Title: Stormbreaker
Author: Anthony Horowitz
First published September 4, 2000
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780142401651 (ISBN10: 014240165X)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Get ready for a spine-chilling ride with The Apartment by S.L. Grey. Mark and Steph’s lives are turned upside down after a traumatic home invasion.
Searching for an escape, they find a couple online and agree to a house swap in Paris. But the luxurious break they were promised turns out to be a nightmare when they arrive at a decrepit apartment.
The Petits seem to have vanished, and Mark and Steph are left alone to unravel the dark secrets hidden within the walls. Can they survive the horror that awaits them?
S.L. Grey’s gripping, creepy novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Anthony Horowitz is a highly acclaimed author who has been likened to Enid Blyton and Mark A. Cooper for his exceptional spy-kids books.
He’s been writing since he was eight years old, and turned professional at the age of twenty. Besides his successful Alex Rider series, he’s also written award-winning detective series Foyle’s War, and more recently, event drama Collision.
Horowitz has also written episodes for several TV shows, including Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders, and Murder Most Horrid. In 2009, he became the patron to East Anglia Children’s Hospices.
In 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz would be writing a new Sherlock Holmes novel entitled the House of Silk. This was a significant moment in literary history, as it marked the first time an official endorsement had been given to a new Sherlock Holmes novel.
Editoral Review
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz: An Exciting and Thrilling Spy Adventure for Young Adults
Anthony Horowitz, a prolific British author of both adult and children’s books, published Stormbreaker on September 4, 2000. It is the first novel in the thrilling Alex Rider series, which has become a favorite among young adult readers.
Stormbreaker is a spy adventure set in present-day England that follows the journey of a young teenage boy named Alex Rider, who is recruited by MI6 to complete a mission to save the world. The plot revolves around Alex Rider, a fourteen-year-old boy who has recently lost his uncle Ian Rider, a spy for MI6, in a mysterious car accident.
Alex is soon discovered to possess unique skills due to his uncle’s training, and he is subsequently recruited by MI6 to complete Ian’s mission: to investigate a computer technology company called Sayle Enterprises. Alex has to pose as a schoolboy and enter a competition to win a new computer called Stormbreaker, which is set to be released to schools across the country.
However, Alex soon uncovers a sinister plot behind the computer’s release, putting himself in grave danger and forcing him to fight against powerful adversaries. Horowitz’s writing style is sharply descriptive, vividly portraying characters, places, and events.
His writing style is also fast-paced, making the novel a thrilling and exciting read. The plot is well-developed, and the setting of present-day England and Sayle Enterprises adds a touch of realism to the novel.
The various spy gadgets, action-packed scenes, and unexpected plot twists create an excellent blend of suspense and tension. Moreover, Stormbreaker is a social commentary on the dangers of technology and the power it has on society.
The novel also touches on themes of identity, power, and morality, making it a valuable read for young adults. Horowitz portrays these themes in a manner that is relatable to young readers, and he does so without being overly didactic.
One of the novel’s limitations is its reliance on coincidences to move the plot forward at times, which can be a little too convenient. However, this flaw is forgivable given the novel’s target audience and overall quality of writing.
Overall, Stormbreaker is a well-crafted and exciting spy adventure suitable for young adults. Its themes resonate with our current times, making it a relevant read for young readers.
It is a must-read for fans of espionage, action, and adventure stories, and anyone who wants to be transported to a world of danger, excitement, and intrigue. Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
