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gabbsmci's review against another edition
Characters were immediately unlikable due to sheer whining 🙄
alr16's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
An emotional reimagining (or detailing) of the story of Angrboda, wife of Loki and the mother of the children who bring forth Ragnarok. There is very little consensus on who Angrboda was beyond the mother of Hel, Fenrir, and Jormangandr, so this was a wonderful tapestry that brought together various unwoven threads of Norse mythology. This book has a very particular narrative style that takes a while to get used to and often meanders, but allows you to truly get to know Angrboda as a person and a character, as much as she's able to know herself
hadeanstars's review against another edition
5.0
There’s much to be said for a simple story that’s well told and this certainly works so beautifully. Very sparse prose, nothing wasted, and overall very pleasant to read. I especially loved the richness that the authentic Norse mythology lent to the tale. Highly recommended.
redcerise's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
3.75
aam923's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Similar storytelling to Circe, but with Vikings!
kristincaro7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
kmkasiner's review against another edition
4.0
The Witch's Heart tells the story of Angrboda, legendary witch, Loki's wife, and mother to the three monsters of Ragnarok. I know next to nothing about Norse mythology outside of the Thor movies, so this was all new to me. I enjoyed learning more about the myth of Ragnarok through the eyes of the heroine. Despite being an ancient, all knowing witch, Angrboda is relatable and down to earth. The book has a slow start and some parts where nothing much seems to happen, but it's all leading up to a final battle.
The romance between Angrboda and Loki is compelling. Loki is kind of a jerk for most of it but you can definitely see how charming he is too. There are several scenes commenting on how "weird" Loki is but tbh I would have liked his "weird"ness to be played up a bit more than just he's clever and skinny and doesn't have a beard. Or some more demonstration of his trickster nature other than the stories he tells Boda. The best part of the romance for me was probably the way Loki and Boda create their own family and raise their strange children before it's all taken away. There is bisexual/pansexual rep in this too but.
This book has been compared to Circe or Song of Achilles quite a bit but aside from being about a figure from myth, it was pretty different to me. Not first person and the writing is different, but still very good. The end will make you cry though--that's definitely a parallel to Miller's work! Overall I enjoyed this book and it made me curious to read more about Norse mythology.
The romance between Angrboda and Loki is compelling. Loki is kind of a jerk for most of it but you can definitely see how charming he is too. There are several scenes commenting on how "weird" Loki is but tbh I would have liked his "weird"ness to be played up a bit more than just he's clever and skinny and doesn't have a beard. Or some more demonstration of his trickster nature other than the stories he tells Boda. The best part of the romance for me was probably the way Loki and Boda create their own family and raise their strange children before it's all taken away. There is bisexual/pansexual rep in this too but
Spoiler
the romance there doesn't start until almost the end of the bookThis book has been compared to Circe or Song of Achilles quite a bit but aside from being about a figure from myth, it was pretty different to me. Not first person and the writing is different, but still very good. The end will make you cry though--that's definitely a parallel to Miller's work! Overall I enjoyed this book and it made me curious to read more about Norse mythology.
katrinaisabella_'s review against another edition
5.0
**Thank you to Netgalley for kindly providing this Arc**
*****4.5 *****
This was a such a beautiful read, This Norse Mythology retelling told in Angrboda's POV (Loki's giantess wife) and their infamous children captured my heart in a way i did not expect it too. This book will give you all the feeling and I have not stopped thinking about it since i finished it, leading me to dive into some research.
There is nothing but one or two mentions of Angrboda in Norse Mythology and Genevieve Gornichec - while yes this is fiction - brought her to life while blending in and sticking to Norse mythology stories. I am definitely not an expert in this subject however I do love Norse Mythology and very aware of Ragnarok, Loki's children and the gods mentioned.
Yes, The Witch's Heart has a slow start but once you get into this story you will not be able to put it down, I loved that there were no chapters just parts, the pacing was great as I was able to get through it in one sitting. The relationships felt modern which I was not expecting but I enjoy a bantery romance that Loki & Angrboda had, I honestly could not stop smiling while reading their interactions from the start. Honestly the relationships in general from them to the Angrboda's love for her children and for her friends are written so beautifully.
This book will pull at your heart in a way you wont expect it to.
*****4.5 *****
This was a such a beautiful read, This Norse Mythology retelling told in Angrboda's POV (Loki's giantess wife) and their infamous children captured my heart in a way i did not expect it too. This book will give you all the feeling and I have not stopped thinking about it since i finished it, leading me to dive into some research.
There is nothing but one or two mentions of Angrboda in Norse Mythology and Genevieve Gornichec - while yes this is fiction - brought her to life while blending in and sticking to Norse mythology stories. I am definitely not an expert in this subject however I do love Norse Mythology and very aware of Ragnarok, Loki's children and the gods mentioned.
Yes, The Witch's Heart has a slow start but once you get into this story you will not be able to put it down, I loved that there were no chapters just parts, the pacing was great as I was able to get through it in one sitting. The relationships felt modern which I was not expecting but I enjoy a bantery romance that Loki & Angrboda had, I honestly could not stop smiling while reading their interactions from the start. Honestly the relationships in general from them to the Angrboda's love for her children and for her friends are written so beautifully.
This book will pull at your heart in a way you wont expect it to.
prettyflyforascienceguy's review against another edition
3.5
A refreshing retelling of some Norse myths that are often forgotten. I really enjoyed a lot of the themes and messages from this book. However, the actual execution was lacking some heart and I didn’t find myself extremely invested in the story. I love a slow paced book, but this pace was slow without too much purpose.