Eagle Strike
| First edition cover First edition cover | |
| Author | Anthony Horowitz |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Alex Rider series |
| Genre | Adventure, Spy novel |
| Publisher | Walker Books (UK) |
Publication date | 4 September 2003 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 240 pp (first edition, paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-142-40738-0 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
| Preceded by | Skeleton Key |
| Followed by | Scorpia |
Eagle Strike is the fourth book in the Alex Rider series written by British author Anthony Horowitz. The book was released in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2003 and in the United States on April 12, 2004. The setting is mostly in France, Amsterdam, and London.
Plot
While on vacation in France with Sabina Pleasure, Alex Rider notices assassin Yassen Gregorovich; Alex decides to ignore him. However, the Pleasures' vacation house explodes, leaving Alex to suspect Yassen. Infiltrating his yacht, Alex is caught and placed in a bull fight. He escapes, and calls a number from Yassen's phone. Hearing pop-star Damian Cray on the line, he hangs up. Though MI6 doesn't support him, he investigates.
Alex meets with a photographer in Paris, who reveals that Sabina's father had been writing an article about Damian Cray; the photographer is killed moments later. In Amsterdam, Alex infiltrates Cray Industries. After hearing the name "Eagle Strike," he is caught and placed in a life-size version of Cray's video game, Gameslayer. By faking his own death, Alex manages to escape. Realizing that he stole the flash drive for Eagle Strike, Cray sends his forces after Alex. However, he evades them.
Upon returning home, Alex discovers that Sabina has been kidnapped, and will be released for the flash drive. At Cray's house, Alex threatens to destroy the flash-drive, but does not when Cray threatens to sever Sabina's finger. Cray arranges a tea, where he reveals his plan to eradicate the drug trade by launching nuclear missiles at major drug-running countries.
At Heathrow Airport, after creating a diversion, Cray, Sabina, Alex, and Yassen (working for Cray) enter Air Force One. In the missile control room, Cray enters the flash-drive and activates the missiles. Cray then orders Yassen to shoot Alex and Sabina; he refuses. Cray shoots him. Yassen tells Alex to go to Venice and find Scorpia, where he will "find (his) destiny." Cray then shoots Alex. Alex, not severely injured, overcomes Cray with Sabina, pushing him into the engines, shredding him to bits. The pair escape before the pilot crashes the plane and kills everyone aboard.
Sabina reveals that her family is moving to San Francisco to get away from the stress, though she will still visit London. She and Alex part, though not without a kiss.
Reception
Booklist said, "Alex Rider is back for another adventure! Once again, Horowitz tells a tight story, and his knack for descriptive action drives readers through the very accessible plot." SLJ said, "This heart-racing novel combines fast-paced action with ingenious gadgets. This book will certainly get [readers] addicted and anxiously awaiting the next installment."
Awards and nominations
- Shortlisted for the British Books MK Smith’s Children’s Book Award.[citation needed]
- New York times bestseller.[citation needed]