The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB

The Unbelievable FIB #1

by Adam Shaughnessy

“What is the Unbelievable FIB?”
 
That’s the question eleven-year-old Prudence Potts discovers on a baffling card no one else in Middleton--except ABE, a new kid with a knack for solving riddles--seems to see. Then a mysterious man asks for ABE and Pru’s help investigating mythical beings infiltrating the town, and that’s just one of the things Pru finds hard to believe.

Soon Pru and ABE discover another world beneath the surface of their quiet town, where Viking gods lurk just out of sight. They must race to secure the Eye of Odin, source of all knowledge--and the key to stopping a war that could destroy both human and immortal realms.

Author Adam Shaughnessy draws from classic lore to create a new world where uncertainty opens the door to magic and the last thing you should do is believe your own eyes.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Before he began writing, Adam taught elementary school in Connecticut and opened Red Dragon Adventures, a company that provides enrichment programs for school-age youth.

Reviews

[Celeste_pewter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Greek and Roman mythology-influenced MG and YA books throughout the years, so I was excited to check out debut author Adam Shaughnessy's fresh new MG take on Norse mythology.

​Shaughnessy introduces us to Prudence "Pru" Potts, a young eleven-year-old girl who has been struggling to recover after the death of her father, a former police detective. As a result, Pru has been become fixated on solving and figuring out mysteries all around her.

So when a card bearing the intriguing question "What is the unbelievable FIB?" appears in Pru's room, she and new friend ABE become determined to get to the bottom of this mystery too. However, the card opens up an entirely new and unexpected world...

What's great about ​The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB, is how effortlessly Shaughnessy integrates classic Norse mythology and the story of Baba Yaga into a contemporary environment. As Pru and ABE begin to dig into the mystery of the postcard, Shaughnessy sets up the idea that magic does exist all around us, but it's only the young and the open-minded, who are able to actually see and interact with said magical elements.

Consequently, it's not at all surprising when Pru and ABE make the acquaintance of the enigmatic Mr. Fox or the foul-mouthed (but equally funny) squirrel Ratatoskr. Shaughnessy beautifully emphasizes the idea that it is through the open-minded nature of young adults like Pru, that they are not only able to accept Mr. Fox and Ratatoskr for who they are, but also act on their behalf as they learn about the objectives of the Norse gods that are slowly taking over their small town. It's both a lesson in open-mindedness and teamwork, which works especially well as the action between the gods begins to heat up.

Outside of the primary, action-packed storyline, readers will likely appreciate both Shaughnessy's realistic take on the gods, and some of Shaughnessy's more subtle lessons as well. There's an underlying emphasis on learning how to trust again after experiencing grief, and not positively or negatively judging people based on their appearance. Pru has been wary since the death of her father, and her experiences with Mr. Fox and the Norse gods, help her find the strength of learning to trust her instincts once more.

Shaughnessy also nicely reiterates the positive value of defining yourself through an identity that you're comfortable with - and both Pru's detective skills and ABE's name preferences - are a positive testament to that quiet but all-important lesson.

Bottom line: The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB is fun, exciting and a promising start to future adventures. Perfect way to kick-off fall reading.

***

Final verdict:

Adam Shaughnessy's debut is a fresh new addition to the ever-growing mythology-inspired genre.

Pru and Abe are likable, realistic characters that readers will admire, and Shaughnessy's knack for writing richly detailed worlds with smart writing, will keep them coming back for more.

[Jamie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pru Potts is always looking for a mystery to solve. Unfortunately, most of the mysteries she tries to solve end up getting this sixth grade detective in trouble. Then strange things start happening with the weather at the same time a new boy moves to town. Soon Pru and the new kid, ABE, find themselves recruited by the mysterious Mr. Fox into an organization of fibbers who help investigate and protect the human world from mythical beings and events. The two young fibbers quickly find themselves in the middle of a search for the Eye of Odin, an artifact lost thousands of years ago which is the key to stopping a war spanning both the mortal and mythic realm.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. I liked the way the author incorporated both Norse Mythology and Russian Lore into the book.

