Synopses & Reviews
Alfred Kropp was just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle gets him roped into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur—the legendary sword of King Arthur. But after Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the hands of a man with enormously evil intentions, he sets off on an unlikely quest to try to right his wrong and save the world from imminent destruction. This gripping, fast-paced, hilarious novel is both a thrilling adventure story and an engaging account of one boys coming of age.
Review
"Yancey has hit one out of the park with this original, engaging and sequel-worthy read....The expertly paced plot will keep action-adventure fans entertained, and those interested in all things Camelot will get a kick out of watching this funny, self-deprecating teenager save the world." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"Yancey's first novel for YAs is a white-knuckle, page-turning read." Booklist
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"True to its action-adventure genre, the story is lighthearted, entertaining, occasionally half-witted, but by and large fun." School Library Journal
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"Rick Yancey's first young adult novel owes much to the action movie genre." Children's Literature
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"High powered, with plenty of fast action, intrigue, and humor, this novel will particularly appeal to young male readers yearning to be somebody special." VOYA
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"Yancey offers an entertaining blend of Arthurian legend and James Bond-style explosive action in his first novel for Young Adults." Buffalo News
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"An action-adventure story that is as funny as it is thrilling." Miami Herald
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"Inventive and delightfully original, this fast-paced tale plants ancient legend in a modern world filled with speeding Ferraris and knights in business suits. Artemis Fowl fans will eat it up." Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Review
"At the center is the funny, self-deprecating, self-doubting and guilt-ridden Alfred....Yancey builds him carefully into an unforgettable character, who, in the end, is far more than anyone imagined." San Diego Union Tribune
Synopsis
Alfred Kropp is just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle ropes him into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur the legendary sword of King Arthur. But when Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the wrong hands, he undertakes an unlikely quest to right his wrong and save the world from imminent destruction.
This gripping, fast-paced, often hilarious novel is both a thrilling adventure story and an engaging account of one boy's coming of age.
About the Author
Rick Yancey is the author several books for adults, including The Highly Effective Detective (St. Martins, July 06). He is also a produced playwright and former theater critic. This is his first book for young adults. He lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife and three sons.