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The Viking's Apprentice #1
The Viking's Apprentice
What happens in Campbell's Cove, must remain in Campbell's Cove.
Campbell's Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people?
When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter's Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell's Cove and beyond.
Campbell's Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people?
When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter's Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell's Cove and beyond.
Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2013
111 people are currently reading
2453 people want to read
About the author
Kevin McLeod
32 books178 followersKevin is the author of The international best selling Amazon Series, The Viking's Apprentice which has 29 genre number 1's between the 4 books. Now on audio.
Kevin has recently moved into a new genre with his novella, She Died on a Monday.
Kevin's twitter is here https://twitter.com/bannon1975
Kevin's Instagram is here
https://www.instagram.com/kevinmcleod...
As well writing Kevin loves reading, 'I love to discover new authors and will give anything a go. All suggestions are welcome.'
Kevin lives with his two daugthers. They live in Hamilton in Scotland.
Kevin has recently moved into a new genre with his novella, She Died on a Monday.
Kevin's twitter is here https://twitter.com/bannon1975
Kevin's Instagram is here
https://www.instagram.com/kevinmcleod...
As well writing Kevin loves reading, 'I love to discover new authors and will give anything a go. All suggestions are welcome.'
Kevin lives with his two daugthers. They live in Hamilton in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 6, 2013
Ok so this is my book which probably means this might be a little bias towards it!
The Viking's Apprentice is an excellent adventure for middle grade and above. Anyone 8+ will love this book. The feedback and reviews I have had from parents, teachers, and kids have been excellent. You can visit the amazon.co.uk page or my website www.kevinmcleodauthor.com to see some of the reviews.
The Viking's Apprentice has been taken on by schools in Scotland as their reading book. One of the teachers contacted me to tell me that the book had inspired a non reader (10 year old boy) to love reading and look forward to reading time.
It's a fast paced adventure involving best friends Peter and George who have just begun their summer holidays with Peter's Granddad. Granddad lives in Campbell's Cove a town famous for stories of dragons, Vikings and much much more. The Cove is also famous for it's caves. The huge cave system has seen it's fair share of adventures and is about to see another.
What secrets are there in the mansion? What's in the caves? Could the stories of Vikings and dragons be true? Will Peter and George find the courage to face their fears together?
Find out in the 5 star adventure The Viking's Apprentice.
The Viking's Apprentice is an excellent adventure for middle grade and above. Anyone 8+ will love this book. The feedback and reviews I have had from parents, teachers, and kids have been excellent. You can visit the amazon.co.uk page or my website www.kevinmcleodauthor.com to see some of the reviews.
The Viking's Apprentice has been taken on by schools in Scotland as their reading book. One of the teachers contacted me to tell me that the book had inspired a non reader (10 year old boy) to love reading and look forward to reading time.
It's a fast paced adventure involving best friends Peter and George who have just begun their summer holidays with Peter's Granddad. Granddad lives in Campbell's Cove a town famous for stories of dragons, Vikings and much much more. The Cove is also famous for it's caves. The huge cave system has seen it's fair share of adventures and is about to see another.
What secrets are there in the mansion? What's in the caves? Could the stories of Vikings and dragons be true? Will Peter and George find the courage to face their fears together?
Find out in the 5 star adventure The Viking's Apprentice.
April 24, 2013
As soon as I read the plot I went hunting for this book. When I realised it was an ebook only I downloaded the necessary apps and away I went head first. This is an excellent book, just as it looked like it would be. What McLeod does is he has created a world of mystery and magic within our own and even in this first book, for even as I read I could tell there would be a second, is he has engaged readers. He uses stories of an ancient time, seemingly simple, but with so much hidden meaning and history behind it, to reveal the past, explain a story and begin an adventure. However it is the way in which he does this is what was wonderful: by using characters to do the work for him he enables readers to learn alongside the children as they too hear the wild adventures of the past, hearing tales of heroics of Vikings and warriors, dragons and battles.
The story begins with Peter and his friend George going to stay with Peter’s Grandad at Campbell's Cove for the holidays. We learn that Peter does this often and what we know of Grandad is he is a teller of stories, stories about the Cove’s history, rich in dragons, warriors, and witches. The descriptions in this story are wonderful, but it also allows the reader to create their own images. The images created as you read Grandad’s stories to the boys about when dragons were fought and villages were under threat are excellent. In so few words seemingly complete stories can be told. This is another clever trick by McLeod; readers are given the same position as the children in the beginning, we, as they, sit impatiently while Grandad recounts his stories. This is where our knowledge comes from and we must wait, unless you start speculating like I did, but McLeod gives nothing away until you and the children need to know.
In other books like Fforde or Colfer or Nix where you know the authors like to play with you so readers only get what the author wants them to have until they’re ready, McLeod does this as well, and uses the children wonderfully to do so. They are not exactly withheld information, but within the story characters respect the relationship between the boys and the Grandfather, and when questions are being asked the main response is, ‘I think it would be best for your Grandad to tell you, or ‘he wants to be the one to tell you’. I liked that part, we are being held filled with suspense about what exactly is going on, but there is a reason for it that you know will be better to help gain a full idea of the story.
That is not to say we stick with the children the entire time through this story. McLeod gives us both sides of this saga, and the ambiguity and secretive unspoken and unexplained snippets about the coming danger is very creative. This is where we are treated as a reader away from the children; there is no information though, only secrets and mysterious figures. What I always like is that there are unexplained actions that occur but we see no explanation of meaning we are left to try and figure it out for ourselves. For a book suited at this age and audience, it is rather intricate and mysterious, something I applaud.
Where this story begins to grow in excitement is when these two stories we’ve seen combine and the past seems to return, and perhaps the Vikings and dragons of Grandad’s tales are become less of a story and more of a reality. I am offering no spoilers so don’t even try, but I will say that I adored how this was revealed and how it played out. I really liked though that McLeod was able to capture the urgency in the story with his writing, you definitely feel that things have become chaotic, or have calmed down, or that there is an eerie feeling. This certainly helps create feeling of a story without actually making it blatantly obvious and announcing it to readers.
By the end of this book you are hanging out for the next one, McLeod has set up this story very well and he adds just enough to make you want to keep reading about these characters and see the effects and consequences of the events in this book. I look forward to continuing this series.
This review was also published on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
The story begins with Peter and his friend George going to stay with Peter’s Grandad at Campbell's Cove for the holidays. We learn that Peter does this often and what we know of Grandad is he is a teller of stories, stories about the Cove’s history, rich in dragons, warriors, and witches. The descriptions in this story are wonderful, but it also allows the reader to create their own images. The images created as you read Grandad’s stories to the boys about when dragons were fought and villages were under threat are excellent. In so few words seemingly complete stories can be told. This is another clever trick by McLeod; readers are given the same position as the children in the beginning, we, as they, sit impatiently while Grandad recounts his stories. This is where our knowledge comes from and we must wait, unless you start speculating like I did, but McLeod gives nothing away until you and the children need to know.
In other books like Fforde or Colfer or Nix where you know the authors like to play with you so readers only get what the author wants them to have until they’re ready, McLeod does this as well, and uses the children wonderfully to do so. They are not exactly withheld information, but within the story characters respect the relationship between the boys and the Grandfather, and when questions are being asked the main response is, ‘I think it would be best for your Grandad to tell you, or ‘he wants to be the one to tell you’. I liked that part, we are being held filled with suspense about what exactly is going on, but there is a reason for it that you know will be better to help gain a full idea of the story.
That is not to say we stick with the children the entire time through this story. McLeod gives us both sides of this saga, and the ambiguity and secretive unspoken and unexplained snippets about the coming danger is very creative. This is where we are treated as a reader away from the children; there is no information though, only secrets and mysterious figures. What I always like is that there are unexplained actions that occur but we see no explanation of meaning we are left to try and figure it out for ourselves. For a book suited at this age and audience, it is rather intricate and mysterious, something I applaud.
Where this story begins to grow in excitement is when these two stories we’ve seen combine and the past seems to return, and perhaps the Vikings and dragons of Grandad’s tales are become less of a story and more of a reality. I am offering no spoilers so don’t even try, but I will say that I adored how this was revealed and how it played out. I really liked though that McLeod was able to capture the urgency in the story with his writing, you definitely feel that things have become chaotic, or have calmed down, or that there is an eerie feeling. This certainly helps create feeling of a story without actually making it blatantly obvious and announcing it to readers.
By the end of this book you are hanging out for the next one, McLeod has set up this story very well and he adds just enough to make you want to keep reading about these characters and see the effects and consequences of the events in this book. I look forward to continuing this series.
This review was also published on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
April 23, 2015
THE VIKING'S APPRENTICE
Author: Kevin McLeod
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: Danielle Cohen
Length: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Release Date: March 19, 2015
Publisher: Kevin McLeod
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
First off I have to say that there is something about a narrator with an English accent that lends itself very well to the fantasy genre. It adds a sense of the different (and therefore exotic) to those of us in North America.
Peter and George have just completed public school. Next stop is high school, but first they are looking forward to a summer of freedom and adventure.
As with every other summer, Peter will be spending it visiting his grandfather, but this time he gets to bring his friend George with him.
The two boy's arrive in Campbell's Cove which is not your average village.
Viking longships, knights, immortal vikings, dragons, goblins, trolls, witches, ogres and more exist in secret deep within the caves.
"This little village hides many secrets and has many fine tales to tell." - Grandad
This is an exciting fantasy/adventure tale that readers of all ages will enjoy. As far as I am aware, there are three books in this series so far and I will be adding all of them to my "To Read" shelf.
I rate both the story and the narration as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kevin McLeod lives in Scotland with his wife and their two daughters. He has always been a keen writer, and has written many short stories.
The Viking's Apprentice was Kevin's first novel and is the first book in the greatly anticipated Viking's Apprentice series.
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
Danielle Cohen is a voice-over actress who has worked in both the U.S. and the UK. She has a professional studio at her home in Vermont. To learn more about her visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieller...
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Author: Kevin McLeod
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: Danielle Cohen
Length: 3 hours, 38 minutes
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Release Date: March 19, 2015
Publisher: Kevin McLeod
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
First off I have to say that there is something about a narrator with an English accent that lends itself very well to the fantasy genre. It adds a sense of the different (and therefore exotic) to those of us in North America.
Peter and George have just completed public school. Next stop is high school, but first they are looking forward to a summer of freedom and adventure.
As with every other summer, Peter will be spending it visiting his grandfather, but this time he gets to bring his friend George with him.
The two boy's arrive in Campbell's Cove which is not your average village.
Viking longships, knights, immortal vikings, dragons, goblins, trolls, witches, ogres and more exist in secret deep within the caves.
"This little village hides many secrets and has many fine tales to tell." - Grandad
This is an exciting fantasy/adventure tale that readers of all ages will enjoy. As far as I am aware, there are three books in this series so far and I will be adding all of them to my "To Read" shelf.
I rate both the story and the narration as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kevin McLeod lives in Scotland with his wife and their two daughters. He has always been a keen writer, and has written many short stories.
The Viking's Apprentice was Kevin's first novel and is the first book in the greatly anticipated Viking's Apprentice series.
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
Danielle Cohen is a voice-over actress who has worked in both the U.S. and the UK. She has a professional studio at her home in Vermont. To learn more about her visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieller...
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
May 12, 2017
I lucked out and found Kevin McLeod on Twitter, offering free audiobooks. I'd missed the deadline, but he was cool enough to pass them on anyway. I love cool authors. So Before I even get on with the review, I want to send a bit on these covers.
Candy! They're eye candy for me- aren't they tots-fabu?! The imagery, the detail, the total awesomeness is just what I love in book covers. Believe me when I say, both of these books would have been on my shelf, even if McLeod hadn't given the audio. They are what I love most in books... outside of the story. So, I'm raving 5-stars on cover work alone, but on to the actual stories, The Viking's Apprentice and The Viking's Apprentice: The Master's Revenge
Book 1: The Viking's Apprentice
Peter and George were looking for adventure, but nothing like what they eventually found. Thanks to an age-old, special secret Granddad's been holding to, the boys were in for the time of their lives. Filled with trolls, witches, and the fierce of magic, they learned of a legend so amazing, so heroic, they dive right in.
All I can say is that Campbell's Cove is very luck to have such dedicated people in their corner. The Viking's Apprentice is a story that takes you on the ride of any child's life. Full of danger, magic and swords, anything's possible.
My son and I loved the journey. The story wasn't too long and McLeod's gift of narration and description made this book a grand read. It also helped that Danielle Cohen was a really good narrator.
Check out The Viking's Apprentice, book one- available now and so worth the time.
*For the review of both books: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
The Viking's Apprentice & The Viking's Apprentice: The Master's Revenge
Kevin McLeod
CreateSpace Independent Publishing
April 13, 2013
Candy! They're eye candy for me- aren't they tots-fabu?! The imagery, the detail, the total awesomeness is just what I love in book covers. Believe me when I say, both of these books would have been on my shelf, even if McLeod hadn't given the audio. They are what I love most in books... outside of the story. So, I'm raving 5-stars on cover work alone, but on to the actual stories, The Viking's Apprentice and The Viking's Apprentice: The Master's Revenge
Book 1: The Viking's Apprentice
Peter and George were looking for adventure, but nothing like what they eventually found. Thanks to an age-old, special secret Granddad's been holding to, the boys were in for the time of their lives. Filled with trolls, witches, and the fierce of magic, they learned of a legend so amazing, so heroic, they dive right in.
All I can say is that Campbell's Cove is very luck to have such dedicated people in their corner. The Viking's Apprentice is a story that takes you on the ride of any child's life. Full of danger, magic and swords, anything's possible.
My son and I loved the journey. The story wasn't too long and McLeod's gift of narration and description made this book a grand read. It also helped that Danielle Cohen was a really good narrator.
Check out The Viking's Apprentice, book one- available now and so worth the time.
*For the review of both books: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
The Viking's Apprentice & The Viking's Apprentice: The Master's Revenge
Kevin McLeod
CreateSpace Independent Publishing
April 13, 2013
July 29, 2014
The story is very cute, and nice, but...
TERRIBLE WRITING
The blurb should've been enough for me to pass on this book, but Vikings... Well, who can pass on Vikings?
I'm not going to go deeper into it, but I have edited the terrible blurb, because maybe, if you at least have a decent description, avid readers of quality books can be fooled into buying this book. I do respect each and every author.
THIS IS HORRIBLE
What happens in Campbell's Cove, must remain in Campbell's Cove. Campbell's Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people? When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter's Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell's Cove and beyond.
YOU'RE WELCOME:
Brave warriors, dragons and witches: This is what once lurked in Campbell’s cove, and legends speak of an evil Viking warrior who once rose from his grave to claim his treasure. Centuries later, strange things start to happen in town. When Peter and his friend George arrive in Campbell’s Cove, Peter finds out there is a secret that puts all their lives in danger. Peter has to face a struggle against evil, while accepting his life will never be the same again.
TERRIBLE WRITING
The blurb should've been enough for me to pass on this book, but Vikings... Well, who can pass on Vikings?
I'm not going to go deeper into it, but I have edited the terrible blurb, because maybe, if you at least have a decent description, avid readers of quality books can be fooled into buying this book. I do respect each and every author.
THIS IS HORRIBLE
What happens in Campbell's Cove, must remain in Campbell's Cove. Campbell's Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people? When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter's Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell's Cove and beyond.
YOU'RE WELCOME:
Brave warriors, dragons and witches: This is what once lurked in Campbell’s cove, and legends speak of an evil Viking warrior who once rose from his grave to claim his treasure. Centuries later, strange things start to happen in town. When Peter and his friend George arrive in Campbell’s Cove, Peter finds out there is a secret that puts all their lives in danger. Peter has to face a struggle against evil, while accepting his life will never be the same again.
April 13, 2013
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t expecting much from this book. It’s really not my thing and not a genre I tend to read, the artwork on the cover is nice. I found this author when I opened up my Rebbie Reviews twitter account and thought I’d give it a whirl.
