Nancy Farmer is the writer of two Newbery Honor Books. She grew up on the border between Arizona and Mexico in the landscape that she evokes so strongly in her disturbing futuristic adventure, The House of the Scorpion. Nancy Farmer lives with her family in Menlo Park, California.
Gr 5-9-Farmer draws upon Scandinavian mythology and medieval history to create an engaging tale. Jack, a bard's apprentice, and his little sister begin a series of harrowing adventures when they are kidnapped from their peaceful Saxon island by Viking "berserkers." Saved from death by his knowledge of magic and poem making, Jack gradually earns the respect, and even the friendship, of his captors. Olaf One-Brow is an especially magnetic character, despite his love of bloodshed, while a prideful young female warrior who initially detests the boy also becomes an ally. The fast-paced tale seeps deeper into magic as Jack must undertake a quest to the far north to drink "song-mead" from Mimir's Well, increase his powers, and ultimately save his sister's life. He faces dragons, trolls, and the mysterious Norns, surviving by a combination of craftiness and luck. Throughout, he ponders the nature of the people and creatures he encounters, even learning to admire the courage and vitality of the berserkers, while remaining appalled by their thirst for blood and a heroic death. Jack's growing maturity and wisdom develop naturally within the novel's flow. Geographical and mythological elements are revealed through conversations, rather than narrative description. Despite the legendary tone of some of the events, there are plenty of lighthearted moments, and the characters never seem stiff or contrived. This exciting and original fantasy will capture the hearts and imaginations of readers.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Young Jack, bard-in-training, is kidnapped and enslaved by a wild band of Viking raiders and must outwit his captors to save both himself and his sister. The Vikings' half-troll queen orders Jack on a quest to Troll-land, where he battles giant spiders, troll-bears, and a protective mother dragon to find the magical well that will restore the queen's beauty. Steeped in Norse mythology, this fantasy features grand themes: growing up, overcoming odds, and choosing good over evil. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
In our Best Books citation, PW wrote, "Fans of Viking and adventure tales will sail through this meaty volume to discover the fate of 12-year-old Jack and his sister, kidnapped from their homeland by Olaf One-Brow and his crew." Ages 10-14. (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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