A Fate Inked in Blood

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen | 418 pages | 2024

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Norse Mythology, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel) by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell

Norse Mythology, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel) by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell-160 pages

I previously read "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman ( in the "regular" format) and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed this collection in graphic novel form just as much. The stories of how the world came to be and of the nine realms and of Loki, Thor, Odin, and the other Aesir are enthralling. Loki is as mischievous and cunning as ever and Thor is as strong, yet somewhat dull as ever. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys myths and/or graphic novels/comic books.
 

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
304 pages / 6 hrs, 29 mins

"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...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."      --from the publisher

I skipped mythology during my school days, and I regret it!  So here I am trying to catch up with the rest of the world.  I chose Neil Gaiman's book because of his captivating writing style, and I was not disappointed.  When I discovered he was the reader for the audio version I was elated.  Great book + Great reader = Magnificence...even if one is not intrigued by the subject.

Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan

The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan - 424 pages
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgaard #3

Magnus must go on a sea voyage to Jotunheim to stop Loki and the Ship of the Dead from starting Ragnarok -- the end of the world.

This is the final volume in the Magnus Chase trilogy.  It was a great conclusion in that the story drew you in from first chapter and kept you interested.  In fact, I didn't want to put it down.  However, I did think the ending was a little quick. 

For Magnus Chase -- Hotel Valhalla by Rick Riordan

For Magnus Chase -- Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds by Rick Riordan

This is a guide to the gods, goddesses, and creatures that make up the Norse worlds.  It is a fairly good introduction to Norse mythology for anyone whether they have read the Magnus Chase books or not.  However, there are some inside jokes that will make a lot more sense to those who have read the books.  It was an interesting audio to listen to.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman-299 pages

I really enjoyed reading this. Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller and brings Norse myths back to life. I have not read the Norse myths before, although I have heard some of Thor and Odin and Loki and I have seen the show Vikings on History Channel which discusses it a little. I have also seen the Marvel Thor movies based on the comics. Gaiman's retelling of the myths of the Norse gods is gripping and enjoyable. It is full of both humor and tragedy with Gaiman's typical storytelling prowess shining through all of it. I would recommend this to anyone who likes mythology or who is a fan of Gaiman.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman and The Norse Myths by Carolyne Larrington

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman --- 297 pages

Gaiman, one of our master storytellers, here presents his own idiosyncratic and compelling re-telling of the great Norse myths, in a voice both contemporary and resonate with their Eddic origins.
The only thing better than reading this book is listening to Gaiman read the audiobook version.

The Norse Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Heroes by Carolyne Larrington --- 208 pages including a bibliography and index

Larrington is professor of Medieval European Literature at Oxford University. She has written guides to various mythologies geared to the general reader, as well as books connecting popular fantasies like Game of Thrones with their folkloric and mythological roots.

Her book tells about the Norse myths and what is know about their origins and connections to the history and culture of the people who inhabited ancient Scandinavia and Iceland, and their continuing influence on western culture.

Both books are highly recommended. Click HERE to read a joint review of both books from the Washington Post and HERE from Library Journal, and HERE from The Economist (UK).

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan - 471 pages
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard - book 2

Magnus must team up with Sam, Blitz, Hearthstone, and Alex to stop Loki's plan to marry Sam off to a giant.
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since finishing the first one last fall.  It's been a long wait but worth it.  I loved the blending of the various cultures -- Norse, Muslim, etc.  The only thing is that occasionally I felt the book was a little preachy in its explanations of gender-fluid persons.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - 499 pages
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard - Book 1

Magnus has lived on the streets since that terrible night two years ago when his mother was killed by wolves.  Nobody in his family has looked for him since then . . . until now.  Now his Uncle Randolph wants him to find the Norse Sword of Summer.  And finding the sword is just the beginning of Magnus' adventures.

This is the first book in Rick Riordan's new Norse mythology trilogy.  I really enjoyed the book.  It was immediately engrossing even though I am not as familiar with Norse mythology.  I did feel a little idiotic that I didn't put together that Magnus Chase was related to Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson books until the second chapter -- especially as his name is very prominent on the cover.