I return to the clutch of “new generation” Bond novels. this time “Scorpia” by Anthony Horowitz.

Unlike the Cherub series reviewed earlier, Alex Rider, the teen hero of this series, is the lone youngster, drawn into exploits with MI6 against, in this particular instance, a powerful criminal organisation called Scorpia. We learn more about Alex’s family as first he is tricked into working for Scorpia after being shown a video of the death of his father. Later, after failing his first mission with them, he infiltrates them once again, now knowing of their deceit, to foil a terrible plot to kill thousands of children in London. There is of course more, and the ending is a powerful one for younger readers, leaving open the question of whether Alex survives. To be honest, this is the most Bond-like of all these new thriller series written for children and teens. For that reason alone, it is a very attractive read for adults also. The pace is good, though time is taken to fill in the details that ensures easy accessibility for the younger readers. Alex is learning about himself and wrestling with emotions that young people will relate to. The exploits themselves are outrageous in the very best Bond tradition. “Scorpia” is the fifth book in the series, and personally I found it every bit, and probably a bit more, as satisfying as the earlier ones. I resolved to listen to this series rather than read the books myself. The reader, Oliver Chris, is perfectly chosen for the task. Recommended bedtime reading/listening if you enjoy a flight of nostalgic “boy’s own” fantasy from time to time, but not a “one-off” read.
More information about the series can be found at the Alex Rider website.