Elin á Rógvi and Silja Eystberg

In Fornt (not translated into English), we follow 11-year-old Eiri and his friend Sólja, who play the virtual game Fornt – an internationally popular online world where players can hunt and observe creatures from traditional Faroese folklore. When they discover a new, unknown creature in the game, they suddenly attract the attention of the world’s top players. But not everything is as it seems, and the boundary between the world of the game and the real world begins to blur. The story becomes a suspenseful mystery where ancient legends and modern technology merge in surprising ways. 

Fornt stands out for its ability to convey the fascination of the digital age with gaming while weaving in Faroese cultural heritage. The book offers readers a unique introduction to the mythical world of beings like huldrefolk, nykar, and marmennill, while also exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the technology that surrounds children and young people today. The game in the book rewards players’ knowledge of Faroese traditions, folklore, and geography – the more you know, the greater your advantage. This makes the book a fascinating bridge between cultural heritage and modern gaming, where folklore becomes an active part of the gameplay experience. 

With Fornt, Elin á Rógvi has created a compelling and innovative story that blends video games, folklore, and friendship. At the same time, the book is valuable for adult readers too, as it offers insight into the digital worlds of young people – their connection to online communities and how friendships can form and develop in virtual spaces. 

Elin á Rógvi manages to vividly and fluidly write her way into the world of youth, and her dialogues feel authentic and believable to the modern reader. The novel’s structure and style of writing create a narrative that engages both experienced and less experienced readers. The book is also captivatingly illustrated by Silja Eystberg, whose video-game style artwork underscores the digital world of the book. The illustrations are dispersed throughout the book and depict Eiri, mythological beings, scenes of online communication, and the game’s intro – enhancing the immersive reading experience. 

With Fornt, Elin á Rógvi continues her important contribution to Nordic children’s literature. She previously received the West Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize for her book Flytifuglar (not translated into English).