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The Road to Hel
Sean here. When wolf-riding trolls attack our house, my sister Fiona and I find out the hard way that we're destined to be heroes. That goes for our friends Arturo and Parvati, too. Next thing we know, we're all enrolled in the last hero school on Midgard (that’s hero speak for 'Earth'). In fact, we're the entire final freshman class.
It’s not all bad. We get to go to school on an enchanted island. The girls get to ride flying horses, Arturo gets to go berserk, and I get to learn more about swordfighting than I ever wanted to know. We also get our own personal bard who sings our praises in deathless...well, verse that you wish would die, but it won't.
You'd think we’d also get to save the world. But as it turns out, there are about a million prophecies guaranteeing that Ragnarok is right around the corner and the world is literally toast, so all we get to do is die (heroically, of course).
In the meantime, our mom winds up in Hel while trying to rescue our dad from, believe it or not, an even worse place. And for some reason even Odin won't explain, we're the only ones who can bring them back.
Well, that takes care of summer vacation. I can't wait for the school year to start.
It’s not all bad. We get to go to school on an enchanted island. The girls get to ride flying horses, Arturo gets to go berserk, and I get to learn more about swordfighting than I ever wanted to know. We also get our own personal bard who sings our praises in deathless...well, verse that you wish would die, but it won't.
You'd think we’d also get to save the world. But as it turns out, there are about a million prophecies guaranteeing that Ragnarok is right around the corner and the world is literally toast, so all we get to do is die (heroically, of course).
In the meantime, our mom winds up in Hel while trying to rescue our dad from, believe it or not, an even worse place. And for some reason even Odin won't explain, we're the only ones who can bring them back.
Well, that takes care of summer vacation. I can't wait for the school year to start.
- GenresFantasy
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2016
5 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Eric Tanafon
8 books29 followersEric Tanafon writes software by day and fantasy fiction by the light of the moon. He lives in New Hampshire with his lovely wife and children in an old house, which unfortunately isn't haunted.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 27, 2018
Eric Tanafon’s Road to Hel is a fun and fast-paced mythical adventure perfect for middle grade readers. Sean, the first person narrator, is a modern, smart, funny, and delightfully sarcastic teen, who, with his twin sister and two friends, must undertake a harrowing mission through Hel to the Land of the Frost Giants to rescue their parents and, ultimately, to save themselves. Chock-full of Norse gods and goddesses, prophesies, chain mail, magic swords and spells, trolls, flying horses, demons, mermen, dragons, fearsome giants, and a large and complex cast of characters, the author keeps the revelations and action coming hard and fast. There is some great world-building here, and Tanafon’s knowledge of Norse mythology is impressive. More than once, I found myself stopping to admire the original and intricately imagined fantastical landscapes and cultures.
One niggling criticism, most likely peculiar to this particular reader (whose preferred genres are literary fiction and memoir) the relentless pace and the introduction of so many characters was a little overwhelming.
One niggling criticism, most likely peculiar to this particular reader (whose preferred genres are literary fiction and memoir) the relentless pace and the introduction of so many characters was a little overwhelming.
May 31, 2017
Someone once told me that the road to Hell was paved with good intentions. What would that feel like? Squishy, I imagine, like sweet fruit gone rotten; or maybe slimy, like cut flowers left to rot in old water. It would be fragranced with regret and shadowed by the twilight of broken promises. The slide toward damnation is slippery indeed.
The road to Hel, however, is crunchy underfoot and covered by old bones, pulverized by the relentless feet of the dead. So many dead souls have made the journey, they’ve caused a housing shortage. But not to worry—Hel and her children have it under control. For in Norse mythology, Hel is not only a place, but also the woman who rules that subterranean realm of the dead. At least according to Sean Cornwell. And he ought to know, because he’s been there and met her. Pretty cool, huh?
Pretty cool is pretty much how I feel about The Road to Hel (Sean’s Saga). A fast, furious, and very fun middle grade fantasy that takes readers on exciting adventures into a world and mythology that has been underexplored until now. Sean is a great hero, nerdy and fierce, dense and inspired, scared and valiant, often at the same time. And always very funny. He’s joined in his adventures by his best friend, his sister, and her best friend. Oh, and occasionally a few gods, giants, wolves, Valkyries, and true Heroes. Like Sean.
