This book paws through the Norse pantheon with eager enthusiasm. It also has a good overall plot--how can we stop the end of the world, when it has been prophesied? And a lady who's supposed to be sexy and a good fighter (note cover). But it rings very hollow. The playing with myth was really the most fun part; the plot was more playing with myth, which meant it was always a new turn, not one that fell from previous knowledge, nor did it hang together. Many turns could have happened; none of it had the inevitability that would have helped it hold together. Hermod is a fun god for us underdog-lovers, but he's essentially a noir hero and therefore outside the plotline. Simply being an underdog isn't enough to win my sympathy; and his supposedly cute ex-Valkyrie (see cover) simply lacks character.All in all--fun for the mythplay, not really another reason to read it. This book was actually better than I thought it would be (when I first bought it, I debated for twenty minutes whether to buy it or not). Van Eekhout weaves an interesting tale by integrating Norse mythology into the modern world, and presents a unique take on some of the Norse gods, especially Hermod who has living among humans for a thousand plus years. However, of all the characters, I found the main character Mist to be rather one-dimensional and lacking in the potential her character could have. At times, she seems to be written as too stereotypical of a female character and often times unbelievable or nonsincere in her emotions, much like the cover of the book (which was what almost prevented me from buying it in the first place). But overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it especially to anyone who likes Norse mythology.
What do You think about Norse Code (2009)?
Pretty good. And hey, Norse mythos is always fun.
—mashi
