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Thorfinn #2
Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games
Prepare yourself for the wrath of the Norsemen! That is, if you don't mind and it's not too inconvenient... Everyone knows Vikings are ruthless barbarians whose idea of a good time involves pillaging, plundering and feasting. But Thorfinn is no ordinary Viking! He is always polite and happily offers to wash the dirty dishes. Too bad his dad is Harald the Skull-Splitter, Village Chief and the roughest and toughest Viking of them all. Harald, Thorfinn and the other Vikings are preparing to compete in the annual Gruesome Games, held on the Scottish island of Uraig. It falls to Thorfinn to save their village, but in a competition where belching, axe-throwing, pie-clobbering and goat-throwing are great point scorers, what help will a terribly nice Viking with a talent for baking be? Thorfinn the Nicest Viking is a funny, illustrated, action-packed series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid , set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!
- GenresChildrens
136 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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June 6, 2016Thornfinn is a viking in the viking village of Indgar. Although he is the chief's son, everybody thinks there is something wrong with Thorfinn. He is nice, polite, and well mannered. He have earned himself the name of "Thorfinn the Very-very-nice-indeed". His behavior is absolutely unacceptable for a viking.
When the time for the International Gruesome Games comes, and all the competitors from Indgar happen to be incapable for the competition, it is up to Thorfinn to win and bring Sword-Blunter, the ceremonial shield, back to the village. The shield is meant to be with Whirlwind, the ceremonial sword, which was lost in previous games to Magnus, chief of a neighboring village. But would be Thorfinn able to fight all these ruthless barbarians?
Thorfinn and the Gruesome Game is an amusing middle grade novel about how being nice and amicable is always a win. The characters are enjoyable. Velda, the energetic girl who wants to help bring Thorfinn's inner fury out, is just unforgettable. The illustrations are funny, and a great compliment to the story. I see great potential in this series.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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When the time for the International Gruesome Games comes, and all the competitors from Indgar happen to be incapable for the competition, it is up to Thorfinn to win and bring Sword-Blunter, the ceremonial shield, back to the village. The shield is meant to be with Whirlwind, the ceremonial sword, which was lost in previous games to Magnus, chief of a neighboring village. But would be Thorfinn able to fight all these ruthless barbarians?
Thorfinn and the Gruesome Game is an amusing middle grade novel about how being nice and amicable is always a win. The characters are enjoyable. Velda, the energetic girl who wants to help bring Thorfinn's inner fury out, is just unforgettable. The illustrations are funny, and a great compliment to the story. I see great potential in this series.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in
February 1, 2016
'Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games' by David MacPhail is a pretty fun young reader with a lesson about being yourself when everyone around you is trying to make you conform.
Young Thorfinn is the nicest Viking in his village. He might be the nicest Viking ever, which his father, Harald the Skull-splitter, has a problem with. He wants his son to be fierce, especially since the village is heading to the gruesome games. Harald finds a tutor for Thorfinn to learn fierceness from, but it just doesn't take. Harald has other problems since his rival chieftain will be there and a couple of his best competitors are mysteriously out of the contest. Can Harald get his beloved shield back? Will Thorfinn learn to be a fierce Viking and lose his niceness?
The book is a cute story filled with funny illustrations. I liked the humor and I think young readers would giggle out loud. The comparisons might be made to another young reader Viking series, but this one stands on its own, and can you have too many Viking books?
I received a review copy of this ebook from Myrick Marketing & Media LLC, Floris Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Young Thorfinn is the nicest Viking in his village. He might be the nicest Viking ever, which his father, Harald the Skull-splitter, has a problem with. He wants his son to be fierce, especially since the village is heading to the gruesome games. Harald finds a tutor for Thorfinn to learn fierceness from, but it just doesn't take. Harald has other problems since his rival chieftain will be there and a couple of his best competitors are mysteriously out of the contest. Can Harald get his beloved shield back? Will Thorfinn learn to be a fierce Viking and lose his niceness?
The book is a cute story filled with funny illustrations. I liked the humor and I think young readers would giggle out loud. The comparisons might be made to another young reader Viking series, but this one stands on its own, and can you have too many Viking books?
I received a review copy of this ebook from Myrick Marketing & Media LLC, Floris Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 20, 2015
When Thorfinn and his father head to Scotland to compete in the Gruesome Games, it's a cinch that their crew will win the competition. But as it turns out, things don't go as expected, and their best competitors are either ill or unavailable. What's a Viking to do? Harald the Skull-Splitter turns to his second team, which includes Thorfinn, Oswald, and Velda. They end up saving the day, and Thorfinn makes a new friend in Osric the Brick-Swallower who, as it turns out, never wanted to play the role of bad guy and has been mistreated by his father. The book tackles serious situations with a light hand, and will have late elementary grade readers smiling through every page. Sometimes being nice does pay off.
November 8, 2016
Thorfinn is in trouble for making his Viking village look more cheerful for visitors. The villagers are horrified and even more so when his father Harald (the village chief) declares that Thorfinn will attend the Gruesome Games with them.
The Games are to be held on Uraig Island and they are taking their best burper, axe thrower and swimmer - but will Thorfinn embarrass them all with his manners and kindness?
Once there, Harald makes a bet with his biggest rival, Magnus the Bone-Breaker but it means the village is at stake? Will Thorfinn be able to save them once again with his quick thinking?
This series can be read in order or separately. The fun illustrations throughout also include pictures of characters in the front and Viking activities in the back.
The Games are to be held on Uraig Island and they are taking their best burper, axe thrower and swimmer - but will Thorfinn embarrass them all with his manners and kindness?
Once there, Harald makes a bet with his biggest rival, Magnus the Bone-Breaker but it means the village is at stake? Will Thorfinn be able to save them once again with his quick thinking?
This series can be read in order or separately. The fun illustrations throughout also include pictures of characters in the front and Viking activities in the back.
February 6, 2016
This is a great book, with an unlikely hero and a nice life lessons. Always be yourself. My son loves all things Vikings and so I know he would just adore this book. It had brilliant illustrations, a great story line, lots of humour and a few added extra surprises at the end that kids will love. A must read.
I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2021
My son's name is Thorfinn, so he loves these books!
March 12, 2022
Wow I almost thought that there was a new leader but thorfins father won
January 21, 2016
Light, Lively and Slyly Humorous Fun
From this book's description you might suspect that the book will be another fart/booger/puke gross fest, or possibly a super frantic slapstick silly fest. (I did.) Well, we would both be wrong. This is a lively, cheerful and clever tale loaded with gently crafted jokes and wordplay, and with a sweet and upbeat heart. (This series is part of the "Young Kelpies" imprint, which is dedicated to publishing fun, well crafted books for young, and sometimes reluctant, readers, so I guess I shouldn't be that surprised.)
Here, the setup is that Thorfinn is the Viking Chief's son, but instead of being barbaric and horrible he is unfailingly polite and rather mild mannered. When the Vikings enter into a series of games with other tribes, and when their contestants are sabotaged by cheating opponents, Thorfinn is called upon to compete and save his father's and the tribe's honor. Can Thorfinn save the day?
The book is well plotted, the suspense about the outcome of the games builds nicely, and the resolution is tidy and satisfying. But the real appeal for me was found in the gentle and engaging fashion in which the story is told. Thorfinn may be polite and mild mannered, but he is no wimp. There is a hero within, and that hero emerges in a natural and plausible fashion. Of possibly more importance, Thorfinn's dad is understandably perplexed about how he, a fearsome Viking chief, could have such a mild son, but he loves and supports Thorfinn just the same. The other Vikings are not confident of Thorfinn's likelihood of being victorious, but they root for him and rally round just the same. Velma, the angry girl who tries to teach Thorfinn anger skills, comes around on Thorfinn as well. I guess my point is that the entire book is shot through with a subtle, (and eventually explicit), "be true to yourself" message that seems just right for the target readers.
And in any event, the book is funny. And it's not cheap or obvious pratfall funny. There is clever wordplay, some unexpected twists, silly names, many funny Vikings, odd occurrences, and some deadpan funny descriptions of the action, as well as a number of sly throwaway lines.
So, the upshot is that a middle grade reader ends up with a good story, interesting heroes, quality writing, some obvious laughs, some understated chuckles, and a very engaging and satisfying reading experience. I can't ask for more than that.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
From this book's description you might suspect that the book will be another fart/booger/puke gross fest, or possibly a super frantic slapstick silly fest. (I did.) Well, we would both be wrong. This is a lively, cheerful and clever tale loaded with gently crafted jokes and wordplay, and with a sweet and upbeat heart. (This series is part of the "Young Kelpies" imprint, which is dedicated to publishing fun, well crafted books for young, and sometimes reluctant, readers, so I guess I shouldn't be that surprised.)
Here, the setup is that Thorfinn is the Viking Chief's son, but instead of being barbaric and horrible he is unfailingly polite and rather mild mannered. When the Vikings enter into a series of games with other tribes, and when their contestants are sabotaged by cheating opponents, Thorfinn is called upon to compete and save his father's and the tribe's honor. Can Thorfinn save the day?
The book is well plotted, the suspense about the outcome of the games builds nicely, and the resolution is tidy and satisfying. But the real appeal for me was found in the gentle and engaging fashion in which the story is told. Thorfinn may be polite and mild mannered, but he is no wimp. There is a hero within, and that hero emerges in a natural and plausible fashion. Of possibly more importance, Thorfinn's dad is understandably perplexed about how he, a fearsome Viking chief, could have such a mild son, but he loves and supports Thorfinn just the same. The other Vikings are not confident of Thorfinn's likelihood of being victorious, but they root for him and rally round just the same. Velma, the angry girl who tries to teach Thorfinn anger skills, comes around on Thorfinn as well. I guess my point is that the entire book is shot through with a subtle, (and eventually explicit), "be true to yourself" message that seems just right for the target readers.
And in any event, the book is funny. And it's not cheap or obvious pratfall funny. There is clever wordplay, some unexpected twists, silly names, many funny Vikings, odd occurrences, and some deadpan funny descriptions of the action, as well as a number of sly throwaway lines.
So, the upshot is that a middle grade reader ends up with a good story, interesting heroes, quality writing, some obvious laughs, some understated chuckles, and a very engaging and satisfying reading experience. I can't ask for more than that.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 19, 2016
Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games' by David MacPhail is a fun book for young readers with a lesson about being yourself when everyone around you is trying to make you conform.
Young Thorfinn is the nicest Viking in his village, maybe in history. Harald the Skull-splitter, his father and leader of the village, has a problem with. He wants his son to be fierce, especially since the village is heading to the Gruesome Games, and he wants to win his shield back. Harald finds a tutor, his friend Velda, for Thorfinn to learn fierceness from, but it just doesn't work. Harald has other problems since his rival chieftain will be there and a couple of his best competitors are mysteriously out of the contest. Can Harald get his beloved shield back? Will Thorfinn learn to be a fierce Viking and be less nice? Harald the Skull-Splitter turns to his second team, which includes Thorfinn, Oswald, and Velda. They end up saving the day, and Thorfinn makes a new friend in Osric the Brick-Swallower who, as it turns out, never wanted to play the role of bad guy and has been mistreated by his father.
This book is a great one to read when talking about acceptance of others, sportmanship, cheating, bullying and even when studying The Vikings. I think this book should be in elementary school libraries as well as classroom libraries. Children will smile and get the lessons without being hit over the head with them.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Young Thorfinn is the nicest Viking in his village, maybe in history. Harald the Skull-splitter, his father and leader of the village, has a problem with. He wants his son to be fierce, especially since the village is heading to the Gruesome Games, and he wants to win his shield back. Harald finds a tutor, his friend Velda, for Thorfinn to learn fierceness from, but it just doesn't work. Harald has other problems since his rival chieftain will be there and a couple of his best competitors are mysteriously out of the contest. Can Harald get his beloved shield back? Will Thorfinn learn to be a fierce Viking and be less nice? Harald the Skull-Splitter turns to his second team, which includes Thorfinn, Oswald, and Velda. They end up saving the day, and Thorfinn makes a new friend in Osric the Brick-Swallower who, as it turns out, never wanted to play the role of bad guy and has been mistreated by his father.
This book is a great one to read when talking about acceptance of others, sportmanship, cheating, bullying and even when studying The Vikings. I think this book should be in elementary school libraries as well as classroom libraries. Children will smile and get the lessons without being hit over the head with them.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2016
This was a light- hearted, fun read. As I was reading I thought that it would be the sort of story that could be read aloud to 7-9 year olds and I am sure it would make them chuckle in places (as it did me).
The story was about a very, very nice boy who saw the good in everything and everyone and never ever got angry. His very good friend, Vera wants to help him to become "normal" and teach him how to be angry.
Nothing seems to work.
The Viking clan attend the Gruesome Games and winning the Games and regaining the shield all comes down to Thorfinn.
An easy, fun read that would work well as a read aloud.
The story was about a very, very nice boy who saw the good in everything and everyone and never ever got angry. His very good friend, Vera wants to help him to become "normal" and teach him how to be angry.
Nothing seems to work.
The Viking clan attend the Gruesome Games and winning the Games and regaining the shield all comes down to Thorfinn.
An easy, fun read that would work well as a read aloud.
February 17, 2016
A friendly Viking boy ends up competing in a violent competition.
This was a good book for young children with a few funny bits and a good central theme (being nice works).
This was a good book for young children with a few funny bits and a good central theme (being nice works).
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews