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Troll Hunters #1
Skyfall
Skyfall by Dahl, Michael [Stone Arch Books, 2012] Hardcover [Hardcover] by Dahl
112 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dahl
554 books155 followersMichael Dahl is the author of over 200 books for children and young adults, including the acclaimed Finnegan Zwake mystery series and The Library of Doom. His works have earned Edgar and Anthony Award nominations and national design honors. As Editorial Director at Stone Arch Books, he champions engaging, award-winning stories that inspire young readers everywhere.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 21, 2012
This was a very enjoyable children’s book.
Very well written although a tad on the short side I felt. The story had lots of action to keep younger children enthralled, the illustrations were simply lovely, and the characters were well rounded.
I would have loved this book as a child (I love it as an adult) and feel more children’s authors should err on the side of caution and take a more ‘horror’ route in their storytelling, it makes them so much more fun.
Can’t wait for the sequels to read more of the evil trolls and the brave children who fought them and the adventures they go on.
An advance reading copy was provided by Netgalley.
Very well written although a tad on the short side I felt. The story had lots of action to keep younger children enthralled, the illustrations were simply lovely, and the characters were well rounded.
I would have loved this book as a child (I love it as an adult) and feel more children’s authors should err on the side of caution and take a more ‘horror’ route in their storytelling, it makes them so much more fun.
Can’t wait for the sequels to read more of the evil trolls and the brave children who fought them and the adventures they go on.
An advance reading copy was provided by Netgalley.
November 23, 2022
Skyfall is the start of the Troll Hunters series, and it takes place in a small town. Four kids plan to go out and enjoy a meteor show in the night sky. Unfortunately for them, something dark is stirring underground that they will have to contend with before the night is over.
This is a great book for young readers, though the most sensitive among them may find it too scary for them. Dahl does a great job of setting the scene so that even when trolls appear, it fits. The only major complaint that I can really lodge is that the book was too short. Although the ending was a kind of ending, it felt like we were leaving the story in the middle, and there should have been another chapter or 4 after that.
That said, this would be a great book for those readers who are too intimidated by the longer books, and the ending is definitely compelling enough that I definitely want to continue the series. For struggling readers, or just those who also like to listen along to stories, the audiobook is well done. The narrator, who is listed as anonymous though I did recognize his voice from other Michael Dahl audiobooks, gives a great performance.
This is a great book for young readers, though the most sensitive among them may find it too scary for them. Dahl does a great job of setting the scene so that even when trolls appear, it fits. The only major complaint that I can really lodge is that the book was too short. Although the ending was a kind of ending, it felt like we were leaving the story in the middle, and there should have been another chapter or 4 after that.
That said, this would be a great book for those readers who are too intimidated by the longer books, and the ending is definitely compelling enough that I definitely want to continue the series. For struggling readers, or just those who also like to listen along to stories, the audiobook is well done. The narrator, who is listed as anonymous though I did recognize his voice from other Michael Dahl audiobooks, gives a great performance.
August 4, 2020
Action packed!
July 25, 2025
awesome book
December 5, 2011
Skyfall by Michael Dahl is a children's fantasy novel ready for release on January 2 2012. It is the first book in the new Troll Hunters series. The story begins as a meteor shower peppers the sky above the small town of Zion Falls. Some are watching the display while others go about their normal night. However, as the shower takes place something much less pleasant stirs beneath the ground. Four children are caught in the middle as creatures begin a battle to gain control over the surface of the planet. This is a tale that is lightly creepy, with some more frightening moments and sepia toned illustrations that make a great addition to the flavor of the tale.
Skyfall takes a small group of children out of their comfort zone, one night meant to be watching a meteor shower ends with trolls and unanswered questions. Their friends and families are at risk, but they must survive the night before they can check on the other people they care about. I think that this book will appeal to readers that like adventure, mystery, and paranormal related stories. I think it will be particularly good for readers that want to read the more epic adventure stories but might be intimidated by the longer books. While the entire story seems like it might encompass many books, the single volume is not intimidating but will easily entertain.
