tardycreative's review
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
nicnaccola's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
theawkwardbookw's review
2.0
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Peer Ulfsson's father just passed away when he is whisked away from everything he loves by his two terrible uncles Baldur and Grim. When Peer discovers that they're planning on selling himself and his new friend, Hilde, as slaves to the trolls, he needs to come up with a plan to stop them before it's to late.
The book was a fast read, definitely targeted at a younger audience. I was hoping for more trolls, but it was mostly focused on Peer and his two uncles being terrible to him. Peer really bothered me, he was such a big coward! I understand that he is only 12, but come on man, stand up for yourself. The book was kind of dark though, with elements of kidnap, abuse and death that just made the story a bit morbid.
Peer Ulfsson's father just passed away when he is whisked away from everything he loves by his two terrible uncles Baldur and Grim. When Peer discovers that they're planning on selling himself and his new friend, Hilde, as slaves to the trolls, he needs to come up with a plan to stop them before it's to late.
The book was a fast read, definitely targeted at a younger audience. I was hoping for more trolls, but it was mostly focused on Peer and his two uncles being terrible to him. Peer really bothered me, he was such a big coward! I understand that he is only 12, but come on man, stand up for yourself. The book was kind of dark though, with elements of kidnap, abuse and death that just made the story a bit morbid.
barbarahowe's review
3.0
I wanted to love this book. I have a fondness for Norse mythology, Scandinavian folklore, and the Icelandic sagas, and this YA adventure is thoroughly grounded in that world. From the longship with its dragon head covered to avoid frightening the timid land spirits as the warriors return home, to the little Nis (house spirit) just wanting a dab of butter in his grout (porridge), the details are terrific, and the feel for life in the Viking era is very well done.
Unfortunately, I never quite warmed to the main character, Peer, and his abusive uncles are over-the-top caricatures with no redeeming qualities to make them interesting (Granny Greenteeth was a much more intriguing character, but she only had a cameo appearance). The story also gets bogged down a bit in the middle, with not enough going on to make up for the repetitious misery the uncles heap on poor Peer.
The story wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I had hoped for when I stumbled across it.
Unfortunately, I never quite warmed to the main character, Peer, and his abusive uncles are over-the-top caricatures with no redeeming qualities to make them interesting (Granny Greenteeth was a much more intriguing character, but she only had a cameo appearance). The story also gets bogged down a bit in the middle, with not enough going on to make up for the repetitious misery the uncles heap on poor Peer.
The story wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I had hoped for when I stumbled across it.
catsofdeath's review
3.0
This book was just mediocre. Nothing very compelling about the characters. The plot for kidnapping kids is the smallest part of the book maybe the last 50 pages if that. It was ok and I will read the other two to see if it gets better but I don’t have high hopes.
More...