''Who’s Afraid of Beowulf?'' is the second humorous-fantasy novel by popular British author

Tom Holt Thomas Charles Louis Holt (born 13 September 1961) is a British novelist. In addition to fiction published under his own name, he writes fantasy under the pseudonym K. J. Parker. Biography Holt was born in London, the son of novelist Hazel H ...

, first published in the UK in 1988 by Macmillan Publishers. Unlike Holt's other early books, this is not based on any particular opera or well-known mythic cycle.

Summary

When American archeologist Hildy Frederiksen investigates an ancient Viking burial ship in Scotland, she finds that the Viking heroes on board are still alive, even though centuries have passed. Now she must help them defeat the evil sorcerer king.

Reception

'' Publishers Weekly'' called it "(p)art slapstick, part fantasy (...and) all entertainment" and "unforced and inventive". Who's Afraid of Beowulf?
reviewed at '' Publishers Weekly''; published January 1, 1989; retrieved April 14, 2019 ''

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' (or ''Kirkus Media'') is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893–1980). The magazine is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fic ...

'' found it to be "sprightly (and) well-plotted", and "grinworthy", but faulted Holt's portrayal of Hildy, stating that "(i)n neither speech nor deed is (she)a very convincing American".WHO'S AFRAID OF BEOWULF?
reviewed at ''

'', published January 10, 1988; retrieved April 14, 2019

References

External links

* 1988 British novels English fantasy novels British comedy novels Novels set in Highland (council area) Macmillan Publishers books Novels by Tom Holt {{1980s-fantasy-novel-stub