What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unbelievable FIB #2
Over the Underworld
It’s been a year since friends ABE and Pru joined Mister Fox’s Fantasy Investigation Bureau--otherwise known as the Unbelievable FIB--to save their hometown from an invasion of Viking gods and giants. Life has been incredibly ordinary ever since. But that’s all about to change when the Norse Allfather, Odin, appears with terrible news: Baldur, his favorite son, has been murdered. It’s the first step in a fated chain of events that leads to Ragnarok--the end of the world.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2016
2 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Adam Shaughnessy
5 books21 followersBefore he began writing, Adam taught elementary school in Connecticut and opened Red Dragon Adventures, a company that provides enrichment programs for school-age youth.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 1, 2016
Review copy provided by Netgalley
This book finds ABE and Pru, a year removed from their previous adventure, feeling neglected and forgotten. Life in Middleton has returned to sleepy small town boredom, and Mister Fox, Thor, Loki, and Odin have all been no shows since the mess with the giants has been sorted out. Pru is angry with Mister Fox for not returning. She feels used. ABE has a cooler head about everything, a theme that runs throughout this second story. In fact, an unexpected twist to this second book is that ABE has seemingly become the lead character. Pru is still significant and a good deal of the story is still focused on her perspective in everything, but ABE is the featured character here. Seventh grade is beginning and he is seemingly more focused on that going well than on reembarking on madcap investigations into the doings of the Norse gods and giants.
Still, when the two receive a summons to a council in Odin's home, they immediately comply and find themselves in the presence or more god-level turmoil. Baldur, Odin's favorite son, is dead and all signs seem to point to Loki being the murderer. Mr. Fox arrives on the scene soon early in the council meeting though with every intention of investigating the murder and possibly prove Loki's innocence. Pru and ABE soon find themselves investigating Baldur's death from the magical Hen House headquarters. Meanwhile, Thor and Hilde have been dispatched to round up the number one suspect, Loki, who has predictably gone into hiding.
Just as in book one, the investigation revolves around finding uncertainty, the real key to magic according to Mr. Fox. ABE receives visions wrapped in riddles that he alone can decipher the answers to. Pru, meanwhile, is coming to terms with her rocky start in seventh grade and the feelings of abandonment that being left in the dark about FIB business for a year has brought about. No one is above suspicion in this volume, just as in book one. Ragnarok is coming undoubtedly on its way, and time is of the essence.
This book is less focused on Middleton, with most of the real action occurring in the worlds of the gods and Middleton only being the place that the children return to regularly to attend school and interact with family. The real climax occurs in the world of the dead where once again there is a significant clash between the gods and the giants. The last few chapters offer up enough twists, both devastating and shocking, to leave you reeling and ready for what's to come in the next book. This book felt more like a part of series with a larger unresolved story arc rather than a book that just knocks you out with its greatness and leaves you wanting to reread to scoop up all the bits you missed on your first run-through.
I liked this second book in the series, though I was more impressed with the first book. It was certainly a compelling adventure, but certain elements were curiously light such as the bits of puzzling wisdom that Mr. Fox was so generous in serving up in the first adventure in Middleton. It seemed that every other line in book one was designed to bend the reader's mind just a little bit further, while in this book the adventure and the characters' intentions were fairly straightforward. I'm still on the hook for the third book in the series, which is a virtual certainty at this point, but I hope that in book three, some of that mind-bending, thought-provoking dialogue makes its return.
This book finds ABE and Pru, a year removed from their previous adventure, feeling neglected and forgotten. Life in Middleton has returned to sleepy small town boredom, and Mister Fox, Thor, Loki, and Odin have all been no shows since the mess with the giants has been sorted out. Pru is angry with Mister Fox for not returning. She feels used. ABE has a cooler head about everything, a theme that runs throughout this second story. In fact, an unexpected twist to this second book is that ABE has seemingly become the lead character. Pru is still significant and a good deal of the story is still focused on her perspective in everything, but ABE is the featured character here. Seventh grade is beginning and he is seemingly more focused on that going well than on reembarking on madcap investigations into the doings of the Norse gods and giants.
