Snakehead (Alex Rider Adventure)

SNAKEHEAD, the seventh book in Anthony Horowitz's New York Times bestselling Alex Rider series, marks the improbable return of Scorpia to the world stage. The international criminal organization, whose name stands for "sabotage, corruption, intelligence, and assassination," had been on a serious downward spiral thanks to Alex Rider, who made sure that their Invisible Sword operation went catastrophically wrong. However, Scorpia took revenge on their 14-year-old nemesis and was able to recover well enough to begin offering their services once again to world governments, big business and terrorist groups.

Its members are hopeful that a new project will enable them to continue their resurgence and put them back on the map permanently. Their mission is to assassinate eight extremely wealthy and influential people (among them, a pop singer, a billionaire and an ex-U.S. president) who will be gathering at a summit "to make poverty history." Scorpia will not tolerate the means by which they intend to achieve such an ambitious goal, so their lives must end tragically. It's crucial that the deaths appear to be accidental so that none of the participants can be looked upon as martyrs, which would shine a stronger spotlight on their cause.

Enter Major Winston Yu, who controls a huge criminal network called shetou (snakehead in English). He will arrange for a very special bomb called Royal Blue to be used in the attack. The bomb not only will cause unspeakable destruction, it also will cover up the fact that a mass murder has taken place.

In the meantime Alex has been rescued from outer space by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), whose chief executive of its Covert Division, Ethan Brooke, would like the teen to find out as much as he can about the dreaded snakehead network. The plan is for Alex to go to Bangkok where he will play son to one of their agents, who will be assuming the role of an Afghan refugee hoping to be smuggled into Australia with the assistance of the snakehead. Understandably, Alex is extremely reluctant to be involved in such a risky operation; his previous six adventures would almost seem like child's play compared to this endeavor.

Ultimately, however, Alex accepts the challenge when he learns that the man accompanying him is none other than Ash, his father's closest friend who is also his godfather. Alex believes that spending time with this relative stranger, even under such dire circumstances, will give him the opportunity to learn more about his parents and the events that led to their untimely demise.

Alex's initial encounter with the snakehead is brief and unpleasant, but the worst is yet to come when Mr. Anan Sukit, its lieutenant, lures him into an arena where spectators are looking forward to seeing a poor, seemingly defenseless teenager get beaten unconscious --- or even worse --- in the sport known as Muay Thai, one of the most aggressive and dangerous martial arts in the world. Thanks to some quick thinking (and a little cheating for good measure) Alex defeats the burly fighter named Sunthorn in front of a stunned and outraged crowd. He faces the prospect of being shot and killed by Sukit, but a blast from the past (so to speak) saves the day in explosive fashion.

Alex's mission becomes even more complex when he's reunited with Mrs. Jones, the head of Special Operations at MI6. His former employer is investigating Major Yu and asks him to locate Royal Blue for them. They have no idea what the bomb will be used for, which worries them; if this is a Scorpia operation, they know all too well how serious and large-scale it will be. At first Ash isn't too thrilled with this latest turn of events but allows Alex to do what he thinks is right --- and eventually opens up to him about John and Helen Rider, and his own tenure at MI6.

At this point, the major questions that need answers are obvious. Will Alex be able to find Royal Blue and in the process prevent the devastation that the snakehead is concocting? How can he escape the wrath of Major Yu? Will Scorpia be taken down and disbanded once and for all? However, Horowitz manages to pull off a stunner of a plot twist that even the most avid fans of the series probably won't see coming. In addition, we sympathize with Alex and his desire to find out more about himself and his family; after all, he literally puts his life on the line in order to obtain this information.

I'm sure a part of us would love to see Alex lead as normal a life as possible for a change, but that most likely would mean the end of this phenomenal series, right? Well, not necessarily. It has been reported that the eighth book will focus on Yassen Gregorovich's childhood, with brief appearances by Alex. So perhaps he'll be able to take a much-deserved break from undercover work and enjoy being a teenager in 2008. Maybe.

--- Reviewed by Tom Donadio

Snakehead has to be the best in Horowitz novels and that is something in itself. Snakehead is fast paced gripping and vivid. However, something that sets this episode in Alex's life apart is that Alex rider finally pays a visit to the east. From the dazzling skyscrapers of Bangkok to the ancient docks in Djakarta from the green of the Australian rainforest to the deserted deck of an oil rig, Alex has seen it all. Getting involved with the snakeheads, a gang more vicious than the triads and deadlier than the mafias, Alex is back, reluctant as ever and working for the Australians. When an old enemy returns, a conspiracy is unearthed that can literally, change the world. With vivid descriptions, fast paced action this has all the cheek and action that you can expect. With some more thrown in. This is definitely Horowitz in his prime.

Snakehead goes deeper in this book than any other previous book in it's series. Previously, Alex has had to battle the usual cast list of crazed billionaires. However, the trade in human body parts that lies at the heart of the story is real, and extends to children. One of my favorite lines that was so powerful was "You're going to have a lot of surgery, Alex. There are some bad days ahead. But you'll come through... I know you will. We'll help you to the finishing line," Aussie doctor Tanner told him. As a piece of dramatic writing on this subject, I found it far more impressive than any of the other books in the series.

Snakehead goes deeper in this book than any other previous book in it's series. Previously, Alex has had to battle the usual cast list of crazed billionaires. However, the trade in human body parts that lies at the heart of the story is real, and extends to children. One of my favorite lines that was so powerful was "You're going to have a lot of surgery, Alex. There are some bad days ahead. But you'll come through... I know you will. We'll help you to the finishing line," Aussie doctor Tanner told him. As a piece of dramatic writing on this subject, I found it far more impressive than any of the other books in the series.

Alex Rider, a teenage spy, has finally given up working for M16 (the British intelligence agency). But that does not mean he won't work for the Australian agency as a spy. He doesn't accept the request just to do the mission though; he accepts because his godfather, Ash, is the other agent he will be working with. His parents have died and Ash was his father's best friend, so Alex wants to know the truth about his parents and how they died. Can Alex trust Ash or will he be betrayed and have the whole mission fall apart, leaving him in grave danger?
There were many emotions felt while reading this book, but the one that I experienced the largest amount was astonishment. Just when I thought that it couldn't get any worse for Alex, it did. Just when I thought that there is no way Alex can escape this time, the author found a way for Alex to escape in the craziest way imaginably possible. The book just left me surprised time after time.
If I had to compare it to a book then it would have to be The Lightning Thief. It has the same idea of a teenager doing amazing things to help really important authority. In The Lightning Thief the authority would be the gods, and in Snakehead the authority would be the countries he was working for. If anyone enjoyed Snakehead, then The Lightning Thief would be an awesome read.
I truly believe that this is one of the greatest books I have ever read. There were no boring parts in this book. It was just nonstop action that left me trying to catching my breath. Everything is happening so fast in the book which just makes it thrilling. Snakehead is an awesome book, and I recommend it to anyone that needs some excitement in their lives.

Not to rush Horowitz or anything, but with a series like this, who can wait to get their hands on the next one? I mean, I want anyone else to find a book more exciting than this about a fourteen-year-old spy. Impossible, right? "Snakehead" is all about trust and betrayal and - of course - action. Though I can't say this is the best of the Alex Rider series, it still lived up to my expectations. Can't wait for "Crocodile Tears" to come out into stores!

I have not read Snakehead in its entirety for several months, but I loved it the first time around and loved it even more the second time around!
Awesome action and suspense, yet Horowitz develops Alex's character in this seventh adventure. Alex is beginning to find his own feet-not that he can't stand on his own-but he is beginning to become closer to fifteen than before. Great job. Scorpia is a hard one to pass up, but I think Snakehead is its equal. A few of the...suspenseful parts Horowitz purposefully passes up the obvious solution, as always. Many surprises, some of the old friends, of course, and fantastic new ones.
As to the accusation that this book is unrealistic...we are talking about Alex Rider, the fourteen year-old spy on his seventh mission in a year. This is fiction! Horowitz is excellent at making the unbelievable believable. And-SPOILER???-I love how he explains why the villains love monologues.
END SPOILER
Over all, I found my high expectations met. Very soon, I shall read Snakehead for the third time...
I am looking forward to it.

This is yet another great addition to the Alex Rider series. It's filled with non-stop action, and it's got a better overall plot than book 6 Ark Angel. Alex is on a mission with his godfather, whom he never knew. He has to infiltrate the snakehead, a criminal organization that ASIS (Australian Intelligence) wants to find out about. Alex goes through many twists and turns. The villan is very good, but I have one problem with this book. Alex Rider is like a James Bond but 14. He has the same personality, and basically the same type of missions. This part I have no problem with, what bothers me is that Alex Rider is turning into 1960's James Bond. It has a formula that I really want Anthony Horowitz to break. (Warning spoilers within.)
1. Alex goes on a mission.
2. He finds out some things about the criminal, and then gets caught.
3. He meets the villan.
4. The villan says something like "So your a little James Bond eh? Well let me tell you my entire plan because you can't possibly get away."
5. Alex gets away.
6. He ends up stoping the villan.
7. The villan dies.
8. Alex goes back to Royal General bank (MI6 Headquarters) and Mr. Blunt and Mrs. Jones say "Good job, you know you should do this when you grow up and you can still work for us."
9. Alex says "No." Or a wittier way of saying no.
10. You know he'll be back.

This formula was great for about 3 books, then it gets old. He changed up with books 4,5, and 6 kind of but still. He has to keep it a little fresher. Still this book was great and I enjoyed it very much, but still needs a little work. I kind of want to see him lose. He wins every time, so you kind of know what will happen from page 1. If he changes it a little than it would be much better, but regardless it was a great book.

I read Snakehead first and then decided that I had to read the whole series. I went to the library and borrowed all 6 books and spent my Christmas break (yes I need a life) reading it. This book and the whole series is a shot in the arm for a genre that would be of interest to preteen and teen boys the world over. No doubt Alex is a smart and savvy spy but he also shows his emotional and needy side when he's afraid or unsure of anything he has to do or is in need of his guardian's support after a tough time. Throughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

I think "Snakehead" was another brillant action book from the Alex Rider series written by Anthony Horowitz. It really makes me realise how easy i have life. I gave this book a 4/5 stars for a great story line andgreat discription of charters and plot twists. Another reason i give it this book relates to my life abd nakes me realise how easy life is. So once again Anthony Horowitz secedes in selling another great book.

'Snakehead' has it all: Non-stop action, surprise, suspense, betrayal...Basically, it is a fast-paces book and makes a very enjoyable read. It's really no surprise that the Alex Rider series are considered as books that magically makes boys want to READ. I thought Snakehead was one of the best in the series, and there is definitely no room for boredom. I think it was more intense than some of the previous books. Also, it was a little more 'realistic'-meaning, more easily relatable to real people's lives...while at the same time keeping the absolutely crazy adventures and miracles that come Alex's way. There is so much more to the 14-year-old hero than just saving the world. It would definitely recommend this book, and it would make a great present for brothers, kids, teenagers!

Loved it! Once again, Mr Horowitz knows how to put you IN the action and excitement. You can almost feel Alex's emotions. Sadly, I have to wait a loooooong time for Crocodile Tears and Scorpia Rising, but hey Snakehead was a brilliant book to 'end off with' persay.

Anthony Horowitz has written some fantastic books, but I think this one is the best. Although, every time I say that, I read the next book and it is even better. There is nothing bad at all about this book.

Snakehead is a thrilling and action-packed book based on Espionage.
It involves a teen age spy, Alex, and the most notorious international terrorist organization The Snakeheads. Alex is put through illegal martial arts fighting, exploding Mines, and mass ballistic gunfights between rival factions in order to find what secrets lie at the core of the Snakehead. Alex is also accompanied by his Godfather who has some secrets that Alex may not want to hear. So check out the seventh book in this intense series called The Alex Rider series, and prepare to be BLOWN off your chair and into a world of Chaos and Mass-Destruction!

Book 7 in series. A little predictable yet very entertaining. Horowitz has a style of writing that pulls you into the story and along with the characters. It is obvious he does a lot of research as events are very detailed.

this book it is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lots of humor and suspence. one gross part where he might get harveted for organs.
id buy this book for 5x more
if u are 12-1234 this is your book

My son had been looking forward (obsessing!) about the release of this book since July. He is 10 years old and LOVES the series. He loved this book - now he's awaiting the next one. Hats off to A. Horowitz for helping my son love reading so much.

This seventh book in series ( i think). I was expecting more adventure as was seen in the rest of the Alex Rider Adventure and i wasnt dissapointed. Still with fresh ideas that jsut keep you turning the pages until you finish it. Good book thats all. I read that there might be an eight book

This book is awesome! I have read the whole series and have always have had a hard time putting the Kindle down so I can sleep. I am re-reading this series, yet it is just as fun as the first time. For anyone who likes James Bond, this is the series for you!

Snakehead is a very good book with lots of action. The only problem I have with it is that it is very similar to the other books in the series. It is like Horowitz just takes his old books and puts in new places and names. You can easily predict what is going to happen at the end which ruins it a little. Still a good book with lots of action from a great series.

This book is definitely not for the younger reader. While Horowitz is masterful at creating suspense and ingenious solutions, too many of the situations in this book are realistic and can't be relegated to an impossible fantasy. In particular, I am thinking of no-holds-barred fights to the death, and illegal immigrants crammed into freight containers. Top it all off with betrayal by the trusted father figure--Yuck. Violence aside, this book is just much creepier and distasteful than the rest of the series. While I would not censor this from my son, I'm strongly encouraging him to put it aside and move on to something else if and when it makes him too uncomfortable.

My son's Review: This is Anthony Horowitzs' Worst Alex Rider Book. Note I have read all the Alex Rider Books. Scorpia is way better. There needs to be more suspense. The type A something blood part was uncalled for. The rats part was almost good. The author makes the mistake as most authors do make the hero(es) seem invicible. Overall this is a horible book.