Adam Shaughnessy

This is an enjoyable read, with plenty of adventure and action to keep young readers turning the page. Don't write this off as a "girl book," just because the main character is Pru. All budding detectives will see themselves in this story. The author does a great job building a story with ties to mythology (as others have done). as well as the idea that kids see magic adults don't. Although it sounds familiar, The Trickster's Tale is fresh and young readers embark on a new adventure. They will relate to Pru, ABE, and even Ms. Edelman. Prudence and ABE make a great pair, and it is fun to watch the friendship of two personalities develop. The secondary theme of this story is that Pru is grappling with the death of her father, a police detective. This element doesn't weigh down the story, but it does open the door for discussions about parental loss.

Read whether we recommend buying or borrowing this book in the full review at The Reading Tub®. You can add your review, too.… (meer)

It’s been almost a year since they saw Mr Fox and Pru is not happy about it. She enjoyed her time as an investigator and wants Mr. Fox to come back and need them again. Her father was a police officer and died on duty, it makes Pru feel closer to him.

Shortly after schools starts, Mr. Fox does show up, and so do several Asgardians. When the duo hear that Odin’s manor is occupied again they make their way up there to see what is going on. Expecting that things are going to get interesting again. They are right! That is where they meet up with Mr. Fox. Turns out Odin’s son Baldur has been murdered, Loki is blamed, and Odin wants him captured and imprisoned. Mr. Fox wants to have proof, more than just Odin’s ages old prophecy. Because Baldur’s death signals Ragnarok, the end times, is about to begin. That night the mansion is attacked by trolls and some come looking for Pru and ABE, but Mr. Fox was ready with a plan and got them evacuated to the Chicken house safely, mostly.

All of this world saving is taking place under the noses of the grown-up world and so ABE and Pru have to hide their activities from parents and teachers. And it also makes 7th grade a little more difficult. On top of that, their 6th grade teacher felt the need to pass on gossip about Pru, making the new teacher a bit prejudiced, causing Pru plenty of troubles. It’s hard enough to be a secret hero trying to save the world, but it is made so much harder when your teacher seems to have it in for you.

Over the Underworld is the 2nd book in the Unbelievable FIB series for young adults. I felt this was a very well written and thought out young adult story, and it used a lot of Norse mythology. It even brought up the question of destiny and fate and whether or not we are bound to it. Good story, recommended.… (meer)