Eagle Strike Graphic Novel: A thrilling full-colour adaptation of the fourth book in the action-packed spy adventure series that has sold over 21 million copies worldwide (Alex Rider, 4)

I can't remember just who I am quoting - likely a politician. I don't normally agree with politicians, but this one sentence did make sense. Children have so many avenues of entertainment now. If we want them to choose books over electronic entertainment - we need to find books that they just can not put down. Boys are much more selective in what they read, so finding books to really inspire them to read more may be a challenge, but thanks to Amazon - it isn't too much of a challenge. There are quite a few books written just for boys, and some of them, like this are very, very good. This is just the kind of book to draw boys in and make them find reading irresistible. It is full of action, adventure and plenty of laughs.This book begins with a flash back in time to the Amazon jungle "15 years ago". Two men are in military clothing. One bears a strong resemblance to Alex Rider, while the other looks very much like Yassen Gregorvich, a Russian terrorist who killed Alex's uncle, but spared his life, telling him to stay out of his world - or the world of spies and deniable operators. The one who looks like Alex saves the life of the other - calling him Cossack. Nothing more is said as to how these two fit into the story but it soon becomes obvious that Gregorovich has some bond with Alex - just not enough of a bond to stop him murdering the boy's uncle and guardian.The story begins with Alex trying to have a normal holiday with his girlfriend's family - but he can't resist a bit of snooping when he sees Yassen Gregorovich. When the villa he is staying in is blown up, seriously injuring his girlfriend's journalist father, Alex does a bit more snooping and soon has the drop on Gregorovich, but Alex isn't a killer and for some reason Gregorvich will not kill Alex. All the evidence points to a superstar pop singer, and also one of the richest men in the world being involved - but no one will listen to Alex and his "friends" at MI6 give him the cold shoulder.Naturally Alex decides to pursue the investigation on his own and he soon finds himself in the position of being needed to save the world once again - that is if he can save his own life first. I won't go into more detail as I truly hate any spoilers, but I will mention that a real life version of a video game is involved simply because this gives the book so much appeal to children.There is violence in this book, and even death but it is not excessive or overly graphic. I believe this book would best suit children from ages 6 -12 perhaps up to 14. My son had no problem reading this at 7 and read the other titles in the series at age 6. It does have the advantage of having lots of illustrations to help children keep the flow of the story - even if the odd word gives them trouble. I do feel that comics and graphic novels make reading easier, and therefore are a wonderful tool to encourage literacy.Finally, as this is a graphic novel, no review could be complete without mention of the graphics. I wouldn't class the illustrations as works of art. They do have a comic book style to them, but they are very good. I am giving the illustrations 5 out of 5 stars, and 5 stars for the story as well. This book really does make reading irresistible.

My Brandon loves these always happy to get another one

if you dont read as fast as you want, use the graphic novels. they allow you to get into thebook, and race thru it as any bookworm does but you dont need to be as good at reading. no its not mine it belongs to the gorillaz & deadmau5 fan

Looks to be okay. Reasonably priced. Fast delivery. Step grandson will like it - I think!As with the other one I ordered at the same time, it was left on my doorstep and NOT put through my letterbox as the delivery person said.This happens a lot and I'm sick of it!

I loved this book, it's a gripping story line and the artwork is fantastic too, it hooks you from the first page.A great fourth instalment from Anthony Horowitz for the Alex Rider series, It does the original title proud, I buy these books because my little brother is below average at reading and struggles, so by buying the graphic novel he can also enjoy the Alex Rider story with me...and there fun for me to read as well

Bought as a holiday read for our 11 year old grandson.Delighted with all 3 books,can't wait to give them to him

Great way to get boys to read using a comic strip. My 11 year old son enjoyed this book.

This arrived on time, is a great book with lovely illustrations in it. My son had already read the novel but still enjoyed this version alot.