Review: Odd and the Frost Giants
Poor Odd. He’s had a tough life. His dad died during a Viking expedition, his leg was crushed by a tree leaving him with a permanent limp and his mother has married a man who prefers his own children over Odd. To make matters worse, it seems like the Norwegian winter will never end.
Feeling a little disgruntled, Odd decides to head out to a cabin his father kept in the woods. When he gets there, he encounters a fox, a bear and an eagle that are more than they seem at first glance. Odd ends up following the animals on a remarkable journey to another world.
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman is a middle grade book that is probably technically classified as fantasy, but to me it had a little folk tale feel to it. I think middle grade students who enjoy fantasy will love this book! There’s not a lot of character development, but the plot kept me interested and I read the book very quickly. I did find Odd and his cheerful disposition endearing and I rooted for him on his journey. This is only my second Neil Gaiman book, but I’m anxious to read more. Here’s a short trailer for Odd and the Frost Giants, narrated by the author:
I received an eBook version of this from Harper Collins at BEA.
That sounds like a cute story!
Oh, I love this book so much! ❤ I'm glad it's being released in the US at last, so that more people will discover and love it 😀
I still haven’t read any of his books. Do you think Booking Daughter might like this one?
I haven’t read any Neil Gaiman yet either. I need to rectify this situation ASAP!
I bought this one awhile back and still haven’t managed to read it. I wouldn’t mind, but I could probably read it in one evening. Need to be more motivated.
Never heard of this book by Neil Gaiman, sounds cute.
Well shoot. There is another one to put on the to buy list. I love Neil Gaiman and think he’s at his best when he is writing for children. It sounds wonderful!
I only read one Neil Gaiman book and was kind of disappointed with it, but he has such a rabid fan base I may try another.
And by the way, brilliant suggestion about using the prize I won for Her Fearful Symmetry!!!!!!!
I hadn’t known about this Gaiman book. I think my 12 years old nephew might like it.
Hmmm…this sounds like a cute story. Not sure if my fantasy reading 10 year old girl would enjoy this one. I will let her know about this title. Thanks.
I have this on my eReader and I had better read it soon before it expires!!
I’ve had mixed luck with Neil Gaiman, but maybe I’ll give this one a try.
This book appeals to me, probably because of the folk tale link. I’d like to try this along with my 10 year old granddaughter. Thanks for the recommendation.
Sounds like something The Girl might enjoy. I’ll have to mention it to her.
–Anna
This is an author that I haven’t read yet. Not sure why I haven’t picked him up I will have to check him out. 🙂
Sounds like it might be a good one to introduce my daughter to Gaiman. Thanks.
Love Neil! Though I am less inclined to read this one for some reason.
I’m glad you figured out how to load it! I still haven’t, so I’ll have to wait until I come across a hard copy. Sounds like a fun read!
I’ve never read any of his books but this looks really good !
Funny, I saw the cover and immediately thought that Odd sounded like the kind of name Neil Gaiman would use, before I saw that it was his book.
I haven’t read any of Gaiman’s books yet, although I did manage to get The Graveyard Book from the library a while back. I didn’t manage to get to it in time, though, and couldn’t renew it because in the meantime, he’d won the Newbery and suddenly there was a hold list a mile long for the book! I like the sound of Odd and the Frost Giants.
This is the first I’ve heard of this book. Sounds really good.
I keep hearing about Neil Gaiman but haven’t read any of his books yet. Enjoyed the trailer!
I read this one when it was released for World Book Day in the UK last year and really enjoyed it, Odd was such a likeable character!
This looks like a cute and quirky read. I am glad you enjoyed it so much! I am going to take a closer look at the book for myself and my kids.
I bought this book last week and I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
I really need to read Gaiman, but I’m not sure this is where I want to start. Thanks for the review 🙂
I was wondering how I had missed this one, until Nymeth pointed out it wasn’t available here in the US. Does Gaiman narrate the whole book? He has a wonderful reading voice.
Jill, I didn’t listen to Odd and the Frost Giants – it was e-book, so I read it in a reader. I bet Gaiman would make a fabulous reader, too. I think it actually came out today here in the US, but I’m not positive about that.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Kathy
I haven’t read anything by Neil Gaiman, but I am drooling over his library! Have you seen the pictures — its pr ietty incredible.
I meant to write “pretty incredible.”
Hi Kathy! I haven’t heard of this book by Neil Gaiman but have read most of his work. I’m going to look this up!
Not many books are set in Norway- sounds interesting!
I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one who hasn’t read his books! lol As with the others, this one sounds like a good one!! Great review!
O.K. I’m convinced! This one is going on the TBR list – sounds like a good one for the Middle Grade Challenge.
Sounds cute maybe I”ll give it a whirl!
Sounds interesting! I hadn’t heard of this particular Gaiman book, but am sure I’ve missed many of them.
I saw this at Borders and was so tempted to buy it! I bet the Middle School kids would love it, and I liked that you said it had a folk tale feel. A little fantasy goes a long way with me.
Want this! I tend to love Gaiman’s YA books. Great trailer! Love his voice 🙂