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Bjørn Larssen
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Children: Grimdark Norse Mythology Retelling (The Ten Worlds Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Bjørn Larssen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 82 ratings

Defy the Gods. Forge your destiny.

Maya, fostered by the Gods and sent away to fend for herself, is fed up with a life of servitude and deception. To find and assemble the pieces of her real identity, she must embark on a perilous quest. Her only weapon is magic she doesn't understand; her shield – defiance.

Magni, son of Thor, wants the quiet life of a blacksmith. But destiny has other plans. When his world is shattered, he's thrust into a realm of chaos and conflict. With a heart that yearns for peace, Magni is forced to wield his hammer as a weapon to battle those who use him as a tool.

Bound by circumstance, Maya and Magni form an unlikely alliance. Forced to confront their pasts, they must forge a future where they hold the reins of their own destinies. Love and loyalty will be tested as they fight to change the Universe, challenge the Gods… and survive their wrath.

2020 Stabby Nominee – Best Self-Published/Independent Novel
2022 Queer Indie Lit Award
2022 Picky Bookworm Award – Best Worldbuilding

“The main thing which struck me was how different it was. Completely unlike the mainstream trad published fantasy. Then I went off and had a little cry.” – Tim Hardie, author of Hall of Bones and A Quiet Vengeance

"A haunting, brutal, and emotional coming of age story, steeped in Norse mythology and written in spare but lyrical prose, Children is a book that demands to be felt rather than read. Its hard-hitting story and dark humor combine to make this a grim book with lots of heart, a book that will stick with me for a long time." – Angela Boord, author of Fortune's Fool

"Faced with gods who are interested only in their own goals, happy to use their own children to further their ambition in the face of a foretold end, Children can be read as allegory or fantasy. Drawing on established Norse myths but adding a unique interpretation, Larssen’s tale made me wince with witnessed pain, and cry, and, once or twice, snort with laughter. His evocative prose will linger in my mind for a long time. Not a book easily forgotten." – Marian L Thorpe, author of Empress & Soldier and Empire’s Daughter

"This dark retelling of Asgard's pantheon is no rosy Marvel Universe depiction, the violence and savagery of the deities and their contemporaries being on full display. [...] Children is as actually less of a coming-of-age tale as it is a study of trauma, a commentary on classism and privilege, an observation on the expectations placed on each other by child and parent, and a questioning of what it says about us when one group of people can dehumanize another." – Grimdark Magazine

Note:

British English conventions, spelling, and grammar were used in this book.

The book includes strong language, depictions of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. For full list of triggers, which may contain spoilers, see: https://www.bjornlarssen.com/children-tw

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Ten Worlds
  2. Print length
    446 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    October 3, 2020
  6. File size
    1.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This dark retelling of Asgard's pantheon is no rosy Marvel Universe depiction, the violence and savagery of the deities and their contemporaries being on full display. [...] Children is as actually less of a coming-of-age tale as it is a study of trauma, a commentary on classism and privilege, an observation on the expectations placed on each other by child and parent, and a questioning of what it says about us when one group of people can dehumanize another." - Grimdark Magazine

"Children is a fearsome kaleidoscope of genres, it has shades of fantasy, historical fiction; it feels in parts profoundly personal and perhaps even to a degree biographical. Being primarily an SFF blogger, it would be remiss of me not to say that it is also a re-telling of Norse myths. No disrespect to authors such as Neil Gaiman or Joanne Harris, but for me, the bulk of re-tellings are more paraphrasing, in that the myths are for the most part unchanged. Mild creative liberties are taken, and there is perhaps a slight warp to the grain, but they are at heart the same stories. With Children, you get a re-telling. Bjørn Larssen retells the s--t out of it." - Bookends and Bagends

