Genevieve Gornichec's debut novel The Witch's Heart is the enthralling story of the witch Angrboda, mother of Jormungandr, Fenrir, and Hel. The story is an excellent blend of Norse mythology, magical realism, and fantasy elements. Gornichec's writing style is descriptive and evocative, bringing to life the story of a woman oft only seen as the mother of Loki's Jotun children.

The character development in The Witch's Heart is excellent; each character distinct and nuanced. Angrboda, the protagonist, is relatable and emotionally resonant. Her relationships with other characters, particularly with the trickster god Loki, are well-developed and create memorable moments throughout the book.

The novel's pacing is excellent, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged. The world-building is also exceptional, with Gornichec creating a vivid and detailed world that draws inspiration from Norse mythology, but also creates its own mythology. The descriptions of the natural world, magic, and mythology are vivid, and it's easy to get lost in the setting.

Overall, The Witch's Heart is a must-read for fans of Norse mythology, fantasy, and magical realism. Gornichec's storytelling is brilliantly executed, and establishes her as a significant new voice in fantasy fiction.

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Titan Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I am a huge fan of Norse mythology so I'm always a little worried about going into books like this, but I absolutely loved it! The story flows well, it's really interesting and just an enjoyable reimagining of mythology. It was really engaging and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it!

This was such a well constructed and fascinating re-telling of the marriage of Angrboda and Loki. As the book suggests, I only knew Angrboda as Loki's lover and the mother of monsters and so it was interesting to have a full length story focusing on her, in the vein of Circe. I thought that the writing was really accessible with enough of a nod to the cadence of folklore without being too stilted. I also really enjoyed seeing her children as children rather than just the forerunners of Ragnarok as they have always been. The pacing was good, although the first part of the book was a little on the longer side and overall, I really enjoyed my time with this one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

3.5 stars

Angrboda is a witch who survived being burned alive by Odin for refusing to give him the dangerous knowledge of the future that he sought.
While recovering in a distant forest, Angrboda is visited by the trickster Loki.
Angrboda falls in love with Loki and together they have three unique children. Angrboda is determined to protect her children but knows that she must be careful with how she uses her damaged powers in order to stay hidden from Odin.
Can Angrboda and her family remain concealed in their forest home? Or does fate have other plans?

As a fan of Norse mythology, I was excited to read this book, especially as I didn't know much about Angrboda.
Angrboda was a likeable and relatable protagonist. Despite the hardships that she had been through, Angrboda didn't wallow in self-pity and cared a lot about others. I enjoyed seeing how she interacted in different situations.
Loki was an interesting character, as was Skadi the huntress, who I would like to find out more about.
The plot was interesting and held my attention throughout. I did wonder at one point if the book would drag, because there was still a lot of the book to go, but it didn't, luckily. The emotion really hit me at one point, and I had to fight back tears.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I thought the author did a good job of making the mythology easy to understand, incorporating it well into the story.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this retteling of Norse Mythology, however there was a few things that just bothered me a bit.
The part where looking comes back dressed as a woman was clumsily handled and made me cringe a bit as it was dangerously flirting with transphobia (I genuinely think that was non intentional, but it something the author should be mindful about for future books). the other was the sapphuc romance at the end, it felt really forced and not genuine, I would have almost preferred for them to stay close friend.

Overall, I still enjoyed this book, and I'll be curious to read more from this author.

Mythology is one of my favorite things to read, and this book definitely earned brownie points for that. It is powerful and gripping story about women. Norse mythology has already gained fame and traction due to the movies. But if you want a wonderful retelling, this book is your best find. The characters are familiar which adds to the reading experience. I genuinely loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it to everyone regardless of your interest in mythology.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to download this book before it was archived., so i am not able to give a review on it. I am so sorry.

This was a wildly inventive retelling of Norse mythology with lyrically evocative prose and an engaging writing style.

This historical fantasy took a myth to a new level. I have read a lot of greek reimagines so this book was very refreshing. Following the three characters was very fun and I loved that it included Odin, one of my favourite Norse gods.

This story sounded really good, i loved the concept of it. Unfortunately the writing style wasn't my favorite and i had a hard time connecting with the story.

A stunning debut!
For the fans of Circe and Norse sagas.
Everyone who loves mythological retellings and strong female characters should read this book.
Genevieve Gornichec tells the sagas of the poetic Edda from the perspective of Angrboda Ironwitch, wife of Loki and mother of Fenrir, Jormungand and Hel.
The individual perspective brings these old stories to life and makes them not just ancient lore but also the exploration of a woman, a wife, a mother, a witch. The character work is very profound. Angrboda reminds me of so many strong female protagonists I love, for example Yennefer from The Witcher or Orca from The Shadow of the Gods. I am very excited to read more from this author!

With Thanks to Titan Books and Genevieve Gornichec for an advanced readers copy of this book.

4*

A unique and interesting take on Norse mythology, I especially enjoyed the characterisation of Loki in this world. A little slower paced than I would have really liked however it is beautifully, almost lyrically told with deep and developed characters.

