Point Blanc

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes post to catch up–emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
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Alex Rider is back with another dose of escapist spy fiction for the MG set. It's fun, but disposable. It's the audiobook equivalent of NCIS, an entertaining way to spend some time, but that's about it. I liked what Horowitz did with his character and I appreciated the growth in Alex.

This time, Alex is sent to an exclusive private school in the guise of a child of a rich and powerful man. Two similar fathers, from different parts of the world, with sons at this school, had recently been assassinated and M16 wants to get to the bottom of it.

Prebble did a fine job with the narration, I hope he continues.

This was clever and pretty exciting, I hope the series continues in this vein—I can absolutely see why my son tore through them (and re-read them, probably the only things he re-read). I'll be back for more (just wish I'd made myself do this back when he was reading them).

Entertaining, exciting YA spy book. Cool antagonist plot, plus the Alps!

Age range: 10-15
May be a little violent for younger readers.