Odd and the Frost Giants

To anyone unfamiliar with Neil Gaimans work, his stories are often enchanting, invariably enthralling and quite often off the wall. From the marvellous American Gods through Stardust and on to Anansie Boys, you are never sure quite where he is going, but you can be certain the trip is well worth it. He has a sly humour and whether he is writing a children's book as he is here, or one of his dark graphic novels, he demands to be read.Neil Gaiman has co-written in the past with Terry Pratchett and both authors are equally adept at writing for the family market or for adult audiences. Odd's trip to Asgaard is an enchanting tale which can appeal to both child or adult: if I had to criticise it I would say it was a little short. He tells the story and you do not once feel "this is a child's book, so I should not be reading it" Mostly you feel "Is there a sequel?

If you like your books about Norse myths, gods and a kid who's smarter than the average bear, this is the book for you. Originally published for World Reading Day, it doesn't feel as if it were a chore for him to write, but a pleasure. At least, it was a pleasure for me to read. It's the tale about Odd, a child who's crippled with a lame leg. Winter's here, and it shows no signs of going away, and Odd finds out that it's due to Asgardian gods (Loki, Odin the All Father and Thor) who are transformed into animals due to happenings. Odd goes with the gods to help them turn the winter back, and to make things right. The story is one of those lovely, charming things you read as a child: talking animals, lovely illustrations and a cracking plot.Recommended.

I started reading this short novel by Neil Gaiman and felt that it was starting to drift before it had even started. It felt as though the author had an idea floating around his head, wanted to clear the space so threw it out there.Gaiman though, is a lot better than that and by the time I reached the end I appreciated it as a page turner.Odd is a young man living in the time of the Vikings. His father has died, mother ‘remarried’ and Odd is, well odd. Not the least of which is compounded by a damaged leg, crushed in an accident and healed improperly. As he gets older and feels more and more an outsider he decides to leave his village behind, retire to his father old cabin and live a quiet hermetic life.Of course, that is not the way of this world and he finds himself pulled into a story of the gods, fighting alongside the likes of Loki, Thor and Odin to overturn the victory of a Frost Giant.Obviously being such a short tale there is little room for anything other than a fast story, but it works beautifully filled with adventure and humour. (The way the Giants see Freya as the most beautiful thing in the world is s repeated and smile inducing point).Although the story does not end perfectly, perhaps an indication that not all stories have to end with a nicely tied bow, it does end in a manner that is exceedingly satisfying, and perhaps better than if everything had been resolved perfectly.Not the best Gaiman story he has told, but by no means the worst, epic in a manner that makes the slight page count seem a lot longer.

What a delightful book to read even as a grown up. Odd runs away after his father dies and his mum remarries. He encounters a fox, bear and eagle. With his three new found friends he embarks on a journey that takes him on adventures that result in him meeting the frost giant. I don't what to say much more about the story as it will spoil it. I recommend it for adults as well as young children either to free read or as a bed time story. Great little book for all ages worth five stars.

Bought for my Year 6 class abs they loved it.

This is the first book in a while that I have been able to read all the way through in one day. I loved it, the characters had great depth as well as linking really well to the traditional thoughts of Norse mythology. Was a little surprised by some of the choices made but loved it all the same.

What an ace little book! A bit of Norse mythology, really nice messages for the kids and some fun.

From the minute this arrived, I was asked to start reading it. It is a lovely story, full of wonder and mystery. It is just the right balance of complexity for my son (just turned 6). It is a real shame that Neil Gaiman hasn't written anything else for this age group otherwise we would have snapped them up!

Um livro lindo, as ilustrações e relevos na capa são lindíssimos. Quem é fã do Neil Gaiman vai amar esse livro!

Es una historia corta, pero con mucho corazón. Una forma diferente de conocer esta historia que ha Sido contada infinidad de veces.

Greaaaat

A short and enjoyable story by Neil Gaiman. If you enjoyed American Gods, this will give you a bit more to digest. Not directly related in any way, like Anansi Boys, but still feels as though it's in the same universe. Very much on the Fantasy end of the spectrum, this is a great read to get through in one power sitting or over a few days at the beach. Certainly recommend.

An excellent new book by Neil Gaiman. It took me back to my childhood.