I have just read Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston and loved it. Sometimes there seems to be not as many brilliant books marketed for teenage boys, but this one fills that gap, and would suit any reader in that early teen category of around 11-14. Viggo and his mum head off to Shetland when Viggo’s older brother goes off-radar after working at an archaeological dig. There’s some fab characters, brilliant settings, and magic realist elements steeped in Norse mythology. (I particularly enjoyed the deeply annoying tech bro funding the project, whose real-life inspiration is so clear!) Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed reading this book, I found Viggo very likable and I could really appreciate how he was going back and forth between the resentment of having to put his social life on hold to go and look for him (as he doesn't truly believe he's in trouble) and his concern actually growing as the story unfolds. equally, his relationship with his mother and the frustration at her decision making at times as well as his suspicion towards Leon, he definitely comes across as the only sane person at times. But his mother is driven by the trauma of his father disappearing five years ago and I really felt for her, left alone to raise to teenage boys, not knowing what happened to her husband and now potentially the same thing happening to her eldest son.
I like the overarching idea that family is family and, no matter how infuriating or annoying we find them at times, we still love them and look out for them, I hope this comes through and resonates with younger audiences as well. The Viking historical elements that runs through the book are very interesting and I found the Shetland description very realistic and satisfying as a reader.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.

This book is amazing. It interweaves norse mythology with a young boys journey of self discovery and reunification of a family torn apart by the departure of a father.
The book also includes additional material that highlights the areas described in the book so you can see videos of the actual island its based on. Just amazing.
I felt very satisfied with the ending and felt there was scope for another book of a similar theme by this author.
Felt very realistic.

Enjoyable and exciting adventure on present-day Shetland that weaves Norse mythology into a family mystery.