Drang

Northern Frights #2

by Arthur Slade

The Haunting of Drang Island is a modern retelling of Old Norse and Icelandic myths. It combines all the best elements of the sagas: strong heroes, powerful enemies and a fast-paced story so full of detail it becomes entirely believable.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade. They are some of his earliest published works and each is a story based on Norse mythology. They were published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers between 1997 and 2000. The original title of this volume was The Haunting of Drang Island and is now published as just Drang. It is now back in print in this new edition.

Michael Asmudson and his father arrive on Drang Island to spend a few weeks camping together, while his dad does research on the myths and legends that surround the island. Michael's first night on the island he meets a strange, strong-willed determined girl named Fiona Gavin. Also that first night, both their tents are vandalized with animal blood written as a warning. Soon it appears that the legends, myths and tales of spirits, strange sacrifices and sea serpents that surround the island might not be that far from the truth. Soon Michael, his father and Fiona find themselves in mortal danger. Michael must make hard decisions, make sacrifices, and take risks to do what is right.

This book was an amazing read. As a teenager I too was fascinated by Norse and Celtic legends and myths. To see them come back to life in a modern day Canadian setting was amazing. Every time I had to put the book down, I regretted it and wished I could just pick it up and keep reading. The story is very well written, the characters believable and the plot full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right until the end.

Over the years I had tracked down a few copies of this book and the series to give to friends, family and our school library. I am very excited to see it back in print. Pick it up, you will not be disappointed! A great read in an excellent series.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael and his Dad travel (from Missouri) to Drang Island, for his father's research for his book. Drang Island has plenty of harsh tales and mysteries surrounding it. Their first encounter begins with Harbard, the man bringing them across on his ferry to the Island. Will they survive and make it back to their home? Or will they disappear like some others have on the Island? Michael meets another kid to help share his adventures (and at times encourage him to do bigger adventures). I enjoyed this intriguing scary tale (this time the focus is on Michael, the twin brother of Sarah from the previous book), the kids were easy to like, and there were plenty glimpses in the interesting Icelandic/Norse tales/stories.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael and his dad are on a research holiday on Drang. On the way over, their ferryman said that only one would return and refused to accept payment for the crossing as he said it was bad luck to take money from the damned.
Michael makes friends with Fiona and while on a bike ride they find the ferryman's cabin, take the wrong path and travel headlong into their worst nightmare.
This time it is Michael who heeds the voices of his ancestors and not only rescues Fiona, but stops Ragnarok from happening.
Happy reading. Annemarie

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drang (Northern Frights #2) by Arthur Slade is the second of three in this series. It was originally published as The Haunting of Drang Island and just re-released as Drang. Continues the story line based on old Norse sagas. Very entertaining!

I was given a copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short

This story of a modern occurrence of Nordic mythology was full of cliff hangers and history. My only criticisms are it was too short and might be scary for preteens. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[kathy bracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in series

This time !michael and his father go camping on an island. Not everything is as it seems and dreadful danger lurks everywhere.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three books in the Northern Frights series by Arthur Slade. They are some of his earliest published works and each is a story based on Norse mythology. They were published under the name Arthur G. Slade by Orca Book Publishers. Even though they are currently out of print, they are really worth tracking down.

Michael Asmudson and his father arrive on Drang Island to spend a few weeks camping together, while his dad does research on the myths and legends that surround the island. Michael's first night on the island he meets a strange, strong-willed determined girl named Fiona Gavin. And also that first night, both their tents are vandalized with animal blood written as a warning.Soon it appears that the legends, myths and tales of spirits, strange sacrifices and sea serpents that surround the island might not be that far from the truth. Soon Michael, his father and Fiona find themselves in mortal danger. Michael must make hard decisions, make sacrifices and take risks to do what is right.

This book was an amazing read. As a teenager I too was fascinated by Norse and Celtic legends and myths. To see them come back to life in a modern day Canadian setting was amazing. Every time I had to put the book down, I regretted it and wished I could just pick it up and keep reading. The story is very well written, the characters believable and the plot full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right until the end.

Note there are new editions of these release directly from the author as reprint editions.)

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This review may contain spoilers).

So this was another book that I read the first book of ages ago and only recently bought and read the next book in the series. I didn't remember quite as much from the first book and unfortunately, there was very little reference to what had happened previously.

I'm always very interested in books dealing with mythology - particularly Greek and Norse. So when I found a lot of references to Norse mythology, I was very happy and eagerly read... hence why I've now finished two books today instead of one. I actually couldn't put it down apart from when I was making roleplay posts - and even then, it was a struggle.

I would have liked to see more of the other two characters from the first book. And I have to say that Fiona irritated me somewhat. If I'd liked her as a character, the book would have been five stars easily. But although I didn't outright hate her, she did irritate me.

I have bought the third book and that's next on my reading list, though, so I'm still enjoying this series (or trilogy. I'm not sure which).