"This book is about as raw and brutal a read as you can come by but it is also incredibly moving and never makes you feel like there's not something worth salvaging in the end. I was really blown away by Children and am here to say that if you don't read this book, you are seriously missing out on a rare talent right now by the name of Bjørn Larssen. He will not hold your hand and tell you everything that you need to know explicitly, but he will ask you to work a little for what is a phenomenal payoff if you just invest a little time and attention. The true testament to how this book moved me is that I couldn't get it out of my head for the entire day after finishing it. In fact I even went back and read the final chapter again because I wanted to experience it fully just one more time." - Out of This World SFF Reviews

"Bjørn is a master at dialogue, writing and setting. I felt so immersed in this world, it was so wonderful to come in and out and not just because of the spectacular cover that awaits the reader."It was such a well told story, it really was a page turner. It will appeal heavily to those who love Norse Mythology or historical fantasy perhaps, but also those who enjoy a really well told tale. I have never been so invested in a set of characters, dealing primarily with two descendants Maya and Magni, their internal struggle dealing with their legendary counterparts was really quite moving, particularly Magni."This is a brutal book it does not hold back and in keeping with Norse Mythology (which in itself can violent, brutal and nasty) but also was very moving and yet again I say what a wonderful story Bjørn has in store for you. I would urge you to read this, you are missing out on a rare talent if you don't." - The Swordsmith

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08JVFSZZX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ josephtailor
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9082998566
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Ten Worlds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 82 ratings

About the author

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Bjørn Larssen

Bjørn Larssen

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Bjørn Larssen is an award-winning author of historical fiction and fantasy, dark and funny in varying proportions. His writing has been described as ‘dark,’ ‘literary,’ ‘cinematic,’ ‘hilarious,’ and ‘there were points where I was almost having to read through a small gap between my fingers.’

Bjørn has a Master of Science degree in mathematics, and has previously worked as a graphic designer, a model, a bartender, and a blacksmith (not all at the same time). He currently lives with his husband in Almere, which is unfortunately located in The Netherlands, rather than Iceland.

He has only met an elf once. So far.

2022 Queer Indie Lit Award – Winner (Best Author – Speculative)

2021 Eric Hoffer Grand Prize Award – Finalist ('Storytellers')

2020 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner – Historical Fiction ('Storytellers')

2020 Stabby Award Nominee ('Children')

Find out more about Bjørn at https://www.bjornlarssen.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
82 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book compelling with well-thought-out fantasy world-building and beautiful prose. Moreover, the story features heavy doses of humor, and customers appreciate how it fleshes out characters in an interesting way. Additionally, the pacing is dark and intense, with one customer noting its striking portrayal of mental illness, while another highlights its scope that will boggle the mind.

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StorytellingReadabilityHumorCharacter developmentPacingPlotStrength
13 customers mention "Storytelling"11 positive2 negative

Customers praise the book's compelling storytelling, beautiful prose, and strong writing style, with one customer noting that every word feels deliberately placed.

"...The writing is gorgeous. You could read it just for the writing. But you will also find yourself reading it to know what happens...." Read more

"...Every word feels like it was placed deliberately, weaving an engrossing story...." Read more

"...The world of the ten worlds is very well elaborated and the plot takes us through some of these areas, and the writer did a very good job of..." Read more

"...out fantasy world-building, myth and folklore, and brutally realistic storytelling...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compelling, with one review highlighting its well-thought-out fantasy world-building.

"...In this sense, it’s also fantasy, but not fantasy as you know it. Fantasy meets Tolstoy perhaps. Possibly it’s that important, too...." Read more

"...While the book is amazing, a reader’s mental wellbeing matters most. That being said, Children is breathtakingly brilliant...." Read more

"...(The Ten Worlds, # 1)” by Bjørn Larssen is a very good book related to Nordic mythology...." Read more

"...For me, it was worth the effort and time because it was such a unique take on very familiar myths and an incredibly insightful look into the effect..." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with several noting its heavy doses of dark wit, and one describing it as both funny and dark.

