Here's why:
* The series is a continuous story: Each book builds on the previous one, with recurring characters and developing plotlines.
* Character development: Alex, his allies, and enemies change and grow throughout the series, and skipping books can make it difficult to appreciate these developments.
* Spoiler alert: Later books often refer to events from earlier books, and reading out of order could spoil key plot points.
However, if you are absolutely determined to read out of order, you can get away with reading:
* "Stormbreaker" (Book 1): This is the starting point, introducing Alex and his world.
* "Eagle Strike" (Book 2): This is a standalone story, with only minimal references to previous events.
* "Scorpia" (Book 3): This book features the first appearances of several important characters and can be enjoyed without reading the previous ones.
But again, for the best experience, it's recommended to start from the beginning and read the books in order. You'll appreciate the story much more that way!