Odd and the Frost Giantsby Patti MartinsonReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Odd is a twelve-year-old Viking boy. Although Odd's name is considered lucky, he has not only lost his father in a sea accident, but he is lamed by a falling tree. Disaffected from his family over his mother remarriage and suffering the onset of an unusual perpetual winter, Odd sets off by himself in his late father's cabin. He is soon roped into an adventure by the appearance of three animals: a bear, fox and eagle. The animals are the Norse Gods, Thor, Loki and Odin. Asgard has been taken over by a Frost Giant and sent them to Midgard (Earth); they need Odd to get them home and regain their land.This was a pretty neat tale. Odd is pretty fearless and persistent kid. He is not in the least surprised by the adventures he encounters and is quite willing to help in any way he can. He impressed the gods with his cleverness and persistence, and how he manages to deal with the Frost Giant was surprising to me. I didn't quite fully love Odd himself, thought. Despite knowing what he thinks and his characteristics, he still seems to be a remote and unknowable. I did love how Odd was able to solve the problems that came his way in a way that made sense and didn't require any sort of violence. The Norse gods, particularly Thor and Loki, were more lively to me, and I was able to enjoy their characters more. I also loved the appearance of Freya, whom I immediately liked, despite her late and short appearance in the book. A fine tale about gods, giants and a very admirable boy. Written: September 15, 2012
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