The story is intense, in a great way. I liked Snehild as a character. I'm always here for Norse mythology.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga for the ARC.

This was a really wonderful fantasy and a great ride into Norse mythology. There aren't enough great Norse mythology options for fantasy readers, and this is a fantastic world for readers to jump into. I loved it from start to finish; a great recommendation for mythology fans of all kinds.

The Seer of Midgard
By A.M. Vedsø Olesen
Translation by Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov

I enjoyed this one. I thought the author really captured for me the stark otherness, brutality, and yet the essence of humanity among the Norse gods, giants, elves, etc. A bit like nature itself. And following from that religion, how the people could also be that way. The plot was interesting and most of the characters captured my interest. A couple were a bit more caricature than I generally like. And the constant swapping of views was a bit like whiplash at times. I enjoyed getting to know the Norns a little bit.

Definitely some trigger warnings. Sacrifices, rape and attempted rape (one of whom is underage), murder, etc.

I can’t wait to read some more books based on Norse mythology. I have Odin’s Child requested from the library!

Shoutout to @moira.ramone for my amazing tattoo loosely based on Skuld, the Norn/Valkyrie

Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was inspired by Völuspá in the Poetic Edda. This is a multiple POV story that, imho, won’t be for everyone.

I feel the need to provide some content warnings including: violence, war, sacrifice of a child, violations, and more.

I really wanted to like this book, and there were definitely things I enjoyed. The mythology references were great! I loved the mention of Thor and Aegir’s cauldron, the bifrost rainbow, and most importantly, the norns. I appreciated the glossary in the back, too. I knew several of the terms, but not all. I know it will help readers less versed in the mythology.

I struggled with the characters, and that makes it hard for me to get into a book. I am very character driven and didn’t really feel a draw to any of them or the desire to get to know them. Therefore, I had to put this down a lot. I could only really read a chapter or two at a time. Now, I don’t think this is necessarily a negative. It just … is. Some books you can binge read, while others you can’t. For me, this one has to be read a chapter or two at a time. It did pick up at the 25% mark. Do I think everyone will have this struggle? No, but I did.

Now, sometimes I can deal with stories that are full of violence, have misogynistic characters, and are mainly about war. I didn’t get into it and found myself getting frustrated. For example, I left myself this note: Ugh, did she really say she was not a woman until she slept with a man. Just ugh. Really? Aren’t we past this in writing? I guess not and it is exhausting.

So, maybe I’m just over saturated with those stories? I don’t know. This was a 2 star book for me, and I doubt I’ll read a sequel. I suspect this would have worked better as an audiobook with a terrific narrator. However, I can see how this is a five star book for other readers. So, I’m giving it a 3.5 star rounded down to a 3. However, keep in mind this book will not be for everyone but imho does have an audience.

Lastly, I was to thank the translator. I could barely tell this book was not originally written in English.

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Egmont for an arc of this book.

This story is a mix of beauty, brutality, and magic.

I do not know a lot of Norse mythology but it gave me a great opportunity to research and learn.
Our story is set in Iron Age Scandinavia where Snehild , a young seer, must go through many difficult trials to learn about herself , her abilities , and the lives hers are intertwined with.

This story has multiple POVs , even from small side characters, which gives different perspectives to the same situation or issue. With very different opinions. I liked the idea as well that one certainly does not want to upset the one who decides when sacrifices are needed, because that person may very well be chosen.

Some of our main characters are Ragnfild , a jealous priestess with a power hungry will.

Tormond, king of Sialand who is also a womanizer.

Twin princes, Aslak and Roald, with a very violent sibling rivalry .
Snehild , a young unique looking girl with Snow White hair and a connection to the gods.
Berghild, a warrior woman with a need for revenge.
Brynjulf, the kings advisor

The story has a land of humans , Midgard, and other realms such as land of the giants, land of the elves , and more. We get a glimpse of each which makes for a more interesting situation.

Things to be aware of , this story is very beautifully written and a wild ride however it should be noted there are some triggering aspects.
Trigger warnings:
Extreme violence and gore ( battles and warriors’ honor , executions ,sacrifices ,etc)
Non consensual acts

Overall I give this a 5/5. It is very intense but definitely worth picking up if you are looking for your next high fantasy read.