Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic. At this point, readers are likely to feel suddenly left behind, as, thanks to summary deus ex machina resolutions, everything turns out swell(ish). This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. Growing into their true natures amid revelations and marked physical changes, the two spark escalating rivalry between the wings of the school. Gradually-too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic-it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales.
8 & up)Ĭhainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.Įvery four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. Children will enjoy Odd’s quiet heroism and the simple adventure adults will love the squabbling gods and the strong women (and the Frost Giant’s response to feisty Freya!). Martin’s The Ice Dragon (2006), this succeeds both as a delightful children’s book and an adult collectible.
Odd ultimately outwits the giant in a way that upholds and yet totally subverts the trope, at the end returning home still humble but successful and clearly destined for more adventures. When an endless winter descends, he leaves his stepfather’s home and is recruited by talking animals who are actually Thor, Odin and Loki, exiled to earth by a Frost Giant.
Unlucky Odd lost his father during a Viking raid (but not to heroics) and then crushed his leg trying to be a man. Originally written for World Book Day, this sweet, wistful, slyly funny novella also offers a crash course in ancient Norse mythology. Gaiman does it again, this time featuring a lame young boy, talking animals and intrigue in Asgard.
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