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Odd and the Frost Giants
Odd and the Frost Giants
Odd and the Frost Giants
Audiobook1 hour

Odd and the Frost Giants

Written by Neil Gaiman

Narrated by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

The thrilling, wintry Nordic tale by Neil Gaiman, who weaves a magical story of legend and adventure that will enchant readers from beginning to end.

Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.

The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods…

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
Release dateSep 22, 2009
ISBN9780061962608
Odd and the Frost Giants
Author

Neil Gaiman

NEIL GAIMAN was awarded the Newbery and Carnegie Medals for The Graveyard Book. His other books for younger readers include Coraline (which was made into an Academy-Award-nominated film) and The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish (which wasn’t). Born in England, he has won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. You can learn more at www.mousecircus.com.

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Reviews for Odd and the Frost Giants

Rating: 4.496470588235294 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A fun listen written and read by one of the great writers of our time. I enjoyed good storytelling when I was young and nothing has changed now that I'm much closer to the end than the beginning and this is simply a great story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It is popular to write about the Norse mythology - it seems to be the fancy subject for the authors that don't want to write about vampires (and I am just waiting for someone to mix them)... And in most cases we either get one or more of them in the 21st century or we have someone from nowadays going back in time... or something along these lines. Gaiman chose a different path - a lot more traditional but without being boring. Odd is a small boy, living in his Viking family. He had lost his father (without the father becoming a hero) and on top of all, he is crippled after an axe accident. Both things make him an outsider in these times. And to add to the bad news, the winter is a lot longer and harsher than it should be. So one day Odd decides that he had had enough and simply runs away (in a way). Except this is the old Viking land - and talking animals and Gods are something you meet every day. And that's exactly what happens - he meets 3 animals that end up being the mightiest Gods of Asgard. And the story begins. Gaiman never plays off the naivete of Odd - he is exactly as naive as you would expect from a boy grown up at these time. But he is also a clever boy that uses all that he sees and experiences to make the best for himself and everyone else.Everyone knows how it will finish - all myths and fairy tales finish with the good winning over the bad. It is the road that matters and in the story of Odd, it is the small crippled boy that saves not just the world but also Asgard by using his wit and a bit of boyish ingenuity. It's a nice children story - it is written for the young minds but without underestimating what they can understand. Because the topics are universal - friendship, good and the power of the mind. Highly recommended for anyone that still carries the child in their heart.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This charming chapter book is about a little Norse boy who finds himself trying to help the gods. Neil Gaiman's elegant style is pared down without being dumbed down, so that adults and children alike will enjoy it. I know I did. There are several sweet black-and-white drawings to accompany the story, but they are not particularly necessary to the story.I would guess that this book is probably targeted at the 9 to 12 year old range. At a little over 100 pages, and with heavily leaded text, it could be one of a child's first chapter books. The theme of secrets and wisdom would probably interest this age group as well, which means that although advanced readers would have no trouble reading this book in the 6 to 8 age range, they may not appreciate it as much unless they also have advanced social awareness.I would say that this book would take an adult 1 to 2 hours to read, so perhaps 2 to 3 hours for the younger reader.Don't forget to read the biography!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    fun quick read. actually finished during my morning commute, as a passenger.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Fairly trivial. Would be enjoyed by children interested in Norse mythology, no doubt, but it's desperately obvious.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    brilliant
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I thought this was an excellent fairy tale that felt as though it had been told for hundreds of years even though I had never read it. Odd, our hero, runs away from home because winter is never ending (literally) and he can't stand to stay with his mother, stepfather, and multiple not so nice step-siblings. He encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle, who turn out to be gods who have been tricked by the Frost Giants. In order to bring spring back and save his village, Odd must go to the land of the gods and defeat the Frost Giants; no small task for a 12 year old with a bad leg and a crutch.I will refrain from telling more about the plot because it is a short book, but I recommend this to readers of all ages. The edition I had also included lovely illustrations by Mark Buckingham which added to the spare, wintry feel of the book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Odd is a small boy with a crippled leg, but he helps Odin, Thor and Loki defeat the frost giant who has taken over Asgard.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was the most adorable thing I did not expect it to be.

    I know just enough about Norse Mythology that I was catching all sorts of inside references and one liners. I love how magical and simply acceptable it is. I love what changes, in both the reader and the world as it goes along. I love the discussions between the boy and the gods, between the boy and the Frost Giant, and I had so so so so so much respect for the fact the boy remains crippled through the ending.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Odd and the Frost Giants is a magical, modern fairytale taken from the lore of Norse mythology. As a print book, it would be well suited not only to middle-grade readers but also as a longer story for reading to even younger children. As for the audiobook version, not only is Neil Gaiman a magnificent writer, but he's an exceptional narrator as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging break from reality.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A good read, too bad it was so short. I hope to someday see an extended version of this tale, because it felt as if there was still much more to odds adventures.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This review refers to the September 2016 Deluxe Hardback Edition illustrated by Chris Riddell.This wonderful edition combines a wonderfully written story Of love, gods and true magic with amazing illustrations by one of the world's master illustrators/storytellers inside a beautifully produced package which I will treasure. I really want to read the story out loud to my grandchildren! The story and the language is magical and demonstrates Gaiman's amazing talent (you can tell I am a fan). Buy it and cherish it!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This coming-of-age tale from Norway's Viking era features a boy named Odd and gods from Norse mythology. Odd's mother has remarried after Odd's father's death. Odd decides to leave home to escape his stepfather's poor treatment. He meets a bear, an eagle, and a fox, and soon learns that they are really the gods Thor, Odin, and Loki. Together the four set out for Asgard to free it from the Frost Giants and the endless winter they've caused to fall on the land. Odd's confidence grows as he overcomes obstacles on his quest.Readers of all ages will enjoy this enchanting myth. Children may be encouraged by the realization that they are capable of doing things of significance and of making life better for those they love. The “about the author” section is not to be missed. I don't think I've read a more entertaining author bio!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Odd is a young Norseman who leaves his village and encounters a fox, an eagle, and a bear in the forest, three animals who are more than they seem and who needs Odd's help in Asgard. This is a really sweet tale that is quite similar to the fairy-tales I read as a kid - talking animals, Norse gods, mean step-parents, and a happy ending. It's not an amazing story, but a nice way to spend a couple of hours. The illustrations are quite nice as well.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a fun, light, and very short listen, Neil Gaiman's Odd and the Frost Giants Perfectly narrated by Neil Gaiman (definitely an author who SHOULD narrate his books!), this book features a few of the heroes from Norse mythology, and is a great audiobook for the entire family.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A touch of Norse myth by one of my favorite authors. Odin, Thor, and Loki have been taken over by Marvel in my mind, so it was pleasant to see them in a different context. As with most of Gaiman's tales, this is full of wonder. A lovely little story to read at bedtime.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Viking/Norse tale about “Odd” (a good name, meaning tip of sword) and three animal “gods” the bear, fox, and eagle, (Thor, Lokey, and Oden) who help crippled Odd find strength and bring spring back to his village. Gaiman uses lyrical writing, with excellent vocabulary and use of alliteration in this fable.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Odd lived in a village in ancient Norway. Father perished in Viking expodition and Odd's leg was shattered by a tree. His mother remarried and there was no place for a cripple. He ran away to a place his father used for carving. Here he met a bear, fox and aneagle. Strange things happen for the foresome as they journey toward the Frost Giants.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My 4th-6th grade students will enjoy this delightful, quick read. We’re reading the hardback edition, which has wonderful illustrations, but I may have to play at least a bit of this audiobook. Neil Gaiman is a dream of a narrator.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    In every sense, I loved this book. I didn't give this book much of a chance when I first looked it over. Now I'm glad that I gave it the benefit of the doubt. If you are hesitating in giving this book a chance, and you're reading this, stop reading this and start reading the book. It's a much better use of your time.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Gaiman makes reading fun, and he again inspires me to instill a deep love of books, magic, and the magic of books in my children with this short novella about a boy named Odd.Gaiman's strengths are taking a world in which you can't imagine without his help and creating a world you can't imagine not knowing after you finish his books. Such is the world in which Odd meets Odin, Thor, Loki and Freya. Of course a crippled boy, who has lost his father and must deal with an abusive step-father could fall into cahoots with gods. And of course this boy, who is known only for his broken body and his unreadable grin, could defeat the giants who have put the gods out of their home.Bravo, Mr. Gaiman, again. And thank you for the biography at the end of this work. Indeed, I did read it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Neil Gaiman is amazingly versatile, and this short YA novel proves it again. Although it's aimed at young adults, I enjoyed this Norse legend with a modern twist very much. I actually checked out the audiobook version from our electronic library. Mr. Gaiman reads the story himself, and he does a wonderful job at that as well!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was really looking forward reading Gaiman's next children's book. It was a great read and a wonderful story.Odd is a bit different from the rest of the Norse community he lives in. One night he wanders off to his deceased father's cabin to carve some wood and runs into a bear, an eagle, and a fox...and they can talk. Ends up that they are actually the Norse gods Thor, Odin, and Loki trapped in animal shape by a Frost Giant who stole Thor's hammer (with some unintended aid from Loki). Odd, not having much else to do, decides to help them get back to Asgard and get their fortress back from the Frost Giant.This is a great story and it is told like a fairy tale or a fable, in typical Gaiman style. At times the story is quite funny and it is an inspiring tale about a boy just being who he is to help others. I really enjoyed it. This is a great story for all ages. Kids will enjoy the Nordic gods and their sardonic sense of humor; they will enjoy Odd and how a little boy helps change the world just by being himself. The Norse mythology is interesting and the way things are resolved without violence refreshing and ironic.I loved this story and will keep it on my shelf to re-read and read to my son when he gets a bit older (he is only 3 right now). Another great Gaiman book. Great illustrations and a quick read. Everyone should give this book a read through.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Everything I know about Norse mythology I learned from a superhero movie. Which, weirdly, helps a lot when you find yourself in the middle of a fairy tale -- that's probably not the slot it technically falls into, but I can't think of it as anything else -- that involves Thor and Asgard and the Rainbow Bridge, especially when the story is so short there's no space for the author to explain most of the mythology.

    Odd and the Frost Giants was sitting on my bookshelf, ready to be returned to the library because Rabbit decided it was not for her, and I thought "SELF, YOU NEED TO READ SOMETHING ADORABLE" and decided to give it a go. Gaiman's story is, indeed, adorable. I liked it a lot. I don't know if I would have liked it as much if I hadn't seen Thor a couple of months ago; I probably would have been a little lost. Also, on the one hand, I wish Odd had been less of a hollow character, but on the other hand, the way he's written kind of works with the whole fairy tale thing.

    The illustrations are charming, too. I think I'm eventually going to find a copy of this to stick on the bookshelf.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Odd's name means the tip of a sword, and is a lucky name, though he is not a lucky boy. His leg is crippled, and when his mother remarried after his father died, the man was not interested in having another child after his own seven. Tired of the unpleasant homelife with this man, Odd leaves with some provisions to live in his father's old woodcarving hut. He hopes to last out the winter there and start a new life, but things get more complicated when three gods trapped in animal forms need his help. Joining them, he goes off to help save Asgard and, hopefully, his home as well. Short and sweet, Gaiman's Odd is a very cleanly written book. There aren't a lot of spots with description or exposition, and the only backstory presented is handled quickly. Though set back in the viking days, the dialogue is kept to a contemporary level and the diction level is well-suited to the younger age bracket without being patronizing. It would be a lot of fun to read aloud to a young audience--I suppose my friends need to start having babies so I can read to them, eh? Won't hold my breath, though.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I swear that Neil Gaiman as a special hotline to the gods of the Norse. First with American Gods, then the follow up short story about Shadow in Legends II, and now this short tale which would easily fit in among the sagas. Odd is a young man who stumbles upon some of the most notable Aesir while trying to help out his family. Odin, Thor, and Loki have been thrown out of Asgard and changed into animals by frost giants, and Midgard is suffering under an unending winter. As is typical in much of the lore, it will take the quick thinking on Odd's part to meet the challenge presented to him. Most recommended.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was delightful. It was really more of a children's book than young adult, which is what I had expected, but it still held my attention. The story is written in the style of a Norse myth, and stays pretty true to the style without being too prosy. I loved Odd, and hope Gaiman will write more about him in the future. Odd is the name of a crippled Viking boy who battles the Frost Giant who has taken over Asgard. He makes friends with the Gods, Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freya; and lives up to his name in more ways than one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I thought this was a perfectly good story, well worth the hour spent reading it, and nicely packaged to boot. It didn't have anything especially magical or interesting over any other well-done retelling (or inventing) of classical mythical tales, in this one set with the Norse gods.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Odd is a twelve year old boy with a rough life. His father died in a Viking raid; his mother married a man that he hates; he shatter his leg when cutting down a tree; and the people who live in his village constantly ridicule and abuse him. So, in the spring, which actually is a supernaturally extended winter, Odd sets out with some food to his father's cabin to live by himself. He encounters a fox who guides him to a bear, who was seeking honey, trapped with its arm in a tree. Odd frees the bear and discovers that these animals (plus an eagle) can talk. They are actually gods that were duped into these forms by the Frost Giants that have taken over Asgard. The bear is Thor, the one-eyed eagle is Odin, and the fox is Loki. Can Odd get Asgard and if he gets there, can he do anything to help the gods reclaim their home?Odd and the Frost Giants is a very short, but interesting read. I think of it like Neil Gaiman-light for younger readers. Odd is the lowest of the low in his village. He is constantly ridiculed and is viewed as practically useless because of his handicap, but he takes everything in stride with a smile. This clever and good natured hero is also seen in fairy tales where he solves his problems in unorthodox ways despite being low in the dominance hierarchy. I like that real life problems mix with fantastical ones, like the loss of his parent and the abuse from his stepfather. Anyone can relate to Odd because, whether they are old or young, the reader may have experienced similar misfortunes. The story basically follows Joseph Campbell's hero journey, which I love. This formula is used in many myths throughout history, including The Odyssey and Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth. This form, coupled with the Norse mythological figures, makes the literature nerd in me very happy.I love Neil Gaiman's style of writing. He writes in seemingly simplistic sentences, but it's full of wit and humor that is instilled in all of his writing. The illustrations by Brett Helquist accompanied the story very well with his own unique style that I grew to love in Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. I really liked the story, but I felt it was more like a short story than a novel. I would love to read more of Odd's adventures. Although Odd and the Frost Giants isn't my favorite book, I would still urge both children and adults to read it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A lovely story about Odd the lame Viking boy who meets and helps the gods. Sweet and fun.