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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Picture Norse mythology retold thorugh they eyes of Loki, evryone's favourite trickster god, and you've basically got the concept for The Gospel of Loki. In theory this should have been a five-star read, but there were a couple of teething problems that let it down. Initially the book felt like a history lesson, and not the fun sort, as we're waiting to be introduced to Loki properly. Once we are then it's a lot better as, like with Percy Jackson, the book does rely on its amusing narrator, which Loki undoubtably was. It was really interesting to hear some of these Norse stories, as I have no prior knowledge of the mythology outside of the bits pieces used in Marvel. Loki was a fascinating character being born of chaos, rather than Odin, and his relationship with the other gods and goddesses' were a great way of exploring the way he felt towards Asgard. At the end of the day it was a fun read but it didn't quite get to where it was going and I feel like the author could have explored his character just a little bit more.
Clever and funny, technically incredible, and gets better the longer you read.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
slow-paced
Meine Rezension: https://amerdale.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/gelesen-joanne-harris-the-gospel-of-loki/
It was OK. My initial enjoyment wore off somewhat as I progressed through the book. Glad when it finished.
adventurous
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Gospel of Loki had been on display in my local bookshop and it had always caught my eye, so upon seeing it in the airport when I was bored and bookless I picked it up without hesitation. I'm glad I did because I found myself completely charmed by Harris' version of Loki the trickster god. Even though his voice is snarky and fun, there is a real sense of the hurt and frustration behind it that drives (and justifies, as far as I'm concerned) his ultimate revenge on Asgard. Harris' Loki is a brilliant anti-hero narrator, and some of the set-pieces of his antics at Thor's expense really made me laugh.
Unfortunately I found the rest of the characters uninteresting, as if Harris gave Loki all the personality and just used cardboard cut out versions from a kids book on Norse mythology to fill in the rest. This might be because the other gods are ruled by Order, and Loki comes from Chaos but it made for some very dull reading. Another problem I had was that the stakes never felt very high because Loki is recounting the story, we aren't actually with him as the action is taking place. I think this coupled with the attempted 'epic fantasy' scope of what is actually a very small fantasy world didn't quite work for me as I knew what the ending would be no matter what. I appreciate that the implication is that time is cyclic and unending (I see ouroboroses [ourobori?] everywhere thanks to Robert Jordan and his Wheel of Time) but it just made me feel very detached from the events of the book.
Overall I think Harris' narrator elevates a book I would otherwise be indifferent to. I'd recommend checking it out if you're a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Loki, but not if you're looking for a fresh take or twist on the myths.
Unfortunately I found the rest of the characters uninteresting, as if Harris gave Loki all the personality and just used cardboard cut out versions from a kids book on Norse mythology to fill in the rest. This might be because the other gods are ruled by Order, and Loki comes from Chaos but it made for some very dull reading. Another problem I had was that the stakes never felt very high because Loki is recounting the story, we aren't actually with him as the action is taking place. I think this coupled with the attempted 'epic fantasy' scope of what is actually a very small fantasy world didn't quite work for me as I knew what the ending would be no matter what. I appreciate that the implication is that time is cyclic and unending (I see ouroboroses [ourobori?] everywhere thanks to Robert Jordan and his Wheel of Time) but it just made me feel very detached from the events of the book.
Overall I think Harris' narrator elevates a book I would otherwise be indifferent to. I'd recommend checking it out if you're a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Loki, but not if you're looking for a fresh take or twist on the myths.
I was very disappointed. It claims to be written for adults, but to me it seemed to be aimed at mid teens or younger in terms of language and style. The Norse myths are fascinating, but not relayed by someone who calls himself Yours Truly and tries to be hip but only succeeds in being tiresome. Two stars for the idea of telling the story from Loki's point of view, but that's all.