The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

By: Rick Yancey

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

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 boy's coming of age.

©2005 Rick Yancey (P)2005 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Lighthearted, entertaining." (School Library Journal)
"A white-knuckle, page-turning read." (Booklist)

enjoyable, fun adventure novel

Where does The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really liked Yancy's Monstromologist series. This one is good, but it is a little bit pedantic / obvious in the ways the lessons of character are taught. I found it a little bit more predictable than the other series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alfred really is a good character. He's likable and relate-able. I also liked Bennacio.

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

Alfred was well acted. I felt like the reader was dynamic enough to keep all characters straight without overdoing it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No - it was mostly entertaining.

Any additional comments?

This book obviously is popular - a whole series of them follow this one. I'm not that interested in car chases, etc. so this will be the last of this series for me. I hope Yancey writes some more creepy scary novels.

Excellent Adventure

Well-written and well-read, from start to finish.

This adventure is NOT formulaic. There are twists and turns, and you won't be able to find out what happens to the protagonist until the ABSOLUTE end.

My 13-year-old and I enjoyed this book immensely, and we listen to a LOT of audio books.

Few Likable Characters.

Kropp makes few decisions. He just goes along with the flow. He fails to account for obvious concerns, gps trackers, etc. At the end, when he is almost an adult and more whole of character, he doesn't research his opportunities. Nor does he track down his inheritance. He goes with the only decent career path OFFERED.

Really Really Good!

This was a really good book. I bought this book not even reading its summary. So when I started listen to it I was worried that I would not enjoy it. I shouldn't have worried. The reader has been one of the best so far and the story was addictive til the end.

A must buy

Alfred Kropp is a likeable character and the narrator brings him to life. You find yourself pulling for him and wishing that the book was longer when you get to the end. I highly recommend this one!

awsome

loved it it was the best would read yay lovely so good great good bye

A refreshing take on an old mythology

Alfred Kropp is a guy you root for even though you also kind want to slap him. A fun and heartwarming tale.

Great!

I wish the rest of the books were available to listen to. I read this one for the first time when I was young, and I really wish I could listen through the remaining two.

Fresh take on a classic story

13-14 yo. Story is worded well and paced appropriately to teens. Voice actor has all but perfectly depicted the individuals in the book. Thank you!

Lots of Fun for Adults & Kids

Fun story with an a superb reader. It is one of those books that should not be hidden under "young adult". It's story is in the vain of such current "adult" stories as "The Traveler" yet it is as good or, in my opinion, better. Better because it is less pretentious, doesn't try to appeal to phooney "new age" mysticism, and because it is more fun. If you want a fun adventure yarn with a character you can love then this is the one you are looking for.