About this item
Highlights
- In Midgard, towns are meant to be sanctuaries for humans, and the outskirts are roaming grounds for powerful Norse creatures.
- Author(s): Steven Grier Williams
- 226 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
- Series Name: Prose Edda
Description
About the Book
Children in the town of Fensalir are dying at the hands of a centuries-old jötunn, but a witch named Frija has a plan. She recruits Skadi, a skilled warrior, to venture into Midgard to obtain the power of the World Tree.
Book Synopsis
In Midgard, towns are meant to be sanctuaries for humans, and the outskirts are roaming grounds for powerful Norse creatures. But in Fensalir, a centuries-old jötunn has been killing children-a parade of death that has lasted for years.
That is-until a witch named Frija steps forward. She knows even with seidr magic, she cannot do it alone, so she recruits a newcomer named Skadi Hervor to go on a quest for the power of the World Tree-that which connects the nine realms. Though Skadi is reluctant at first, wishing only to protect her son from the violence of Midgard, she relents and ventures into the world that exists between towns.
Skadi is a skilled warrior, but to be successful, she must overcome beasts large and small; must travel the length of the realms; must learn to care for people beyond herself; and most importantly, must mend her tattered relationship with her young son Bjorn, along for the ride.
With a rich cast of characters whose struggles are rooted in real-world issues, intense action, and page-turning adventure, Skadi plunges the reader into a world of Norse Mythology to tell a story of overcoming extreme challenges while dealing with loss.
Review Quotes
"Steven Grier Williams' secondary-world fantasy novel, Skadi, propels a widow and her young son on a dangerous adventure, each following their own path along the hero's journey. Mysterious forces have chosen Skadi and Bjorn for a heroic fate. As they struggle, learn, and grow, they become defenders of humankind, and by owning their past mistakes, they must reconcile with hard truths about themselves...Skadi is an action-packed fantasy, heavy on combat and creatures. Its complex plot is clear, with twists and surprises unfurled at just the right spots. Of particular note to Norse mythology fans, Skadi and Bjorn encounter numerous legendary beings, such as Valkyries, assorted trolls, a dwarf or two, and even a dragon. Although the action unfolds in a fantasy world evocative of times long ago, subtle analogies to real-world problems will challenge the reader to look beyond the hack-and slash." -- Kathy L. Brown, Independent Book Review
"Skadi weaves traditional Norse mythology into an action-packed adventure, filled with swordplay, dangerous monsters, and stars a tough, unique heroine." -- Natalie Pinter, SUNNY award-winning author of Fragile Keepers
"Skadi is a thrilling, fun-filled Norse adventure with fantastic mythological creatures and exciting twists and turns. Williams has penned a wonderful debut novel that you don't want to miss!" -- Dennis K. Crosby, author of Death's Legacy