So, what did I think? Well it seemed a little strange, the book opens with vikings and then the next thing you know you’re in a school at the end of term. I figured it’d be some little boy’s wild imagination or a school project. Peter, our main character is going to spend the summer at his grandad’s house in Campbell’s Cove. Then the book really gets going! This is a story like none I’ve ever read, it’s got everything from kids to vikings to witches, trolls and talking bears!
Aimed at older children and young adults, it’s fun for a wide range of people including those who are fans of the genre, it’s well written with good description but still allowing that bit of artistic license for the reader. It’s easy to read and I could not put this book down, by mid way through I was completely hooked and excited to see what would happen next.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone but any of you guys with young teens? Get this book to them!
9/10
Kevin’s next book is in the works now and I for one, cannot wait to read it!
So, what did I think? Well it seemed a little strange, the book opens with vikings and then the next thing you know you’re in a school at the end of term. I figured it’d be some little boy’s wild imagination or a school project. Peter, our main character is going to spend the summer at his grandad’s house in Campbell’s Cove. Then the book really gets going! This is a story like none I’ve ever read, it’s got everything from kids to vikings to witches, trolls and talking bears!
Aimed at older children and young adults, it’s fun for a wide range of people including those who are fans of the genre, it’s well written with good description but still allowing that bit of artistic license for the reader. It’s easy to read and I could not put this book down, by mid way through I was completely hooked and excited to see what would happen next.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone but any of you guys with young teens? Get this book to them!
9/10
Kevin’s next book is in the works now and I for one, cannot wait to read it!
November 20, 2016
Action and Adventure..
Peter, the main character, visits his grandfather for the summer, during that time a series of adventurous events occur.
There are several twists throughput the story line.
Overall, this book is a Good Read filled with Action and Adventure for younger children as well as pre-teens.
Danielle Cohen did ok with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
April 2, 2019
This book desperately needs an editor. The punctuation was really bad, and more often than not I had to re-read sentences because they just didn't make sense. Commas were desperately needed, but also sometimes placed where they made no sense. The writing style felt clumsy and stilted, and the characters were one dimensional and had no development at all. The area and it's lore was interesting, and this book had potential, but having to re-read every other sentence meant that I never actually got involved in the story and had no idea what was going on. There was a lot of telling instead of showing and there was a weird fixation on all the movements on the dog, to the point that I'm more aware of what the dog did during this story than the actual main character.
dnf
February 23, 2020This is one of those books that's probably enjoyable for the intended age group, but NOT one of the many middle grade books I can enjoy as an adult. The writing's just a little too childish or stilted or something.
April 9, 2017
Wow. This writing was bad, weak and clunky. It could have used a lot more character development and editing. Also needed more emotions? All the character decisions and dialogue felt stilted and awkward. This could have been a good read, but it just wasn't.
October 27, 2016
Didn't realize this was a kids' book until I got into it--which isn't necessarily a bad thing... unless it reads like it was written by one. Holy cow, the writing was bad. Missing commas, commas where they didn't belong, inability to pick the right homonym, jumbled sentences, and just plain rough edges everywhere. This is why you pay a real editor to help you polish things. It's probably a good story for elementary age but I wouldn't encourage it unless it's a more finished version.
FWIW, the sequel was also free but I don't feel I can suffer through more of the same.
FWIW, the sequel was also free but I don't feel I can suffer through more of the same.
Want to read
June 16, 2014As a big fan of the Ranger's Apprentice series a actually...shockingly, am looking forward to this book.
It sounds like just the kind of series I needed!
February 28, 2017
This is another book mostly intended for younger readers and, unfortunately, this is the first on of these that I've read that really feels like it. There are plenty of books out there that are intended for younger readers that older ones can enjoy too. Books like Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, even the The School For Good And Evil books that I reviewed awhile back. That's why I picked this book up in the first place. Sadly, while younger readers might enjoy this one okay, I don't really think older readers would enjoy it very much.
This is the story of a young boy named Peter and his best friend George, who are excited to spend their summer holidays with Peter's grandfather Jacob in his luxurious home in Campbell's Cove. What none of them realize is that a horde of trolls and goblins, lead by a mysterious Master, have a terrible plan to kidnap the children of the Cove. It's very fortunate, then, that Peter's Granddad is a centuries-old viking who has the power to put a stop to the evil Master's plan.
First off, it's kind of refreshing that these kids are actually excited to visit a grandparent when so often the kid is grumbling and annoyed about having to do so. The problem is we get over half way through the book before anything really happens. I mean it. Over half of the book is a set up, giving hints about what is to come and these kids just walking around the house and the cove seeing everything that it is humanly possible to see. Once the action starts, however, it does not stop! Seriously, the last half of the book is one long, continuous, never stopping battle. It's almost kind of exhausting to get through, and keep in mind this battle goes on for just one night but the way it's written you'd think it took a week. And the battle comes really out of nowhere. One minute the kids are going to bed and all of a sudden fighting and battle and running and screaming! It's just chaotic.
Also, the title is a bit of a lie. For a book entitled The Viking's Apprentice there's really no apprenticing that goes on in this book. They say that Peter will be his grandfather's apprentice, but there's no training, no lessons, no indication on what being an apprentice will consist of in the future. In this midst of all this chaos they just kinda say, "Hey, guess what? You're going to be a viking too one day. Cool, huh?" and completely ignore it for the rest of the book. Also, Peter's supposed to be the titular apprentice in this book, yet the book focuses way more heavily on George, his best friend. It's like it can't decide who the main character is. Heck, Peter hardly says or does anything in this book. It mostly focuses on George, as he's the one who is seeing Campbell's Cove for the first time and he develops a crush on one of the girls who lives there. It also focuses a lot on Granddad, as he's the leader in this battle and he's the one with the story and who knows what's going on half the time. Peter is just kind of along for the ride. He never does anything. Heck, I think that even the dog does more than Peter. They talk a lot about that dog. To the point where he kind of gets in the way. It's also really confusing when you give your almighty viking character and your dog similar names. There were a few times when I wondered why Granddad was barking before I realized what was really going on. It was pretty distracting.
While there are a lot of cool ideas to be found it this book, the lack of information behind it kind of takes away from the wonder of it all. Yeah, it's really cool when things come to life in the house to form an army, but we're never told why they do. Yeah, these villains are threatening and dangerous, but we're never told why they're doing what they do. It's like the whole thing is one long information dump. We're being told that all this stuff is happening, but it doesn't give us reason to care why these things are happening. Now, a younger reader might not really care about that kind of thing and just enjoy the ride. Like I said, there's imagination and some good ideas in this book. They just aren't executed very well. Maybe if it took it's time a little more, gave it a different title, and for heaven's sake get rid of that stupid dog, we'd I'd have better things to say about this book.
This is the story of a young boy named Peter and his best friend George, who are excited to spend their summer holidays with Peter's grandfather Jacob in his luxurious home in Campbell's Cove. What none of them realize is that a horde of trolls and goblins, lead by a mysterious Master, have a terrible plan to kidnap the children of the Cove. It's very fortunate, then, that Peter's Granddad is a centuries-old viking who has the power to put a stop to the evil Master's plan.
First off, it's kind of refreshing that these kids are actually excited to visit a grandparent when so often the kid is grumbling and annoyed about having to do so. The problem is we get over half way through the book before anything really happens. I mean it. Over half of the book is a set up, giving hints about what is to come and these kids just walking around the house and the cove seeing everything that it is humanly possible to see. Once the action starts, however, it does not stop! Seriously, the last half of the book is one long, continuous, never stopping battle. It's almost kind of exhausting to get through, and keep in mind this battle goes on for just one night but the way it's written you'd think it took a week. And the battle comes really out of nowhere. One minute the kids are going to bed and all of a sudden fighting and battle and running and screaming! It's just chaotic.
Also, the title is a bit of a lie. For a book entitled The Viking's Apprentice there's really no apprenticing that goes on in this book. They say that Peter will be his grandfather's apprentice, but there's no training, no lessons, no indication on what being an apprentice will consist of in the future. In this midst of all this chaos they just kinda say, "Hey, guess what? You're going to be a viking too one day. Cool, huh?" and completely ignore it for the rest of the book. Also, Peter's supposed to be the titular apprentice in this book, yet the book focuses way more heavily on George, his best friend. It's like it can't decide who the main character is. Heck, Peter hardly says or does anything in this book. It mostly focuses on George, as he's the one who is seeing Campbell's Cove for the first time and he develops a crush on one of the girls who lives there. It also focuses a lot on Granddad, as he's the leader in this battle and he's the one with the story and who knows what's going on half the time. Peter is just kind of along for the ride. He never does anything. Heck, I think that even the dog does more than Peter. They talk a lot about that dog. To the point where he kind of gets in the way. It's also really confusing when you give your almighty viking character and your dog similar names. There were a few times when I wondered why Granddad was barking before I realized what was really going on. It was pretty distracting.
While there are a lot of cool ideas to be found it this book, the lack of information behind it kind of takes away from the wonder of it all. Yeah, it's really cool when things come to life in the house to form an army, but we're never told why they do. Yeah, these villains are threatening and dangerous, but we're never told why they're doing what they do. It's like the whole thing is one long information dump. We're being told that all this stuff is happening, but it doesn't give us reason to care why these things are happening. Now, a younger reader might not really care about that kind of thing and just enjoy the ride. Like I said, there's imagination and some good ideas in this book. They just aren't executed very well. Maybe if it took it's time a little more, gave it a different title, and for heaven's sake get rid of that stupid dog, we'd I'd have better things to say about this book.
May 18, 2025
A delightful YA adventure story. Peter always go to spend the summer with his grandad Jacob at Campbell's Cove, this time he is being up take his best friend George with him.
Grandad has been restoring a Viking longboat and tells them tales of the local coves past with witches, dragons and more being vanquished in days gone by. The children are enchanted and love to go exploring with him, but not everything and everyone is as it seems in this idyllic little village.
This book is a fantastic read and the descriptions vivid enough to bring the world to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Grandad has been restoring a Viking longboat and tells them tales of the local coves past with witches, dragons and more being vanquished in days gone by. The children are enchanted and love to go exploring with him, but not everything and everyone is as it seems in this idyllic little village.
This book is a fantastic read and the descriptions vivid enough to bring the world to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
July 4, 2018
Nice quick story about a hidden world. Straightforward plotline: they find the monsters, they kill the monsters. As an adult, I didn't enjoy it as much as youths perhaps. What I was missing was personal growth and meaningful back-stories for the characters--if you're not killing an internal monster, killing a real monster falls a little flat. Fun quick read for a younger audience.
BTW rating: PG for non-graphic violence
BTW rating: PG for non-graphic violence
April 18, 2025
This clean fantasy adventure was fun to listen to! It reminded me of the Chronicles of Narnia and a cleaned up Percy Jackson book. I really enjoyed the eclectic mix of real life and fantasy that was woven throughout the book! The kids acted just like kids and the grownups did just what I would expect for the most part. I’m interested in finding out what happens next!
July 3, 2019
While this book was a bit young for me...I enjoyed the story and the characters.
Want to read
March 4, 2022Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2022/03...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2022/03...
April 19, 2025
Fun Middle grade book! Definitely some places I wanted to go through with a red pen, but I would definitely recommend for kids who like vikings.
August 6, 2025
very definitely a young adult book. nor exactly what I was expecting, but very good
September 21, 2016
This is a great story that can be enjoyed by all ages. Peter Collins is out if school and he and his best friend George Taylor are headed to Campbell's cove where Peter's granddad is having the boys spend the summer. When they arrive they find the mansion where granddad lives and then they find a supernatural adventure and a journey that brings past history into the present with some amazing surprises. The author does a wonderful job creating a story that is compelling and fun and a great adventure for all. The writing is well done and the author knows what readers like and delivers.
July 26, 2013
In a children's book, it is very important to get the right tone. If badly done, the story-teller within the story comes across as annoying, or worse, boring. Here, we are spellbound by the simple, yet equally deep and complex stories told by "Granddad" who is also one of the main characters in this book.
The beginning is perfect. Not much happens, but it is so innocently told that we love reading about how the adventure started. This author has wisely found depth in quiet, simple scenes and does not resort to the desperation of cramming in action at the beginning like so many novice authors.
The setting is perfect as well. We can visualize the small town by the ocean and Granddad's sprawling mansion with all its mysteries.
The mass battle scenes are okay. They seemed to ramble on and you get the impression that they could go either way, and just because the protagonists are good guys, they are allowed to win. If the mass battles were as well done as the rest of this story, I would assign the whole book five stars.
This book is to be very highly commended for its "tone." It sounds very authoritative in the sense we want to listen, we don't want to stop hearing it, because it is so interesting. We want to be patient (and our patience is amply rewarded) because we realize there's no other way we want to spend our time. As well, the children's book perspective is nailed down, and that's very important. I can see why the author said that teachers in his home country are using this book in their classrooms.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod.
The beginning is perfect. Not much happens, but it is so innocently told that we love reading about how the adventure started. This author has wisely found depth in quiet, simple scenes and does not resort to the desperation of cramming in action at the beginning like so many novice authors.
The setting is perfect as well. We can visualize the small town by the ocean and Granddad's sprawling mansion with all its mysteries.
The mass battle scenes are okay. They seemed to ramble on and you get the impression that they could go either way, and just because the protagonists are good guys, they are allowed to win. If the mass battles were as well done as the rest of this story, I would assign the whole book five stars.
This book is to be very highly commended for its "tone." It sounds very authoritative in the sense we want to listen, we don't want to stop hearing it, because it is so interesting. We want to be patient (and our patience is amply rewarded) because we realize there's no other way we want to spend our time. As well, the children's book perspective is nailed down, and that's very important. I can see why the author said that teachers in his home country are using this book in their classrooms.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod.
October 1, 2022
A really fun and adventurous read. My 9 yo enjoyed it too.
October 19, 2016
An adrenaline filled tale full of witches, goblins, dragons and other not so mythical creatures. Two seventh graders, best friends, Peter and George discover some rather startling truths when they arrive at Peter's Grandad's house to stay for the summer holidays.
A magical tale, full of life, a talking bear, Vikings and an awesome adventure battling evil beings. Helped by Jake, a brave little Jack Russell dog.
Great beginning to a series that is well worth reading. Beware the shadows!
Highly recommended.
A magical tale, full of life, a talking bear, Vikings and an awesome adventure battling evil beings. Helped by Jake, a brave little Jack Russell dog.
Great beginning to a series that is well worth reading. Beware the shadows!
Highly recommended.
December 21, 2016
Great book
The author did a good job at describing the characters. He didn't go into a serious detailed analysis of the characters which I liked because it takes to much out of the story it allows you to find out more in the story not give it to you and make the story boring. The author made you have to think more on the subject. He also didn't have any foul language or inappropriate things through the book. The author kept you interested and he also made it piece together and flow very nicely.
The author did a good job at describing the characters. He didn't go into a serious detailed analysis of the characters which I liked because it takes to much out of the story it allows you to find out more in the story not give it to you and make the story boring. The author made you have to think more on the subject. He also didn't have any foul language or inappropriate things through the book. The author kept you interested and he also made it piece together and flow very nicely.
May 18, 2017
An excellent adventure story for young teens, full of exciting history and magical beings, plus an ancient Viking protecting his world.
April 22, 2015
I got a chance to sit down and read the second half of this book this evening, and I'm already excited to read the next one. There's so much action throughout the book that it's nearly impossible to put down. If you love fairy tales, folklore, and a lot of fast-paced action, this is a perfect read.
January 1, 2016
This book is recommended for 8 year olds and up. I'm in the process of reading books that I think my 6th grade students, 11 and 12 year olds, will like. While I think this will be an easy read for them, I think the action packed pace will keep their interest.
February 21, 2015
A fairly short novel that will keep 7 to 11 year olds interested. Initially read to ascertain usefulness for Viking related work. Not much historical interest though.
March 27, 2015
5-Stars all the way. The audiobook takes this bestseller to a whole new level!
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