The Sleeping Army

(Paperback, Main)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Freya is an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she is drawn to the Lewis Chessmen and Heimdall's Horn. Unable to resist, she blows the horn, waking three chess pieces from their enchantment; the slaves Roskva and Alfi, and Snot the Berserk. They are all summoned to Asgard, land of the Viking gods, and told they must go on a perilous journey to restore the gods to youth. If Freya refuses she will be turned into an ivory chess piece but, if she accepts her destiny and fails, the same terrible fate awaits her.

Reviews

Children will love the banter, the darkness and physicality of the tale * Guardian *
A wildly original, rollicking twist on Norse mythology -- Jacqueline Wilson
Guaranteed to bring gales of laughter * The Times *
Breathtaking, magical storytelling. I loved this book -- Eoin Colfer

Author Bio

Francesca Simon is universally known for the staggeringly popular Horrid Henry series. These books and tapes have sold over 15 million copies in the UK alone and CITV have made a hugely popular cartoon series based on the nation's favourite naughty boy. Horrid Henry Robs the Bank was shortlisted for the Children's Book of the Year award at the 2009 British Book Awards, the third consecutive year of nomination, following a win in 2008. She lives in North London with her family.