<i>Sword of Doom</i> (review)
2010; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 63; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.0.1485
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
ResumoReviewed by: Sword of Doom Kate Quealy-Gainer Jennewein, James. Sword of Doom; by James Jennewein and Tom S. Parker. Harper/HarperCollins, 2009 [432p]. (RuneWarriors) Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-06-144939-0 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 6–9 After dispatching Thidrek the Terrifying, Dane the Defiant and his ragtag band of heroic pals have been summoned by King Eldred to a celebration in honor of their amazing feat. Upon arrival, Dane is presented with his deceased father’s war chest, an heirloom that contains a rune-covered sword rumored to lead the way to the treasure of the gods. When an old enemy of his father steals the sword and kidnaps his mother, Dane and his faithful friends begin yet another epic journey, [End Page 249] in which they must bravely overcome shape-shifters, grumpy trolls, moody sea monsters, and one very whiny princess. Jennewein and Parker play fast and loose with Nordic culture here, but the bathroom humor and modern dialogue make it pretty clear their aim is not historical accuracy but rather rip-roaring adventure, a target they meet with enthusiastic aplomb. Dane and his mates are merrily boyish with their flatulent tendencies and strict codes of friendship while the adventure itself abounds with noble deeds and daring acts of valor. Dane’s quest for revenge and his romance with Astrid, the Mistress of the Blade, provide a nice counterbalance to the gross-out humor, and the resulting tale is at once funny and thrilling with a rather bittersweet conclusion. Although this is the second installment of a series (following RuneWarriors), it is perfectly acceptable as a stand-alone, and it acts as an excellent next step for fans of Percy Jackson. Copyright © 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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