I have had this exact experience, "Right now, the desk and chair belonged to another time and had the power to return her to that time, however briefly. If she lingered too long, they'd become a fixture in this world without a dad and they'd lose that power." page 143

Wasn't sure about this parent/child book club selection this month...but enjoying the book more and more.

Excellent Monty Python reference on page 102: "'If I was the witch I would've sent those people packing. Or turned them into toads maybe. Or newts.'" Love. It.

Also this is a great quote, "'Kids are the Henhouse. Deceptively small on the outside, and so full of possibility on the inside. That's why you can do things I can't. Because you're make of possibility.'" page 210

So the Eye of Odin and the story of Loki and Sleipner told by Mr. Grimnor (old man Grimnor) - who only had 1 eye, and also had 2 ravens!...the gods wanted a wall around Asgard to protect them from giants, but didn't want to pay the sun and moon and a goddess wife to the builder for it, so Loki suggested they trick the builder (a giant in disguise) and make it due in one season (would take two to build), builder requested the use of his stallion, and almost completed it. With one day and one stone left Loki worried, and so lured the stallion away as a mare....the builder lost the bet, didn't get paid, and Loki wandered off then came back having "borne" an eigt legged horse named Sleipner, for Odin. Odin plucked out his eye in payment for drinking from the well of wisdom...but it was still able to see from the bottom of the well.

Story of Baba Yaga - told by Mr. Fox....her house moved, but came back to same village. Villagers asked her lots of questions - but each answer cost her a year of her life. Village turned to town, humanity grew up, lost it's curiousity and belief in witches. Boy came knocking at Baba Yaga's door, ended up living with her an doing chores for her. She called him Mr. Fox. She built a moveable house like hers for him.

Domovye - Russian household spirits...I love those guys from reading The Bear and the Nightingale earlier this year.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I read the first and second books of The Unbelievable FIB immediately after one another, so I will review them together*
These books are very fast paced, and pretty amusing. I love all of the puns in them, and I love the idea behind the story. They were enjoyable, and are something I think I would've loved as a kid - as an adult, I still liked them, but felt they were too simply written for me to enjoy them as I might have even five years ago. My least favorite part about them was a minor detail; it's that they put Abe's name in all caps ("ABE") all the way through both books. It makes perfect sense why, it just bothered me.
That being said, I liked the second one better than the first one. I think this is because there wasn't as much introductory, filler stuff as the first one had - which, again, makes sense considering the second book was probably written under the assumption that readers would already know what happened in the first one.
Finally, I would recommend both of these books. The fact that I think I would have loved them as a kid really helps. There's nothing inappropriate about either of them, so nothing to worry about there. I think they would be great for fantasy / mythology lovers. However, I think they'd be much better for kids than for adults.
Note: I received these books for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Christine H · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how much I love mythology, and there just isn’t enough out there about the warm and fuzzy Norse gods and goddesses. My Summer Squinks and I had a great time learning about Odin, Thor, Loki, Ratatosk, and the rest of the gang, and we were even lucky enough to have a guide from FIB to help us keep Muninn and Huginn straight.

[Jacob Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was ok. I didn't really like all the Norse gods and mythology. I didn't expect the book to be about that. The characters were good and the writing is good...just didn't like the mythology much.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on some of the characters from Norse mythology.

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and exciting. I love norse mythology and the ways it was brought into the story. I can't wait to start the next book!

[Isa Gonzalez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uch this book... hated the beginning and tried multiple times to get through even the first few chapters. I disliked it too much to finish.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good! My favorite part is when they are finding out that Loki is Fay. That's exciting.

[Taylor]

Summer reading book club with my niece

[Nicole Trick Steinbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I deeply, joyfully completed this book.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story. I read it to my children ranging from 13 years down to 3 years old and they all enjoyed it (granted the 3 year old didn't understand it all).

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mythology, Mystery and Magic

Norse mythology has really come roaring onto the middle grade and YA scene in the past few years. By now we all know of Asgard, the tree Yggdrasil, and the stories of Odin, Thor and Loki. Neil Gaiman has often gone to the Norse well. A number of authors have done straight retellings of the most popular tales, like those involving Frost Giants. Heck, even Marvel Comics has rediscovered Thor as a hunky hero. Well, despite its oddly uninformative title and cover, this middle grade entry is a ripping and honorable addition to the genre, and a good introduction of the main Norse figures.