"...the harsh material, the book also had some moments that had me laughing out loud. I pretty much ran the gambit of emotions with Children...." Read more

"This book is entertaining, beautifully written, and gory in a way that matches the tone/events of certain Norse sagas. “..." Read more

"...It’s a story that is dark, dangerous, cruel, yet with glimmers of fun and humor and adventure...." Read more

"...in-depth look at some important, and often dark, themes, but it's the humor and the compelling storytelling that I walked away enjoying...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting how it fleshes out the characters in an interesting way, with one customer highlighting how it humanizes the gods.

"...of Gods – and their parents – are real characters, flawed, flesh and blood characters, gritty, compelling and extraordinarily three dimensional...." Read more

"...These are two extremely likable and are just doing the best they can with what life throws at them...." Read more

"...The main and supporting characters are well worked out and every action they make has its consequences...." Read more

"...Instead, this book fleshes out the characters in an interesting way...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it dark and gory, with one customer noting its striking portrayals of mental illness.

"...it was such a unique take on very familiar myths and an incredibly insightful look into the effect abuse of all kinds has on its victims...." Read more

"This book is entertaining, beautifully written, and gory in a way that matches the tone/events of certain Norse sagas. “..." Read more

"...It’s a story that is dark, dangerous, cruel, yet with glimmers of fun and humor and adventure...." Read more

"...Of special note are striking portrayals of mental illness, neurodiversity, and addiction." Read more

6 customers mention "Plot"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the plot of the book, with one review noting its ambitious scope that boggles the mind, while another describes it as beautifully crafted and action-driven.

"...’s adopted daughter, who are both actors and pawns in the beautifully crafted plot, that takes in well known components of the Norse tales – such as..." Read more

"This well-written and ambitious novel was an intense read to say the least...." Read more

"...The sagas tend to be action-driven, and Children updates Norse mythology with modern trends in narrative construction...." Read more

"...is dark, dangerous, cruel, yet with glimmers of fun and humor and adventure...." Read more

4 customers mention "Strength"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intense and harrowing, with one customer noting how it portrays characters overcoming odds and themselves.

"...Children is a raw, vulnerable, rough, and beautiful book." Read more

"...I found Magni and Maya strong and real and believable. Everything you want from characters that lead such a powerful punch of a story...." Read more

"Equal parts harrowing and beautiful, Children is unlike anything I've ever read before...." Read more

