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markalkman's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so, I didn't know much about Norse mythology before I read this book - turns out Marvel lied about Thor and Loki being (adoptive) brothers, but no surprise there. So I kind of went into this as a blank slate, not knowing what to expect. I truly enjoyed it, and it was very hard to put it down. The writing and storytelling are compelling, and the characters are well-rounded. The mythology itself is definitely strange and a wild ride from start to finish, but that's what keeps it interesting.
Also, Loki was an asshole and I was rooting for Skadi & Angrboda to end up together the entire time
Also, Loki was an asshole and I was rooting for Skadi & Angrboda to end up together the entire time
elocoel's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 --> 4 Stars.
I've been a big mythology enthusiast ever since picking up a book on Greek mythology at the ripe old age of nine. And so, I feel a quite strong gravitational force pull me in whenever a mythology retelling comes into my radar, as happened with The Witch's Heart.
The Witch's Heart is the story of Angrboda, a figure very much left behind when Norse mythology is talked about, only remembered as the mother of her children, something focused on in the book as well. It begins with her fleeing away from a past life and ends with the End. And the middle is where a magical story awaits you.
Reading how the author merged stories in a way that made sense was very, very satisfying since it is the part I feel the authors of this genre usually fail the most at. I adored Angrboda and her relationships with Skadi, Loki, and her children. I laughed, and I wept at midnight, maybe enough that if this were the olden times, the story of my weeping would be carried around by the river formed from my tears. Okay, while that part might be a little bit of exaggeration, I truly liked many aspects of the book.
However, this does not mean there were no aspects I didn't like. Mainly, I did not enjoy the extreme modernization, especially when it came to the dialogue. The dialogue felt like it could very well fit in a (maybe not so great) contemporary novel and took me away from the story from time to time. I also found the second romance of the book a bit rushed, but that might very well be a personal preference. Some parts also felt a little bit underwhelming and dragged out, but it wasn't too big of a problem, in my opinion.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Witch's Heart -the first half more than the second, if I am frank- and it is definitely a strong reimagining. Gornichec did a great job filling in the bits unknown to her heart's desire and came up with a tale no mythology lover can drop from their hands.
I've been a big mythology enthusiast ever since picking up a book on Greek mythology at the ripe old age of nine. And so, I feel a quite strong gravitational force pull me in whenever a mythology retelling comes into my radar, as happened with The Witch's Heart.
The Witch's Heart is the story of Angrboda, a figure very much left behind when Norse mythology is talked about, only remembered as the mother of her children, something focused on in the book as well. It begins with her fleeing away from a past life and ends with the End. And the middle is where a magical story awaits you.
Reading how the author merged stories in a way that made sense was very, very satisfying since it is the part I feel the authors of this genre usually fail the most at. I adored Angrboda and her relationships with Skadi, Loki, and her children. I laughed, and I wept at midnight, maybe enough that if this were the olden times, the story of my weeping would be carried around by the river formed from my tears. Okay, while that part might be a little bit of exaggeration, I truly liked many aspects of the book.
However, this does not mean there were no aspects I didn't like. Mainly, I did not enjoy the extreme modernization, especially when it came to the dialogue. The dialogue felt like it could very well fit in a (maybe not so great) contemporary novel and took me away from the story from time to time. I also found the second romance of the book a bit rushed, but that might very well be a personal preference. Some parts also felt a little bit underwhelming and dragged out, but it wasn't too big of a problem, in my opinion.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Witch's Heart -the first half more than the second, if I am frank- and it is definitely a strong reimagining. Gornichec did a great job filling in the bits unknown to her heart's desire and came up with a tale no mythology lover can drop from their hands.
tigerlilly558's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
manderzreadz's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
First off, I absolutely loved this book! It’s build up to the ending was second to none. Also, in the end there were no loose strings and you were left with a cathartic feeling. My only thing that kept me from a full five stars was that it was a slow build in the beginning and a bit weird at times. But that’s fantasy, right? Pick up this book if you liked Song of Achilles, Ariadne, etc!
First off, I absolutely loved this book! It’s build up to the ending was second to none. Also, in the end there were no loose strings and you were left with a cathartic feeling. My only thing that kept me from a full five stars was that it was a slow build in the beginning and a bit weird at times. But that’s fantasy, right? Pick up this book if you liked Song of Achilles, Ariadne, etc!
blee98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
freya_re's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crilleacreereads's review against another edition
5.0
I have always been intrigued by stories of the gods. This one did not disappoint. A retelling of Loki, Thor, and Odin with a twist. The Witch’s Heart sucked me in and made me see the gods differently than what marvel movies gives us. Do I still love Loki? Yes. But this book made me feel just a bit different about him.
tess_b_readin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death