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Overview
Millions adore him. A philanthropist. Anti-drug crusader. Peace activist. And former pop star the likes of which the world has never seen. Sir Damian Cray even has the president's car. Yet the president's car is not enough for Damian-he wants more. Such as the president's fingerprints. So he can manipulate computer systems only the President of the United States has access to. So he can launch nuclear missiles. From aboard Air Force One. All in the name of peace...So what if a few million lives are lost in the process?
Teen spy Alex Rider survives a bullfight, a high-speed bicycle chase through Amsterdam, and even being the target in a human video-game, only to face his most disturbing challenge yet: when the best of intentions are driven by insanity, how do you reason with a madman?
After a chance encounter with assassin Yassen Gregorovich in the South of France, teenage spy Alex Rider investigates international pop star and philanthropist Damian Cray whose new video game venture hides sinister motives involving Air Force One, nuclear missiles, and the international drug trade.
Synopsis
Millions adore him. A philanthropist. Anti-drug crusader. Peace activist. And former pop star the likes of which the world has never seen. Sir Damian Cray even has the president's ear. Yet the president's ear is not enough for Damian—he wants more. Such as the president's fingerprints. So he can manipulate computer systems only the President of the United States has access to. So he can launch nuclear missiles. From aboard Air Force One. All in the name of peace.... So what if a few million lives are lost in the process?
Teen spy Alex Rider survives a bullfight, a high-speed bicycle chase through Amsterdam, and even being the target in a human video-game, only to face his most disturbing challenge yet: when the best of intentions are driven by insanity, how do you reason with a madman?
Publishers Weekly
Philanthropic pop-star or utter madman? Anthony Horowitz's latest, Eagle Strike: An Alex Rider Adventure finds the teen spy tracking another arch-villain across Europe in an action-packed follow-up to Stormbreaker, Point Blank and Skeleton Key. PW wrote of the debut book, "Readers will cheer for the 14-year-old hero of this spy thriller and stay tuned for his next assignment." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Philanthropic pop-star or utter madman? Anthony Horowitz's latest, Eagle Strike: An Alex Rider Adventure finds the teen spy tracking another arch-villain across Europe in an action-packed follow-up to Stormbreaker, Point Blank and Skeleton Key. PW wrote of the debut book, "Readers will cheer for the 14-year-old hero of this spy thriller and stay tuned for his next assignment." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.VOYA
In his fourth adventure, Alex Rider strikes out on his own. The fourteen-year-old MI6 agent is vacationing with his girlfriend, Sabina Pleasure, and her family in the south of France when he spots his nemesis, assassin Yassen Gregorovich. That afternoon, Sabina's parents are almost killed when their house blows up. Alex's investigations lead him to philanthropist-celebrity Damian Cray, but MI6 will not act on Alex's suspicions, forcing him to deal with the deadly Cray on his own. Appealing and outrageous action is barely held together with a plot like a colander. Fans will enjoy it, although they might feel popcorn-bloated by the sloppy details that make this novel purely "B-movie" quality. Of course, this episode is no different than the others, and—as in a good B-movie—it is the character of the protagonist that will keep readers engaged. Horowitz adds a new and darker element to Alex's character, promising a different relationship between him and the MI6 in future episodes. VOYA Codes: 3Q 4P M J (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Philomel, 272p., Ages 11 to 15.—Nina Lindsay
KLIATT
This fast-paced James Bond-style action/adventure tale begins with an assassination in the Amazon jungle and then fast-forwards 15 years. Reluctant teenage spy Alex Rider is on holiday in the south of France with his girlfriend Sabrina and her parents when the house they have been staying in is blown up. Alex assumes that he is the target because he has spotted his archenemy, a Russian killer, in town, but he learns that Sabrina's father, a journalist who has been working on a story about pop celebrity Damian Cray, was the intended victim. And so the game is on, as Alex sets out to discover what nefarious doings Cray has planned, and of course finds himself in one dangerous situation after another. Highlights include a stint as a matador, a chase on a bicycle (loaded with helpful spy gadgets) through Amsterdam, a perilous trip through a real-life version of Cray's deadly new computer game, and a fight to the death aboard Air Force One. Will Cray succeed in launching nuclear missiles? Only Alex and Sabrina stand in his way. Alex, with his quick mind, spy training, and repertoire of martial arts moves, is unfailingly heroic, and as with his previous outings (Stormbreaker, Point Blank, and Skeleton Key) this entertaining thriller is sure to be popular. It moves at a breakneck pace and will engage even reluctant readers. Can the movie be far behind? (An Alex Rider Adventure). KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 2004 (orig. 2003), Penguin, Philomel, 272p., Ages 12 to 15.—Paula Rohrlick