i liked this. especially that chapter where the suspense was so delicious. lots of funny quips, too. ( )

I feel really torn about this book. On the one hand, it's a brilliant contemporary Icelandic saga -- one that uses all the traditional tropes (even the old nurses' warnings!), that sets up the Hero's journey in just the same way, that contrasts the present-day action with traditional stories as a foil -- it's incredibly well done, and a feat of storytelling. Also, the audio book reader is tremendous.

On the other hand, partly because it's a historical form, the pacing is terrible. Frankly, it's boring. Deeply, deeply boring. And way, way, way too long. I'm leaving off at the end of part 4? or 5? out of 11, and the idea of spending the requisite 6-7 hours more to finish it fills me with anxiety. If I was passing the evening in a dark and smoky hall and this was the entertainment over a week or two, I would be riveted and the pacing would be perfect. Alas for the terrible influence of modern life.

It was ok? Parts of the story were interesting and I thought it was a pretty good viking-esque world that the author created but it wasnt actually that good of a read. I know this author is fond of his anti heros and unlikable protagonists but I didnt dislike the MC so much as find him boring. I did like the end though. ( )

I didn't quite know what to expect from this novel, since I had previously only read Stroud's (admittedly excellent) Bartimaeus trilogy, but I figured that seeing him tackle a story set in Viking times was worth a try. Stroud sets the story ina valley settlement that was established by a group of twelve viking heroes in ages past, eaching setting up a house to lead sections of the valley's people and working cooperatively together to maintain peace. Yet, life in the valley is dull for our protagonist Halli, the second son of the one of the valley's chiefs, and his inquisitive nature does nothing but get him into trouble. As much as we can see that Halli needs to find a better way to channel his intellect and energym causing problems for his family comes to a head when he and his equally ne-er do well uncle provoke one of the other families to the point where they murder his uncle. When diplomatic justice fails Halli is forced by his own determination to attempt vengeance, but because he's kind of an idiot and clearly not meant to be a cold-blooded murderer like the "heroes" of old, everything ends up in an even bigger mess. The whole situation just goes to show that not everyone can abide by living in confinement, and testing the boundaries of the known world is a far better way to channel energy than to turn it inwards. The final climax of the novel really underscores this idea, as Halli discovers that he and his people are trapped in the valley by their own superstitions which have become manifest in the supernatural trows. It was definitely an unexpected turn in the story, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Stroud's complex storytelling! ( )

Set in a Viking base world the story follows Halli a boy of mischief and pranks. When he pulls a prank that went too far setting off a chain of event that calls for heroes of the old ways to rise again.

I really enjoy this book with Halli and his not so incent ways. There is humor spread evenly throughout the book. There are times when it gets dark. Like when Halli and Aud cross over the cairns I felt creep out.
Also, like how there are people that believe in the legends of the heroes and people that don't. The story does keep you guessing whether their Trow or not.

I'm mix about the ending, don't like how it gone a little too far. It could have been done differently, even those I like there a little twist that I didn't see coming.

This is the first book I read by Jonathan Stroud, I will be reading more of his books.
Heroes of the Valley will be something to treasure for years to come. ( )