LOKI’S WOLVES (The Blackwell Pages #1) by K.L Armstrong and M.A. Marr-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2013

In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok that only the gods can stop. When this apocalypse happens, the gods must battle the monsters—wolves the size of the sun, serpents that span the seabeds—all bent on destroying the world.

The gods died a long time ago.

Matt Thorsen knows every Norse myth, saga, and god as if it was family history—because it is family history. Most people in the modern-day town of Blackwell, South Dakota, in fact, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt’s classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke.

However, knowing the legends and completely believing them are two different things. When the rune readers reveal that Ragnarok is coming and kids—led by Matt—will stand in for the gods in the final battle, he can hardly believe it. Matt, Laurie, and Fen’s lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team to prevent the end of the world.

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REVIEW: LOKI’S WOLVES is the first storyline in Kelly Armstrong/Melissa Marr’s new contemporary middle grade series The Blackwell Pages based on Norse mythology and the end of the world. If you are a fan of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief et al, you will like this particular series. Although the premise and its characters focuses on thirteen year old reluctant heroes, the novel can be read by teens and adults of all ages.

The story tells the tale of a Norse legend where Thor (the god of Thunder) and Loki (god and shapeshifter) must band together to prevent the end of the world known as Ragnarok. There are varying myths-some say they fought side by side, while others say they were enemies until the end. Loki is known as malicious and a trickster. Loki’s Wolves is a contemporary storyline where mythology and magic meet.

In Loki’s Wolves,  two young and reluctant heroes, Matt Thorsen and Fen Brekke, along with Fen’s cousin Laurie, are forced into a war between good and evil. But it is Matt who learns rather quickly that he has been chosen to fight the serpent and in doing so, it could very well end his life. The scenarios presented look grim from all accounts and many of the old Norse mythological stories run true to form as the young teens search South Dakota for the other young descendants of Norse deities who will fight by their side.

Along the way, our young trio must fight a shapeshifting pack of wolves, trolls who turn to stone at dawn and an evil witch who brings nightmares and death. Many of the Norse mythological gods and demons are represented including Odin, Frey and Freya (the twins), the Norns (females who rule the destiny of gods), Valkyries, trolls, Balder and more. If you are a fan of Norse mythology many of the gods and the storyline premise will be a contemporary but familiar friend.

Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr have brought together their combined ability to tell a story and have woven a fantasy tale to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Loki’s Wolves is the first storyline of what is sure to be a wonderful series full of childhood adventures with mythological creatures and supernatural powers.

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy