Books Like...

The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris is a retelling of Norse mythology from the perspective of Loki, the Trickster. The book captures Loki's voice as an amoral, witty, and restless character who narrates the tales with humor and mischief. Through Loki's storytelling, readers are introduced to the gods and goddesses of Asgard, exploring familiar myths from a fresh and entertaining point of view. The narrative style of the book mixes modern language with traditional mythology, providing an inimitable retelling of old legends that is both enjoyable and amusing.

The Testament of Loki is a sequel that follows the adventures of the God of Mischief as he navigates the aftermath of Ragnarok and explores the modern world. Loki's character is portrayed with a sense of humor that makes him both lovable and mischievous, guiding the readers through a rollercoaster of adventure and prophecies. The plot involves Loki and Odin trying to outwit each other in the changed landscape of Earth, showcasing Loki's schemes and Odin's guile in a new dimension.

'The Grimrose Girls' by Laura Pohl is a young adult murder mystery combined with a little magical realism set in an elite Swiss boarding school. The story follows four girls, Ella, Yuki, Rory, and Nani, as they investigate the mysterious deaths at Grimrose Académie that seem to follow the endings of fairy tales. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the girls, each with unique personalities and backgrounds, as they delve into dark secrets, blurred lines between magic and reality, and the importance of friendship, coming of age, and self-discovery.

The writing style of Laura Pohl in 'The Grimrose Girls' is described as fantastic, compelling, and gripping. Pohl's ability to build well-developed characters with depth and singularities adds intrigue to the storyline, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The incorporation of fairy tales, suspenseful plot twists, and the exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and fate make this book a captivating blend of fairytale magic and thrilling dark academia.

'Sword in the Stars' in the series 'Once & Future' by Cori McCarthy and Amy Rose Capetta is a fantastic duology with a unique twist on the Arthurian legend. The story follows Merlin and a diverse group of characters, including a gender-swapped King Arthur, as they navigate through time and space to break the tragic cycle of Arthurs. The writing style is fast-paced, emotionally complex, and filled with humor, queer representation, and themes of empathy and second chances. The characters' evolution, the witty dialogue, and the queer romance elements make this a highly recommended YA fantasy read.

The adventures in 'Sword in the Stars' take the reader on a journey to the original Camelot, where the group becomes entangled in the story they had not intended to interfere with. is praised for its beautiful literary adaptation of the Arthurian story, the found family theme, the inclusion of diverse representation, and the uplifting and inclusive storytelling. The writing style is described as comforting, affectionate, and filled with love, leaving readers feeling soothed and satisfied by the end, similar to the afterglow of watching a heartwarming TV show like Schitt's Creek.

The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling follows sixteen-year-old Elise, who gains the ability to see how someone will die when she touches them. Feeling cursed, she meets seventeen-year-old Claire, a vampire sent to train Elise in her new ability. As they navigate their supernatural world, they uncover mysteries, face a dangerous villain, and develop a deep bond. The story is narrated in a dual POV, switching between Elise and Claire, offering a mix of teen angst, romance, and paranormal elements. The writing style is immersive, balancing romance and plot, while also delving into themes of identity and self-acceptance.

"The Age of Odin" by James Lovegrove is a modern take on Norse mythology, where the Asier Gods are still alive but less powerful than in the past. The story follows ex-soldier Gideon Gid Coxall as he gets entangled in the world of the Norse Gods who are preparing for Ragnarok. The book beautifully blends modern warfare and technology with the strength, support, mystery, and magic of the Asier Gods, creating an epic saga that stirs emotions and keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as punchy, enchanting, and cinematic, with short chapters that lead the reader through a series of adventures and encounters.

In "Ice Land" by Betsy Tobin, the story revolves around Norse mythology and history, specifically focusing on the goddess Freya's quest to obtain and protect the Brisingamen necklace. The narrative also follows Fulla, a young woman navigating the challenges of impending marriage and the arrival of Christianity in Iceland. The book intertwines the lives of these characters with elements of daily life, mythology, and the changing landscape of Iceland in the 11th century, creating a rich and immersive storytelling experience.

The writing style of "Ice Land" alternates between viewpoints, including first person for Freya and third person for Fulla and Dvalin, creating a unique narrative structure that allows for different perspectives on the characters' quests and challenges. The book delves into themes of love, destiny, power, and the clash between paganism and Christianity, all set against a backdrop of Icelandic mythology and the evolving world of the Norse gods.

'Once & Future' is a refreshing and unique retelling of the King Arthur legend set in space, featuring diverse characters and a fast-paced, emotionally complex storyline. The book follows a group of characters who must navigate King Arthur's court while dealing with time travel, complex relationships, and the mystery of Merlin's condition. The writing style is engaging, blending comedy, mystery, and engaging character dynamics to create an epic space mission full of twists and turns.

David, a boy who dreads the holidays due to his dysfunctional family, unexpectedly summons a mysterious boy named Luke who turns out to be the Norse god Loki. As David tries to keep Luke safe from other gods seeking him, a week-long adventure unfolds involving Norse mythology and magical abilities. The book cleverly integrates themes of emotional neglect and abuse within a family dynamic, while exploring the consequences of summoning ancient gods into the modern world.