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Stormbreaker
(Alex Rider #1)
by
Librarian’s Note: this is an alternate cover edition of ISBN 10: 1844280926
When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his world turned upside down. Forcibly recruited into MI6, Alex has to take part in gruelling SAS training exercises. Then, armed with his own special set of secret gadgets, he’s off on his first mission to Cornwa ...more
When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his world turned upside down. Forcibly recruited into MI6, Alex has to take part in gruelling SAS training exercises. Then, armed with his own special set of secret gadgets, he’s off on his first mission to Cornwa ...more
Paperback, UK, 256 pages
Published
April 1st 2005
by Walker Books
(first published September 4th 2000)
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Start your review of Stormbreaker (Alex Rider, #1)
Q: You're never too young to die. (c) Q: Killing is for grown-ups and you're still a child. (c)
I have been reading it, in minuscule installments, since when the universe was still young and hot and the dinosaurs were frisky yet. At least it feels so. I have no idea why I kept coming back for more. A glutton for cheese, maybe?
This is cheesy enough to need a cheese cutting wire. I was amazed to actually see it provided in the plot! Very thoughtful on the part of the author, cheers!
Q:
It was only th ...more
I have been reading it, in minuscule installments, since when the universe was still young and hot and the dinosaurs were frisky yet. At least it feels so. I have no idea why I kept coming back for more. A glutton for cheese, maybe?
This is cheesy enough to need a cheese cutting wire. I was amazed to actually see it provided in the plot! Very thoughtful on the part of the author, cheers!
Q:
It was only th ...more
I read this book because it is so popular with my students. I can see the appeal: espionage, a kid caught in everyone else's plans, having to take care of himself while saving the world. Action, adventure, violence. The boys eat this stuff up. I just wish Horowitz had written it with his readers in mind as the young, impressionable audience that they are. I hate all the label dropping! Do we need to know that our character wears Nike and Gap? Absolutely not. Why feed into this consumerist crap,
...more
One of the greatest spy books I have read, I saw the film on TV and wanted to read the books. The book was better although I used the image of Alex in the books, it helped. I now read much more book, I like the Alex Rider series, the Jason steed series and I have just started reading Cherub series.
Alex mum & dad are dead he lives with his uncle. His uncle Ian Rider takes him all sorts of adventure holidays and also gives him karate lessons. What Alex does not know is that he is actually being tr ...more
Alex mum & dad are dead he lives with his uncle. His uncle Ian Rider takes him all sorts of adventure holidays and also gives him karate lessons. What Alex does not know is that he is actually being tr ...more
You know how there are those books that you see everywhere, in every library, in every bookstore, and then one day you just break down and pick it up? This is one of those books.
And I should have just left it.
The first few pages were fine--I was all prepared to get sucked into this book . . . I mean, I'd seen it EVERYWHERE, after all. It had to be good, right? It happened with the Pendragon books, it'll happen here too, yeah?
And then everything after those pages was complete nonsense. I was imme ...more
And I should have just left it.
The first few pages were fine--I was all prepared to get sucked into this book . . . I mean, I'd seen it EVERYWHERE, after all. It had to be good, right? It happened with the Pendragon books, it'll happen here too, yeah?
And then everything after those pages was complete nonsense. I was imme ...more
Stormbreaker (Alex Rider, #1), Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is a series of spy novels by Anthony Horowitz about a 14-15-year-old spy named Alex Rider. The series is aimed primarily at teens and young adults. The series comprises eleven novels, as well as five graphic novels, three short stories and a supplementary book. The first novel, Stormbreaker, was released in the United Kingdom in 2000 and was adapted into a motion picture in 2006 starring Alex Pettyfer.
Alex, the main character, is recruit ...more
Alex Rider is a series of spy novels by Anthony Horowitz about a 14-15-year-old spy named Alex Rider. The series is aimed primarily at teens and young adults. The series comprises eleven novels, as well as five graphic novels, three short stories and a supplementary book. The first novel, Stormbreaker, was released in the United Kingdom in 2000 and was adapted into a motion picture in 2006 starring Alex Pettyfer.
Alex, the main character, is recruit ...more
Mar 02, 2018
Keith (CHINNY) Chinn
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites
Why do I like Alex Rider and similar books, such as Jason Steed, CHERUB and Young James Bond? To start with they are all about my age, a little bit far fetched but a great place to escape too. Both Alex Rider and Jason Steed are more intelligent than most of the adult around them, and can drive a variety of vehicles.
This is book 1 and one of my favourite books. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is plot and action heavy and the pace is fast. The chapters are short and punchy ...more
This is book 1 and one of my favourite books. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is plot and action heavy and the pace is fast. The chapters are short and punchy ...more
All the way back in 2007, I randomly decided to borrow the audiobook version of this book from my local library. I'd heard about it before; the movie adaptation was mentioned in Nintendo Power magazine, but didn't seem to stay in cinemas very long. Still, when I listened to this book, I was enthralled, and soon sought out the rest of the series, mostly via the 'berries in my area.
That was years ago; though I read the newer volumes a few years ago, I figured: Why not start from the beginning? I f ...more
That was years ago; though I read the newer volumes a few years ago, I figured: Why not start from the beginning? I f ...more
Well, the writing in this book is actually not bad. The problem here for me is sort of 2 pronged (though one of the prongs may be "mufti-pointed"). First, this book is very young in some ways. With this plot it has to be, and that's the other problem.
I just couldn't get my head around a 14 year old super spy. I know, I know I like Harry Potter and I liked the Ranger's Apprentice books as well as other books with young heroes. But those are set in fantasy universes where magic exists and so on. I ...more
I just couldn't get my head around a 14 year old super spy. I know, I know I like Harry Potter and I liked the Ranger's Apprentice books as well as other books with young heroes. But those are set in fantasy universes where magic exists and so on. I ...more
Aug 28, 2016
Michael Finocchiaro
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kids,
spy-fiction
My son loved this book and so I promised to read it too. To be honest, it was not my cup of tea, but I'll review it from my kid's point of view. This is the first of 10 novels about the protagonist Alex Rider who becomes unwittingly a secret agent after his father is killed. It is a nice fantasy with plenty of spy craft and exciting chase scenes and a pretty evil villain. My kid loved the action and suspense at the end of each volume and wanted me to give it 5 stars. I'll appease him by giving i
...more
For years, I have been hearing shouts, whispers, and raves about Alex Rider. I’m so happy to have finally met him.
Stormbreaker is book one in Anthony Horowitz’s action packed series. Fourteen year old, Alex Rider stumbles into the spying world after the death of his uncle. But soon realizes he’s good at the spying game. Running, diving, and snooping around! The action is nonstop. I liked how Alex’s mind worked—he was observant, calm, and smart. One of my favorite parts was the way he talked him ...more
3 Silver Stars
with Golden Sparks
I decided to write a review for this instead of book 2, as I prefer to write one at least for book 1 of the series, if for none of the others
Mystery, thrilling Espionage middle Grade/YA
exciting
fun (sassy 14 yo Alex! funny narration)
I liked it more than Artemis Fowl, even with the lack of Fantasy element here. the characters are better (I think I like Alex)
my only problem beside the translation, was getting confused with all those gadgets he uses, at least when the ...more
with Golden Sparks
I decided to write a review for this instead of book 2, as I prefer to write one at least for book 1 of the series, if for none of the others
Mystery, thrilling Espionage middle Grade/YA
exciting
fun (sassy 14 yo Alex! funny narration)
I liked it more than Artemis Fowl, even with the lack of Fantasy element here. the characters are better (I think I like Alex)
my only problem beside the translation, was getting confused with all those gadgets he uses, at least when the ...more
I read this book for a book club hosted at one of the schools that my library serves.
I was expecting more from the book as it was/is so popular with younger boys and this first book spawned a whole series as well as a movie (though I do know that the movie bombed).
I just found the book to be boring and predictable. It was hard for the group to come up with something to discuss during our meetings because the book is totally plot driven. There's not much wrong with being a plot driven thriller, ...more
I was expecting more from the book as it was/is so popular with younger boys and this first book spawned a whole series as well as a movie (though I do know that the movie bombed).
I just found the book to be boring and predictable. It was hard for the group to come up with something to discuss during our meetings because the book is totally plot driven. There's not much wrong with being a plot driven thriller, ...more
I'd seen a lot of references to this series over the years, but I'd never connected it to Anthony Horowitz whose name I'd always seen in connection with more literary adult detective fiction like The Magpie Murders and The Word is Murder. So I was curious to read something pitched at younger teens yet written by someone known for their skillful and stylish prose.
Storm Breaker sits firmly in its spy adventure genre, featuring a fourteen year old Alex Rider becoming by rather incredulous means an ...more
Storm Breaker sits firmly in its spy adventure genre, featuring a fourteen year old Alex Rider becoming by rather incredulous means an ...more
Aug 05, 2007
Madeline
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
no-judgements,
kids-and-young-adult
I picked this book up in my high school media center during study hall when I was bored and had nothing else to do. I read it in about three days and proceeded to rip through the next four books in the series.
Still can't really explain why I like these books - Horowitz's target audience is clearly 14 year old boys who don't read much. I guess it's because I'm a James Bond fan, and the Alex Rider series could have been retitled "007 - The Middle School Years." Seriously, the plot of every book i ...more
Still can't really explain why I like these books - Horowitz's target audience is clearly 14 year old boys who don't read much. I guess it's because I'm a James Bond fan, and the Alex Rider series could have been retitled "007 - The Middle School Years." Seriously, the plot of every book i ...more
Actual rating: 3.5
Not so much excited as I expected.. It's good story, it's mainly for the readers at 14 but I enjoyed it nevertheless.. And I'm going to read the rest of the series soon.
The story is about Alex who is 14 yrs old, he lives with his uncle, but one day the police came to his house to tell him that Ian-his uncle- died from a car accident because he didn't put the seat belt but Alex knew that Ian would never forget something like that so he gets curious about his uncle's death and h ...more
Not so much excited as I expected.. It's good story, it's mainly for the readers at 14 but I enjoyed it nevertheless.. And I'm going to read the rest of the series soon.
The story is about Alex who is 14 yrs old, he lives with his uncle, but one day the police came to his house to tell him that Ian-his uncle- died from a car accident because he didn't put the seat belt but Alex knew that Ian would never forget something like that so he gets curious about his uncle's death and h ...more
Sep 16, 2019
Shaye Miller
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
movie,
must-read-in-2019
Stormbreaker was another book on my #MustReadin2019 list. The Alex Rider series is wildly popular around the world with 14 novels in the series, some prequels, and some additional supplementary books on the market. And now I know why the fandom is so large among teens, tweens, and young adults. Alex is only 14 years old when he loses his uncle, Ian Rider (who just so happens to be his only guardian). Shortly after his uncle’s death, Alex discovers his uncle was a legit spy. This realization turn
...more
Alex Rider isn't just any fourteen-year-old. He's mentally quick, knows self defense and adheres to a strong code of justice. Give him some gadgets and he'd make the perfect spy. After all, who would suspect a kid? And that's why MI6 wants him so badly!
The series isn't just made up of individual adventure stories of espionage. The titles start becoming linked a little further into the series. It seems like Alex has a history. And because of it, his future with MI6 seems shaky and will leave the ...more
The series isn't just made up of individual adventure stories of espionage. The titles start becoming linked a little further into the series. It seems like Alex has a history. And because of it, his future with MI6 seems shaky and will leave the ...more
Jan 04, 2019
Benjamin Thomas
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
thriller-spy
Fourteen year old Alex Rider, an orphan since a very young age, has been raised by his Uncle Ian, (a banker in London) to be not just self-sufficient, but keenly observant as well as trained in karate, languages and math skills. So following the death of his uncle in an automobile accident, it is not so surprising that young Alex notices some suspicious abnormalities that lead him on his own personal investigation that proves the man was, in fact, murdered. Assassinated would be a better word. T
...more
Following the death of his spy uncle, Ian Rider, 14 year old Alex Rider is recruited into the MI6 to complete his mission. After eleven days of intense SAS style training, Rider is set on his first mission where he investigates the work of Herod Sayle and his Stormbreaker computers. Weaving through old tin mines and underwater caverns, Rider uncovers the unfortunate truth behind the Stormbreakers, a bout of lethal smallpox encased within. At the press of a button all the children of the UK could
...more
This book if a fiction book about a fourteen year old boy named Alex Rider. Alex is a normal school boy in London who lives with his uncle. Towards the beginning of the book, Alex is told his uncle died it a car accident. Alex doesn’t think this is true because his uncle is very protective and safe. Alex later finds out his uncle died from gun shots when he was on a secret mission. He also finds out being a spy was his uncles full job. This mission was called the stormbreaker. Alex is told by Al
...more
I will start by saying that I read this to my son (11) because he got the entire set for a Christmas present and he thought "it wasn't my thing." He rated it a 5, so for the audience it is intended for, it strikes a (much) more positive chord.
What I think he would say about it (positively):
1). There's a lot of action. From the beginning to the end, there's no real boring parts.
2). There's no unnecessary romance. He hates that in books.
What I hated (some admittedly petty):
1). Every other sentence ...more
What I think he would say about it (positively):
1). There's a lot of action. From the beginning to the end, there's no real boring parts.
2). There's no unnecessary romance. He hates that in books.
