Release: May 4th, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N
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Twelve-year-old Abby Beckett is proud to come from a long line of elite Viking warriors known as the Aesir. She’s spent her entire life training to hunt the horrific creatures known as Grendels, the ancient foe of the Aesir. It was just like her mother did before she died. But there’s just one small problem: No one has seen a Grendel in centuries. The Viking Council wants to disband the Aesir forever.
Injuries to her father in an attack left him in a coma. Abby has no choice but to take refuge at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota where nothing is quite as it seems. She soon discovers the tables have turned, and a Grendel is hunting her. But when she tries to alert the Viking Council, they accuse her of making up stories for attention just like her mother did.
Abbey is desperate to protect her father and clear her mother’s name. She goes on a dangerous quest to discover the truth. It is a journey that brings her face-to-face with some unlikely foes. This includes a Ping-Pong-playing sea monster with a wicked backhand and a dark Valkyrie fond of bingo. Abby quickly realizes that someone at the school is trying to stop her progress and destroy the Aesir for good. And only she can unravel the sinister plot before it’s too late.
About the Author:
Sam Subity loves writing stories that explore the magic and wonder of being a kid and is thrilled to share his writing with readers everywhere–both the young in age and the young at heart.
When he’s not writing, you might find him running the trails of northern California, where the endless, winding miles past fog and ocean inspire stories of adventure and mystery.
Or he might be mowing his lawn because that’s what adults sometimes have to do.
But in either case, he’s very likely imagining himself fighting mythical creatures or at the prow of a dragon, ship feeling the wind and sea spray on his face alongside his own Viking queen and their two kids. His greatest hope is that in reading his books, you too may be transported to another place where, for a little while, you can exchange the ordinary for the extraordinary.
The Last Shadow Warrior Review:
I love reading middle-grade fantasy mythologies, and “The Last Shadow Warrior” did not disappoint and was very entertaining!
The author did a brilliant job in narrating the story. The plot glued me to the pages from the first page. I have never read about Beowulf and only have limited knowledge about Vikings and Aesirs. Hence, reading this book was a treat as I felt I learned quite a bit of Norse Mythology. Abby is terrific in the lead as she tries to start a new chapter of her life without her dad. Thankfully, she has good friends to help her adjust and soon finds herself on a thrilling adventure as she tries to solve a mystery.
The book oozes out action, adventure, drama, and humor that would entertain the reader. The author adds many exciting moments in the story, from Abby on the run with her dad to fighting sea monsters with her friends. On the other hand, there are also humorous moments with Grimsby and Iggy. I adored Grimsby and Gwynn and loved their friendship with Abby. Similarly, I loved Iggy and Doc even though the character only appeared for a limited time. There are also suspense moments as Abby tries to figure out the mystery behind the journal and what the Grey Council is hiding. On a side note, I thought the book cover was also gorgeous!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Last Shadow Warrior,” and I hope it’s the start of a beautiful series, as I cannot wait to go on another adventure with the characters.
