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edithp_peony20's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
skyeward_promenade's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 stars, rounded down
Damn.
Okay.
The book was decent. It didn't hurt me as much as the TV show (though that bar is really low). However, I can admit that I am simultaneously giving this book more credit and less credit than it deserves because I'm a big Loki fan. That may only make sense to me, but it makes sense.
I was debating whether I'd round up or down, and it was a hard choice. It's a little magical to know exactly what's going to happen and still be emotionally moved (read: wounded) reading it. However, the longer I think about the last half of the book, the less I like it. I decided to round down (after three edits).
Damn.
Okay.
The book was decent. It didn't hurt me as much as the TV show (though that bar is really low). However, I can admit that I am simultaneously giving this book more credit and less credit than it deserves because I'm a big Loki fan. That may only make sense to me, but it makes sense.
I was debating whether I'd round up or down, and it was a hard choice. It's a little magical to know exactly what's going to happen and still be emotionally moved (read: wounded) reading it. However, the longer I think about the last half of the book, the less I like it. I decided to round down (after three edits).
telltalepage's review against another edition
5.0
This book was REALLY GOOD. My expectations were high but wary, but I was not disappointed in the least!
It felt true to the source comic materials (and the movies too I guess??) and I loved following Loki rather than Thor through this time in his growing up. I loved the introduction of Amora and the relationship between her and Loki spoke volumes when it comes to both characters and their moral ambiguity.
I don't want to spoil too much, but let's just say that I ate this book up, especially once I got to part two. I loved the setting, Loki's genuine confusion over the prejudices and gender confines of 19th century London, the way his heart grew a little before he squashed it down to protect himself, and how his relationship with Thor was portrayed. Also kudos for mixing in Midgardian Norse Mythology......that was top notch. *chef's kiss*
Honestly I couldn't get enough of this novel and I think anyone who likes Loki or Marvel or who is a queer teen and/or literally anyone with an interest in the subject matter.
It felt true to the source comic materials (and the movies too I guess??) and I loved following Loki rather than Thor through this time in his growing up. I loved the introduction of Amora and the relationship between her and Loki spoke volumes when it comes to both characters and their moral ambiguity.
I don't want to spoil too much, but let's just say that I ate this book up, especially once I got to part two. I loved the setting, Loki's genuine confusion over the prejudices and gender confines of 19th century London, the way his heart grew a little before he squashed it down to protect himself, and how his relationship with Thor was portrayed. Also kudos for mixing in Midgardian Norse Mythology......that was top notch. *chef's kiss*
Honestly I couldn't get enough of this novel and I think anyone who likes Loki or Marvel or who is a queer teen and/or literally anyone with an interest in the subject matter.
dreamingreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I wish I could give this book a 4- or even 3-star rating from the amazing way it started in the world of Asgard and character pushes and pulls. It was definitely feeling like a 4-star until Loki went to London, and everything crashed down. The Living Dead, the Enchantress-and-fake-spiritualism, the unexpected and unfeeling bi love triangle all made this book nose dive. So sad, since the storytelling was fun for reading and listening to. :(
maddiesbookshelf0927's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
vassa's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
Loki: *tears streaming down his face* i don’t need friends they disappoint me
So, this book. Loki screws up big time and is sent to Midgard to investigate stuff. And it's not just your ordinary contemporary, but a Victorian AU (side note: I am convinced Loki would THRIVE in the 1990s or the early 2000s, so that's an AU idea). And now Loki has to investigate a certain mystery (which stays a mystery for exactly five seconds, at least for those who paid a single second of attention) and has to work with those awful, uneducated and narrow-minded midgardians whose bad vibes are just not it. And of course, Loki ends up kind of digging this whole Midgard hustle, but he does not show that as he is an edgy teen and he is legally obligated to suppress any feelings.
Loki was... weird in this book. And not in a good sense. Like he had big brain energy but also was a dumb bitch, which is exactly the energy his comics version is transmitting, but alas, there was no flavour in this book, I personally tasted nothing. He was slightly cartoonish, and I could not bring myself to care about his spiritual journey. And honest to god, if I have to listen to this whole oh-i-love-my-high-heeled-boots whining ever again I'll scream.
The plot was extremely predictable as I've already mentioned, but actually, I must confess that I was low-key impressed with the ending and the decision Loki made. I guess that was A Choice, and I respect that, I truly do. I would have guessed the same, so it was a bold decision I appreciated.
The main pairing fell flat for me, but the last 5% got me, I was suddenly rooting for them as if I've always been watching them closely and wishing them nothing but happiness. I don't know the exact reason, maybe I was particularly tired and needed a distraction, but it was intense, so it is another positive thing, I guess.
What was particularly disappointing was the setting. It was next to non-existent, the whole drama could have been unfolding under my own windows and I would not suspect a thing. The fact that women wear hooped skirts, and queer people are oppressed and cannot wear their GODDAMN high-heeled boots is not enough exposition, I am sorry, but it is what it is. The whole fun was supposed to be in the time period where Loki suddenly finds himself, but it was not.
Overall, I think there are other fanfics out there that provide better entertainment. I guess it's cool that this book exists as an official part of the franchise, but unfortunately, it was not particularly entertaining for me. It did some things right (Loki being genderfluid and queer, yes, new Loki tv series, I am looking at you and you should be ashamed of yourself that you made Loki bisexual when he is clearly a pan; Loki setting out on this spiritual journey and trying to become a better version of himself. NOT the high-heeled boots tho) and some things wrong (the high-heeled boots). It was okay, but I am now going back to my cave, to my AO3 bookmarks. Thank you for your attention.
P.S. Also!!! I've been coming across Loki's quote from this book on Tumblr: "In my defence, I was left unsupervised." It is funny and all, but oh my god Odin's comeback??? "I will not ask what you were thinking because it is clear that you were not." THAT'S what you call a sick burn.
Loki: *tears streaming down his face* i don’t need friends they disappoint me
So, this book. Loki screws up big time and is sent to Midgard to investigate stuff. And it's not just your ordinary contemporary, but a Victorian AU (side note: I am convinced Loki would THRIVE in the 1990s or the early 2000s, so that's an AU idea). And now Loki has to investigate a certain mystery (which stays a mystery for exactly five seconds, at least for those who paid a single second of attention) and has to work with those awful, uneducated and narrow-minded midgardians whose bad vibes are just not it. And of course, Loki ends up kind of digging this whole Midgard hustle, but he does not show that as he is an edgy teen and he is legally obligated to suppress any feelings.
Loki was... weird in this book. And not in a good sense. Like he had big brain energy but also was a dumb bitch, which is exactly the energy his comics version is transmitting, but alas, there was no flavour in this book, I personally tasted nothing. He was slightly cartoonish, and I could not bring myself to care about his spiritual journey. And honest to god, if I have to listen to this whole oh-i-love-my-high-heeled-boots whining ever again I'll scream.
The plot was extremely predictable as I've already mentioned, but actually, I must confess that I was low-key impressed with the ending and the decision Loki made. I guess that was A Choice, and I respect that, I truly do. I would have guessed the same, so it was a bold decision I appreciated.
The main pairing fell flat for me, but the last 5% got me, I was suddenly rooting for them as if I've always been watching them closely and wishing them nothing but happiness. I don't know the exact reason, maybe I was particularly tired and needed a distraction, but it was intense, so it is another positive thing, I guess.
What was particularly disappointing was the setting. It was next to non-existent, the whole drama could have been unfolding under my own windows and I would not suspect a thing. The fact that women wear hooped skirts, and queer people are oppressed and cannot wear their GODDAMN high-heeled boots is not enough exposition, I am sorry, but it is what it is. The whole fun was supposed to be in the time period where Loki suddenly finds himself, but it was not.
