that there’s something attracting a new generation of young people to enjoy.

Stormbreaker introduces the character of Alex Rider who believes himself to be an average 14-year-old boy until the moment he is told his uncle Ian, his guardian, died in a car crash.

There’s something about the story that doesn’t sit right with the young Alex and his suspicions lead him to discover Ian’s connections to MI6. He is pulled into a whole new world as the youngest ever spy recruit.

After intense training he’s given his first mission: to go undercover and find out more about a computer being launched in all British schools by billionaire Herod Sayle.

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The computer is named Stormbreaker and MI6 suspect that there are darker motives behind the rich philanthropist’s generosity. Alex’s uncle was looking into the mystery before his death and as the investigation continues Alex discovers more about Ian – and himself.

There’s a certain satisfaction in watching seemingly unrelated elements of the plot start to come together with each new piece of information that is revealed.

Stormbreaker is essentially James Bond for those between the ages of 11 and 14. Like Ian Fleming’s iconic hero, Alex takes advantage of advanced spy technology and Horowitz balances detailed plot developments with exciting action scenes. His writing keeps the reader constantly on the edge of their seat and Alex is a relatable and likeable character with enough depth to sustain the series. The action format thrusts our hero into any number of creative scenarios, with his everyday problems tying in to his different missions.

Though I love a good fight scene as much as the next person, what really appealed to me about this book is Alex Rider’s character and the journey that this book takes him on.

Everything about the way he’s initially framed as a normal young man who learns more about himself as he faces challenge after challenge is intriguing. The different themes touch on the issues of grief, the concept of family and resilience, all in a way that doesn’t come across as too obvious but rather genuinely acknowledges the impact loss can have on the lives of children.

Alex’s character development inspires young readers to believe that not only can they find ways through whatever troubles they face, but by doing so they can emerge as heroes.