As a Norse (Dane) I've been wanting to read more books inspired by/retellings of Norse mythology, but they're not as easy to come by as certain other mythologies *cough* Greek *cough*, so I was excited when I came across this one - and it's also told by one of the best Norse gods, Loki (I'm not biased.. you are)!

First off, I want to make it clear that this is very much a collection of retellings - don't take everything at face value. Loki isn't actually originally included in a lot of the stories he's telling throughout the book, but very fitting to his character, it also makes him come off as an unreliable narrator. Some were given a fun twist, others that aren't so thoroughly told originally were explained further (Norse mythology can be a bit "weird" which leaves a lot of room for interpretation) and overall it was nice to revisit a lot of the stories I've heard throughout my childhood/school years.

➕Sarcastic, humorous, unreliable narrator
➕The stories were nicely woven together
➖Some stories were changed way too much for my own personal liking

If you don't like swearing and crude humor, maybe reconsider this one as well. I personally thought it fit in just fine and was funny, but I see others saying it was a bit much.

4/5⭐

Thanks to NetGallery for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I picked this book up because mythology always fascinates me, and felt that it would be rather cool to hear Loki's story from himself. Who wouldn't?

I did, however, find my attention wavering every few sentences simply because the narrative style is not engaging. I made it to about 60% and did find a positive: it introduced me to a lot of parts of Norse Myths that I would otherwise not come across. But, I have decided to put it aside simply because I don't find it engaging enough.

Now, this might work very well for another reader, so I recommend reading a few other reviews before making up your mind.

Think you know the Trickster God? Think again. Burgess, in this compelling and cleverly written epic retelling tackles the Norse Mythology from a brand new perspective. From the "humble" myths of creation to Ragnarok, Loki is filled to the brim with epic tales of love, deceit, death, battle, heartbreak and glory.

Engrossing and fascinating, Loki's portrayal is excellently captured with his unfiltered, vulgar tone and sarcasm perfectly emulating the likeable, humorous yet boastful God of Mischief we adore.

The author leaves you, the reader, constantly questioning the reliability of Loki, the narrator, as he addresses you throughout the book, as though in conversation, to prove that he is not the villain while discussing themes deep with brutality and morality. A truly unique, visceral and interesting read from start to finish.

Loki is a retelling of Norse mythology through the eyes of Loki that explores power, politics, love, gender, and, of course, trickery. From creation myths and births to death and Ragnarok, the novel follows an episodic structure as Loki recounts through first person narration events and tales, gods' battles and love affairs, without a rosy sheen.

This is the first adult novel by Melvin Burgess, who I remember from the young adult book Junk being notable back in the day, and though there are a lot of mythology-retelling novels these days, I've not come across many focusing on Norse mythology. Obviously the interest in Loki because of Marvel films has been fairly high over the years, though this book is very different to comic book adaptations, keeping a lot closer to the tone of edgier mythology retellings and not shying away from more brutal material. The narrative voice is highly distinctive, with Burgess trying to capture a particular version of Loki who is witty, sweary, and constantly trying to prove to the human reader that he isn't as bad as he's made out to be. The opening works particularly well, though I did find at times after this Loki's voice started to grate, which to be honest is probably a good depiction of Loki.

The narrative is more episodic than an overall story, and I found my interest waning at certain parts, particularly in the middle. The closing story, focusing on Loki's love for Baldr and exploring gender transition, love, and jealousy, was a highlight, and led quite nicely to a decent ending that returned to the reader who Loki has been addressing throughout. Other parts, for example Loki's defence of some of his more unusual children, were enjoyable, but there were a lot of parts that were less interesting to me as someone who knows very little about Norse mythology in general so wasn't sure how Loki was spinning and reframing these tales.

Underlying the book is a lot about truth and lies, power, and not being ruled by brutality and narrow-mindedness, which serve as modern messages despite the mythological setting, though some of this is played with through the position of Loki as a trickster god and the reader never being quite sure to what extent Loki is really meant to be telling the "true" story. We are constantly told about how terrible certain characters are, and a lot of Loki's trickery is to get at these characters, but the book also shows a world of ever-changing morality.

