The Growing Ax

Fifteen-year-old Ask never expected to grow into a massive Viking, nor did he anticipate being thrust into an ancient battle between gods and giants with only an ax to protect him. But the ax contains an unparalleled power that, if harnessed with righteousness, renders the wielder nearly invincible. The Growing Ax is a quest that begins with one question: Why did Ask's father disappear two years ago? To answer that question, Ask must first pick up the ax in response to its peculiar call, which sounds like his father's voice.

The Growing Ax is a quest that begins with one question: Why did Ask's father disappear two years ago? To answer that question, Ask must first pick up the ax in response to its peculiar call, which sounds like his father's voice. Join Ask in his search to learn the truth and experience a world of bloodthirsty giants, magical apples, whispering fish, and a transmogrifying talking goat. With the help of his best friend, Deonte, and a strange new classmate, Orla, Ask must stand against the giants. Will their combined strength and the ax's power be enough? Is Ask ready to take his father's place as protector of the growing ax?

Rob Neuteboom is a writer, educator, and enthusiast of myth and fantasy. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a PhD in Rhetoric, Writing and Culture from North Dakota State University. His work has appeared in the South Dakota Review, Up the Staircase Quarterly, and Work Literary Magazine. He does most of his daydreaming and writing in Davenport, North Dakota. In his spare time, Rob enjoys running, reading, writing, and spending time with his wife Jen and their two dogs, Tilly, and Letty Ro.