Eagle Strike
The Alex Rider Series
Anthony Horowitz

Puffin (Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-14-240613-9 (0142406139)
ISBN-13: 978-0-14-240613-7 (9780142406137)
Publication Date: February 2006
List Price: $7.99

Review: The missiles had been launched from Air Force One. Millions of people would be dead in just a couple of minutes. There was no hope. Where can one find exhilarating action at a breakneck pace? Eagle Strike has this and much, much more. Eagle Strike is a fictional book and is the fourth title in the "Alex Rider" series. This book was written by Anthony Horowitz, the English author of the other books in the series as well. In the Alex Rider series, the British intelligence agency, MI6 and Alex Rider cross paths through the Alex’s uncle. They then have him work for the agency, which includes saving many lives in the process. Alex Rider doesn’t enjoy these adventures, but always seems to be caught up in MI6’s work.

In this book, Alex is on vacation. He sees a person who he remembers as a terrorist and gets caught up in another plot which just so happens to include MI6. Alex starts to gather clues from everything that has happened, but the evidence points to a person that would involve himself in a plot of terrorism. As the story unravels, Alex must survive many life-threatening adventures. He unravels a plot to kill many people, but it’s for the best possible reason. In the end, he ends up in a conflict: how can you reason with a madman?

My personal opinion on Eagle Strike is that it is a must-read for suspense fans. The book leaves the reader feeling all of Alex’s emotions, from fear to vengeance. I think Anthony Horowitz really had some great character creation, for you relate to many of the characters. The plot, in my opinion, was very well thought out. Nowhere in the story did I have to sit back and wonder what was going on. In the end, I was almost sad that the complex adventure of Alex Rider had come to an end. To anyone craving a good mystery or action novel, I would recommend this book for some great enjoyment.

This book has been rated high. “Through the Looking Glass” reviews gave Eagle Strike high praise. Eagle Strike has been number 1 on the “US Bookboard of Children’s Fiction” top-100 list. On top of these, it has been a New York Times bestseller.

Eagle Strike is a very well thought out and interesting book. With a twisting plot, and danger in every chapter, this book leaves the reader of the edge of their seat. Out of 5 stars, I would give it a 5, because of the great suspense and thrills. With an extravagant storyline, Eagle Strike will not be forgotten soon.

Review written by Shivam, Age 13, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

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