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Storm Hound
Storm of Odin is the youngest stormhound of the Wild Hunt that haunts lightning-filled skies. He has longed for the time when he will be able to join his brothers and sisters but on his very first hunt he finds he can't keep up and falls to earth, landing on the A40 just outside Abergavenny.Enter twelve-year-old Jessica Price, who finds and adopts a cute puppy from an animal rescue centre. And suddenly, a number of strange people seem very interested in her and her new pet, Storm. People who seem to know a lot about magic . . . In Claire Fayers' electrifying adventure Storm Hound, Jessica starts to see that there's something different about her beloved dog and will need to work out which of her new friends she can trust.
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2019
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Claire Fayers
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Claire Fayers writes comic fantasy featuring swashbuckling pirates, evil magicians, heroic librarians and man-eating penguins. She grew up in South Wales, studied English in Canterbury, and is now back in Wales where she spends a lot of her free time tramping around castles in the rain, looking for dragons.
Claire Fayers writes comic fantasy featuring swashbuckling pirates, evil magicians, heroic librarians and man-eating penguins. She grew up in South Wales, studied English in Canterbury, and is now back in Wales where she spends a lot of her free time tramping around castles in the rain, looking for dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 14, 2020
Another charming and magical read from Claire - this is like an updated Dogsbody, and I loved it! (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
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January 6, 2019Ohhhh I loved this book SO MUCH! It’s hilarious and magical and so much fun, with a fabulous mix of ancient mythology and a beautifully written contemporary Welsh setting. I defy anyone to read this and not want a Storm hound of their own! And I laughed out loud at every single scene involving sheep. SO MUCH LOVE! <3
February 14, 2019
Charming, funny and full of action. I loved Jessie and thought it was brilliant to read some of this from Storm's point of view. The magic and mythology kept my captivated. A really fun adventure with great characters. I love all the nods to Wales too!
full review to come
full review to come
February 23, 2019
This is fun. Blending Welsh mythology with a hint of Norse, lots of dogs, some pun-loving sheep and magic, this book mixes mystery and adventure alongside the difficulties of adjusting to life after your parents have divorced.
Storm (of Odin) is perfect, a pompous pup with a very high opinion of himself. I loved his encounters with the sheep, the postman and the cat. Anyone who loves dogs cannot fail to love Storm.
Jessie is a fine heroine too, a little lost and deeply sad at the beginning, but smart and brave and talented throughout. Especially when she’s making friends with the mysterious David and his scary auntie.
It’s fun and funny, clever and magical. Enjoyable from start to finish and perfect for lovers of dogs and/or mythology.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Storm (of Odin) is perfect, a pompous pup with a very high opinion of himself. I loved his encounters with the sheep, the postman and the cat. Anyone who loves dogs cannot fail to love Storm.
Jessie is a fine heroine too, a little lost and deeply sad at the beginning, but smart and brave and talented throughout. Especially when she’s making friends with the mysterious David and his scary auntie.
It’s fun and funny, clever and magical. Enjoyable from start to finish and perfect for lovers of dogs and/or mythology.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
April 29, 2019
Read for Kids Book Club
Wow what a heartwarming, funny little book! I absolutely adored it! Though small in page count it works, not a moment is wasted to keep the pace of the story going. Fantastic writing and it's made me want to try more of Fayer's books!
Wow what a heartwarming, funny little book! I absolutely adored it! Though small in page count it works, not a moment is wasted to keep the pace of the story going. Fantastic writing and it's made me want to try more of Fayer's books!
April 3, 2020
Storm of Odin would not thank me for saying this but he is the most adorable character who has absolutely won my heart. This is a wonderful tale of myth and magic coupled with a real-life family difficulty which will be easily relatable to many children. Claire Fayers is so sure footed in her writing and plotting, the story is packed with delights and Storm Hound has very rightly been shortlisted for this year's Tir na n'Og award. Lovely stuff!
June 11, 2022
A really great book that has everything a child (or adult!) could need: magic, humour, adventure and great characters. I have already recommended to my class.
Read as part of Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils organised by Cheltenham Literary Festival in partnership with The Reader Org.
Read as part of Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils organised by Cheltenham Literary Festival in partnership with The Reader Org.
