Sunday, July 14, 2013

Review of "Troll Blood" by Peter Dickinson

"Troll Blood" by Peter Dickinson appeared in the September/October 2012 issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction.  "A woman, affectionately nicknamed 'troll' by her family that, according to Nordic mythic tradition, has a smattering of troll in its bloodline, partners with an eccentric professor whose life's work is the translation of a badly damaged book of Nordic legends."

The story moves slowly, sometimes painfully so, with no significant speculative element until near the end.  Those who find the more tedious aspects of archeology and scholarship will find the first three quarters of the story fascinating.  Those who do not will be glad they persevered to reach the exciting climax which is reminiscent of Beowulf.

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