Eagle Strike

infobox Book |
name = Eagle Strike
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = First edition cover
author = Anthony Horowitz
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series = Alex Rider series
genre = Adventure, Spy novel
publisher = Walker Books (UK)
release_date = 4 September 2003
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = 240 pp (first edition, paperback)
isbn = ISBN 0-7445-5943-X (first edition, paperback)
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.

Plot introduction

Walker Books plot synopsis: [cite web|url=http://www.walkerbooks.co.uk/assets_walker/dynamic/1172016728312/1844280950_AI.pdf|format=PDF|title=Skeleton Key|publisher=Walker Books website|accessdate=2007-05-22]

Plot summary

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. Cray then shoots Alex. Alex, saved by the bulletproof jersey, manages to get up and tackle Cray. He then shoves Cray out on a trolley cart out the plane door, where Cray is shredded. Before dying, Yassen tells him that he worked with Alex's father and to tell him to go to Venice, find Scorpia, and find his destiny. The trolley damages the engine, crashing the plane.

At the end of the novel, Sabina reveals that her family is moving to San Francisco, 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.Fact|date=August 2008
*New York times bestseller.Fact|date=August 2008

Footnotes

ee also

*Alex Rider