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Sea of Trolls #3
The Islands of the Blessed (Sea of Trolls Trilogy
The conclusion to Newbery Honor author Nancy Farmer’s captivating Sea of Trolls trilogy.
The crowning volume of the trilogy that began with The Sea of Trolls and continued with The Land of Silver Apples opens with a vicious tornado. (Odin on a Wild Hunt, as the young berserker Thorgil sees it.) The fields of Jack’s home village are devastated, the winter ahead looks bleak, and a monster—a draugr—has invaded the forest outside of town.
But in the hands of bestselling author Nancy Farmer, the direst of prospects becomes any reader’s reward. Soon, Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard are off on a quest to right the wrong of a death caused by Father Severus. Their destination is Notland, realm of the fin folk, though they will face plenty of challenges and enemies before get they get there. Impeccably researched and blending the lore of Christian, Pagan, and Norse traditions, this expertly woven tale is beguilingly suspenseful and, ultimately, a testament to love.
The crowning volume of the trilogy that began with The Sea of Trolls and continued with The Land of Silver Apples opens with a vicious tornado. (Odin on a Wild Hunt, as the young berserker Thorgil sees it.) The fields of Jack’s home village are devastated, the winter ahead looks bleak, and a monster—a draugr—has invaded the forest outside of town.
But in the hands of bestselling author Nancy Farmer, the direst of prospects becomes any reader’s reward. Soon, Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard are off on a quest to right the wrong of a death caused by Father Severus. Their destination is Notland, realm of the fin folk, though they will face plenty of challenges and enemies before get they get there. Impeccably researched and blending the lore of Christian, Pagan, and Norse traditions, this expertly woven tale is beguilingly suspenseful and, ultimately, a testament to love.
496 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
About the author
Nancy Farmer
59 books1,536 followersNancy was born in 1941 in Phoenix and grew up in a hotel on the Arizona-Mexico border where she worked the switchboard at the age of nine. She also found time to hang out in the old state prison and the hobo jungle along the banks of the Colorado River. She attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, earning her BA in 1963. Instead of taking a regular job, she joined the Peace Corps and was sent to India (1963-1965). When she returned, she moved into a commune in Berkeley, sold newspapers on the street for a while, then got a job in the Entomology department at UC Berkeley and also took courses in Chemistry there. Restless, again, she decided to visit Africa. She and a friend tried to hitchhike by boat but the ship they'd selected turned out to be stolen and was boarded by the Coast Guard just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Nancy eventually got to Africa on a legal ship. She spent more than a year on Lake Cabora Bassa in Mozambique, monitoring water weeds. Next she was hired to help control tsetse fly in the dense bush on the banks of the Zambezi in Zimbabwe. Part of the time she spent in the capital, Harare, and was introduced to her soon-to-be husband by his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. He proposed a week later. Harold and Nancy now live in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona on a major drug route for the Sinaloa Cartel. This is the setting for The Lord of Opium. They have a son, Daniel, who is in the U.S. navy.
Nancy's honors include the National Book Award for The House of the Scorpion and Newbery Honors for The Ear, the Eye and The Arm, A Girl Named Disaster and The House of the Scorpion. She is the author of nine novels, three picture books and a number of short stories. Her books have been translated into 26 languages.
Nancy's honors include the National Book Award for The House of the Scorpion and Newbery Honors for The Ear, the Eye and The Arm, A Girl Named Disaster and The House of the Scorpion. She is the author of nine novels, three picture books and a number of short stories. Her books have been translated into 26 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
May 31, 2009
This was such a satisfying read, very much along the lines of the previous two books. Our hero Jack grows, but not completely. And, oh, Thorgil --- what a wonderful character she is. For those unfamiliar with the series, she is a Viking shield maiden and Jack is a Saxon apprentice bard. And like the previous two books there is plenty of adventure, history, and thought there. Oh, and wit --- I just love Farmer's dry humor which is throughout. While this is billed as the end of the trilogy, I can only say it sure didn't seem like the end of Jack and Thorgil's story.
June 24, 2010
This is the third (and, I think, final) installation in the Sea of Trolls series. Although I loved the setting, Britain in about 700-800, and focus on the interweaving of the old Druidic religion, Christianity and Norse/Viking religion and the characters which were well drawn, unique and interesting, the end of the book was unsatisfying. The book as a whole was well written and I would recommend it, after reading Sea of Trolls and Land of the Silver Apples. My criticism of this book is the same as the last book I read by Nancy Farmer, House of the Scorpion, and that is that the end is rushed, story lines are not tied up and the end feels like it has little relation to the bulk of the story.
I would recommend Sea of Trolls to anyone. It is one of the best YA novels I have read. The next books are fine for "checking in" on the likable and interesting characters, fascinating period of history and for humorous and thoughtful dialogue, but it loses points for the ending that feels like it was tied up because the author thought the fun part of the book was over.
I would recommend Sea of Trolls to anyone. It is one of the best YA novels I have read. The next books are fine for "checking in" on the likable and interesting characters, fascinating period of history and for humorous and thoughtful dialogue, but it loses points for the ending that feels like it was tied up because the author thought the fun part of the book was over.
May 23, 2018
A great conclusion to the series, the characters have grown and developed and the ending was a bit of a surprise, which is always positive. It feels sort of weird to part with these characters, especially Thorgil, I liked her journey and development...the mythology is woven into the story in a really interesting way as well. All in all, a great series.
February 24, 2016
This was my least favorite book of the Sea of Trolls series.
November 10, 2009
Basic plot: Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard are another adventure. This time they seek a way to quiet a mermaid's ghost before she takes a murderous revenge for her unjust death.
Finished the third part of the Jack saga. Having read The Land of the Silver Apples I knew that there was going to be a third book. There had been too many loose ends in Silver Apples.
The reason for the one star review is because this final chapter of the story is not the story I wanted to read. I had picked it up hoping that the loose ends would be tied up. In a way they were but, not in a result that made me happy. So add a star if you just intrested in the Jack and Thorgil story or think the Vikings are the best part of the story.
As for me I was more intrested in what was happening in Brutus' kingdom. The story though hardly spends any time there and if you thought Brutus was wasted in Silver Apples he is destroyed in this book. Slight spoiler alert. This story was like reading Star Wars in which Han Solo's part is reduce to one scence of being drunk in a bar. If you want Star Wars in which it is only about Luke becoming a Jedi Knight and not ever finding out if Han Solo and Princess Lei get married than you will be fine with this story.
As for myself I wish the story had not taken the side trip of freeing a mermaid from a curse and had focused instead on Brutus' kingdom. Even the goblins only get the first part of the story and than disappear when the mermaid story picks up.
Lessons learned from reading this story:
1) If you and the author disagree about the worth of a character then stop reading. The author is going to win.
1a) There are also worse fates than a beloved character dying. Such as a great character becoming an idiot.
2) When reading a series especially a long draw out fantasy series wait until the whole series is finished. Otherwise it gets hard to keep the story threads in your head. Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan was easier to read as it was being published. The books were shorter, he seemed to write faster, and it was easier to jog you memory about what happen before. With both Farmer and Funke though I found it difficult to remember the details between books. Farmer was easier than Funke. I finished this series but, didn't even bother with Inkdeath. Even the summary of Inkspell didn't help to bring it back.
3) Christian Fundamentalists should be more careful in the battles they pick. They lost all creditablity in picking on Harry Potter. They should have of been more worried about this series. Not saying it should be banned just that it is not kind to Christanity and some people might have a problem with that. I'm not really big on religon but, I did find it strange that even the Vikings come out as better than the priests.
4) Even more dangerous than an corrupt man is a man who does wrong believing he has done right. It seems that Brutus's kingdom is doomed to have the wrong priest. Which also means the balance that had been struck in Silver Apples with Christanity is lost in this book or at least I remember Silver Apples being more even handed.
Finished the third part of the Jack saga. Having read The Land of the Silver Apples I knew that there was going to be a third book. There had been too many loose ends in Silver Apples.
The reason for the one star review is because this final chapter of the story is not the story I wanted to read. I had picked it up hoping that the loose ends would be tied up. In a way they were but, not in a result that made me happy. So add a star if you just intrested in the Jack and Thorgil story or think the Vikings are the best part of the story.
As for me I was more intrested in what was happening in Brutus' kingdom. The story though hardly spends any time there and if you thought Brutus was wasted in Silver Apples he is destroyed in this book. Slight spoiler alert. This story was like reading Star Wars in which Han Solo's part is reduce to one scence of being drunk in a bar. If you want Star Wars in which it is only about Luke becoming a Jedi Knight and not ever finding out if Han Solo and Princess Lei get married than you will be fine with this story.
As for myself I wish the story had not taken the side trip of freeing a mermaid from a curse and had focused instead on Brutus' kingdom. Even the goblins only get the first part of the story and than disappear when the mermaid story picks up.
Lessons learned from reading this story:
1) If you and the author disagree about the worth of a character then stop reading. The author is going to win.
1a) There are also worse fates than a beloved character dying. Such as a great character becoming an idiot.
2) When reading a series especially a long draw out fantasy series wait until the whole series is finished. Otherwise it gets hard to keep the story threads in your head. Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan was easier to read as it was being published. The books were shorter, he seemed to write faster, and it was easier to jog you memory about what happen before. With both Farmer and Funke though I found it difficult to remember the details between books. Farmer was easier than Funke. I finished this series but, didn't even bother with Inkdeath. Even the summary of Inkspell didn't help to bring it back.
3) Christian Fundamentalists should be more careful in the battles they pick. They lost all creditablity in picking on Harry Potter. They should have of been more worried about this series. Not saying it should be banned just that it is not kind to Christanity and some people might have a problem with that. I'm not really big on religon but, I did find it strange that even the Vikings come out as better than the priests.
4) Even more dangerous than an corrupt man is a man who does wrong believing he has done right. It seems that Brutus's kingdom is doomed to have the wrong priest. Which also means the balance that had been struck in Silver Apples with Christanity is lost in this book or at least I remember Silver Apples being more even handed.
March 23, 2010
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I enjoyed it, but I didn't fall in love with it.
The plot is just what you'd expect after the first two novels. Jack and Thorgil resume their adventures with the Northmen and tie up conflicts left from "Land of the Silver Apples." Meanwhile, a new plot arises of a mermaid's angry spirit who is wreaking havoc on Jack's village. With the Bard's help, the two have to take on a creature far more powerful than themselves.
The plot was fast-paced enough to be interesting. The psychology of the Christians versus the Northmen was also an interesting element for an older teenager reading this.
What I didn't think this did well was wrap up the series. It was a self-contained story in itself, but after having gone through three books with Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard, I felt deprived in not knowing how they really ended up.
Not a bad read, but a let-down for an ending to the series.
I enjoyed it, but I didn't fall in love with it.
The plot is just what you'd expect after the first two novels. Jack and Thorgil resume their adventures with the Northmen and tie up conflicts left from "Land of the Silver Apples." Meanwhile, a new plot arises of a mermaid's angry spirit who is wreaking havoc on Jack's village. With the Bard's help, the two have to take on a creature far more powerful than themselves.
The plot was fast-paced enough to be interesting. The psychology of the Christians versus the Northmen was also an interesting element for an older teenager reading this.
What I didn't think this did well was wrap up the series. It was a self-contained story in itself, but after having gone through three books with Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard, I felt deprived in not knowing how they really ended up.
Not a bad read, but a let-down for an ending to the series.
September 15, 2009
Alas, a disappointing finish to the trilogy. Sea of Trolls was amazing--history, magic, adventure, emotional resonance, and great pacing. I recommend Sea of Trolls to any middle schooler who will hold still. Then came Land of the Silver Apples, which had the history, magic, and adventure, but on less exciting scale--elves & hobgoblins are just not as cool as trolls. And now we have The Islands of the Blessed, which is better than Silver Apples, but nowhere near as good as Trolls. The quest concerning the draugr was reasonably interesting, though again--fin folk are not as cool as trolls. The ending felt very hasty and unsatisfying, with many of the characters simply shrugged off. Also, I don't believe that romantic payoff is necessary for a good series finale, but given all the buildup in this volume, Jack and Thorgil's relationship (not to mention future in general) was left frustratingly vague.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2010
The Island of the Blessed is the third book of the trilogy, The Sea of Trolls. Nancy Farmer continues to use Norse Mythology through out the story, with references to the gods such as Odin, Thor, and many others. She combined mythology with adventure and humor, making it a fun and interesting book to read. I enjoyed reading this book, but the end gave a feeling of a continuation to the story, even though this book ended the series. It left me wanting more, which made me upset, because it was the end of the trilogy. This action packed book keeps you on the edge with magic and monsters, you will not want to put it down.
September 27, 2010
I enjoyed the combination and interaction of the Norse, Druid, Saxon and Christian elements and the subtle plea for tolerance of other religions. I enjoyed the characters of Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard. The ending as others have said seemed quite abrupt and rushed. The Norse Gods were a riot and even if it made Thorgil terribly unhappy, I rather enjoyed the feminist note there. It probably wasn't likely historically but I am glad Thorgil decided she didn't want the role she would get in Valhalla.
February 16, 2012
This series is a very enjoyable ride through Norse and Celtic mythology. The Islands of the Blessed is the final book in the trilogy that brings this fun series to a close. Through the books we get to watch Jack and Thorgil as they encounter many troubles and adventures. One of the things I really enjoyed about these books is watching the culture clash of the Northmen and Saxons. What is seen as a vice in one culture is hailed as a virtue in another. The books show how each perspective is valuable at different times and in various situations.
April 13, 2024
We felt like this was the weakest book in the trilogy. Still good though! It also really feels like there should be a fourth book waiting! I liked how this series includes elements of historical fact as well as a mythology and folklore, magic and Christianity and Druidism, all interwoven together. Very skillful series.
November 10, 2015
"You are not meant for Ragnarok."
Looking back at Book 2, this final part in the series is definitely an improvement. Books 1 and 2 didn't have much in common, really, apart from the three main characters - Jack, Thorgill and the Bard - and this book mixes everything together. The Northmen, now led by Skakki, have returned, and also Pega, the monks and Brutus are back. We even get to see our dearly departed character from Book 1 back, even though it's only very briefly.
The story is much less complicated and dark as well, and it doesn't seem as weird. All in all, it's just much more interesting, as The Sea of Trolls was. Especially Thorgil adds a lot to the story, because she develops into a very interesting character. She's still recognisable from Book 1, but during this last part of the trilogy she undergoes some drastic changes - good changes, to be precise. The setting is also more in tune to the first book, with all the different religions and Jack - and now Thorgil too! - trying to make decisions based on what they've learned over the years.
There's no more Lucy here, now, which is another reason for an extra mark. And even though there's always someone being annoying, they never even come near her.
Jack as well seems to have grown up. It's easy to forget, but he's three years older now than he was at the start of the series. It shows, especially in the second half of this book. His and Thorgil's relationship - however you want to call it - takes on a beautiful form here too.
And finally, there's the ending. It's a bit... weird. You might call it bittersweet, depending on who you are. The penultimate chapter especially is rather bleak, and what happens in the very last pages... Their meaning is up for debate, if you ask me. What happened to the Bard, Jack and Thorgil - I mean, Jill? Where are they? Is what is written the plain truth, or is it a metaphor? Don't ask me. It may upset some people, but personally, I think it's totally in-character with the rest of the trilogy. Although that doesn't mean I'm entirely happy with it...
7/10
Downstarred from 7.6/10 (2020)
Average rating of the series: 6.5/10
Downstarred from 7.03/10 (2020)
Looking back at Book 2, this final part in the series is definitely an improvement. Books 1 and 2 didn't have much in common, really, apart from the three main characters - Jack, Thorgill and the Bard - and this book mixes everything together. The Northmen, now led by Skakki, have returned, and also Pega, the monks and Brutus are back. We even get to see our dearly departed character from Book 1 back, even though it's only very briefly.
The story is much less complicated and dark as well, and it doesn't seem as weird. All in all, it's just much more interesting, as The Sea of Trolls was. Especially Thorgil adds a lot to the story, because she develops into a very interesting character. She's still recognisable from Book 1, but during this last part of the trilogy she undergoes some drastic changes - good changes, to be precise. The setting is also more in tune to the first book, with all the different religions and Jack - and now Thorgil too! - trying to make decisions based on what they've learned over the years.
There's no more Lucy here, now, which is another reason for an extra mark. And even though there's always someone being annoying, they never even come near her.
Jack as well seems to have grown up. It's easy to forget, but he's three years older now than he was at the start of the series. It shows, especially in the second half of this book. His and Thorgil's relationship - however you want to call it - takes on a beautiful form here too.
And finally, there's the ending. It's a bit... weird. You might call it bittersweet, depending on who you are. The penultimate chapter especially is rather bleak, and what happens in the very last pages... Their meaning is up for debate, if you ask me. What happened to the Bard, Jack and Thorgil - I mean, Jill? Where are they? Is what is written the plain truth, or is it a metaphor? Don't ask me. It may upset some people, but personally, I think it's totally in-character with the rest of the trilogy. Although that doesn't mean I'm entirely happy with it...
7/10
Downstarred from 7.6/10 (2020)
Average rating of the series: 6.5/10
Downstarred from 7.03/10 (2020)
March 22, 2015
A Review of the Audiobook
Published by Simon and Schuster Auidio in 2009.
Duration: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Read by Gerard Doyle
Jack, the apprentice Bard from late 8th century Saxon England and his difficult friend Thorgil, the Viking girl, continue their adventures in the conclusion to their trilogy (although there is an opening for the series to continue...).
As with the other books in this series, Jack and Thorgil come into contact with a host of fairy tale creatures such as Mermen and Mermaids, Hogboons, Half-trolls and even a Viking god as Nancy Farmer demonstrates the depth of her research into European mythology. Jack and Thorgil join the bard on a quest to correct a horrible wrong done by Father Severus on a Mermaid years ago (the Merpeople are called Fin Folk in this book) that has caused her to become a fearsome ghostly creature that kills and spreads disease and destruction.
In this book, the adventure returns to the form of the first book and heads out to the open sea in Viking long boats. But, sadly, this book is much more like the second book of the series than the first. The book quickly deteriorates into a series of rather pointless confrontations with random monsters that are the unfortunate by-product of Nancy Farmer's meticulous research. Rather than develop a creature and flesh it out as a character (which the first book did so well with the Trolls and their world) this book just throws the out as a series of obstacles that Jack must overcome in his quest. It reminded me of the worst of the adventures that I helped create when I played Dungeons and Dragons in Junior High and High School.
The best parts of the book are when...
Click here to contiue and to read my reviews of the entire trilogy here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
Published by Simon and Schuster Auidio in 2009.
Duration: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Read by Gerard Doyle
Jack, the apprentice Bard from late 8th century Saxon England and his difficult friend Thorgil, the Viking girl, continue their adventures in the conclusion to their trilogy (although there is an opening for the series to continue...).
As with the other books in this series, Jack and Thorgil come into contact with a host of fairy tale creatures such as Mermen and Mermaids, Hogboons, Half-trolls and even a Viking god as Nancy Farmer demonstrates the depth of her research into European mythology. Jack and Thorgil join the bard on a quest to correct a horrible wrong done by Father Severus on a Mermaid years ago (the Merpeople are called Fin Folk in this book) that has caused her to become a fearsome ghostly creature that kills and spreads disease and destruction.
In this book, the adventure returns to the form of the first book and heads out to the open sea in Viking long boats. But, sadly, this book is much more like the second book of the series than the first. The book quickly deteriorates into a series of rather pointless confrontations with random monsters that are the unfortunate by-product of Nancy Farmer's meticulous research. Rather than develop a creature and flesh it out as a character (which the first book did so well with the Trolls and their world) this book just throws the out as a series of obstacles that Jack must overcome in his quest. It reminded me of the worst of the adventures that I helped create when I played Dungeons and Dragons in Junior High and High School.
The best parts of the book are when...
Click here to contiue and to read my reviews of the entire trilogy here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
January 4, 2012
A solid end to an excellent trilogy. I am trying to work my way around a lot of the children's/young adult fiction that is out there today and somewhat current. Neil Gaiman has been my favorite find, but Nancy Farmer is my second favorite. These stories are strong on history, character, and cosmology. They are not quite as strong on description of setting, but this is a small quibble. Probably the first of the trilogy is the best, but both of the final two are almost as strong.
One of the themes of the books has been the merger of Christianity in its nascent stages in Anglo-Saxon England with Viking beliefs. The author's voice is probably most strong in the Bard, whose famous line is "you get to choose your afterlife." However, the author is not overly pluralistic or preachy in this message. For example, Jack, the main character, remains steadfastly a Christian despite also training as a bard. Furthermore, one of the Viking characters has a transformation towards Christianity through the books. Overall, I think the author does a good job of capturing the synchretism that was surely taking place in northern Europe around 800. Thanks to saints like Brigid, Patrick, Columba, David, Cuthbert, Aidan, Boniface, and Brendan, the peoples of the north did in fact become Christian. But they were not asked to give up their old ways or beliefs wholesale. A great example would be to read St. Patrick's Lorica. This is clearly a trinitarian prayer, yet one in the style and using the symbology of a Celtic charm/spell. All truth is God's truth, and not nearly every Christian missionary has been guilty of cultural imperialism, although some sadly have.
One of the themes of the books has been the merger of Christianity in its nascent stages in Anglo-Saxon England with Viking beliefs. The author's voice is probably most strong in the Bard, whose famous line is "you get to choose your afterlife." However, the author is not overly pluralistic or preachy in this message. For example, Jack, the main character, remains steadfastly a Christian despite also training as a bard. Furthermore, one of the Viking characters has a transformation towards Christianity through the books. Overall, I think the author does a good job of capturing the synchretism that was surely taking place in northern Europe around 800. Thanks to saints like Brigid, Patrick, Columba, David, Cuthbert, Aidan, Boniface, and Brendan, the peoples of the north did in fact become Christian. But they were not asked to give up their old ways or beliefs wholesale. A great example would be to read St. Patrick's Lorica. This is clearly a trinitarian prayer, yet one in the style and using the symbology of a Celtic charm/spell. All truth is God's truth, and not nearly every Christian missionary has been guilty of cultural imperialism, although some sadly have.
May 24, 2010
Nancy Farmer does it again. Island of the Blessed does not disappoint, it is filled with action, adventure, and a rip-roaring pace. This book is the conclusion to the Sea of Trolls trilogy. Jack and the Bard are back and Jack has been gaining more experience telling stories and using magic. A draugr, a village devastated by a tornado, and a hogboon are some of the trials Jack must overcome in this volume. Thorgil, the Northland berserker, his sometimes exasperating companion in adventure, accompanies him on his quests once again. After Jack’s village is destroyed by a tornado, which Thorgil thinks was the Norse God Odin on a Wild Hunt, the Bard decides that they need to go to Bebba’s Town to ask for food and supplies for the winter. In the meantime a draugr, a mermaid turned seahag, is looking for revenge against Father Severus. Jack’s sister, who had been kidnapped in the first book, is returned to her family but she has a hard time living as a human as she has been raised by hobgoblins since she was five. Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard reunite with the Northmen for part of the adventure and familiar characters from the earlier books are just as entertaining. Enough of the back story is included to allow this volume to stand alone. Give this book and the series to readers who enjoyed The Ranger’s Apprentice and the Percy Jackson series.
January 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Like the other two in the series, I was kept riveted. It took me a while to read because of my busy life... it was read almost completely between classes, but it very near killed me there at the end. I love Jack... I love Thorgil... and I love the Bard. However, I started to feel that perhaps this book was a little... elementary for me. I felt like some depth was lost in the plot. I very nearly got annoyed with the way the characters had this checklist, and the book went through it without any interruption. [SPOILER ALERT] I was even very hopeful when the Bard "died" that it had gone beyond my expectations. And when I thought (from looking at the title of the last chapter) that Jack and Thorgil died, too, I was sure I would absolutely love the book, no reservations. But no. Happy, predictable ending. The Bard isn't really dead. Yea. Jack and Thorgil go to learn to be bards. Yippee. [SPOILER OVER] I read a review that once pointed out that Farmer's stories sometimes seemed to build and build, but then the climax was rushed. I'd never seen that before, except in this book. Still, Nancy Farmer is one of my very favorite authors. Her use of language is nothing short of an art-form. Beautifully written. Just slightly predictable, which is why I only gave it four stars.
January 27, 2017
Have you ever wanted to read the finale of the Sea of Trolls? The genre of this book is fantasy. I liked reading and experiencing this book but I would not consider this the best I have read.
The story takes place in Ireland and the time is not specified but it is before modern times. The story follows a boy named jack, a bard, and a girl named Thorgil. The plot is not steady as it changes throughout the book. Although the main objective was to stop a wandering spirit and lay her to rest. The conflict is person versus person as Jack must stop the spirit from terrorizing. I believe that one of the themes is to never give up as jack faces many problems but perseveres anyhow.
