I rather like Linear Algebra Done Right, and depending on the type of students you are aiming the course for, I would recommend it over Hoffman and Kunze. Since you seemed worried that Axler might be too advanced, my feeling is that Hoffman and Kunze will definitely be (especially if these are students who have never been taught proof-based mathematics).

Of course, the big caveat here being that Axler avoids determinants at all costs, and this will put more on you to introduce them comprehensively.

I've never looked at it, but another one worth considering might be Halmos's Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces.

I rather like Linear Algebra Done Right, and depending on the type of students you are aiming the course for, I would recommend it over Hoffman and Kunze. Since you seemed worried that Axler might be too advanced, my feeling is that Hoffman and Kunze will definitely be (especially if these are students who have never been taught proof-based mathematics).

Of course, the big caveat here being that Axler avoids determinants at all costs, and this will put more on you to introduce them comprehensively.

I've never looked at it, but another one worth considering might be Halmos's Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces.