Customer Reviews

The Gospel of Loki (Unabridged)

Before I start raving about how much I enjoyed this book let me make a few things clear.
You DO NOT have to have read Runemarks or Runelight to read the Gospel of Loki.
You DO NOT have to know much of anything about the Norse Gods to read the Gospel of Loki.
This is a RETELLING, some could even say Joanne Harri's own version, of the myths, legends and sagas of the Norse Gods.
Nearly every written record of said myths, legends and sagas of the Norse Gods are retellings to some degree because the originals were all oral.
YES IT IS ALL FROM LOKI's point of view.
NO THIS IS NOT THE SAME LOKI AS MARVEL COMICS.
There are thankfully NO YELLOW HORNED HELMETS OR GREEN SUITS IN SIGHT.
Is he as good as Tom Hiddleston's characterisation? YES IT MOST DEFINITELY IS. And to quote this particular Trickster's words 'not only that good, I am that much better'. Or something to that effect.
Any more questions? No? Good - then I shall begin...
This book is a true gem of norse mythology and passion combining in the wonderful medium of words. It covers all the basics (character list + myths of the beginning and the end of the Gods) in such a refreshing and unique style. It no way degrades or tarnishes the legends and the norse gods themselves. I believe this version of them keeps them alive with the power and fizz of fireworks. The length of each retold legend and myth is almost that of a short story so even train users and bus commuters could comfortably rediscover the truer and better versions of Thor, Odin and Loki unlike Marvel's depiction. This has made it not only really easy to read but also really gripping, with each retelling almost becoming like watching an imaginary fantasy TV series episode but one where you have the power to see 'next weeks' episode in advance because you want to know what happened next.
Some reader's may be puzzled by the use of Chaos and Order within this version of the myths and legends, and some traditionalists may find it stranger due to Odin's chaotic and often conflicting characteristics, being the God of Wisdom, Power & Poetry and that of War, Blood & Death. I say this - just go with the flow, don't worry, don't panic, don't fuss. Enjoy the great talent that has allowed Joanne Harris to embellish on an almost beautifully simple yet incredibly complex aspect (and I don't mean that as an intentional pun for those who know what I men) of the Gods in their rise and fall. Just let yourself be gripped, entertrained, thrilled and even emotionally moved by the world and society Loki reveals to you, in his own words, through his own eyes, justified by his own thoughts. And let yourself be enlightened by these nordic tales showing that there is no clear black and white in the world, we are all a mixture of each and how in the fantastic example of Loki, one man's right, is another man's wrong (or words to that effect).
If you truly enjoyed the Gospel of Loki then be happy and relieved that you can then go on to discover and treasure Runemark and Runelight in due course.
I do recommend all lovers of norse mythology read this brilliant piece of passion and love crafted with words.

“Just saying, in case you had any doubts. Yes, folks. I’m that good.”

This book seems to a departure from the norm of her works, and is advertised on the back cover as “the first adult epic fantasy novel” from the author who has written many other books.

After centuries of being maligned, the Trickster God Loki finally gets the chance to set the record straight. From being the go-to guy of Odin, Loki got a bad rap from the rest of the gods (they were jealous of him, of course) and this is his truth. Trouble is, if Loki the Trickster is telling you it’s the truth … is it really? First thing Loki shares with us are ten lessons on who not to trust; they can be summed up as “Basically, never trust anyone.”

These are the Norse Gods as you’ve probably never imagined them before. Fickle, squabbling and quick-tempered, these gods are shown us by Loki as he finds his way from the malestrom of Chaos into the Halls of Asgard. Once there, he’s determined to enjoy life. But Ragnarok is already ordained, and the Worlds are about to end.

Loki is delightfully irreverent and sarcastic in this book; he may not always win the battles, but he makes a darned good attempt to win the war. This is a book which offers a fresh view on the Norse gods and their lives so far above the mortals. A really good new approach to very old stories.

This book is great read for those who are new to or have read the legends of the Norse gods. Written in an engaging entertaining way the reader can easily identify with Loki who is definitely mad bad and dangerous to know and yet a sad lonely being for all of that. Joanne Harris has assumed the Aspect of bard bringing an often overlooked pantheon of God's and heroes to our notice. Thanks for a compelling read with a gripping ending.

An enjoyable read that flows easily, as Harris' writing always does. Having never read anything about these myths before, my only experience of Loki was from the recent blockbuster films. I have enjoyed many of Harris' novels previously, mainly due to the intensity of character she creates and the fairy tale like simplicity of the stories. So, I thought I'd give this one a whirl too. Loki's chatty style makes him an instantly likeable character and the narrative is simple to follow. However, the short chapters all offer a story in themselves which left me wanting more detail from each and more pace from the text as a whole. Overall, I did enjoy this book but I found it too easy to put down in favour of other reads.

Love this book! for anyone who devoured Runemark or Rune Light - you will love this! beautiful writing style, engrossing characters you love to hate and hate to love and plot that twists and turns like the world serpent. What a gem!

I've always had a soft spot for Loki. Among the grim, and mostly insufferable Norse gods he has a sense of humour and though I'm sure he'd be impossible to live with he does, mostly, engage the sympathies.
This is his story, told by himself, from the time Odin comes across him in his original guise as Wildfire from Chaos, and tricks him into joining the squabbling community of the gods in Asgard. He comes across as a trickster par excellence, glorying in his games with the gods and his own cleverness, but far from averse to self-pity when things go wrong for him. A far from admirable character and maybe too chirpy, but, even with knowledge of the Norse myths, I couldn't help wishing him well.
The author's treatment of the story is mainly breezy and very witty, with modern slang: Loki's favourite saying is 'Don't shoot me!', and Loki is really only interested in his own story, but the gods are always there and the people of the Middle Worlds make their contributions with gusto.
I loved Runemarks and Runelight, found them truly satisfying epics, and I think I was possibly expecting more of the same from this novel. It felt rather slight in comparison. I won't say I was disappointed; Loki, in this book, is a marvellous creation and I loved the treatment of the story, but the 'epic' was somehow missing.
The artwork on the cover is truly beautiful.

This is Joanne Harris at her witty best, telling a tale she obviously loves, from the side of the bad boy of Norse Gods. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes myth and legend and tales of Gods and monsters.

this for me was a must read book and i havent been disapointed. J, Harris now has 3 books in this vain the first two runelight and runemarks were good stories but this one is a stand alone book. i love the way the story is actually told by loki from his perspective, which is basically "wasnt my fault". i laughed throughout and smile at the tricksters bare faced cheek. the writing itself is wonderful and this one proves you cant pidgeon hole this lady to any formula in her writing, she just keeps going of at a tangent and getting better every time . with the thor II movie out it should create even more interest for this book, good timing and good reading couldnt be happier

I only really knew of Joanne M Harris from the film Chocolat which was based on her book of the same name. Her biography in the “more about the author” section of Amazon’s page for this book says that she is currently studying Old Norse, and that is rather clear from her choice of subject matter here! This is an interesting modern take on the Old Norse myths which are having a bit of a revival thanks to Kenneth Branagh’s recent film Thor. Although not as well known as the myths of Greece or Rome the Norse myths have a charm of their own and Joanne M Harris has enough knowledge of the subject to keep the book very readable - if somewhat unpronounceable!

You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of the myths to enjoy this book, and it may appeal to fans of the likes of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings – although quite different to both. A nice bit of fantasy escapism this is a well-written modern take on an old saga.

The Gospel of Loki is Loki's autobiographical retelling of Old Norse mythology putting his mischievous spin on it. It's Loki telling the story after the events of Ragnarok and as an autobiography it's the ultimate: `Honest Guv it weren't me' & `I've been much maligned' version of events. This is Harris out of her fantasy comfort zone and writing brilliant prose. She must have a pretty good knowledge and love of the original Old Norse mythology to have constructed this alternative version and it still maintains an authentic feel even when translated into modern vernacular. This book is fun to read and easier than the original Scandinavian tales and will introduce people who were previously unaware of his origins to at least Loki's version of events. Those wanting to read the original tales can find their telling in Myths of the Norsemen From the Eddas and Sagas which is free on Kindle.