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Alex Rider: Russian Roulette (Prequel)

By Anthony Horowitz

Book 1 of 14 in the Alex Rider series

How did an ordinary Russian boy become the deadly assassin ordered to hunt Alex Rider?

gripping thrilling compelling intense

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.6

From 10 readers

What do our readers think of Alex Rider: Russian Roulette (Prequel)? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children find the story gripping, action-packed and especially interesting because it shows Yassen's past and makes him a more complex character. Some children think parts of the book are slow or very dark, but many enjoy the suspense and recommend it to fans of Alex Rider.

What does the Pageticker team say about Alex Rider: Russian Roulette (Prequel)?

We find this a gripping and thoughtful prequel that gives Yassen Gregorovich a surprisingly complex history, while keeping the action, danger and twists that Alex Rider fans expect. Its exploration of how fear, loss and manipulation can shape a young person makes it especially interesting for older junior readers, though parents and carers should note the violence, deaths and darker themes.

Genres

Adventure Mystery

What is Alex Rider: Russian Roulette (Prequel) about?

In 'Russian Roulette', delve into the gripping backstory of Yassen Gregorovich, the notorious assassin from the Alex Rider series. This thrilling prequel reveals Yassen's transformation from an ordinary Russian boy into a deadly contract killer. As he receives orders to eliminate teenage spy Alex Rider, Yassen reflects on his tumultuous past, uncovering the events and choices that led him down a dark path. This compelling narrative offers a fresh perspective on the world of espionage and the blurred lines between friend and foe.

About the author

Anthony Horowitz is a popular author from England who has written many exciting books for children and young people. He is best known for the Alex Rider series, which follows a teenage spy on thrilling adventures. Anthony loves telling stories full of mystery and action that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Discussion ideas around Alex Rider: Russian Roulette (Prequel)

Choices and responsibility: How far is Yassen responsible for the person he becomes, and how much do other people and events influence his choices?

Good and evil: What does the story suggest about whether someone can be both a victim and a villain?

Friendship and trust: Which relationships have the greatest effect on Yasha, and what makes trust difficult in a world of spies and criminals?

A dangerous world: How does the book show the effects of violence and powerful organisations on ordinary young people?

Seeing another side: How does learning Yassen's past change the way you think about him and his conflict with Alex Rider?

Pages

404 pages

Reading age

Older Junior (10-15)

This edition

2015

First published

2013

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