Beowulf: A New Telling by Nye, Robert published by Laurel Leaf (1982) [Paperback]

by Robert Nye

He comes out of the darkness, moving in on his victims in deadly silence. When he leaves, a trail of blood is all that remains. He is a monster, Grendel, and all who know of him live in fear. Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, knows something must be done to stop Grendel. But who will guard the great hall he has built, where so many men have lost their lives to the monster while keeping watch? Only one man dares to stand up to Grendel's fury --Beowulf.

Genres: Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, School, Mythology, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Robert Nye was an English writer, playwright and poet.

Nye started writing stories for children to entertain his three young sons. Nye published his first adult novel, Doubtfire, in 1967.

Nye's next publication after Doubtfire was a return to children's literature, a freewheeling version of Beowulf which has remained in print in many editions since 1968. In 1970, he published another children's book, Wishing Gold, and received the James Kennaway Memorial Award for his collection of short stories, Tales I Told My Mother (1969).

During the early 1970s Nye wrote several plays for BBC radio including “A Bloody Stupit Hole” (1970), “Reynolds, Reynolds” (1971), and a version of Penthesilea by Heinrich von Kleist (1971). He was also commissioned by Covent Garden to write an unpublished libretto for Harrison Birtwistle's opera, Kronia (1970). Nye held the position of writer in residence at the University of Edinburgh, 1976-1977, during which time he received the Guardian fiction prize, followed by the 1976 Hawthornden Prize for his novel Falstaff.

He continued to write poetry, publishing Darker Ends (1969) and Divisions on a Ground (1976), and to prepare editions of other poets with whose work he felt an affinity: Sir Walter Ralegh, William Barnes, and Laura Riding. His own Collected Poems appeared in 1995. His selected poems, entitled The Rain and The Glass, published in 2005, won the Cholmondeley Award. From 1977 he lived in County Cork, Ireland. Although his novels have won prizes and been translated into many languages, it is as a poet that he would probably have preferred to be remembered. The critic Gabriel Josipovici described him as "one of the most interesting poets writing today, with a voice unlike that of any of his contemporaries."

Reviews

[Bakunin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this in the story thinking it was a Swedish translation but it turns out its a retelling of the classic tale by Robert Nye. Really enjoyed it although I do not know how close it stuck to to the original story. Will perhaps return to it some day. It basically tells the archetypical heros journey; a very sprititual one at that!

[Kaedon Apezteguia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I heard the word "Beowulf" before I read this book, I thought of old dusty Vikings that marched around and defeated goblins, dragons, and suchlike simply by brute force.

This book is nothing like that. First, Beowulf. Beowulf is my new all-time favorite hero. Nowadays, fantasy has a bit of a blueprint for heroes. They've got to be super good-looking, and they're not- well, sort of intelligent. They have no family to limit them, or their family is simply so despicable they can't wait to get out of town. The perfect adolescent, right?

Beowulf picks up the stereotype and beats it into the dust. First and foremost, the character of Beowulf is flawed. The author admits it. But the author also says that the reason Beowulf is such a great hero is that he admits his flaws and strengthens himself in those areas. I find that to be an extremely admirable character trait. Probably my favorite part is after he defeats Grendel, he tells Hrothgar that he has a toothache.

Curiously, after finishing this book, I found in another review for another book a reference for Tolkien using Beowulf (not just the events described in this book, some of Beowulf's other adventures too) as inspiration. I decided to do a little research, and found out just that! Apparently, Tolkien drew inspiration for his books from Beowulf. It's surprising, because most fantasy writers today consider Tolkien to be the origin of the fantasy blueprint, when in fact it was really Beowulf!

The only thing that is to be desired in this book is the lack of deeper storytelling. It seems that during some points during the story, most often when Grendel is attacking, the author forgets his purpose and seems content to describe in detail the crunching and munching of flesh and bone. Seriously? It's like a little kid wrecking towers made of blocks. (Sorry, my similes are awful. Reminds me of Steelheart. I'll review that one soon.) Oh well. Skip the gore. It isn't really relevant to the story, but hey, if you love to read about limbs being torn off and blood spurting everywhere, I'm not going to poop on your party.

