The Last Vikings, by S P Grey (Hall Publishing, £6.99)

10:51am Saturday 22nd March 2008

THE Last Vikings tells about how Vikings are still living in York - in streets and snickelways magically hidden from the sight of modern humans - and how they are threatened by Maledict and his army.

Peter, a modern schoolboy who has recently moved to York, discovers the hidden Vikings and promptly, like any good hero, sets off on a wild adventure. He is accompanied by a bossy princess - who can, incidentally, fly - and Dunstable, a cowardly wreck who does prove useful at times.

Written by SP Grey, an author from York, the book is aimed at children aged ten to 13 years. I have read many fantasy books and this book is certainly not a half-baked imitation of The Lord Of The Rings. The Last Vikings is a good idea that I have never encountered before.

What makes the book better is that nearly all of the history is true, the story is believable (compared with other books) and it is set in York. Its only letdown (as a nitpicker) is that there are some historical inaccuracies, but nothing significant. It is a moderately long book so it would be suitable as a holiday read.

• Thomas Rychlik, aged 13

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