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Thunder Girls #2
Sif and the Dwarfs' Treasures
From the authors of the Goddess Girls series comes the second book in a brand-new series steeped in Norse mythology, magic, adventure, and friendship.
Twelve-year-old Sif is goddess of the harvest, with her abilities woven into her long, blonde hair. She also has special prophetic powers—she is a seer—but is reluctant to share them after a mishap years ago caused a big rift in a friendship that meant a lot to her. And Sif is determined to not let that happen again!
But when the mischievous Loki cuts her hair in a horrible prank gone wrong, Sif orders Loki to fix it. Without her hair, the crops in the land of Midgard—which supplies the wheat for food in Asgard Academy as well—are in danger of dying off.
With Sif and Freya, Loki goes to ask for help from the dwarfs, specifically, the sons of Ivaldi who are all skilled blacksmiths and strikes a bargain with them. They hammer and spin gold into fine golden strands along with a spear and a ship that will grow to full size once in water.
On his way back through the cave, Loki gets an idea for how to get more treasures by playing one set of dwarfs off against another. Envious of the work of the sons of Ivaldi, the dwarfs Brokk and Eitri say they can do better. Loki replies that he doesn’t think they can and that, furthermore, he’ll stake his head on it.
Is that a bet that Loki will regret? And will Sif be able to restore her magical powers to prevent the drought in Midgard?
Twelve-year-old Sif is goddess of the harvest, with her abilities woven into her long, blonde hair. She also has special prophetic powers—she is a seer—but is reluctant to share them after a mishap years ago caused a big rift in a friendship that meant a lot to her. And Sif is determined to not let that happen again!
But when the mischievous Loki cuts her hair in a horrible prank gone wrong, Sif orders Loki to fix it. Without her hair, the crops in the land of Midgard—which supplies the wheat for food in Asgard Academy as well—are in danger of dying off.
With Sif and Freya, Loki goes to ask for help from the dwarfs, specifically, the sons of Ivaldi who are all skilled blacksmiths and strikes a bargain with them. They hammer and spin gold into fine golden strands along with a spear and a ship that will grow to full size once in water.
On his way back through the cave, Loki gets an idea for how to get more treasures by playing one set of dwarfs off against another. Envious of the work of the sons of Ivaldi, the dwarfs Brokk and Eitri say they can do better. Loki replies that he doesn’t think they can and that, furthermore, he’ll stake his head on it.
Is that a bet that Loki will regret? And will Sif be able to restore her magical powers to prevent the drought in Midgard?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2018
38 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Joan Holub
347 books1,233 followersNY Times bestselling children's book author:
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 12, 2018
This was a cute story, but it's not necessarily a book that translates well from middle grade to adult readers. In terms of setup and plot I would probably compare it to Rick Riordan's books, but it's definitely written a few grade levels lower and reminded me most of the Lumberjanes prose novels in terms of actual writing style and complexity.
It was a fun retelling of the story of how Loki got Mjolnir and other gifts from the dwarves, but they made the story more about Sif [and her friends Freya, Skade, and Idun]. As a Loki fan I was kind of upset that several of his clever ideas get attributed to Sif instead, but I understand that goddesses in mythology often don't really DO anything in the original myths other than stand around and look pretty so changes definitely had to be made. I think this would be a great story for young girls who are interested in mythology but want to see more of themselves in it.
It was a fun retelling of the story of how Loki got Mjolnir and other gifts from the dwarves, but they made the story more about Sif [and her friends Freya, Skade, and Idun]. As a Loki fan I was kind of upset that several of his clever ideas get attributed to Sif instead, but I understand that goddesses in mythology often don't really DO anything in the original myths other than stand around and look pretty so changes definitely had to be made. I think this would be a great story for young girls who are interested in mythology but want to see more of themselves in it.
November 11, 2018
The second book in the Thunder Girls is a fun look at the story of Loki and the dwarves' treasures. Of course, since this is a series aimed at girls about girls, Sif and Freya play an important role in getting those famous treasures, such as Odin's staff and Thor's hammer, as well.
