A review by dairyqueen84
The Islands of the Blessed by Nancy Farmer

4.0

Nancy Farmer does it again. Island of the Blessed does not disappoint, it is filled with action, adventure, and a rip-roaring pace. This book is the conclusion to the Sea of Trolls trilogy. Jack and the Bard are back and Jack has been gaining more experience telling stories and using magic. A draugr, a village devastated by a tornado, and a hogboon are some of the trials Jack must overcome in this volume. Thorgil, the Northland berserker, his sometimes exasperating companion in adventure, accompanies him on his quests once again. After Jack’s village is destroyed by a tornado, which Thorgil thinks was the Norse God Odin on a Wild Hunt, the Bard decides that they need to go to Bebba’s Town to ask for food and supplies for the winter. In the meantime a draugr, a mermaid turned seahag, is looking for revenge against Father Severus. Jack’s sister, who had been kidnapped in the first book, is returned to her family but she has a hard time living as a human as she has been raised by hobgoblins since she was five. Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard reunite with the Northmen for part of the adventure and familiar characters from the earlier books are just as entertaining. Enough of the back story is included to allow this volume to stand alone. Give this book and the series to readers who enjoyed The Ranger’s Apprentice and the Percy Jackson series.