Skyfall is a well-done fantasy story that is simple but enthralling for elementary school aged children. The story does have some frightening or suspenseful moments, so I would not recommend it for the youngest readers, or the most sensitive. However, my only complaint with the book is that it ended. I know that there are at least two other books planned for this series, but the ending of Skyfall left me wanting to simply turn the page and keep going. While that can be a great thing for series books, and will have me reading the next book which I believe will be titled Dark Tower Rising, in this case I found it frustrating that the last page felt more like a chapter ending rather than a book ending. Although, if the only serious complaint I can list about a book is that it ended too soon, then it must be worth reading. However, you might want to wait until you can have all three books in the series before you get started to spare you the discovery that the last page comes too soon.
Skyfall takes a small group of children out of their comfort zone, one night meant to be watching a meteor shower ends with trolls and unanswered questions. Their friends and families are at risk, but they must survive the night before they can check on the other people they care about. I think that this book will appeal to readers that like adventure, mystery, and paranormal related stories. I think it will be particularly good for readers that want to read the more epic adventure stories but might be intimidated by the longer books. While the entire story seems like it might encompass many books, the single volume is not intimidating but will easily entertain.
Skyfall is a well-done fantasy story that is simple but enthralling for elementary school aged children. The story does have some frightening or suspenseful moments, so I would not recommend it for the youngest readers, or the most sensitive. However, my only complaint with the book is that it ended. I know that there are at least two other books planned for this series, but the ending of Skyfall left me wanting to simply turn the page and keep going. While that can be a great thing for series books, and will have me reading the next book which I believe will be titled Dark Tower Rising, in this case I found it frustrating that the last page felt more like a chapter ending rather than a book ending. Although, if the only serious complaint I can list about a book is that it ended too soon, then it must be worth reading. However, you might want to wait until you can have all three books in the series before you get started to spare you the discovery that the last page comes too soon.
November 29, 2011
I got an eGalley of this book to review through NetGalley.com. It was a fun read and a great spooky beginning chapter book for kids. I loved the drawings throughout and thought the book was well written with a good level of spookiness for kids.
Four kids discover that there are creepy things hidden in the woods. They also discover that they have the power to help save the town from these evil monsters.
The premise of this story is simple but well done. Definitely intended for a younger audience but still interesting enough that I enjoyed reading it as an adult as well. Basically these four kids get involved in some scary events and find out that Trolls are causing all these odd events. They end up discovering that they have the means to fight these monsters.
The book was creepier than I expected. I found some of the parts to be a bit scary, so I wouldn't recommend for really young children. Although the book is written with pretty simple language; I thought that the surroundings, characters, and events were well described and engaging. I loved the addition of pictures throughout the book; this really added to the eerie atmosphere of the book and help conveyed some of the harder to picture monsters and actions that happened throughout the story.
I love books about monsters/mythological creatures and about the people that fight them. This would be a wonderful book to introduce kids to the creepier aspects of trolls and such.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely meant for a younger audience so young adult and older readers might find the story a bit too simplistic. Still, the story was well done and extremely creepy. The wonderful pictures throughout added a lot to the story and really drove home the eerie atmosphere of the story. It's a quick read, but a fun one. I look forward to reading future books in this series. I recommend this book for younger readers who love fantasy, reading about monsters, and don't mind a little bit of scary in their stories.
Four kids discover that there are creepy things hidden in the woods. They also discover that they have the power to help save the town from these evil monsters.
The premise of this story is simple but well done. Definitely intended for a younger audience but still interesting enough that I enjoyed reading it as an adult as well. Basically these four kids get involved in some scary events and find out that Trolls are causing all these odd events. They end up discovering that they have the means to fight these monsters.
The book was creepier than I expected. I found some of the parts to be a bit scary, so I wouldn't recommend for really young children. Although the book is written with pretty simple language; I thought that the surroundings, characters, and events were well described and engaging. I loved the addition of pictures throughout the book; this really added to the eerie atmosphere of the book and help conveyed some of the harder to picture monsters and actions that happened throughout the story.
I love books about monsters/mythological creatures and about the people that fight them. This would be a wonderful book to introduce kids to the creepier aspects of trolls and such.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely meant for a younger audience so young adult and older readers might find the story a bit too simplistic. Still, the story was well done and extremely creepy. The wonderful pictures throughout added a lot to the story and really drove home the eerie atmosphere of the story. It's a quick read, but a fun one. I look forward to reading future books in this series. I recommend this book for younger readers who love fantasy, reading about monsters, and don't mind a little bit of scary in their stories.
February 21, 2012
Skyfall is the latest in Michael Dahl’s impressive body of work that consists of over a hundred books for children and young adults. This particular story is a thrilling adventure with monsters that is aimed at the junior high age group, but enjoyable for all ages. While the juvenile market is always saturated with fairy tale creatures, Dahl’s latest is reminiscent of both Stephen King and Tolkien, but for a younger audience.
The story revolves around what happens to the residents of Zion Falls during the night of the Draconid meteor shower, and centers on four friends: Pablo, Louise, Zak, and Thora. Chaos erupts, forcing them to depend upon each other, and surprise allies in order to endure what the night has in store for them. Their own intelligence, and quick thinking is also paramount their survival.
Skyfall embodies everything that makes me love juvenile fiction. It is fast-paced, exhilarating, full of fun characters, and cleverly nods to other sci-fi works. There were times that I was scared enough by the monsters, and their tricks that I almost had to put the book down despite reading adult horror on a regular basis. (Disclaimer: I am a wimp.) Dahl’s world building is exciting, and puts a new spin on age-old mythological creatures. He executed the story in such a way that I have just as many questions about the world he built at the end of the story, as I did as I did in the beginning. It left me ravenous for more. I loved Skyfall, and I cannot wait until I can get my hands on the next book in the series.
To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through NetGalley from the publisher. It in no way affected the outcome of my review.
The story revolves around what happens to the residents of Zion Falls during the night of the Draconid meteor shower, and centers on four friends: Pablo, Louise, Zak, and Thora. Chaos erupts, forcing them to depend upon each other, and surprise allies in order to endure what the night has in store for them. Their own intelligence, and quick thinking is also paramount their survival.
Skyfall embodies everything that makes me love juvenile fiction. It is fast-paced, exhilarating, full of fun characters, and cleverly nods to other sci-fi works. There were times that I was scared enough by the monsters, and their tricks that I almost had to put the book down despite reading adult horror on a regular basis. (Disclaimer: I am a wimp.) Dahl’s world building is exciting, and puts a new spin on age-old mythological creatures. He executed the story in such a way that I have just as many questions about the world he built at the end of the story, as I did as I did in the beginning. It left me ravenous for more. I loved Skyfall, and I cannot wait until I can get my hands on the next book in the series.
To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through NetGalley from the publisher. It in no way affected the outcome of my review.
February 22, 2012
Skyfall is the first book in the new Troll Hunters series. The story opens with a meteor shower that has the town enraptured. However it isn't just the meteor shower that is happening this night. Four children soon discover that something much more sinister is going on, and that stopping it is the only way to save the whole entire planet. Talk about a big burden to put on their shoulders!
I loved how this story is the perfect combination of creepy and fascinating. It isn't so scary that a younger reader wouldn't be able to enjoy it, but it has that edge that keeps you guessing. I think it will be a great fit for readers who want more adventure in their reader, but aren't quite ready for older books. Michael Dahl writes simply, but his characters and plot are still perfectly engaging. I'm an older reader and I still loved this book.
