brilliant ... entertaining ... educational
* BBC Radio Ulster's John Toal Show *
'an exciting, entertaining and highly informative journey back in time to when the Vikings arrived in Ireland ... indepth insight ... packed full of fun quizzes, intriguing facts and clever illustrations about Viking life, which all keep the reader fully engaged ... most suitable for use with third to sixth class pupils. It fits perfectly into the 'Early Peoples and Ancient Societies' strand in the history curriculum. Pupils will be learning about a significant part of history in a fun way - the best way to bring history alive ... well written in a humourous, quirky way, full of action and excitement! I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend it. Additional teaching resources can be accessed at www.obrien.ie' reviewed by Alice Holland, Co Clare
* InTouch Magazine *
Both written and illustrated by John Farrelly, The Vikings is the fantastic first book in a new series, Deadly Irish History, with great potential. Ireland has such rich history and books like these are a great way of introducing children to it. The book, Farrelly's first, has been very well researched. It is jam-packed with fascinating facts and stories about who the Vikings were, their way of life and their myths and legends. The author's sense of humour is used in abundance throughout the book, with jokes that appeal to both younger and older readers. The illustrations are clever and funny, and feel like they drew some inspiration from the Asterix comics. Comic strips and fake newspapers add to the entertainment factor. The book also involves much more than just information - there are quizzes, puzzles and true-or-false questionnaires. One of the highlights is a crafting section where you can learn how to dress like a Viking and make brooches, helmets and shields. Although it might be a cliche, The Vikings is the kind of book that makes history fun, and teachers would be wise to invest in a copy
-- Paul Staunton * Inis Magazine *
the first instalment of a new series; Deadly Irish History: The Vikings takes us on a madcap, marauding, entertaining and highly informative journey back in time and packed full of facts, legends and stories about Viking life and their quests in Ireland. With clever and quirky illustrations donning every page, there are cartoons and comics; tongue-in-cheek 'newspaper articles', 'documents' and 'catalogs' highlighting all your Viking needs...all proving that Irish history isn't boring at all...it's deadly! With a wide range of quizzes, questionnaires, puzzles and make-and-do pages, this book will have you riveted for hours. Basically, I loved it! Well-written, wonderfully illustrated, completely fascinating and so much fun! ... More Deadly Irish History, please!
* Fallen Star Stories *
lots of cartoons and fun facts for history loving children
* Irish Independent *
'a thoroughly enjoyable history of the Vikings in Ireland, a subject about which I knew absolutely nothing but now find myself totally fascinated! The format of comic strips, illustrated guides to lifestyles and Viking technology is not only engaging, it's FUN, the best way to bring history to life for younger readers ... Don't hang about - buy a copy now'
* John Freeman, downthetubes.net *
Farrelly's approach is fresh, his questioning style right on target for his age nine-plus readership ... find out everything you'd never thought to ask about Vikings in this humourous, quirky look at Irish history
* Evening Echo *
This is a new series, jam-packed with fascinating facts and stories about the Vikings. The illustrations are clever and funny with comic strips and fake newspapers adding to the entertainment factor. There are quizzes, puzzles and true-or-false questionnaires. One of the highlights is a crafting section where you can learn how to dress like a Viking and make brooches, helmets and shields. Although it might be a cliche, The Vikings is the kind of book that makes history fun
* Children's Books Ireland *