Overall, READ IT. That's as simple as it gets. If you want to be a master storyteller or if you are simply looking for entertainment, Beowulf: A New Telling is the way to go.

[James Ackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

•The people of Danes are in need of a king, big time. So every time that a ship comes into their ports they throughly check it to try to find a new one. At last they find a baby who is suited to be their king so they appoint him to that office, the new king. After the king does his son Hroghtar becomes the new king and makes a place called hall Heriot.



•So one day a problem happens where hall Harriet is attacked by a monster named Grendel, from deep inside the earth. That same night the king was having a dream that his hall Heriot is covered in blood, funny huh?... So he wakes up and sure enough the hall is covered in blood, the blood of the guards who were "guarding" the hall, and Grendall has destroyed the place. So then Beowulf heard of this incident at Heriot and he feels that he needs to do something about it. So he comes over and ends up killing Grendall once and for all.



•My favorite part of the book is the part where Grendall invades Hariot because that's what gets the book going. It's a very action packed scene and pretty exciting.



•I give this book 3/5 stars because it's not really the type of book I would normally read but I guess it was ok. If you like old tales then this book is good for you.

•I did this on the goodreads app so that's why the formatting is messed up...

[Danielle Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a monster named Grendel. Beowulf has decided to take on the challenge of fighting him
Grendel, the monster, has killed many men in the great hall Heorot. No one dares to stand up to such a monster, for he is the descendant of Cain and has eaten many men. One day, Beowulf comes and says he will fight this great beast, but many people tried to talk him out of it. Beowulf had very poor eyesight, for he had been stung by many bees when he was young, but he didn't care. Also, Beowulf didn't carry a sword, he had left it out in the sun somewhere. Nevertheless, he took on the challenge of Grendel and killed him! After that, Grendel's mother came, so there was a new fight to win. Beowulf dove into the murky water where Beowulf had lived and found Grendel's mother. She was very powerful, and almost overtook him, but then he got the chance to kill her. When Beowulf got old, he went to fight a great beast that was storming the cities, and he brought a little friend with him. After they had slain it, Beowulf told his helper some good advice, and died. But Beowulf's story still lives on.
My favorite part was at the end when he killed the last beast. I liked how he got the bees to listen to him and go kill it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes gruesome, gory stuff with a lot of adventure.

[Emma Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beowulf is a retelling of a the oldest Poem we have in English literature. It is a story about heroism and bravery.
Beowulf was the son of Ecgtheow and Nephew of the current king of Danes, Hrothgar. Beowulf was known for his goodness and daring. Although he was shorter than most his age, and did not have the best eyesight, he did not let these little faults get to him. When he was a bit older he heard about "Grendel" the terrifying monster who had disturbed his Uncle and their kingdom and decided to defeat him.
I thought Beowulf was a great book but it was a bit too revolting for me. My least favorite part was the part when Beowulf defeated Grendel. It was gruesome and personally I really want to imagine being there and hearing Beowulf yank Grendel's arm out of its socket.
But if you really like action and heroic fables, you would certainly enjoy this book.

[Jessica Avei · Rating 3 out of 5]

introduce the book:
This book is about an unrealistic hero. It is just a very super exciting book that draws you in, it just has a lot of adventure and fun, it was really hard to put the book down.
Long ago their was a kingdom called Hrothgar. Their kingdom was huge, but they needed a building that could solidify their power so they the Hall Hereot, and than Grendel comes and destroys everything except for the king and queen, and shuts down all of Hereot. Than Beowulf goes on an adventure to see what this kingdom looks like, and comes upon the king and listens to his problems.
Well my favorite part was when Grendel and Beowulf are intensely fighting and Beowulf uses all his might to destroy Grendel.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy and fiction, or also enjoys some action at that as well.

[Halle Lusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book is a story of a hero named Beowulf who is courageous and helps many people by killing the demon Grendel and Grendel's mother. He is loved by many.

My favorite part in this book was when even though the gatekeeper person told beowulf that he was crazy to go and kill Grendel and that he would die while trying, Beowulf went on anyway. He had courage beyond compare and believed in himself.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and a story that is kind of gory but cool. But i dont think anyone under the age of 12 should read this book because it is really graphic and gross.

[Lauren Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beowulf is about a land who's great king died. And once he died there was great hall built for him. One night, this monster ,Grendel, came and killed many people. Beowulf came to rescue them.

I didn't really think this book would be ok but it actually was.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes mythical fiction.

[Emily Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be totally honest, I have had this book forever and never read it yet, even though it is so short. I picked it up to fill my reading log before this December ends, and I am happy I did. I haven’t read a good story about a true hero in a while, and it’s good to pick one up. Very fast and easy to read, everyone can do it.

Quotes I loved from this one:

“Beowulf was the rare kind of person who makes strength of his own weaknesses….Beowulf had made the best of all he had, putting each imperfection to work in service of his integrity. Thus, his real strength lay in the balance of his person- which is, perhaps, another way of saying that he was strong because he was good, and good because he had strength to accept the things in him that were bad.”

“(Beowulf speaking)That man is truly brave who, feeling fear, yet puts his fear to use and plucks new courage from the fear itself. That man is truly good who knows his own dark places.”

[Maximillian Meyerhofer]

Student Name:Max Meyerhofer Date Submitted:4/9/19
Book Title: Beowulf A New Telling Lexile:790

Personal response:
I personally enjoyed this book because it wasn't in play form and it was in today's English. Also, I thought it was a really good book overall because I could understand what was going on all throughout. It also did a good job on explaining the book without old English.

Summary:
Beowulf, an epic hero, comes to the salvation of a king named Hrothgar who built a giant tower that can be seen for miles and attracted a monster named Grendel. Grendel comes into the tower every night. Beowulf who is a fearful warrior who goes and fights Grendel. When Beowulf fights Grendel he grabs onto his arm with his monster arms grabs it and pulls it right out of its socket. Grendel who flees and dies in a pool of water. Then the monster with no name who they call Grendel's mother come and take Grendel's arm. Beowulf goes and finds Grendel's mother and fights her. He gains the power from her through a necklace. Then the ghost of Grendel appears and Beowulf slays it with a magical sword. Then he comes out of the water and everyone praises him the day after he sets off back home. At home, a slave goes up into the mountains and steals a treasure guarded by a fire drake. Beowulf who is old but still fearful goes up there and fights the drake with bees and wins. He then dies right after the battle and is remembered forever.

Characterization:
Beowulf who starts off as a young man is fearful when he fights the first two monsters. Years later he brings peace to all the lands. Then when he fights the firedrake he is an old man and fragile but still fearful and doesn't back down. So he is even braver once he's older.

Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to kids tenth grade and up. being is because freshmen are dumb. I was a freshman and I was too dumb for this book now I'm smart. So you have to be a little bit older.

[Kaia Barnwell]

Not me cheating to add a book

[Jordan Farnsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long ago, there lived a king. A kind who loved his people, and was devoted to his subjects. His kingdom should have been happy and peaceful. But it wasn't. And there is only one man, one brave hero, who can bring peace to King Hygelac's realm: Beowulf.

Every night, as Hygelac and his men gather to make themselves merry, a hideous, horrible monster slinks upon them in utter silence. Grendel is a swamp demon that loathes light, and all that is good and happy. As he oozes into the Hall, he kills and eats men to his heart's content, then retreats at dawn, leaving an awful scene of blood and carnage. King Hygelac has just about lost hope when a mysterious stranger, Beowulf, arrives and declares that he will slay Grendel. He is immediately hailed as a hero, and an enormous feast is thrown in his honor. As they ear merrily, Beowulf tells of his past heroics, securing everyone's confidence in him. But when the time comes for Beowulf to face Grendel, he shocks everyone by saying that he will fight the monster without a weapon. And he does: he rips the wicked creature's arm clean off, and it slinks away to it's nasty home to die. Everyone is astounded, amazed, and incredibly relieved.