Jack's motivation is to please the bard. He never disobeys or object, he just tries to do his best and questions him. Jack believes the Bard that he is right and knows best and doesn't know what to do without his guidance.
I thought the ending of the book was unsatisfying as it leaves on a cliff hanger. This is not continued either so it is the end and nothing else.
I gave is book 4/5 stars as I was left on a cliffhanger on the end. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy book in a whole different world than ours. This book about monsters, a wandering spirit, and perseverance is a great book of folk lore.
The story takes place in Ireland and the time is not specified but it is before modern times. The story follows a boy named jack, a bard, and a girl named Thorgil. The plot is not steady as it changes throughout the book. Although the main objective was to stop a wandering spirit and lay her to rest. The conflict is person versus person as Jack must stop the spirit from terrorizing. I believe that one of the themes is to never give up as jack faces many problems but perseveres anyhow.
Jack's motivation is to please the bard. He never disobeys or object, he just tries to do his best and questions him. Jack believes the Bard that he is right and knows best and doesn't know what to do without his guidance.
I thought the ending of the book was unsatisfying as it leaves on a cliff hanger. This is not continued either so it is the end and nothing else.
I gave is book 4/5 stars as I was left on a cliffhanger on the end. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy book in a whole different world than ours. This book about monsters, a wandering spirit, and perseverance is a great book of folk lore.
September 2, 2009
The pacing isn't fast, but it is just right. The actions aren't created to merely thrill the readers, but they are thrilling and serve as bench marks of the characters' growth -- everything moves their understanding of the world along. I so appreciate Farmer's ability to create highly imaginative and imaginable (for a not very visual reader) landscapes. It is wonderful to encounter fresh new details of your staple fantasy elements, such as the power of the bell Fair Lamenting and how it is truly magical due to the artistic achievement of the maker of the clapper and how Mermaids crave good combs because barnacles find their hair the best place to grow and without combs, they will be weighed down by the barnacles on their heads and can never swim.
So much sympathy is given to all the characters, including the villains - lots of gray and never strictly black and white. And the last page made me happy, too -- what a nice way to end a popular trilogy.
So much sympathy is given to all the characters, including the villains - lots of gray and never strictly black and white. And the last page made me happy, too -- what a nice way to end a popular trilogy.
January 14, 2010
The last book in the trilogy is a very good conclusion to the adventure that began with the Nordic invasion of England
and capture of a brother and sister , circa 800 AD. Nancy Farmer mixes history, fictional young characters and magic in an exciting and convincing way. I especially credit her for revealing the
transition from the Saxons and Picts traditional religions to Christianity and reminding the reader that
the overlap continues to the present day in some of our holiday practices.
There is plenty of excitement and tension, but the reader can tell that the lead characters will survive until the end of the book. It's also possible that Farmer may begin another series using the main characters
because, at the end of this story, they have just entered a school for bards. I hope she does continue
this tale some day. She writes an exciting and engrossing saga.
and capture of a brother and sister , circa 800 AD. Nancy Farmer mixes history, fictional young characters and magic in an exciting and convincing way. I especially credit her for revealing the
transition from the Saxons and Picts traditional religions to Christianity and reminding the reader that
the overlap continues to the present day in some of our holiday practices.
There is plenty of excitement and tension, but the reader can tell that the lead characters will survive until the end of the book. It's also possible that Farmer may begin another series using the main characters
because, at the end of this story, they have just entered a school for bards. I hope she does continue
this tale some day. She writes an exciting and engrossing saga.
November 1, 2011
"The Islands of the blessed" is the third book in the trilogy.It's about a boy named Jack who's a apprentice bard, his mentor, a bard called Dragon Tongue, and a girl called Thorgil. After a tornado destroys most of the food in his village and a undead spirit kills some of the livestock in search of revenge Jack, the bard and Thorgil travel to a nearby town in search of a cure for the undead spirit and food for the villagers.Their journey will lead them to many places, some deadly some not.
I picked this book up because I read the first two books and I wanted to read the last book of the series.
I finished this book because there was a lot of action and adventure in this book and I wanted to see what sort of people Jack will meet.
I would recommend this book to Michelle Tang because it has a lot of knowlege about the norse gods and I know that Michelle likes to read about the old gods.
I picked this book up because I read the first two books and I wanted to read the last book of the series.
I finished this book because there was a lot of action and adventure in this book and I wanted to see what sort of people Jack will meet.
I would recommend this book to Michelle Tang because it has a lot of knowlege about the norse gods and I know that Michelle likes to read about the old gods.
October 22, 2010
Jack's village is being threatened by a mysterious monster, the spirit of a dead mermaid who fell in love with a cruel monk, and besides that, Thorgil is finding it ever more difficult to conceal her Viking heritage from the suspicious villagers. It is definitely time for Jack and Thorgil to journey out on their last adventure in this final book in The Sea of Trolls Trilogy. Guided by the bard, they once again encounter a wide variety of myths and monsters, even visiting Olaf One-Brow in Valhalla, as they attempt to free the spirit of the angry mermaid. The writing of this book is loose and sometimes sloppy, but the characters are lovable and the plot moves much faster than any critic's pen. Recommended to fans of YA fantasy that isn't about vampires or teenage hormones.
March 30, 2010
When Farmer published Land of the Silver Apples I was apprehensive that she was turning Sea of Trolls into a series; but I found myself cheering when I say The Islands of the Blessed, so go figure.
It's good. Not quite as good as Trolls, which was soul-satisfying. But a nice piece of building on what went before, with a continuing exploration of belief systems and the points of view they engender. And. . .yup. There's clearly gonna be another in the series. I think I can deal with it. Maybe.
It's good. Not quite as good as Trolls, which was soul-satisfying. But a nice piece of building on what went before, with a continuing exploration of belief systems and the points of view they engender. And. . .yup. There's clearly gonna be another in the series. I think I can deal with it. Maybe.
May 27, 2011
This book was good, the first book in the series was great. There was not enough development in the characters for my tastes. Too much responsibility was given to two young children that acted like children. The final line of the book was just bad, there was no need to go there. Thorgil had not been called Jill by him through the whole book so why start then. The adventure was interesting and kids who loved the first book should enjoy this one.
January 2, 2014
Satisfying conclusion to Farmer's trilogy. I was glad to see that the characters matured over time --especially Thorgill who I could not stand in Sea of Trolls. I also appreciate that these books can be enjoyed on different levels. I especially appreciate how Farmer weaves European mythology throughout the story. As a teacher, I can use her as an example of how research, done well, can enhance a narrative. Her sources provide a wellspring of NF text sets as well.
February 14, 2014
When a mysterious creature appears in Jacks village he sets out on an adventure with two other people to save his village.
I gave this story five stars because it was well written and about mythology. It made me want to keep reading until I finished. It describes the many different stories of mythology including Yggdrasil. great book that never gets boring I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or mythology.
I gave this story five stars because it was well written and about mythology. It made me want to keep reading until I finished. It describes the many different stories of mythology including Yggdrasil. great book that never gets boring I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or mythology.
December 1, 2009
Nancy Farmer concludes the trilogy that began with Sea of Trolls with this final adventure for Jack, the Bard and Thorgil. To me, this final book returned to some of the magic of the first in the series- in the best of senses. Celtic and Norse lore and mythology unite in a fantasy adventure with an appealing cast of characters and a strong plot.
February 22, 2010
This met the standard of The Land of the Silver Apples, but not the higher standard of The Sea of Trolls. It was a satisfying adventure story that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to people between, say, eight and fourteen, but I wouldn't recommend it to adults unless they'd enjoyed the previous books.
July 18, 2011
An exiting novel to add to "The Sea of Trolls" and "The Land of The Silver Apples". When reading this, be sure to remember "Fair Lamenting" and St. Columba..............
January 26, 2018
Not as good as the last 2 in the series but still a fun read.
April 11, 2026
The first time I read this book, I liked it but was FURIOUS that Jack and Thorgil didn't die in the end. Rereading it, I tried my best to come with a open mind and try to accept the author's ending.
That was not what happened.
My biggest problem with this book is that the ending just does not make sense. Chapter 46 ends with Jack and Thorgil both falling unconscious in the middle of a storm, alone, and infected with flying venom, a disease that managed to kill 93% of a monastery quite quickly. It was so dangerous that Father Severus barred the gates of St. Filian's rather than risk it spreading. This was obviously a deadly plague, and yet Jack and Thorgil recover of their own accord in less than ideal conditions. They have no food, they are abandoned in the woods, it's raining and cold, and they still survive and end up feeling better than they were before the plague.
Next, we have the reappearance of the Bard. Yes, he was an amazing character. Yes, his death was sad and unfortunate. But no, I'm not happier because he turned out to be alive. His explanation of how he survived made no sense at all.
Ignoring everything I've just said about the problems with the end, one grand loose thread still shines through. I mentioned above that I was mad that Jack and Thorgil didn't die. But did they really live? I feel like the ending could easily be read as their journey to the afterlife after their untimely, sad, but ultimately necessary death. The ends would have been tied up and everything would have made sense. Even though everything seems to point to them being alive (I've done Google searches, asked AI, and went on Reddit) and even the book says that they are, a part of me still questions what to believe about the end. I guess I'll never know for sure.
All in all, I'm of the opinion that the story would have turned out better if Jack and Thorgil had died in the woods and been reunited with the Bard on the Islands of the Blessed and lived happily ever after or whatever.
All things aside, it was a pretty good book. I liked the growing care and attraction between Jack and Thorgil and was pleased with the reintroduction of the Northmen. As usual, I was pleased with the amount of mythology/legends/lore Farmer was able to include. I'm familiar with a lot of the references and it's fun to see them reworked in this way. There were even more moral dilemmas posed which were interesting to think about. I don't feel like the world building set Jack up to answer these dilemmas in great way, but it was interesting to see him struggle with them. Even though I may not feel fully satisfied, most of the characters were left in a good place and don't need to be worried about.
And as this is the last book in the series, I feel that I have to address it's perspective on Christianity. As in most books either written in or about the medieval period, there is a big emphasis on the conflict between the ancient, native, pagan traditions of the land and Christianity. Throughout the books, this can be seen largely in Jack, as he is raised Christian but eventually embraces the Bard's beliefs of the life force. There is also the conflict between his parents' differing beliefs (his father's Christianity and his mother's small magic). Over and over, Jack finds himself coming to the conclusion that all religions are different ways to get to the same end. He describes the different afterlives (Ragnarok, the Islands of the Blessed, and Heaven) as different leaves on the tree Yggdrasil, on which there are many other places as well. Personally, I would disagree with this view, but it was not super pivotal to the story. I also found myself feeling conflicted by the depiction of the Christian monks. You have characters like Father Severus who was described as the perfect example of a pious Christian. And he ended up being power-hungry, fallen, sinful, and at some times, just pure evil. You have characters like Father Swein, who nobody would describe as good, but was viewed as a Christian by the townsfolk. And then there are characters like Brother Aiden, who was a Christian but accepted to some degree the magical ways of the Bard and the life force. While Christians today might take offense at some of the descriptions of the Christians in the book (let's be honest, I did at times), I think it's important to note that the events of the book were supposed to take place long ago in a time where their occurrence might not have been as shocking. I ended up reading the book as mostly a fantasy story about magic. I took the Christian bits with a grain of salt as they are all fictional and tried to see it as pointing out problems with individual characters and not Christianity as a whole.
That was not what happened.
My biggest problem with this book is that the ending just does not make sense. Chapter 46 ends with Jack and Thorgil both falling unconscious in the middle of a storm, alone, and infected with flying venom, a disease that managed to kill 93% of a monastery quite quickly. It was so dangerous that Father Severus barred the gates of St. Filian's rather than risk it spreading. This was obviously a deadly plague, and yet Jack and Thorgil recover of their own accord in less than ideal conditions. They have no food, they are abandoned in the woods, it's raining and cold, and they still survive and end up feeling better than they were before the plague.
Next, we have the reappearance of the Bard. Yes, he was an amazing character. Yes, his death was sad and unfortunate. But no, I'm not happier because he turned out to be alive. His explanation of how he survived made no sense at all.
Ignoring everything I've just said about the problems with the end, one grand loose thread still shines through. I mentioned above that I was mad that Jack and Thorgil didn't die. But did they really live? I feel like the ending could easily be read as their journey to the afterlife after their untimely, sad, but ultimately necessary death. The ends would have been tied up and everything would have made sense. Even though everything seems to point to them being alive (I've done Google searches, asked AI, and went on Reddit) and even the book says that they are, a part of me still questions what to believe about the end. I guess I'll never know for sure.
All in all, I'm of the opinion that the story would have turned out better if Jack and Thorgil had died in the woods and been reunited with the Bard on the Islands of the Blessed and lived happily ever after or whatever.
All things aside, it was a pretty good book. I liked the growing care and attraction between Jack and Thorgil and was pleased with the reintroduction of the Northmen. As usual, I was pleased with the amount of mythology/legends/lore Farmer was able to include. I'm familiar with a lot of the references and it's fun to see them reworked in this way. There were even more moral dilemmas posed which were interesting to think about. I don't feel like the world building set Jack up to answer these dilemmas in great way, but it was interesting to see him struggle with them. Even though I may not feel fully satisfied, most of the characters were left in a good place and don't need to be worried about.
And as this is the last book in the series, I feel that I have to address it's perspective on Christianity. As in most books either written in or about the medieval period, there is a big emphasis on the conflict between the ancient, native, pagan traditions of the land and Christianity. Throughout the books, this can be seen largely in Jack, as he is raised Christian but eventually embraces the Bard's beliefs of the life force. There is also the conflict between his parents' differing beliefs (his father's Christianity and his mother's small magic). Over and over, Jack finds himself coming to the conclusion that all religions are different ways to get to the same end. He describes the different afterlives (Ragnarok, the Islands of the Blessed, and Heaven) as different leaves on the tree Yggdrasil, on which there are many other places as well. Personally, I would disagree with this view, but it was not super pivotal to the story. I also found myself feeling conflicted by the depiction of the Christian monks. You have characters like Father Severus who was described as the perfect example of a pious Christian. And he ended up being power-hungry, fallen, sinful, and at some times, just pure evil. You have characters like Father Swein, who nobody would describe as good, but was viewed as a Christian by the townsfolk. And then there are characters like Brother Aiden, who was a Christian but accepted to some degree the magical ways of the Bard and the life force. While Christians today might take offense at some of the descriptions of the Christians in the book (let's be honest, I did at times), I think it's important to note that the events of the book were supposed to take place long ago in a time where their occurrence might not have been as shocking. I ended up reading the book as mostly a fantasy story about magic. I took the Christian bits with a grain of salt as they are all fictional and tried to see it as pointing out problems with individual characters and not Christianity as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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