Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Description:

In this inventive, short, yet perfectly formed novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Neil Gaiman takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back.

In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.

Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle—three creatures with a strange story to tell.

Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined—a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.

It's going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.

Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever . . .

Someone just like Odd .


My Thoughts:

This is a charming little story about a boy named Odd ( a real Scandinavian name) set in ancient Scandinavia. Odd’s father, a sea-fearing Viking dies and Odd and his mother were left by themselves.  Since his father’s death, Odd’s mother married another man, who was mean to him. Odd escapes his step-father’s mean streak by going into the cottage that his father built.  While at his father’s cottage Odd meets a Bear (Thor), Fox (Loki) and Eagle (Odin). Odd discovers that they are gods looked in animal bodies were outwitted by Frost Giant and thrown out of Asgad.  Odd sets on an adventure to help the gods to reclaim their home.

This was a truly delightful read, it was amusing. Story is very simply written and that is the beauty of it; however book is intended for the younger audience, pre-teen. The story was very well written, pacing was just right; characters were delightful and well developed. Odd was such a lovable character that you cannot help but like him. He is kind, gentle and I had hard time picturing him as a Viking. Author does have a talent for creating a cast of believable and likeable characters. Author wrote this book for World Book Day to promote reading and I wish that we could see more of Odd and his adventures.

Overall, this was a very good and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to all who love mythology, good adventure and bit of magic. I give this book 5/5 stars.