Still, when the two receive a summons to a council in Odin's home, they immediately comply and find themselves in the presence or more god-level turmoil. Baldur, Odin's favorite son, is dead and all signs seem to point to Loki being the murderer. Mr. Fox arrives on the scene soon early in the council meeting though with every intention of investigating the murder and possibly prove Loki's innocence. Pru and ABE soon find themselves investigating Baldur's death from the magical Hen House headquarters. Meanwhile, Thor and Hilde have been dispatched to round up the number one suspect, Loki, who has predictably gone into hiding.
Just as in book one, the investigation revolves around finding uncertainty, the real key to magic according to Mr. Fox. ABE receives visions wrapped in riddles that he alone can decipher the answers to. Pru, meanwhile, is coming to terms with her rocky start in seventh grade and the feelings of abandonment that being left in the dark about FIB business for a year has brought about. No one is above suspicion in this volume, just as in book one. Ragnarok is coming undoubtedly on its way, and time is of the essence.
This book is less focused on Middleton, with most of the real action occurring in the worlds of the gods and Middleton only being the place that the children return to regularly to attend school and interact with family. The real climax occurs in the world of the dead where once again there is a significant clash between the gods and the giants. The last few chapters offer up enough twists, both devastating and shocking, to leave you reeling and ready for what's to come in the next book. This book felt more like a part of series with a larger unresolved story arc rather than a book that just knocks you out with its greatness and leaves you wanting to reread to scoop up all the bits you missed on your first run-through.
I liked this second book in the series, though I was more impressed with the first book. It was certainly a compelling adventure, but certain elements were curiously light such as the bits of puzzling wisdom that Mr. Fox was so generous in serving up in the first adventure in Middleton. It seemed that every other line in book one was designed to bend the reader's mind just a little bit further, while in this book the adventure and the characters' intentions were fairly straightforward. I'm still on the hook for the third book in the series, which is a virtual certainty at this point, but I hope that in book three, some of that mind-bending, thought-provoking dialogue makes its return.
August 7, 2016
The second book in Adam Shaughnessy’s, The Unbelievable FIB series opens with ABE and Pru heading back to school. They haven’t heard a word from Mister Fox and his Fantasy Investigation Bureau in a year, and they miss him and it. The only reminders they have of their previous adventure as FIBBERS are two miniature henhouses which hold their magical looking glasses. When Old Man Griminir, aka Odin, returns to their hometown they soon find themselves sent on another mission.
Over the Underworld, is an entertaining story for middle grade readers. Based on Norse mythology, it’s a tale about two best friends who have to work together to solve riddles as they try to save themselves and the world. ABE is an interesting character. With a name that’s an acronym, he’s a bit of a nerd, a literal walking dictionary. I like the way the author sprinkles some vocabulary building words throughout the book and gives their meanings. I also like that the kids have to use their brains to figure out what’s going on and what they have to do. A great read about friendship, bravery and standing up for yourself and your friends.
Over the Underworld, is an entertaining story for middle grade readers. Based on Norse mythology, it’s a tale about two best friends who have to work together to solve riddles as they try to save themselves and the world. ABE is an interesting character. With a name that’s an acronym, he’s a bit of a nerd, a literal walking dictionary. I like the way the author sprinkles some vocabulary building words throughout the book and gives their meanings. I also like that the kids have to use their brains to figure out what’s going on and what they have to do. A great read about friendship, bravery and standing up for yourself and your friends.
September 2, 2016
5 out of 5
It's up to ABE and Pru, along with their friend Mr Fox and his chicken footed Hen House to figure out if Ragnarok (end of the world) is really neigh. Travels to the foreboding underworld, close encounters with Death herself, dwarfs, gods and giants, lies and trickery are all part of this book. Last few chapters put a great twist on the overall story line and lead the reader (or at least me) ready for the next book.
Full Review Here »
It's up to ABE and Pru, along with their friend Mr Fox and his chicken footed Hen House to figure out if Ragnarok (end of the world) is really neigh. Travels to the foreboding underworld, close encounters with Death herself, dwarfs, gods and giants, lies and trickery are all part of this book. Last few chapters put a great twist on the overall story line and lead the reader (or at least me) ready for the next book.
