Theo Caldwell reworks traditional stories from Ireland in Finn the Half-Great (Tundra, 382 pages, $24.99, ages 10+), being the epic of Finn McCool, son of a mortal and a Giant. Finn first avenges his father's death by killing Ymir the Frost Giant, then is coaxed out of years of pleasant retirement with his beloved Oonagh when Eire is threatened by mortals. Giants, elves, magical salmon, serpents and sorcerers all have their part to play in Finn's great effort to save Eire and win back his love.
The humour and trickery of Caldwell's sources shines through, lifting it out of the humdrum war stuff of conventional fantasy. "Apart from my thumb-sucking, I'm not sure I have much to offer," Finn protests modestly, hoping to get out of a troublesome quest...
>> Link to article.