This second outing is much more enjoyable than the first. As I mentioned in my other review, the first book was slow to take off. The authors add some depth to Sif's personality (which, admittedly in the legends is basically, "I'm the pretty wife of Thor!"). She's a seer, but she's dyslexic, so her rune reading abilities are a bit sketchy. Also, the authors develop the Thor/Sif relationship in an adorable and authentic manner. They're only eleven, so they're both totally awkward. Hehehe
Loki, of course, is still the high point of the book. The god of mischief is just too enjoyable no matter what version. #sorrynotsorry
This second outing is much more enjoyable than the first. As I mentioned in my other review, the first book was slow to take off. The authors add some depth to Sif's personality (which, admittedly in the legends is basically, "I'm the pretty wife of Thor!"). She's a seer, but she's dyslexic, so her rune reading abilities are a bit sketchy. Also, the authors develop the Thor/Sif relationship in an adorable and authentic manner. They're only eleven, so they're both totally awkward. Hehehe
Loki, of course, is still the high point of the book. The god of mischief is just too enjoyable no matter what version. #sorrynotsorry
April 15, 2019
Predictably cute and follows the myths closely enough. Some of Loki's clever ideas were attributed to the girls, which is annoying, but I understood why the authors did it. I really liked their characterisation of Loki as a conflicted individual who doesn't know which side to be on. That is the essence of his personality in every version of his story, in my humble opinion, so I'm glad Holub and Williams agree. Can't wait for the next installment. Still waiting for Sigyn. *smiles sweetly* Oh, and Sif/Thor is the most adorable ship ever. <3
December 10, 2020
A decent retelling of Sif and the loss of her Golden hair, although it goes to say that a lot of changes where made to make it "kid friendly" even though I feel the original tale is kid friendly, I guess with the change of ages they had to make some kind of changes though.
The story did take a while to really pick up pace and it wasn't until about chapter 4 that the actual story about Sif and the loss of her hair started to take center stage, everything else before that was build up of characters and background story that ultimately did nothing for the story besides stretch it out and give reason to use a ton of Norse words. I get that its a Norse retelling but the amount of unnecessary norse words and characters that were thrown in was ridiculous, was it really necessary to include Thor's goats if not for just the sake of adding their names, they didn't do anything for the plot and could have easily been removed, and ended up just being one more element that was difficult for my daughter to understand. This goes along with mentioning all the other realms and other small characters that really had nothing to do with Sif or her story.
When the actual tale of how her hair become center stage it ended up being wrapped up pretty quickly and really didn't have that fun and spark the original tale gives you because its a wild story to be honest.
Also the amount of puns got out of hand, I understand its a kids book, but even my daughter was annoyed by them, sometimes too much is too much.
Overall it was a decent story but I don't see myself and I know for sure my daughter wont be reading the rest of the series (as she has explicitly told me she wont), the story just didn't have that spark or fun that either of us thought it was going to have.
The story did take a while to really pick up pace and it wasn't until about chapter 4 that the actual story about Sif and the loss of her hair started to take center stage, everything else before that was build up of characters and background story that ultimately did nothing for the story besides stretch it out and give reason to use a ton of Norse words. I get that its a Norse retelling but the amount of unnecessary norse words and characters that were thrown in was ridiculous, was it really necessary to include Thor's goats if not for just the sake of adding their names, they didn't do anything for the plot and could have easily been removed, and ended up just being one more element that was difficult for my daughter to understand. This goes along with mentioning all the other realms and other small characters that really had nothing to do with Sif or her story.
When the actual tale of how her hair become center stage it ended up being wrapped up pretty quickly and really didn't have that fun and spark the original tale gives you because its a wild story to be honest.
Also the amount of puns got out of hand, I understand its a kids book, but even my daughter was annoyed by them, sometimes too much is too much.
Overall it was a decent story but I don't see myself and I know for sure my daughter wont be reading the rest of the series (as she has explicitly told me she wont), the story just didn't have that spark or fun that either of us thought it was going to have.
