In so few words seemingly complete stories can be told.

The images created as you read Grandad’s stories to the boys about when dragons were fought and villages were under threat are excellent. The descriptions in this story are wonderful, but it also allows the reader to create their own images. We learn that Peter does this often and what we know of Grandad is he is a teller of stories, stories about the Cove’s history, rich in dragons, warriors, and witches. The story begins with Peter and his friend George going to stay with Peter’s Grandad at Campbell’s Cove for the holidays. However it is the way in which he does this is what was wonderful: by using characters to do the work for him he enables readers to learn alongside the children as they too hear the wild adventures of the past, hearing tales of heroics of Vikings and warriors, dragons and battles. He uses stories of an ancient time, seemingly simple, but with so much hidden meaning and history behind it, to reveal the past, explain a story and begin an adventure. What McLeod does is he has created a world of mystery and magic within our own and even in this first book, for even as I read I could tell there would be a second, is he has engaged readers. This is an excellent book, just as it looked like it would be. When I realised it was an ebook only I downloaded the necessary apps and away I went head first. The Viking’s Apprentice is the debut novel for author Kevin McLeod and as soon as I read the plot and saw the cover I went hunting for this book.

A fight for friendship and survival and a struggle against an ancient evil that takes them into the Caves of Campbell’s Cove and beyond. Peter must face a future he could never have dreamed of and learn of a past that has been kept secret for hundreds of years. When school friends Peter and George take their summer holiday with Peter’s Granddad it turns into an adventure that they will never forget. Could the Viking stories be true? Has the evil returned? Who can protect the people? Hundreds of years later strange things start happening in the town. History tells of one Viking warrior who rose above them all to claim the ultimate prize. What happens in Campbell’s Cove, must remain in Campbell’s Cove.Ĭampbell’s Cove is a town steeped in a rich history of dragons, witches and brave warriors.

The Viking's Apprentice by Kevin McLeod