The Fire Stallion
Author: Stacey Gregg
Publisher: Harper Collins Great Britain
ISBN: 9780008261412
RRP $24.99
Format: hardback with dust jacket
Date of Publication: 2018
Ages: 8-13 years
Reviewer: Nova Gibson
Job: Library Manager
School: Massey Primary School
Recommended
Hilly is a twelve-year-old girl from New Zealand and in this stand-alone story finds herself in Iceland on the movie set of Brunhilda where her mum has a job sourcing and adjusting the costumes. Brunhilda is an epic film based on the fearless warrior of Icelandic Viking legend. Once in Iceland, Gudrun tells Hilly about a Norse fire ritual and performs it on Hilly. who finds herself transported back to Viking times. Hilly becomes Brunhilda and their lives connect. Godrun’s intentions are that Hilly will experience the real deal and the movie’s script can be altered for accuracy. And so begins an adventure in which both girls, Hilly and Brunhilda, have to risk everything to save their horses.
Again Stacy Gregg tells a well-researched story. This book is inspired by real historical events, so the reader learns some Norse mythology and Viking history while being entertained by a fast-paced story.
The characters are believable and I particularly enjoyed the sibling rivalry between Steen and Brunhilda. Steen is so cocky and sure he’ll be handed the crown to succeed his father as king….but no!
I recommend this book for any child wanting an exciting adventure combining realism with mythology and time-travel.