Halli Sveinsson has grown up in the House of Svein, listening to the legends of the heroes as all his forefathers did. His is a peaceful society where the violence of the past has been outlawed and disputes are settled by the Council. But young Halli has never quite seemed to fit in with the others. For starters, he was not at all handsome or tall, like his attractive blond siblings. He’s stumpy and swarthy, with a quick mind and aptitude for getting in trouble. Bored with the everyday chores and sheep herding, he can’t help himself from playing practical jokes on everyone, from Eyjolf the old servant, to his brother and sister. But when he plays a trick on Ragnor of the House of Hakonsson, he goes too far, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter his destiny. Because of it, Halli will have to leave home and go on a hero’s quest. Along the way, he will encounter highway robbers, terrifying monsters, and a girl who may finally be his match. In the end, he will discover the truth about the legends, his family, and himself.

I have always been a fan of Jonathan Stroud since his Barthalemous book trilogy which really pulled me in, I was expecting a book just as good as those set. And this book was in the young adult section and I honestly don’t care as long as its a good well written story, so I started reading it and getting more and more into it. A Valley with only certain number of tribes and one young man who is determined to find his own path. After reading the book I just felt that it just didn’t live up to my expectations, its not a bad book but I wish I didn’t waste my time on it since there are a lot of better books out there and I have on a pile waiting to go.

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