Madsi the True - by S J Taylor

About the Book

"In 1750 Norway, twelve-year-old Madsi sets out to discover the truth behind her sister's abduction by the Northern Lights, fighting Norse monsters and meeting new friends along the way"--

Book Synopsis

In this "warmhearted" (Kirkus Reviews) fantasy adventure set in 1700s Norway perfect for fans of Frozen and Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase series, a girl and her unlikely companions brave the wilds and encounter legendary creatures as they seek to rescue her sister from the Northern Lights.

Madsi has always loved the stories that her clever, strong-willed sister, Lisbet, told her late at night in their cabin. Madsi never expected Lisbet to become one of those tales. But last year, her sister disappeared in the night, snatched away by the Northern Lights.

This year when the Lights appear in the sky, Madsi begs them to free her sister--and a girl falls to earth right in front of her. But it's not Lisbet. This girl's name is Torin, and she demands that Madsi take her to a witch who can put her back into the Lights, where she went by choice. Madsi doesn't know what to believe--but if she takes Torin to the witch's mountain, maybe she can get Lisbet back. They set off, joined by Espen, an annoying (but surprisingly helpful) boy from Madsi's village.

Madsi has never thought of herself as brave, but as they endure the wilds and face monsters she's only heard about in tales, she finds unexpected strength. Can she also find the truth of what happened to her sister?

Review Quotes

"Bittersweet elements and loving but difficult family relationships will resonate with readers who know life isn't a fairy tale. Pair with Kelly's Lalani of the Distant Sea to highlight their shared focus on how stories shape lives--and the power that lies in how we tell our own stories."

--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Each chapter begins with a truth Madsi has gleaned from her journey, and the action-packed plot and cliff-hanger moments make the story compulsively readable. Madsi's adventure helps her uncover forgotten aspects of her world and encourages readers to tell stories and find the courage to speak their truth. With a strong-willed main character, sisterly bonds, and fantastical elements, this is a great pick for fans of Hilda and Frozen." --Booklist

"The book brings 18th-century Norway to life, immersing readers in the folkloric setting . . . A warmhearted historical adventure embedded in Nordic folklore."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

S. J. Taylor writes stories steeped in folklore and magic, where young protagonists tackle big adventures and bigger questions. Although she grew up in Arizona's desert, her heart yearns for the Nordic lands. When she's not writing, she can often be found knitting yet another sweater (sweater weather is the best weather). She lives with her family in Connecticut. Visit her at SJTaylorbooks.com.