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Northern Frights #1
Draugr
"Are you afraid of the dead?"
Sarah Asmundson will discover the answer to that question. She is prepared for her grandfather's scary stories, but is anything but prepared when events from the story about a draugr--a man who comes back from the dead--begin to happen around her. A tale to frighten and entertain the young and the young at heart.
Sarah Asmundson will discover the answer to that question. She is prepared for her grandfather's scary stories, but is anything but prepared when events from the story about a draugr--a man who comes back from the dead--begin to happen around her. A tale to frighten and entertain the young and the young at heart.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1998
16 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Slade
74 books523 followersArthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 13, 2020
Draugr was the first published novel by Arthur Slade. It was the 7th novel he wrote. And now it is available again in an eBook edition. It is set in a small town in Manitoba, with three American teenagers visiting their grandfather. The first night of their visit their grandfather tells them ghost stories and tales from his homeland, Iceland. The next day the three youngsters Sarah, Michael and Angie have a very strange encounter; it is almost as if their grandfather's tales are starting to come true. And as the old saying goes 'truth is stranger than fiction'. Soon they find themselves experiencing things that should not be possible but are really happening. In less than 3 days they have a life-changing experience.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Author Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Author Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
July 13, 2020
Draugr was the first published novel by Arthur Slade. It was the 7th novel he wrote. And now it is available again in an eBook edition. It is set in a small town in Manitoba, with three American teenagers visiting their grandfather. The first night of their visit their grandfather tells them ghost stories and tales from his homeland, Iceland. The next day the three youngsters Sarah, Michael and Angie have a very strange encounter; it is almost as if their grandfather's tales are starting to come true. And as the old saying goes 'truth is stranger than fiction'. Soon they find themselves experiencing things that should not be possible but are really happening. In less than 3 days they have a life-changing experience.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
January 3, 2023
Draugr was the first published novel by Arthur Slade. It was the 7th novel he wrote. And now it is available again in an eBook edition. It is set in a small town in Manitoba, with three American teenagers visiting their grandfather. The first night of their visit their grandfather tells them ghost stories and tales from his homeland, Iceland. The next day the three youngsters Sarah, Michael and Angie have a very strange encounter; it is almost as if their grandfather's tales are starting to come true. And as the old saying goes 'truth is stranger than fiction'. Soon they find themselves experiencing things that should not be possible but are really happening. In less than 3 days they have a life-changing experience.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
The three teenagers are supposed to be visiting for 2 weeks but on their second day there, they are told their grandfather has unfinished business and they will be going home the next day. But the house is attacked that night and their grandfather goes missing. Soon Sarah must summon strength and courage she did not know she had; she will have to defy adults she respects and risk her life to save those who are closest to her. This is a story that has an open grave, strange legends, beasts walking the night, and maybe a Draugr, a dead man walking again. It is both frightening and wonderful.
This story is wonderfully written, like ghost stories told around the campfire, but with a depth of details and great characters. The readers find themselves wrapped in a talk at once both exciting and addictive. You will not be able to put the book down. Considering it is Slade's first published novel, it has a level of polish and skill rarely seen in an author's early works. It is an incredible story.
There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade and they are some of his earliest published works, each story based on Norse mythology. They were originally published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. They are back in print as eBooks available from the author. This is an are incredible story by a master storyteller. And well worth the read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
May 14, 2011
Fourteen year old Sarah, her twin brother Micheal and their cousin Angie go to visit their grandfather in Gimli, Manitoba for the summer. They come prepared for a quiet vacation in the rural community and their grandfather's scary stories based on Icelandic mythology; however all of this changes when the stories start to come true and a draugr, a man who comes back from the dead, comes after them and their grandfather.
I found Draugr to be a quick read that will probably appeal to young readers (I would think middle school and the young side of young adult or those who like shorter books) who like a plot driven story with lots of excitement and supernatural elements. The story was fast paced and interesting and I especially liked the Icelandic mythology element. Each chapter ends on a tense note or a cliff hanger, which kept me reading "just one more chapter" in order to see what happens next.
One of my favorite things about the book is the character Sarah and how she has to learn to trust herself and the fact that she is strong in order to save her grandfather. She initially sees herself as scared and on the weak side, but when push comes to shove, she learns about herself and what she is capable of.
Slade consistently uses slang such as "shoulda" and "wanna" in his dialogue. I know this is dialogue and he is trying to be realistic, but it is one of those things that jump out at me, stop the flow of the book, and take away from my reading. There are also quite a few sentence fragments, which are probably meant to increase the tension and pace of the book.
Overall, this is an interesting, faced paced book that I am sure children will enjoy, especially if they like to be a bit scared and enjoy supernatural book.