Their relief is short-lived, however. Grendel's mother has learned of her son's gruesome death, and she is furious. She comes upon the men, murders one of the king's advisors, and creeps away. Beowulf does not hesitate: he and a company of men follow the she-demon into her underwater lair, where our hero slays the evil creature. He has done it again, and the Danes are free. Beowulf leaves Hygelac, and returns to his own kingdom.

SPOILER ALERT TO THOSE WHO CONTINUE READING!!!

Time passes, and King Hygelac is killed in war. His son takes over, but he, too, goes the way of all the earth. Meanwhile, Beowulf is throned in his own kingdom, and lives a peaceful life until he has become an old man. But then, something happens.

A thief disturbs a dragon's lair, and the enraged dragon emerges to extract revenge. Beowulf's services are needed once more. Knowing he will die soon anyway, Beowulf faces the dragon for one last struggle. He is successful. The dragon is slayed, but Beowulf's death-defying days have caught up with him: The dragon bites Beowulf, and its venom proves too much for the hero. Beowulf is dead. He is given a king's burial, and is remembered as a great man.

My favorite part of this book was when Beowulf killed Grendel. Though the descriptions of "hot, stinking blood" were quite gory, I loved hearing about Beowulf's brave heroics.

If you like Lord of the Rings or other epic fantasy books, you will love this story. It is packed with adventure, action, heroism, and bravery. It is quite short, and makes for an exciting yet easy read.

[Mikelle Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The monster Grendel… a big and slimy creature that moves in on his prey in sheer silence. He has threatened Heorot, the huge Hall King Hrothgar built full of treasures and light. Grendel isn’t a fan of light. He wants all light to be destroyed and engulfed in darkness. Each night he comes back to the Hall to destroy anything in it. Hrothgar puts guards in front of it each night, the best and the bravest in all of the Danes! But all of them seem to disappear by morning. Could it be Grendel? A young man named Beowulf takes on the challenge of defeating Grendel; and along the way, some other creatures too. Beowulf is fearless. When he was a child he hunted bees. He is not afraid of anything, although he has many weaknesses. Is Beowulf a match for these creatures?

After Beowulf comes to the Danes to defeat Grendel, he realizes there is much more than just this monster to defeat. He unexpectedly comes across many other creatures throughout the book. Beowulf believes he can defeat all of these creatures… if he does it the right way. He has a way of knowing their weaknesses; just like he knows his own. Believing in himself (but not with the help of many others) Beowulf somehow always has the advantage. Going on these quests, can he prove himself to everyone? Does he have what it takes to defeat these creatures and save Hall Heorot and all of the Danes? You can find out by simply starting the first page…

My favorite part of the book was when Beowulf came to the Danes and was preparing to go against the monster Grendel. Many told him not to try, and many said their goodbyes before he had even started his quest. Everyone feared Grendel, except, however, Beowulf. Even though Beowulf wasn’t the biggest, tallest, or fastest person to go against Grendel, he still thought it a good effort to try. He believed in himself and knew he would be able to defeat Grendel- if he did it the right way. King Hrothgar had faith in him also. Delighting the King with stories from his past, Beowulf persuaded the King that he should be the one to fight Grendel…

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, fiction, action, or adventure. It contains all of these things and they all come together to create this book. If you enjoy reading any of these types of novels, Beowulf would be a great book for you. Full of adventures, mysteries, and battles, this book is sure to enchant anyone who dares start the first page.

[Hannah Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beowulf is an adventurous, detailed, and fun book. This book is about a courageous and strong warrior, Beowulf. And how he fights the terrible monster Grendel, and other monsters along the way. This book is full of detailed, fighting experiences that will draw you in by the minute. Beowulf has many challenges along the way, and many decisions to make also. Even though he is strong and courageous and acts like another hero in a book or a movie. He is only human and has had challenges and makes mistakes. This makes you connect more with the character and will make you enjoy the book more.