February 6, 2019
Book Review is here. http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.co...
Blog tour coming soon!
Blog tour coming soon!
February 21, 2019
Storm Hound takes together Northern European mythology about the Wild Hunt especially Cŵn Annwn together with Welsh mythology of Ceridwen, and it has rescue dogs too- as someone adores mythology and who is devoted to her own Storm/Sleep Hound this jumped to the top of the TBR pile.
The book has it’s own deeply unique world but equally has flavours and hints of classic books and movies that wrap around you and make it feel a comforting familiar quickly drawing you emotionally into the narrative.
Storm of Odin falls to Earth on his first ever Wild Hunt and finds himself in the body of a tiny black puppy not the fearsome StormHound he truly is.
To his indignation he is taken to a rescue home where he is adopted by the Price family, chosen by Jessie who is drawn to him in her emotional struggle after her parents have split and she relocated to Wales with her father and brother.
But danger is on the horizon as strange people have come to seek Storm’s magical presence, and not with good intentions.
The narrative voice of Storm of Odin has elements of Stitch from Lilo & Stitch growling and making mistakes meets Thor in the original Thor (2011) all proud, pompous and slightly Shakespearean.
The world according to dogs with Storm’s twist is excellent from perceptions of obedience training to the section depicting Storm first encountering a Postman is sheer brilliance and I was laughing so much I was compelled to read out the entire section to the family who all laughed and agreed it was spot on!
Jessica/Jessie is sensitively written, a believable young girl lost and emotionally bruised by her parents split and the relocation from a busting city to rural Wales. The torn feelings of acclimatising to her new life juxtaposed with the guilt of where that leaves her relationship with her absent mother is palpable and heartbreaking.
I also loved the Bedknobs and Broomsticks flavour of the book with the fluffy white rabbit/hare shape shifting character of David/Morfan/NotBoy who is battling his own coming of age dramas against the well meaning but suffocating control of his ‘aunt’ the mysterious motorcycle riding Ceridwen.
Fayers is both respectful of the original mythology but is also takes enough poetic freedom to make the stories fresh and new moving the stories forward with new blood and new generations.
There are gorgeous parallels with Stardust by Neil Gaiman with the magical creature fallen to earth being pursued by a trio of magic-hungry villains however the darkly edged humour reminds me somewhat of the tongue-tied travelling Quack and his assistant with designs on carving up Elliot in Pete’s Dragon.
Overall this is just a gorgeous romp of a novel, with a love of dogs, a love for mythology, a love for Wales and a heart rending story that will delight and ignite inspiration in so many readers.
The book has it’s own deeply unique world but equally has flavours and hints of classic books and movies that wrap around you and make it feel a comforting familiar quickly drawing you emotionally into the narrative.
Storm of Odin falls to Earth on his first ever Wild Hunt and finds himself in the body of a tiny black puppy not the fearsome StormHound he truly is.
To his indignation he is taken to a rescue home where he is adopted by the Price family, chosen by Jessie who is drawn to him in her emotional struggle after her parents have split and she relocated to Wales with her father and brother.
But danger is on the horizon as strange people have come to seek Storm’s magical presence, and not with good intentions.
The narrative voice of Storm of Odin has elements of Stitch from Lilo & Stitch growling and making mistakes meets Thor in the original Thor (2011) all proud, pompous and slightly Shakespearean.
The world according to dogs with Storm’s twist is excellent from perceptions of obedience training to the section depicting Storm first encountering a Postman is sheer brilliance and I was laughing so much I was compelled to read out the entire section to the family who all laughed and agreed it was spot on!
Jessica/Jessie is sensitively written, a believable young girl lost and emotionally bruised by her parents split and the relocation from a busting city to rural Wales. The torn feelings of acclimatising to her new life juxtaposed with the guilt of where that leaves her relationship with her absent mother is palpable and heartbreaking.
I also loved the Bedknobs and Broomsticks flavour of the book with the fluffy white rabbit/hare shape shifting character of David/Morfan/NotBoy who is battling his own coming of age dramas against the well meaning but suffocating control of his ‘aunt’ the mysterious motorcycle riding Ceridwen.
