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tourmaline_and_tomes's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Just like Chima's other series, this is straightforward fantasy YA, and it's good.
Children of Ragnarok is a dual POV fantasy novel that is rich in Viking and Scandinavian lore. Hundreds of years after Ragnarok, magic has disappeared from the Midlands and people are suffering. Reginn is a thrall who is also a witch, and she is rescued from enslavement by the mysterious wyrdspinners and whisked away to the paradise of New Jotunheim. But is it the paradise she thinks it is? Eiric is a coaster who is redeemed out of an impossible situation by a demanding jarl, and given an even more impossible task: find the mysterious Temple of the Grove and help restore magic to the Midlands. Reginn's and Eiric's paths will converge in New Jotunheim, and the fate of the entire Midlands will hang in the balance. The plot twists and revelations were fairly predictable, but that's often YA for you. Just because I could predict what was coming didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. If you're into Norse mythology, this is a great epic adventure.
Children of Ragnarok is a dual POV fantasy novel that is rich in Viking and Scandinavian lore. Hundreds of years after Ragnarok, magic has disappeared from the Midlands and people are suffering. Reginn is a thrall who is also a witch, and she is rescued from enslavement by the mysterious wyrdspinners and whisked away to the paradise of New Jotunheim. But is it the paradise she thinks it is? Eiric is a coaster who is redeemed out of an impossible situation by a demanding jarl, and given an even more impossible task: find the mysterious Temple of the Grove and help restore magic to the Midlands. Reginn's and Eiric's paths will converge in New Jotunheim, and the fate of the entire Midlands will hang in the balance. The plot twists and revelations were fairly predictable, but that's often YA for you. Just because I could predict what was coming didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. If you're into Norse mythology, this is a great epic adventure.
mydesignedbalance's review
4.0
Norse Mythology and Vikings? Say no more, I will read the book!
What a start to a great fantasy series! Mystery, intrigue, corruption, magic, and monsters!
Many, many years after Ragnarok the old ways of magic are fading. There is the mystery girl and half sister Liv, the man accused of murder, Eiric with mysterious connection to the gods, and Reggin the slave girl who just might be more than a simple healer.
The amount of research that must have been completed for writing this book is amazing! The story and world building are very well done and is engaging. The book follows Reggin and Eiric in two story lines that overlap a little but you will learn are intertwined. To what extent? We are still finding that out! Each chapter provided more hints of to what connections are to be made and who Eiric and Reggin really are and clues to their ancestry.
There were times that I felt I was being bounced too much between the different POVs, but overall the book drew me in and captured my attention. The development and explanation of the magic system and lore was perfectly explained, and the descriptive writing allowed you to envision the world.
I cannot wait to see what book two reveals!
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Physical Book
Rating: 4 Stars
Reader Notes:
• Some language
• Romance: kisses – but not a romance
• Violence – Vikings, battle, injuries
• !!! – murder, small battles, weapons
thisbookishmom's review
4.0
Rating: 3.5/5
This one was a little difficult to follow, especially in the beginning. Lots of mythology to sort through and the world building was slow. I found myself not very interested in the characters or storyline for about the first half of the book. I feel like everyone could have moved along a little faster.
The second half is where the story hit its stride for me as things were uncovered and developed well. There is definitely potential for a romance in the second book and I’m interested to see where this story goes.
This one was a little difficult to follow, especially in the beginning. Lots of mythology to sort through and the world building was slow. I found myself not very interested in the characters or storyline for about the first half of the book. I feel like everyone could have moved along a little faster.
The second half is where the story hit its stride for me as things were uncovered and developed well. There is definitely potential for a romance in the second book and I’m interested to see where this story goes.
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
I’m so excited that CWC has a new series out!! Such a great storyteller- can’t wait for #2.
e_l_smith's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted so much more from this book but it ultimately kind of dragged.
books_n_coffee97's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kaylokay_'s review
4.0
3.5 - The world building takes a while (fantasy, of course) and to me had some uneven pacing…but when it picks up boy does it pick up. The book didn’t end anywhere near where I would have predicted, and I felt invested in the main trio the entire time. I also appreciated the author’s incorporation of the Norse mythology (hint hint: if you pay attention to some of the names you may be able to predict some character’s motivations !). I can’t wait to read the next installment!
telemwill's review
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
blodeuedd's review
3.0
Eiric and Liv get in trouble with their stepdad's relatives. But he and they are aholes after all. And now Eiric is charged for murder, and no way out.
Set after Ragnarrok, the gods are dead. Magic is disappearing. Monsters are less seen (I mean that is good and all). And some says they gods might come back. Oh, that I actually want, hey give is that!
I kept wondering this one thing, why is he called Halvorson, when his dad's name is Leif? You get your dad's name, not inherit some older name. That's like only 200 years old. Yes, things like that bug me.
Then there is Reggin, a slave with a weird master. I wonder about that, is this so YA that he will suddenly turn nice, or become a love interest? That would be bad.
Anyway, these all will meet and all Hel will break loose. Because there is still magic in the world, and so much more.
It was long, lots happened. I do not want to say too much. I did hope to hear something about wakening gods, but sadly not. Maybe in the next one.
I did like it, and I wonder what will happen next. Not something good. Things turned out really really bad.
Good narration. Eveyone had such good voices that I always knew who was where and when
Set after Ragnarrok, the gods are dead. Magic is disappearing. Monsters are less seen (I mean that is good and all). And some says they gods might come back. Oh, that I actually want, hey give is that!
I kept wondering this one thing, why is he called Halvorson, when his dad's name is Leif? You get your dad's name, not inherit some older name. That's like only 200 years old. Yes, things like that bug me.
Then there is Reggin, a slave with a weird master. I wonder about that, is this so YA that he will suddenly turn nice, or become a love interest? That would be bad.
Anyway, these all will meet and all Hel will break loose. Because there is still magic in the world, and so much more.
It was long, lots happened. I do not want to say too much. I did hope to hear something about wakening gods, but sadly not. Maybe in the next one.
I did like it, and I wonder what will happen next. Not something good. Things turned out really really bad.
Good narration. Eveyone had such good voices that I always knew who was where and when