The teen spy Alex Rider has been the protagonist of many successful novels, all by Anthony Horowitz. Alex's adventures have become more dangerous as he has matured, with this unique coming-of-age story managing both to play on the tropes of the espionage genre and bring something new to the table. The first book was adapted into a film while the novel series was adapted into a TV show, premiering on IMDb TV in 2020.
Each book within the series adds to Alex's arc, and all of them are exceptionally thrilling. Readers on Goodreads have taken to the popular site to share their thoughts on the series and rank the books. These Alex Rider books were all released in the main series and don't include short stories and supplementary materials.
Stormbreaker (#1) - 3.99
Stormbreaker is the first book within the Alex Rider series and the only novel in the series to inspire a big-screen cinematic adaptation. While the Stormbreaker film might not have gotten everything right about the novel, the initial book itself isn't the best of the series either.
There was a lot to achieve in such a short book and Horowitz managed to effectively introduce his protagonist and the world of espionage that the teenager was about to enter. Packed with complex sequences, Stormbreaker gave a taste of what was to come but didn't progress out of its action-thriller roots. Ultimately, a 3.99 score is still admirable.
Skeleton Key (#3) - 4.07
Skeleton Key is the third installment of the series but was deemed to be slightly lesser than its upcoming predecessor. In spite of its score, Horowitz really hit his stride here, utilizing the novel to build up the threats that Alex would face in future sequels.
Alex's adventure here is more globe-trotting than usual, as the British government unites with the CIA for the first time in an uneasy alliance. The team-up sees Alex come across new partners and chase down a man with nuclear weapons. It's also the novel that sees the introduction of Sabina Pleasure, a vital part of the young hero's world moving forward.
Point Blanc (#2) - 4.11
Point Blanc points its direction towards science fiction more than other books in the series; that's even when taking into account the incredible cinematic-inspired gadgets Alex often uses. This was the hero's second outing and indeed the sequel to Stormbreaker, but the stakes weren't necessarily raised. This story arc provided inspiration for season 1 of the Alex Rider TV series.
There's something a lot smaller about this story, which sees Alex go to a boarding school for rich kids. The mystery elements are heightened here, but the cloning saga doesn't feel as if it quite fits with the rest of the series, despite how intriguing the premise is.
Eagle Strike (#4) - 4.12
Eagle Strike is the fourth book in the series and sees Alex come across an unusual threat. In the past, his back has been up against the wall thanks to criminal masterminds and other espionage agencies. This time around, Yassen Gregorovich has been a particular thorn in his side.
Horowitz gives the teenager a new mission: to discredit the most popular man on the planet. This man has a number of dark secrets to hide, but the novel is as much about tearing down fame in light of the truth as it is building up the conflicts within Alex's life, which are about to come to a head. Fans of the series can watch Eagle Strike brought to life in Alex Rider season 2, available on IMDb TV.
Ark Angel (#6) - 4.12
Ark Angel is the sixth installment of Alex's adventures and really marks the turning point within his life. The novels have become increasingly more violent as Rider's coming-of-age narrative takes him to far murkier waters than he had previously encountered.
Fresh off the injuries of previous operations, Alex immediately comes face to face with eco-terrorists in a plot that sees the realms of space become a battlefield. With an out-of-this-world hotel (literally) in its final stages of launch, these books are taken to new heights in an imaginative tale perfect for kids and adults alike.
Snakehead (#7) - 4.15
The seventh installment to the Alex Rider series is even more gruesome than most and it would be intriguing to see if the Amazon Prime Video Alex Rider adaptation changes anything from the original. Indeed, illegal organ transplants are behind the criminal organization the trained assassin must face in this book.
The Snakehead group is as corrupt as can be, taking advantage of poverty and causing discussion surrounding the ideological themes of dissent and social injustice more than ever before. Alex has been against some notable threats, but the audience is truly drawn into the concept that this could be his final mission. Horowitz expertly balances tension with Alex's usual escapades.
Scorpia (#5) - 4.18
Unlike some of the other novels within the series, Scorpia, the fifth book, is far more personal for Alex. It ties up loose ends from his earlier adventures and finally comes to answer his questions concerning both his heritage and his family.
Alex is given his own James Bond-esque moment, with the rise of Scorpia, a criminal group that has deep ties to Rider's own bloodline. His world is torn apart by the revelations and the book is ranked so high thanks to the impact the title has on the series and the character's arc moving forward.
Crocodile Tears (#8) - 4.19
With natural disasters becoming an unusual source of business, Alex Rider faces off against a conman that has risen far above his station, in the eighth part of the saga. The story is especially engrossing thanks to its realistic premise and critical analysis of capitalism.
With an entrepreneur creating their own crisis for which they can provide the cure, tracing the money won't quite be enough to bring about a flaw in this well-crafted plan. It's a mission that relies on Alex's cunning and demonstrates his growth throughout the series, hence its higher ranking.
Scorpia Rising (#9) - 4.29
The return of Scorpia is a huge moment in Alex's journey, and Horowitz has masterfully created a narrative here that provides a greater set of dangerous circumstances than the growing hero has ever encountered. The ninth book in the series upped the stakes further.
Alex is sent to the Middle East to supposedly put an end to the criminal organization that's influencing events with a power unmatched. Alex hasn't had to face competency and scale like this. Scorpia is very much on the rise, as Alex continues to reel from recent losses in his life and prepare for those that are yet to be. This is Rider at a level of desperation that forces the audience to take notice.
Russian Roulette (#10) - 4.35
The most underrated of spy movies usually include a protagonist who's as unlikely as the premise of their mission. For Russian Roulette, the prequel to the series but also the tenth book, Yassen Gregorovich is that unexpected hero at the center of the story.
The complex hitman might have ended the life of Alex's closest family, but his own sacrifice has proven to be a calculated move to save the teenage spy. Yassan's own journey is hugely influential to the Rider family and this novel is a perfect dive into his origin and his own psyche ahead of his well-known missions. It's a tour-de-force of Horowitz's tools.
Never Say Die (#11) - 4.37
It seems fitting that the two seemingly concluding chapters of Alex's life are ranked the highest. Book eleven of the series, Never Say Die, is the catalyst for his final mission, but certainly not to be overlooked. Here, Horowitz shows a mastery over his characters and the world he has built.
Broken by Scorpia Rising and doubting himself in a way that he never has before, everything about the character is stripped back, allowing for raw emotion to guide his every action. Alex's revenge and hunt for the most important person in his life force him to tackle Scorpia head-on.
Nightshade (#12) - 4.49
Nightshade is a great cap-off to Alex's many adventures. This is a weathered and determined iteration of the character, which demonstrates the journey he has been on since his initial introduction. With yet another experienced organization ready to strike, Alex is more prepared than ever.
Alex is going solo here, whereas in the past, he has been backed by so many allies. The twelfth book takes its name from the deadly group he seeks to destroy. But the scars of his past are not forgotten, as Horowitz brings in his best work to date that demonstrates how the series matured with its fans.