RuneWarriors

December 15, 2010

Thidreck the Terrifying, killed by Dane the Defiant, is back in action on an errand for the goddess Hel to find the Ship of Doom. The ultimate objective for this task is world domination for Hel, and the reward for Thidreck is restoration to life and human status. After Dane steals the Book of Fate, the irate Norn Skuld promises to give Astrid the right to choose release from her oath as a Valkyrie if Dane destroys the Ship of Doom and removes Thidreck from the picture permanently. Dane and his boon companions set off in their usual hilarious and quarrelsome manner to save the world. The plot and subplots are handled with masterly finesse: Action and suspense are nonstop. Although the climax requires strong suspension of disbelief, the resolution will satisfy fans completely. Familiarity with the first two RuneWarriors books (Shield of Odin, 2008; Sword of Doom, 2009) will aid readers through the twists and turns. Established fans will devour this excellent series finish. (Fantasy. 11-14)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 1, 2010

Gr 3-6-These hefty, oversize editions of childhood classics include congenial paintings executed by Foreman in previous decades. The artwork is pleasant, but not really dominant here. Though inflated in size, the books employ a traditional layout of illustrated novels with thoughtful, sparing placement of pictures and uninterrupted flow of the original texts. Gentle, often humorous interpretations of characters and events appear in one full-page scene in most chapters; occasional small views and set pieces open and conclude chapters. With paintings that beautifully complement the enduring stories, these might be welcome new editions. Not visually lavish by today's standards, but still showy, they will serve as gift items or for reading aloud in some situations. Libraries with a particular interest in Foreman's work will definitely want them.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Dane wants to be acknowledged as a warrior by his father, the lovely Astrid, and all the Norsemen. When Astrid is kidnapped by Thidrek the Terrifying, Dane and the other "Norseboys" will do whatever it takes--even cooperating!--to rescue her and save their village. Though the story is overly packed with fart jokes, its well-paced battles will keep pages turning.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

December 1, 2008
Gr 7-10-Dane, a Viking-style warrior, must make a name for himself, avenge his father's death, and rescue his lady love from an evil despot. It sounds like the novel should be a rollicking adventure tale full of battles and romance. And while there are some exciting moments, and the character development is good, the book is, for the most part, a hodgepodge of disparate elements. The beginning of the tale reads like historical fiction, and then fantasy is woven in, and readers are often jolted and surprised by the next scene or scenario. For a story that has a more seamless marriage of historical fiction and fantasy, try Nancy Farmer's "The Sea of Trolls" (S & S, 2004)."Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.