Thor Speaks!: A Guide to the Realms by the Norse God of Thunder

Secrets of the Ancient Gods

by Vicky Alvear Shecter, J.E. Larson (Illustrator)

One day in the distant future, Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is destined to battle the giant snake that threatens to devour the world. Until then, mortals of Middle Earth look to Thor and his magic hammer for protection from evil. In this third volume of the Secrets of the Ancient Gods series, Thor takes time from his duties to lead readers through the mythological Norse realms, those mysterious worlds that are home to gods, giants, elves, and monsters. He also delves into the age of the Vikings and reveals how they lived and what they believed. Using Thor as her humorous narrator, author Vicky Alvear Shecter provides a well-researched and unconventional nonfiction introduction to Norse mythology. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Humor, Middle Grade, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Vicky Alvear Shecter/Victoria Alvear writes about the ancient world and the often disturbing parallels with today's political unrest and misogynistic backlash. She writes as Victoria Alvear for adults. Her latest book is THE CLEANSING, based on the true story of an ancient Roman Vestal Virgin falsely accused of having sex and fighting in court to keep from being buried alive for her so-called "crime." Midwest Book Reviews called the book, "Original, exceptional, deftly crafted and a simply riveting read from cover to cover."

For nearly twenty years, she has served as a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University, where she regularly engages the public on the fascinating aspects of ancient life and politics.

Reviews

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thor Speaks!: A Guide to the Realms by the Norse God of Thunder was awesome. Both fun for a younger as wel as adult crowd, I thought it was funny yet educational. The illustrations rocks, making me wish I had all the books in print editions. Overall, a great addition to the Secrets of the Ancient Gods books. I adore them!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard about the new Rick Riordan series, after ordering the title for the library, I looked around for titles on Viking mythology, knowing perfectly well we didn't have very much and assuming that there would be a demand once the Magnus Chase and the gods of Asgard (Sword of Summer) hit the hold shelves. I found a big book by Napoli and I found this book and ordered both. I've read the Napoli title and was disappointed. She is a feminist, which I absolutely approve of being, but used it to make interjections that were inappropriate. Yes, the Viking myths were NOT pro-women. Considering the times they were created, it would have been pretty odd if they had been. However, considering the times, the Norse were remarkably pro women. Women could hold property which existed nowhere in the Christian world. According to this book, Thor Speaks, women could even go on raids!
I just finished this book, Thor Speaks! It is everything I wanted the library to have. While it looks considerably smaller and shorter than the Napoli title, I think there is actually more information in this title. Napoli and her publishers assumed that the way to reach youth today is to have a bright book with lots of pretty illustrations. A substantial amount is illustrations. The other popular way to reach to youth is to write about a subject using humor. That is the approach Shecter took and it works much better. It is presented as if the god Thor is talking to the audience. The humor works and makes it much more interesting than the Napoli book. If there are any librarians around who haven't ordered yet to fill in their Norse mythology section, and can only order one title, make it this title! Less room on the shelf and a better experience. It covers all the big stories and also has information about the Viking people so there is a nice amount of history as a bonus!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think these books by Vicky Alvear Shecter are wonderful. They bring a lot of humor and fun to mythology. This latest book explores the world of Norse Mythology with Thor as the narrator and guide. I think Shecter really captures the essence of Thor's character, so brash and full of himself. I loved the illustrations and the humor. I think readers will also learn a lot about Norse Mythology by reading this book. I definitely recommend this series to young readers.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really informative. I bought it for the library to see if it was good and have since bought the rest of the series. With Thor narrating the book it really brought the mythology to life. I will definitely reckons to students who are into mythology. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of like a non-fiction version of Rick Riordan's novels, this book covers Norse mythology with a strong sense of humor. Obviously, it is intended for young adults, but there is a lot of good information here, appealingly packaged as a humorous trip with Thor.

[Brunette Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tales, but some of the wording goes over younger readers' heads. I also had a few places where I lost who the characters were, making it difficult to keep different stories straight.

[Dramatica Darmody · Rating 4 out of 5]

kinda silly, but since its for kids I guess its supposed to be xD
still, a good way for kids to learn about the gods.

[Cynthia Shutts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful, easy-to-understand telling for kids of the basics of Norse mythology.