Greetings mortals! A third Loki book. Another read from the Gods. In the hands of Louie Stowell, this series just gets better and better and better.

Loki is still very much in need of moral improvement before being allowed back into Asgard and with Heimdall and Hyrrokkin needing a break from their childcare duties, Odin’s favourite son, Balder, is coming to God-sit. Sharing qualities of divine godliness, a bromance blossoms between Badler and Thor. With Loki out in the cold and according to Balder, beyond redemption and should be sent to enteral snake torture as soon as possible, Loki is in dire need of some divine intervention of his own.

When cast as the villain, a role everyone thinks he is perfectly suited for, in the school play, even Loki doubts if he has it within himself to be good. Then he discovers a curious ring amongst the costumes and props. A cursed ring could could give Loki everything he wants but deepest, darkest desires come at a price…

Still out of his comfort zone. Still trying to make sense of mortals. And still having to deal with endless problems - Thor, Balder, a cursed ring, school, girls, Odin. Everyone’s favourite trickster is back at his brilliant best, pranking his way through mortal life, not being very virtuous, upholding questionable moral standards, engaging in unworthy deeds and prioritising personal enjoyment and laughs over self-improvement. In short, everything we love from the first two books is back; expect more giggles, more wit and more mischief than ever before. There’s maybe even signs of a conscience although don’t worry, Loki is about as far from a welcome return passage to Asgard as Thor is from becoming unpopular.

Penned by the goddess that is Louie Stowell, this is another fast-paced, energetic, don’t-stop-until-you-get-to-the-last-page, belter of a book. Fun, snorts of laughter and sheer reading joy are guaranteed in a quest to be good that wraps Norse mythology and lessons in moral standards, self-improvement, good and evil, popularity and friendship, empathy and jealousy in another zany and rollickingly good read. Life’s truths have never been so amusing and in the series that keeps on giving this is possibly the best yet! Accessibly written in thirty diary-style entries and crammed with doodles and brilliant artwork, even the most reluctant of readers would be hard pushed to not give this a try.

Stranded on Earth, life isn’t easy for an immortal God, especially one who everyone thinks is bad to the bone. The voice of our favourite irresponsible storyteller is gloriously entertaining #BeMoreLoki; narrating his struggles with the petulance of a tweenager, frequently arguing with the ever-amusing disembodied voice of Odin - who is doing his absolute best to keep Loki on a smidgen of the right path, and making a mockery of human life and pitying mortal mediocrity as he casts his astute views on holidays, cinemas, paintball, cruises, postcards, food banks, school trips, zoos, jogging and shopping malls.

For mere mortals of eight-plus, this is reading gold. Absolutely delighted that Loki has not found the path to moral and virtuous enlightenment just yet as it means another dose of humorous and heartfelt mischief is in store. Loki will be back for further life learnings in A Bad God’s Guide to Making Enemies, something that I think he probably knows quite a lot about.

Recommended for 8+.

With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This third book (of a gazillion – there is no end planned, or so the author told me in the spring) continues much as we left off, with Loki seriously rattled by life as a human schoolchild. Here, Thor is just as lumpen and loved, which does a lot of the rattling, but things get worse – Balder is here to house-sit and look after his brother and Loki. And Balder is even more loved, in a very glossy, smug, beach-ready-and-then-some way. As usual Loki is forced to converse with his diary, which talks back, but perhaps none of this is actually going to last, for what is this on the horizon but the voice of his conscience? What's more, he's also rattled that he is not the heroic lead in the school play, but is instead the villain – surely he should be the nice, good guy?

Here the poo jokes seem reined in a little (beyond the swear word beginning T and ending in urds, and a riotously bad fart in the final third), the diary is back with its waspish definitions to take the mickey out of our human lives, and everything is still as wonderfully presented as usual. In fact, there is a change in that regard – the cut-out in the front cover has been removed (or added back in, perhaps), which kind of ruins the shelf many kids are growing of these. This contains A Message about gaining popularity, and how that is not the be all and end all – which ultimately is a bit rich, as these were instantly popular, and on this evidence will only remain so. As usual, a strong four stars.

Not really my kind of book but I bought the first two in the series for my class this year and they were popular with a few of my pupils so I thought since I hadn't managed to read them I'd request this to read myself as I like to be able to talk about books with my pupils. I'm not sure if the style is the same in the other two books with the diary entries but my thoughts on this were that there is potential for young readers to get a bit confused, especially when the entries from the magical ring are added too. They are clearly in a different font and style to help with this but I'd be interested in a discussion with a pupil after they read it to get their thoughts because an adult's opinions can be very different from children's. Overall it was a funny, enjoyable tale which conveyed the importance of friendship, the difficulties that you can face in making the right choices in life and the importance of having empathy for others.

Yet another successful foray into life on planet earth for the hapless Norse god Loki. Lord of the Rings fans will delight in the nods to a prescious ring, the rest of us will just be relieved that Loki fails once more in his chaos.
Delighted to hear we are getting more.

Another fun title in the Loki series in which Loki is keen to be appreciated and admired by all around him. When his guardians go on a mortal cruise he is left in the care of Thor’s half brother Baldur. Told through the eyes of Loki, with interjections from the diary itself picking up on Loki’s lies and exaggerations and a voice Loki initially deems to be his conscious Loki continues to attempt to prove he can be good and return to Asgard. The challenge in this instalment is a cursed ring that could lead him down a terrible path!
Entertaining and full of clever illustrations this is sure to capture the attention of many young lovers of Norse mythology and tales of gods. I think this series is a stroke of genius, with the focus being taken away from the usual heroes to the slightly more villainous, if fairly powerless, characters!

I absolutely love this series. Book three did not disappoint. I laughed all the way through both from reading and having a chuckle at the illustrations. I can’t wait to see what book four brings.

When the first Loki book was published, I didn’t take much notice, but this time I decided I really should take a look. I was pleasantly surprised and think that it will appeal especially to boys. I laughed at the various Earthling definitions, the trip to the cinema being a favourite. I loved the diary that knows when he is lying and the style is typical Loki where he is selfish and usually quite bad, but kind of ‘gets it’ in the end. It’s an easy read, but entertaining and an excellent book to entice children to read for pleasure rather than by force. I’ve ended up buying in all 3 titles now for our shop and am eager for them to arrive,

These books are so funny and I couldn’t wait to read book 3! Loki is still being bad and the things he says are so hilarious that they make me laugh out loud all the way through! I really love all of Louie Stowell’s cartoon illustrations; she is very good at drawing bums!!! I read this book over two bedtimes but I’m now sad because I don’t have another one to read. I love that when I’m reading these books I know I’m going to laugh a lot and have a smile on my face. These books should be read by everyone and will make even a grumpy adult laugh!
(Thank's to Net Galley for this Book!)

The third instalment in Stowell’s Loki series sees our mischievous God tackle the subjects of popularity and jealousy while rehearsing for a school play. Also he’s found a ring that makes everyone like him, that can’t be bad can it?
This is such a fantastic series because it manages to mix actual Norse mythology with contemporary fiction in a way that is accessible to children and will impart some lovely world knowledge in the process.
It’s very funny and also genuinely moving at times, I welled up towards the end. The dynamic between Loki and the diary is evolving into a sort of long suffering guardian figure and it’s so much fun to read. A must for fans of the series and new readers alike!

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Ruling the World is the third book in the brilliantly funny series of Loki stories. it continues detailing Loki's experiences being stuck in the body of a pre-pubescent boy as punishment for his mischievous deeds on Asgard. In this third instalment, Loki is still trying to be good, but when he still isn't receiving the same adoration and positive attention that Thor gets and a cursed ring promises to give him everything he desires, the temptation is too much for Loki to bear...
This is another, fast-paced, action-packed, funny story, perfect for KS2. The illustrations and short chapters make it perfect for those children that are still building up their reading stamina and the humour will appeal to many. I feel that the amount of fart jokes become tedious after a while, as even the children in my class (aged 8 and 9) don't really react to toilet humour jokes that are frequent and repetitive. Apart from that though, it is a funny story, with Loki's massively misunderstood attempts at doing the right thing and Heimdall's parenting books being particular favourites of mine.
A great instalment of a funny, popular and exciting children's book series.

I'm used to read about Loki as the trickster, the one who will cause the Ragnarock. This humorus story about young Loki was very funny and I want to read the rest as I had a lot of fun.
Entertaining and well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Sometimes being a villain is too hard to resist and for young Loki, there are several compelling reasons to give in to what everyone expects. But he’s meant to be rising above his natural instincts and showing his fellow Asgardians that he can change. Marvellous mischief awaits the readers in this latest misadventure of our favourite naughty God.

Loki is a character that we just can’t get enough of and in this quirky interpretation, he’s a huge bundle of fun. The glorious illustrations go hand in hand with the witty story and make this series something special. It’s comical and yet very clever.

Bring on the next delightful diary!

My daughter (10) demolished this book, reading it pretty much in one sitting. She absolutely loved it, giggling away to herself as she read. It also taught her a thing or two as she was entertained by reading the book. She trotted out a fact or two about Norse mythology after reading it. She has already asked me several times when the next book is out. A sure fire hit.

Louie has done it again! honestly, this series continues to make me laugh and make me more curious about the mythology! Loki is, as ever, just trying to be good, but when a cursed item reaches his possession, can he resist wanting to be king of the world? Gorgeous storytelling that had me cackling and I love the doodle-y illustration style!

I have to confess a number of things before starting this review.
I LOVE this series, but until this one I've only ever listened to the audiobooks
My 7yo is completely obsessed with the books - unlike me, he's actually read all of them instead of just listening to them
When I was reading the book to him, I 'may' have attempted my best Ben Willbond impression for the voices
My main reason for requesting to review it was because said 7yo was too excited to wait another month to read it (My original plan was to review it once it was published)
So... I may have gone into this pre-disposed to liking it.

This series is the one that convinced my son that reading could be fun, so it's fair to say that we have been eagerly anticipating the third instalment (we've pre-ordered a signed copy). Actually, this completely downplays the level of anticipation. I don't think a month has gone by since Book 2 was published that he hasn't asked when Book 3 was coming. The bar was set high.

Like every good children's book, this one can be appreciated by children and adults alike. The 7yo loves the comedy and the cartoons (and Loki obviously) but I appreciated it on a completely different level. I like the little Lord of the Rings references and I can't believe it's taken me until Book 3 to recognise the play on words with Valerie Kerry's name (in my defence this was the first time I'd seen it written down!). However, it was towards the end of the book that I suddenly realised quite how awesome these books are. I think it was because it was the first time I'd seen the drawings and they really do add another dimension to the story (the audiobooks are amazing, but I would definitely recommend listening to them and following along with a physical copy as well). For me, I suddenly stopped seeing Loki as a god and instead, he became an unhappy little boy, desperate to be liked and that shift made my heart contract. For the first time, I wanted to just reach out and give him a hug. As a teacher I've come across so many children like that and they broke my heart every time. In that moment, Loki was no exception. No longer an entertaining but annoying God, he became a lost little boy in need of a cuddle. That a children's book can make me feel that emotional is a real testament to the quality of the writing.

These books are my 'go to' for recommendations for friends' children and we have reading copies (which have been sellotaped back together), the audiobooks and signed copies to keep on the shelf, so it's fair to say we're both big fans of them (and of the author - her other books are also SUPERB). However, even if this had been our introduction to the series I genuinely think we would have loved it just as much. I have no doubt that we'll be getting multiple copies of this one as well!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for the ARC.

WARNING: This book will crack you right up! I spent most of the time laughing whilst simultaneously internally shouting LOKIIIIII, NOOOO! Another fabulously funny read from Louie Stowell, this time with a very clever exploration of good/evil and empathy!

Love the characters. Love the comedy. Love the art. These books are GENIUS. Can't wait to see what my favourite unreliable narrator gets up to in the next one.

A fun book with amusing illustrations and a lot of witty asides, that kids will love! Great fun, and will encourage even the most unenthusiastic of readers to give it a try. Recommended.

I honestly think this is my favourite Loki book yet! Sometimes the quality of a series can depreciate as the author stretches it out, but this series is going from strength to strength! I loved the new twists in this story and seeing Loki grapple with his feelings and desires to be worshipped, conflicting with his desire to be good and to be deserving of friendship. I don’t want to spoil it at all, but just really recommend you read this (but probably read the first 2 first so you appreciate it properly). Enjoy.

My daughter has said this is the best book of the series so far!
She raced through the story and said it was very funny and good to read

Another hilarious Loki book and when I am reading I find myself doing my own Loki voice in my head! More funny earth situations he finds himself in whilst trying to be good and earn virtue points so he can return to Asgard, but this time Loki has to contend with the persuasive powers of a cursed ring too. Loved that he has developed real friendships even though he doesn't really start to understand them until he develops...shock alert...empathy!! Loved the explanations of mortal things such as zoos, mall etc that made me laugh out loud. Some of the best parts though are the illustrations of Loki...particular favourites are Loki on a slide, Loki as a hamster and Loki as a professional footballer. Brilliant!