Book review: Scorpia: The Graphic Novel, by Anthony Horowitz, adapted by Antony Johnson, illustrated by Emma Vieceli

Horowitz, Anthony. Scorpia: The Graphic Novel. (Alex Rider Action Adrenalin Adventure). Adapt. by Antony Johnson. Ill. by Emma Vieceli. Candlewick, 2016. $14.99. 176p. ISBN 978-0-7636-9457-5. Ages 9-12. P8Q8

Alex Rider, a 14-year-old spy for MI6, faces danger during his infiltration into Scorpio, an assassins’ syndicate with ties to his dead father, during his school trip to Venice. His responsibility is to stop the release of a weapon that could kill thousands of innocent British school children, but he is afraid that his father has been one of the bad guys.

Verdict: Like the original from 2006, this is an exciting, fast-paced romp.

November 2017 review by Nel Ward.

Book review: Eagle Strike: The Graphic Novel, by Anthony Horowitz, adapted by Antony Johnson, illustrated by Kanako and Yuzuru

Horowitz, Anthony. Eagle Strike: The Graphic Novel. (Alex Rider Action Adrenalin Adventure). Adapt. by Antony Johnson. Illustrations by Kanako and Yuzuru. Candlewick, 2012. $14.99. 176p. ISBN 978-0-7636-9256-8. Ages 9-12. P8Q8

Horowitz’s popular series about teenage spy Alex Rider has been adapted into graphic novels as the boy keeps getting drawn into violent adventures. This mystery, set in southern France, depicts the MI6 agent tracking down the attackers of his hosts, his possible girlfriend Sabina Pleasure and her family. In the fourth book, Alex has only 90 minutes to save the world in a virtual reality game.

Verdict: The adaptation of Horowitz’s Eagle Strike makes the graphic narrative available to an audience of reluctant readers who might prefer this format. A version of Horowitz’s 2003 book, Eagle Strike. 

November 2017 review by Nel Ward.