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Finn the half-Great
The story of a time when giants roamed the earth.
Finn the half-Great , Theo Caldwell’s first novel for young adults, tells the story of Ireland’s most beloved heroes with humor and heart. Finn McCool, at fourteen feet, thinks he is the tallest thing in the Emerald Isle. That is, until he ventures outside his childhood valley. Finn soon discovers that ancient Britain is a land of giants, dragons, wizards, and men, in which he is only one little fellow.
Despite treating those about him as decently as he can, Finn finds he has enemies all over. Even before he was born, cruel creatures known as the Frost Giants killed Finn’s father and tried to do away with his mother. When Finn learns what befell his parents, his first order of business is to seek out the Frost Giants and take revenge.
In later years, Finn becomes a calmer chap, living in idle bliss on his hill, known as Knockmany, with his beloved wife, Oonagh. But Finn the half-Great’s troubles are not over. Ireland and all of Britain are being overrun by mortal men, who have no patience for bigger fellows like Finn. When Knockmany is attacked by humans, and Oonagh is kidnapped by their leader, Finn sets out to rally Britain’s remaining giants and bring her back.
Steeped in legend, Finn the half-Great is completely thrilling as it introduces an unforgettable character and adventures both ancient and new.
Finn the half-Great , Theo Caldwell’s first novel for young adults, tells the story of Ireland’s most beloved heroes with humor and heart. Finn McCool, at fourteen feet, thinks he is the tallest thing in the Emerald Isle. That is, until he ventures outside his childhood valley. Finn soon discovers that ancient Britain is a land of giants, dragons, wizards, and men, in which he is only one little fellow.
Despite treating those about him as decently as he can, Finn finds he has enemies all over. Even before he was born, cruel creatures known as the Frost Giants killed Finn’s father and tried to do away with his mother. When Finn learns what befell his parents, his first order of business is to seek out the Frost Giants and take revenge.
In later years, Finn becomes a calmer chap, living in idle bliss on his hill, known as Knockmany, with his beloved wife, Oonagh. But Finn the half-Great’s troubles are not over. Ireland and all of Britain are being overrun by mortal men, who have no patience for bigger fellows like Finn. When Knockmany is attacked by humans, and Oonagh is kidnapped by their leader, Finn sets out to rally Britain’s remaining giants and bring her back.
Steeped in legend, Finn the half-Great is completely thrilling as it introduces an unforgettable character and adventures both ancient and new.
- GenresFiction
392 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2009
3 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Theo Caldwell
1 book3 followersTheo Caldwell is an internationally known investor, writer, and commentator. Born in Toronto, Theo is a citizen of Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Finn the half-Great is Theo’s first novel and it is dedicated to his beloved dog, Harvey. Learn more about Finn at www.halfgreat.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 18, 2009
We LOVED this book! My kids are all about funny words and voices (we read a lot of it aloud!). There are so many interesting characters and themes and mythologies from all over the world (not just Ireland, but there is a lot of green!). Thank you!!!
October 19, 2009
Finn the Half Great is a rollicking read. In the grand tradition of the Brothers Grimm but with a generous dose of “The Princess Bride”, Theo Caldwell has created a vibrant unforgettable story based on the legend of a great Irish hero, Finn McCool. Finn is half-mortal, half-Giant, which basically makes him a bit of a misfit in a world where everyone is twice his size; yet, with determination and courage and the help of a few good friends, he prevails. The lesson of this book is that despite our various shortcomings, we are all of us capable of greatness, so long as we believe in ourselves and in each other. Centuries old, the myths of ancient Ireland are full of brave heroes, maniacal villains, fierce battles, and extraordinary friendships. Caldwell’s Finn has all this, as well as talking birds, ferocious dragons, impish faeries, deadly sea snakes and more. We owe Caldwell a ‘giant’ thank you for bringing beautiful old stories to new life with a deft wit and a light touch; this is a book which you won’t want to end.
October 18, 2009
This might be the best book I have ever read. It has EVERYTHING - heroes, villains, love, hate, battles, dragons, wizards and, most of all, Giants! And it's VERY funny! Once I got started, I could not stop reading it. The mythology and characters are fascinating, and there are even hidden codes in the words of the book. It's a great story, beautifully written, with fun and inspiration for people of all ages.
I surely hope Theo Caldwell won't have us waiting long to read his next half-Great adventure!
I surely hope Theo Caldwell won't have us waiting long to read his next half-Great adventure!
October 18, 2009
I thought this story was beautifully written, extremely witty and full of charming characters that at times made me roar with laughter and other times warmed my heart. This book will appeal to young and old alike because of the creative and colourful use of language and a story line that captures your imagination. I would highly recommend reading this book not only for those interested in fantasy works but for those who love a book that makes you feel good and makes you smile from the inside.
October 18, 2009
My two children loved this book. They were so sad tonight when we finished. They would even talk about it in the car on their way to school every morning.
In my years of working for a publishing company in New York City, I see 'reviews' from the likes of the 'Jonas' posting, from time to time. It is no doubt, in my opinion, it is written out of sheer frustration.
I fully support this author.
-Sami
In my years of working for a publishing company in New York City, I see 'reviews' from the likes of the 'Jonas' posting, from time to time. It is no doubt, in my opinion, it is written out of sheer frustration.
I fully support this author.
-Sami
October 15, 2009
FINN THE HALF-GREAT is half awful and half pretentious.
I bought this book for my son who loves giants, wizards and world mythologies. Though it could prove useful for a university-level Celtic mythology class, it leaves adult and child fantasy fans cold.
The publisher recommends the book for children aged 9 to 12 (grades 3 to 6). But the author keeps pelting the reader with unnecessary and pompous vocabulary. Ten year olds do not understand the meaning of bilious, shoal, piety, belie, victuals, uncouth, pang, confound, don, mundane, clout, cantankerous, malodorous, impertinent, hexagonal, nonplussed, simperer, bough and porcine. Embarrassingly, the author sometimes misapplies such words, betraying his ignorance of the word’s semantic nuance or even its plain meaning.
On page 2, the author’s hasty world-building drowns the reader in a tsunami of proper nouns with insufficient context: Gogmagog, Great Ones, Finn mac Cuhail, Cuhail mac Art, Muirne, Nuada, Albion, Fomorians, Frost Giants, Treryn, Eire, Fianna, Ymir.
The book portrays an unsympathetic protagonist, so you really don’t care if he wins or fails, lives or dies. Early on, a human taunts the protagonist Finn with “Did your mummy give you that [lavender:] scarf?” Finn responds by lifting the human in the air by the neck (like he’s Darth Vader) and threatens to disembowel him with a sword. Finn later cuts his enemy Ymir into two or more pieces, leaving behind a “pool of venomous black blood”.
The book obsesses over how the fantasy races of this world differ. The racialist descriptions disturbed me, hinting at undertones of white supremacism. The women act as one-dimensional stereotypes: frustrated and bossy, housewives and spinsters. Finn has this creepy and infantile coping mechanism: he vigorously sucks his thumb to awaken magic powers when he gets desperate. In a gross reliance on paternal phallicism, Finn uses his father’s indestructible “red sword” to defeat his enemies.
There’s no coherent plot worthy of a novel, more a collection of loosely-related short stories. Finn usually defeats powerful enemies without cleverness. The author bases story events on fastidious research of Celtic mythology, but he shapes the narrative pedantically and without soul.
FINN THE HALF-GREAT clearly aspires to emulate Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT, but unfortunately its amateurism lacks the fantastical charm, linguistic craftsmanship, epic stakes, moral guidance or enduring pathos.
I bought this book for my son who loves giants, wizards and world mythologies. Though it could prove useful for a university-level Celtic mythology class, it leaves adult and child fantasy fans cold.
The publisher recommends the book for children aged 9 to 12 (grades 3 to 6). But the author keeps pelting the reader with unnecessary and pompous vocabulary. Ten year olds do not understand the meaning of bilious, shoal, piety, belie, victuals, uncouth, pang, confound, don, mundane, clout, cantankerous, malodorous, impertinent, hexagonal, nonplussed, simperer, bough and porcine. Embarrassingly, the author sometimes misapplies such words, betraying his ignorance of the word’s semantic nuance or even its plain meaning.
On page 2, the author’s hasty world-building drowns the reader in a tsunami of proper nouns with insufficient context: Gogmagog, Great Ones, Finn mac Cuhail, Cuhail mac Art, Muirne, Nuada, Albion, Fomorians, Frost Giants, Treryn, Eire, Fianna, Ymir.
