told to put it back at gunpoint by an injured Sarov, who now plans to override the bomb, detonating it and killing all present at the shipyard but still setting his plan in motion. Alex instead throws the card into the ocean and rejects becoming Sarov's son. Unable to live with himself anymore, and to avoid being put on trial, Sarov shoots himself, committing suicide in front of Alex. In the final chapter of the novel, it is revealed that when Alex explained his predicament to Prescott, his office heard their conversation through Prescott's radio, which was still turned on. They immediately notified MI6, who in turn warned the Russians. Alex is depressed after everything he has been through, but Sabina approaches him and invites him on holiday with her family in France for a couple of weeks, which cheers Alex up. Graphic novel In 2009 a graphic novel adaptation of Skeleton Key was released through Walker Books. This version altered some elements from the original novel, such as eliminating the attack on Alex while he was surfing in Cornwall, as well as having Sabina, already friends with Alex, attending Wimbledon as a spectator. Reception Critical reception for both versions of Skeleton Key was mostly positive, with Booklist giving the novel version a positive review. The print version of Skeleton Key was named as one of ALA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers for 2004. The School Library Journal has given praise for both editions of the story, calling the print version "rip-roaring" while recommending the graphic novel as a pick for "reluctant readers". References External links Official website of the books 2002 British novels Alex Rider novels Novels about organized crime 2002 children's books Tennis in fiction Novels set in Cuba Novels set in Miami Novels about communism Novels set in Russia Walker Books books