Alex vs. Axel: The Impossible Quests

Alex is a regular, rather weedy kid from Earth who can’t build muscle no matter how hard he tries. Axel is a mighty hero and champion of champions from the magical world of Aërth, whose biceps bulge but whose brains leave something to be desired. 

One day, their lives are quite literally turned upside down. A portal opens and sends each to the other's world. To return home, they must complete quests which will test them beyond their usual abilities. Alex must discover his bravery to save Aërth from the evil Father of Flies, and Axel must use his brains to triumph in a chess tournament.  

This book is hilarious, fast-paced and imaginative, with brilliant illustrations interspersed throughout the text. The integration of a modern boy into a world of high fantasy allows Copeland to poke fun at the usual archetypes and, similarly, kids will love the pompously heroic Axel as he blunders his way through a modern school setting – delivering some outlandish dialogue whilst wearing dragon-skin nipple protectors! 

Underpinning the humour is a genuinely engaging, questing plotline, featuring a sinister villain who seeks to rule Aërth, challenges around bullying, and a redemption arc involving Alex’s uncaring, estranged father.