I appreciate what Burgess is doing in this novel, creating a distinctive retelling of Norse mythology that appreciates the vulgar, brutal, and ignorant sides of the characters and tales, and exploring the power of love and thought over war and heedless action. However, I found that the book dragged at times and the episodic structure, though fitting for the material the book is using, didn't always work for me as I didn't care about some parts. I liked the Loki who swears and sleeps with everyone, whilst also arguing for peace and love, but sometimes his narrative voice did get repetitive.

Melvin Burgess is a tremendous author- I remember reading Junk and Kite at school and being blown away by how open and adult he was in his writing that was targeted towards younger readers. Here he takes on the story of Loki and, well, it’s utterly brilliant. Bewitching, trickster Loki guides us though a brilliant and quite frankly insane world, based on Norse myth. With stories that explore all facets of both the world and of Loki’s personality, it’s amazing to read something that utilises ancient myth to explore things like Gender binaries- pointing out that these have always been challenged, no matter the period in history. Brilliant

I kept changing my mind about this one, it started strong and finished really strong but some of the middle didn’t keep me as hooked. On the whole it’s a compelling and clever read, even more so the longer I reflect upon it.

My most overwhelming thought while reading this was, ‘this is bizarre!’. I mean myths and gods are always kinda weird but some of this was like what on earth!?? The story of human origins and the reader consequently being referred to as, ‘arse born’, was a particular highlight of weirdness.

I think the book being written in Loki’s perspective is what contributes to the bizarre feel. I mean, he is the trickster god after all. In this version, Loki is pretty arrogant, crass and crude but then, at times, surprisingly wise. Even though it’s often quite vulgar, the writing is very clever. You get drawn in and Loki becomes likeable. Yet, simultaneously, you’re questioning the reliability of his perspective and whether it’s being twisted in his favour. It’s fascinating.

Absolutely adored the story of Baldr towards the end. I love to see stories about gender and breaking the binaries. A big yes to acknowledging how long there have been those in the world who do not fit into a binary!! How it all concluded, however, was heartbreaking.

A few little niggles, but this was a super interesting read!! Definitely worth a go if you’re interested in Loki…unless you really don’t wanna read bad language and vulgarity….

With the recent and soon to be new series of Loki on Disney+ inflaming interest in Loki this book is ideally timed to gain readers, i enjoyed but it was quite crude in a lot of places and it really didn’t need to be, the quality of the writing and the story telling was good enough to spice it up with unnecessary profanity, I am no prude and when used judiciously words be they crude or otherwise can be a positive, that aside it’s a good read and I would recommend

Me: Sounds awesome. This sounds like a must read. 5 pages in, it’s a winner! Ever just get a vibe from the first few pages of a book and know you’re going to love it? I defy anyone to read the first chapter and decide they didn’t want to carry on. I knew I was hooked from the very start.

But thennnn. I had a few niggles. It kept dropping a star, then gaining me back, then losing me and then winning me back again. It was a little arduous but the niggles and distasteful things I found in the book is purely personal preference. Loki is sure a potty mouth and ‘C’ words kept popping up in places I didn’t feel it was needed. Purely personal niggle. The vulgarity was an off put for me. At some points, it was almost a ‘what the hell am I reading?!’ But then, that’s mythology for you. Especially Norse mythology where anything goes.

But on the whole, the writing was great. Melvin Burgess can take you on a wild ride, through the story like you’re there, a companion to the tale and definitely tells you as it is.

There’s a series of short stories all connected to the tale and it was well done. Retelling some of the stories many will know but also many that you may never have heard of. I like how Loki was portrayed and loved the element where he directly tells his tale to you, the reader and even has some lovingly derogatory pet names for you. How very Loki!

Loki is such an interesting character and if you’re interested in Norse mythology it’s one you may want to read.