Book Review of Anders and the Flame Bearer
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The Children’s Book Review
Anders and the Flame Bearer
Written by Scott Welker
Illustrated by Scydel Art
Ages: 10+ | 250 Pages
Publisher: Sleeping House, LLC (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9887903-2-7
What to Expect: Magic, Santa Claus, family, fitting in, friendship.
Evocative of Scandinavian and Laplander myths, traditions, and culture, this imagining of the origins of Santa Claus feels tantalizingly grown-up and plausible.
Anders has never felt like he fit in amongst his people: the Klausen are a very small race of only five families, but all of them have magic—all of them except Anders. When the magic flames that protect his people begin to fade, and the brutal Ulfer start to close in, Anders fears it is his lack of magic that is making his people vulnerable. However, he and his best friend Balder have found out a secret: there is a source to Klausen magic. The mysterious flame bearer is the Klausen who created the first flame; he controls all Klausen magic. Anders sets out to find the Flame Bearer, hoping he can either give him some magic of his own, or at least find a way to save the Klausen. However, his journey will reveal more than just the source of Klausen magic—it will reveal secrets that have been kept hidden for a long time, including about Anders’ own family.
Anders and Balder are a wonderful foil for one another, with Balder’s calm sense and caution providing a contrast to Anders’ impulsive and adventurous spirit. Readers are sure to relate to Anders’ painful soul-searching about his place in his tight-knit community, and his deep love for place and family. The story immerses readers in the Arctic setting, with the colors and textures of Laplander clothing and dwellings, the sounds and smells of pine forests in winter, and the sounds of ocean waves, tinkling bells, and howling wolves. Also woven through this setting are wondrous magic creatures, from comically angry dirt trolls to the sinister and brutish Ulfer and the cunning Elves. As well as an imaginative speculation on how a magical Santa Claus might have originated, this is also a relatable exploration of the painful but rewarding process of finding oneself and coming of age.
Perfect for readers who want a Christmas-themed fantasy that isn’t kitschy, humorous, or overtly religious, Anders and the Flame Bearer is a rewarding read they won’t want to put down until the last page.
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About the Author
Scott Welker lives in Utah with his family, where they explore the outdoors in the summer and the indoors in the winter. Someday, he’ll retire from his day job and spend his time fly fishing and exploring all walks of literature.
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