Madsi the True

by S.J. Taylor

MADSI’S 11TH TRUTH:
If you must knock on a neighbor’s door after dark,
knock three times so they know a person waits outside.
Only ghosts knock once.

Twelve-year-old Madsi is obsessed with truths. She loves adventure, but only in the stories her sister Lisbet told her late at night in their Norwegian cabin. Madsi never expected Lisbet to become one of those tales. But one year has passed since her sister snuck out to watch the treacherous Northern Lights, only to be snatched up in the sky, or so superstition says.

When the Lights reappear, Madsi insists that they free Lisbet, and someone does fall to earth: a girl, Torin, who demands to be returned. Though Madsi fears the unknown wilds, the girls journey together with a village boy named Espen, desperate for some adventures of his own, to find a witch who can help Torin... and bring Lisbet home.

Yet some creatures aren’t as horrible as the stories claim, including the Lights: a haven for girls who chose them. But the lights must choose you back. While crossing forests, mountains, and a Viking graveyard, Madsi relies on the folktales she grew up with and the truths she hangs onto, as well as her surprising new friendships, to fight for her sister and ultimately find herself.

Three friends. Two sisters. One wild landscape.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Grief, Childrens, Historical, Friendship

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[S.J. Taylor]

Norwegian folklore. Sister love. Wild landscapes. Norse monsters. Unlikely friendships.

I mean, if you're into those sorts of things...

[Maria2000 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and whimsical tale with Norwegian folklore.

[KATHRYNE STEVENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic adventure with themes surrounding the power of stories and the stories that we tell ourselves. I went into this one feeling fairly skeptical and it fully won me over with its theme and emotional connections.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Norwegian-based tale of friendship and family. I love the growth of Madsi, the MC, throughout the story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really unique story. I went into it not knowing much about it other than the basic premise. I did not know the location or time period, which was great because I had no expectations.

I loved the folklore and legends. It definitely made me want to read more about them. The creatures and mysteries, like the lights, were sometimes scary, but in a more cartoonish kind of way, which is good for kids. Some of the scenarios reminded me of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I found myself not wanting to put it down.

I liked the characters, they were likable and well-developed, though not very distinct or memorable. At the same time the ending was just so good and definitely had me shedding some tears. I will read this one again for sure and I don't say that often.


Violence: 2 There are creatures that will supposedly eat people, but no people are eaten. No gore as far as I remember. There is a kind of zombie but I didn't find the depiction graphic.
Spice: 0 There's one reference to boys "bothering" girls while they're on the road. I don't know if this is just flirting or something more shocking.
LGBT: 0

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl that fell from the Northern Lights and I'm reading it when the Lights can actually be seen from lower Alabama??? Pure magic.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Taylor wove Norwegian folklore into Madsi's story. The chapters as Madsi's truths were really cool. I loved how her gift is a storyteller, and through the danger, adventure, and friendships forged, Madsi has to learn to tell and believe in her own story.

[Beverly]

A heartfelt story stuffed with Scandinavian folklore. It is a sister story but also a found family story as well as this loveable cast of young characters battle monsters and their doubts on an epic quest towards the Lights. The sister aspects of the story reminded me of The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Levine. Perfect for young readers. I enjoyed it very much!

[Ember Moto · Rating 4 out of 5]

a story of sisterly bond and found family with Norwegian folklore, Norse creatures, and magic all combined to create a heartwarming story that young readers are sure to love.

[CindyGil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tapestry of proverbs and folktales. The characters were a fun group to travel with as they search for the missing pieces in their story. I loved the idea of rewriting your own story as healing.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madsi the True: four stars, middle grade fantasy adventure with some "Frozen" vibes. I really enjoyed the Norwegian setting, with vividly described landscapes and auroras. The use of folklore and storytelling--as a source of monsters and of strength, and as an overall theme of the book--is great too. There's an interesting balance between introspective and action-based scenes, though I would say the overall pacing is a bit slower than the popular Riordan style of MG quest fantasy. The narration works pretty well, except for a couple of phrases that get over-repeated.

My experience with the plot reveals was a bit odd because for much of the book I had a prediction for what happened to both Lisbet and Torin, and thought I was picking up on foreshadowing that pointed toward my theory being correct. Except it turned out I was way off-track. Taylor's reveals do ultimately work with the plot she's set up, and I admit that my idea might be more suited for a YA-level work, but I do still think the direction I had in mind would have resonated well with the book's themes!

[Kerry]

Madsi the True is the plucky MG creation of S.J. Taylor, and what a charming adventure it is, indeed! Madsi adores listening to her sister’s stories, but she never imagines that both she and her sister will live them! Her sister disappears after she sneaks out to see the Northern Lights, so Madsi travels through the Norwegian landscape and its tales to rescue her. The titular character is endearing, loyal, and admirable. She befriends a girl who falls from the lights during her adventure and agrees to restore her to her chosen home while she quests. My little Bear and I enjoy the audio presentation by Nina Yndis tremendously.

[Heather Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was delightful.

Official blurb:

SJ Taylor brings Norwegian folklore to life in all its beautiful (and terrifying!) glory. Brimful of magic and the warmth of family bonds, and featuring a charming, stalwart heroine, Madsi the True is sure to delight readers both young and old. Highly recommended.

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy for ages 8-12, takes place in Norway long ago. Lots of stories from Norse folklore, finding yourself, family, grief, bravery, understanding others, etc. Very meaningful as well as exciting. Some humor with the 12-year-old boy, too. Good author's note, and an index of the monsters/mythical beings.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madsi the True was a wonderful read with my three kids! The story was captivating and exciting from start to finish — it kept all of us engaged and curious about what would happen next. It’s rare to find a book that holds the attention of all three of my kids, but this one definitely did. A beautiful mix of adventure and heart — highly recommend for family reading time!

[Kara]

Read to my 9 year old daughter. She couldn’t stop talking about it, so I asked her for her review…

Evie’s review: It was really magical and exciting, and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I loved it! 5 stars

[Kurt]

Griddle-cake days are the best ones of the year.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable middle grade fantasy book based on Norwegian legends, with some hard truths, good lessons, and the value of friendship strongly woven throughout.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warmhearted historical adventure embedded in Nordic folklore!

[Sugarbutterlibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent middle grade, somehow reminded me of Two Princesses of Bamarre.

[Jessica Lerbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute adventure but kind of a bittersweet ending

[Kristyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A swift and touching read intertwined with Nordic folktales.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely tale! I love the lore. It would have been a perfect read in the middle of a good winter storm