The Raven's Ring Pin [Paperback]

John Anacker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2004

Fifteen-year-old Samuel has just moved with his parents to Yellowstones Geyser Inn. He has no friends, his on-line classes are too easy, and the TV has only one channel. Life basically stinks until one snowbound day when he decides to explore the attic. Here he spies a mysterious brooch and two ravens named Rag and Thokk who have laid claim to it. This ring pin with runic engraving allows the three to talk to each other and is their portal to the ancient Norse world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9–Samuel, a lonely and unhappy teen, befriends two ravens in the attic of a lodge in Yellowstone Park where his family is spending the winter. The birds have found a magic ring pin that, quite by accident, transports the trio to the land of Norse mythology. They are taken in by Loki, who causes Thor to lose his magic hammer, which triggers a sort of international crisis. Samuel and the ravens are sent to right the troubles Loki has caused and all ends well. Anacker writes as if he has swallowed a textbook on Norse mythology, and the story falls flat from its first workmanlike page. He does have occasional flashes of style when describing architecture and other scene dressing, but dialogue is stiff, monotone, and, in the case of the gods, a little too easygoing and modern to be believable. Samuel seems far younger than 15 and while he does show some growth by the end of the story, all of the other characters are two-dimensional. The conclusion, where Samuel's parents are transformed into decent people thanks to some magic trinkets, is probably the most far-fetched part of the entire book. Stick with the wonderful collections of Norse mythology by Padriac Colum, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Mary Pope Osborne, and, of course, Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire.–Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
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About the Author

John W. Anacker (Montana) spent thirteen years sitting behind a desk as an academic administrator. In 1999, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. He has spent his entire life in Bozeman climbing mountains, skiing and visiting Yellowstone National Park. He is fascinated by Norway, Norse mythology and birds (especially ravens). In addition, Anacker is an artist whose paintings have been shown in galleries around the Northwest and purchased by several collectors.
He holds a BFA from Montana State University, where he later spent three years as an assistant professor of painting, and an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to teaching at Montana State university, he was gallery director of their school of art, coordinating events, and writing promotional material, catalogs, and grant proposals.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (February 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738704334
• ISBN-13: 978-0738704333
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,734,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging story, February 28, 2004

By 

J.Kwall (Palm Harbor. FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven's Ring Pin (Paperback)

This is a wonderfuly written, captivating story for young people. It holds the readers interest without violence by challenging the reader. I'm sending copies to all my young friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun AND Educational, March 13, 2005

By 

Random Dan - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven's Ring Pin (Paperback)

As a sixteen year old and self proclaimed intellectual, I enjoyed Mr. Anacker's book immensely. It does not, as some other pieces of modern fantasy literature (*Cough* Eragon) merely beat aspects of Tolkin's work to death (orcs, elves and the like) but instead, ushers one into a world seldom touched by modern writers. I would agree with the editorial reviewer that it seems Anacker swallowed a text book, however I see this as not some horrible thing as the editorial would have you believe, but as lending credibility to his exciting work. In fact the reviewer seems to believe that, "No! The children can not learn AND be happy!" Besides lets face it, the books that he recommends are so dry they should be sent to flood zones. All in all a well written book form a well versed author.

4.0 out of 5 stars A great intro to Norse Mythology for young adults, September 29, 2004

By 

J. Fields "Kids Bookaphile" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Raven's Ring Pin (Paperback)

I remember my mythology obsessed youth when I discovered the Norse gods. Unlike the Greek myths, I had to go looking for stories of Odin, Loki, Thor and the rest. So, I was happy to find a young adult story rooted in the Norse myths. Although occasionally a little slow, the story included rich settings and an interesting hero's journey. I found the humans slightly less consistent in characterization than the ravens and mythical figures but still compelling. This isn't a novel to keep you up all night, but it's one that will keep you coming back to learn what happens to Samuel, the ravens, and their new giant friends. All in all, a strong first novel from a writer whom I believe is well worth watching.