I don’t know much about Norse mythology, so there were times I was a bit lost, but it didn’t take long for Eric Tanafon to pick me back up and carry me alongside Sean and his friends. The pacing is very fast, which is probably perfect for young readers raised on the relentless action of the gaming world, but for an old reader like me, at times it was a little too frantic. I would have like to have slowed down and settled into the world and the mythology a bit more. Old dogs don’t take to new tricks very easily, or so I’ve been told. Probably by the same old codger who told me that rigamarole about the asphalt in Hell.
Sean and his saga are highly recommended for middle graders and adults alike.
The road to Hel, however, is crunchy underfoot and covered by old bones, pulverized by the relentless feet of the dead. So many dead souls have made the journey, they’ve caused a housing shortage. But not to worry—Hel and her children have it under control. For in Norse mythology, Hel is not only a place, but also the woman who rules that subterranean realm of the dead. At least according to Sean Cornwell. And he ought to know, because he’s been there and met her. Pretty cool, huh?
Pretty cool is pretty much how I feel about The Road to Hel (Sean’s Saga). A fast, furious, and very fun middle grade fantasy that takes readers on exciting adventures into a world and mythology that has been underexplored until now. Sean is a great hero, nerdy and fierce, dense and inspired, scared and valiant, often at the same time. And always very funny. He’s joined in his adventures by his best friend, his sister, and her best friend. Oh, and occasionally a few gods, giants, wolves, Valkyries, and true Heroes. Like Sean.
I don’t know much about Norse mythology, so there were times I was a bit lost, but it didn’t take long for Eric Tanafon to pick me back up and carry me alongside Sean and his friends. The pacing is very fast, which is probably perfect for young readers raised on the relentless action of the gaming world, but for an old reader like me, at times it was a little too frantic. I would have like to have slowed down and settled into the world and the mythology a bit more. Old dogs don’t take to new tricks very easily, or so I’ve been told. Probably by the same old codger who told me that rigamarole about the asphalt in Hell.
Sean and his saga are highly recommended for middle graders and adults alike.
February 16, 2020
Exciting!
A fun middle grade/young adult adventure! This was lots of fun. And I really liked that Percy Jackson reference. 😂 This book was just brimming with action and excitement, and I really enjoyed reading it. Our main character, had a very authentic feel to his voice. It felt exactly like being in the mind of a teenager. :)
I think I'll give the author's Robin hood book a try soon. It sounds fun, and I LOVE Robin hood.
I highly recommend this book for fans of middle grade urban fantasy. :) Especially if you like mythology.
A fun middle grade/young adult adventure! This was lots of fun. And I really liked that Percy Jackson reference. 😂 This book was just brimming with action and excitement, and I really enjoyed reading it. Our main character, had a very authentic feel to his voice. It felt exactly like being in the mind of a teenager. :)
I think I'll give the author's Robin hood book a try soon. It sounds fun, and I LOVE Robin hood.
I highly recommend this book for fans of middle grade urban fantasy. :) Especially if you like mythology.
August 12, 2017
Having a hard time peeling your adolescent son or grandson away from his video games long enough to read a book? Give him this one. Dare him to read one chapter and he'll be hooked for sure. Just don't expect him to be on time for supper or go to bed when he's supposed to until he finishes it.
The Road to Hel is a fast-paced, action-packed, and always funny romp through Norse mythology, as our young heroes and heroines get summoned to Runnymeade, the last school left on earth to train warriors and Valkyries for the final battle--Ragnarok--when the gods must fight the forces of evil to the death. The unlikely group includes the narrator, Sean, his sister Fiona, and their friends Arturo and Parvati. Who knew their fathers were really warriors whose "business trips" were heroic journeys to other worlds? But now their fathers have been captured by Frost Giants. And worse, when Sean's mother goes to save them, she is imprisoned in Hel. The only ones who can rescue their families are Sean and his gang and it won't be easy.
Sean's tongue is as sharp as his sword, and his wise-cracks provide the comic relief as he and his band fight wargs, trolls, giants, and dragons. His encyclopedic knowledge of the video game Twilight of the Gods gives him an edge that the villains underestimate, much to their chagrin.
Eric Tanafon has created a delightful end-of-summer read, great company at the pool or the beach, as the days get shorter, and we begin to dread the return of the rain and the snow.
The Road to Hel is a fast-paced, action-packed, and always funny romp through Norse mythology, as our young heroes and heroines get summoned to Runnymeade, the last school left on earth to train warriors and Valkyries for the final battle--Ragnarok--when the gods must fight the forces of evil to the death. The unlikely group includes the narrator, Sean, his sister Fiona, and their friends Arturo and Parvati. Who knew their fathers were really warriors whose "business trips" were heroic journeys to other worlds? But now their fathers have been captured by Frost Giants. And worse, when Sean's mother goes to save them, she is imprisoned in Hel. The only ones who can rescue their families are Sean and his gang and it won't be easy.
Sean's tongue is as sharp as his sword, and his wise-cracks provide the comic relief as he and his band fight wargs, trolls, giants, and dragons. His encyclopedic knowledge of the video game Twilight of the Gods gives him an edge that the villains underestimate, much to their chagrin.
Eric Tanafon has created a delightful end-of-summer read, great company at the pool or the beach, as the days get shorter, and we begin to dread the return of the rain and the snow.
February 19, 2018
This cleverly written story is a real page turner. We can all identify with the issues teen angst and social problems inherent with parenthood bring. Hel is not quite what you might think, but "she" is an interesting character that is for sure. I loved the way Norse mythology was woven into this modern drama, and all that that entailed. The dry wit of the protagonist encapsulates so much of what we know to be part of our 21st Century anxiety. Having said that, I'm sure this book would certainly appeal to a younger audience with all the trolls, dragons and everything else that goes into a fantasy adventure.
September 23, 2017
I read the beginning chapters from my full height of fantasy cynicism; reaching down to pat this cute little book on the head as it rounded the YA magic-adventure bases. Parents out of the way? Check. Destiny pointing fingers? Check. Magic-school enrollment form complete? Check. Wacky friends assembled? Check.
Sorry, but I still grumble about ‘Miss Peregrines’. A well-written book that never once gave the reader anything but well-prepared YA leftovers. And some cool pictures, I admit.
But: my patronizing pat upon Tanafon’s story missed. The darned thing grew bigger every time I thought I had its measure. By Chapter 6 I was staring at a large beast keeping me from sleeping and cubicle-slaving. I wanted to know what happened next, and next, and next…
Perhaps I’d been pushed off my high hobby-horse by the fights, the challenges, the humor and sincerity of the narrative. The hero is telling us the story; and Sean is a Hel of a wise-ass. But beyond him a serious plot is forming in the fog. Impossible deeds are demanded of kids. Not unusual in YA. What is unusual in ‘The Road to Hel’ we get a worry that the heroes just might fail.
The narrative is first-person comic-voice, a mix of believable adolescent wisdom and laugh-so-you-don’t scream emotional cushioning. Imagine Harry Potter told in first person. It’d be exciting, imaginative… and dour as ‘Lord of the Flies’. Harry P. ‘s a great guy; but he has the sense of humor of a mortuary flower-vase. But Sean Cornwell doesn’t do grim. He’s fast on his feet, quick with his tongue, happy to wise-crack in Hell or with Hel (capital H, e, single hockey-stick).
There’s a bit of a riddle in there; but there are plenteous mysteries in The Road to Hel. Traitors, birth-omens, patron gods, and video-game lore. Plenty of Norse myth; very popular at the moment. It could have been Mayan myth or Sumerian and we’d have the same story… maybe. Norse has a special feel of ‘We are all going to die so everyone smile and be brave’.
By Ice, by Fire, by Stupidity. Whatever lethal quality of the foe: the world is doomed. Norse myth and lucky readers get that. Doomed.
But ‘The Road to Hel’ looks damned bright. Great read.
Sorry, but I still grumble about ‘Miss Peregrines’. A well-written book that never once gave the reader anything but well-prepared YA leftovers. And some cool pictures, I admit.