I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the book, I think I liked it overall but that doesn't feel liek the point. The book provoked a lot of emotional and I'm so glad i had the opportunity to review a copy.

This is perfect if you enjoy Madeline Miller books.

WHAT THIS IS ABOUT:
We follow Angrboda, a witch, who gives birth to three children with the god Loki. She lives in a cave, hiding from the gods who already burnt her twice and took her heart out. And of course, she doesn't remain out of their sight forever, and what was foretold must come to pass.

I LIKED:
- The not so traditional spin on Norse Mythology. A very unique approach, adding a witch into the mix, and making it all about her. There's also giants and dwarfs mentioned, snake and wolf children, 8-legged horses birthed by certain gods....yeeeep. All kinds of Norsey, weirdo things. TOP-NOTCH.
- It's a love story between Loki and Angrboda, and it's a heartbreaking, amazing, powerful love story. The author doesn't shy away from tragedy, and it was quite refreshing.
- You know when you read emotional chapters and your entire chest seems to just swell up with all these emotions, and you can't exactly cry but you could? Or maybe you do cry, it just depends on the person. That's how powerful this book was at times.
- The atmosphere here is incredible. We spend most of our time in Angrboda's cave in a forest, and I love those kinds of settings. We watch her tend to a garden, and milk goats, and pick the forest floor, and sleep covered under animal furs.

I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I felt that the book lasted forever, and whereas the first half of it inched by at a snail-pace, in the second half the pace sort of picks up. Unfortunately, some moments and events felt too drawn out, and some felt...too short... Overall, it took me forever to read this book, and I just wish it was more succinct.

WHO WOULD LIKE IT:
If you love Norse mythology, stories about witches, love stories, stories of redemption.

The Witch’s Heart is wonderful story of Angrboda, it’s woven into 3 interestingly laid out parts, each with their own distinct feel. The first has a loneliness to it as Angrboda starts to make a life for herself outside of Asgard, despite the often solitary existence though she makes a comfortable life for herself until it is turned upside down by the presence of Loki turning up mainly whenever he wanted something from her, but whilst he is not there Angrboda is joined by the wonderful Skadi and what starts as a reciprocal relationship born out of necessity turns into a wonderful friendship. The story progresses into one with a lovely homely feel to it as Angrboda and Loki’s dynamic develops into one which is more and their children and members of Skadi’s family come into the fold.

What really made the book for me was the opportunity to see a different side to Loki, whilst he is still the trickster, its the softer and more vulnerable side to him that he only lets slip outside of Asgard that was wonderful to read. His dynamic with his children was so interesting, even though I felt that often his attitude towards Angrboda left a lot to be desired in my mind. This then leads me onto Skadi who is probably my favourite character in the book, she is stalwart in her relationship with Angrboda, their friendship built over many years of respect and reciprocation, I adored how their characters developed together.

The story was so cleverly written that it went from being a wonderful, if not a little unconventional, family existence to one where a sense of unease began to be woven within. It snuck up on me, the feeling of apprehension as we got closer to the time of Angrboda’s visions, I had spent so long with these characters going about their daily lives that I suddenly wasn’t ready for what was inevitable, I felt a joy with being with them and they had been so carefully wrapped up in their world that I was troubled by the underlying tone. The cruelty that Angrboda suffered is still present in Asgaard and it starts to seep into Angrboda’s existence through unwelcome guests, troubling dreams and ultimately betrayal. I was so emotional at what she then goes through and how the story changed again to one still of loneliness but also one of redemption and forgiveness.

As the story hurtled towards it’s inevitable cataclysmic conclusion I was also left feeling uplifted by how in a way whilst one cycle was broken, one started anew but this time with a new hope and an ending that felt comforting and as it should be.

If you are are a fan of Norse mythology but are looking for a different take on an old tale then I really recommend that you pick up The Witch’s Heart.

Angrboda is a witch. When she refuses to give the God Odin visions of the future, she is burned thrice and her heart cut from her chest. But Boda has a power inside her she does not yet fully understand. And not even fire can take her life.

Recovering from her traumas, Boda flees to the Ironwood, a forest at the edge of the worlds, remote and empty save for a huntress called Skiad and the quiet pulse of nature just beyond her cave. Then one day Loki, the trickster God, finds her and returns her half-burned heart. His mind is sharp and his words are quick. Despite his brother trying to murder her, Boda is drawn to him, his wit and camaraderie. Friends become lovers, lovers become parents. Their three children are strange, monsters many would call them. However Boda loves them, watches them grow and enjoys their quiet life.


But soon she has a prophecy, of the end of everything. The worlds on fire, men and Gods alike wiped from the universe. And she must protect her home and her children from oblivion, change the prophesy, change the ending. And quick.

Boda is a woman with many faces: witch, wife, mother, healer, storyteller. As the tale unfolds, we discover new and important facets of her character, we see her as a witch, casting spells, concocting potions and remedies, then we see her turn her intelligence and ingenuity to survival, living off the land, bartering for a living. Then we see her has a wife and mother, her fathomless love for her children allowing us a glimpse of a very tender part of her heart. I adored it.

The author’s prose is superb, weaving together a thrilling yet poignant story with whip-smart dialogue and well-developed characters. I particularly enjoyed Loki’s scenes. The author has captured him keenly, his clever, witty, but often insidious mind. I also loved Skiad, a huntress who befriends Boda. These characters are so wonderful, and I enjoyed their company as if I was truly there with them in Ironwood.


I love Norse mythology, and I particularly love retellings and re-imaginings of old tales and myths. So I was excited to dive into this book. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. The author spins the old tales anew and gives a fresh, intimate and powerful glimpse at characters lost, forgotten or simply overshadowed. This is a feminist tale at heart, rich, raw, bittersweet and atmospheric. I love Boda and when the end came, I did not want to leave her.

I devoured this beauty very quickly over two days. When I wasn’t reading, I was anticipating my return to Ironwood. A sure sign of a truly wonderful book. The Witch’s Heart is a magical, breath-taking, sweeping journey, a powerful, poetic meditation on motherhood, sacrifice and survival. Highly recommend!!

The Witch’s Heart is the stunning story of Angrboda. When she refuses to give Odin the knowledge he wants of the future, he has her burned alive. When she flees to the forest, determined to live a quiet existence away from Odin’s all-seeing eye. When she is found by Loki, they soon form a bond and produce three children. As her powers return she soon learns everything she knows and loves is in danger, but will she accept the future she has witnessed, or rise up against it?

This was such a gripping book and I really fell in love with Angrboda as a character. I don’t know all that much about her from the original Norse myths so I was completely fascinated by her story. Her powers were so interesting and she was such a strong and determined protagonist. Gornichec has such a beautiful writing style and it felt like I was reading one of the original stories. It fit so well with the style and feel of a myth and I got completely swept up in this well-executed story.

Gornichec creates some really complex characters and there is so much character depth in this story. The relationship between Angrboda and Loki was well created and I also really liked the relationship that develops between Angrboda and Skadi. This is a magical tale, full of love and loss. The Witch’s Heart is at times really heart wrenching and there were definitely a few moments where I teared up. This is a well-crafted tale, bringing a modern twist to these well-known stories. If you’re a fan of mythology reimaginings this is definitely one to check out.

Eerie and thrilling, Witch's Heart is sure to appeal to fans of Madeline Miller & Melinda Salisbury. I found myself reading way past bedtime!

I would like to thank Titan Books for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Enthralling and imaginative, The Witch's Heart delivers a rich retelling of one of the Norse Mythology women figure, Angrboda. Mostly known as Loki's wife and the mother of three hideous children, this novel dives deeply into Angrboda's life as she took her role as a wife, a mother, a witch, and as a friend.

After being burned and reborn thrice, Angrboda only wanted to live a quiet peaceful life. However, this changed the moment she fell in love with the trickster god, Loki, who found her in Ironwood to give her heart back. What I liked in this story was how it did not solely focused on the romance between Angrboda and Loki, but rather, it was more about Angrboda's journey on controlling and taking her own path while also protecting her dear ones as well as her own heart and happiness. The story was told in Angrboda's perspective, so it was easy to feel and understand her emotions as she narrated her difficult circumtances and struggles. Also, I found her converstations with Loki funny, even when I ended up having a love-hate feelings to Loki.

The story was beautifully written. I liked how the words flowed smoothly. Also, I was glad that everyone can enjoy this tale even when they were not so familiar with the Norse Mythology. I also appreciate the glossary at the end of the book. On the other hand, the pacing for the first part was fast. I just flew past the pages and could not put it down. However, the second part was quite dragging. Thankfully, the pacing picked up again in the third part.

Angrboda was a reliable narrator and a likeable character. She was no doubt a good mother to her children. She loved them and accepted them what they were. She always tried to communicate them even when it was almost impossible. Angrboda's demeanor might seem timid and passive, but she turned into a different person when her children's safety was involved. The other characters were also interesting. I liked how different the gods and goddesses where portrayed here.

I think it was worth to mention this novel included a good LGBTQ+ rep.

Overall, The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec is an exquisite retelling of Angrboda's life. Readers who love mythology retelling will surely enjoy this novel.

4/5 stars!

I've loved this book. In the first half, nothing much happens but I was still hooked. I loved Angrboda, she was so independent and self-sufficient ! Loki was a great character as well and I liked how their relationship changed. Skadi also was great even though she always wanted to harm "the husband".

There's a little violence in the book, what with Angrboda having been burned three times (plus her heart being torn off her chest), but it was also full of love and friendship.

I didn't know a thing about Nordic mythology (apart from what the MCU showed, which was nothing) and I was very glad to read the author's notes about the characters in the mythology, it was very interesting.

I am very curious to see what the author will write next !

Full review to be posted soonish.

I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.