"Intense but rewarding read..." Read more

Creative, unique retellings of Norse myths.
3 out of 5 stars
Creative, unique retellings of Norse myths.
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.) 'Children (The Ten Worlds Book 1)' by Bjørn Larssen is a retelling of the Norse myths, centered around Magni and Maya. Magni is the son of the God of Thunder himself.. Thor.. but it's his mother he grew up close to. Thor represents everything the young god despises.. murderous and alcoholic. A being who was never really part of his life.. and whose name only brings up feelings of resentment and memories of a cold, distant man. When Thor destroys everything Magni holds dear, he becomes determined to put a stop to his distant father's violence. His dream is peace and prosperity for the Nine Worlds and a quiet life with the man he loves, but escaping the shadow of his father is difficult because they look so similar that he's frequently mistaken for Thor. Maya is a sorceress who was spirited away from her human family by Freya and Freyr.. the God of Sex and Goddess of Love.. but she has no interest in the greatest of pleasures. Having been sent back amongst humans to serve a thick-skulled brute of a King with no promise of when or if she'll ever return home, Maya's yearning for freedom has only grown. A skilled magic wielder, her rage at the games they've played is more powerful than even she realizes, but escape seems to elude her as well. Though this book wasn't what I was expecting.. which is to say something bold and a bit lyrical.. it was well written. It's far more than bold.. and too raw to be lyrical.. but that isn't a bd thing. The prose actually takes on more of the brutish traits of the world the reader is thrust into.. the language often simplistic. I found the dialogue to be on the weak side, but in truth.. that's the most difficult thing for most writers to get right, in my opinion. While the journey is certainly a struggle and natural story investment builds within the telling, I wasn't particularly attached to any of the characters.. which surprised me. I just didn't find them all that likeable.. but that's a very personal thing and has no reflection on the author. What's really cool about the story, is the unorthodox approach Larssen took to the retellings. His perspectives feel unique while still containing enough core mythos to keep the reader's path forward clear. Told through a shifting narrative between Magni and Maya, each voice is distinctive.. which is really important to me with multiple-pov perspectives. I like that I know who I'm reading by their tone and even their language.. that I don't have to check and see whose name is present in the chapter. As for trigger warnings.. if you're uncomfortable with depictions of sexual, physical, and emotional violence.. you may want to skip this one. However, if those don't bother you and you're looking for a story told in interesting and unfamiliar ways.. this might be it.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • avid kindler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Seriously good
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is a spin-off from Norse mythology – but not Norse mythology as you know it. This is for real. The children of Gods – and their parents – are real characters, flawed, flesh and blood characters, gritty, compelling and extraordinarily three dimensional. In this sense, it’s also fantasy, but not fantasy as you know it. Fantasy meets Tolstoy perhaps.
    Possibly it’s that important, too. Certainly it’s that important for the future of fantasy literature. If the author continues to write like this, the fantasy genre will grow in importance, but a lot of lesser players may be knocked off the board.
    The writing is gorgeous. You could read it just for the writing. But you will also find yourself reading it to know what happens. At the heart of it, and alternating the PoV of the story, are Magni, Thor’s son, and Maya, Freya’s adopted daughter, who are both actors and pawns in the beautifully crafted plot, that takes in well known components of the Norse tales – such as Thor dressing up as Freya – and weaves them into a new saga whose components are equally memorable and very much deeper in their significance.
    Don’t be taken in by the title. This is grown up writing, for grownups. It doesn’t hold back, and you possibly don’t want your own children reading it.
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  • Witty&SarcasticBookClub
    4.0 out of 5 stars The author told an all-encompassing tale that really goes beyond its description.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of those books that I started out desperate to rush through, then ended up reading more slowly to savor the writing. Be aware that this book is harsh. Very, very harsh. It is harsh with a purpose (if that makes sense) and is never there merely for shock value. However, if you avoid certain subjects like I tend to, please be cognizant of your mental health going in. While the book is amazing, a reader’s mental wellbeing matters most.

    That being said, Children is breathtakingly brilliant. The author’s talent is astonishing (and I had very high expectations). Every word feels like it was placed deliberately, weaving an engrossing story. Told from the perspectives of Magni and Maya, both children of Norse Gods, although they aren’t exactly included in weekly family dinners or anything. Their viewpoints painted a more nuanced look at the pantheon than I honestly could have expected.

    The games the gods play are messy and tend to have a lot of collateral damage. Magni, who is Thor’s son, and Maya, daughter of Freya, are brought together through this commonality. Maya’s storyline starts out extremely harshly, with an attempted r**e. It results in her fleeing the situation, where she ends up encountering Magni. Magni was possibly my favorite character. I say “possibly” because everyone was well-written and compelling. These are two extremely likable and are just doing the best they can with what life throws at them. And let me tell you, there are some curveballs.

    Oddly enough, despite the harsh material, the book also had some moments that had me laughing out loud. I pretty much ran the gambit of emotions with Children. There is trauma, most definitely. There is also humor, hope, and love. Basically, the author told an all-encompassing tale that really goes beyond its description. Some books are like that. They are game changers, the sort that there’s no “going back” from. There’s no way I’ll see the Norse pantheon the same way after this.

    If you can handle harsher content, then don’t skip this one. Children is a raw, vulnerable, rough, and beautiful book.
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  • Stjepan Varesevac Cobets
    5.0 out of 5 stars For fantasy lovers associated with Nordic mythology
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    My rating 4.5
    The fantasy book “Children (The Ten Worlds, # 1)” by Bjørn Larssen is a very good book related to Nordic mythology. The writer takes us to the worlds of the Nordic gods where we follow their children and their stories. The world of the ten worlds is very well elaborated and the plot takes us through some of these areas, and the writer did a very good job of describing every detail and area through the story. In some places in the story, I had a good laugh because some of the characters are just so silly, and sometimes naively uncorrupted. As for the love scenes in the book among the Nordic gods, there is a very great variety of choices, so all the choices will be found in the book in terms of love. The main and supporting characters are well worked out and every action they make has its consequences. All in all, this is a very good book for fans of the fantasy genre.

