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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
slow-paced
I went into this without really knowing anything about Norse mythology. I think the experience would have been better had I known at least some of it. I'd say this had a slow pace, yet it did keep me turning the pages. I didn't LOVE the story.
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Witch’s Heart was a really engaging read and a great introduction to Norse mythology for me. Even though I’m more familiar with Greek myths, I found the world of Norse legends and gods fascinating, and I loved how the book wove those stories into a more intimate, character-driven narrative.
The character development was one of the strongest parts of the book. Everyone felt fully formed, and the relationships, especially between Angrboda and the people around her were emotionally rich and believable. I especially loved Angrboda’s character her strength, her magic, and the way her powers were described really drew me in. She felt powerful and vulnerable at the same time, which made her a compelling protagonist to follow.
That said, some of the dialogue felt a little too modern for the setting, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did stand out at times.
As for Loki… I didn’t like him. At all. I never found him redeemable, though I get that was kind of the point. His character worked in the context of the story, but personally, I didn’t connect with him.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, myth-rich novel with strong characters and a story that kept me hooked. Definitely recommended for fans of mythology retellings, especially if you’re curious about Norse lore.
The character development was one of the strongest parts of the book. Everyone felt fully formed, and the relationships, especially between Angrboda and the people around her were emotionally rich and believable. I especially loved Angrboda’s character her strength, her magic, and the way her powers were described really drew me in. She felt powerful and vulnerable at the same time, which made her a compelling protagonist to follow.
That said, some of the dialogue felt a little too modern for the setting, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did stand out at times.
As for Loki… I didn’t like him. At all. I never found him redeemable, though I get that was kind of the point. His character worked in the context of the story, but personally, I didn’t connect with him.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, myth-rich novel with strong characters and a story that kept me hooked. Definitely recommended for fans of mythology retellings, especially if you’re curious about Norse lore.
should have had more longing and angst. Why are all the witches living like a hermit and trapped in an island? I wanna see witches be witches amongst the people and do witchy things!!! Not be trapped in a place and be forgotten!!!
Not to sound like a discriminator but god... the second ship was forced. Just... no. No. No. No. It was so far fetched and just not it... like when it happened I rolled my eyes. They were going somewhere with loki not being "stereotypical masculine" but then a masculine woman got with a feminine woman.. I hate that trope. Why does one have to masculine even when the couple are not hetero, huh? Just.. get the hell out of here!!!!! Just... the 2nd half was a snoozefest. I was so looking forward to Loki to turn out to not be who she thought he was.. but when it happened there was not enough.. it was just so... fake. Give me angst!!!! I was promised angst or so I thought. Gahhhhh.
Not to sound like a discriminator but god... the second ship was forced. Just... no. No. No. No. It was so far fetched and just not it... like when it happened I rolled my eyes. They were going somewhere with loki not being "stereotypical masculine" but then a masculine woman got with a feminine woman.. I hate that trope. Why does one have to masculine even when the couple are not hetero, huh? Just.. get the hell out of here!!!!! Just... the 2nd half was a snoozefest. I was so looking forward to Loki to turn out to not be who she thought he was.. but when it happened there was not enough.. it was just so... fake. Give me angst!!!! I was promised angst or so I thought. Gahhhhh.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 Stars)
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec is a beautifully written, emotionally layered reimagining of Norse mythology that completely swept me away. This isn’t your typical mythological retelling—it’s tender, intimate, and full of heartache and strength.
The story follows Angrboda, a witch punished by the gods and left for dead, who carves out a quiet, hidden life in the woods—until Loki shows up and turns her world upside down. Their love story is complicated, full of charm and pain, and watching it unfold felt both magical and inevitable. Gornichec does a fantastic job of humanizing these larger-than-life figures, especially giving Angrboda a rich inner world and a fierce sense of motherhood that grounds the fantastical elements of the story.
What I especially loved was how the book explored the quiet power of a woman choosing to survive, to love, and to protect what matters most—even when fate is not on her side. The pacing is slower at times, but that worked for me—it gave space for the characters to breathe, grow, and for the reader to sit with the emotional weight of it all.
This is a powerful blend of myth, love, and fate, with writing that feels both poetic and grounded. If you enjoyed Circe or mythological stories with strong character development, this one is well worth your time.
This novel had me holding back tears and hungry for more Norse mythology. Gornichec has written a true masterpiece about 'The Witch' of Norse stories and made her a true heroine among the gods.