Frostborn

Starred review from June 23, 2014
In this Norse-flavored adventure, Anders, editorial director for Pyr Books and editor of numerous anthologies, pits a clever boy and a resourceful half-giant girl against numerous enemies and the hazards of the frozen wilderness. Twelve-year-old Karn has no desire to learn the family business of farming; he’s much more interested in playing the strategy board game Thrones and Bones. Thianna’s human ancestry makes her an oddity and object of derision among her full-blooded giant peers. Nevertheless, Karn and Thianna become reluctant allies and friends when trouble threatens: Karn runs afoul of a malevolent undead lord, while Thianna must flee from her human mother’s people, who seek a long-lost artifact. Though a lot of elements are in play, Anders ties the novel’s threads together in a neatly satisfying way, crafting a powerful, fast-paced tale. Cleverness is valued as much as martial abilities, swiftness of mind as much as strength of sword arm. The setting is rich, the characters well-defined, and the danger ever-paramount. It’s a strong and thoroughly enjoyable start to the Thrones and Bones series. Ages 8–12. Agency: Barry Goldblatt Literary Agency.

An obsessive gamer and a sassy half-giant affirm that power lies in being underestimated.As the heir apparent to a powerful farm in Norrongard (think a fictional Norway), 12-year-old Karn is expected to comprehend bartering techniques (six ewes + six lambs = one cow). His predilection for Thrones and Bones (a traditional Norronir board game) and disdain for a bucolic existence don't invite any confidence from his father. Thianna is a 12-year-old half-giant and half-human (by way of her deceased mother). At 7 feet tall, she's considered diminutive by giant standards and would "cut her human half out in an instant if she could." When their fathers meet for several days of trading goods, Thianna and Karn strike up an unexpected friendship. Their need for an alliance is accelerated when nemeses from Thianna's mother's past surface, and Karn's life is designated an obstacle by his Machiavellian uncle. Enter: wyverns, a seemingly silent horn, undead assailants, flatulent trolls and one massive dragon. A merging of comedy, action and suspense maintains a promising pace. As present as the lurking danger are two important messages: Focus your energy toward accentuating your strengths rather than regretting weaknesses, and always stand downwind from a troll.Future fans of Tolkien and George R.R. Martin can happily cut their serial-fantasy teeth on this first book of an eventual series. (map, illustrated guide to the Thrones and Bones game) (Fantasy. 10-14) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-Karn would rather be playing his beloved board game, "thrones and bones," than learning to become hauld of his father's farm, which has been passed down many generations. He meets Thianna, a half-giant, half-human girl who longs to fit in with the club-wielding frost giants, the only community she's ever known. When a tragedy reminiscent of Shakespeare's Hamlet occurs, the two pair up in order to survive. They soon realize the danger that they're in and that they need each other's unique skills to survive. Aside from the sometimes difficult-to-decipher Norse names, the language is quite easy to understand and that, coupled with the shorter-than-your-average-fantasy length, makes this an excellent choice for readers new to the genre. The themes of staying true to oneself, teamwork, and individuality will resonate with readers. Fans of Matthew Kirby's Icefall (Scholastic, 2011) who bemoaned the lack of magic in that book will enjoy this new series. A good addition to a fantasy collection with potential for future entries.-Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Grades 4-6 Set in early Scandinavia and drawing on Norse culture and mythology, this accessible fantasy brings together two very different children bound by common goals: escape, survival, and setting things right. Karn shows no interest in learning to barter or to run the family farm that will be his responsibility someday, but he has energy to spare for playing his favorite board game, Thrones and Bones. At seven feet tall, 12-year-old half-human Thianna is significantly shorter than the full-blood frost giants she has grown up with, but she makes up for it with spirit, wits, and determination. Leaving home for different reasons, this unlikely pair manages to outwit a series of vicious enemies and even comes to understand themselves better. Though the dialogue sometimes sounds jarringly modern, and it's never quite convincing that these two young characters could defeat so many powerful antagonists, adventure fans will enjoy the action, the Norse background, and the occasional flash of humor. This book launches the Thrones and Bones series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)