    Now a little about the story: The main story follows Maya, the daughter of the goddess Freya and Magni, the unrecognized son of Thor. Their lives are intertwined because of the behind-the-scenes games of the Nordic gods who have no smarter job than to constantly create tensions among the ten worlds. Unfortunately, neither Maya nor Magni knows what they got involved in, not by their own choice, because the Nordic gods are behind all the events. Maya gets Thor's stolen thief from the hooded sorcerer and gives it to the king who wants to marry her mother Freya at all costs. Normally this action provokes the wrath of the god's Tor who is the protector of Asgard. Maya runs away from the king who tries to rape her and meets Magni. Simultaneously fickle and deceitful, Loki comes with Frey to the king's court. The very appearance of Loki can only mean one thing, something bad will happen. Maya and Magni will find themselves at the center of all these happenings as innocent bystanders and their life paths will find themselves on the chessboard of God’s players. In all this commotion the two of them will have to find their way and it is only a question of what price they will pay at the end of that journey.

    I would recommend the book to fantasy lovers associated with Nordic mythology.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Whitey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Original, Refreshing, Different, and Very Good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is a wonderful new book from a talented writer who has a refreshing style of writing. One thing that immediately jumps to the fore is the humour. It is gentle, it is witty and it is very clever indeed. But be warned, there are some very dark themes in ‘Children’ and the book quite rightly comes with trigger warnings.
    The gods and goddesses are brilliantly presented, and while they are awe-inspiring we do also see them with the shiny veneer scratched away. Freya in particular is a hoot. The main characters, though, Maya and Magni, are less impressive in terms of their godly prowess. Or so they think. Each of them discovers strengths and abilities, both godlike and human, that help them on their quests. And while they spend a great deal of the book in each other’s company, there is no doubt that each has their own challenges to face so that they are at once working together, but separately. This makes them very three-dimensional and their voices are distinct.
    It’s not an easy read (and at times I did have to retrace my steps to make sure I was following the plot correctly) but it is absorbing, full of drama and real emotion and it is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and I mean that in a good way.
    Storytellers, by the same author, was outstanding, and also unlike anything I’d read before. This author’s talent is such that I wasn’t left thinking, “Oh this is the author’s style” but “This is different again.” A highly original book which I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
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  • Terry Tyler
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5* - a mythological masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I'm not the ideal reader for this book, as all I know about Norse mythology is (very) basic information about Odin, Thor, Freya and Loki, what Valhalla and Ragnarok are, and that's about it. Also, I am not a fan of fantasy, on the whole; magic and hallucinatory goings on - nah, you can keep it. However, I was hugely impressed by Storytellers and had read some excerpts of this before it was published, which I liked a lot, so wanted to take a look at this.

    The main characters, their stories told alternately and in the first person, are Magni, son of Thor, and sorceress Maya, who has had a somewhat difficult upbringing, not least of all under the watchful eye of the goddess Freya, one heck of a piece of work, to say the least. I liked Maya; she was amusing and spunky. I loved Magni; yes, even when he was taking part in raids on farms, and killing people.

    Children is atmospheric, clever, brutal, emotional, extremely well-written, intelligent, imaginative, and funny—and the dialogue is spectacularly good, some of the best I've read. Now and again, the dialogue and Magni's inner thoughts made me laugh out loud, which rarely happens when I read. The sexual activity in the book does not hold back, but get this: it didn't make me cringe. And that comes from someone who almost always cringes at sex scenes. Magni's feelings for Herjólf were so real, so well-portrayed; anyone who has ever been in love (or infatuated with) someone who remains elusive will feel Magni's pain throughout.

