RuneWarriors

Dane the Defiant, a Viking warrior, voyages with comrades to rescue his beloved, Astrid, from the villainous Thidrek. Thidrek hopes to trade Astrid to a frost giant in return for Thor's hammer, a powerful artifact. Dane and friends battle monsters, stormy seas, and each other on their quest to save the girl and become legends. Narrator Richard Poe has a good time with these rough Vikings--growling, bawling, and belting out the tale. His portrayal of the soft-spoken Astrid is as believable as that of the angry giant, whose voice is roughened by cold. The story is full of wordplay and broad humor--and Poe is in on the fun, imbuing the whole thing with a playful tone. G.D. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine