Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo.

This is an exciting tale set in Anglo-Saxon times that many Anglo-Saxons told to their kids. I read Michael Morpurgo’s version of it. It is about a brave Prince called Beowulf, who killed many malicious monsters that were terrorising scared- to – death kingdoms. The first monster he fought was called Grendel, who was terrorising a large mead-hall belonging to King Hrothgar. Beowulf had incredible strength, which he thought was a gift from God. He actually fought this foul beast with his bare hands, because he heard that Grendel didn’t carry a weapon, so neither would he! Because of his stunning strength, he tore Grendel’s arm off, and killed him! They celebrated in the hall, and King Hrothgar hung the arm from the rafters so they could all stare at it in the feast.
The second monster he killed, was in fact Grendel’s mother. She wanted revenge for Beowulf killing her son. One dark night, she struck! Grendel’s mother snatched loads of poor, unsuspecting soldiers, and carried them to her underwater cave, to feast on them! King Hrothgar called this ruthless beast ‘The Sea Hag’, because it lived underwater. Beowulf told King Hrothgar that he would put an end to this bloodthirsty family, by killing the sea hag. He took a sword called Hrunting, that had never failed a hero before. Together, Beowulf, and a few warriors, including King Hrothgar, went down to the lake where the sea hag lived. Beowulf dived into the lake of horrors, and fought Grendel’s mother. He took a swing at her with Hrunting, but the sharp sword could not break through the sea hag’s tough skin! He spied a giant sword hanging on the wall, and with his incredible strength, swung it at Grendel’s mother, breaking through her tough skin, killing her! They went back to the mead hall and celebrated Beowulf’s second victory, and he chose not to mention that Hrunting had failed him, so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings.
The third, and last monster Beowulf killed, was called the Death Dragon of the Deep. A fire – breathing dragon, was shooting fire at anyone who crossed his path. Beowulf tried to fight the dragon but it killed him. The dragon was slain by one of the brave people who accompanied him to the dragon’s dangerous cave and who plunged a sword into the dragon’s throat. This hero then ran over to Beowulf who told that that his last request was to build a beacon on the cliff, so his name would be remembered forever.
I liked the book, because there was a lot of action, although the ending wasn’t so happy after all. I would recommend this book to people who like action.
I give this book a 5-star rating.