Ark Angel

Alex has survived the sniper's shot and is convalescing in a private hospital for the rich and famous. His room is next door to Paul, the son of a Russian multibillionaire, which allows him to fool kidnappers into taking him instead. Eco-terrorists have been trying to sabotage the Russian's rocket launch headed to a private space station. The billionaire is grateful to Alex and invites him for a two week vacation at his island in the Caribbean where the launch will take place. However, Alex's vacation is less than restful when he is recruited by the CIA to make sure that the billionaire remains honest.

Even though Ark Angel predicts the privatization of space travel 15 years before it actually happens, it is still a very far fetched show more entry in the Alex Rider series. Once again, we are treated to action, suspense, and adventure, but many of the events in the the story are extremely unrealistic. The best part of the story is the beginning when Alex makes himself the target of kidnappers. Overall, though, Ark Angel doesn't add much to this ongoing series. show less

In "Eagle Strike," the bad guys try to kill Alex by sticking him in a bullfight ring. That was so ridiculous I nearly stopped reading. In "Ark Angel," Horowitz takes Alex even farther -- so far it becomes a delightful joke. When it became clear that "Ark Angel" was going to be Alex's "Moonraker," I just laughed and enjoyed the ride.

Teen spy Alex Rider is recovering from a gunshot wound in a private hospital when thugs burst in meaning to kidnap the boy in the next room. Wanting to protect the son of wealthy Nikolai Drevin, Alex takes his place. The bad guys, who don’t know one kid from another, forcibly take Alex to a deserted warehouse. There they await a response to their ransom demands. But Alex isn’t one to sit idly by, especially when the thugs threaten to cut off one of his fingers and send it to Drevin as proof they have his son. To forestall the horrendous act, Alex reveals his true identity and learns that the gang belongs to the terrorist group, Force Three. He manages a harrowing escape after the terrorists lock him up and set fire to the deserted show more building.

In gratitude to Alex for saving his son from a traumatic ordeal, Drevin invites Alex for a holiday on a private island in the Caribbean. Drevin’s space station is set to become the first hotel in space. But is that all Drevin plans? Engaged by both MI6 and the CIA, Alex attempts to discover Drevin’s secrets while pretending to be his son’s friend and an honored guest. His visit quickly turns dangerous as the Force Three gang shows up and Alex becomes the hunted instead of the hunter.

Another rousing episode in the Alex Rider series, this story is just as fast-paced and exciting as the rest. It’s pure escapism at heart. show less

So last week my granddaughter comes home from 5th grade and says "I got you a book from my school library". I explained that I had a lot to read but thanked her for thinking of me. The look on her face was too much (they sure know what buttons to push) so I said that I thought I could work it in. Big print...yes!!!!

Of my two granddaughters, she is NOT my big reader, so I was surprised. Maybe they read it in class, but she couldn't or wouldn't say why this particular book. After my comments left on blogs last week about reading a series in order, my cheeks got pink to start in the middle of this series, but not being a prepubescent boy, I had never heard of Alex Rider. Amazingly, this was a really fun book!

Alex Rider is 14 and a British show more spy. He has all the cool James Bond toys and travels all over the world and beyond. It is not written in a childish way, and is a rousing good mystery/adventure style that would certainly hold the attention of any boy or girl . This book begins with Alex in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound, when he meets the boy in the next room, Paul Drevon, son if a Russian billionaire. Nikolei Drevon has teamed with the British government to build the first hotel in outer space, but is being plagued by an eco-terrorist group, Force Three, lead by Kaspar, a freakish, tattooed, evil, killer. Alex finds himself kidnapped by mistake, daringly escapes, and goes on to stay with Paul and his father, attempting to make sense of why and who is trying to stop the project dubbed Ark Angel.

There is violence in this book, but nothing over the top, and I cannot remember one bit of sex, so I think it is recommended for the late elementary age. I was intrigued by the premise and since this was new to me, I may look for other Alex Rider books to read and discuss with GD2. It was a fast read (one day) and if you have any doubt, you can pre-read.

I received this book from the Bear Canyon Elementary Library, via GD2. Thanks kiddo!! show less

Alex Rider is recovering from a sniper shot in a London hospital when thugs show up to apprehend the 14-year old son of a Russian oligarch. After almost winning, Alex is captured, mistaken for the boy. After a daring escape, the Russian rewards Alex by asking him to finish his convalescence on a private island in the Caribbean to watch the lanuch of a rocket to a hotel he is building in space in partnership with the British government. Alex begins to suspect something is wrong when the Russian tries to run him off a racing cart track, just to win. Alex has to go into space on a rocket to thwart the Russian's insane plan.

Another successful novel that illustrates the wonder that is Alex Rider. While not being an educational read, it does provide some great excitement and adventure for book lovers who love a James Bond styled story. Overall while not the best out of the previous Alex Rider adventures, still action packed and fulfilling enough to make me go out and by the next book in the series. Happy Reading!

If you reach this point in the series you know the formula by now, and within that formula this book was quite entertaining, taking Alex to the extreme and even out of the world.