Gutten i dragereiret

The first entry in the fantasy series “Skogland” by Thore Hansen. Fresh air of imaginative and unique world and creatures, written in a simplistic and easy-to-read style which fits children and young teens perfectly. Its content, while down-to-earth and simple, is also poetic and contains many wise lectures for the reader to ponder on. As for the series as a whole... read it. Or at least make your kid read it, as this is a series which would fit perfectly for introducing young readers to the fantasy genre while at the same time not aving to worry about your kid being influenced by lowbrowed bravado action and redundant fantasy tropes used in f. ex the D&D books.

Oh, and if you wonder what the series is about: The series ongoing central theme is definitely the balance between civilization vs. nature or civilized vs. primitive. This struggle is portrayed through the journey of an unlikely three clover of friends, the human child Kaim, the forestman Gwan and the dragon. These three begins in this book on a journey through the massive forests of Skogland (Woodlands/Forestlands), a journey which will explore the dynamics between the different intelligent races which inhabit it, the lifestyle of living out in the wild, cultural and racial identity, and unfathomable longing.

Long story short. A series shedding away from the usual run-of-the-mill D&D fantasy, and filled with a vibrant and well-realized world. The balance between humans, animals, nature and civilization is explored in depth and from different interesting angles. Easy to read, childish but wise. Definite read for children interested in fantasy and for adults interested in excellent children fiction.