Review of Scorpia Rising

     Scorpia Rising is the ninth book in the Alex Rider series. It is, in a way, the finale of the Alex Rider series. The reason I say that is because the next book in the series does not pick up after the events of this book. Scorpia Rising is in my opinion the best book of the Alex Rider series. It had tons of action and adventure, the setting was stunning, and the plot was amazing, and just as thrilling. In my opinion, this is probably the grittiest, most intense book of the Alex Rider series. However, that doesn't stop it at all from being excellent. Let's start with the plot. The beginning is all about Scorpia and its current state. As they failed their last two missions, it is steadily losing its reputation and they aren't even considered a threat to any part of the world anymore. Scorpia wants to change that. Their new assignment is given by a dying billionaire. That assignment is to collect the Elgin marbles from Britain, as they formerly were owned by Greece. The billionaire is very dissatisfied with that, and is giving Scorpia a chance to steal them back. An the project is given to a new member of Scorpia, Razim. He has a devastating plan involving Alex Rider...you have to read this book to figure out exactly what he plans. The plot then switches to Alex's perspective. He is a normal teen, now 15 years old. He is no longer a kid and he is in 10th grade. The most important fact is he is no longer being used by M16. He no longer associated with them in any way. Same with his housekeeper, Jack. On a regular day in school, a sniper attempts to shoot at him. He misses, how ever very narrowly. Instead he hits Alex's best friend. Alex evades the sniper and attacks him back, getting revenge at the sniper. However, MI6 now contacts him and they say that England is no longer safe for Alex. He must go to a new school in Egypt, until he is safe again. He and Jack argue against M16, but reluctantly agree. He then is sent to Egypt, only to find that Alex and Jack are now pawns of Razim now. Read to find out what happens next to Alex...

     This was a excellent book, probably the best Alex Rider book. The past Alex Rider books often suffer the same mistakes. Alex often gets lucky and the plot is sometimes a little too far-fetched. This book really proves that Alex is unlucky and is finally caught, with real consequences happening to him. It seems very realistic. The plot is probably the best of the whole Alex Rider series. There are many twists and turns in the book that really kept me to the edge, with plenty of intense moments. Some of the biggest secrets that are hidden throughout the series, are finally revealed. There are no cliche moments in this book either, as there were in other books. I felt that this novel was the most emotional in the series, which is definitely a pro. The setting is excellent too. Egypt is very well described, and it seems so alive and vibrant.

     The villain, Razim, is the deadliest, most powerful one yet. Without spoiling too much, I'll tell you that he has no emotion at all. He is cold, calculating, and brutal. Some of the other villains in the series were often portrayed as unintelligent, or downright corny. Not in this one, though. Razim is the best villain in terms of ferocity. He is clearly a guy you don't want to mess with.

     I would rate this book a 9.5 out of 10. The only con is the beginning was a little boring, but that is solved as the book goes on. The plot, the characters, and the setting were all excellent. This time,
Alex Rider is tested beyond his limits. Definitely read this soon! If you haven't read Alex Rider books before, make sure to read the past ones. You'll be very confused if you don't.