I ended my review of the last Loki book by saying that I was finding it increasingly difficult to think of Loki as a god and that there had been moments where he was just a lost little boy in need of a hug. The opening to Book 4 did nothing to dispel that image. Whilst trying to do something genuinely nice, everything goes disastrously wrong and Loki ends up in trouble again. I'd like to think that in real life, he would have been given the opportunity to explain himself, but unfortunately, it is often the case that once a child has been labelled as a troublemaker, assumptions can be made and judgements formed too hastily.

Perhaps it is because I'm reading these books as an adult and perhaps my thoughts are still lingering on Elle McNicols' brilliant books, 'A Kind Of Spark' and 'Keedie', both of which I've read recently, but the fact is that Loki struggles to view the world in the same way mortals do, because he isn't mortal - he thinks differently to them. And, whilst these books are hilarious and brilliant when read as an entertaining tale for children, I can't help wondering if perhaps there are lessons in them for us as adults too. Loki has grown from being a bad god forced to do better, to a boy who is genuinely trying to learn and grow.

Throughout this book we see Loki gradually beginning to develop empathy and understanding and by the end I felt a bizarre kind of pride in seeing how far he'd come over the course of the book. This is not an emotion i ever thought I'd feel about Loki and he has become increasingly real to me as the series has progressed.

I started out reading the book to my 8yo, but reading aloud we weren't making quick enough progress for my liking and I ended up finishing the book on my own, leaving him to read it in his own time. I thoroughly enjoyed it even without my willing audience and I think it's a point worth reiterating - just because a book is in the children's section of the library/bookshop, doesn't mean it can't still be enjoyed by adults. As I've noted above, they may (and probably will) read it in a different way, but this in no way detracts from the sheer joy of reading a cracking good story.

Bring on the audiobook and Book 5!

Loki might just be my favourite unreliable narrator of all time and now he's back in another hilarious instalment. It's an absolute CRACKER of a book! Had me at the title, really - a Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies! Love Loki's journey of understanding what it truly means to be human, blended with fascinating mythology and top class humour. My kids are obsessed with this series too and with good reason!

It was good to return to Loki's world! The snarkiness is done so well in this series. I loved the first one but I have to confess the allure is starting to wear off. This new one feels a little samey. Might go back and just read the first one again!

Part four of this ongoing series and it's just as good as it ever was – the clever formatting, the use of the unreliable narrator in an easy-read book, the counter to that from the sentient diary the lead character is presenting this to… It seems to have suitably upped all the stakes, as well, as Loki must work out which side of the good/bad divide he really feels most at home – yet here it proves to not just be good or bad, but kill or be killed. All the while the plot can still bring in weaponised farts, even when the writing looks at the school fete from the point of view of the parents forced to give their time and efforts to it – there's almost as much Motherland here as Wimpy Kid. A strong four stars.

This was my favourite Loki book so far! I am loving his development as a "human" and how he has started to learn about other peoples feelings in this book to develop some empathy for his friends. Still full of lots of laughs, mischief and the key arrogance that makes Loki both infuriating and admirable. I laughed lots at the idea of Loki and his family having to contend with himan activities such as the school fair and the comments made about some of the acticities that humans do and why they do it it hilarious. Absolutely brilliant story!

It's always a great moment when the next Loki arrives, and the latest instalment did not disappoint.
I snort-laughed my way through... apologies to those sitting opposite me! Sorry. Not sorry.
Loki gets dragged into preparations for the winter fair - honestly the side quips about this are hilarious!
The arrival of Vinir throws a huge spanner in the work, especially as he wants a duel. Loki needs to learn a spell... tricky. Loved the development of Loki's friendship with Georgina too.
Love the mythological references, witty observations about school-life and Louie's trade-mark doodle style artwork. Another winner! This series is going from strength to strength... just don't tell Loki!
Emma Perry

Hilarious diaries of Loki continues. My child and I like this series plenty.
Weird, fresh and fun.
The premise in this book fits this series very well. Loki is invited to a duel, and things get complicated.
I am still smiling when I remember bits from this book.

I loved this one -I laughed so much!
So, as always, Loki has upset someone (surprise, surprise) in spite of his utterly charming personality and awesome hair.. And as always that person wants to exact a painful revenge upon him. Of the very deathly kind.
This time the offended party is an elf with gorgeous hair and who likes to use the word, "churl". He challenges Loki to a magical duel, the aim of the game being that they both use a deadly spell. And to ensure that it's a fair fight (well, fairish) he allows Loki times to practise while also turning himself into a kid called Alfie.
In the meantime, Valerie is still obsessed with aliens, Thor is still obsessed with Frost Giants, and Heimdall and Hyrrokkin get peer pressured into helping out with the school's winter fair. Much to Hyrrokkin's utter joy. (can't blame her).
This volume was so much fun to read. The notes explaining everyday mortal life are still very sassy and dripping with sarcasm. And at this point Heimdall and Hyrrokkin are my favourite characters as they try to understand, survive, and thrive in the mundane aspects of human life. (love Heimdall's oven gloves). And, Loki is growing! As a reader you want to cheer him on!
The overarching plot of this series is about Loki learning to be good, but it's also about Loki, Thor, Heimdall and Hyrrokkin growing as a family.
Can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to Walker Books and Netgalley for letting me read this early!

Really enjoyed this! I love all of the nods to mythology and the strangeness of Earth life! Loki has to battle ANOTHER foe while he is seeking forgiveness and trying to understand friendship. Properly funny this. And the little illustrations throughout just bring joy!

I read this book with my nine year old son.

In this fourth book of the Loki series, the titular God has made a new enemy, elf Vinir, who challenges him to a dual. He has also made an enemy of his former friend Georgina. And, shocker, he discovers empathy!

As with the previous books, the story is presented in the form of diary entries, with the addition of witty comments from the diary itself. There are many laugh-out-loud moments to be had, particularly through Loki's reactions to the events unfolding around him. My son was disappointed that the story was too short (itself, a testament to how much he was enjoying it!). I was a little surprised at the repetitive theme of killing or being killed by one's enemy. Although there are no actual deaths in the book, this theme is rehashed a little to much to my likely for a book aimed at children. That said, the book was a pleasure to read out loud and, like the rest of the series, is as enjoyable for parents as it is for children.

A recommended read for fans of Louie Stowell, Max Evans, and humourous mythology retellings.

Thank you to Netgalley and Walker Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loki is back and I know my KS2 children cannot wait to read this edition. It is wonderful that this book can be read alone or as part of a sequence. The diary style story packed with comic strips, text messages and doodles doesn't fail to grab the reader's attention. In this book, an elf, Vinir challenges Loki to a dual (although he has no idea why) and convinces everyone he is a mortal child. Loki is left navigating the perils of peer relationships, a school winter fair and dual, which leaves the reader rooting for Loki! My children will love the humour and style of this book and I cannot wait for this to enter our classroom in September. It will definitely be a talking point!

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The 4th book in the series is just as hilarious. The language used seems to have gone up a notch and that works perfectly with the series' fans who must have grown up a bit too. My students have loved this series since the first book and I am sure they are going to love this one too.

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Making Enemies by Louie Stowell is an absolute delight from start to finish!

Stowell has masterfully weaved Norse mythology with modern humor, creating a story that is both engaging and laugh-out-loud funny. Me and my son (10) thoroughly enjoyed reading this together!

Loki's antics and misadventures are brilliant, capturing the essence of the trickster god while making him endearing and relatable.

Whether you're a mythology enthusiast or just looking for a fun, entertaining read, this book is a must-have. Highly recommended for readers of all ages!

Returning to these familiar characters is like sinking into a warm, cosy blanket. Easy reading (I read it in one day) and a great continuation of the story of Loki. In this instalment, Loki finds himself on the wrong side of Georgina in the run-up to the Winter Fair at school, and even more worryingly there’s an elf-Prince out to get him in a duel to the death too! Genuine character progress for Loki throughout this book and you really root for him.