Book Review - George

A Book Review on Vulgar the Viking and the Great Gulp Games by Odin Redbeard

This book is about a lame, determined boy named Vulgar who enters a sport competition against his biggest rival (Gunnar). They both participate in five events: Hammer Throw, Goat Hurdling, Ice Swimming, Walrus Fighting, and Reindeer Racing. In all of the events one of the competitors cheated. In hammer throwing, Gunnar covered the hammer’s handle with a slippery, thick grease. In walrus wrestling, Vulgar ate whale meat which smelled so bad it knocked the walrus out! In the goat hurdling event, Vulgar made a goat angry so it charged at Gunnar! In the reindeer racing, Gunnar got the superior reindeer that was a lot faster the old one Vulgar got left with. In the final event, the ice swimming, Gunnar had covered himself in whale bladder to keep himself warm and more buoyant. Vulgar’s dog, Grunt, had jumped into the water and swam after them. Vulgar didn’t let on it was his dog when Gunnar believed it to be a Polar bear so Gunnar got out the water at the half way island but Vulgar carried on to claim his victory.

Princess Freya had tried to train Vulgar up but it didn’t make a difference. In the end, King Olaf awarded Vulgar with the Skull cup (the accolade for winning). Also, as a surprise reward, Vulgar got to dance with Freya for the whole night but he actually loathed her on the account that she’d been so bossy! This teaches us winning doesn’t always turn out to be the best thing. The story also helps us understand how the Viking life differs from our modern life. Vulgar had a very close friend called Knut who cheered him throughout all the events.

I would rate this 9/10 and it has made me want to buy another book by the same author. I would recommend this book for 7-10 year olds because it’s a funny short book which is both enjoyable and educational. I enjoyed the twist at the end where Vulgar’s prize was the Skull Cup ....and to dance with the girl he hates all night!