This particular story involves all of the mythical heroes, disguised as usual in order to misbehave here on Earth, (aka Midgard). Our heroine Pru, (her full name, "Prudence" is quite out of the question), is smack in the middle of it all. For her the whole story starts out as a mystery, (and a good one at that), until the threads of the mystery point to bigger, mythical goings on. As she perseveres bits of Norse mythology are revealed to her, heroes are discovered or described, and Norse tales are told. While all of that exposition fits into the mystery/adventure and figures in the solution, it also serves to bring a young reader up to speed. At times there may be a bit more of such exposition than a smoothly written narrative would require, but here it is very helpful and illuminating and doesn't ever burden or slow down the story, which really zips along at a remarkably fast pace.

As an added treat, Baba Yaga is grafted on to the tale and the story of Baba Yaga and the way she fits into the story is very clever and satisfying. We have some sub-plots about friendship, school problems, and some teen drama that fleshes Pru out a bit, (but it doesn't weigh down the main story arc, so complaining about that seems like a slight quibble).

The quality of the writing struck me as quite high. A number of characters, (not all of whom were human), were either amusing comic relief or witty adversaries, and I was impressed by a good deal of the dialogue, which can sometimes be pretty pedestrian in a middle grade book. Our two heroes are led and misled by a mysterious character who always seems to know more than he's telling, and who is given to cryptic and arch pronouncements that add a great deal of spice and liveliness to the proceedings. As a bonus, but along the same lines, there were a number of set pieces that were especially well done, featuring either humor or suspense or action or drama, or some combination thereof, and these certainly helped to distinguish this book as well ahead of the middle grade crowd.

The upshot for me was that this was a well constructed and well executed mythology/mystery actioner that had a lot of twists and turns, a good pace, a consistent tone, and some real style. That works for me.

Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-forty-days Adobe ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prudence (Pru to friends) Potts wakes up one morning to find a card with a riddle on it on one side and "Unbelievable FIB" on the other. Pru know what she wants the unbelievable fib to be - that her Dad was never killed in that robbery and it's all part of a elaborate undercover operation with the police force. While on a field trip at the local Winterhaven House - which also doubles as a Viking museum - Pru runs into a strange man in grey, who seems to be a detective and know something about her mysterious card. At school, a new kid named ABE (ok, those are just his initials, but if you knew his real name you'd understand) is paired with Pru on a project. She meets him at the town library and it turns out ABE is great at solving riddles and helps her untangle the clue on her card. Meanwhile, the weather around town has been turning decidedly cloudy and thundery. Eventually, Pru and ABE find themselves running into the mysterious man in grey again, and discover that the old man who owns Winterhaven House may not be entirely human, the strange rock in the museum may be a guide to the Eye of Odin, the thundery weather may be a sign that a certain Norse god is in the vicinity, and the strange appearances of very real-appearing frost giants might mean a certain other troublemaker is also in town. Oh, and also, there's a squirrel that keeps talking to Pru and ABE warning them of impending doom.

Ok, here's what I liked about the book: I super, duper liked Ratatosk! He's one fun Norse mythological squirrel! (Well, once he is fully appreciated and understood.) I also liked ABE. He was both mysterious and likably flawed. Now Pru on the other hand, I didn't like her as much. She has a little too much of a chip on her shoulder and reluctance to let anyone know she believes them. Half of the time she's just contrary to be contrary. And ok, I get she's dealing with a boatload of grief, and that this is unfortunately a very realistic way some grief plays out, but she wasn't a ton of fun to follow around. ABE gets major points for just sticking with her. The man in grey was quite mysterious and kept me guessing as to his motives. He also spouts some rather potentially-confusing philosophical mumbo jumbo that could have just as easily (and less-confusingly) been summarized as kids are more likely to believe in magic. But he did have the cool Baba Yaga-inspired house. And yes, I actually liked the weird blend of Russian fairy tales and Norse mythology that was going on. It also helped that Shaughnessy made sure to make his Odin, Thor, and Loki decidedly different from either Marvel's or Riordan's. It didn't feel like he was trying to be either one, which was good. As long as Pru keeps her lessons learned, I'd be willing to go on another adventure with her and ABE as it seems hinted will happen. But they need to promise Ratatosk will be there.

Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. Some fantasy violence, which thanks to mythology world is generally isn't too permanent. The story of the origin of Odin's eye is a little gross.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.

Ten Second Synopsis:
Pru meets ABE and they both meet Mister Fox in his strange moving house. But moving houses are the least of their worries when it appears that giants of Norse mythology are invading their town.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Unbelievable FIB in that it was a while between when I requested it for review and when I actually got to reading it, so I had forgotten that it featured Norse mythology. Now, I haven’t read many books featuring Norse mythology, so this felt quite fresh and shiny-new. I can’t say if it would feel the same for seasoned readers of Norse-mythology-based books, but the blend of the mythological with elements of the Baba Yaga fairy tale really set off the exciting, puzzling detective bits of the story.

Pru and ABE are both likeable characters and neither felt particularly clichéd to me, which is always a relief. Pru is an intrepid, cheeky, forthright young lady who has recently experienced the loss of her father, a police detective, while ABE is the reserved, quietly clever, new kid in town. Together, their skills complement each other and provide all the resources necessary to get to the bottom of some of the stranger happenings that have been occurring around town. There are also enough eccentric and shady adult characters here to keep the kids (and the reader!) on their toes regarding who can be trusted – there’s Pru and ABE’s teacher, the pompous Mrs Edleman; the kindly Fay Loningtime; the enigmatic and reclusive Old Man Grimnir; the dashing and unexpected Mister Fox and a very odd looking customer residing in the town’s watchhouse.

The author has done a great job of keeping the explanations of the more complex aspects of Norse mythology contained within the story. The various salient parts of the myths are related in a variety of ways – through a story read for the main character’s homework, for instance – which avoids any slowing of the plot while important world-building and background knowledge is given. Shaughnessy has also employed a light and humorous tone throughout, with lots of banter and quippery, which made this story very enjoyable to wander through.

Overall, this story felt like a breath of fresh air in the crowded marketplace of middle grade fiction, in which one often comes across the same sorts of stories told in similar sorts of ways. While this isn’t so outrageously original it blew my mind, it was definitely different enough from other recent releases that it made me sit up and take notice. If you have a young reader in your midst who loves solving mysteries and enjoys a bit of fantastical adventure, then I would definitely recommend placing The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB in their hands…or at least within easy reach.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB isn't highly original or action packed or the sort of story that stays with you a while after reading it, but that's okay. Not every novel is and not every story is meant to be larger than life.

What Shaughnessy does he does well. Pru and ABE are believable characters with supportive parents, but realistic problems that come with growing up. Add in a touch of magic, mystery, and adventure and you have an entertaining middle grade novel.

It wouldn't be at the top of my recommend list and there are books that do what Shaughnessy does much better, but it is worth a read.

[Maya Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a weird, lovable story, a mix of Norse (Odin! Thor!) and Russian (Baba Yaga!) myth with engaging children as protagonists and some amazing, true quotes. Of course, Loki dances through every bit of the story, twisting his lies into everything.

Recommended for middle grade readers (and anyone older who wants a good laugh). Content: mild romance (mention of "making out"), occasional violence.

You know, there are whole volumes of stories about the terrible things that children can find in the woods. Most people see those stories as warnings to stay away, to stay safe. I don’t. Because if you think about it, all those stories that are supposedly meant to keep children out of the woods tell them something else, too. They tell them that’s where the magic is.

So you see, I don’t think those stories are a warning at all. I think they’re a message. They tell you that you can’t have magic without monsters. Now, some people spend their whole lives trying to hide from the monsters because they can make the world a frightening place. And the world can be frightening. It can be terrifying. That’s the truth. But that’s not the entire truth. The entire truth is that anything is possible, not just the awful things. There’s so much to see and explore, if only we’re open to it. If only we’re willing to risk being unsafe and unsure.

I’ll never tell you that there aren’t monsters out there. And I can’t promise you’ll always be safe from them. This is what I can tell you: There are things out there that are worth braving the monsters for.

---
read 8/24/2017
reread 5/25/2019

[America Grelinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pru, short for Prudence, has an eye for solving a mystery and her new friend, ABE, has a knack for solving riddles. Together these two have to solve the mystery of the Eye of Odin and why Thor is locked in THEIR towns jail. The character development through the story creates a mystery within the mystery. It was a thrilling adventure to try to stay ahead of the plot and predict the ending. I am ready to recommend this book to any 3rd - 7th grader as it is appealing to all of these levels. Told from the perspective of an eleven year old helps this age connect to the main character. She is a sass mouth and defies authority landing her in weeks of detention, but this does not sway her belief system to do what is right.

I learned more about Mythology than I realized. Thanks to Marvel I know about Thor and Loki, but I did not know the extent of their relationship. Because I am just so hip I have watched all of the Marvel movies and I think this also helps the ability to relate to this book and want to keep reading. Having a baseline of knowledge helps reluctant readers and thanks to Hollywood most of us have this knowledge.

I'm thrilled to see Mister Fox, owner of the Norse Detective agency, might make another appearance needing the aid of Pru and ABE. Since Loki is a sly, shape shifter, he may return to seek for the Eye of Odin and the only people who held it last remain in middle school in Middleton.

You can see my full review at Books and WhatNot.com

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the cover choice on this baffling. To me, the palette and feel is very similar to A Snicker of Magic (and it is the same illustrator for both, so this makes sense) and thus is calls to mind a quirky kid navigating life (with perhaps a bit of magic) in a quirky town. Instead, this book is more of a Percy Jackson readalike, chock full of adventure and Norse mythology (and a bit of Baba Yaga thrown in, just for fun). I don't think the cover captures that, and I'm concerned that the kids who would really like this book (and there are lots of them!) won't pick it up because of the cover. However, maybe I'm wrong about that--kids loved the cover of A Snicker of Magic when we brought it on school visits; maybe they will love this one too!

Anyway, cover aside (and I feel like I have to say that I like the look and feel of the cover, I just don't feel like it goes with this book), there's a lot here to like, and a lot here that kids will like. There's action, adventure, a funny talking squirrel, mythology (LOKI!!!! Thor! Odin!), and Baba Yaga's house that gets around on a giant chicken leg. The blend of mythologies from different cultures feels fresh, the writing is good, and I think readers in 4-7th grade, especially those who loved Percy Jackson, would enjoy this.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mythics And Mischief

This series must be read in order. This is the first book.

Prudence(Pru) Potts is still learning to deal with the loss of her police detective father at the hands of a criminal. This turn of events has led her to question everything and believe nothing. Turns out that is the best way to approach life... If you want to encounter magic! Who sent the mysterious postcard? What exactly is "The Unbelievable FIB"? Will she find the answers to any or all of her questions? Is there anyone she can trust?

This amazing middle grade reader is perfect for any fan of mythology as well as an awesome resource for children dealing with grief caused by the loss of a parent or someone close. Fast paced and full of action and adventure I was sad when this installment came to a close. I can't wait for the next one!

***This series while written at a middle grade reading level is suitable for reading to/with younger or less advanced readers who enjoy fairytale and fantasy adventures with a dash mystery and lot excitement :)

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she finds an envelope containing the message "What is the unbelievable fib?" 11 year old Prudence Potts' detective minded curiosity ignites. Willful Pru can't resist a good mystery and soon teams up with another loner named ABE to try to figure out what it's all about. ABE is very bright and especially skilled at solving riddles, so with his problem solving skills and her tenacity and bravery they make a strong team. When they meet Mr. Fox a strange man who engages their talents to figure out mysterious occurrences in their town of Middleton, they enter a realm of magic and must figure out some deeply puzzling questions. This is an action packed mystery/adventure tale based on Norse mythology. Many of the questions asked by Mr. Fox are open ended and require both Pru and ABE to figure out who they should trust. Full of action, monsters, and Norse gods such as Loki, and Thor, fans of mythology who enjoy series such as the Blackwell Pages will find the suspense and surprises in this adventure most rewarding.

[Adam Geisler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had great promise. It takes a girl and her companion through a dizzying array of Norse mythology and personal struggle, bundled as a mystery. It may just be a victim of over-saturation in the YA mythological fiction (e.g. R. Riordan, and countless series now available). The various threads of this tale didn't quite tie together completely. I did appreciate the female protagonist, but her narrative nearly got lost amongst the sometimes confusing Viking legends. I read this with a group of 5th graders who needed some guidance to really understand the nuances of the story.

Shaugnhnessy did include some excellent passages and, in the end, offered salient advice for the lead character (and the reader): "...that's the thing about being a kid, isn't it?..Deceptively small on the outside, and so full of possibility on the inside. That's why you can do things I can't. Because you're made of possibility. It's not a choice or a state of mind. It's who you are. You can do anything."

[Terry]

Lots of action, familiar stories (parallels to other mythologies), and relatable characters will have readers asking for Book 2 just as they close book 1.

There's more to our review. Visit the Reading Tub. While you’re there, add a link to your review of the book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review copy provided by NetGalley

This is probably the best book I've read this year, my choice for the winner of the Newbery Award, though I never seem to know if something will get the attention of the Newbery committee that it deserves. Though I've never read a book by Adam Shaughnessy before, this is the kind of book that will make me a lifelong fan of his. Pru and ABE are two eleven-year-olds that must solve a mystery that sets them in the middle of a dispute between gods of Norse mythology.

The author is a wordsmith in the best way. In fact, while reading this, I stopped at least a couple times a chapter just to reread and marvel at the brilliance of a sentence. Outstanding read. I only hope there is another book from Adam Shaughnessy soon, because I feel like whatever I read after this will have daunting shoes to fill. A true gem.

[Linda Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on goodreads; yes it is a youth book, but how else do you find books to recommend to your grandchildren?

Prudence Potts, an 11-year-old with the knack for investigating seems to find trouble around every corner. When she finds her first friend ever in ABE a new kid in town, the investigation gets more unbelievable then ever.

Ancient mythology comes to life for those who have yet to trade wonder for certainty. Those who stopped asking questions and started believing in answers lacked the abilities they were born with. Thank Heavens Pru & ABE have yet to reach that stone in life, otherwise they would not be able to save their town.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun fantasy mystery read, firmly aimed at 4th and 5th graders. I enjoyed the spunky, act-before-you-think, cranky protagonist and her timid new sidekick. I learned lots about Norse mythology, and a little about Baba Yaga. I enjoyed the author's theories behind magic and how it works as well as the reason for fairy tales, both presented in an unobtrusive way. The story really emphasized a child's special relationship with magic. The serious issue of the loss of a parent was skillfully woven through the plot, and satisfactorily dealt with. (No, grown ups can't keep children entirely safe, no matter how hard they try... That's an incredible fib.)

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take the X-Files, add Balliet characters, and a premise worthy of RIck Riordan and you have a Shaughnessy's first novel. Mystery, adventure, explorers, and mythology all pulled together with a house straight out of Howl's Moving Castle. Fun read.

[David Kopaska-Merkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good young-adult fantasy. The book is the first in a series about two modern kids who get involved with the Norse gods and their associates, who are trying to mess with Midgard in the 21st century.

The book is aimed at children between the ages of eight and 12. Shaughnessy pays attention to what things look like and his descriptions are very good. He really puts you in the scene.

I like the book, but it is not the kind of young-adult book that will appeal just as much to adults as to youngsters. Buy it for a child.

[Becky Ginther · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but I just wasn't a fan of this book. It felt a little bit all over the place to me. The writing style felt a bit stale - there were a lot of things about what the characters were feeling that were told to me instead of shown. A lot of explanation that seemed unnecessary and tedious. Parts of it were interesting at least. I wasn't expecting it to be a book about Norse mythology but that's what it is.