Entertaining book, I laughed a few times, and I liked this interpretation of Loki. The prose was a little too bland for my tastes, though.

Melvin Burgess’s Bloodtide was one of my favourite books growing up so I was really intrigued to read his newest release – Loki. Here Burgess tackles the Norse myths, taking the reader through all the adventures and mischief that Loki gets wrapped up in. From his birth to his inevitable demise, Loki recounts the stories you think you know, but with a fresh perspective.

I usually really enjoy Norse myth retellings and this sounded like exactly the kind of thing I would enjoy. The story is quick paced and Loki has a really strong narrative voice. He really comes to life in the story and you can’t help but get wrapped up in his tale. Loki is such a trickster and such a mischievous character and that really shines through in the story. There were some tales I wasn’t familiar with so I really liked seeing how Loki was going to get himself out of those sticky situations. All the characters in the story are well developed and I loved that all the gods are a bit unreliable and untruthworthy.

The one thing I found difficult with this book was the vulgar language. It felt very unnecessary to the story and this alongside the reader being regularly insulted really pulled me out of the story. This really lessened my enjoyment and meant the story didn’t captivate me as much as I was expecting it to. Overall this is an interesting and unique take on the Norse myths and if you’re looking for a story was a main character who really leaps off the page, this could be just what you’re looking for.

This novel is a refreshing take on Norse mythology that chronicles the life of the trickster god. Starting with the creation myths, Burgess takes the reader on a wild ride through famous stories of Norse mythology, including Odin's sacrifice, the theft of the corrupting gold ring, and the murder of Baldr. However, this is not just another retelling of well-known tales; it is a contemporary adaptation that challenges the traditional power structures of Asgard and celebrates love and intelligence.

One of the standout features of the book is the character of Loki himself. As an unreliable narrator, he adds a layer of intrigue to the story, making the reader question everything he says and does. While some readers may prefer a more shameless, unrepentant Loki (myself included!), Burgess' portrayal of the god as a complex, multifaceted character is both refreshing and engaging. His cleverness and sparkling wit are on full display throughout the book, and the reader cannot help but be drawn into his world.

The book's narrative may seem familiar at first, but the reader should be prepared for some surprises. Burgess takes the story to some weird places, exploring themes of gender and sexuality that may not be for everyone. This is definitely not a book for prudes, as it deals with adult themes and contains graphic content.

One of the criticisms of the book is that Loki always has an excuse for everything he does. While this can be frustrating at times, it could also be argued that this is true to the character of the trickster god, who is known for his ability to manipulate and deceive. Additionally, some readers may find the book lacking in comparison to Joanne M. Harris' Loki novels. However, while the two authors approach the character in different ways, Burgess' book stands on its own as an enjoyable and engaging adaptation of Norse mythology.

Overall this is a well-written and thought-provoking retelling of Norse mythology. The author's contemporary tone, combined with his exploration of themes of love and intelligence, makes for a refreshing take on the traditional tales. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy adult themes and complex characters will find much to enjoy in this book.

Another fantastic read from the wondrous Melvin Burgess. Few writers have the skill he has and Loki came out just at the right time, at the very height of my, and the world's, obsession with Norse myth. This is the true representation of Loki, as it should be, as the trickster of myth and Burgess' retelling has been my favourite so far, moreso than even the likes of Gaiman.

Thank you so much for the review copy, but this book wasn't for me. The language felt dry and hard to read, and the characters didn't do anything for me.

Loki is the ultimate trickster in the Norse mythology, a non binary ante litteram and one of the causes of the Ragnarock.
They're quite popular due to the Marvel movies and series but the character is very complex and Melvin Burgess did an excellent job in developing his own version of Loki.
A well plotted, compelling and fascinating story that kept me hooked. I liked the storytelling and the world building.
Another side of this Norse god that never stop changing and showing new sides.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

After adoring Burgess's previous Norse-inspired saga for years, it's great to see his take on the original mythology. Loki is a great character and Burgess puts a spin on the tales that I don't think I've read before, definitely more sympathetic to the trickster god. If you love mythology, it's definitely worth a read.

Thanks so much Hodder for an advanced copy of Loki.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I didn't love the language used in it and read more like a text book than a novel.

Loki tried to convince us that he is a misunderstood genius, the saviour and supporter of mankind. Although he is trapped for all eternity he has been wrongly accused of all that he has done. However one would do well to remember that Loki is the inventor of lying and falsehood!
This is a wonderful reimagining of many of the myths of the Norse. Written in first person, Loki offers a different perspective on the old tales. Burgess has written a terrific book here, it's informal and irreverent, yet is meticulously researched and the stories ring out. A great read.

There is a huge appetite for myth (Madeline Miller etc) at the moment. It has usually been Greek myths re-imagined but some authors have gone down the road of Nordic myths already eg Neil Gaiman (although it was more of a quirky retelling) Joanne Harris' Gospel of Loki etc.

Melvin Burgess' YA fiction has always had the shock factor so Loki seems a natural fit. Being a trickster his narration is naturally unreliable . There is also a modern sensibility to this tale e.g "green issues" and gender identity for starters.
We meet the Norse pantheon in different guises. Odin is not all- seeing but a god with some form of dementia, Baldr explores his sexuality and gender identity.

A lot of the book deviates from the Norse canon- especially regarding to Baldr.

It's a comedy in parts, a tragedy in others. Loki's love affairs offer both. All over it's a rattling read, but is definitely an adult read as it's got swear words, sex etc .
Loki is a natural entertainer and this is a hugely entertaining book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC

It's so great to see Melvin Burgess back with a great book. My children loved his books throughout their childhood from the heartbreaking Cry of the wolf for younger reader to the famous teenage novels such as lady: My Life as a Bitch and Junk. I knew Melvon Burgess was a master with Norse Mythology as I really enjoyed Bloodtide and Bloodsong his post apocalyptic take on the Volsunga Saga. I was not disappointed. Prepare for a ride with literature's most unreliable narrator ever. The trickster himself, Loki. He feels he is just a poor misunderstood, outsider that the cliquey Gods just won't accept despite his sparking with and repartee. In fact, they have imprisoned him in a cave as he tells us his storues and history. But is he telling the truth? Would you release him? Highly enjoyable!

This was the kind of book that was almost a reading experience - a rollercoaster of a novel with a narrative voice that never let up for a minute.

My knowledge of Loki and Norse myths in general is rather haphazard. I have a general basic understanding of the major figures, and slightly better knowledge of a few specific stories, but I know there's a lot that I don't know!

This book covered all of this from the arch, sarcastic, sincere, aggrieved, and constantly entertaining voice of Loki talking to the reader, and delighted in upheaving the established narrative.

One of the things that I enjoyed greatly was the way the book emphasised the complexity of the gods and goddesses when it came to gender, sexuality, race, and humanity, but also showing signs of how the gods couid be used instead to present a regressive conservatism, reflecting the way Notre mythology can be used and misused by different groups of people.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC*

“Give a dog a bad name they say, and never was there any dog with a name worse than mine. I am a bad person, I expect. You will begin with your suspicions about me and I don’t expect to convince you otherwise.“

My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Coronet for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Loki’ by Melvin Burgess.

What a great deal of fun this was! ‘Loki’ is Burgess’ first novel for adult readers having previously written for children and young adults. He is also a winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal.

Here Loki presents his unique perspective on life, the universe and especially his fellow Norse gods and goddesses. Right from the start he admits that he is a trickster, a liar, an outsider, and definitely an unreliable narrator. Still, his wit and intelligence shines through alongside his grandiose manner.

He recounts the Norse creation myths and tales both familiar and unfamiliar. Yet it is clear that despite his inclination towards rebelliousness he still seeks a place among the old guard and willingly negotiating the turbulent politics of Asgard.

Loki also shares his experience of love in its many forms including shape-shifting into a mare to distract a stallion resulting in the birth of Odin's famous eight-legged horse, his marriages to Sigyn and Angrboda, his monstrous children by the latter, and his intense, doomed relationship with Baldr the Beautiful.

Of course, in Loki’s tale he is always the hero, a Northern Prometheus and champion of humankind, while many of the Norse pantheon are portrayed as baddies or buffoons. However, Odin is treated more kindly as are the Norse goddesses.

In a recent interview Burgess spoke of how inspired he has been by the immediacy of recent first person narratives of Greek mythology and applied this style to his favourite, the Norse myths.

I was impressed how quickly I was drawn in by Melvin Burgess’ evocative writing. If he claimed that during the writing process he was channelling Loki I wouldn’t question it. Indeed, in the same interview he said that he decided to tell the myths from “Loki’s point of view as a kind of experiment.” He noted that “the voice that emerged was very scatological, very untrustworthy, and I just let it take over.” So, yes he pretty much allowed Loki’s cheeky voice to shine.

While the language is crude at times, Burgess’ writing is also very funny, lyrical, thought provoking, and atmospheric.

Overall, I found this a very entertaining perspective on Norse mythology.

I really ended up loving Loki by Melvin Burgess.
I may be a bit biased but i absolutely love everything to do with Loki and I've read so many books about them.
I'm also a huge fan of Norse Mythology in general.
This book was really well written and such a joy to read and it definitely made me sad when the book was over as I really wanted to read more.
I really do highly recommend this book!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Norse mythology retold by... Loki.
Cheeky, crude, humourous, deceiving trickster Loki, a lot of us grew to like.
This book is a great example of retold stories from mythology, with a modern twist. Content is strictly for adults, I'd say!
The most curious thing about this book, knowing who is the narrator it keeps the reader guessing how much truth there actually is, as Loki is an infamously known liar, Is he? Or is he a victim of circumstances and other power greedy gods? It is up to you to decide. And while you do... have fun reading all these unbelievable, mind-bending stories!
BRB, I'm going to have a more in-depth read of Norse mythology.

10/10 would recommend this book to everyone who's read The testament of Loki. This is a great book, fantastically written, really nice word building, very enjoyable for people who get a bit over fed with the whole Thor is the greatest attitude and Loki the bad one.

It is almost like this was written for me.  I am a sucker for Norse retellings.  Doubly so when they are from Loki's point of view. And this is a retelling of the Norse Myths from Loki's point of view so obviously I am here for it. 

Loki is always a figure of fascination, as a trickster and purveyor of chaos and often being the villian of the piece. Melvin Burgess here gives Loki a voice and a chance to intepret the norse myths his way.

This is an earthy retelling, bodily functions and plenty of bedroom shenanigans including the weird things that gods of several mythologies like to do of seducing animals.  The narrative voice is jocular and conversational, as a reader, you feel as though you are being brought into his confidence.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  Its filthy funny and irreverent.

This book retells Norse mythology with Loki – the trickster god – as a narrator. It starts with the Norse creation myths and talks through several stories until you reach the part where Loki is imprisoned.

I love mythology retellings, but this is my first Norse retelling; Loki is a character I’ve always been intrigued by (I blame Marvel for making him so loveable) and I really enjoyed the way in which he was portrayed in this. The writing style was conversational, as though you were sat with Loki, and he was telling these stories just to you. Because of the predicament Loki is in, imprisoned in a cave by the other gods, you question his reliability as a narrator, he is the trickster god after all, and is he retelling these stories in such a way to persuade you to free him? Or is what he says actually true?

There were some interesting elements in here which I felt were discussed well but I don’t want to risk spoiling the book by listing them out.

Overall, an engaging read that I couldn’t put down after a while.

I pretty much enjoy anything related to Norse mythology, but "Loki" is absolutely fantastic. I loved it! Burgess must have chanelled Loki, because, even at the end, I'm not sure if Loki is telling the truth or not! It's brilliantly written, the characters are perfect (or not - you know what I mean!), and the setting(s) are excellent. I was disappointed to reach the end, but I'm sure it's possible for "Loki 2" to come into existance (please!).

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance reader copy.

Started really strong. Really liked the narrative voice for Loki but it got very repetitive and grating after a few chapters. Some very interesting takes on norse mythology. Overall a real winner, it's just a shame I didn't get on with the narrative style.