Scorpia Rising

Horowitz’s nine-book series ends with this fast, labyrinthine thriller set in the world of international espionage and featuring a 15-year-old wonder kid, recruited by MI6 to try to thwart a vicious terrorist cell that is intent on a plot that will blackmail the British Government into restoring the Elgin Marbles to Greece.

This time round the spy masters are having their doubts about using Alex Rider and for his part he is weary of the manipulation and the ever-present spectre of his own death. Scorpia has no such qualms; they are intent on achieving their goal and, as a bonus, eliminating Alex and disgracing Britain in the eyes of the world community.

It is an exciting read and will not disappoint teen fans. Horowitz is totally in control of his material and detail, his characters are deftly realised and he skilfully imbues a sense of the hero’s vulnerability alongside his extraordinary intelligence and resourcefulness. I’m sure plenty of fans will be reading it a very long time after lights out!