Future fans of Tolkien and George R.R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual...
An obsessive gamer and a sassy half-giant affirm that power lies in being underestimated.
As the heir apparent to a powerful farm in Norrøngard (think a fictional Norway), 12-year-old Karn is expected to comprehend bartering techniques (six ewes + six lambs = one cow). His predilection for Thrones and Bones (a traditional Norrønir board game) and disdain for a bucolic existence don’t invite any confidence from his father. Thianna is a 12-year-old half-giant and half-human (by way of her deceased mother). At 7 feet tall, she’s considered diminutive by giant standards and would “cut her human half out in an instant if she could.” When their fathers meet for several days of trading goods, Thianna and Karn strike up an unexpected friendship. Their need for an alliance is accelerated when nemeses from Thianna’s mother’s past surface, and Karn’s life is designated an obstacle by his Machiavellian uncle. Enter: wyverns, a seemingly silent horn, undead assailants, flatulent trolls and one massive dragon. A merging of comedy, action and suspense maintains a promising pace. As present as the lurking danger are two important messages: Focus your energy toward accentuating your strengths rather than regretting weaknesses, and always stand downwind from a troll.
Future fans of Tolkien and George R.R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual series. (map, illustrated guide to the Thrones and Bones game) (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-385-38778-1
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
After a visit to the king of their Viking realm, teen hero Dane, female warrior Astrid, village sage Lut and various supporters and rivals set off to rescue Dane’s mother (who’s been kidnapped by the villainous Godrek Whitecloak) and recover Odin’s ring, an ancient artifact that is the source of never-ending treasure, from a cave guarded by a monstrous sea serpent. A flavor of the Norse is provided by the insertion of such mythological people, places and objects as the Valkyrie, the Norns, Asgard, Utgard and Thor’s Hammer. Otherwise, the characters and language are pure 21st century. After a slow start, the plot develops punch and the book becomes a page-turner. Readers who are drawn in by the low humor and make it through the extended setup of the book’s first quarter will be rewarded with a rollicking adventure, lots of body humor and a rousing climax. Developmental issues of identity, sexual innuendo and vividly described violence make this book appropriate for an older audience than the publisher-recommended range of eight to 12. (Fantasy. 11-14)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-144939-0
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
That said, Grant’s talent for quick dialogue and vivid descriptions still shines and will have fans eager for book three....
This series continues as unlikely hero Mack, accompanied by bully-turned-bodyguard Stefan and spunky Jarrah, try to find the remaining 10 members of the Magnificent 12.
With only 35 days before the evil Pale Queen’s 3,000-year banishment ends and unthinkable terror begins, the apparition of ancient Grimluk sends them to China, where frightening creatures commanded by Nafia assassin Paddy “Nine Iron” Trout repeatedly attempt to kill them. Rapid action and death-defying adventures lead the trio into a hidden dragon world where Xiao, a shape-shifting dragon girl, joins them as the third in their quest. On to Germany they go, dodging the queen’s daughter Risky’s attacks, and discover annoyingly logical Dietmar, the fourth. In a most unwelcome twist, the group learns that old wheezing Paddy “Nine Iron” has an enthusiastic apprentice, Valin, who is the fifth. All the while Mack occasionally receives texts from Golem, who sincerely tries to pass as Mack back home with comically disastrous results. Whew! Where the first book was an exciting, fun-packed fantasy-adventure in which all the humor and action dovetailed nicely, the sequel feels a bit overdone. Readers may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of new characters and befuddled by several hard-to-follow action sequences.
That said, Grant’s talent for quick dialogue and vivid descriptions still shines and will have fans eager for book three. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-183368-7
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2011
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