Alex Rider [Paperback]

Anthony Horowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2006 | Series: Alex Rider

With an introduction by Smithers, this book contains detailed fold-out blueprints of the gadgets used by the teen superspy in Anthony Horowitz's bestselling series. It includes background information from the first six books (this edition has been updated with technical data from "Ark Angel") and technical specifications of all the gadgets used in the series, as well as classified memos and top secret reports written by Smithers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-10-Since Alex Rider is a teenage spy, the gadget inventors must come up with various devices that someone his age would logically have in his possession. The resulting equipment includes a hand-held game console, radio mouth brace, a pizza-delivery assassin kit, etc. Each device is shown in blueprint format, with a brief explanation of its purpose. The cases in which the gadgets appeared are referenced, so readers can now visualize how Alex got out of the scrapes he got into. A glossary explains the key scientific terms used in the explanations. A must-have for fans of the adventure/mystery series.-Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Horowitz, using the voice of M16 covert weapons specialist Derek Smithers, details the gadgets he developed for 14-year-old spy Alex Rider during his first five adventures. For each device Smithers clarifies the setting in which the contrivance was used, offers a detailed description of its operation, and provides a labeled schematic diagram. The inventions, engineered with wonderful kid-appeal, include a high-tensile yo-yo, a radio mouth brace, and an exploding ear stud. Smithers emphasizes that none of the M16 gadgets are deadly (Alex is, after all, still a boy), although he also describes Scorpia's pizza delivery assassin kit and the CIA Geiger counter games console. Horowitz/Smithers' frequently tongue-in-cheek commentary will remind young readers that these gadgets are still the stuff of fiction, although an appended glossary of scientific and technical terms makes it clear that the contraptions aren't that far-fetched. A sure bet for Alex Rider's many fans; classes teaching technical writing may also find this an interesting model. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens Paperbacks (June 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1406301817
• ISBN-13: 978-1406301816
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Alex Rider : The Gadgets, January 18, 2007

By 

reader mom "Becky" (Homer Glen IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alex Rider: The Gadgets (Alex Rider Adventure) (Hardcover)

At first I didn't think I would like this book. I got it as a present. but it was neat to see the different gadgets Alex gets to use in each story. It made me want to read the next book (point blank) right away! I really love this series. (as told by my 8 year old son)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fun for Alex Rider fan, August 15, 2008

By 

Diana E. Carroll "dbang-mom" (Acton, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alex Rider: The Gadgets (Alex Rider Adventure) (Hardcover)

My son is a huge Alex Rider fan. Has read each book several times, and watched the movie as well. So this book was a must -- he now thinks he's got the inside scoop on AR. If you aren't a fan of the series, I imagine this book would be pretty lame.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alex Rider: The Gadgets (Alex Rider Adventure), February 2, 2007

By 

J. Zysk "Father of the bookworm" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alex Rider: The Gadgets (Alex Rider Adventure) (Hardcover)

It's great book, I' got it for my son he read it in one day. The service was great, we' ve got the books in no time.