Books Like...

'Norse Code' by Greg Van Eekhout is a modern take on Norse mythology, blending the ancient gods and legends into a contemporary setting. The story follows Mist, a newly turned Valkyrie on a mission to rescue her sister from the clutches of Hel. She teams up with lesser-known gods like Hermod and Hod, as they try to prevent Ragnarok from destroying the world. is a mix of action, mythology, and urban fantasy, with a focus on characters who are not the typical main figures from Norse myths.

The plot of 'Norse Code' starts slow but picks up speed as Mist embarks on a journey across a chaotic America, facing violence and madness as she tries to alter fate and save the world of man. The writing style is vivid and descriptive, with graphic battle scenes and a unique twist on the Norse pantheon. explores the clash between the old Norse gods and the modern world, bringing to life characters like Hermod and Valkyries in a way that grips the reader from chapter to chapter.

The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker is a viking historical fiction inspired by the sagas, featuring mythological elements with a touch of magical realism. The story follows siblings Svanhild and Ragnvald as they navigate the Viking age, facing challenges of political intrigue and personal struggles. The book is praised for its well-researched historical setting, strong character development, and engaging plotline that sets up the trilogy nicely.

The Whale Road is a Viking historical fiction novel that follows the journey of Orm Rurikson as he joins the Oathsworn, a brotherhood of warriors on the Viking ship the Fjord Elk. The story revolves around their mission to retrieve a valuable sword belonging to the treasure of Attila the Hun, taking readers on a thrilling adventure along the Whale Road. The writing style is described as a mix of high adventure, meticulous historical research, and the excitement of ancient mysteries, capturing the spirit and language of an ancient saga while leaving room for readers' imagination to fill in details.

The Last of the Renshai is a high fantasy novel set in a world based on Norse Mythology, following the warrior race called the Renshai who dedicate their lives to mastering swordsmanship. The story revolves around the main character, Rache, a young blonde warrior whose life is thrown into chaos when his village is attacked. The plot is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and turns, as it follows Rache's journey over the next decade. The book features immortal wizards, warriors, kings, gladiators, and hunters, all with clear motivations for their actions, resulting in collision courses that cannot be avoided.

The writing style of the book is fast-paced, covering a lot in a few pages, with a depth in the world-building, realistic characters, and great action scenes. The plot twists and turns without slowing down, and the characters respond emotionally to the events around them, making them relatable and likable even amidst dire circumstances.

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 Poetic Edda is a collection of stories from Norse mythology and history that were written in poetic form. The stories contained within this book are both entertaining and provide advice for life. The book is described as being easily read and understood, lacking embellishments and staying true to the source material. The author, Jackson Crawford, is praised for his modern translation, scholarship, occasional bursts of wit, and ability to make the ancient stories feel alive and readable by the average person. The book is commended for its completeness, offering a comprehensive look at Norse Pagan beliefs and connecting readers to the spiritual beliefs of Northern Europeans.

The story follows Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager who discovers he is the son of the god Frey after dying and being sent to Valhalla. He learns about a prophecy to prevent Ragnarok, the end of the world, with the help of his diverse group of friends, including an elf, a dwarf, and a Valkyrie. The book is praised for its humorous and unique take on Norse mythology, as Magnus embarks on a quest to save the world from Fenris Wolf and Surt, encountering various mythical beings along the way.

Magnus Chase's journey is fast-paced and filled with action, appealing to fans of Rick Riordan's previous series. The book introduces readers to a new mythology, blending it seamlessly with a relatable protagonist, witty writing style, and a diverse cast of characters. With elements of humor, adventure, and mythology, Magnus Chase navigates through challenges and revelations, setting the stage for an exciting series.

'Norse Mythology' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of retellings of Norse myths, centered around gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. Gaiman's writing style has been described as engaging and reminiscent of oral storytelling, with a mix of humor, seriousness, and a touch of fantasy. The book covers various incidents such as Odin becoming the All Father, Thor's journey to the Land of the Giants, and the coming of Ragnarok, the end of all days.

Gaiman's interpretations bring new life to familiar characters like Thor, Odin, and Loki, adding depth and humor to their personalities. The book offers a fresh take on Norse mythology, making the ancient tales accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. Through short stories and narratives, Gaiman navigates through the complex world of gods, giants, and magic, providing an engaging and quick read for both newcomers and mythology enthusiasts alike.

'The Witch's Heart' by Genevieve Gornichec is a modern retelling of Norse mythology, focusing on the character of Angrboda, a witch and giantess who is more than just the mother of Loki's children. The story delves into Angrboda's complex relationships with various characters, including Loki, Skadi, and her children, as she navigates fate, love, betrayal, and grief. The narrative weaves together elements of fate, mythology, and emotional depth, offering a fresh perspective on familiar Norse mythological figures.

The book combines original Norse mythology with contemporary storytelling, offering a rich and compelling narrative that explores themes of destiny, love, and the complexities of relationships. Through Angrboda's journey of self-discovery and her interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including gods and mortals, the reader is taken on a captivating exploration of Norse mythology from a new angle.

'Sky in the Deep' by Adrienne Young is a captivating historical fantasy novel set in a Viking-inspired society. The story follows Eelyn, a fierce warrior who discovers her brother alive and fighting alongside their enemies, leading to unexpected alliances and challenges. The book is filled with epic battle scenes, strong character development, and a slow-burn romance that adds depth to the plot. Readers are drawn into a world of brutal icy fjords, savage battlegrounds, and intricate tribal dynamics, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters' struggles and growth. The writing style is engaging, with a good pace that keeps readers hooked from the first bloody battle to the final showdown.