Fayers is both respectful of the original mythology but is also takes enough poetic freedom to make the stories fresh and new moving the stories forward with new blood and new generations.
There are gorgeous parallels with Stardust by Neil Gaiman with the magical creature fallen to earth being pursued by a trio of magic-hungry villains however the darkly edged humour reminds me somewhat of the tongue-tied travelling Quack and his assistant with designs on carving up Elliot in Pete’s Dragon.
Overall this is just a gorgeous romp of a novel, with a love of dogs, a love for mythology, a love for Wales and a heart rending story that will delight and ignite inspiration in so many readers.
December 24, 2018
Storm Hound is a hugely entertaining and highly original fantasy adventure from Claire Fayers, author of Mirror Magic and The Accidental Pirates.
Everybody knows that dogs are man’s best friend, except for Storm Hound, the youngest hound in Odin’s sky hunt. Storm believes himself to be fierce, mighty and far above the ways of the domestic dogs living down on Earth. So when he accidentally falls from the skies during his first official hunt and lands on the A40 just outside Abergavenny, Storm is surprised to find that nobody on Earth seems to take seriously his important role of Storm of the Wild Hunt.
Worse still, people seem to treat Storm as if he is some kind of adorable domestic puppy. Twelve-year-old Jessica adopts Storm from a rescue centre and a tender relationship develops between the pair. Jessica, who is facing a life upheaval as she moves from London to a new home and school in Wales, relishes the comfort and companionship that Storm brings her and, as time goes by, Storm begins to feel loyal and protective towards Jessica too (although he is categorically NOT her pet - he is Storm of Odin from the Wild Hunt).
Some humans are aware of Storm’s legendary powers though, and suddenly a number of adults become unusually interested in Jessica and her new pet. What follows is a fast-paced and very witty adventure that leaves Storm with a life-changing decision to make.
Storm Hound is a genuinely funny narrative that is also poignant in parts and I know so many young readers who will thoroughly enjoy everything about this story.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
Everybody knows that dogs are man’s best friend, except for Storm Hound, the youngest hound in Odin’s sky hunt. Storm believes himself to be fierce, mighty and far above the ways of the domestic dogs living down on Earth. So when he accidentally falls from the skies during his first official hunt and lands on the A40 just outside Abergavenny, Storm is surprised to find that nobody on Earth seems to take seriously his important role of Storm of the Wild Hunt.
Worse still, people seem to treat Storm as if he is some kind of adorable domestic puppy. Twelve-year-old Jessica adopts Storm from a rescue centre and a tender relationship develops between the pair. Jessica, who is facing a life upheaval as she moves from London to a new home and school in Wales, relishes the comfort and companionship that Storm brings her and, as time goes by, Storm begins to feel loyal and protective towards Jessica too (although he is categorically NOT her pet - he is Storm of Odin from the Wild Hunt).
Some humans are aware of Storm’s legendary powers though, and suddenly a number of adults become unusually interested in Jessica and her new pet. What follows is a fast-paced and very witty adventure that leaves Storm with a life-changing decision to make.
Storm Hound is a genuinely funny narrative that is also poignant in parts and I know so many young readers who will thoroughly enjoy everything about this story.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
May 11, 2019
This follows Storm, who is part of Odin`s hunt, as he is left behind and arrives on Earth, where he is adopted by a girl named Jessica, and they both face grave danger when sinister strangers show up and take a bit too much interest in the local dogs. I loved both Storm and Jessie a lot, and I liked that the 3rd person POV showed both of their perspectives- Storm`s was especially great as he was hilarious in how he viewed earth and humans- and allowed insight into secondary characters (such as David) too. They all had their own plots, and it was great to see them unfold alongside the main action of Storm navigating his new life and dealing with the people who threaten his. Finally, I thought the pacing of this was absolutely fantastic- the mystery side of it was so intriguing and I loved seeing the story unfold and different elements tying together to create a really fantastic ending. This definitely delivered on the Lilo and Stitch vibes I was hoping for as well, which was great. A super fun fantasy that I`d definitely recommend, especially to dog lovers and/or fans of mythology! 4.5/5
June 27, 2021
An adventure book riding between liminal spaces - of storms and mountains, new homes and old and magic and myth, Storm Hound follows the story of Storm, a young hound of Odin's wild hunt that is dragged from the skies and forced into the mortal realm.
Confused, out of sync with the real world, he finds himself in the hands of Jess a young girl who has just started Secondary school after her parents divorced. She and her brother have moved from London to the sleepy back end of Wales & the small puppy (Storm) with unlimited magic power is adopted into the family.
What Jess doesn't know is that lots of strange, mystical people would love to get their hands on Jess' new puppy to either kill it or siphon is magicks for their own gain. Can Jess find it within herself to embrace the new changes in her life and take a step towards a brighter future?
A story of friendship and being loyal to your beliefs, Storm Hound is a fun, exciting read that touches on divorce and the complex discomforts that come with children being separated from a parent. Storm makes for a great little character as do the antagonists throughout. It would make for a super class read for Year 3+
Confused, out of sync with the real world, he finds himself in the hands of Jess a young girl who has just started Secondary school after her parents divorced. She and her brother have moved from London to the sleepy back end of Wales & the small puppy (Storm) with unlimited magic power is adopted into the family.
What Jess doesn't know is that lots of strange, mystical people would love to get their hands on Jess' new puppy to either kill it or siphon is magicks for their own gain. Can Jess find it within herself to embrace the new changes in her life and take a step towards a brighter future?
A story of friendship and being loyal to your beliefs, Storm Hound is a fun, exciting read that touches on divorce and the complex discomforts that come with children being separated from a parent. Storm makes for a great little character as do the antagonists throughout. It would make for a super class read for Year 3+
March 3, 2019
This is a funny and delightful book and readers will fall in love with Storm, the tiny puppy with a huge personality. Moments of great humour arise from the fact that in his own world as part of the Wild Hunt, although still a puppy, Storm of Odin is a large animal who runs with fearsome and feared creatures. When he mistakenly lands on Earth he has all the arrogance and behaviours befitting his station; only he is now a tiny ball of fur. The interactions between Storm and humans and the other animals such as sheep and rescue dogs and cats are priceless. The story has depth though, as parallel to Storm’s story is Jessica and her brother Ben’s struggle to fit in to a new school and new town following their parent’s marriage separation. Woven into the story is Welsh mythology and magic as soon people with different interests come looking for Storm and his life is in danger. This is fast paced, humorous and intriguing.
Suitable for 8+
Suitable for 8+
March 20, 2021
Storm Hound by Claire Fayers Genre: Fantasy Fiction Rating: 5/5
I like this book because it talks about the possibilities of magic and other worlds!
When a little Storm Hound called Storm Of Odin gets separated from his Storm Pack who are in the clouds, he falls down to a little Welsh town where a twelve-year-old girl rescues him from a dog shelter. Slowly and steadily, he learns to behave like a normal, not a magical dog. But some magicians on Earth know that they can use parts of a Storm Hound in a hundred different dark rituals and they are trying to kill this Storm Hound. Two other magicians are trying to protect this dog. The Storm Hound’s shadow fills a whole room when it is angry, so the bad magicians easily
Find this dog. Thankfully, The Storm Pack arrive just in time to help the owner and the dog get each other back.
I recommend this book to fans of Harry Potter.
I like this book because it talks about the possibilities of magic and other worlds!
When a little Storm Hound called Storm Of Odin gets separated from his Storm Pack who are in the clouds, he falls down to a little Welsh town where a twelve-year-old girl rescues him from a dog shelter. Slowly and steadily, he learns to behave like a normal, not a magical dog. But some magicians on Earth know that they can use parts of a Storm Hound in a hundred different dark rituals and they are trying to kill this Storm Hound. Two other magicians are trying to protect this dog. The Storm Hound’s shadow fills a whole room when it is angry, so the bad magicians easily
Find this dog. Thankfully, The Storm Pack arrive just in time to help the owner and the dog get each other back.
I recommend this book to fans of Harry Potter.
February 22, 2019
This was a fantastically enjoyable read. Storm of Odin is such an endearing character. He refuses to accept that he is a puppy when he falls to Earth, and continues to act as if he is all powerful. This leads to some perfect comedy moments. He is adopted from a Rescue Home by Jessie, who has just moved to Wales, and is dealing with some difficult adjustments to her new life: Storm is just what she needs to help her settle in her new home. Mix together three magicians disguised as Professors; a Not-Boy and his ‘aunt’; a dog’s new best friend in the form of a cat called Nutmeg; and, some rather hilarious sheep, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun-filled, laugh-out-loud, magical adventure.
