This, the latest instalment in the Alex Rider series, more than lives up to any speculation surrounding it, and certainly carries on the furious action and pace of the other books. The story basically follows Alex Rider, the teenage spy for MI6, who, on this occasion, is trying to relax with friends in the South of France, and not on MI6 duty. However when his friend's parents' house is destroyed, and he is sure he knows who by, he is drawn into the ensuing network of criminality. It may sound like an all too familiar storyline, but there are lots of new touches, and the whole read is immensely enjoyable. Great for all readers in the cool-reads range, but may be slightly more aimed at boys.