Alex vs Axel: The Thief of Time: The hilarious fantasy adventure

by Sam Copeland

Brought to you by Penguin.

The hilarious second book in the Alex vs Axel series by the author of Charlie Changes Into a Chicken.

Alex, Axel and the rest of the gang are back – but this time it’s Earth that’s in trouble . . .

Time has been frozen and every single person on the planet is in mortal danger. With just seven days to help them, the team are going to need extra help, which arrives in the shape of Alex's family cat, Mr Sunshine, and a bloodthirsty gnome called Finagle.

Facing monsters, angels and warlocks, our unlikely heroes set off on a double quest. But can they overcome their own doubts and fears in time to save the day . . . ?

Sam Copeland 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Audible Audio

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Sam Copeland is a Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author. He is from Manchester and now lives in London with two smelly cats, three smelly children and one relatively clean-smelling wife. He works as a chicken whisperer, travelling the world using his unique gift to tame wild chickens. Charlie Changes Into a Chicken was his first book. It was followed by the sequel Charlie Turns Into a T-Rex, and the third in the series - Charlie Morphs into a Mammoth - which was published in February 2020. His latest book Uma and the Answer to Absolutely Everything will be released in January 2021. His books have been translated into 26 languages, which is wild really. www.sam-copeland.com

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Copeland continues to just write absolute bangers. I loved this second adventure with Alex and Axel. New friends, old rivals, grave danger, hidden magic and a whole load of teamwork. The illustrations from Dotty Sutton are just another level. Just amazing.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://sarahreads4.wordpress.com/202...

[Sylvana Siddique · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

[Liam Everington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book and characters!!