Setting:Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz

          This is my first week in reading Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz, the fifth book in the Alex Rider series. One thing that I like from the very beginning is that the setting is established very quickly. Another thing I like is that it jumps into the action right off the bat. But this week, I'll be focusing in on the setting.
          The setting in this book plays a key role in the overall plot. The setting for Scorpia is Venice, Italy. Venice is a very interesting place because it is a group of 118 islands. There are very few streets in Venice(the water actually acts as the streets). The time period that the book takes place in is the modern 21st century. This unique setting is critical in this book. Because the city is, as the author describes it, "a maze of canals and buildings," it makes it difficult for Alex Rider, the main character, to get around the town. And because he doesn't own a boat, this makes even more difficulty for him. When he's in pursuit of an enemy or target, he always finds dead ends or places where he can't cross because of the water. The highly active and secretive criminal organization, Scorpia, is always zig-zaging through the water ways to reach its secret headquarters. When Alex suspects the organization of planning a crime that will kill thousands of children and tries to stop Scorpia, the setting that the organization is located in hinders Alex's ability and mobility. I think that there would not be another setting in the world that could have the same effect. The only place I can think of maybe, is some barren desert. The place that I think has the most significance so far, is the Ca' Vedova, or the Palace of the Widow. All that Alex knows is that it belongs to a very rich woman. However, because of third person narration, the reader(I), know that this house is the headquarters of Scorpia. So I think later in the book this palace will be important. Here's an excerpt  from the book that gives you an idea of the setting:
"The city of Venice had been originally built on no fewer than a hundred islands...That was why there were no roads--just waterways and oddly shaped bits of land connected by bridges. The woman was on the water. Alex was on the land. Following her would be like trying to find his way through an impossible maze in which his path and hers would never meet."(Page 31)
          The characters have not quite been well established yet. But, obviously Alex Rider is a main character. Also, all of the 9 members of Scorpia will probably play an important role. Alex Rider's father, John Rider, who was murdered many years ago, also has some kind of mystery behind it. He was never mentioned in previous books so something has to be linked with him. The author hints early in the book that John Rider was possibly a member of Scorpia.
          This is a great book so far. I really enjoy the plot and setting. The introduction of several new characters is also nice. I would recommend you read this book if:
-You like action books
-You like mysteries
-You enjoyed previous Alex Rider books