Series: The Blackwell Pages
Author: K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr
Publisher: Atom
Date of Publication: May 7, 2013
Source: audiobook received from Hachette Audio, bought hardcover book
Goodreads Synopsis:
In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok, that only the gods can stop. When this apocalypse happens, the gods must battle the monsters--wolves the size of the sun, serpents that span the seabeds, all bent on destroying the world.My Thoughts:
The gods died a long time ago.
Matt Thorsen knows every Norse myth, saga, and god as if it was family history--because it is family history. Most people in the modern-day town of Blackwell, South Dakota, in fact, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt's classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke.
However, knowing the legends and completely believing them are two different things. When the rune readers reveal that Ragnarok is coming and kids--led by Matt--will stand in for the gods in the final battle, he can hardly believe it. Matt, Laurie, and Fen's lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team to prevent the end of the world.
I really enjoyed this story very much and I thought it was just the right amount of adventure and action for the kids to get into without scaring them or over stimulating them. The story line is an interesting mix of Norse mythology and magic that surrounds our main characters as they travel through the problems they face.
The characters, Matt, Fen and Laurie, are an neat trio as they come. Laurie is devoted to Fen but she is like his consciousness as he makes decisions with Matt. I love how our authors use Fen and Matt's dislike for each other and their differences to show the readers that everyone is different; and yet can still find ways to get along and care for each other. That is a great lesson for any children in this day and age. And also some adults as well.
The plot line really takes the responsibilities out of the adults' hands and puts it into the kids' hands. This helps connect with the more adolescent readers when their own ages are making some intense decisions that will help save or end the world. I know my children were more connected to the characters when they were able to see similarities in themselves and the protagonists.
The audiobook was pretty amazing! I love how instead of just having one person change their tempo and sound of their voice; there is three different narrators to add to the depth of the storytelling. All of the narrators worked well together and it was hard not to get drawn into the conversations between them. I felt as if we were right there along with them as they battled evil wolves, fought trolls and found the other magical teenagers that are needed for their quest.
I would definitely recommend this story to any reluctant reader as well as avid one. The audio book is great for those children that may shy away from reading the hardcover but still want to enjoy some great storytelling.
The action may be a little water downed for most adults but it is still interesting with all the mythological aspects and magic that is steeped in the prophecy.
But with all the popularity rising with Thor and Loki, I definitely see this book and series going many places.
Get Your Own Copy At:
Amazon
| The Book Depository |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please feel free to leave me any feedback or well wishes. I love meeting new people and I would love to know how you feel about what I have posted! :)
After much consideration I have decided I want my blog to be award free. My readers are more than enough award for me! Thank ya'll so much!