Mott lives with her mom in a Culver City, California apartment. They moved there from Pennsylvania, but Mott misses her best friend and the Root Beet review internet show they did together. The plot takes off in a hurry as Mott finds an abandoned puppy in a recycling bin. She does the right thing and takes the cute little guy to animal shelter as her apartment doesn’t allow dogs.
The next surprise comes when the shelter informs her Fenris is actually a wolf. But that’s not all—later we discover Fenris is a legend from Norse Mythology and is destined to end the world by eating the moon. He escapes from the shelter and Mott keeps her vow to protect him even though lamposts, cars, and people are on his diet. The Norse gods are determined to see the future of Fenris play out as written although Mott will do anything to rescue Fenris and save the world from ending.
Sounds like a 400 page plot, but you get the full story in a tidy 208. That number alone along with the cover will for sure recruit new readers.
This is a fun adventure fantasy with of course a few serious environmental undertones. The pace is fast and you’ll be smiling or laughing at a few of the amusing lines. The third person narration let’s the action unfold for you to enjoy. Great for new fantasy readers and those interested in Norse Mythology.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 2, 2022
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FENRIS & MOTT by Greg van Eekhout
- By the way this ended, I can see a sequel as a next step. You’d certainly want to spend more time with Fenris & Mott, especially with this plot twisting climatic end and a new direction the story would take.
- Sidekick Thrudi who they meet in a park, knows all about the problems that lie ahead for our present world. She’s a sword carrying arrival from Norse mythology and is a strong addition to the tale.
- A perfect introduction for those of us who didn’t know a lot about the mythology of Scandinavia.
- I was taken back a little when Fenris devours a human in one bite. Not to worry. The intended audience will have no nightmares after finding out what eventually happens to these humans including a typecast Hollywood actor.
- The bond between animals and companion is a strong thread and animal lovers will understand immediately.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greg van Eekhout is the author of several novels for young readers, including Weird Kid (“A heartfelt, pitch-perfect middle grade novel”—Publishers Weekly, starred review); Cog; and Voyage of the Dogs. He lives in San Diego, California, with his astronomy/physics professor wife and two dogs. He’s worked as an educational software developer, ice-cream scooper, part-time college instructor, and telemarketer. Being a writer is the only job he’s ever actually liked. You can find more about Greg at his website: www.writingandsnacks.com.
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Thanks for stopping by for my post in this week’s edition of MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Comments are welcome below.
Always in the Middle... 
I’ve read all of this author’s books and can’t wait to read this one too.
I’ve loved his work since Kid vs. Squid. Thanks for this great review, and hope back to school prep is going well. Maybe you’ll post what you’re up to this year?
What a great cover that will appeal to readers. I saw a movie on Netflix about a girl who adopts a dog (really a wolf) and it was quite moving. As an animal lover, this would even appeal to me. As would the Scandinavian mythology. Great share today!
This sounds like an unusual story. I do love mythology, and Norse mythology doesn’t get much play. I will try to check this one out. Thanks for the review.
Norse mythology is always fun to adapt. This book makes me think of Sky Wolves by Livi Michaels about a bunch of dogs who try to stop Ragnarok (it’s great fun!)
What an original idea. Thanks for sharing this unique book!
Sounds really interesting.