But: my patronizing pat upon Tanafon’s story missed. The darned thing grew bigger every time I thought I had its measure. By Chapter 6 I was staring at a large beast keeping me from sleeping and cubicle-slaving. I wanted to know what happened next, and next, and next…
Perhaps I’d been pushed off my high hobby-horse by the fights, the challenges, the humor and sincerity of the narrative. The hero is telling us the story; and Sean is a Hel of a wise-ass. But beyond him a serious plot is forming in the fog. Impossible deeds are demanded of kids. Not unusual in YA. What is unusual in ‘The Road to Hel’ we get a worry that the heroes just might fail.
The narrative is first-person comic-voice, a mix of believable adolescent wisdom and laugh-so-you-don’t scream emotional cushioning. Imagine Harry Potter told in first person. It’d be exciting, imaginative… and dour as ‘Lord of the Flies’. Harry P. ‘s a great guy; but he has the sense of humor of a mortuary flower-vase. But Sean Cornwell doesn’t do grim. He’s fast on his feet, quick with his tongue, happy to wise-crack in Hell or with Hel (capital H, e, single hockey-stick).
There’s a bit of a riddle in there; but there are plenteous mysteries in The Road to Hel. Traitors, birth-omens, patron gods, and video-game lore. Plenty of Norse myth; very popular at the moment. It could have been Mayan myth or Sumerian and we’d have the same story… maybe. Norse has a special feel of ‘We are all going to die so everyone smile and be brave’.
By Ice, by Fire, by Stupidity. Whatever lethal quality of the foe: the world is doomed. Norse myth and lucky readers get that. Doomed.
But ‘The Road to Hel’ looks damned bright. Great read.
October 13, 2016
Admittedly, I don't read much Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction anymore. There’s nothing wrong with the genre per se, but I've found the whole of coming of age trope a bit tiresome. What I am, however, is a big Norse Mythology fan. So when I had the chance to read this new spin on what is essentially my favorite mythology, I decided to check it out. Boy, am I glad I did!
Eric Tanafon has spun a fanciful and quite intriguing tale that's something of a cross between Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Norse mythology. There's everything you would expect from a Middle Grade Fantasy book: it’s high on adventure, packed with tons of action, and filled with some delightful humor. There’s even some mystery and betrayal thrown in for good measure.
Sean and Fiona Cornwell are twins who have their entire lives turned upside down when they discover that they aren’t the ordinary teenagers they thought they were. Their parents have disappeared and deadly monsters are after them. To save their parents, they’ll have to go to Hero school where they’ll learn the skills of a hero before embarking on a dangerous quest to save their parents and stop the approaching End of the World.
I was impressed with how cleverly the author weaves the old myths and lore from the Norse sagas into his tale. From the ever-enchanting Riddle game to Questing for magical weapons. it's all here. Even hints to some of the more obscure myths make their presence. I lost track of how many times I had to stop reading and go, “Ah, yes. I remember this!” That was half of the fun of reading this book for me. It’s all very well thought out and adds a lot depth to an already exciting story. They don’t really teach this stuff in school. So most youngsters won't be familiar with the Sagas that have inspired this story. Nevertheless, this book is the perfect vehicle to introduce them to the old myths. My hope is that after reading this book, they’ll want to check out the Eddas and other books exploring the heroic legends of the ancient North.
One of things that impressed me about this book is how it so closely matches the mood of the sagas. It’s sometimes crass and often violent. But so are the sagas. By the way, the editing is great and the formatting spot on.
My only real complaint is that I found some of the language a little coarse. It’s true that by the time kids are teens, they’ve heard every swear word under the sun. But I think this story is good enough to do without some of it. It isn’t overdone. I just feel it’s unnecessary.
I’m also disappointed by the book’s cover art. This is a first rate story that deserves a better presentation. I can only imagine how many readers may never discover this wonderful book because of it’s uninspired cover art. With a quality cover to match its contents, this book would easily win over a larger readership.
Regardless of any minor faults, I'm excited to see what adventures the next book holds, so count me in for the sequel.
Eric Tanafon has spun a fanciful and quite intriguing tale that's something of a cross between Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Norse mythology. There's everything you would expect from a Middle Grade Fantasy book: it’s high on adventure, packed with tons of action, and filled with some delightful humor. There’s even some mystery and betrayal thrown in for good measure.
Sean and Fiona Cornwell are twins who have their entire lives turned upside down when they discover that they aren’t the ordinary teenagers they thought they were. Their parents have disappeared and deadly monsters are after them. To save their parents, they’ll have to go to Hero school where they’ll learn the skills of a hero before embarking on a dangerous quest to save their parents and stop the approaching End of the World.
I was impressed with how cleverly the author weaves the old myths and lore from the Norse sagas into his tale. From the ever-enchanting Riddle game to Questing for magical weapons. it's all here. Even hints to some of the more obscure myths make their presence. I lost track of how many times I had to stop reading and go, “Ah, yes. I remember this!” That was half of the fun of reading this book for me. It’s all very well thought out and adds a lot depth to an already exciting story. They don’t really teach this stuff in school. So most youngsters won't be familiar with the Sagas that have inspired this story. Nevertheless, this book is the perfect vehicle to introduce them to the old myths. My hope is that after reading this book, they’ll want to check out the Eddas and other books exploring the heroic legends of the ancient North.
One of things that impressed me about this book is how it so closely matches the mood of the sagas. It’s sometimes crass and often violent. But so are the sagas. By the way, the editing is great and the formatting spot on.
My only real complaint is that I found some of the language a little coarse. It’s true that by the time kids are teens, they’ve heard every swear word under the sun. But I think this story is good enough to do without some of it. It isn’t overdone. I just feel it’s unnecessary.
I’m also disappointed by the book’s cover art. This is a first rate story that deserves a better presentation. I can only imagine how many readers may never discover this wonderful book because of it’s uninspired cover art. With a quality cover to match its contents, this book would easily win over a larger readership.
Regardless of any minor faults, I'm excited to see what adventures the next book holds, so count me in for the sequel.
May 28, 2016
Kat Mandu says...
In this action-packed MG book, Sean discovers he and his twin sister are actually chosen by the Norse gods to help fulfill a prophecy – right as Ragnarok begins to lurk around every corner.
At fourteen, Sean is a video game master with a wicked sense of humor. Though his comical voice doesn’t disappear, his version of real life does. After a pack of monsters attack him and his sister at home, he’s whisked away by Norse warriors and teachers who reveal he’s got a Norse patron and a very shiny destiny – that is, if he manages to survive the quest.
Now he’s gotta rescue his mom from Hel and his father from the frost giants. He’s not alone – his sister is a Valkyrie, his best friend is a berserker, and his other friend Parvati is also a Valkyrie. Together, they’re trained to sword fight and use magic. They’ve got to go up against frost giants, wargs, and a traitor in their midst in the process, not to mention be the first ones to escape from Hel and all her minions.
Along the way, Sean discovers he’s got more up his sleeve than just badly-timed jokes. His inner dialogue often has him being a little afraid, even when he’s needed to step up – which he does, but not without some fear. For me, that was very real. You can’t always be brave after all, especially when you’re facing a destiny in which no one ever thinks you’ll make it out alive.
This is cute middle-grade story I really enjoyed. The flow was nice, the writing was excellent, and the plot just hit the spot for me. I loved the jokes and the interaction between the families and friends. The bad guys aren’t always bad and the good guys aren’t always good. The history was well-researched too, giving a nice twist while maintaining the Norse lore.
The only thing I really had an issue with was the lack of real surprise Sean and the others had when they found out they were backed by Norse gods and had real prophecies written about them and their lives were basically about to change forever. There wasn’t much of a freak out – in fact, Sean was just like “Oh, I got this because I’ve read Percy Jackson and I play a video game based on Norse mythology” – which was cool and all, but this is kind of a monumental point in his life and yeah, even though he was surprised and shocked for two minutes before training started, I still kind of figured there would be some personal debate about his destiny later. All the characters took it in stride. That was the only thing that really struck me as odd.
But either way, I loved it. Five shiny stars.
In this action-packed MG book, Sean discovers he and his twin sister are actually chosen by the Norse gods to help fulfill a prophecy – right as Ragnarok begins to lurk around every corner.
At fourteen, Sean is a video game master with a wicked sense of humor. Though his comical voice doesn’t disappear, his version of real life does. After a pack of monsters attack him and his sister at home, he’s whisked away by Norse warriors and teachers who reveal he’s got a Norse patron and a very shiny destiny – that is, if he manages to survive the quest.
Now he’s gotta rescue his mom from Hel and his father from the frost giants. He’s not alone – his sister is a Valkyrie, his best friend is a berserker, and his other friend Parvati is also a Valkyrie. Together, they’re trained to sword fight and use magic. They’ve got to go up against frost giants, wargs, and a traitor in their midst in the process, not to mention be the first ones to escape from Hel and all her minions.
Along the way, Sean discovers he’s got more up his sleeve than just badly-timed jokes. His inner dialogue often has him being a little afraid, even when he’s needed to step up – which he does, but not without some fear. For me, that was very real. You can’t always be brave after all, especially when you’re facing a destiny in which no one ever thinks you’ll make it out alive.
This is cute middle-grade story I really enjoyed. The flow was nice, the writing was excellent, and the plot just hit the spot for me. I loved the jokes and the interaction between the families and friends. The bad guys aren’t always bad and the good guys aren’t always good. The history was well-researched too, giving a nice twist while maintaining the Norse lore.
The only thing I really had an issue with was the lack of real surprise Sean and the others had when they found out they were backed by Norse gods and had real prophecies written about them and their lives were basically about to change forever. There wasn’t much of a freak out – in fact, Sean was just like “Oh, I got this because I’ve read Percy Jackson and I play a video game based on Norse mythology” – which was cool and all, but this is kind of a monumental point in his life and yeah, even though he was surprised and shocked for two minutes before training started, I still kind of figured there would be some personal debate about his destiny later. All the characters took it in stride. That was the only thing that really struck me as odd.
But either way, I loved it. Five shiny stars.
September 13, 2016
I will admit, I am likely not the key demographic for this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s an action-packed, MG fantasy concentrating on Norse lore. A little bit Percy Jackson, a little bit Harry Potter, but with a fresh, authentic voice. Great writing, smooth plot, good pacing and authentic dialogue. One of the things I think Tanafon really nailed here was the creating genuine —and individual—young characters. It’s difficult to get into the mind of a 14-year-old-boy, and many writers end up creating middle schoolers so prolific that’s it’s creepy. Tanafon does a superb job of capturing the right voice!
Because the story centers on understanding a great deal of mythology, the reader needs to know a little bit about it. Tanafon does well unfolding this information through Sean’s nerdy love of role playing video games, rather than a library info-dumb. Well done!
Recommended for lovers of fantasy adventure—great for readers young and old.
Because the story centers on understanding a great deal of mythology, the reader needs to know a little bit about it. Tanafon does well unfolding this information through Sean’s nerdy love of role playing video games, rather than a library info-dumb. Well done!
Recommended for lovers of fantasy adventure—great for readers young and old.
May 8, 2019
This is an epic fantasy/adventure story that young people will thoroughly enjoy.
Aside from a few minor editing issues the story is very readable and definitely keeps the reader hooked. The characters are all solid and are very real throughout as is the story line which twists and turns but stays focused on the main plot.
If you like dragons, giants, Valkyries and Heroes then this is the book for you!
This is a Goodreads First Read
Aside from a few minor editing issues the story is very readable and definitely keeps the reader hooked. The characters are all solid and are very real throughout as is the story line which twists and turns but stays focused on the main plot.
If you like dragons, giants, Valkyries and Heroes then this is the book for you!
This is a Goodreads First Read
September 29, 2016
This is a joyful romp of a fantasy adventure which refuses to take itself too seriously. There are monsters, drama, suspense and a range of wit from the dry to the ridiculous, depending on who is speaking. (My favourite line was "You rock!" - a parting word of thanks to a dwarf who had spent some years as a garden ornament after being turned to stone.) The tale is suspended between the contemporary world and the mythic Norse worlds, and displays a degree of familiarity with the classical Norse mythology which I found impressive. Eric Tanafon nevertheless allows himself the liberty of playing with tradition when it suits the story to do so.
Characterization is very good and the pace is on the fast side for fantasy (not a bad thing, and well-suited to the style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Terry Pratchett in Discworld mode, or perhaps Robert Asprin's Phule's Company books). Editing and final polish are at a completely professional standard, well above that of most commercial publishers.
This is clearly part one of a series, but it is a well-rounded and adequately complete first book which can just about be read as a stand-alone, provided you can handle the withdrawal symptoms. I think I'll manage, but I'll be keeping a hopeful eye out for the sequels.
Bottom line, a hugely fun read and highly recommended. I do prefer serious fantasy, most of the time, but I'm still giving this a solid four stars.
*I was given a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest, objective and non-reciprocal review.*
Characterization is very good and the pace is on the fast side for fantasy (not a bad thing, and well-suited to the style, which is somewhat reminiscent of Terry Pratchett in Discworld mode, or perhaps Robert Asprin's Phule's Company books). Editing and final polish are at a completely professional standard, well above that of most commercial publishers.
This is clearly part one of a series, but it is a well-rounded and adequately complete first book which can just about be read as a stand-alone, provided you can handle the withdrawal symptoms. I think I'll manage, but I'll be keeping a hopeful eye out for the sequels.
Bottom line, a hugely fun read and highly recommended. I do prefer serious fantasy, most of the time, but I'm still giving this a solid four stars.
*I was given a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest, objective and non-reciprocal review.*
February 16, 2021
Sean Cornwell is not Percy Jackson, even if he'd like to be. That's not always a bad thing.
The Road to Hel is a Middle Grade / Young Adult romp into the modern version of Norse Mythology, with heroes, valkyries, giants, and gods. At the center of the adventure stands Sean, it is his saga and he narrates it. From the beginning, he falls right into this world, as a gamer with a lot of experience playing Norse MMOs. He and his friends go on a quest to save their parents.
As I begun reading, I was turned off by Sean's reference-filled sense of humor. The abundance of characters introduced didn't leave too much of an impression on me, either. I kept getting some teachers in the Norse school confused with others, a problem I didn't have in Harry Potter for example.
That all changed later in the story. As Sean dives deeper, I gained a new appreciation for himself and the world he is discovering. I won't spoil anything about his character, but Sean's personality and manner of approaching situations is brilliantly tied into the background given. The imaginative way that all the Norse worlds are connected and modernized is a hoot, and each encounter with a god or mythological figure left me as stunned as the characters. The looming threat of Ragnarok gives each character a different view of life, death, betrayals, and consequences.
Once the adventure really gets started, this series forges its own identity and really, truly shines. It just takes a hot minute to get there.
The Road to Hel is a Middle Grade / Young Adult romp into the modern version of Norse Mythology, with heroes, valkyries, giants, and gods. At the center of the adventure stands Sean, it is his saga and he narrates it. From the beginning, he falls right into this world, as a gamer with a lot of experience playing Norse MMOs. He and his friends go on a quest to save their parents.
As I begun reading, I was turned off by Sean's reference-filled sense of humor. The abundance of characters introduced didn't leave too much of an impression on me, either. I kept getting some teachers in the Norse school confused with others, a problem I didn't have in Harry Potter for example.
That all changed later in the story. As Sean dives deeper, I gained a new appreciation for himself and the world he is discovering. I won't spoil anything about his character, but Sean's personality and manner of approaching situations is brilliantly tied into the background given. The imaginative way that all the Norse worlds are connected and modernized is a hoot, and each encounter with a god or mythological figure left me as stunned as the characters. The looming threat of Ragnarok gives each character a different view of life, death, betrayals, and consequences.
Once the adventure really gets started, this series forges its own identity and really, truly shines. It just takes a hot minute to get there.
April 19, 2016
Superbly written with a great mix of today's world and the tales of Norse mythologies. The characters, especially Sean and Arturo, felt as real as you could get as they traveled through several of the Norse realms to rescue their parents. I have always been a big fan of mythologies, especially Greek, Norse and Egyptian, and had trouble putting this book down as a result. A recommended read if you like sword & sorcery or fantastic mythologies.
May 9, 2016
I was allowed to read this book in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, the book it really fun. The characters are all well rounded and have distinct personalities. It really pulled me in with characters having knowledge of what was going on due to having played games or having had some other way to know the mythology. All in all, although I tend not to enjoy the old mythologies being hidden away behind the vale, I found myself enjoying it enough to want more after I finished.
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