So yes, Skyfall is a very well written fantasy story. The characters are will be easy for younger readers to connect with, and the quick moving story line is sure to draw them in! It always makes me happy to find a fantasy story that is appropriate for the younger audience. There simply isn't enough of it out there.
The one thing that killed me was the ending. Skyfall's ending is more like the end of a chapter than the end of the book. If you do happen to get these for a young reader in your life, you might want to wait until they are all out. If they are like me, they'll be clamoring for the next book to find out what happens next!
I loved how this story is the perfect combination of creepy and fascinating. It isn't so scary that a younger reader wouldn't be able to enjoy it, but it has that edge that keeps you guessing. I think it will be a great fit for readers who want more adventure in their reader, but aren't quite ready for older books. Michael Dahl writes simply, but his characters and plot are still perfectly engaging. I'm an older reader and I still loved this book.
So yes, Skyfall is a very well written fantasy story. The characters are will be easy for younger readers to connect with, and the quick moving story line is sure to draw them in! It always makes me happy to find a fantasy story that is appropriate for the younger audience. There simply isn't enough of it out there.
The one thing that killed me was the ending. Skyfall's ending is more like the end of a chapter than the end of the book. If you do happen to get these for a young reader in your life, you might want to wait until they are all out. If they are like me, they'll be clamoring for the next book to find out what happens next!
January 21, 2012
In Zion Falls it is the night of the biggest meteor shower of the century, the Draconids. For fourteen year-old Pablo and his friends, Thora and Zak, it is also the night that is going to change their lives forever. Pablo, Thora and Zak are pulled into a real-life fairy tale of the Grimm variety. They find themselves battling trolls, or "gathool", for their lives. And this is only the beginning.
The premise for this books is very interesting. Giant trolls known as gathools are emerging to wreck havoc on the town of Zion Falls. The name "gathool" is reminiscent of Lovecraft's greatest short story, The Call of Cthulhu, about a giant kraken like creature. The illustrations in the book also run along these lines, with the multi-armed trolls appearing to have heads that resemble octupi. While this story is much, much milder than Lovecraft's, I would not recommend it to be read as a bedtime story. The information about the trolls and the characters is somewhat sketchy. The trolls are coming but it is not really said where they are coming from. There is something special about Pablo, Thora and Zak but you are not really sure what. However, as this is the first book in a series, I would assume the information will be coming in the next installments of the series.
I would recommend this book for children ages 10+, especially those readers who want an alternative to Goosebumps or Beast Quest.
The premise for this books is very interesting. Giant trolls known as gathools are emerging to wreck havoc on the town of Zion Falls. The name "gathool" is reminiscent of Lovecraft's greatest short story, The Call of Cthulhu, about a giant kraken like creature. The illustrations in the book also run along these lines, with the multi-armed trolls appearing to have heads that resemble octupi. While this story is much, much milder than Lovecraft's, I would not recommend it to be read as a bedtime story. The information about the trolls and the characters is somewhat sketchy. The trolls are coming but it is not really said where they are coming from. There is something special about Pablo, Thora and Zak but you are not really sure what. However, as this is the first book in a series, I would assume the information will be coming in the next installments of the series.
I would recommend this book for children ages 10+, especially those readers who want an alternative to Goosebumps or Beast Quest.
September 23, 2012
Skyfall by Michael Dahl is a children's fantasy novel and the first book in his Troll Hunters series. The story begins as a meteor shower lights up the sky above Zion Falls. As the shower happens overhead, something sinister is happening beneath the ground. Four children are caught in the middle as creatures begin a battle to gain control over the surface of the planet. This is a tale that is mildly creepy, with some more frightening moments and really nice sepia toned illustrations that add to the tone of the book.
This is a well-done fantasy story that is simple but exciting for ages 10 and up, or younger ones only if they can handle monsters and scary situations.
The biggest complaint I had with the book was the way it ended. It felt more like it was the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book, a pet peeve of mine with series books. I am a firm believer in having each book being able to stand on its own. This is more like a part than a whole so you might want to wait until having all three books in the series before starting it.
Still, except for that small nit, it was a good read and will entertain those who love stories with monsters and creepy situations.
This is a well-done fantasy story that is simple but exciting for ages 10 and up, or younger ones only if they can handle monsters and scary situations.
The biggest complaint I had with the book was the way it ended. It felt more like it was the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book, a pet peeve of mine with series books. I am a firm believer in having each book being able to stand on its own. This is more like a part than a whole so you might want to wait until having all three books in the series before starting it.
Still, except for that small nit, it was a good read and will entertain those who love stories with monsters and creepy situations.
September 23, 2012
This is a short novella written in a very easy style that hits its mark with younger readers. I finished this in about forty five minutes, and found I had chewed my nails to the quick in the process. The story is about a group of young kids who stay up to watch a meteor shower and get attacked by Trolls. Then discover that is just the beginning of a troll invasion!
Is it just me or are trolls scary? I mean really scary, they want to eat you, they live in the woods, underground and did I mention they want to eat you? This well written story by Dahl is very spooky, and dark and very readable for younger readers. It appears to be the first in a series because there are so many questions left in your mind after reading this. What about the centaur or Doctor Hoo and what's with the glowing eyes? Yes so many unanswered questions I can't wait for book two!
This book is illustrated too and the pictures are fantastic, just enough detail to capture the action but not overly done to spoil your own imaginings of the scene.
So if you want something to read this saturday afternoon, something easy, spooky, and exciting, pick a good spot and read Skyfall by Michael Dahl. Ages 10 and up
Is it just me or are trolls scary? I mean really scary, they want to eat you, they live in the woods, underground and did I mention they want to eat you? This well written story by Dahl is very spooky, and dark and very readable for younger readers. It appears to be the first in a series because there are so many questions left in your mind after reading this. What about the centaur or Doctor Hoo and what's with the glowing eyes? Yes so many unanswered questions I can't wait for book two!
This book is illustrated too and the pictures are fantastic, just enough detail to capture the action but not overly done to spoil your own imaginings of the scene.
So if you want something to read this saturday afternoon, something easy, spooky, and exciting, pick a good spot and read Skyfall by Michael Dahl. Ages 10 and up
March 12, 2012
Skyfall by Michael Dahl is a middle grade fantasy novel. It is the first of a trilogy about troll hunters.
I received this book as an egalley from NetGalley.com.
I love children's stories, especially middle grade chapter books.
I think kids will love this book, it has just the right amount of creep factor and suspense to engage young children. It was a quick, easy, fun read. My only problem is that it ended too soon. Frankly, I'm getting somewhat annoyed with these trilogies, we have to wait so long for the next installment to be released.
This book will hold the interest of children from beginning to end. The author has an uncanny knack for inserting creepiness in the right spots. Imagine having trolls try to take over your town. Four kids have to save the town from these evil trolls.
The story is well writte, the writing is perfect for the target age group. I look forward to the next book in the series, just hope we don't have to wait too long!
I received this book as an egalley from NetGalley.com.
I love children's stories, especially middle grade chapter books.
I think kids will love this book, it has just the right amount of creep factor and suspense to engage young children. It was a quick, easy, fun read. My only problem is that it ended too soon. Frankly, I'm getting somewhat annoyed with these trilogies, we have to wait so long for the next installment to be released.
This book will hold the interest of children from beginning to end. The author has an uncanny knack for inserting creepiness in the right spots. Imagine having trolls try to take over your town. Four kids have to save the town from these evil trolls.
The story is well writte, the writing is perfect for the target age group. I look forward to the next book in the series, just hope we don't have to wait too long!