    My favourite part was when Magni was first involved with the outlaws (I loved Ludo, too!), and I also liked Maya's encounter with Harbard, the idea of Idunn's fruit, Magni's conversations with his father, and the information about what each of the 'worlds' is all about, which interested me enough to look up more about Norse mythology.

    Subject-wise, it wasn't absolutely my cup of tea, and I did get a bit confused with all the Norse names sometimes ('hang on, was that a person or a place?'), but it's definitely a novel of which Bjørn Larssen should be very proud indeed, and if the magical and mythological floats your boat, I would recommend that you buy it without delay.
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  • LJ Fox
    5.0 out of 5 stars Made me laugh out loud in public!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Children is a hilarious and sometimes moving unique retelling of Norse legends, with a novel take on Loki's parenthood of Sleipnir too, well played! If sometimes I found myself a little confused in tandem with Magni, the enormous, red headed son of Thor, with a childlike naiveté, it didn't harm my enjoyment of this wonderful book! The tale is told from the POV of Magni and Maya, both children of the gods, but Maya, who has magical and shape shifting powers, only finds out about herself by accident. Magni also harbours within his bipolar self Moði, a ruthlessly destructive boy, so at odds with Magni's naivety. He leaves the band of outlaws he's been tagging along with - one of whom he falls in love with - and although Herjólf is cruel, Magni finds himself hankering after him (until finally he meets a new crush in Asgard!) - and goes with Maya to Asgard, where he takes on a challenge to build a wall around it to keep the Jötunn army out, (although he mainly wants to keep his dad out) in one winter, for the prize of beautiful Freyja, who he only really wants because of her value to sell on. Freyja appears to come to help him but instead gets him addicted to Iðunn's restorative fruit and he spends most of the winter building his basalt wall with magical assistance, including Maya in shape-shifting mode as a horse (with a name that made me laugh out loud in public!) and only the vaguest coherence as he's off his trolley on the fruit...
    It's a fabulously entertaining romp and I'm looking forward to book 2!
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  • Rory
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deep, dark, and engaging mythic fantasy.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What an incredible book.
    Lovingly crafted, raw, brutal, funny, and beautiful. Children takes a deep dive into Norse mythology for a darkly entertaining and sometimes shocking grimdark retelling. The characters are wonderfully realised, and I the writing feels bold, confident, clever, and inspired. I usually struggle with long chapters, but the powerful storytelling made putting this book down incredibly hard even when horrible things were happening. Truly a fascinating and memorable read, and definite must for fans of mythological fantasy.

    CONTENT: The author of this book includes a content warning for sexual, physical, and emotional violence which may not be suitable for all readers . They provide a full list with further information on their website if required.
    Report
  • Yorkshire lass
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real TOUR DE FORCE!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Until I read Children, I admit to having little knowledge of Norse mythology. Aside from the gods Odin and Thor and the name Valhalla, I had no idea of the various realms involved or the many gods and mythical creatures who inhabited them. And they are numerous! So much so, that the opening pages contain a summary of each, which is just as well because I had to continually refer back to this until the names and places became more familiar. It was quite an effort, but well worth it.
    This book is a tour de force, Larsen’s retelling of the myths a stark, uncompromising study that highlights important issues of neglect and abuse and the impact this has on the victims. We see human nature at its worst, in this instance being played out through the gods.
    It makes for some uncomfortable reading and is not the kind of material to curl up with last thing at night if you’re looking forward to some sweet dreams. The imagery is graphic, the scenes often confusing, but the storytelling is absolutely compelling and gave me no choice other than to read on.
    To write a novel of such epic proportions is a great accomplishment that calls for a vivid imagination, not to mention the clever infusion of humour that helps to balance the brutality.
    Bjorn Larsen’s sharp, intelligent prose and unique stories mark him out as a highly talented writer and, regardless of the genre (his books being hard to define), his storytelling powers hold me in thrall.
    I applaud him for producing yet another fascinating book. Thanks to his enlightenment, I now know a great deal more about the riveting tales of Norse mythology!
    Report

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