Funny, exhilarating and a little bit scary; a bewitching blend of Norse mythology and urban fantasy. Following the death of their mother, Angus Jack and his sister, Martha, have moved to Australia with their father to start a new life.
They end up living in a bayside suburb, next door to a peculiar old lady called Reafen, who is a second-hand dealer. To Angus and Martha, Reafen seems harmless enough. But who is she really and where did she get all the weird and creepy stuff in her shop?
Reafen kicks off a chain of events that draws Angus into her world, into ancient feuds, wild magic and bitter rivalries, into the astonishing dramas of the Old Realm.
Fourteen year old Angus Jack and his ten year old sister Martha’s lives are thrown into turmoil when their Professor father moves them, yet again. But this time they have moved to a ramshackle old house for no apparent reason.
More intriguing is Frozen in Time, the curiosities shop that opens next door and the strange old shopkeeper Reafen. The shop is full of many relics, snow globes and old world charms.
The children soon become embroiled in a life or death struggle involving goblins, magic and different worlds. They uncover family secrets and a surprising history that connects them to their Viking past.
This is a terrific read, it is exciting with great characters, both good and scarily bad, and a storyline that will keep you entertained throughout.
It will best suit 9 - 12 year old readers.
Reviewed by Rob