Scottish Book of the Week: The Day the World Went Loki

For this week’s instalment of reading my way around Scotland through children’s books, we visit the town of St Andrews in the , with The Day the World Went Loki by Robert J. Harris.

Book Details

Title: The Day the World Went Loki
Author: Robert J. Harris
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Recommended reading age: 8+

Scottish Setting

The story is set in St Andrews, in Fife. Real life local landmarks mentioned include St Andrews Castle, West Sands, and the Scores. Those familiar with St Andrews will be able to picture the story unfold through some of the street names mentioned, such as Lamond Drive, Largo Road, Bannock Street, Spottiswood Gardens, Canongate and Bridge Street.

“That’s your trouble, Lewis, you don’t think things through. I mean, what chance have I got living here? St Andrews isn’t exactly the centre of the universe, is it? It’s not even the centre of Fife.” (Chapter 1)

Plot Summary

When brothers Lewis and Greg discover an ancient rhyme that seems to have the power to create an extra day of the week, they decide to give it a try. Unfortunately, they soon discover that adding an extra day to the calendar isn’t quite as harmless as it sounds. They have inadvertently unleashed Loki’s day, and suddenly the familiar world of St Andrews is transformed into something altogether more mythical, with Norse gods and mythical creatures appearing all around them.

“The day that was lost returns in time
If two will but recite this rhyme.
At Thorsday’s end but say it fine,
Restore the day that once was mine.”
(Chapter 3)

As Lewis and Greg try to work out exactly what has happened, they find themselves caught up in an increasingly chaotic adventure. There’s plenty of fun to be had in spotting the various characters and creatures from Norse mythology, while the question of whether the boys will manage to put things right – or end up trapped in this strange alternate world forever – provides plenty of suspense along the way.

Conclusion

This book is a delightfully absurd adventure, packed with mythology, mayhem and plenty of imagination. The humour wasn’t quite my personal cup of tea, but it certainly hit all the right buttons for my 11-year-old, who thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d particularly recommend it to children who enjoy Norse mythology, fast-paced adventures and a healthy dose of silliness – especially those who like their stories to take a perfectly ordinary situation and turn it completely upside down.

The Day the World Went Loki seems to be out of print, but is available as an ebook from the Kelpies website. Or keep your eyes open for it in second-hand bookshops.