The Thirteenth Skull

Third in the series, and Rick Yancey's getting better and better! Alex Rider fans should pick up this series -- Thirteenth Skull will be right up their alleys. Car chases, explosions, escapes from remote mountain fortresses, mystery, you name it, it's here. Alfred's being targeted by a new enemy, and those who are supposedly sworn to protect him may actually be putting him in harm's way -- but why? Alfred escapes one harrowing situation only to be faced with another and another as he follows the trail of clues about the thirteenth skull. I like the writing in this one best out of the three so far -- Yancey adds just the right balance of humor to the action, and that makes it fun to read:" Then Delivery Dude was on me. I saw a flash of show more metal. The blade in his hand was at least a foot long, tapered, thin... First, I had to neutralize the knife: one of my long-term goals was never to be stabbed to death again."Though it helps to have read the other two books, like Horowitz's Alex Rider series, it's not crucial since the author gives you plenty of backstory clues to keep you up to speed. 6th grade and up. show less

The story starts with Alfred's world being turned upside down again by a bomb and continues from there. He has to make some hard choices and it's hard being him. Several people who claim to want to help actually want to help themselves.

It's non-stop action and I like how Alfred is tired of it, wanting out. I could imagine that to be true. Not a bad series but starting to feel a little stretched.

Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

Meeting Alfred Kropp in THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ALFRED KROPP really was extraordinary! Then I eagerly read THE SEAL OF SOLOMON, wondering what could surpass the thrill of Alfred first stealing, then losing, and then recovering Excalibur, King Arthur's sword. The author, Rick Yancey, didn't let the reader down. Alfred was forced to fight demons! So, naturally, I couldn't wait to read THE THIRTEENTH SKULL!

I've rated this book Grades 6+, as I have his first two titles, but with a caveat. Mr. Yancey pulls no punches when describing the violence and clear danger Alfred faces. I do not doubt that younger readers will devour the Alfred Kropp books, but parents will want to use their show more discretion.

Mr. Yancey doesn't even let the reader get good and comfy in their favorite reading chair before relentlessly yanking them to the proverbial edge of their seat. The first chapter starts with a bang - literally. A truck blows up beneath Alfred's new penthouse suite window, on the 30th floor of Samson Towers. In short order, one man is shot and Alfred is fighting for his life with his attacker. Soon the two are racing to the ground floor, one by express elevator, the other by parachute. And Mr. Yancey's not done yet. There's still a police car to commandeer, complete with the surprised officer at the wheel, a car chase through city streets, and yet another explosion.

Once again Alfred is sucked back into the OIPEP. But can he trust the new Operative Nine? What about the beautiful new field agent? And who is trying to kill Alfred, and more importantly, why?

First it was Excalibur, then the Seal of Solomon. Both times he nearly lost his life. Now it's the Thirteenth Skull. Alfred knows that this time it will be different. Samuel, the former Operative Nine and now Alfred's guardian, is not reassuring. Alfred must find out what the Thirteenth Skull is. The clock is ticking and Alfred knows his time is about up.

I absolutely will not tell you more. You MUST, MUST, MUST go buy THE THIRTEENTH SKULL. But only after you buy and read his first two titles, as this series is best read in order. Mr. Yancey has created a cast of characters equal to the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. I can't wait to see Alfred Kropp's adventures on the big screen! show less

Started out pretty strong and exciting, but the more it went on, the more it was revealed that really it was just Alfred wandering around trying to figure out what's going on, and it ends up that not much IS going on. There really is no ultimate goal, no ultimate end-of-the-world situation that Alfred can fix, just a bunch of running around from stupid jerks who want to kill him for various reasons. For a few moments at the end, it looked like it was going to be a fabulous conclusion to a trilogy containing one fabulous book (Seal of Solomon). But then there was an epilogue. So it's just a pretty good ending to a trilogy containing one pretty good book (Extraordinary Adventures). It gets extra points because Rick Yancey can write show more ambling-around-aimlessly surprisingly well, and Alfred Kropp is still a cool character even if the plot is lacking. show less

One of the coolest books i've read. Although i read it rather quickly (probably from not being able to stop) its sure on my favorites list. Yancey tells the story with action, suspense, and humor. A great read if you've read "The 5th Wave" (another great book).

This book is just as exciting as the others in the series, with non-stop action mixed with occasional humor. Yet, it's also in some ways deeper and more sophisticated.

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Action, adventure and more. Alfred is back in a new adventure. Again, people are determined to kill him, and OIPEP is trying to use him and his special talents. Who can be trusted?