Loki's Wolves: The Blackwell Pages, Book 1

Gr 4–8—For the inhabitants of Blackwell, South Dakota, signs of the impending apocalypse mean that it is time to choose a champion from the descendants of the Norse gods to lead the others in battle against the Midgard Serpent. The chosen one is Matt Thorsen, a 13-year-old boxer, wrestler, and representative of Thor. Matt is not expected to live through the fight, but with the aid of Norns and Valkyries, he learns that history need not repeat itself, and he may just have a chance to defeat trolls, wolves, nightmares, and even the Serpent—and live. Though Loki the shape-shifter fought against Thor in the legends, Loki's descendants Fen and Laurie Brekke turn their backs on their wolf pack to join forces with Matt, discovering inherited magic powers as they search for other descendants. Each main character, voiced by Casey Holloway, Jon Wierenga, and Pat Young, narrates a few chapters of the novel (Little, Brown, 2013). At times, the excitement is slowed by careful pronunciation; the danger always draws listeners back, however, until the cliffhanger conclusion. Fans of Rick Riordan's mythological tales will enjoy the Norse stories, and can learn more about them on the Blackwell Pages website (wwww.blackwellpages.com). Since this volume ends before the real confrontation begins, listeners will be awaiting the release of Odin's Ravens and Thor's Serpent.—MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY