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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I really expected to love this. I liked Harris' [b:A Pocketful of Crows|34913762|A Pocketful of Crows|Joanne Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492725829s/34913762.jpg|56176672], and as I enjoy all kinds of mythology, I thought this would be a winner, but it felt kind of flat.
Narrated by Loki, he tells of his dealings with Odin and the gods of Asgard. Never really accepted by the others, his betrayal of the gods seems inevitable. He's supposed to be unreliable, and there's a theme of free will vs fate running through the book, but there just never seemed to be any suspense or inkling that Loki might go against the grain and remain loyal.
There's a lot of "if only I'd known what was coming" references that just kept pulling me out of the story and really quashing any sort of anticipation. Disappointing, and I won't be reading the second book.
Narrated by Loki, he tells of his dealings with Odin and the gods of Asgard. Never really accepted by the others, his betrayal of the gods seems inevitable. He's supposed to be unreliable, and there's a theme of free will vs fate running through the book, but there just never seemed to be any suspense or inkling that Loki might go against the grain and remain loyal.
There's a lot of "if only I'd known what was coming" references that just kept pulling me out of the story and really quashing any sort of anticipation. Disappointing, and I won't be reading the second book.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
“Loki, that's me. Loki, the Light-Bringer, the misunderstood, the elusive, the handsome and modest hero of this particular tissue of lies.”
I don't even know where to begin with my review of The Gospel of Loki. I can genuinely say that it was fantastic, funny, entertaining and I even think this is the best book I've read so far this year.
So even though I'm a huge mythology fan I didn't know a whole lot about Norse mythology. After this book I must say that I know more than I knew before so yes, this book is pretty informative and it's obvious that Joanne Harris put a lot of effort into this story and did her research. Pretty amazing!
Although I wasn't too well known with Norse mythology, like I said before. I've always liked Loki the most of all the gods. Marvel may have something to do with that but whatever... I loved the way Loki recounted the story, telling his version of events. He was so funny. I laughed my ass off a lot while reading it and I'd definitely recommend reading the character list. But Loki? He was also dramatic, deadly in his own away and just plain fabulous. Yeah, I loved him in this story.
The writing was excellent, too. The descriptions of Asgard and the other worlds made me feel like I was really there. It really was a pleasure to read about all of Loki's adventures. I can't remember the last book I enjoyed this book. It was simply superb! Everyone should absolutely read this book.
I don't even know where to begin with my review of The Gospel of Loki. I can genuinely say that it was fantastic, funny, entertaining and I even think this is the best book I've read so far this year.
So even though I'm a huge mythology fan I didn't know a whole lot about Norse mythology. After this book I must say that I know more than I knew before so yes, this book is pretty informative and it's obvious that Joanne Harris put a lot of effort into this story and did her research. Pretty amazing!
Although I wasn't too well known with Norse mythology, like I said before. I've always liked Loki the most of all the gods. Marvel may have something to do with that but whatever... I loved the way Loki recounted the story, telling his version of events. He was so funny. I laughed my ass off a lot while reading it and I'd definitely recommend reading the character list. But Loki? He was also dramatic, deadly in his own away and just plain fabulous. Yeah, I loved him in this story.
The writing was excellent, too. The descriptions of Asgard and the other worlds made me feel like I was really there. It really was a pleasure to read about all of Loki's adventures. I can't remember the last book I enjoyed this book. It was simply superb! Everyone should absolutely read this book.
I miss you already, Loki - 5*
God damn it, Laura. God damn it! I've finished this book and now I want to read the rest of the series (which I do not have).
I honestly don't think the Runemarks series will ever be as good as the Gospel of Loki because honestly, I am in love with him. This is literally the hottest God in Norse Mythology talking to you specifically and it is genuinely the most beautiful thing ever. I don't know if this version of events is true and honest to God - I don't care. I knew what was coming because I'm very familiar with Norse mythology ( from MARVEL's Thor to Magnus Chase ) so I knew the turn of events but I didn't understand every nuance or thought process.
I genuinely don't know if Loki's views were right but its honest to God perfect and I will read more of this series for a glimpse of Loki again. I'm incredibly excited for [b:The Testament of Loki|35077202|The Testament of Loki (Runemarks, #0.6)|Joanne Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1505162622s/35077202.jpg|56375343] ...
God damn it, Laura. God damn it! I've finished this book and now I want to read the rest of the series (which I do not have).
I honestly don't think the Runemarks series will ever be as good as the Gospel of Loki because honestly, I am in love with him. This is literally the hottest God in Norse Mythology talking to you specifically and it is genuinely the most beautiful thing ever. I don't know if this version of events is true and honest to God - I don't care. I knew what was coming because I'm very familiar with Norse mythology ( from MARVEL's Thor to Magnus Chase ) so I knew the turn of events but I didn't understand every nuance or thought process.
I genuinely don't know if Loki's views were right but its honest to God perfect and I will read more of this series for a glimpse of Loki again. I'm incredibly excited for [b:The Testament of Loki|35077202|The Testament of Loki (Runemarks, #0.6)|Joanne Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1505162622s/35077202.jpg|56375343] ...
Such a fun entertaining writing style. For whatever reason, I kept waiting for us to get out of this sort of 'in medias res' narration and for Loki to more deeply consider things. He was also very hard for me to relate to.
For a mere readable introduction to concepts from Norse mythology, I think it might be alright; although, I am not well-versed in the material enough.
For a mere readable introduction to concepts from Norse mythology, I think it might be alright; although, I am not well-versed in the material enough.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An intensely average retelling of the same old Norse myths, not an original novel like Runemarks. It has a special brand of warm humor, I give you that, but you can only hear about Sif's hair so many times.