Full Review Here »
December 12, 2017
I received these books from Goodreads.
Because I was sent both The Unbelievable FIB: The Trickster's Tale and The Unbelievable FIB: Over the Underworld I will review both in this review.
I would have reviewed them individually... but I couldn't find The Trickster's Tale anywhere on Goodreads.
The Unbelievable FIB 1 and 2 are fun middle grade books centered around the Norse Mythology. There's a small army of entertaining characters to be found, but the main focus is the three rambunctious MCs ; Pru, ABE, and Mister Fox.
Pru's just a normal girl with a talent for mischief and her heart set on investigating mysteries when the new kid ABE is enrolled at her school and she meets the odd, big nosed man calling himself Mister Fox at Old Man Griminir's Museum of Norse Mythology. Things take an even stranger turn when ominous dark clouds full of thunder roll in and hang over her town for days. Maybe this has something to do with the strange letter she found pushed under her bedroom door a few days ago? That same letter that causes the eyes of adults the flit sideways, like they can't even see it.
The new kid, ABE, can see it, though.
And he solved the riddle Pru's been working on almost instantly. The kid may be a scaredy-cat, a outcast, and a bully magnet- but he's smart.
Pru knows somethings up, and she going to get to the bottom of it even if she has to drag the new and overly cautious fellow outcast ABE along with her.
The fate of their town, their world- no all three worlds is hanging in the balance and they've got to find the Eye of Odin before Loki does. To do that, they'll have to out run trolls and enter worlds of myth and magic.
It's been one year since ABE and Pru hit a temporary pause on Ragnorok and saved their town from Loki's frost giants. ABE can tell that Pru's going a little crazy waiting for Mister Fox and the Hen House to show up even though Mister Fox said he wouldn't be back ever. (Pru begs to differ.)
She may act mad, but ABE knows she just really misses him.
When Old Man Griminir, aka Odin, returns to their hometown, its not the happy reunion they'd both hoped for. Odin's favorite son Baldur has been killed, supposedly by the trickster himself. ABE and Pru both know that's the official start of Ragnorok and now the three worlds are ticking towards destruction, again.
They soon find themselves sent on another mission- this time to prove that Loki is innocent.
Is Mister Fox crazy?! Loki the liar, the trickster, the shapeshifter- innocent? Impossible.
Mister Fox is acting odd, and ABE is more hesitant than Pru about trusting him, especially when the goddess of the Underworld warns him to be cautious of fibbers.
ABE and Pru travel by Hen House to Asgard to look for clues. They all point straight at Loki. But is he really the culprit they're looking for? Or is it someone closer and a lot less obvious?
Read the books and find out for yourself!
Because I was sent both The Unbelievable FIB: The Trickster's Tale and The Unbelievable FIB: Over the Underworld I will review both in this review.
I would have reviewed them individually... but I couldn't find The Trickster's Tale anywhere on Goodreads.
The Unbelievable FIB 1 and 2 are fun middle grade books centered around the Norse Mythology. There's a small army of entertaining characters to be found, but the main focus is the three rambunctious MCs ; Pru, ABE, and Mister Fox.
Pru's just a normal girl with a talent for mischief and her heart set on investigating mysteries when the new kid ABE is enrolled at her school and she meets the odd, big nosed man calling himself Mister Fox at Old Man Griminir's Museum of Norse Mythology. Things take an even stranger turn when ominous dark clouds full of thunder roll in and hang over her town for days. Maybe this has something to do with the strange letter she found pushed under her bedroom door a few days ago? That same letter that causes the eyes of adults the flit sideways, like they can't even see it.
The new kid, ABE, can see it, though.
And he solved the riddle Pru's been working on almost instantly. The kid may be a scaredy-cat, a outcast, and a bully magnet- but he's smart.
Pru knows somethings up, and she going to get to the bottom of it even if she has to drag the new and overly cautious fellow outcast ABE along with her.
The fate of their town, their world- no all three worlds is hanging in the balance and they've got to find the Eye of Odin before Loki does. To do that, they'll have to out run trolls and enter worlds of myth and magic.
It's been one year since ABE and Pru hit a temporary pause on Ragnorok and saved their town from Loki's frost giants. ABE can tell that Pru's going a little crazy waiting for Mister Fox and the Hen House to show up even though Mister Fox said he wouldn't be back ever. (Pru begs to differ.)
She may act mad, but ABE knows she just really misses him.
When Old Man Griminir, aka Odin, returns to their hometown, its not the happy reunion they'd both hoped for. Odin's favorite son Baldur has been killed, supposedly by the trickster himself. ABE and Pru both know that's the official start of Ragnorok and now the three worlds are ticking towards destruction, again.
They soon find themselves sent on another mission- this time to prove that Loki is innocent.
Is Mister Fox crazy?! Loki the liar, the trickster, the shapeshifter- innocent? Impossible.
Mister Fox is acting odd, and ABE is more hesitant than Pru about trusting him, especially when the goddess of the Underworld warns him to be cautious of fibbers.
ABE and Pru travel by Hen House to Asgard to look for clues. They all point straight at Loki. But is he really the culprit they're looking for? Or is it someone closer and a lot less obvious?
Read the books and find out for yourself!
November 20, 2017
*I read the first and second books of The Unbelievable FIB immediately after one another, so I will review them together*
These books are very fast paced, and pretty amusing. I love all of the puns in them, and I love the idea behind the story. They were enjoyable, and are something I think I would've loved as a kid - as an adult, I still liked them, but felt they were too simply written for me to enjoy them as I might have even five years ago. My least favorite part about them was a minor detail; it's that they put Abe's name in all caps ("ABE") all the way through both books. It makes perfect sense why, it just bothered me.
That being said, I liked the second one better than the first one. I think this is because there wasn't as much introductory, filler stuff as the first one had - which, again, makes sense considering the second book was probably written under the assumption that readers would already know what happened in the first one.
Finally, I would recommend both of these books. The fact that I think I would have loved them as a kid really helps. There's nothing inappropriate about either of them, so nothing to worry about there. I think they would be great for fantasy / mythology lovers. However, I think they'd be much better for kids than for adults.
Note: I received these books for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
These books are very fast paced, and pretty amusing. I love all of the puns in them, and I love the idea behind the story. They were enjoyable, and are something I think I would've loved as a kid - as an adult, I still liked them, but felt they were too simply written for me to enjoy them as I might have even five years ago. My least favorite part about them was a minor detail; it's that they put Abe's name in all caps ("ABE") all the way through both books. It makes perfect sense why, it just bothered me.
That being said, I liked the second one better than the first one. I think this is because there wasn't as much introductory, filler stuff as the first one had - which, again, makes sense considering the second book was probably written under the assumption that readers would already know what happened in the first one.
Finally, I would recommend both of these books. The fact that I think I would have loved them as a kid really helps. There's nothing inappropriate about either of them, so nothing to worry about there. I think they would be great for fantasy / mythology lovers. However, I think they'd be much better for kids than for adults.
Note: I received these books for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
November 6, 2016
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
Over the Underworld is book two in The Unbelievable FIB series, and it brings with it just as much excitement and adventure as book one.
A little backstory: When I initially received Over the Underworld from Algonquin, I had never heard of The Unbelievable FIB series, so I went over to Goodreads to check it out, and there I discovered that this was actually book two in a series. So I did what any other person who refuses to read books out of order did and set out to my local library (aka placed an interlibrary loan request online and waited for it to be filled because my library is incredibly small and under-stocked) and picked up the first book, The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB (which I immensely enjoyed it), and was then ready for this ARC! I would definitely advise anyone looking into this series to read the first book, prior to reading this second one; I wouldn't say it's completely crucial, but it will definitely help you understand just about everything.
I love middle grade books. I don't read them nearly as much as other books, which is a shame, but I still love them all the same. It never ceases to amaze me how well most are able to entertain both adults and children. Over the Underworld is one of those magical middle grade books that completely fits into that category, and I am excited to share it with the world.
Over the Underworld picks up about a year after the first book takes place as Pru and ABE are about to begin seventh grade. Nothing exciting has happened in Middleton since the events of the previous year, and Pru is feeling both angry at Mister Fox for disappearing and bored with the lack of excitement. Although ABE also misses Mister Fox, he is more true to his nature and is mainly just excited for summer to end and school to start back up. Soon enough, however, Odin once again returns to Middleton and brings with him news that the events for Ragnarok - the end of the world - have begun, and thus the children are once again sent off a new adventure mission.
Unlike the first book, Over the Underworld focuses less on the town of Middleton and instead takes up more time in new settings, which were exciting to explore. However, as much as I enjoyed this, I felt like there was something missing. I still can't quite place my finger on it, but there was just a little bit of magic missing from this book that was present in the first book.
I love how Shaughnessy incorporates Norse mythology into this book, as I am a huge fan of myths and myth-inspired tales. He stays true to the traditional tales, but also adds on his own effects and storylines to make the story flow smoothly and understandably. And just as Shaughnessy does in the first book, he continues to showcase clever, quirky writing and characters that add even more life and effortlessness to the story.
Pru is back with her feisty personality intact and eagerness to find an adventure. Shaughnessy does a really good job of showing the three-dimensional traits of Pru; she's a little bit of an accidental troublemaker with a quick temper, but she is also a young girl struggling through some tough times and wants others in her life to understand her. I felt a special connection to Pru because of her loss of her father, and it is probably partly due to this connection that I identified and enjoyed this book so much. Pru lost her father at a young age that is just about the same time that my own father died, and I felt that many of Pru's emotions and questions regarding her father's death were spot-on. One particular instance that struck me was when Pru had to part with a special token of her father's that she constantly carried around with her. I also have a specific item that I constantly wear as sort of token/memory of my father, so when she is anxious and upset about losing it or having to give it away, I completely identified with that.
Over the Underworld also featured much more of ABE, who I felt really seemed to develop and show many more sides to his personality throughout the events of the story. We get to see act as a levelheaded partner to Pru's short-tempered manners, as well as a somewhat more emotional side of ABE that lets us understand more about who he is and why he is the way he is. Another thing I really like is the fact that as much as I connect with Pru's character for the reasons mentioned above, my personality is much more like ABE's, and I absolutely fell in love with his slightly awkward manner and penchant for sometimes acting like a 'know-it-all'.
As you can probably tell, this book does not shy away from heavier themes such as death, which are present throughout the book in various ways. Shaughnessy excelled at weaving in such difficult themes into such an exciting and fast-paced story, and I highly recommend this to those who enjoy myth-inspired tales and rich, entertaining characters.
Though I deeply enjoyed Over the Underworld, it wasn't quite as strong as the first one, and for that reason, along with the many listed above, I am giving this book four stars.
Over the Underworld is book two in The Unbelievable FIB series, and it brings with it just as much excitement and adventure as book one.
A little backstory: When I initially received Over the Underworld from Algonquin, I had never heard of The Unbelievable FIB series, so I went over to Goodreads to check it out, and there I discovered that this was actually book two in a series. So I did what any other person who refuses to read books out of order did and set out to my local library (aka placed an interlibrary loan request online and waited for it to be filled because my library is incredibly small and under-stocked) and picked up the first book, The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB (which I immensely enjoyed it), and was then ready for this ARC! I would definitely advise anyone looking into this series to read the first book, prior to reading this second one; I wouldn't say it's completely crucial, but it will definitely help you understand just about everything.
I love middle grade books. I don't read them nearly as much as other books, which is a shame, but I still love them all the same. It never ceases to amaze me how well most are able to entertain both adults and children. Over the Underworld is one of those magical middle grade books that completely fits into that category, and I am excited to share it with the world.
Over the Underworld picks up about a year after the first book takes place as Pru and ABE are about to begin seventh grade. Nothing exciting has happened in Middleton since the events of the previous year, and Pru is feeling both angry at Mister Fox for disappearing and bored with the lack of excitement. Although ABE also misses Mister Fox, he is more true to his nature and is mainly just excited for summer to end and school to start back up. Soon enough, however, Odin once again returns to Middleton and brings with him news that the events for Ragnarok - the end of the world - have begun, and thus the children are once again sent off a new adventure mission.
Unlike the first book, Over the Underworld focuses less on the town of Middleton and instead takes up more time in new settings, which were exciting to explore. However, as much as I enjoyed this, I felt like there was something missing. I still can't quite place my finger on it, but there was just a little bit of magic missing from this book that was present in the first book.
I love how Shaughnessy incorporates Norse mythology into this book, as I am a huge fan of myths and myth-inspired tales. He stays true to the traditional tales, but also adds on his own effects and storylines to make the story flow smoothly and understandably. And just as Shaughnessy does in the first book, he continues to showcase clever, quirky writing and characters that add even more life and effortlessness to the story.
Pru is back with her feisty personality intact and eagerness to find an adventure. Shaughnessy does a really good job of showing the three-dimensional traits of Pru; she's a little bit of an accidental troublemaker with a quick temper, but she is also a young girl struggling through some tough times and wants others in her life to understand her. I felt a special connection to Pru because of her loss of her father, and it is probably partly due to this connection that I identified and enjoyed this book so much. Pru lost her father at a young age that is just about the same time that my own father died, and I felt that many of Pru's emotions and questions regarding her father's death were spot-on. One particular instance that struck me was when Pru had to part with a special token of her father's that she constantly carried around with her. I also have a specific item that I constantly wear as sort of token/memory of my father, so when she is anxious and upset about losing it or having to give it away, I completely identified with that.
Over the Underworld also featured much more of ABE, who I felt really seemed to develop and show many more sides to his personality throughout the events of the story. We get to see act as a levelheaded partner to Pru's short-tempered manners, as well as a somewhat more emotional side of ABE that lets us understand more about who he is and why he is the way he is. Another thing I really like is the fact that as much as I connect with Pru's character for the reasons mentioned above, my personality is much more like ABE's, and I absolutely fell in love with his slightly awkward manner and penchant for sometimes acting like a 'know-it-all'.
As you can probably tell, this book does not shy away from heavier themes such as death, which are present throughout the book in various ways. Shaughnessy excelled at weaving in such difficult themes into such an exciting and fast-paced story, and I highly recommend this to those who enjoy myth-inspired tales and rich, entertaining characters.
Though I deeply enjoyed Over the Underworld, it wasn't quite as strong as the first one, and for that reason, along with the many listed above, I am giving this book four stars.
December 29, 2017
My 13 year old son really enjoyed these two books.
November 7, 2017
Even better than the first! My kids all loved this one, and they want more.
November 21, 2017
Very cute, witty books about Norse mythology for middle school grade kids. The series would make a nice gift.
Read
August 26, 2020It ended really sad when Mr. Fox died. I really hope there's a book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
Going to read #3. Norse mythology has peaked my interest between this series and Magnus Chase.
January 1, 2021
A delightful sequel that retains the magic of the first book.
February 12, 2017
It's ABE's Turn
This is the second Fantasy Investigation Bureau book, and follows the action of the first book by about a year. While the first book was mostly written from Pru's point of view this one features quiet and studious ABE.You don't have to have read Book One in order to get this book, since the author makes a decent effort to recap the premise, but it would certainly help in understanding the motives and personalities of the characters.
I very much liked and admired the first book and this one strikes me as a worthy sequel. I think ABE is a more complex and interesting character, so it was good to see him getting the lion's share of page time instead of playing the sidekick.
For what it's worth, I've never been a fan of that "Fantasy Investigation Bureau" subtitle. It suggests a younger reader book, with a club and an overly simple and undemanding plot. Or, you know, something zany with an underground high-tech headquarters and Middle School international spies. That's not what you get here, and that certainly isn't the basis of the series' appeal.
Our heroes are trying to prevent or at least forestall Ragnarok, the mythical Norse end of the world. They deal with murder, deceit, treachery, danger and death. Norse gods are not warm and fluffy, and they have been toned down, but not sanitized, for this series. The result is that, while there are some funny scenes and some clever and light-hearted wordplay, this book introduces serious issues and touches on serious concerns. It struck me as still within the Middle Grade range, just darker and more demanding than your usual light fantasy adventure.
And that's all good. Norse mythology, the characters, and even the idea of fantasy adventure and questing, are all treated with energy and respect in this book. It is fast placed, well crafted, ambitious, and very respectful of its reading audience. A nice choice.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is the second Fantasy Investigation Bureau book, and follows the action of the first book by about a year. While the first book was mostly written from Pru's point of view this one features quiet and studious ABE.You don't have to have read Book One in order to get this book, since the author makes a decent effort to recap the premise, but it would certainly help in understanding the motives and personalities of the characters.
I very much liked and admired the first book and this one strikes me as a worthy sequel. I think ABE is a more complex and interesting character, so it was good to see him getting the lion's share of page time instead of playing the sidekick.
For what it's worth, I've never been a fan of that "Fantasy Investigation Bureau" subtitle. It suggests a younger reader book, with a club and an overly simple and undemanding plot. Or, you know, something zany with an underground high-tech headquarters and Middle School international spies. That's not what you get here, and that certainly isn't the basis of the series' appeal.
Our heroes are trying to prevent or at least forestall Ragnarok, the mythical Norse end of the world. They deal with murder, deceit, treachery, danger and death. Norse gods are not warm and fluffy, and they have been toned down, but not sanitized, for this series. The result is that, while there are some funny scenes and some clever and light-hearted wordplay, this book introduces serious issues and touches on serious concerns. It struck me as still within the Middle Grade range, just darker and more demanding than your usual light fantasy adventure.
And that's all good. Norse mythology, the characters, and even the idea of fantasy adventure and questing, are all treated with energy and respect in this book. It is fast placed, well crafted, ambitious, and very respectful of its reading audience. A nice choice.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
September 25, 2016
This novel follows PRU and ABE as their adventures continue. The middle school detectives (I mean fibbers) find themselves once again in the middle of a crisis spanning the world of humans and mythics, a crisis which only they have the power to resolve. This time their adventure requires them to travel with the help of Ratatosk and Mr. Fox through Midgard, Asgard, and Niflheim. As their travels continue, Pru and Abe learn that things are not always as they appear at first glance.
October 20, 2016
Not all days are exciting and full of adventure. ABE and Pru, best friends, have experienced this on an extreme level. A year ago, they joined Mister Fox’s Fantasy Investigation Bureau. They also returned one of the most important and powerful artifacts to the Norse Allfather Odin, one of the many creatures and gods from Norse Myths that are invading their little town, Middleton. ABE had been kidnapped, and Pru had gone and rescued him from the cleverly disguised trickster god, Loki. Now, they were stuck in 7th grade, leading a mundane life, until Odin reappears, under the guise of Old Man Grimnir, wielding terrible news. His favorite son, Baldur, is dead. This had been foreseen by Odin, and symbolizes the start of something humongous. Ragnarok, the end of the world, has begun.
I liked this book because the characters were actually acting and thinking like 13 year olds, unlike some books, where kids the same age as ABE and Pru, are acting like they are 20. However, it is part of a series so be warned. It isn’t that hard to follow without reading the first book, but they do make constant references to the characters and events in the previous book. If you have not heard of Norse mythology, I strongly advise you to read the books in order. The plot flowed very smoothly, and there were clues planted at the start of the book that you could only find by devoting some time and thinking about them after you have read the book. There were many intricate clues woven into the story, and a HUGE twist at the end. It is part of the fantasy genre, but I do believe it could work in the mystery genre with success.
Overall, this is a great book for anyone, regardless of age or gender, who would love to solve a mystery along with well-written characters and elements of fantasy.
Review by Salonee V, age 11, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
I liked this book because the characters were actually acting and thinking like 13 year olds, unlike some books, where kids the same age as ABE and Pru, are acting like they are 20. However, it is part of a series so be warned. It isn’t that hard to follow without reading the first book, but they do make constant references to the characters and events in the previous book. If you have not heard of Norse mythology, I strongly advise you to read the books in order. The plot flowed very smoothly, and there were clues planted at the start of the book that you could only find by devoting some time and thinking about them after you have read the book. There were many intricate clues woven into the story, and a HUGE twist at the end. It is part of the fantasy genre, but I do believe it could work in the mystery genre with success.
Overall, this is a great book for anyone, regardless of age or gender, who would love to solve a mystery along with well-written characters and elements of fantasy.
Review by Salonee V, age 11, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
February 20, 2017
Often sequels fail to live up to their predecessors. Over the Underworld, however, doesn't.
Shaughnessy reunites the old gang with more mystery, more adventure, and a plot twist that you really do not see coming or even if you do it still leaves you shell shocked.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Shaughnessy reunites the old gang with more mystery, more adventure, and a plot twist that you really do not see coming or even if you do it still leaves you shell shocked.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
January 17, 2017
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Another fun middle grade book to get kids excited about Norse mythology. I loved the concept of the FIB (Fantasy Investigation Bureau) headed by Mister Fox. Mister Fox brings in ABE and Pru to help him sort out the death of Baldur favorite son of Odin. Bladder death could bring on Ragnarok basically the end of the world. This is ABE and Pru second adventure with the FIB.
"When is a truth-teller not telling the truth?"
I loved the scene when they meet the Queen of the Dead they are challenged to 3 truths for 3 truths for the opportunity to speak with Baldur.
After reading this one I want to go back and read the first in the series and add this series to my TBR list.
Another fun middle grade book to get kids excited about Norse mythology. I loved the concept of the FIB (Fantasy Investigation Bureau) headed by Mister Fox. Mister Fox brings in ABE and Pru to help him sort out the death of Baldur favorite son of Odin. Bladder death could bring on Ragnarok basically the end of the world. This is ABE and Pru second adventure with the FIB.
"When is a truth-teller not telling the truth?"
I loved the scene when they meet the Queen of the Dead they are challenged to 3 truths for 3 truths for the opportunity to speak with Baldur.
After reading this one I want to go back and read the first in the series and add this series to my TBR list.
July 17, 2016
I received this book at the Nerd Camp conference in Parma Michigan this past week and instantly started reading. When receiving this book I also had the pleasure of meeting the author and having my book signed. I am a sucker for anything pertaining to mythology and instantly fell in love with the series. The first of the series is well written and introduces the reader to many of the characters in which you will soon fall in love with. The second book takes the series one step further and is filled with action, deception, and twists that will leave you wanting more. This is the first series from this author, but if this book is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait! Happy fibbing!
August 6, 2016
This is a middle grade book perfect for lovers of mythology. ABE and Pru are just entering 7th grade and are pulled into another adventure with Mr. Fox. Will they be able to stop Ragnarok? I usually assume that the target audience is the same age as the main characters. In this case if your younger reader is interested they would still be able to read as the advanced words are defined right in the story. I received a copy through Good Reads First Reads.
December 15, 2016
ABE and Pru are back with Mr Fox in the second series of the Unbelievable FIB - this time they must find out the truth behind the death of Baldur and the beginning of Ragnarok! Can ABE and Pru find the truth before the end of the world?
The book is well written - geared at the younger crowd. It seems a little formulaic but in general satisfies.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
The book is well written - geared at the younger crowd. It seems a little formulaic but in general satisfies.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
August 1, 2016
Not too bad! The series gives the kids a nice overview of the Norse gods. I'd say 8 year olds and up should enjoy this series very much! The characters are likable and kids will be able to relate to them. I received a copy free through Shelf Talks in exchange for a fair opinion. Good adventure tale!
July 17, 2016
I found this to be a really entertaining and fun to read. I won this great book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy.
July 18, 2016
I received this book through a Good Reads giveaway. I thank the author and publisher. My 12 year old grandson said he really liked the story and gave the book 5 stars.
August 20, 2016
This book was one of the Giveaways on Goodreads. Its very entertaining and the plot moves at a really good pace. It was very enjoyable to read.
July 17, 2016
A good adventure story. I won this books from goodreads.
August 25, 2016
4.5 beans, full review to come
July 9, 2016
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it
Want to read
July 7, 2016I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is an advance reading copy.
August 19, 2016
YA fantasy involving modern middle schoolers and the Norse gods. Very inventive.
Ends with a cliff-hanger: be warned.
Ends with a cliff-hanger: be warned.
September 2, 2017
Such a great book and an adventure. Also I love the Norse Mythology piece to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews