Alex Rider returns in Never Say Die — a fast, zany, throwback instalment that swaps grit for velocity. I break down what works (pace, scale, that classic Rider ingenuity), what doesn’t (the Jack twist), and the one big philosophy that matters: leadership is action, not announcement.What you’ll hear:How the plot kicks off post-Egypt and why Alex goes rogue to follow a single clue.Why the “Jack is alive” reveal felt forced compared to the darker mid-series tone.The pivotal switch: when Alex stops following orders and starts leading.The core lesson: people follow what you do, not what you say.Chapters(00:00) – Welcome & series context(01:18) – Setup: Jack presumed dead, mysterious email, post-Egypt timeline(02:19) – Solo hunt: Egypt → Cromwell brothers → bigger operation revealed(03:20) – Verdict: not as strong as the darker mid-series books(04:16) – The Jack twist: why it doesn’t land(05:21) – Throwback energy: action, travel, excitement(06:05) – Adults feel clumsy; impact drops(06:45) – Real stakes: not gold — kidnapped kids; Alex steps up(07:27) – “Shoot me out”: the ejector plan & leadership in motion(08:20) – Leadership by doing, not telling(09:39) – Older, more capable Alex (with restraint)(10:17) – Final thoughts & recommendationIf you’re new to Alex Rider: read earlier books first; this one assumes you know the history.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast