Loki's Wolves (Blackwell Pages)

Well, it's no secret I'm a Kelley fan. I've read just about everything she has ever published, regardless of genre. I haven't read anything by Melissa Marr but Kelley's name was enough to grab me; add in Norse mythology and I was sold. But...middle grade? I don't read it very often and much of it makes me want to gouge my eyes out. But, it's Kelley and it's mythology and it's a mythology that hasn't been done to death already. So, I ordered my copy.The authors didn't let me down. Armstrong and Marr wrote a fantastic adventure story full of heartbreak, betrayal, growing up, and learning to trust; trust yourself, trust your instincts, trust each other. The main kids, Matt, Laurie and Fen feel real but aren't obnoxious and the others they pick up along the way, Baldwin, twins Ray and Reyna, and Astrid, are also realistic. It's a struggle for everyone to learn to trust each other and to work together. Matt naturally steps into the role of leader but it's a role he struggles with as he lacks confidence in his ability to lead and to stop Ragnarok and of course he makes mistakes along the way.If you're not up on Norse mythology, or if like me it's been years since you read any, don't worry, the authors weave it naturally into the story. If you find it piques your interest, try out Kevin Hearne's adult urban fantasy series, the Iron Druid Chronicles where he mixes Norse, Celtic and other mythologies.The story is not all angst; there's lots of action as Matt, Laurie and Fen leave home to find their remaining companions, encounter adults who don't understand, trolls who want treasure, etc. They not only have to find their other companions but acquire certain objects and pass a test before they can actually stop Ragnarok. There's only two books left and still a lot of ground to cover. Will they be successful? Will Matt and the others save the world? Will they survive the process? Will I survive waiting a year for the next book? "Loki's Wolves" is a wonderful, engrossing tale smartly moves Norse mythology into the modern world. Go get a copy now!I own this book.

LOKI'S WOLVES begins a new middle grade fantasy series by veteran authors Kelly Armstrong and Melissa Marr. This series will mine Norse mythology for its world building. This first volume was very much an introduction to the series and the characters.Matt Thorsen, a thirteen-year-old eighth grader, has always known he was a descendant of Thor. His family and his town are immersed in Norse traditions and mythology and are town leaders. His grandfather is the mayor and his father the Chief of Police. But Matt didn't know that he was to be the Champion when Ragnarok, the end of the world, came again. He certainly doesn't feel ready of qualified. He feels even less ready when he overhears his grandfather and the other elders say that they expect him to win but to die in the trying.Fen Brekke also knows that he is a descendant of Loki. He can turn into a wolf. But his home situation is bad. His parents are gone and he is passed from relative to relative for fostering. His only friend, and the only person he really cares about, is his cousin Laurie. Laurie doesn't know about being a descendant of Loki. Her mother is ordinary and her father drifts in and out of her life. Laurie is constantly trying to keep Fen out of trouble and Fen is determined to protect her from all dangers.Fen and Matt don't get along. But if Matt wants to rewrite the myths and survive Ragnarok, he and Fen will have to put aside their differences so that the descendants of Thor and of Loki can work together to save them all.This story is a journey story wherein Matt, Fen and Loki try to gather allies who will help them in their upcoming fight. With limited guidance from the Norns, they head off to gather allies while running from the wolf pack that wants Fen to join. They are also trying to avoid Matt and Laurie's parents who have put out APBs for those two. It is rather telling that no one seems to care that Fen is missing.The story is well-written but a little incomplete. Further volumes are definitely needed to answer the unanswered questions. This story could encourage readers to explore more Norse mythology to find out more about the old gods who are Matt, Fen and Laurie's ancestors.

WARNING: *SPOILER ALERT!*I like this book a lot, so I have to give a quick spoiler and then point out why I rated it four stars instead of five.Matt (and mostly all other people that live in Blackwell), is a son of Thor, the Norse God of thunder. What puts him special over the rest, is that he is the champion of Thor. Matt, with two other friends, go on many adventures to save the world from Ragronok (the end).The second book continues the first and the third book continues the second.The reason I rated it 4 stars instead of five, is that you have to basically hang in there till like the tenth chapter. After that, then things get really heated up and exciting.

This was way better than I was anticipating. Myths and legends rolled into a trilogy leading up to Ragnarok. This children have some seriously cool gifts. A boy who has the power of Thor, I wonder if the shield is his special hammer. Another boy who can turn into a wolf. And a girl who can open portals, just to name a few. Next, on to hel.

I purchased this book as a light read for a long flight. It is very reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series and is a fun read. Although it really doesn't provide readers with a complete understanding of the underlying Norse stories and myths, it did provide me with a wonderful escape from the tedium of today's air flights.

Really enjoyed this book. The characters although all children to save the world are believable as they fight their own insecurities and fears while having to grow up quickly. Great story and the beginning of lifetime friendships can't wait for next book.

When I bought it,did not realise that was for young readers, I start reading it now I have put it aside for I have nothing to read, i like the author other books, very much

brilliant book by an equally brilliant author

Although this is aimed at teenagers, i bought it because Kelly Armstrong co-authored it. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! I'm hooked.

Terrible sexist crap! The boys are all "step back let me do the fighting" and the girls are "ooh help me help me" I was so frustrated by the book I didn't realise I could get a refund before it was to late!