Also in the Northern Frights series:
The Haunting of Drang Island
The Loki Wolf
I found Draugr to be a quick read that will probably appeal to young readers (I would think middle school and the young side of young adult or those who like shorter books) who like a plot driven story with lots of excitement and supernatural elements. The story was fast paced and interesting and I especially liked the Icelandic mythology element. Each chapter ends on a tense note or a cliff hanger, which kept me reading "just one more chapter" in order to see what happens next.
One of my favorite things about the book is the character Sarah and how she has to learn to trust herself and the fact that she is strong in order to save her grandfather. She initially sees herself as scared and on the weak side, but when push comes to shove, she learns about herself and what she is capable of.
Slade consistently uses slang such as "shoulda" and "wanna" in his dialogue. I know this is dialogue and he is trying to be realistic, but it is one of those things that jump out at me, stop the flow of the book, and take away from my reading. There are also quite a few sentence fragments, which are probably meant to increase the tension and pace of the book.
Overall, this is an interesting, faced paced book that I am sure children will enjoy, especially if they like to be a bit scared and enjoy supernatural book.
Also in the Northern Frights series:
The Haunting of Drang Island
The Loki Wolf
July 21, 2011
Draugr (Northern Frights) by Arthur Slade
I was a big reader of Grimm’s fairy-tales when I was a child I loved the scare that you would get from them. I also loved family tales and legends so this book Draugr (Northern Frights) [Kindle Edition] by Arthur Slade intrigued me despite the fact that it was written for a younger audience.
The young characters in the book Sarah, Michael and Angie are visiting their grandfather in Manitoba, Canada. Their Grandfather whose homeland was Iceland likes to spin tales of family legends from Iceland. He tells them of a family member coming back from the dead for revenge. The three American children are mostly scoff at the story but the next day it is like the legend is coming true they see a ghost child and darkness settles over the town and their lives. Their grandfather is worried and demands that they cut their two week visit short and go home immediately. He arranges for them to go home that next morning. While they are all ensconced in the living room sleeping something breaks into their grandfather’s home and steals him away. Sarah summons all her strength from herself and her ancestors to disregard edicts from adults find and put her own in jeopardy to save those who are closest to her.
I truly enjoyed reading this book as it invoked the feelings I had reading those Grimms fairy-tales for the first time. This is an excellent thriller for adults,young adults or young readers who are ready for something more. It will arouse the young readers delight in reading with its fast paced story and frightful tale.
**** *
5 out of five
February 28, 2016
Draugr is about a couple of city kids heading North to a small town called Gimli in Manitoba Canada to spend summer break with their Grandpa, who loves telling them creepy stories about the area. This time however, the stories become a little too real.
The story had me waxing nostalgic for the television series Are You Afraid of the Dark. I could picture every scene of this story as portrayed by kids sporting white Esprit sweatshirts and acid-washed jeans or terrycloth shorts. That said, there were some pretty frightening scenes towards the end of the story, that probably wouldn’t have made the final cut for the tame Are you…television show.
It was also interesting to find out a little bit more about Viking mythology as it related to this specific community of people. Especially interesting for me, since during the time I read this book I was in Manitoba and actually went to a benefit concert featuring a band with members who grew up in Gimli! As a long time fan of the band the Weakerthans I also was able to hear more about Grettir, whose “grip on the sword made his enemies cut off his hand.”
Overall, an interesting read, something I’d recommend to kids who’ve enjoyed the Lightning Thief or the Spook’s Apprentice series or are graduating from Hahn’s spooky works and Goosebumps.
The story had me waxing nostalgic for the television series Are You Afraid of the Dark. I could picture every scene of this story as portrayed by kids sporting white Esprit sweatshirts and acid-washed jeans or terrycloth shorts. That said, there were some pretty frightening scenes towards the end of the story, that probably wouldn’t have made the final cut for the tame Are you…television show.
It was also interesting to find out a little bit more about Viking mythology as it related to this specific community of people. Especially interesting for me, since during the time I read this book I was in Manitoba and actually went to a benefit concert featuring a band with members who grew up in Gimli! As a long time fan of the band the Weakerthans I also was able to hear more about Grettir, whose “grip on the sword made his enemies cut off his hand.”
Overall, an interesting read, something I’d recommend to kids who’ve enjoyed the Lightning Thief or the Spook’s Apprentice series or are graduating from Hahn’s spooky works and Goosebumps.
February 17, 2016
I read this taut, Goosebumps-esque ya horror story on a recent trip to Manitoba, though I'd made it only as far as Winnipeg and didn't head to the little town on Lake Winnipeg, Gimli, where the story is set. The story of a few young Americans who visit their Icelandic-Canadian grandfather in the north woods of Manitoba only to discover that his wild tales of Viking myths and legends are more real (and scarier) than they had ever imagined. While the story draws from many common young adult horror tropes, including fast-paced chapters ending on cliff hangers, romantic interests, mysteries, and thrills (some being pretty scary but not too bad for the age level).
While the characters and plot were pretty standard, it was interesting to see the story draw in the legends and background of the Icelandic community in Manitoba, (the largest on the continent) including the old Sagas and the scary creatures that inhabit them and they all worked well together in making this a quick read for preteens and young teens interested in something scary, especially with a Nordic or north woods theme.
While the characters and plot were pretty standard, it was interesting to see the story draw in the legends and background of the Icelandic community in Manitoba, (the largest on the continent) including the old Sagas and the scary creatures that inhabit them and they all worked well together in making this a quick read for preteens and young teens interested in something scary, especially with a Nordic or north woods theme.
January 2, 2012
I didn't realize this was YA when I started it, but I did enjoy it. Fairly scary for the genre. The main characters are 14-16 year-olds visiting their grandfather in Canada. There's a ghost-boy warning of danger and a big hairy monster loose in the woods that ends up hunting our little group. The teens end up having to rescue their grandfather and friends. References to Icelandic mythology and folklore were interesting. Solid storyline, good characterization, holds attention, good detail. Great read for the YA, good story for a creepy winter evening. A little spooky and fun for an adult read.
March 26, 2012
Finally, a great book dealing with the myths from the Scandinavian countries. Read the whole book in almost one sitting. Good detail and a first person point of view made the story easy to follow. Four thumbs up for this novel. I will definitely suggest my students to read this. Now, I need to read the other stories by this author....
December 10, 2016
I loved this book growing up and recently was able to track a copy down. I devoured it as soon as it arrived on my doorstep. every bit as good as I remembered.
September 17, 2021
Slade balances a portrayal of modern—if rural—Canada with ancient Scandinavian folklore, creating a tale that will engage both young adults seeking an accessible chill and fans of sagas.
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Asmundson, her twin Michael, and her cousin Angie have been sent north from Missouri, USA, to a small village in Manitoba, Canada, to stay with her grandfather for a fortnight. She expects the scariest part of it to be her grandfather’s tales from when her ancestors lived in Iceland; however, when events start to match his latest tale, Sarah realises it might be more than just a scary story.
Slade skilfully transplants the ancient Scandinavian tale of draugr, a person returning from the dead for vengeance, to the modern world; while mobile phones and cars offer the characters advantages pre-Christian Icelanders lacked, Slade also draws on the reliance modern people place on technology, making situations where it fails all the more fear-inducing.
The prose is uncomplicated without being simplistic, and is free of swearing or visceral horrors, making it suitable for younger readers. However, the book also includes brief mentions of things from which more experienced readers might infer other threats, preventing the horror from feeling insipid.
While the novel is its own story aimed at young adults, and requires no knowledge of Icelandic literature, readers who are familiar with sagas might notice that—as Slade has characters realise—certain things echo Chapter 14 of Grettir’s Saga, including a number of the names; depending on reader’s preferences this might seem like a pleasing homage, and unfeasible series of coincidences, or a sign of some underlying greater plot.
Indeed, as the first in a series, this book hints strongly at Sarah being more than simply a plucky teen. However, although Slade does leave certain questions unanswered, the main plot and a number of individual character arcs are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, meaning readers are unlikely to feel they are left hanging.
As might be expected of a young adult novel, Sarah puts herself forward and solves a problem that the adults are trying to keep from her and failing to solve; however, unlike some YA tales, this is not due to adults being inept fools. Instead, she succeeds through a mix of gumption, good ideas, and building on what adults have done. Slade pairs this with a realistic fear of the unknown and an awareness she is out of her depth. Thus, even readers who generally find the trope of children saving the day a touch unfeasible are likely to find her a solid protagonist.
Slade’s supporting cast are similarly strong, with young characters displaying a childlike approach to life without being irritatingly childish. This produces a pleasing symmetry where adults have the experience to handle more situations but are limited by their awareness of risks, whereas teenagers act with less thought and thus both land in deeper trouble and seize more opportunities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers of any age seeking a scary story that relies on strong characters and real emotion rather than a single trick.
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Asmundson, her twin Michael, and her cousin Angie have been sent north from Missouri, USA, to a small village in Manitoba, Canada, to stay with her grandfather for a fortnight. She expects the scariest part of it to be her grandfather’s tales from when her ancestors lived in Iceland; however, when events start to match his latest tale, Sarah realises it might be more than just a scary story.
Slade skilfully transplants the ancient Scandinavian tale of draugr, a person returning from the dead for vengeance, to the modern world; while mobile phones and cars offer the characters advantages pre-Christian Icelanders lacked, Slade also draws on the reliance modern people place on technology, making situations where it fails all the more fear-inducing.
The prose is uncomplicated without being simplistic, and is free of swearing or visceral horrors, making it suitable for younger readers. However, the book also includes brief mentions of things from which more experienced readers might infer other threats, preventing the horror from feeling insipid.
While the novel is its own story aimed at young adults, and requires no knowledge of Icelandic literature, readers who are familiar with sagas might notice that—as Slade has characters realise—certain things echo Chapter 14 of Grettir’s Saga, including a number of the names; depending on reader’s preferences this might seem like a pleasing homage, and unfeasible series of coincidences, or a sign of some underlying greater plot.
Indeed, as the first in a series, this book hints strongly at Sarah being more than simply a plucky teen. However, although Slade does leave certain questions unanswered, the main plot and a number of individual character arcs are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, meaning readers are unlikely to feel they are left hanging.
As might be expected of a young adult novel, Sarah puts herself forward and solves a problem that the adults are trying to keep from her and failing to solve; however, unlike some YA tales, this is not due to adults being inept fools. Instead, she succeeds through a mix of gumption, good ideas, and building on what adults have done. Slade pairs this with a realistic fear of the unknown and an awareness she is out of her depth. Thus, even readers who generally find the trope of children saving the day a touch unfeasible are likely to find her a solid protagonist.
Slade’s supporting cast are similarly strong, with young characters displaying a childlike approach to life without being irritatingly childish. This produces a pleasing symmetry where adults have the experience to handle more situations but are limited by their awareness of risks, whereas teenagers act with less thought and thus both land in deeper trouble and seize more opportunities.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers of any age seeking a scary story that relies on strong characters and real emotion rather than a single trick.
December 27, 2020
I wonder if the author knew he was writing a fable when he wrote Draugr.
Love (Good) and Hate (Evil) are both very strong emotions and both can have lasting influences in our lives.
The siblings and their cousin learn the hard way that there is a modicum of truth in the folklore their grandfather loves to scare them with when they visit him each Summer. Luckily for all concerned, Sarah finds the fortitude and stamina to combat the evil that has been unleashed.
I can't wait to read the next two books in this series.
Happy reading. Annemarie
Love (Good) and Hate (Evil) are both very strong emotions and both can have lasting influences in our lives.
The siblings and their cousin learn the hard way that there is a modicum of truth in the folklore their grandfather loves to scare them with when they visit him each Summer. Luckily for all concerned, Sarah finds the fortitude and stamina to combat the evil that has been unleashed.
I can't wait to read the next two books in this series.
Happy reading. Annemarie
July 13, 2020
Are You Afraid of The Dark, The Walking Dead, Being Buried Alive! Beware! Draugr (Northern Frights, Book 1) by Arthur Slade is a novella inspired by Norse mythology and Icelandic lore. It is creepy and great fun to read! It was written in 1990 and just re-released. Two more in the series hopefully will also be made available. Thank goodness!
I was given a copy by the author and am voluntarily posting and honest review.
I was given a copy by the author and am voluntarily posting and honest review.
August 15, 2020
Sarah, her twin brother Michael and her cousin Angie, have spend the last two summers with their Grandpa, who loves to tell them scary stories, some of them tales of when he lived in Iceland. Things change and live turns a bit more scary for the children, this summer. Will they all get out alive? Can they group together and keep safe? I enjoyed this intriguing scary tale, the kids were easy to like and I look forward to more tales.
August 20, 2020
Excellent
Really enjoyed this book. I have read several books by this author. Always good plots, believable characters, strong action. Very very enjoyable
Really enjoyed this book. I have read several books by this author. Always good plots, believable characters, strong action. Very very enjoyable
April 16, 2025
This was a very different book from what I usually read but overall such an amazing one!
July 19, 2011
It was a creepy book, but should've been more so. Not enough action for me. There were way to many Icelandic phrases and names to keep up with completely. It was an ok book, I might try another book by this author, but only if it is free like this one was. However, it was clean with nothing objectionable.
Read
March 5, 2017Arthur Slade explores the Icelandic legend of the Draugr in this well written story for young teenagers.
July 27, 2011
An engaging young readers novel, well-written, thoroughly Canadian. Arthur Slade examines the Icelandic legend of the Draugr in this Gimli, Manitoba based story.
October 21, 2011
A fairly good read, if a little shorter than I like. Interesting characters and world. I enjoyed reading it very much
April 4, 2012
A strong spooky story with just enough Old World bogey lore to settle itself inside your skull when the lights are out and the night comes a'howling.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews