Anthony Horowitz previously declared he was finished with the adventures of Alex Rider, but found himself drawn back to Alex's world.
In fact, another novel in the series is expected. And for super fans, a television series is being made of book two, Point Blanc.
Until then, we have seven stories set in and around those previously published books. Three of them are brand new. Others you might have read online, or somewhere else, before.
The stories may be short (as in not novel length), but some are more than a single chapter's worth.
The first opens in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Another features tea at the home of MI6's gadget geek, Mr Smithers -- all is not as it seems.
In yet another, Alex's suspicions are raised by a chocolate bar (you'll have to read the story called The Man With Eleven Fingers to find out why).
Whatever their driver, the stories all add to the picture readers have of Alex Rider, his experience as a spy and the impact on him. Or if you've never read an Alex Rider story before, these are a great place to start.
Alex Rider: Secret Weapon is a great way to revisit the past stories in the series, get a new perspective on them, and to whet your appetite ahead of the new book.
Just for the record, Anthony Horowitz himself thinks that Alex Rider: Secret Weapon is probably his fiftieth published book. It seems appropriate that such a milestone should be accomplished with his wunderkind character.
Title: Alex Rider: Secret Weapon
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406387476
For ages: 10+
Type: Young adult fiction
