His heart pulsed as he felt the cold steely gun pressed against his hand. He had a choice. Become an assassin or become an new man with a new identity.

“Russian Roulette” by Anthony Horowitz combined the psychological analysis of the human mind and adventure into an epic novel for readers over 12.

Horowitz published “Scorpia Rising” in 2011 was said to be the last installation of the Alex Rider book series. But, Horowitz found a way to continue the story with “Russian Roulette” which focuses on the life of the deadly contract killer Yassen Gregorovich.

Yassen Gregorovich grew up in a life of horror the book accounts all the years of his life and the tortures he endured during it. Seeing his parents dying in front of him after a biological war plant in his home village exploded lead to his life spiraling out of control. He went through problem after problem trying to find himself throughout the novel but ending feeling unable to do so.

Yassen’s character development was interesting. You saw the outcome of his choices and the reason why he chose that path making the reader feel very empathetic to him. Horowitz also did a good job comparing Yassen to Alex letting the reader see that there are a lot of similarities to the two. It showed how their lives aren’t so different; they just chose different causes to fight for.

There was a decent amount of violence in this book like the other Alex Rider books. Horowitz did not holding back on any gruesome details in killing scenes like normal. The details sucked readers in and held their attention. Horowitz created the feeling like the reader was there with the character every step of the way.

Overall the novel was really good. It had action, adventure and a good character development. However it does not seem to be Horowitz’s last installation to this series. He gave a lot of room to continue on to Yassin’s life. If you’re interested in this book you should read the last books in order to understand this one; otherwise it might be confusing

by ARIELLA APPLEBY