Overall, I think there are other fanfics out there that provide better entertainment. I guess it's cool that this book exists as an official part of the franchise, but unfortunately, it was not particularly entertaining for me. It did some things right (Loki being genderfluid and queer, yes, new Loki tv series, I am looking at you and you should be ashamed of yourself that you made Loki bisexual when he is clearly a pan; Loki setting out on this spiritual journey and trying to become a better version of himself. NOT the high-heeled boots tho) and some things wrong (the high-heeled boots). It was okay, but I am now going back to my cave, to my AO3 bookmarks. Thank you for your attention.
P.S. Also!!! I've been coming across Loki's quote from this book on Tumblr: "In my defence, I was left unsupervised." It is funny and all, but oh my god Odin's comeback??? "I will not ask what you were thinking because it is clear that you were not." THAT'S what you call a sick burn.
thebookberrie's review against another edition
I get personalities change a lot and who you are as an adult isn't who you were as a kid but yeah no this still isn't Loki at all. What is so funny to me is that there's a sorceress in here who pretty much had the characteristics of the Loki we all know and love while this Loki was just plain bread???? I read this because I wanted to see my boy be sneaky and a trickster but go do boring London stuff I guess.
This book is readable (still a yikes from me) if you pretend these are completely different characters because I really don't see anything of them here. Maybe I just don't like seeing my faves turned into watered down versions of themselves, thrown into a different setting that never really made any sense. I don't get why it had to be historical fiction either besides that this author writes that. They couldn't have just been in Asgard the whole time? Alright.
While I'm thankful I got a chance to read the arc, this was a HUGE miss for me. (This is middle grade isn't it? Did I really get bamboozled into reading mg? Ugh.)
alawrynas's review against another edition
1.0
Well…where do I begin? With the author trying to erase Loki’s bisexuality or the poor excuse for characterization of some of my most beloved Marvel characters.
Amora isn’t Amora.
Loki isn’t Loki.
It’s basically fanfic on par with the Loki Series live action fanfic, so I guess that’s what it’s got going for it…
The thing that really irked me was how Amora was treated in this book. Nothing like her comic and animated portrayals. She’s not a vengeful sex hungry floozy, she’s a highly intelligent feminine magic user. Anyone who is a fan of Amora can attest that this is her worst portrayal. Who, sorry to say it but, compared to Loki in comics and media, has more of a conscious and feels bad for others. (Specifically Loki before AOA). Also, to reference “Sylvie Lushton” was in horrible taste considering the history with Amora and that Sylvie’s character is a racist, homophobic, ableist in the comics means she shouldn’t be used anywhere in anything, especially as an alias for Amora.
The way that Theo was treated at the end left a terrible taste in my mouth.
I bought this book knowing nothing about it or it’s author, but after reading it, I cannot recommend this to any Loki fan. If you wish to read it for reading it’s sake, go for it, but if you want good Loki stories and even Amora stories, there are tons out there I recommend before this.
Amora isn’t Amora.
Loki isn’t Loki.
It’s basically fanfic on par with the Loki Series live action fanfic, so I guess that’s what it’s got going for it…
The thing that really irked me was how Amora was treated in this book. Nothing like her comic and animated portrayals. She’s not a vengeful sex hungry floozy, she’s a highly intelligent feminine magic user. Anyone who is a fan of Amora can attest that this is her worst portrayal. Who, sorry to say it but, compared to Loki in comics and media, has more of a conscious and feels bad for others. (Specifically Loki before AOA). Also, to reference “Sylvie Lushton” was in horrible taste considering the history with Amora and that Sylvie’s character is a racist, homophobic, ableist in the comics means she shouldn’t be used anywhere in anything, especially as an alias for Amora.
The way that Theo was treated at the end left a terrible taste in my mouth.
I bought this book knowing nothing about it or it’s author, but after reading it, I cannot recommend this to any Loki fan. If you wish to read it for reading it’s sake, go for it, but if you want good Loki stories and even Amora stories, there are tons out there I recommend before this.