November 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I was intrigued as soon as Storm fell into Abergavenny. I like how each chapter was either written from the puppies point of view or the narrators viewpoint.
This book is a about a stormhound puppy who just started his adventure by collecting lightening in the sky. However a spell was cursed which made him fall into the little village of Abergavenny in Wales and who should fine him but a little girl called Jessie who has just moved from London to Wales with her dad and brother Ben. How will storm get back to the sky? Who cursed the spell to make Storm fall from the sky and what do they want?
This book is based on myths and legends and could be used in History, Geography and English.
This book is a about a stormhound puppy who just started his adventure by collecting lightening in the sky. However a spell was cursed which made him fall into the little village of Abergavenny in Wales and who should fine him but a little girl called Jessie who has just moved from London to Wales with her dad and brother Ben. How will storm get back to the sky? Who cursed the spell to make Storm fall from the sky and what do they want?
This book is based on myths and legends and could be used in History, Geography and English.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2019
Will be highly recommending this one to the children visiting my library- brilliantly written, with so much heart. Really captivating story, setting and characters- and on top of all this, it's funny too. Will be including it in any school book boxes that ask for legends/Wales/Norse mythology/pets/magic. A book to champion and stake your reputation on.
January 22, 2020
A fabulous book! Full of humour, adventure and magic. It also throws in a little about families, separation and belonging. Wonderful characters and a great story, perfect for children looking for something a little different...
August 23, 2021
I loved this. A great mix of Norse and Welsh mythology Welsh and reality. The characterisation of Storm (the dog) the dog was wonderful, his pompous observations on life and humans were very funny. Great to have a book with no message just fun.
July 2, 2022
This is hilarious!
A great take on the view point of a hound living with humans.
Such a funny read.
Exciting and laugh out loud in places. Animal lovers will enjoy this.
Magic, adventure, humour and much more.
A great take on the view point of a hound living with humans.
Such a funny read.
Exciting and laugh out loud in places. Animal lovers will enjoy this.
Magic, adventure, humour and much more.
December 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this! Mythology, talking animals, magic and a massive chunk of whit and charm... just brilliant! Claire continues to write books which are just excellent!
March 17, 2019
Finished STORMHOUND. It's was definitely MG, but fun and enjoyable. I felt it had a lot of Diana Wynne Jones in its ancestry. 8/10.
April 6, 2019
Mythology and dogs and a fun read. There was no way I wasn't going to like this! Saying this the story deals with family splits and fitting in so is not just fluff.
April 10, 2019
I loved this book!! Laughed out loud several times and had tears in my eyes the last chapter. Perfect mixture of Welsh and Norse mythology.
May 5, 2019
This is a fantasic children's novel, also likely to amuse adults.
July 21, 2020
A fabulous middle grade book with an excellent plot and interesting cast of characters. I loved the Welsh, and other myths being woven in. I definitely did not cry at the end 😭
November 2, 2020
Quite imaginative and slightly humourous is although more of a novel for a 7 year old!
February 4, 2020
Whilst full of wild adventures, shape-shifting magic and troublesome characters, Storm Hound is foremost a heartwarming and powerful tale of belonging, friendship and trust. With subtle exploration into parental separation and moving house, Fayers’ shows through both Jessie and Storm that ‘home’ is much more than geographical location but rather a sense of belonging.
Fayers’ has created a clever blend of myth, magic and wry humour that’s perfect for fans of Maz Evans’ equally hilarious series, Who Let the Gods Out. I can only hope that Fayers’ takes us on more mythical adventures with Storm and Jessie in the future.
Fayers’ has created a clever blend of myth, magic and wry humour that’s perfect for fans of Maz Evans’ equally hilarious series, Who Let the Gods Out. I can only hope that Fayers’ takes us on more mythical adventures with Storm and Jessie in the future.
April 10, 2020
very enjoyable!
March 8, 2021
Quite enjoyed this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews