Snakehead - Anthony Horowitz

Rating: 3 1/2
Alex Rider Series

Snakehead is Alex Rider's 7th adventure, picking up where it left off in the last story, Ark Angel. For those who have not discovered this fabulous series aimed at younger readers of 12+, especially boys, Alex Rider is just your normal 14 year old boy. That is, until his guardian is killed in suspicious circumstances, and Alex discovers that he worked for MI6, and that he had been groomed throughout his childhood for the same future. Forcibly recruited by MI6, Alex carries out several missions for the UK government, to rid the world of evil supervillians.

This series is reminiscent of a young James Bond, with ridiculous but entertaining escapades and highly inventive gadgets! Each of Alex's adventures are unique, but with a pervading sense of the familiar. This is a fabulous series that I have seen capture the imaginations of countless young boys.

The following may contain spoilers for those who have not read the rest of the series..

The conclusion of Ark Angel left Alex in space, and this is where Snakehead begins, with the boy spy returning to Earth. He is picked up by the Australian authorities, and persuaded to go on a mission, to infiltrate the criminal underworld of South-East Asia, and himself go up against the ruthless Snakehead. Alex is also confronted with his own past, the truth behind the death of his parents.. Will he come out of this one alive?

As exciting and ridiculous as ever, Alex's adventures are always thrilling. This one however, was the first with a true emotional impact. The truth about his family has never been closer, but Alex may find that won't want to hear it.

An excellent installment for fans of the series, but not likely to win over any new readers.