The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

But that doesn't matter, because the story carries the reader along so rapidly, and with so much satisfaction and pleasure, that harping on its flaws seems positively curmudgeonly.

There's been an interesting trend in kids' books in the last few years toward stories that are the literary equivalent of The Terminator movies - well-made, cinematic, edgy, violent action-adventure thrillers that are just pure, ridiculous fun. What other ya 'action' book can claim all that? And that's why this book is worth serious consideration.Though well-written, this book doesn't withstand literary, or even logical, scrutiny. Throughout the course of the book the action seems to be designed to put him in the company of noble, interesting, admirable adult characters, from whom he actually learns lessons about bravery, dedication, effort and loyalty.Īfter all of the silliness of the plot and wild implausibility of the action, we end up with an appealing character who has entertained us through the entire adventure and who has actually grown up a little, and gained some confidence, some backbone, and some self-awareness. But, as his first person narrative makes clear, he is insightful, thoughtful, observant, honest, rueful, and very, very funny. Alfred sees himself as a failure and a loser.

Alfred Kropp, on the other hand, is an absolute hoot, and a truly engaging personality.Īnd that brings us to the real appeal of this book. Alex Rider may be the most bland one-dimensional hero in ya action fiction. Well, there is non-stop action, but not in the mindless, silly Alex Rider style. Second things: this book is being described as white-knuckle non-stop adventure, in the style of the Horowitz Alex Rider books. And, it just feels more honest and authentic, (even though fantastical), than the sort of high-concept but shallow Monstrumologist.

Well, the Alfred Kropp series is entirely different. I didn't particularly care for 'The Monstrumologist' I thought it was humorless, and the whole Victorian era America meets hyperviolent Frankenstein vibe was forced and a little overwritten. The Kropp series came out before Yancey hit it big with Monstrumologist. Many people will find this book because they liked Yancey's 'The Monstrumologist' and the followup 'Curse of the Wendigo', and are looking for more Yancey. I'm a little disappointed by the reviews on this page because I think they emphasize the wrong things, and make the book sound less appealing than it really is.įirst things first.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey