Book Review: Claus, the Legend of the Fat Man

Published by Sue Cook at November 19, 2023

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Book cover image from Bookshop.org

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Ho-Ho-Ho boy! If there is one book that is a must-read this holiday season it is Claus The Legend of a Fat Man! The story revolves around a group of explorers, Nicolas Santa, Jessica Santa, and their son, Jon.

Their desire to be the first scientists to reach the North Pole ends up stranding them in a small hut, buried in the snow, and left by their guides to fend for themselves. Nicholas Santa leaves his wife and child alone in the hut and ventures out to seek help, supplies, and professional Trackers. He becomes lost, falling down a crevasse in the ice. That is where the adventure/legend begins.

Claus pulled me in immediately with a very strong start and never lost its momentum throughout the entire book. I was compelled to intimately care for the welfare of the Santa Family. They were explorers and scientists. They were not legends or elves…yet.

The action never lulled to complacency. The author made his own legend, rather than relying on past legends of Santa. Along the journey you meet kind hearted elves, misguided elves, abominable snowmen, and reindeer. Things are rarely what they seem.

The legend evolves, like the swirling snow of the Pole, telling a wonderful story of intrigue, loyalty, and love. Brilliantly crafted, it drew from the many stories of Santa, weaving science and politics into the mix.

This book recreated the legend in a way that kept the magic of Santa alive whilst also allowing for Nicholas Santa to be fully human. Science was key to the plot and melded with magic at times. It was so refreshing to see a new take on the Santa legend. There were so many lovely plot twists that you never knew what was going to happen next!

It made me realize that I needed this adrenaline pumping tale of Santa. I found myself cheering, crying, and ultimately completely won over by the story.

I am a Christmas/Santa fanatic, as was my mother before me. I have read all things Santa. Claus Legend of a Fat Man is by far the best story about Santa I have ever read. Tony Bertauski is a master storyteller. Since this is the first book in a series, I know what I will be asking Santa to put in my stocking this year. Also, a little reindeer robot would be welcome, too.

Happy Holidays and happy reading, everyone!

Looking for the others in the series or other great books to read? Check out the reviews!

Sue Cook

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Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.