After saving the world in The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp , our regular-guy hero is unceremoniously returned to foster care in Knoxville, Tenn. Hounded at school as a freak, living with wretched "professional" foster parents, Alfred is bored and depressed. He believes he's hit bottom until he is kidnapped, first by rogue OIPEP agent Mike Arnold, then by the Office of Interdimensional Paradoxes and Extraordinary Phenomena itself, at which point his classmates' harassment seems idyllic by comparison. For reasons Alfred doesn't immediately understand, his presence is vitally necessary to foil Arnold, who, after being fired by OIPEP, stole two ancient artifacts from the agency's vault: a ring belonging to King Solomon, and a vessel containing thousands of demons that have been locked inside for 3,000 years (and are really pissed off about it). Teamed with Op Nine, OIPEP's top agent, Alfred heads out on a whirlwind mission to recover the artifacts, traveling to the Sahara, Chicago and home again as the planet erupts in his wake. The emotional core of this novel involves likeable Alfred's unresolved issues about the death of his mother at age 12, and his sense of loss is palpably heartbreaking. The villain Arnold's issues remain far murkier, his motivation subsumed by the same Hollywood action-flick pyrotechnics—explosive showdowns, multiple near-brushes with death—that made the first book a hit with kids who might otherwise be playing video games. Ages 12-up. (May)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Gr 8-10The Seal of Solomon tells a rip-roaring story that teens will love and won't be able to put down.
Modern technology meets ancient legend as readers climb aboard Alfred Kropp's thrill ride to save the world. Although the last descendant of Sir Lancelot, Alfred is not an elitist but endures school humiliation and is flunking most of his classes. Rogue agent Mike Arnold has discovered the two Seals of Solomon and has unleashed demons upon the Earth. Alfred, a potential threat to Mike's plan for domination, is targeted for execution. A last-minute rescue saves Alfred from Mike's bullet, and the hero joins unflappable agent Op-Nine, and the gorgeous Ashley, as part of the special-forces team sent to derail the evil plan and retrieve the artifacts. The fast-moving storyline is geared to a male audience, and boys will not be disappointed with the gruesome consequences for those who look into the demon's eyes. The world's fastest car, huge CW3XD guns that use bullets laced with Alfred's blood and a death-defying sky dive are only a few of the other action magnets sure to attract middle-school readers. Fans of the first episode, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (2005), will not be disappointed. (Fiction. 10-14)
“The emotional core of this novel involves likeable Alfred's unresolved issues about the death of his mother at age 12, and his sense of loss is palpably heartbreaking.” —Publishers Weekly
“A great book for boys, as well as reluctant readers, The Seal of Solomon tells a rip-roaring story that teens will love and won't be able to put down.” —School Library Journal
“Sure to attract middle-school readers. Fans of the first episode . . . will not be disappointed.” —Kirkus Reviews
“As funny as it is scary.” —Publishers Weekly on THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ALFRED KROPP
“Yancey has hit one out of the park with this original, engaging, sequel-worthy read.” —Kirkus Reviews on THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ALFRED KROPP
I read as I used to when I was a kid, totally engrossed and utterly unwilling to leave the world of the story. I want more!
best-selling author on The Extraordinary Adventure Bruce Coville
One of those unforgettable tales . . . that stays with you long after you are drained breathless by a captivating read.
best-selling author on The Extraordinary Adventure Ridley Pearson