What I hated (some admittedly petty):
1). Every other sentence ...more
Not bad. It was pretty much exactly what I expected to be: one of those cool adventure stories intended to hook reluctant tweenage boy readers. And although I am not a reluctant tweenage boy reader, I still found it entertaining. Is this book a deep exploration of human nature and the meaning of life? No. But sometimes it's a relief when all of that is thrown aside, and one can just read something that makes them feel pleasantly stupid. What matters is that this book wasn't intended to be intell
...more
3.5 stars
Oct 12, 2020
Herbie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya,
action-adventure
Such a fun and snappy re-read! Forgot how good this series is. Action packed with every page!
Alex Rider Stormbreaker is written by Anthony Horowitz is a fictional book about a teenager sent under cover for the MI6 agency. Alex was now 16 and had recently lost both of his parents in a plane and was now living with his uncle Ian Rider. Alex awoke to sirens one night and found out that his uncle was now dead and was told he was killed in a car crash. Ian Rider was a banker but Alex had soon figured out that his uncle was not being completely truthful to him. Alex starts to do some digging
...more
This is the start of the phenomenally successful Alex Rider series written by the equally successful Anthony Horowitz (the man has written so much its difficult not to either be influenced by it or to be distracted by it, after all I have his two officially sanctioned Sherlock Holmes books... ok must resist).
Where was I ah yes this is the first in a series of book which charts the exploits of a seemingly normal school boy Alex Rider who is destined to much more. The series runs in to numerous ti ...more
Where was I ah yes this is the first in a series of book which charts the exploits of a seemingly normal school boy Alex Rider who is destined to much more. The series runs in to numerous ti ...more
It was very fast paced with a lot of action and mystery, although the villain monologue while the hero is tied up without killing him straight after was a bit cliche and it felt like Alex didn't really mourn over his uncle's death. I honestly didn't anticipate the outcome of the mystery and the way it was stopped was very interesting. I'd been wanting to read this series for years but I never got my hands on it until now, and since it's written for people younger than me, the emotional side is a
...more
Before I start my review, I would like to acknowledge the fact that this was written as Middle Grade. I may have liked it better when I was the targeted audience.
I don’t know where to start. I guess to simply put it, I didn’t like the book. All of the characters felt one dimensional, the plot wasn’t anything I haven’t read before, and the story just didn’t grip me.
Edit: I also found myself uncomfortable at the way the author described bigger people. There are ways to talk about people that are ...more
I don’t know where to start. I guess to simply put it, I didn’t like the book. All of the characters felt one dimensional, the plot wasn’t anything I haven’t read before, and the story just didn’t grip me.
Edit: I also found myself uncomfortable at the way the author described bigger people. There are ways to talk about people that are ...more
Dec 03, 2020
Kadi P
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
beautiful-covers,
middle-grade,
2020,
reviews,
5-stars,
epic-action,
spies-lies-and-thieves
This was a fantastic read! I have no idea why I thought as a kid that I wouldn’t enjoy this. I stormed through it (get it? Because it’s Stormbreaker! Haha I’m so funny) and thoroughly enjoyed it.
All the things that surprised me in this book:
1. The level of violence. I know, I know, it’s a teen spy book, what did I expect, right? Well, not what happened, that’s for sure!
Alex was: (view spoiler) ...more
All the things that surprised me in this book:
1. The level of violence. I know, I know, it’s a teen spy book, what did I expect, right? Well, not what happened, that’s for sure!
Alex was: (view spoiler) ...more
3 Stars
Another three star read. I enjoyed it, I’ll read the next couple of sequels at least, but there was a lot that held me back from liking it more. This is (mostly) more my fault than the book’s; which is, for the most part, a high quality action-adventure spy-story very much in the vein of a ‘teenage James Bond’ that has fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Unfortunately I’ve never been that into the James Bond films, found Casino Royale to be a total snooze-fest, and have never had a ...more
Another three star read. I enjoyed it, I’ll read the next couple of sequels at least, but there was a lot that held me back from liking it more. This is (mostly) more my fault than the book’s; which is, for the most part, a high quality action-adventure spy-story very much in the vein of a ‘teenage James Bond’ that has fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Unfortunately I’ve never been that into the James Bond films, found Casino Royale to be a total snooze-fest, and have never had a ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action/Adventure ...: December 2020 Military/Spec Ops/Black Ops/PMC Group Read: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz *Spoilers* | 9 | 14 | Dec 19, 2020 07:42AM | |
| 2019 Roe Reading ...: Stormbreaker | 1 | 1 | Oct 11, 2020 12:23PM |
Readers also enjoyed
Anthony Horowitz, OBE is ranked alongside Enid Blyton and Mark A. Cooper as "The most original and best spy-kids authors of the century." (New York Times). Anthony has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he is also the writer and creator of award winning detective series Foyle’s War, and more recent
...more
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