Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Series: Alex Rider

Rating Explanation

Language: Minimal swearing and profanity

Violence: Alex is in peril for most of the book. He is caught in a car crusher, almost blown up in a booby trap, chased by men on 4-wheelers trying to kill him, shot at with a flamethrower, threatened with a knife, and physically attacked several times. Alex sees a man shot in the head at point-blank-range. Alex defends himself with karate. He shoots a man in the hand with a gun.

Adult Themes: There is a bio-terrorism plot to kill school children in England.

Synopsis

Alex Rider is a 14-year old spy for the British government. He happens into this unconventional situation when his uncle dies in a mysterious car crash. Alex soon discovers that the crash was no accident and that his uncle was definitely not the banker he always told Alex he was. Recruited by the government to finish his uncle’s last assignment, Alex is thrust into the dangerous life of a spy. He discovers the deadly plot, but will he be able to get the information to the government before time runs out?

This book came highly recommended by my 15 year old nephew and my 11 year old daughter. I think I enjoyed it as much as they did! It is an exciting story with lots of fun in it too, especially Alex’s great spy gadgets. There is some violence in it, as explained in the Rating Explanation, however, it is not graphic and I was relieved that Alex didn’t kill anyone. Alex is a very likable character and what 14 year old boy doesn’t want to be a spy? I recommended this book for 6th grade and up, but I am fine with my 5th grader reading it.

©2009 The Literate Mother