December 9, 2011
Received from: Capstone
Received Via: NetGalley.com
When weird things start happening four kids discover that they might be the only hope of stopping trolls from taking over their town
This book was far from amazing but I liked it and i'm pretty sure kids will like it even more.It had just the right amount of creepy and suspense to keep you interested until the very end. Even though I think it should've been longer I liked how it didn't drag and the how I never felt like nothing was happening, since something was always happening. I also liked the pictures definitely when it showed the hard to picture creatures. The one thing I didn't like was the ending it felt too abrupt which is why I think people should wait until all the books are out to read this series.
Overall a good little book that I recommend to kids who likes monsters
Received Via: NetGalley.com
When weird things start happening four kids discover that they might be the only hope of stopping trolls from taking over their town
This book was far from amazing but I liked it and i'm pretty sure kids will like it even more.It had just the right amount of creepy and suspense to keep you interested until the very end. Even though I think it should've been longer I liked how it didn't drag and the how I never felt like nothing was happening, since something was always happening. I also liked the pictures definitely when it showed the hard to picture creatures. The one thing I didn't like was the ending it felt too abrupt which is why I think people should wait until all the books are out to read this series.
Overall a good little book that I recommend to kids who likes monsters
September 19, 2014
Skyfall by Michael Dahl is a compact, well-written, and pretty scary fantasy/horror children's book (#1 of his Troll Hunters series). The books ends with the four children: Pablo, Thora, Zak, and Louise triumphant for the moment (with some assistance from Dr. Benjamin K. Hoo, a doctor of several things, but most recently, cryptozoology) . . . but the challenges they have to face have only just begun. Thank goodness I have Dark Tower Rising (Book #2 of Dahl's Troll Hunter series) ready and waiting for me so that I can find out what happens next!
May 14, 2016
A nicely creepy story is packed into this little book! As a meteor shower falls overhead, three horrible trolls emerge from the quarry and cause a string of tragedies as they attempt to take over the surface. Three teens and a little sister form an unlikely team when they are thrown together in the midst of all this. I like that this is spooky and suspenseful without being too wordy; this will be excellent for younger readers who appreciate scary stuff, or older readers who struggle with longer books.
August 18, 2012
4th and 5th grade kids will eat this series up, as it combines some favorite things - it's "scary," it's short, it's written at an easy level. This first in a 4 book series will be good for lower, reluctant, and on-grade readers. Dahl has another winner on his hands that will appeal to grade schoolers. Would also be great for older (6-7) readers who are behind grade level in reading. It won't feel babyish with its "teen" protagonists.
May 13, 2015
Nice premise, creepy but not too horrific for third grade. Felt rushed ~ lots of unanswered questions, but not likely ones that I'll pick up the next in series to answer. I will say this - it was lots more interesting than many third grade series, which tend to be canned. I'm just not sure that comprehension would be as easy for many in the reading level.
September 15, 2015
Apparently this is an extremely abridged version of another of the same book! I don't know...I saw both and though one was a continuation but it turned out to be the same...only much shorter! Weird and not worth it in my opinion! Just find the other one that is about 150 pages longer and is still a quick, enjoyable read!
April 1, 2012
2.5 stars
A quick middle grade fantasy that hardly answered anything for the sole purpose of extending the series. It was so short, there wasn't any character growth at all!
But I really liked the drawings. They were awesome.
A quick middle grade fantasy that hardly answered anything for the sole purpose of extending the series. It was so short, there wasn't any character growth at all!
But I really liked the drawings. They were awesome.
March 27, 2013
This is a chapter book for the young set. Fairly quick read, 45 minutes or so for me. It was VERY scary though, imo. Unfortunately written with big old cliffhangers so that you read the whole series. Illustrations periodically in the book make it more enjoyable.
December 20, 2011
This review appears (as of 12/26/11) on the TMCE Guys Read blog:
http://guysread.wordpress.com/2011/12...
http://guysread.wordpress.com/2011/12...
April 7, 2015
very imangitive
January 28, 2016
love it
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews