STORMBRINGER

In Boden’s debut middle-grade fantasy novel, a contemporary tween girl is prophesied to save the Nine Realms of Norse mythology.

Seventh grader Cindrheim Vustora Moss doesn’t back down from a fight; when an invisible monster charges her at her Virginia school, she’s lucky that four powerful, sword-wielding girls suddenly show up to help. They’re Predators, warriors from the realm of Vanaheim who were sent to protect Cinder, though they don’t know why. They take her to Iceland, where she’s flabbergasted to meet figures whom she’d always believed to be mythological beings, from the Valkyries to Odin the Allfather. Evidently, an ancient prophecy indicates that Cinder will somehow save the Nine Realms, but she won’t get details about her quest until just before she embarks on it. In the meantime, Cinder trains in combat and braves the harrowing Gauntlet, which includes a pit of assorted creatures (like bloodsucking slugs). It’s grueling work, and the quest is sure to be rife with danger; will Cinder rise to the challenge to see her mission through? Boden’s novel (and prospective series kickoff) boasts a sublime young hero. Cinder certainly has her flaws, like a confidence that occasionally slips into arrogance. At the same time, she is courageous and indefatigable, and she puts others’ well-being above her own. The author blends taut descriptions of Norse gods and mythology with contemporary dialogue that pops. In addition to the deities, the extensive cast ranges from vicious insectlike creatures to the instantly likable half-elf Brandon, who hails from California. All of this is a lot for Cinder to absorb—the story never forgets that she’s a 12-year-old girl. (Tristan, who designed the Gauntlet, may be a haughty jerk, but he’s also the “cutest boy [Cinder has] ever seen.”) This first installment ends with one of Cinder’s goals checked off but plenty of lingering questions.

A hefty, entertaining fantasy.