by Nancy Farmer
First published 2005
Jack lives in a Saxon village in A.D. 793 when berserkers raid his home. The Bard, his mentor, had warned this would happen. Viking chief Olaf One-Brow captures Jack and his sister Lucy, dragging them to the court of Ivar the Boneless. Ivar's wife Frith is half-troll, an unpredictable queen who wields strange influence over the court. Jack accidentally places a charm on Frith, creating a dangerous situation. As punishment, he must journey to the troll kingdom to find magic that will reverse his mistake. Shield maiden Thorgill joins his quest, hoping to become a berserker herself. A mysterious crow named Bold Heart also accompanies them. Jack faces a perilous adventure that will test everything he knows about courage and magic. The story combines ancient Norse mythology with familiar fantasy elements, creating an epic tale of survival and growth.
Genres: mythology, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, quest
Setting: Saxon Village, Troll Kingdom
Period: A.D. 793
480 pages · Kindle Edition · Gallery / Saga Press