Loki has to be the best anti-hero in popular culture. Everyone loves the god of lies and mischief, regardless of what form he takes. In 2011, Kieron Gillen and Marvel Comics gave us the first comic in what would become the massive Loki: Journey Into Mystery collection. This young version of Loki, godling of lies, became wildly popular. His determination to do good, save Asgard, and make friends is refreshing and fun. Now, Titan Books and Katherine Locke have made this beloved story even more accessible by adapting Kieron Gillen’s comic series into a prose novel. If you’re a fan of Loki, Marvel, or even just Norse mythology, you don’t want to miss this masterpiece of a book.
Synopsis:
This truly epic adaptation of Kieron Gillen’s Loki series spans the nine realms as the reborn trickster struggles to walk the hero’s path and save the universe from an epidemic of fear.
THE GOD OF LIES HAS BEEN REBORN. CAN YOUNG LOKI BE ASGARD’S SAVIOR?
When Earth is plagued by an epidemic of fear, ancient prophecy says only Thor can stop the monstrous threat of the Serpent, but without help from Loki, Thor is certain to fail. Aided by a handmaiden from Hel and a demon puppy, Loki must risk everything to find redemption—or doom himself for eternity. Either way, a Nightmare lies in wait hoping to rule the world, and Loki will have to risk everything on his craziest scheme of all!
Meanwhile, new gods threaten to disrupt the status quo, throwing everything out of balance. Loki must act as a responsible ambassador, but will the Nine Realms end in Surtur’s fire?
Young Loki must cross the realms to reclaim his own story, outwit ancient enemies, struggle to do the right thing, and avoid falling in love.
Review:
This book is a journey and one you will want to experience first-hand. Everything we love about Norse mythology and Asgard is here – the World Tree, the Serpent, Thor, Odin, and Hel. There are also a lot of new fun elements, including a young Loki who regrets and wants people to like him and wants to save his world. There are magpies, a past Loki, and the most adorable demon puppy named Thori. This book has everything you could want in a Loki story and more.
“All stories have beginnings. The good ones don’t have endings. In every world, stories are told. By gods or mortals, it doesn’t matter. Stories are currency. Stories are power. Stories are sustenance. Stories transcend.”
Katherine Locke – Loki: Journey Into Mystery
Although this book is a Marvel comics novel, you don’t necessarily have to be a Marvel comics reader to enjoy it. Because Loki: Journey Into Mystery is heavy on Norse mythology, adventures, and friendships, I think you should give this book a chance if you enjoy any of the following:
- Loki show on Disney+
- Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology
- God of War (2018)/ God of War: Ragnarök
- Thor: Ragnarök
- The humor, friends, and timey wimey travels of the 11th and 13th Doctors in Doctor Who
Final Thoughts: This is an excellent entry point into Marvel and the Asgardian world. I loved this story, especially Locke’s detailed and descriptive writing. I also had a chance to review the audiobook, which I highly recommend if you prefer or enjoy audio format. The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick and the audio production is top-notch. Regardless of which format you choose, this is a book you need to try.
Rating: 5/5 stars.
Thanks to Titan Books and Dreamscape Media for advanced review copies of this book. All the above thoughts are my own.
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