The book portrays an unsympathetic protagonist, so you really don’t care if he wins or fails, lives or dies. Early on, a human taunts the protagonist Finn with “Did your mummy give you that [lavender:] scarf?” Finn responds by lifting the human in the air by the neck (like he’s Darth Vader) and threatens to disembowel him with a sword. Finn later cuts his enemy Ymir into two or more pieces, leaving behind a “pool of venomous black blood”.
The book obsesses over how the fantasy races of this world differ. The racialist descriptions disturbed me, hinting at undertones of white supremacism. The women act as one-dimensional stereotypes: frustrated and bossy, housewives and spinsters. Finn has this creepy and infantile coping mechanism: he vigorously sucks his thumb to awaken magic powers when he gets desperate. In a gross reliance on paternal phallicism, Finn uses his father’s indestructible “red sword” to defeat his enemies.
There’s no coherent plot worthy of a novel, more a collection of loosely-related short stories. Finn usually defeats powerful enemies without cleverness. The author bases story events on fastidious research of Celtic mythology, but he shapes the narrative pedantically and without soul.
FINN THE HALF-GREAT clearly aspires to emulate Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT, but unfortunately its amateurism lacks the fantastical charm, linguistic craftsmanship, epic stakes, moral guidance or enduring pathos.
May 2, 2016
I came across the interesting bit of fiction in the used book section at the library. It is a based somewhat on Celtic Mythology with bits and pieces of references to biblical mythos thrown in. While definitely not a classic nor does it seem to be destined to reach great heights it was a rather entertaining read and could be suitable for junior high and high school students.
Legend has it that the mightiest giant was Gogmagog (biblical name) who was the strongest. Back in those days giants lived to eat and fight and usually met their end in battle and to them that was best. One day they discovered that it would be better to die of natural causeses. So thy stopped fighting until they died. They discovered that they could live forever. They were immortal. Life did get boring so they decided to sleep underground.
Finn Macuhail is the son of a mortal women and a male giant, His mother died in child birth and his father was a mighty warrior. His father, Cuhail, died in battle fighting against the Fomorian named Ymir (Norse name) Finn grows up with two aunts and an uncle until one day adventure calls him to go to war against Ymir. Now the frost giants have been lulling the regular giants to sleep with an elf’s music. The giants are about to be wiped out. So Finn gets together with Goll and an elf who makes music and they build a cause way to the island of the Frost Giants. Finn kills his father’s murderer.
Next he gets married to Onagha and lives on top of Knockmany. His next fight is with Cuhulain/ Cuhalin wants to to fight and he goes around knocking out the various giants to gain kingship. Onagha gets him in her house and feeds him bread laced with crushed rocks. He goes away with stomache aches A couple of other stories have him checking on his causeway and seeing it damaged. He also visits Leviathan ( biblical Name) who assures him that Jorgmandr (Norse name) is not threat to the Isle of Ireland.
All through out these little adventures there are humans who want to waste the giants. Lead by Dunbar and helped by Jack the Green they go about stealing rings of stones and killing giants. While Finn is out on an adventure they burn down his stronghold and kidnap his wife. So another quest begins where he meets a banshee, a necromancer, ghost of dead giants and what not. In the end everyone gets ready for a royal battle. I will not spoil the ending for you read it yourself.
Legend has it that the mightiest giant was Gogmagog (biblical name) who was the strongest. Back in those days giants lived to eat and fight and usually met their end in battle and to them that was best. One day they discovered that it would be better to die of natural causeses. So thy stopped fighting until they died. They discovered that they could live forever. They were immortal. Life did get boring so they decided to sleep underground.
Finn Macuhail is the son of a mortal women and a male giant, His mother died in child birth and his father was a mighty warrior. His father, Cuhail, died in battle fighting against the Fomorian named Ymir (Norse name) Finn grows up with two aunts and an uncle until one day adventure calls him to go to war against Ymir. Now the frost giants have been lulling the regular giants to sleep with an elf’s music. The giants are about to be wiped out. So Finn gets together with Goll and an elf who makes music and they build a cause way to the island of the Frost Giants. Finn kills his father’s murderer.
Next he gets married to Onagha and lives on top of Knockmany. His next fight is with Cuhulain/ Cuhalin wants to to fight and he goes around knocking out the various giants to gain kingship. Onagha gets him in her house and feeds him bread laced with crushed rocks. He goes away with stomache aches A couple of other stories have him checking on his causeway and seeing it damaged. He also visits Leviathan ( biblical Name) who assures him that Jorgmandr (Norse name) is not threat to the Isle of Ireland.
All through out these little adventures there are humans who want to waste the giants. Lead by Dunbar and helped by Jack the Green they go about stealing rings of stones and killing giants. While Finn is out on an adventure they burn down his stronghold and kidnap his wife. So another quest begins where he meets a banshee, a necromancer, ghost of dead giants and what not. In the end everyone gets ready for a royal battle. I will not spoil the ending for you read it yourself.
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February 7, 2012Reviewed by Trevor J. Froates
Theo Caldwell’s first novel, based on the legends of one of Ireland’s most famous heroes, is entertaining and inspiring. In a finely crafted tale, Caldwell keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat as he explores the ancient world of Albion.
Finn the Half-Great grows up believing that he is the tallest and greatest person in the Emerald Isle. That is until Finn meets a real giant and struggles to understand his place in the grand scheme of things. When Finn learns of his father’s brutal murder at the hands of the Frost Giants, he vows revenge and sets out on an adventure of a life time.
Caldwell’s narrative genuinely captures the feelings of adventure, excitement and suspense. The story, though fast paced and plot driven, is full of detail that enriches the experience of the reader. The beautiful cover illustration by Victor Molev reflects the imaginative depiction of the story’s central characters, locations and mysteries.
Finn the Half-Great is a thoughtful story filled with humour and mirth that will enchant the reader from the very first page. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series that promises to keep readers spellbound for years to come.
Canadian Children's Book News (Winter 2010, Vol. 33, No. 1)
Theo Caldwell’s first novel, based on the legends of one of Ireland’s most famous heroes, is entertaining and inspiring. In a finely crafted tale, Caldwell keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat as he explores the ancient world of Albion.
Finn the Half-Great grows up believing that he is the tallest and greatest person in the Emerald Isle. That is until Finn meets a real giant and struggles to understand his place in the grand scheme of things. When Finn learns of his father’s brutal murder at the hands of the Frost Giants, he vows revenge and sets out on an adventure of a life time.
Caldwell’s narrative genuinely captures the feelings of adventure, excitement and suspense. The story, though fast paced and plot driven, is full of detail that enriches the experience of the reader. The beautiful cover illustration by Victor Molev reflects the imaginative depiction of the story’s central characters, locations and mysteries.
Finn the Half-Great is a thoughtful story filled with humour and mirth that will enchant the reader from the very first page. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series that promises to keep readers spellbound for years to come.
Canadian Children's Book News (Winter 2010, Vol. 33, No. 1)
October 19, 2009
Finn the Half Great is a thoroughly entertaining and meticulously researched book that is sure to delight not only children and teens but kids of the adult variety as well. The author has conjured up richly detailed characters and creatures to populate this mythical Celtic world. Headlining the bunch is the very likable and self-effacing Finn McCool who embarks on Tolkienesque journeys while learning to embody an all important lesson of belief in self. Remaining true to it's fantasy roots the book is both witty and hilarious at the same time making it a delight for all to read. I highly recommend this book, the first from this author, and hope to see more of Finn's adventures in the future.
October 19, 2009
Finn the half-Great is a wonderfully intelligent and captivating read. The reader is immersed into a magical world of childhood dreams. I think this book is excellent for young adults, but it is a lovely book for reading to your children of any age. It reminds me of being read C.S. Lewis and Tolkien as a child. Thank you Theo Caldwell for developing such delightful characters, hope to see them again in another book.
April 4, 2012
A fun book to read around St. Patrick's day! I enjoyed the mythology and the characters well enough, but unfortunately I found that I seemed to be reading through molasses, losing momentum as I read more. As a result, I found that I had almost lost interest in the end, but I still enjoyed reading this book in general
February 21, 2010
This one seemed like at times the author was trying to hurry and finish the book by leaving out some seemingly crucial details and at other times it gets almost lethargic about moving forward as if it really has nowhere to go. I was still pretty happy with the overall picture.
March 4, 2011
Disappointing... Meandering plot and mediocre writing.
January 16, 2011
Really more of a 3 3/4. A good adventure folk tale. Fun and well written.
November 13, 2011
Rollicking
Adventurous
Entertaining
Adventurous
Entertaining
April 17, 2015
Better than I originally thought it would be. The beginning was a little slow for me but it got interesting about halfway through and on.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews