I have had this book on my to be read pile for some time. This was a decent middle grade book set in present day where a bunch of kids find out they are descendants of Norse Gods. It was easy to read and fast-paced; although there is a lot of set up here. It reminds a bit of the Percy Jackson series by Riordan but with less action and different mythology.
Blackwell, South Dakota is a town where the residents are all descendants of Norse Gods, mainly Thor and Loki. Matt is a descendent of Thor and finds out that he is supposed to be Thor's stand in as Ragnarok draws closer and closer. His classmates Fen and Laurie are descendants of Loki and end up coming along with Matt on a quest to stop Ragnarok. They have to find the other descendents and find Odin in an effort to learn how to stop Ragnarok.
This book is a lot of set up. Basically Matt, Fen, and Laurie are trying to collect the other descendents together and then find Odin. We learn a lot about the other descendents and go on some adventures in South Dakota. I was a bit confused as to why the Norse descendants are living in South Dakota, but I assume that will be explained in future books?
I did enjoy the interplay between the different characters. There is a lot of personality conflict between Matt and Fen. Fen has led a tough life and has a huge chip on his shoulder. Both Fen and Matt are constantly trying to protect Laurie (it's kind of in their blood) which irritates her to no end. As we meet more descendents the interaction between all of the characters gets more and more interesting.
I enjoyed the book fine but am not sure if I will continue reading the series or not. I think kids in the middle grade age set will enjoy it more than I did. The language is a bit simple and the plot a bit predictable for me (and most likely other adults will find it the same). I am going to give this book to my 8 year old son and see if he enjoys it more than I did.
Overall this was an okay middle grade fantasy that is set in modern day but involves Norse mythology. I thought it was okay but think that younger kids will enjoy it more. The dialogue and language were a bit simple for me and the plot fairly predictable. I would recommend to middle grade kids who enjoy mythology and adventure.
Blackwell, South Dakota is a town where the residents are all descendants of Norse Gods, mainly Thor and Loki. Matt is a descendent of Thor and finds out that he is supposed to be Thor's stand in as Ragnarok draws closer and closer. His classmates Fen and Laurie are descendants of Loki and end up coming along with Matt on a quest to stop Ragnarok. They have to find the other descendents and find Odin in an effort to learn how to stop Ragnarok.
This book is a lot of set up. Basically Matt, Fen, and Laurie are trying to collect the other descendents together and then find Odin. We learn a lot about the other descendents and go on some adventures in South Dakota. I was a bit confused as to why the Norse descendants are living in South Dakota, but I assume that will be explained in future books?
I did enjoy the interplay between the different characters. There is a lot of personality conflict between Matt and Fen. Fen has led a tough life and has a huge chip on his shoulder. Both Fen and Matt are constantly trying to protect Laurie (it's kind of in their blood) which irritates her to no end. As we meet more descendents the interaction between all of the characters gets more and more interesting.
I enjoyed the book fine but am not sure if I will continue reading the series or not. I think kids in the middle grade age set will enjoy it more than I did. The language is a bit simple and the plot a bit predictable for me (and most likely other adults will find it the same). I am going to give this book to my 8 year old son and see if he enjoys it more than I did.
Overall this was an okay middle grade fantasy that is set in modern day but involves Norse mythology. I thought it was okay but think that younger kids will enjoy it more. The dialogue and language were a bit simple for me and the plot fairly predictable. I would recommend to middle grade kids who enjoy mythology and adventure.
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed Loki's Wolves (Blackwell Pages, Bk 1) on + 482 more book reviews
A retelling of Norse mythology for pre-teens, Loki's Wolves is the first in a trilogy called The Blackwell Pages. Similar to the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, we are introduced to a main character, Matt Thorsen, who is related to a God (or so his family history states). Then we meet Laurie and Fen, descents of Loki. Fen and Matt do not get along that well. Fen tries to do everything he can to protect and take care of his cousin Laurie. The world shows signs that the end of the world, or Ragnarok, is coming. As a descendant of Thor, Matt must lead a group of kid descendants to stop the destruction of their world.
I find nothing wrong with this being similar to another author's series. In fact, I think this will fill the readers' ache for more like it. I enjoy mythology retelling as much as I enjoy fairy tale retelling. The book has quick paced chapters, and I did not expect the ending. It made me eager to read the next book.
I like that all the kids have different abilities that relate to the Gods they are a descended from, but my mythology knowledge is not so great. I wish the authors had told us a little more about each kid's divine ancestor and why they had that ability. I do realize some of the kids did not know they were actual demigods, so maybe the reader knows as much as they do.
As a whole it is a good read. It's got action, adventure, magic and monsters. I plan on reading the rest of the series. I recommend this one for fans of the Percy Jackson and the Harry Potter series.
I find nothing wrong with this being similar to another author's series. In fact, I think this will fill the readers' ache for more like it. I enjoy mythology retelling as much as I enjoy fairy tale retelling. The book has quick paced chapters, and I did not expect the ending. It made me eager to read the next book.
I like that all the kids have different abilities that relate to the Gods they are a descended from, but my mythology knowledge is not so great. I wish the authors had told us a little more about each kid's divine ancestor and why they had that ability. I do realize some of the kids did not know they were actual demigods, so maybe the reader knows as much as they do.
As a whole it is a good read. It's got action, adventure, magic and monsters. I plan on reading the rest of the series. I recommend this one for fans of the Percy Jackson and the Harry Potter series.
