Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Because, when something goes wrong, the first thing I always think is, it is Loki’s fault. It saves a lot of time

I have always loved mythology, especially Norse mythology. When Neil Gaiman came out last year with Norse Mythology I put it on my list to sometime read it. But since I thought one could not come up with more new.

Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Rating:


Title & Author: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Genre: Mythology, Fantasy
Release Date: February 7 2017
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Synopsis

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

I give Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman five out of five hearts because it is a great and fun read. Neil is a great author so I didn’t expect anything bad, but he out did himself.

I worried Neil would write his own stories within the Norse Mythology for this novel (I didn’t read the synopsis before reading the actual novel) and thought it would be a three or four hearts read. Neil is a great author and him coming up with something good wasn’t far fetched. But he actually rewrote a lot of the well known mythology.

The stories are (mostly) all about the same characters, Loki, Odin and Thor. I actually didn’t know there were so many stories centered around these guys. Of course there is a whole pantheon of gods that shuffles through too, but like Neil writes in his Foreword, most stories actually center around these three characters. All three have their distinct personalities and already for their behaviour you know which is which character.

Overall I think Norse Mythology is a great read. Neil’s writing is funny and fast paced. He goes from one little story into the next and they flow into each other.

Let me know what you thought of this book!
If you have any requests for which book I should talk about next, please let me know in the comments down below.

For now, let books enrich your life!

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