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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Clever and fun. If there was a little deeper level, I missed it.
It took me a very long time to finish this book, mostly because a) I have a beautiful signed hardback copy and I didn't want to get it all smushed in my bag and b) I really enjoyed it and was worried that I wouldn't find anything else as good.
I haven't read much in the way of Fantasy and I had definitely never read Fantasy in the first person before but I'm pretty sure it's unusual and I for one am a fan. I like Loki, in every incarnation I have read about him or watched him I like him, as an entity.
I read Chocolat, a long time ago so I know I like Joanne Harris (even pre 'M'), her style is friendly and personal whilst remaining deliciously clever.
The Gospel of Loki starts out so well, I savoured every word. Although I would suggest reading it in significantly fewer sitting than I did because then you don't have to keep referring back to the list of names, you just remember them. The middle was also marvellous l, Norse myths are full of the weird and the wonderful: eight legged horses, etc.
The end is why there are 4 stars and not five. It was a good ending (I'll have to read the original myths to find out how closely Harris stays true to them and because, you know, I want to read them) but it felt a teensy bit laboured, as though a point was made over and over for several chapters. Most chapters were like mini adventures with new multi character events that tied together but the last few chapters felt a bit all Loki dangerous plot line climax of book, all the time.
On the whole, great book, will reread one day. Want to find many, many others like it but not sure they exist yet so I really hope Joanne (M) Harris writes many, many more
I haven't read much in the way of Fantasy and I had definitely never read Fantasy in the first person before but I'm pretty sure it's unusual and I for one am a fan. I like Loki, in every incarnation I have read about him or watched him I like him, as an entity.
I read Chocolat, a long time ago so I know I like Joanne Harris (even pre 'M'), her style is friendly and personal whilst remaining deliciously clever.
The Gospel of Loki starts out so well, I savoured every word. Although I would suggest reading it in significantly fewer sitting than I did because then you don't have to keep referring back to the list of names, you just remember them. The middle was also marvellous l, Norse myths are full of the weird and the wonderful: eight legged horses, etc.
The end is why there are 4 stars and not five. It was a good ending (I'll have to read the original myths to find out how closely Harris stays true to them and because, you know, I want to read them) but it felt a teensy bit laboured, as though a point was made over and over for several chapters. Most chapters were like mini adventures with new multi character events that tied together but the last few chapters felt a bit all Loki dangerous plot line climax of book, all the time.
On the whole, great book, will reread one day. Want to find many, many others like it but not sure they exist yet so I really hope Joanne (M) Harris writes many, many more
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pretty disappointed in this. All the characters were done dirty, but not in an enjoyable way. Pretty gutted because I have the next book in this series and the Runemark series and now have no interest in continuing ☹️
If you want to read a retelling of Ragnarok and the lead up, read Witch's Heart instead.
If you want to read a retelling of Ragnarok and the lead up, read Witch's Heart instead.
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know what to think of this book - to rate it higher or not. I just know that the first maybe 75% felt too much like a simplistic best seller littered with words like "chill-ax", cliche, and irritating epithets like "Your Humble Narrator" and "Yours Truly". It felt forced and uninspired though it did retell the Prose Edda with character and charm, the charm was all surface level.
Then ...
The last 25% was intricate with layers of depth, a pure literary gem. I was actually impressed that the author was able to switch from such irritating blather to pour out inspiration as if it had been nested in the collective conscious for so many thousands of years that it was both instantly recognisable and startlingly true the way an archetype can only be.
So I'm a little confused here. As a whole, I didn't like the book. I would never re-read it again as I frankly found it boring and contrived until ... that last 1/4 where I just simply couldn't be more shocked.
The first 75% was a solid 2/5 for me. I didn't hate it.
The last 25% was a solid 5/5 for me. I absolutely loved every bit of it, the language, the imagery, the imagination and inspiration, the thrill of reading something so pure as if spoken by the very creator of the word Themselves.
So as I sit here in confusion, I say hey, it's a 3/5. If you can get through to the end and you're like me, you'll love that ending. But I'm not certain it's entirely worth it. I'm glad I stuck with it, though. It's a rare treat indeed for an author to outwit me and that, at least, captured the Spirit of Loki perfectly.
Then ...
The last 25% was intricate with layers of depth, a pure literary gem. I was actually impressed that the author was able to switch from such irritating blather to pour out inspiration as if it had been nested in the collective conscious for so many thousands of years that it was both instantly recognisable and startlingly true the way an archetype can only be.
So I'm a little confused here. As a whole, I didn't like the book. I would never re-read it again as I frankly found it boring and contrived until ... that last 1/4 where I just simply couldn't be more shocked.
The first 75% was a solid 2/5 for me. I didn't hate it.
The last 25% was a solid 5/5 for me. I absolutely loved every bit of it, the language, the imagery, the imagination and inspiration, the thrill of reading something so pure as if spoken by the very creator of the word Themselves.
So as I sit here in confusion, I say hey, it's a 3/5. If you can get through to the end and you're like me, you'll love that ending. But I'm not certain it's entirely worth it. I'm glad I stuck with it, though. It's a rare treat indeed for an author to outwit me and that, at least, captured the Spirit of Loki perfectly.
A really neat blend of the stories of norse mythology told from Loki’s perspective mixed with the voice and attitude of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. The audiobook was fantastic! 3.5 stars only because the author makes some changes to certain aspects of the stories that seem kinda unnecessary. However, the writing was still captivating and held my attention regardless!
Listened to this on audible and the narration was phenomenal. I loved the story and really enjoyed the writing
Oh my gosh, I wish my edition had that GORGEOUS cover. But it didn't. It had some weird helmet that looked like it was made of out wax or something. Whatever.
Anyway, this is a fun read for fans of mythology that don't actually want to read the source material (this describes me). 3.5 stars.
Anyway, this is a fun read for fans of mythology that don't actually want to read the source material (this describes me). 3.5 stars.
Even though I'm not big on re-tellings, I have to admit I'll make an exception for this one. There's just something about the Norse mythology, maybe it's the fact that the gods are actually pretty human.
I also loved Loki. I mean is there a narrator more unreliable than the god of mischief?
I also loved Loki. I mean is there a narrator more unreliable than the god of mischief?