October 25, 2018
The second installment of Thundergirls keeps its lighthearted, yet snowy Hogwarts landscape. I'm glad about the authors' approach to Norse myths. The book is slow and focuses more on characters and their development, especially friendship and inner values.
Girls don't have a big role in the adventurous Norse mythology, but the authors tried to be very faithful to the original and keep the girls in their roles, but give them also more credit in their importance. I like gentle Sif, as she wasn't transformed into a female warrior or something else (this will be Skade's part someday). Thor is quite cute and depicted as he should be (not as the Avenger).
I miss a little bit the more certain crushing like in the Goddess Girls, but honestly, there was perhaps a little bit too much forced crushing in GG.
I'm confident that also Book 3, Idun and the apples of youth, will be interesting.
Girls don't have a big role in the adventurous Norse mythology, but the authors tried to be very faithful to the original and keep the girls in their roles, but give them also more credit in their importance. I like gentle Sif, as she wasn't transformed into a female warrior or something else (this will be Skade's part someday). Thor is quite cute and depicted as he should be (not as the Avenger).
I miss a little bit the more certain crushing like in the Goddess Girls, but honestly, there was perhaps a little bit too much forced crushing in GG.
I'm confident that also Book 3, Idun and the apples of youth, will be interesting.
December 4, 2020
Honestly, I was so sick of hearing about Loki that I had to skip a couple of chapters in this one. He was annoying and not knowing wether he was good or bad for the majority of the book just made it worse for me. That's why I'm giving this book such a low rating. The first book in this series got a 5 star rating from me. Hopefully the next 2 books will be more 5 star reads.
I still recommend this series to kids and maybe teens and adults who love Norse mythology or anyone who might wanna learn about that. It's a fun read without so much Loki stuff but I'm sure there are many of you who will love Loki, so it's still worth reading.
I still recommend this series to kids and maybe teens and adults who love Norse mythology or anyone who might wanna learn about that. It's a fun read without so much Loki stuff but I'm sure there are many of you who will love Loki, so it's still worth reading.
March 9, 2020
I don't what make of Norse mythology being placed in a school setting with characters de-aged (this aren't Lady Sif from a particular superhero adaption!) but it wasn't bad and I can very much ID the "authentic" myths here and there (Sif's hair cut off). Young girls might appreciate the mythology retelling.
March 28, 2020
Though the story promised on the back cover doesn’t start till almost half way through, it doesn’t lag in the beginning. The characters are interesting and the stakes for those characters are high. Even though we know it will work out in the end, it still kept me reading to see how it would work out.
March 22, 2019
I feel as if this book progressed a lot smoother than the first one. Still struggled with a few words, but once again it is from nordic mythology so we expected as much. Cute story that my 8 year old daughter loved.
December 17, 2019
I didn’t know this story about Sif, Thor and Loki until I read this and investigated. It is fascinating how the authors changed the story and made it more complex and a book that kids and adults would enjoy. I had a great time reading this book. It was very good😍🌟💖🤩🤗⭐️
April 7, 2020
When Loki cuts off Sif's hair, she has to get it back. Without her long, blond hair, all crops in Midgard will die! That would spell trouble for the land. So her and her friends go on a adventure to get that hair back!
January 6, 2021
Probably better than the first one because I prefer Sif over Freya and you get to see more of Thorn and Loki. It’s fun to discover the other gods and goddesses tho but Thor and Loki are... well Thor and Loki.
November 27, 2018
Cozy reading
October 3, 2019
Eh- I picked it up as a lunch time read- plot was ok, but I lost interest pretty quick .
I think for the age group it is targeted for the kid will like it.
I think for the age group it is targeted for the kid will like it.
June 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book like I enjoy “childish” girl power Barbie movies.
March 25, 2023
3.25 stars
Read
June 4, 2025one of my childhood favss, when life and my reading phase was at its peak
dnf
October 6, 2025temporary dnf
May 14, 2023
I hope more books in this series are published!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews