If you reach this point in the series you know the formula by now, and within that formula this book was quite entertaining, taking Alex to the extreme and even out of the world. ( )

Suspense

Not enough girls ( )

Alex has survived the sniper's shot and is convalescing in a private hospital for the rich and famous. His room is next door to Paul, the son of a Russian multibillionaire, which allows him to fool kidnappers into taking him instead. Eco-terrorists have been trying to sabotage the Russian's rocket launch headed to a private space station. The billionaire is grateful to Alex and invites him for a two week vacation at his island in the Caribbean where the launch will take place. However, Alex's vacation is less than restful when he is recruited by the CIA to make sure that the billionaire remains honest.

Even though Ark Angel predicts the privatization of space travel 15 years before it actually happens, it is still a very far fetched entry in the Alex Rider series. Once again, we are treated to action, suspense, and adventure, but many of the events in the the story are extremely unrealistic. The best part of the story is the beginning when Alex makes himself the target of kidnappers. Overall, though, Ark Angel doesn't add much to this ongoing series. ( )