Scorpia Rising - Anthony Horowitz

The final instalment in this fantastic series about Alex Rider that started over 10 years ago.

It was one of those books that I borrowed from the local library; back when I used to visit all the time.
Perhaps Mum suggested it because a child at her school had enjoyed it or maybe I chose it myself. I don't remember now. What I do remember is enjoying it. From book 4 onward I started buying them and I once won the second book on audio CD (so I know that story best).
At that point in my life, aged about 11, I had no previous interest in spy stories. I'd never seen a full James Bond film and yeah, characters in books I read did sneaky business that I suppose could be classed as spying, it wasn't like this.

Since reading this series I've been encouraged to read quite a lot of the original Ian Fleming - James Bond novels and also the spin of young Bond series by Charlie Higson. All very much appealing.

The story of Alex Rider, the 14 year old reluctant spy, drew me in and I have since enjoyed all 9 books in the series. It has been a long process to reach the end of this story but it has also been a worthwhile one.

This novel in fact has kept my brain ticking over today while I've been feeling rather ill. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint me and was a thoroughly good read.

The books may be about a 14-15 year old boy but the adventures he goes on are told in a brilliant style that will keep you wanting to find out more. Worth looking into.

4.5/5

Dave Gorman vs. the Rest of the World - Dave Gorman

I've been a huge fan of Dave's books and his comedy in general since I read "Are you Dave Gorman?" when it was first released. Around the year 2002.

Anyway, I listen to his radio show every week and I returned home this summer to this new book of his.

Somehow I'd been oblivious to his twitter conversation that sparked his latest adventure but I'm sort of glad. It made the whole story new (except for some of the darts stuff which had been on the radio) and it was a wonderful story.

Yes, it may just be a man's recounting of a load of games he played over a few months but it is written in Dave's wonderfully witty dialogue.

Worth a read and I really want to play Khet now. A game with lazers sounds fun!

4.7/5