Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Oct 2009
128 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History
Publication Information
In this inventive, short, yet perfectly formed novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Neil Gaiman takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back.
In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.
Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle—three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined—a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.
Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever . . .
Someone just like Odd .
"Although less original than Coraline or The Wolves in the Walls, this enjoyable story should appeal to Gaiman's younger fans. Ages 8–12." - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. Children will enjoy Odd's quiet heroism and the simple adventure; adults will love the squabbling gods and the strong women. Ages 8+." - Kirkus Reviews
"[A] thoughtful and quietly humorous fantasy that younger Percy Jackson fans will enjoy." - School Library Journal
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Photo: Philippe Matsas
Neil Gaiman grew up in England and, although Jewish, attended Church of England schools, including Ardingly College, a boarding school in West Sussex (South of England). During the early 1980s he worked as a journalist and book reviewer. His first book was a biography of the band Duran Duran. He moved from England to his wife's hometown in the American midwest several years ago. He and his family now live in a renovated Victorian farmhouse where (he says) his hobbies are writing things down, hiding, and talking about himself in the third person. More about him and his books below.
A professional writer for more than twenty years,
Neil Gaiman has been one of the top writers in modern comics, and
is now a bestselling novelist. His work has appeared in
...
... Full Biography
Author Interview
Link to Neil Gaiman's Website
Name Pronunciation
Neil Gaiman: kneel gay-mn
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