Beowulf a strong, and courageous warrior goes against the terrible monster Grendel, to save Hrothgar’s kingdom. Beowulf defeats the horrible Grendel, but that’s not all. Unferth, an evil companion that tries to ruin Beowulf by telling a story that happened to Beowulf in his past. Even though it backfires in the process. As Beowulf defeats Grendel, and unwanted guest appears not long after, Grendel’s mother. As Grendel’s mother comes to the hall to get Grendel’s head, she takes the unwanted evil being Unferth with her. Beowulf comes to realize that Grendel’s mother has taken Grendel’s head and Unferth. Courageously Beowulf went to fight Grendel’s mother with no weapons, and wins successfully. Many years later he becomes the king after rejecting the position before. While king, a new threat has occurred. There has been a firedrake spotted harming the town, and Beowulf knows what he must do.

I like many things about the book. One of my favorites was when he fought Grendel’s mother. I liked how Robert Nye had gone into so much detail and drew you in. It kept me intrigued and wondering.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventurous, exciting, and fun books. If you want to read a book about a courageous hero fighting evil monsters, then read this one. It has a very close feeling in the book that reminds you of the series and or movies of The Lord of the Rings. If you liked that series and or movie, then you will enjoy this book.

[David Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beowulf is about a young man named Beowulf who has to overcome many obstacles and monsters. The original Beowulf is a long poem that has been dated a very long time ago. This book is a great interpretation of that poem and tells the tale of the hero Beowulf. He is tasked with destroying the monster Grendel in order to keep it from killing any more of the people in Heorot.

This book is about the courageous hero named Beowulf. King Hrothgard has made the great hall of Heorot and every night, Grendel destroys everything in that hall except the King’s throne. Each night, the King leaves very courageous, brave, and strong men to guard the hall, but none of them seem to be able to defend against the great beast. This beast’s name is Grendel and Beowulf has been set to go and destroy this monster. Along the way, he also encounters other monsters besides Grendel and has to also defeat them. This is the overall story of the book.

My favorite part of this book is when Beowulf is going to the Danes to defeat Grendel. The reason why this is my favorite part of this book is because, many people were telling Beowulf that he couldn't defeat Grendel and were bidding him farewells. This shows that many people didn't believe that he could slay the monster and this shows great courage from Beowulf that he could do an action and know that he had a risk of dying and that almost no body supported his decision. This was my favorite part of this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes old and medieval works. This is because the story of Beowulf takes place in a very medieval era in time and has many battles. I personally found Beowulf ok, but not a great story. The story seems very unrealistic and is filled with more action than story. Although action is great, it has to be used appropriately and not constantly in order to make it meaningful. In conclusion, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars and I would recommend it to anyone who likes action and medieval works.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I read the book Beowulf: A New Telling by Robert Nye. This book was about a land where people were getting along so nicely until the king, Hrothgar, built a huge hall made of gold and it was very bright. That night when everyone was asleep a monster named Grendel came into the hall and ate almost everyone. Then a few days later a guy named Beowulf sailed into shore and said he was here to destroy Grendel. The king talked to him and that night he fought Grendel and let him bleed to death. Then the next night Grendel's mother came and stole Grendel's arm and that morning Beowulf went to find her. He dove into a pool full of blood and ended up killing her. He finally went home and they had a war and his king died then another king was made and grew up and died as well. That is when Beowulf became king and at the end of the book Beowulf kills a Firedrake. The main conflict in the story is war and how there is no peace until Beowulf makes it. The main theme is to have courage and this affects the reader by helping him/her understand that confidence helps you in so many ways. The plot of this story is in the Danes. It is full of trees and forests and has a king with villagers. Also there is a myth that they can't eat a certain apple from a certain kind of tree because it is cursed by a witch. I did not like this book at all because it was not a kind of book that I like to read. Also it is really gross at some parts like towards the end of the book it says, "Just then, with a loud shout, Beowulf burst through the fiery scum at the pool's top. he held Grendel's head up high." I would recommend this book to my friend who I know wouldn't like it but I would also recommend it to my other friend who would like it.

[Joshua Julien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a many hero's and their adventures. It is mainly focused on a strong lad named Beowulf, and his adventures throughout the kingdoms. He fights many monsters, and many armies throughout the story, and throughout the book he becomes a genuine hero.

When Beowulf was a small boy, he was stung by a hive of bees, and it affected his eyesight. Because of this, he became an attentive listener, and anyone who met him loved him because he listened so well. This comes to a climax at the end of the book. At the beginning of the book, after telling about king Hrothgar and his massive building, the book tells about Beowulf and his childhood. Then the story continues with the hero reaching Kind Hrothgar's house, and volunteering to fight a monster that the king has had trouble with. But this is no ordinary monster, it is the son of Caine, the most evil creature to ever live. I will not tell you who wins, but I'm sure you can guess.

My favorite part of this book was when the author wrote about Beowulf's childhood. It made me realize how different relationships were back then, compared to today. I also liked all of the side stories and how they related to the main story.

I recommend this book to anyone who isn't afraid of gore. The book is very graphic and I can imagine that it might make someone queasy. It is a great book to read if you want something quick and entertaining.

[Sam Streadbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts out with an evil being called Grendel. He was the most evil creature borne and feeds on human blood. As the king builds a great hall, Grendel comes and feeds on the happy and great halls inhabitants. One very strong and brave man has come to save and avenge all those who have fallen, he has come to kill Grendel.
Grendel was born of two evil creatures and is attracted by the happiness that the hall gives off. He comes to destroy the happiness and something has to be done. Many heroes have died and the king was saved only by a small shining light.

My favorite part of the book is when the hero and his small battalion gather apples from the witch’s grove and eats one in front of the king and also his evil servant. He is accused of being evil but he laughs with a silent kindness and strength and says that he can eat something good that has come from bad. I like it because it makes him more likable and funny.


I would recommend this to anyone who likes exciting and adventurous books. It is funny and tragic and I think a great book.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I recently finished the book Beowulf by Robert Nye. This book was a bout a horrible monster named Grendel that would kill and eat people. Then a hero from across the water named Beowulf came to defeat the ugly and gruesome monster. Beowulf came and saw what the gruesome monster did and had to put a stop to it. But instead of taking a sword he just took himself. He ended up ripping Grendals arm off and he slowly bled to death. Then his mother is introduced in a very messed up way and she does the same things her son does but she is worst. And Beowulf once a gain ends up killing her. Then he went back to his hometown because he felt homesick. He ended up dying from a fire drakes last dying breath. I think the main conflict in the story is people not having enough light in them to defeat the light but Beowulf shows them that it is deginitely possible. I didn't like this book because of all of the gruesum killings and gross discriptions. Like when he described Grendals killings. I would recommend this book to 15 year old boys and girls might, most likely avoid this book.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was forced to read this book at school but it was actually much better than expected(especially compared to most class novels they make you read.). Classic battle between good and evil and a really nice theme. Also it was kind of unique because the original version was written during the Middle Ages and the story is a blend of mythology, fairy tales, and fiction. Better than the novel we read earlier this year(Master Puppeteer) but the ending was simalarly abrupt. It is a good quick read and has a great message.

PS: I hate this cover because it is a bad representation of what Grendel should look like... He is supposed to look menacing but instead looks like a giant stuffed animal that you would win at one of those game booths at a faire. He should look more deadly! Whoever the illustrator was should be fired for a terrible presentation of the book. But then again, most people could care less about what the cover looks like and more about the content of the book:)

[J. Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Class 3; Hero

Setting: Northern Europe (Hall of Herot)
Characters: The Geats, The Danes, Three Monsters
Interest Level: Grades 7-9

The story of Beowulf follows the life and adventure of the protagonist of the same name. Born of seemingly less-than-special abilities, Beowulf proves to be a divine force through his humanity, his imperfections, as he battles to free hall Herot and the Danes from the grips of Grendel, his mother, and eventually a dragon.
Having read and researched multiple translations of this classic, I was fairly impressed with this version. It provides a digestible interpretation of what can be an exhaustive and complex epic hero tale. The writing is accessible and fun, but the story does attempt to stay true (as possible) to the cultural themes that are absolutely imperative to this story.

[TJ Stefl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beowulf is a very old book, set in very old times. It is about a hero who destroy monsters, so terrible we would all die of shock, with no weapons at all. He uses another weapon he has discovered in himself…

This story talks about a great king who builds a great hall of gold. Then the monster Grendel comes! He leaves a trail of blood and is said to be the son of Cain himself! The horror is spread through the land and Beowulf hears of him. He comes to help kill the monster but he leaves his sword on a hill far away…

My favorite part is when the coast guard man comes. He tells him that fighting Grendel is like fighting the sea, you can never win.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy or old stories and myths. Even if you don’t like them, it is a good tale to tell people.

[James Beattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beowulf is about a young soldier that goes to the land of the Danes to fight this terrible monster named Grendel. When he ripped off Grendel's arm, Grendel went to die in the Fen.

When Grendel goes back to the fen, his mom gets mad and comes to kill Beowulf. But she takes someone else.

Beowulf then kills the mother and brings the head of Grendel to the king. Then Beowulf goes back to his house. He lives across the ocean.

When he returns home, he is given a lot of land. He keeps bees on his land. Then the king dies and the land asks Beowulf to be king. But Beowulf declines to let the prince become king. Then the prince dies and Beowulf become king. This book is kind of good. I would recommend is to people who like adventure.

[Spencer Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book takes place in a land far away where a great king built a palace called herheot. He and his nobles feasted there and while they slept Grendal came and slaughtered the men who were guarding it. The town's people and the King were so scared that they dared not come in tell Beowulf.
Beowulf was from a land far away and he heard of the troubles of the King so he came with his bravest army determined to defeat Grendal when Grendal finally came Beowulf was able to kill him because he was pure so Grendal died and then came Grendals mother.
My favorite part is when he kills Grendal because it shows that evil can always be defeated by the true in heart. So we don't have to be perfect but we have to be good.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story tells of the story of the great hero Beowulf as he fights horrendous beasts such as Grendel. Grendel is a beast darker then night that threatens a kingdom and kills the guards who guard the king's palace. The hero is skilled in many ways and comes to save the kingdom.
I enjoyed the story very much. Robert Nye took a great story and made it easy for anyone to read. I wish there was more detail so I could get more of a story. I love Beowulf's character and wish to have more of him.
I would recommend this book for those who love adventure and wit.

[Quincy Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. The story of Beowulf is one of those things that everyone should be familiar with since Beowulf and Grendel are mentioned so often in other books. As an epic poem the plot wanders a bit and the story is all plot. The characters are one dimensional and the conflict seems pretty simple - good vs. evil. Beowulf is a likeable hero and he has some unusual attributes for a hero, being short and near-sighted.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very strange during the beginning. Were he eventually fought Grendel, it was very gory and not that scary. I believe the author should have left the gore out and gave it more of an edge to the story. I was not very pleased with the fact that he killed a dragon with bees. I did not enjoy the book.

[Marc Rosen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My dad (mike) is an environmental scientist but for about 6 months of undergrad he deeply considered becoming a medieval lit major because he loved the original epic poem Beowulf so much.

I have tried to read the actual poem and it is incomprehensible for obvious reasons. This version was fun! Three stars for King Beowulf!

[DilanAc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely re-telling of the Beowulf legend for children. It is clear and fast-paced and yet in no way dumbs the material down. I highly recommend it even to adults before they tackle Seamus Heaney's beautiful Beowulf translation.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beowulf: A New Telling covers most of the saga of Beowulf using easy to understand language. The story is interesting and well-written. I highly recommend it to middle grade age kids studying the middle ages.