What do you think?
Rate this book
Odd and the Frost Giants
The winter isn't ending. Nobody knows why.
And Odd has run away from home, even though he can barely walk and has to use a crutch.
Out in the forest he encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle - three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is faced with a stranger journey than he had ever imagined.
A journey to save Asgard, City of the Norse Gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of boy to defeat the most dangerous of all the Frost Giants and rescue the mighty Gods. Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever.
Someone just like Odd...
And Odd has run away from home, even though he can barely walk and has to use a crutch.
Out in the forest he encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle - three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is faced with a stranger journey than he had ever imagined.
A journey to save Asgard, City of the Norse Gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of boy to defeat the most dangerous of all the Frost Giants and rescue the mighty Gods. Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever.
Someone just like Odd...
97 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2008
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,191 reviews
November 23, 2020
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: It's a delightful read with a simple, yet original story. It knows exactly what it's supposed to be and does it very well.
Notes: It's a delightful read with a simple, yet original story. It knows exactly what it's supposed to be and does it very well.
April 25, 2024
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: Comfort food, a throwback mood, an outcast that outwits, bit pasteurized for younger eyes, new myth but feels legit.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
Notes: Comfort food, a throwback mood, an outcast that outwits, bit pasteurized for younger eyes, new myth but feels legit.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
June 24, 2019
This was a cute children’s story, thankfully much tamer than some of Gaiman’s other works which are more often than not, pretty terrifying.
Odd lives with his mother and her new husband, since the disappearance and presumed death of Odd’s father. His step father is rude, nasty and often cruel to Odd. So one day he decides to leave, to walk to his father’s old hut, and remain there. While there Odd meets 3 animals, a fox, a bear and an eagle – but they are not as they appear. And once they begin to talk everything changes for Odd, he soon realises he is actually speaking with the gods of Asgard – Thor, Odin and Loki.
I liked Odd as a character, he walks with a limp, he is quite sassy and takes everything in his stride. This story was entertaining and enjoyable, would recommend to anyone looking for a short book with big heart.
Odd lives with his mother and her new husband, since the disappearance and presumed death of Odd’s father. His step father is rude, nasty and often cruel to Odd. So one day he decides to leave, to walk to his father’s old hut, and remain there. While there Odd meets 3 animals, a fox, a bear and an eagle – but they are not as they appear. And once they begin to talk everything changes for Odd, he soon realises he is actually speaking with the gods of Asgard – Thor, Odin and Loki.
I liked Odd as a character, he walks with a limp, he is quite sassy and takes everything in his stride. This story was entertaining and enjoyable, would recommend to anyone looking for a short book with big heart.
June 17, 2018
This book is a little treat. If you enjoyed Norse Mythology then you will likely adore this. This is a children’s tale, though as with all good children’s books it’s perfect for adults too.
Odd is a tough little boy. He is physically disabled and shunned by his step-father who pushes him out of his family home, though he refuses to give up. He refuses to stop smiling and it is because of this that he succeeds. Positivity can go a long way and it certainly helps when you stumble across the Gods.
Imagine this: Thor (who has been transformed into a bear) has his paw stuck in a tree after trying to reach a bee’s nest. Odin (who has been transformed into an eagle) flies overhead watching the scene. Loki (who has been transformed into a fox) skulks in the corner bemused. Odd walks in unawares and offers his help. The three Gods have been banished from Asgard and their kingdom is now in the hands of the Frost Giants. Unsurprisingly, it’s all Loki’s fault. Sound familiar?
Gaiman has captured the essence of Odin, Thor and Loki terrifically. The marvel cinematic universe and the comic book writers do a good job with their personalities, though their actual physical attributes are completely wrong. It’s all in the minor details. Some of it may sound unimportant (the fact that Thor is supposed to have a big red beard for example) though things like this are quite important when dealing with Gods. So I like the attention to detail here.
It’s a fun little book. And watching Odd resolve the problems of the Gods is amusing. I recommend it to fans of Thor as portrayed in the marvel cinematic universe.
Odd is a tough little boy. He is physically disabled and shunned by his step-father who pushes him out of his family home, though he refuses to give up. He refuses to stop smiling and it is because of this that he succeeds. Positivity can go a long way and it certainly helps when you stumble across the Gods.
Imagine this: Thor (who has been transformed into a bear) has his paw stuck in a tree after trying to reach a bee’s nest. Odin (who has been transformed into an eagle) flies overhead watching the scene. Loki (who has been transformed into a fox) skulks in the corner bemused. Odd walks in unawares and offers his help. The three Gods have been banished from Asgard and their kingdom is now in the hands of the Frost Giants. Unsurprisingly, it’s all Loki’s fault. Sound familiar?
Gaiman has captured the essence of Odin, Thor and Loki terrifically. The marvel cinematic universe and the comic book writers do a good job with their personalities, though their actual physical attributes are completely wrong. It’s all in the minor details. Some of it may sound unimportant (the fact that Thor is supposed to have a big red beard for example) though things like this are quite important when dealing with Gods. So I like the attention to detail here.
It’s a fun little book. And watching Odd resolve the problems of the Gods is amusing. I recommend it to fans of Thor as portrayed in the marvel cinematic universe.
January 16, 2020
���There were no full-time Vikings back then. Everyone had another job,”
Neil Gaiman’s trademark wit and humor is strong in this book! In “Odd and the Frost Giants”, Gaiman gave a unique spin on a Norse myth that feels contemporary, without sacrificing any of the complexity behind the myth itself. Although this is not a graphic novel in the usual sense, Chris Riddell’s drawings enhance the reading experience.
This is the story of a boy named Odd and an adventure he goes on after meeting a fox, a bear and an eagle in the woods. I would elaborate, but that would take all the fun out of discovering a great story. Sometimes the best stories are not what you expect, so just trust me --this is a great story for anyone! Take a chance and let yourself be taken to an unforgettable journey.
Neil Gaiman’s trademark wit and humor is strong in this book! In “Odd and the Frost Giants”, Gaiman gave a unique spin on a Norse myth that feels contemporary, without sacrificing any of the complexity behind the myth itself. Although this is not a graphic novel in the usual sense, Chris Riddell’s drawings enhance the reading experience.
This is the story of a boy named Odd and an adventure he goes on after meeting a fox, a bear and an eagle in the woods. I would elaborate, but that would take all the fun out of discovering a great story. Sometimes the best stories are not what you expect, so just trust me --this is a great story for anyone! Take a chance and let yourself be taken to an unforgettable journey.
February 3, 2018
The noise of the blade hitting the thick icicle cracked off the hills around them, making echoes that sounded as if an entire army of men was hammering on the ice…
"Odd and the Frost Giants" is a short, simple, magical and disarmingly beautiful tale that draws from Viking and Norse mythology. This is basically a children's book that features a much nicer version of beloved mythological characters!
The tale introduces Odd, who is odd. Yes, it is odd. *Gaaaah, this is so confusing.* Odd is the name of a Viking child. He is brave little lad but luck has never been his friend. He ran away from his home because of his cruel stepfather.
While Odd was on the run, he came across the Gods of Asgard who have gotten themselves into a bit of trouble.... And Odd volunteers to help them!
A short and beautifully crafted story which had me smiling all the way! My favorite moments were
Overall, this is the perfect dessert to have after reading Norse Mythology (Because it is sweet... get it? GET IT?)
Neil Gaiman can do no wrong!
April 26, 2017
What a wonderful way to follow up Gaiman's Norse Mythology. Odd and the Frost Giants is a story about Odd, a young boy, and his meeting with Loki, Thor, and Odin. Er, though not in their normal form, in animal form (a fox, a bear, and an eagle). Odd is on his way with the trio to Asgard to save it from the Frost Giants. Who, thanks to Loki naturally, put them into animal form and has taken over Asgard.
What a great story. Wonderful to read this one to young children. The story is short and the book is filled with amazing drawings in black and white. There is no need to read Norse Mythology first, I just happened to do it. I'm just happy that I saw a tip here on GR that said it's the perfect follow up...and it was. A true gem of a book that I think children will love to read. And big 'children' too. Ha!
What a great story. Wonderful to read this one to young children. The story is short and the book is filled with amazing drawings in black and white. There is no need to read Norse Mythology first, I just happened to do it. I'm just happy that I saw a tip here on GR that said it's the perfect follow up...and it was. A true gem of a book that I think children will love to read. And big 'children' too. Ha!
July 4, 2017
Each time I read something by Gaiman, I think, “This. This is where he excels.” Whether it's a fairy story (Stardust,) or a children's story (Coraline.) Or the melding of American Mythology with a new Mythology of his creation (American Gods, Anansi Boys.) Maybe it's something vaguely steampunkish and other-worldly, like Neverwhere. Sometimes it's when I revist the complexities in Sandman.
Or maybe I'm not actually that fickle, and I just like the way his phrasing and ideas are like mainlining story straight into my amygdalae, so most of the time it doesn't really matter what type of fiction he's writing this time.
I like best to listen to his novels in audio format; it makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a big quilt and being read to like a child.
Odd is another installment in his latest string of children's tales. This one borrows heavily from Norse mythology, but mostly through allusion to other, more established stories. I had to go look some of them up – like how Odin sacrificed an eye to gain knowledge and wisdom from Mímir's Well, and about Jötunheimr, the Land of Giants. I love that there's a deeper layer of complexity to the story – but only if the reader desires it. In this completely Gaiman-invented tale, Odd, a young woodcutter's son, runs away from a cruel stepfather, and ends up meeting Odin, Thor and Loki, who have been outsmarted by a giant.
I both read and listened to this tale, it's quite short. The audio file was well under 2 hours in length. I probably could have read it alone in far less than an hour. This edition has wonderful little pencil drawing illustrations by Brett Helquist, which underscore its suitability for children. And it is just wonderful for kids, without any focus on the darker themes present in Coraline, or even The Graveyard Book. I think it would make a fabulous springboard for homestudy elementary school children, as an introduction to mythology. This one really is for all ages.
Audio *****
Story *****
Or maybe I'm not actually that fickle, and I just like the way his phrasing and ideas are like mainlining story straight into my amygdalae, so most of the time it doesn't really matter what type of fiction he's writing this time.
I like best to listen to his novels in audio format; it makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a big quilt and being read to like a child.
Odd is another installment in his latest string of children's tales. This one borrows heavily from Norse mythology, but mostly through allusion to other, more established stories. I had to go look some of them up – like how Odin sacrificed an eye to gain knowledge and wisdom from Mímir's Well, and about Jötunheimr, the Land of Giants. I love that there's a deeper layer of complexity to the story – but only if the reader desires it. In this completely Gaiman-invented tale, Odd, a young woodcutter's son, runs away from a cruel stepfather, and ends up meeting Odin, Thor and Loki, who have been outsmarted by a giant.
I both read and listened to this tale, it's quite short. The audio file was well under 2 hours in length. I probably could have read it alone in far less than an hour. This edition has wonderful little pencil drawing illustrations by Brett Helquist, which underscore its suitability for children. And it is just wonderful for kids, without any focus on the darker themes present in Coraline, or even The Graveyard Book. I think it would make a fabulous springboard for homestudy elementary school children, as an introduction to mythology. This one really is for all ages.
Audio *****
Story *****
February 21, 2017
What a delightful counterpoint to Norse Mythology!
I mean, yes, it's written for middle-grade and Thor and Loki are cute and Odin is inscrutable as always and the frost giant is funny rather than scary because, after all, EVERYONE is afraid of Freya's tongue... but it's still a real delight!
I don't care what anyone says about Gaiman. The man can write a classy tale no matter where or what he's writing about. This is, after all, only a retelling of an old story, but it's a very particular and beautiful Odd viewpoint.
I'll definitely be reading this to my girl when she gets a little older. :) Heck. It might even be time now. :)
I mean, yes, it's written for middle-grade and Thor and Loki are cute and Odin is inscrutable as always and the frost giant is funny rather than scary because, after all, EVERYONE is afraid of Freya's tongue... but it's still a real delight!
I don't care what anyone says about Gaiman. The man can write a classy tale no matter where or what he's writing about. This is, after all, only a retelling of an old story, but it's a very particular and beautiful Odd viewpoint.
I'll definitely be reading this to my girl when she gets a little older. :) Heck. It might even be time now. :)
August 1, 2018
“The wise man knows when to keep silent. Only the fool tells all he knows.”
This tale follows Odd, a young Viking boy, left fatherless following a raid and in his icy, ancient world where there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear. And then Odd's destiny begins to change.
The eagle, bear and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giants who have conquered Asgard, the city of the gods.
Bear: Thor.
Eagle: Lord Odin.
Fox: Loki.
Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods.
One of the main reasons I picked this book up was because I wanted to get through a book really quickly and thanks to the gorgeous illustrations, this book flew by.
Here are a few of the gorgeous illustrations:
Of course, the Goddess Freya saves the day. She was my favorite.
Though it was a quick read, it didn't really impact me that much. I was glad to have something to add to my reading challenge... but other than that, it wasn't that memorable and I'll probably forget about it by the very next day.
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Odd and the Frost Giants, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for nat (bookspoils) with http://Ko-fi.com/bookspoils
This tale follows Odd, a young Viking boy, left fatherless following a raid and in his icy, ancient world where there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear. And then Odd's destiny begins to change.
The eagle, bear and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giants who have conquered Asgard, the city of the gods.
Bear: Thor.
Eagle: Lord Odin.
Fox: Loki.
Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods.
One of the main reasons I picked this book up was because I wanted to get through a book really quickly and thanks to the gorgeous illustrations, this book flew by.
Here are a few of the gorgeous illustrations:
Of course, the Goddess Freya saves the day. She was my favorite.
Though it was a quick read, it didn't really impact me that much. I was glad to have something to add to my reading challenge... but other than that, it wasn't that memorable and I'll probably forget about it by the very next day.
*Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Odd and the Frost Giants, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!*
Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for nat (bookspoils) with http://Ko-fi.com/bookspoils
December 28, 2016
Odd and the Frost Giants is a short novel by Neil Gaiman probably intended for a young adult audience, or younger, or older; it is a fun, fable-like story.
Odd is a young Viking boy who has an adventure amongst a setting in Norse mythology. A fan of American Gods will recognize Gaiman’s voice and a fan of DreamWorks film How to Train Your Dragon would also like this short work.
Odd is a young Viking boy who has an adventure amongst a setting in Norse mythology. A fan of American Gods will recognize Gaiman’s voice and a fan of DreamWorks film How to Train Your Dragon would also like this short work.
May 31, 2017
This is an unusual little book. It is an excellent introduction to Norse Mytholoogy for children and an easy and delightful read for adults, especially those with some knowledge of Norse Mythology. Odd is a pleasing personality..a crippled young boy with a grim and physically painful life. He has a lot of innate courage and an extremely calm attititude and he decides to set out on a quest - a familiar theme in both adult and children's books. However he sets off with some sensible preparations to keep him alive but not much idea where he will go and what he will encounter. What follows is a charming tale of his adventures on a child's simple level, but the author encourages the reader to think more deeply about all that happens throughout his encounters with the Gods. The book has a lovely ending too which will please children. It is very differentfrom the last book I read by this author but also contains magical elements to surprise and please. I did keep stopping along the way to ponder upon this and that. If you like Neil Gaiman do try this book.
November 28, 2024
An inventive, modern re-telling of a very old and enduring theme
Twelve year old Odd, a young lad living in a Norwegian village, hasn't had it easy at all. After his father's untimely death in a Viking raid, his mother married a man that Odd despised. Having badly injured his leg in an accident cutting down a tree, Odd was unable to fit into the community. His cruel neighbours constantly bullied him and abused him with their laughter at his weakness. Gaiman obviously intended the name "Odd" to serve as a metaphor for the struggles he faced and the growth of his unwillingness to live any longer in a place that didn't accept him for who he was.
As a bitterly cold winter tenaciously refused to let go of its hold on the land, Odd gathered some food and ran away to his father's cabin in the woods to live by himself. You can imagine Odd's surprise when he encounters three talking animals - a fox, a bear and an eagle - surprise that turns into a blend of astonishment and fear when learns that the animals are, in fact, gods. Thor, Odin and Loki, defeated by their nemesis, the Frost Giants, were tricked into assuming these animal forms and banished from Asgard, the traditional home of the Norse gods. In a wonderfully endearing and very modern twist on the David vs Goliath theme, Odd enters Asgard to help the gods win back their ancestral home, outwit the Frost Giants and, in the bargain, release winter's deadly grip on his home village.
ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS is an inventive, thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining allegory that an adult can comfortably read in the company of even the youngest beginning readers in the family or enjoy on their own as a short, enjoyable fantasy. A charming and yet comfortingly realistic ending will put a smile on every reader's face.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Twelve year old Odd, a young lad living in a Norwegian village, hasn't had it easy at all. After his father's untimely death in a Viking raid, his mother married a man that Odd despised. Having badly injured his leg in an accident cutting down a tree, Odd was unable to fit into the community. His cruel neighbours constantly bullied him and abused him with their laughter at his weakness. Gaiman obviously intended the name "Odd" to serve as a metaphor for the struggles he faced and the growth of his unwillingness to live any longer in a place that didn't accept him for who he was.
As a bitterly cold winter tenaciously refused to let go of its hold on the land, Odd gathered some food and ran away to his father's cabin in the woods to live by himself. You can imagine Odd's surprise when he encounters three talking animals - a fox, a bear and an eagle - surprise that turns into a blend of astonishment and fear when learns that the animals are, in fact, gods. Thor, Odin and Loki, defeated by their nemesis, the Frost Giants, were tricked into assuming these animal forms and banished from Asgard, the traditional home of the Norse gods. In a wonderfully endearing and very modern twist on the David vs Goliath theme, Odd enters Asgard to help the gods win back their ancestral home, outwit the Frost Giants and, in the bargain, release winter's deadly grip on his home village.
ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS is an inventive, thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining allegory that an adult can comfortably read in the company of even the youngest beginning readers in the family or enjoy on their own as a short, enjoyable fantasy. A charming and yet comfortingly realistic ending will put a smile on every reader's face.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
June 10, 2019
My third Gaiman, a fairy tale for kids but also for the older people, like me :-) As a kid, I used to love all fairytales.... I enjoyed this short novel, 'inspired by traditional Norse mythology'. The pencil drawings in the book also beautiful. 3.5 going on 4. Entertaining short read!
It's about a boy named Odd, going on an adventure with a bear, an eagle and a fox...
There was a boy called Odd, and there was nothing strange or unusual about that, not in that time or place. Odd meant 'the tip of a blade', and it was a lucky name. He was odd though. At least, the other villagers thought so. But if there was one thing that he wasn't, it was lucky....
It's about a boy named Odd, going on an adventure with a bear, an eagle and a fox...
There was a boy called Odd, and there was nothing strange or unusual about that, not in that time or place. Odd meant 'the tip of a blade', and it was a lucky name. He was odd though. At least, the other villagers thought so. But if there was one thing that he wasn't, it was lucky....
February 8, 2017
As mentioned a few days ago already, this is the special edition of a story Neil Gaiman wrote and published for World Book Day in the UK in 2008.
The book is about the titular viking boy Odd (meaning "the tip of a blade" and not "strange"), who had a terrible accident after his father died in an equally terrible accident (they are not the most lucky of people), leaving Odd with a disability. He is shunted in the village for being weak until one day he leaves to go back to his father's old hut in the woods. There, he meats a fox, a bear and an eagle, some frost giants and gods of Asgard, travels over a rainbow bridge and proves that physical strength isn't everything.
I won't say more about the tale because that would spoil it. Some might call this a simple tale, but it also a very old one. Or, at least, a variation of a very old and prominent Norse tale. The way Gaiman tells it with his dry humour and charming descriptions, this viking world comes to life, making this the perfect story for a delightful winter afternoon (and not just for children either). It might also be worth mentioning that Neil Gaiman manages to get all the mythological details absolutely right, therefore teaching the reader a thing or two about Norse mythology in general.
However, what makes this book truly special is the combination of Gaiman's magical word-weaving with Chris Riddell's equally magical illustrations. The silver details are simply stunning and very appropriate for the wintery theme. I have included a picture of how the chapters begin and one of my favourite ornament at the bottom of a page (they are all different) but unfortunately the camera cannot adequately show the silver glint, you'll simply have to believe me.
A true treasure and I'm very happy that I waited for it (instead of getting the normal paperback edition).
The book is about the titular viking boy Odd (meaning "the tip of a blade" and not "strange"), who had a terrible accident after his father died in an equally terrible accident (they are not the most lucky of people), leaving Odd with a disability. He is shunted in the village for being weak until one day he leaves to go back to his father's old hut in the woods. There, he meats a fox, a bear and an eagle, some frost giants and gods of Asgard, travels over a rainbow bridge and proves that physical strength isn't everything.
I won't say more about the tale because that would spoil it. Some might call this a simple tale, but it also a very old one. Or, at least, a variation of a very old and prominent Norse tale. The way Gaiman tells it with his dry humour and charming descriptions, this viking world comes to life, making this the perfect story for a delightful winter afternoon (and not just for children either). It might also be worth mentioning that Neil Gaiman manages to get all the mythological details absolutely right, therefore teaching the reader a thing or two about Norse mythology in general.
However, what makes this book truly special is the combination of Gaiman's magical word-weaving with Chris Riddell's equally magical illustrations. The silver details are simply stunning and very appropriate for the wintery theme. I have included a picture of how the chapters begin and one of my favourite ornament at the bottom of a page (they are all different) but unfortunately the camera cannot adequately show the silver glint, you'll simply have to believe me.
A true treasure and I'm very happy that I waited for it (instead of getting the normal paperback edition).
February 25, 2020
By the time the pictures of the Frost Giants appear, my kid and I were totally hooked. My kid was looking forward to bedtime every night so that we could read another two chapters. The illustrations are particularly awesome, with some great detail on the giants.
I actually don't think this book starts very well, as the writing relies on a narrative summary of Odd's parents to show us just why and how Odd's life stinks. It takes more than a full chapter for things to pick up, and even then, it's not until he's riding a giant bear that things launch into fun. From that point on though, it's a great great ride.
We loved it and will be reading it again soon.
It also feels like it was a warm up for Norse Mythology. In a nice way.
I actually don't think this book starts very well, as the writing relies on a narrative summary of Odd's parents to show us just why and how Odd's life stinks. It takes more than a full chapter for things to pick up, and even then, it's not until he's riding a giant bear that things launch into fun. From that point on though, it's a great great ride.
We loved it and will be reading it again soon.
It also feels like it was a warm up for Norse Mythology. In a nice way.
May 1, 2014
Odd and the Frost Giants is such a short and easy read, you'll gulp it down in an instant and be shouting to Neil Gaiman, "Next!"
This is the most childish Gaiman story I've read yet and that's saying something. But it's not saying something as negative as some might take it. Odd... is intended for the kiddies.
It's not a terrible introduction for youngsters into the realm of Norse mythology. In it, a crippled boy meets a few anthropomorphic animals who turn out to be outcast gods, who need this mortal's help in tricking their frost giant enemies so they can get back into Asgard.
Gaiman falls back on very familiar territory for this one, tapping Odin, Thor and his hammer, and the crafty conniver Loki in his usual role of mischief-maker. There is very little new or inventive stuff going on here in this mini adventure. It reads like a tv producer who's taken a classic episode of a popular show, rearranged the scenes a little, and presented it for your viewing pleasure.
And it is a pleasure! It just feels all too familiar.
This is the most childish Gaiman story I've read yet and that's saying something. But it's not saying something as negative as some might take it. Odd... is intended for the kiddies.
It's not a terrible introduction for youngsters into the realm of Norse mythology. In it, a crippled boy meets a few anthropomorphic animals who turn out to be outcast gods, who need this mortal's help in tricking their frost giant enemies so they can get back into Asgard.
Gaiman falls back on very familiar territory for this one, tapping Odin, Thor and his hammer, and the crafty conniver Loki in his usual role of mischief-maker. There is very little new or inventive stuff going on here in this mini adventure. It reads like a tv producer who's taken a classic episode of a popular show, rearranged the scenes a little, and presented it for your viewing pleasure.
And it is a pleasure! It just feels all too familiar.
August 10, 2021
3,5 stars. Honestly, I was expecting more from this book because of the plot. There is little action here and the story's climax was neither exciting nor thrilling. Though it wasn't a bad reading and listening because it was a coming-of-age short story. Scribd's text and Neil Gaiman's narration audiobook + translation for Portuguese from Google Translate.
Synopsys: "Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.
The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods."
Synopsys: "Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.
The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods."
January 6, 2016
A nice little fantasy aimed at older children but absolutely fine for adults too. The story is based on old Norse tales and is woven around Thor, Odin, Loki and our young hero whose name is Odd. Only 120 pages of well spaced text, I read this book in the time it took me to prepare dinner. I still enjoyed it very much as I do nearly everything this author writes:)
September 15, 2015
Odd is a young Norseman, who lost his father after a Viking raid. He is partly disabled after a tree fell on his leg. His mother has now re-married and his new step-father cares little for him preferring his own children. This year the winter is dragging on and on, and having now had enough of home, heads out to a hut his father owned in the forest.
In the forest he comes across a bear with his paw stuck; he frees it. The bear is grateful, and Odd learns that the bear and his companions, a fox and an eagle, are actually the gods Loki, Odin and Thor. They have been tricked by a Frost Giant and cast out of Asgard. It is this Frost Giant that is stopping spring returning by holding the land in a perpetual winter.
Odd travel with the gods back to Asgard. They stay overnight at Mimir Well, where in the pool Odd sees his parents in their youth and receives advice on the task ahead. Odd then travels on ahead to confront the Frost Giant with the hope of returning equilibrium to the land.
Gaiman has a way of taking a bunch of known characters, in this case the Norse Gods, and adding a little twist, having a young lad face the wroth of a huge ice giant. But it is also about the change from childhood to adulthood, as Odd finds his purpose in life. Great little children’s book.
In the forest he comes across a bear with his paw stuck; he frees it. The bear is grateful, and Odd learns that the bear and his companions, a fox and an eagle, are actually the gods Loki, Odin and Thor. They have been tricked by a Frost Giant and cast out of Asgard. It is this Frost Giant that is stopping spring returning by holding the land in a perpetual winter.
Odd travel with the gods back to Asgard. They stay overnight at Mimir Well, where in the pool Odd sees his parents in their youth and receives advice on the task ahead. Odd then travels on ahead to confront the Frost Giant with the hope of returning equilibrium to the land.
Gaiman has a way of taking a bunch of known characters, in this case the Norse Gods, and adding a little twist, having a young lad face the wroth of a huge ice giant. But it is also about the change from childhood to adulthood, as Odd finds his purpose in life. Great little children’s book.
January 15, 2019
Este breve libro es ideal para introducir de una manera muy amena a los más pequeños a la mitología nórdica, al menos para despertar su interés en el tema. No he leído tanto de Neil Gaiman como me gustaría, sin embargo me alegro de haber podido acceder a este título (gracias a mi pareja, que me lo prestó) ya que me pareció una historia sumamente fresca y tierna, y no pierde la magia que destaca a Gaiman en ningún momento.
January 1, 2015
A wonderful book to start off a year with.
Neil Gaiman truly is one of best authors ever.
Neil Gaiman truly is one of best authors ever.
March 19, 2020
4-stars for an enjoyable listen. Mr Gaiman has the best narration voice out there!
This is one of those tales that is appropriate for children and adults alike. There is humour and wonder and lessons here to be learned. It doesn't really matter what age group you are in, I think you will enjoy this tale.
I listened to this free on Youtube. My only problem with listening as opposed to reading is that my brain doesn't seem to retain much of the story; hence why my review is a little light on details. Good fun listen though.
Thanks for reading.
This is one of those tales that is appropriate for children and adults alike. There is humour and wonder and lessons here to be learned. It doesn't really matter what age group you are in, I think you will enjoy this tale.
I listened to this free on Youtube. My only problem with listening as opposed to reading is that my brain doesn't seem to retain much of the story; hence why my review is a little light on details. Good fun listen though.
Thanks for reading.
September 8, 2011
Odd and the Frost Giants was a quick, but very rewarding book to listen to on audio. The author himself narrated, and his voice is very pleasant to listen to. He knows his characters best and animated them as richly as he had intended them. The Norse mythology elements were interesting, and I loved how Mr. Gaiman injects a humorous view of the constant strife between the Aesir and the Frost Giants. He embodies the traits of Odin, Thor, and Loki very well, and their animal forms fit what characteristics one would attribute to the three Norse gods. In this story, the frost giants are almost portrayed, but not quite, as the underdogs, caught in a losing war with the Aesir. It cracked me up how afraid of Lady Freya's complaining the lead frost giants were.
I absolutely adored Odd, with his oh-so annoying smile that he put on his face exactly when he wanted to disarm or frustrate someone else. He was a really good guy. I liked that he was able to figure out a way out of most of the scrapes he found himself in, and met obstacles in a calm, thoughtful manner. I wanted everything to work out for this kid, because he deserved it.
I don't have much more to say since this is a pretty short little book. The only thing I could add is that I enjoyed it immensely!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
I absolutely adored Odd, with his oh-so annoying smile that he put on his face exactly when he wanted to disarm or frustrate someone else. He was a really good guy. I liked that he was able to figure out a way out of most of the scrapes he found himself in, and met obstacles in a calm, thoughtful manner. I wanted everything to work out for this kid, because he deserved it.
I don't have much more to say since this is a pretty short little book. The only thing I could add is that I enjoyed it immensely!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
December 21, 2021
Odd is a young boy with a crushed leg who lives with his mom and step-dad after his birth father dies. Tired of feeling unwanted and being abused, he runs away to his late father's work shed in the forest where he meets a fox who leads him to a trapped bear being watched over by an eagle. Little does Odd know what an adventure he'll have with these new animal friends.
This book, based off of Norse Mythology is a children's book, but I think adults will like it too. Gaiman's writing and imagery is excellent and I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. Highly recommend if you like mythology.
This book, based off of Norse Mythology is a children's book, but I think adults will like it too. Gaiman's writing and imagery is excellent and I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. Highly recommend if you like mythology.
October 28, 2018
I will admit that this is the second time I have read this book although the version I first read was the world book day paperback (no idea why why Goodreads insists I have read the hardback version).
Either way this is a much better presented version of the Norse tale than previous versions - with of course the addition of atmospheric illustrations.
I think for me one of the appeals of Neil Gaiman is his ability to weave tales in style that I can easily get in to - reading only a few pages I feel connected to the story and ready to face what adventures and adversities my befall our hero (or heroine). But I think what really shows his power as a story teller is the fact that he can convey quite stark and unsettling ideas without sanitising them or making like of them.
For me this book is one of those stories you can read again and again and still enjoy it even though it is less that 130 pages long you still feel as though you have been on some epic journey and considering the Norse connection that is as it should be.
Now I am convinced that there was another tale about Odd however for the life of me I cannot find it or even reference to it.
Either way this is a much better presented version of the Norse tale than previous versions - with of course the addition of atmospheric illustrations.
I think for me one of the appeals of Neil Gaiman is his ability to weave tales in style that I can easily get in to - reading only a few pages I feel connected to the story and ready to face what adventures and adversities my befall our hero (or heroine). But I think what really shows his power as a story teller is the fact that he can convey quite stark and unsettling ideas without sanitising them or making like of them.
For me this book is one of those stories you can read again and again and still enjoy it even though it is less that 130 pages long you still feel as though you have been on some epic journey and considering the Norse connection that is as it should be.
Now I am convinced that there was another tale about Odd however for the life of me I cannot find it or even reference to it.
November 15, 2022
A fast and fun tale giving a twist to Norse lore. Narrated by the author, Neil Gaiman.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus to A minus.
February 11, 2021
A childhood favorite!
This was an audiobook re-read, narrated by Neil Gaiman himself! He brings such magic through his words and narrations!
This was an audiobook re-read, narrated by Neil Gaiman himself! He brings such magic through his words and narrations!
March 31, 2019
Listened to this story on audiobook via my library's BorrowBox service!
Odd was a far better story than The Sleeper and the Spindle. Who would have thought that Norse legends/mythology could be so interesting? In the audio edition, Neil narrates it himself as we follow young Odd who lost his father due to a raid conducted by vikings. In this year, the winter doesn't seem to stop and with struggles in his home with mother, step-father and step-siblings, Odd ventures out towards a hut that was belonging to his father. On the way, he meets animals such as a bear and an eagle. Each one of the animals has a hidden secret, as well as a mission. Their mission is to save their community from the so-called frost giants. With an interesting premise, creative world-building and adventure, it was a pleasant listen. Only the odd one or two chapters where I felt a little lost. For someone who is new to the Norse legends, it was a fun introduction!
Odd was a far better story than The Sleeper and the Spindle. Who would have thought that Norse legends/mythology could be so interesting? In the audio edition, Neil narrates it himself as we follow young Odd who lost his father due to a raid conducted by vikings. In this year, the winter doesn't seem to stop and with struggles in his home with mother, step-father and step-siblings, Odd ventures out towards a hut that was belonging to his father. On the way, he meets animals such as a bear and an eagle. Each one of the animals has a hidden secret, as well as a mission. Their mission is to save their community from the so-called frost giants. With an interesting premise, creative world-building and adventure, it was a pleasant listen. Only the odd one or two chapters where I felt a little lost. For someone who is new to the Norse legends, it was a fun introduction!
March 28, 2017
Il mio primo Neil Gaiman. Avevo già sentito parlare della capacità descrittiva dell'autore e non posso che confermare; sembra davvero che ,durante la lettura, ti si materializzino davanti il mondo è i personaggi descritti nelle sue pagine. Per quanto riguarda la storia l'ho trovata davvero dolce e di piacevole lettura, amando già molto la mitologia norrena. Bellissima caratterizzazione dei personaggi e degli animali a loro correlati. Avanti con il prossimo Gaiman!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,191 reviews