Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent story about Odd, a viking boy in a Norse mythology setting. At only about 14,000 words long, it is a very quick (but extremely enjoyable) read. It is intended as a children's book, but even as an adult I found it very enthralling. Mr. Gaiman is a superb writer, who never ceases to draw the reader quickly into his fantastic stories, and usually leaves them wanting for more at the end.
Helpful Score: 1
I was really looking forward reading Gaiman's next children's book. It was a great read and a wonderful story.
Odd is a bit different from the rest of the Norse community he lives in. One night he wanders off to his deceased father's cabin to carve some wood and runs into a bear, an eagle, and a fox...and they can talk. Ends up that they are actually the Norse gods Thor, Odin, and Loki trapped in animal shape by a Frost Giant who stole Thor's hammer (with some unintended aid from Loki). Odd, not having much else to do, decides to help them get back to Asgard and get their fortress back from the Frost Giant.
This is a great story and it is told like a fairy tale or a fable, in typical Gaiman style. At times the story is quite funny and it is an inspiring tale about a boy just being who he is to help others. I really enjoyed it. This is a great story for all ages. Kids will enjoy the Nordic gods and their sardonic sense of humor; they will enjoy Odd and how a little boy helps change the world just by being himself. The Norse mythology is interesting and the way things are resolved without violence refreshing and ironic.
I loved this story and will keep it on my shelf to re-read and read to my son when he gets a bit older (he is only 3 right now). Another great Gaiman book. Great illustrations and a quick read. Everyone should give this book a read through.
Odd is a bit different from the rest of the Norse community he lives in. One night he wanders off to his deceased father's cabin to carve some wood and runs into a bear, an eagle, and a fox...and they can talk. Ends up that they are actually the Norse gods Thor, Odin, and Loki trapped in animal shape by a Frost Giant who stole Thor's hammer (with some unintended aid from Loki). Odd, not having much else to do, decides to help them get back to Asgard and get their fortress back from the Frost Giant.
This is a great story and it is told like a fairy tale or a fable, in typical Gaiman style. At times the story is quite funny and it is an inspiring tale about a boy just being who he is to help others. I really enjoyed it. This is a great story for all ages. Kids will enjoy the Nordic gods and their sardonic sense of humor; they will enjoy Odd and how a little boy helps change the world just by being himself. The Norse mythology is interesting and the way things are resolved without violence refreshing and ironic.
I loved this story and will keep it on my shelf to re-read and read to my son when he gets a bit older (he is only 3 right now). Another great Gaiman book. Great illustrations and a quick read. Everyone should give this book a read through.
Helpful Score: 1
I try to get my hands on anything Gaiman writes. Sometimes it is hit or miss but most of the time it's a hit. I like this short and easy read. It is definitely for young readers and must be taken that way. It a very simple take on Norse mythology. It's about a boy named Odd who is crippled but that has never got him down. He always smiles no matter what happens. When he runs away from home because of his stepfather he makes friends with some animals by helping them out. He ends up finding out that these animals are more than meets the eye. Odd sets out on a quest to help his friends and this book is about his quest. A quick and enjoyable read.
A cute little story for kids, it follows the adventures of a little Viking named Odd. Without really sacrificing much in the way of mythology, Neil Gaiman is able to make terrifing Norse gods like Loki, Odin and Thor into a fun story. Of course, I'm almost thirty, so I have no idea if a kid would actually enjoy it, but I did.
