Product Description
Alfred Kropp is the last person you’d think could save the world. But when this oversized underachiever gets roped into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme, his life takes a turn for the extraordinary. Little does Alfred know he has been tricked into stealing Excalibur–the legendary sword of King Arthur–and the most powerful weapon ever wielded by man.
With an ancient order of knights in hot cars, thugs on motorcycles, and a mysterious international organization following his every lumbering step, Alfred undertakes a modern-day quest to unravel a thousand-year-old mystery and return the sword to its rightful place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

My 11-year old "reluctant reader" LOVED this book
My son is a very good student and reader, however, reading is not one of his favorite things to do in his free time.For school, however, he is required to read a certain amount of books outside of school and it has always been like pulling teeth to get him to read anything.Upon the suggestion of a book store worker, we bought the first book in the Alfred Kropp series and from that point on, I could not get him to put the book down.I was so impressed with his desire to keep reading in his free time and then, when he was done, he couldn't wait for the sequel.Based on my son's experience, I have to give this book five stars.I'm working on finding more similar works that will keep him as entertained.

A 4th Grade Student Review
I give this book 4 stars because Alfred Crop goes on an adventure with nonstop action. This book was funny because by the age of 5 he was 100 pounds and 4 feet tall. By the age of 10 Alfred hit 200 pounds and 6 feet tall. When Alfred joined the football team his coach said you are horible at this game, so that ruined the thought's of Alfred playing another sport. The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because at one part in this book some people's parents just kept talking in a way that I really didn't understand. The reason why I decided to read this book is because another author said it had adventure with nonstop action.~AW

A Book that ought to be a Movie
This book was fun to read. Aimed at young adult readers, it starts out slow, easing the reader into the story. But that only lasts for a couple of chapters. As soon as it starts to move, it moves. It's fast-paced, exciting, with barely any time to catch your breath and some Arthurian legend thrown in, just to keep you interested. There is no boring character development and Alfred Kropp himself can be very entertaining (here and there). There's nothing in the book that might cause parents to steer their children away except some minor violence, and people dying right and left.

Unfortunately, as well as there being no boring character development, what development there is was either shallow or overdone. This book was chalk full of stock characters. The good guys drive nice cars, ride horses, and use bows and arrows (though I will admit their "taking care of business" techniques leave a little to be desired). The bad guys ride motorcycles and carry guns. The good guys are noble and genteel. The bad guys don't seem to even have a conscience. They won't consider that they might possibly be on the wrong side, even when faced with certain death.

The only character that seems halfway believable is Alfred himself. But his character doesn't extend far beyond his plump, stupid exterior. He is too contrived, too unlikely of a hero (luckily the sword fights for itself). His only purpose seems to be as a clarifier. He asks the questions the readers ask and gets the answers so the readers know what's going on. Without him, us readers would be oblivious.

As a movie, this story would be a hit. Who needs character development in a movie? We've only got two hours anyway. But as a book, there is plenty of time to get to know the characters. Sadly, after closing this book, all one can feel is the catharsis of no more car chases.

Drowned in action, and not much room to breathe
Alfred Kropp, a clumsy teenager, has had his difficulties in life. Raised by his uncle, he didn't exactly get the loving family he needed. When his uncle accepts a million dollar mission to rob his boss of a sword, Alfred tags along reluctantly. The sword in question happens to be Excalibur, and in the wrong hands, leads to the death of his uncle, his father, and all those trying to protect it.

When I picked up this book, I must admit I had high expectations. It seemed like a good adventure novel, and I was eager to begin reading. From the start, however, I wasn't quite taken with the main character, who seemed like a mixture many characters I'd read about in other novels. Throughout the book, there were high-speed chases, fancy cars, and murders galore. I would've liked more value of human lives, as I can't begin to count how many deaths there were. The only character I found interesting was Benaccio, a serious, quiet protector of the Sword, and even he had his share of murders. Much like the 'Alex Rider' novels, the whole book seemed aimed at teenage boys, who I found actually enjoyed it!

The author does have a nice style of writing, though, and it wasn't something I put down right away. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it's not something I am going to read again. If you like fast-paced, action filled novels, this is a book for you. If you're more like me, and prefer the sort of writing that is more realistic, then I'd pass this one up.

Enjoyed - thought provoking
My 5th grader and I enjoyed this book.In his words, "the characters grabbed you and really came to life".Being a parent, I found that there were several good life lessons that were promoted in this book. We really enjoyed! ... Read more