Katherine Langrish

I first read this book in 2004. Since then I have constantly revisited it every few years. The tale of young Peer whose shipbuilder father dies leaving him to the care of two wicked uncles resonates with both young and old readers alike as it acts as the catalyst for reshaping and strengthening our protagonist. His innocent love with Hilde, his faithful dog Loki and the clever spirit Nis all strike at the reader's heartstrings. The serpentine Granny Green-Teeth, the hellish trolls and show more Hilde's father's final return set a captivating pace which avoids all the makings of a Harry Potter knock-off while delivering the same punch. show less

I am seriously not exaggerating when I say that the Troll Trilogy is one of the greatest series I have ever read – and I’ve read a lot of books. Within the series, readers are given hearty doses of fantasy, folklore, history, and culture of not one but two civilizations: the Vikings of 10th century Norway and the Native Ameri--er, Canadians. It delivered on action, suspense, romance, and a little bit of comedy, too. The direction of the third (and final) book in the trilogy completely show more changes directions from the other two; instead of the familiar fells and surrounding areas of Norway, our characters are now part of an expedition to a whole new world (North America, in other words). Apparently, good ol’ Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first European to reach North America – the Vikings made it over about 500 years earlier, and from this piece of history, an amazing story unfolds. Troll Blood reads a little more like a historical fiction story with fantastical elements added it. I may have my terminology all wrong, but it reminds me of an MG “magical realism” story: there’s magic involved, but it’s placed in a very normal context, not overt in tone like some of your other fantasy series books. I found that really refreshing after reading so many overtly magical stories.Plot: Like I said, this book takes the series in a different direction, and what an exciting story emerged! By removing the characters from their familiar environment, the story that develops has a bit of a suspense edge to it – you truly have no idea what’s going to happen next, because so many elements have changed. There seem to be 3 plots that unfold over the course of the story: Peer, Hilde, and Company’s expedition across the sea and everything that develops with them; the characters in Vinland and their interactions with their visitors; and finally, the emotional and psychological development of the main characters. Peer and Hilde don’t just have a physical journey – they embark on an emotional one, too. Frequently I found myself marveling at how much action had taken place over the course of the series, beginning with Troll Fell. With each book, the plot got a little darker and a little more involved, which was a really cool progression and one that is no doubt easier said than done. I think it’s so cool how Ms. Langrish was able to progress her story so smoothly without getting too over-the-top or too mature. Books nowadays are either really superficial or have-a-meltdown- serious and thematic. So bravo for giving us great stories that amplify over the course of the series! Characters: Peer and Hilde change so much from 12 year olds to 16 year olds, and yet they retain the same personalities and characteristics that made me love them in the first place. I love romantic storylines that are done right – and ones that aren’t the main focus of the story. It was so sweet to read about Peer and Hilde struggle with their feelings, but it was very refreshing to have more going on in the story, too. And all of the new characters were very strong and well-thought out. I personally couldn’t help but like Harald, even though he’s totally wicked! Hmm, maybe he’s one of Draco Malfoy’s ancestors? And Astrid, the reluctant wife of a Viking explorer with a few skeletons in her closet, was such an interesting character, too. I thought I had her all figured out, but boy was I wrong! Ending: I tag on this category for series-enders – it’s a chance for me to hurrah or whine about how a series was wrapped up. I love closure, but too much closure and I think you lose some of the intrigue of the story that you had during your reading experience. I felt like Troll Blood gave me enough closure but also left a window open for me to fantasize a bit! The last few chapters of Troll Blood were just incredible – lots of action, lots of excitement, and a few “no way!” outbursts. You just have to read this for yourself! Amelialand Rating:V: There’s more action in this final installment, and a few scary images/scenarios toward the end. I don’t know – think of a PG or lite PG-13 film and this would fall into that category. Nothing over-the-top or unnecessaryS: Nothing – safe for 5th grade onward (I say 5th grade just because of some thematic elements that younger kids may not really understand) L: a few PG-level words – nothing major; relatively clean! Final Rating: 5/5. Yeah, it’s that good show less

My thoughts: After stumbling through Icarceron, I was really in the mood for something less ambiguous. I was looking for a fun, exciting but comprehendible read, and boy did I find one! Troll Fell, the first book in the Troll Trilogy by Katherine Langrish, has all the ingredients for being an awesome fantasy series. There’s a simple plot filled with exciting action, memorable characters (including two near-perfect MCs, Peer and Hilde) a good dose of mythology and folklore, and a great show more ending. I devoured this book easily and eagerly look forward to the two remaining books in the series, Troll Mill and Troll Blood. This book was very engaging from beginning to end. There were twists and turns, yes, but you know how some authors just love to keep readers on the edge of their seat to the point that their books start to get “plot-whiplash”? That doesn’t happen here. The story is exciting but easy to follow at the same time. So no whiplash! Both of the MCs, Peer and Hilde, are 12 years old. From what I understand, in the fashion of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Septimus Heap (to name a few), they age over the progression of the series. Adults, don’t feel silly reading about 12-year-olds – they’re gonna grow up! Heck, don’t feel silly reading about 12-year-olds at all! Kids are AWESOME! The villains of the book, Peer’s wicked, money-hungry uncles, are a little on the Stereotypical Villain side, but I think you kind of expect that in a YA/MG story. I don’t really care if villains are one-sided or anything, as long as they’re entertaining and (if it’s marketed to kids/teens) not too disturbing. I will say, though, that I was kind of expecting more troll action, so I was a bit surprised that I didn’t really see the trolls until close to the climax of the story – even though the books *is* called Troll Fell. I think that actually worked in this setup, because by not showing the trolls until later, the story builds up on the suspense, and you get to the point where you’re just expecting them to JUMP out at any moment! Oh, and here’s something you RARELY see in YA/MG: useful grownups! Yeah, what a concept! Parents who are 1) not dead, and 2) useful! I don’t want to get too specific, but there’s a point close to the end where the parent characters make themselves quite useful! So that was incredibly refreshing Amelialand Rating:V: Nothing really out of the ordinary. Peer gets smacked around by his uncles, but everything remains around PG-levelS: none whatsoever – G L: I don’t recall anything off the top of my head. That’s always nice! Hey authors, just don’t have your characters cuss, okay?! It’s not necessary! Final rating: 4.5/5. An awesome read for kids and grownups alike! Highly recommended! Next time you’re at your library, or surfing Amazon, or wherever else you turn to for your next reading material, I hope you’ll remember this fun series! :) show less

This historical fantasy epic weaves together Norse legend, folklore, fantasy creatures and a courageous hero, Peer Ulfsson. When Peer is orphaned his fiendish uncles drag him away to their mill at Troll Fell, a place beset by repugnant trolls. Hilde, the spirited farmer’s daughter, becomes Peer’s friend and along with his dog Loki, who is a fierce troll fighter, and the Nis, a shy creature who helps out when he feels like it, they have many adventures. Peer’s uncles hatch a sinister show more plot to sell him to the troll king as a wedding gift. As well as escaping that, Peer must look after a baby that appears to be half selkie when its mother, Kersten, returns to the sea. A Viking ship also brings the promise of adventure which Peer and Hilde crave, but they are disturbed by the violent ways of the captain and his son. They sail for the new country of Vinland (North America) where they encounter natives and new mythological creatures. Will they live, will they ever return home, and will Hilde ever realise that she loves Peer as much as he loves her? Included is a helpful glossary along with maps. show less