The Islands of the Blessed

This is the epic conclusion to Nancy Farmer's acclaimed Sea of Trolls trilogy, a rich fantasy adventure for young adults. It sees protagonists Jack, an apprentice Saxon bard, and Thorgil, a Viking shield maiden, embark on a dangerous quest to right a past wrong involving Father Severus and a vengeful draugr, an undead sea creature. The journey takes them through devastated lands and into the mythical realm of Notland and the fabled Islands of the Blessed. Farmer masterfully weaves together Christian, Pagan, and Norse lore, creating a deeply researched and suspenseful narrative that explores themes of justice, perseverance, friendship, and ultimately, love. It is ideal for mature middle-grade and young adult readers who enjoy complex world-building and mythological adventures.

The conclusion to Newbery Honor author Nancy Farmer’s captivating Sea of Trolls trilogy. The crowning volume of the trilogy that began with The Sea of Trolls and continued with The Land of Silver Apples opens with a vicious tornado. (Odin on a Wild Hunt, as the young berserker Thorgil sees it.) The fields of Jack’s home village are devastated, the winter ahead looks bleak, and a monster—a draugr—has invaded the forest outside of town. But in the hands of bestselling author Nancy Farmer, the direst of prospects becomes any reader’s reward. Soon, Jack, Thorgil, and the Bard are off on a quest to right the wrong of a death caused by Father Severus. Their destination is Notland, realm of the fin folk, though they will face plenty of challenges and enemies before get they get there. Impeccably researched and blending the lore of Christian, Pagan, and Norse traditions, this expertly woven tale is beguilingly suspenseful and, ultimately, a testament to love.