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The Ragnarok Era #1
The Apples of Idunn
A bloodstained rise to godhood
When a frost giant murders his father, Odin swears blood vengeance. Only a fool would venture into the freezing mists that steal the souls of men.
And that’s exactly where Odin is going.
Guided by his blood-brother Loki, Odin will stop at nothing to avenge his father’s murder.
His quest leads him to a chance at immortality. But the price may be more than he can imagine.
When a frost giant murders his father, Odin swears blood vengeance. Only a fool would venture into the freezing mists that steal the souls of men.
And that’s exactly where Odin is going.
Guided by his blood-brother Loki, Odin will stop at nothing to avenge his father’s murder.
His quest leads him to a chance at immortality. But the price may be more than he can imagine.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Matt Larkin
78 books169 followersAlong with his wife and daughter, Matt lives as a digital nomad, traveling the world while researching for his novels. He reads approximately a bazillion books a year, loves video games, and relaxes by binge watching Netflix with his wife.
Matt writes retellings of mythology as dark, gritty fantasy. His passions of myths, philosophy, and history inform his series. He strives to combine gut-wrenching action with thought-provoking ideas and culturally resonant stories.
As a child, Matt read The Lord of the Rings with his parents. This sparked a lifelong obsession with fantasy and started him on a path of discovering the roots of fantasy through mythology. In exploration of these ideas, the Eschaton Cycle was born—a universe of dark fantasy where all myths and legends play out.
Matt writes retellings of mythology as dark, gritty fantasy. His passions of myths, philosophy, and history inform his series. He strives to combine gut-wrenching action with thought-provoking ideas and culturally resonant stories.
As a child, Matt read The Lord of the Rings with his parents. This sparked a lifelong obsession with fantasy and started him on a path of discovering the roots of fantasy through mythology. In exploration of these ideas, the Eschaton Cycle was born—a universe of dark fantasy where all myths and legends play out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 23, 2019
Mythology Buffs will love this book from Mythic Fantasy writer Matt Larkin. Taking the old tales of the Norse gods both from folk tales and the Eddas themselves Larkin weaves a tale of the beginning of the Aesir Gods. As the story opens, Odin is an arrogant, vulgar, thugish Jarl (chief) of a nomadic tribe of Aesir - The Wodanaz. His one driving purpose is to revenge the death of his father Borr at the hands of Ymir, the frost giant. The author takes the revenge quest as a trigger for the events that quickly follow and that will change and mold the man that is Odin into what will soon be the King of all the tribes while becoming a God in his own rights. The regular characters of Loki, Thor, Tyr, Frigga, Gudrun, and many others that delight and inspire are to be found within the weaving of this wonderful tale. If you love tales of heroes and villains, glorious quests and tragic endings, you will lose yourself in this book.
October 19, 2019
Apples of Idunn is an interesting tale based on mythology. I did have to put aside my misgivings to start reading but found it was well worth doing.
Odin, Loki, Tyr, and Idunn are all present but as humans not Gods as I know them. I follow the Ancient Heathen ways so this was an adjustment.
I was intrigued by the book and did keep reading. I am picking up with the second book as soon as I finish this review.
I did enjoy the book once I separated the characters from my religious views. It is well written and flows well.
Odin, Loki, Tyr, and Idunn are all present but as humans not Gods as I know them. I follow the Ancient Heathen ways so this was an adjustment.
I was intrigued by the book and did keep reading. I am picking up with the second book as soon as I finish this review.
I did enjoy the book once I separated the characters from my religious views. It is well written and flows well.
June 17, 2019
I’m a fan of anything mythology related and couldn’t pass up the chance to give this a go when I spotted it on the SPFBO 2018 list. It’s beautiful cover and interesting blurb promising a new, imaginative take on the beginnings of the Norse gods only added to my curiosity.
The Apples of Idunn is an action-packed story of jarl’s journey to becoming a god amongst men. Along every path he encounters trials and tribulations while making promises he intends to keep, occasionally influenced by his inner rage and usually without contemplating the consequences.
We’re introduced to a variety of alluring characters, both human and otherwise, who wonderfully balance the story-telling and conflict throughout. While we get glimpses into the lives of some, others are completely shrouded in mystery causing readers to want to solve the many puzzles surrounding both them and the plot line.
This was an ambitious beginning to a four-book saga with it’s ending wrapping up nicely, but also leaving me curious for more.
The Apples of Idunn is an action-packed story of jarl’s journey to becoming a god amongst men. Along every path he encounters trials and tribulations while making promises he intends to keep, occasionally influenced by his inner rage and usually without contemplating the consequences.
We’re introduced to a variety of alluring characters, both human and otherwise, who wonderfully balance the story-telling and conflict throughout. While we get glimpses into the lives of some, others are completely shrouded in mystery causing readers to want to solve the many puzzles surrounding both them and the plot line.
This was an ambitious beginning to a four-book saga with it’s ending wrapping up nicely, but also leaving me curious for more.
April 24, 2022
Out with the Icelandic, Christian noble and in with the wonderful, Mr. Matt Larkin! Fuck yea!
Edit: 2nd read (audiobook) was splendid.
Edit: 2nd read (audiobook) was splendid.
January 20, 2020
Praise Odin!
"She fell into the sky, watching the world change and change again beneath the eternal cosmos. Comets crashed through those skies and pummeled the world. Fires burned, and tides surged, until at last she stood beneath the greatest tree she had ever seen. Its trunk stretched up toward the heavens, seemingly connecting all the worlds of creation. Along its boughs ran a silver squirrel that watched her with knowing eyes. And from the branches grew a golden apple. She could see within it, not with her eyes, but with something deeper. That apple glowed like sunlight, shimmering with the light of life itself".
It's Norse mythology, but it's epic fantasy! Gruesome and utterly romantic in it's turns, this tale is an enthralling tribute the Gods.
"She fell into the sky, watching the world change and change again beneath the eternal cosmos. Comets crashed through those skies and pummeled the world. Fires burned, and tides surged, until at last she stood beneath the greatest tree she had ever seen. Its trunk stretched up toward the heavens, seemingly connecting all the worlds of creation. Along its boughs ran a silver squirrel that watched her with knowing eyes. And from the branches grew a golden apple. She could see within it, not with her eyes, but with something deeper. That apple glowed like sunlight, shimmering with the light of life itself".
It's Norse mythology, but it's epic fantasy! Gruesome and utterly romantic in it's turns, this tale is an enthralling tribute the Gods.
April 23, 2024
I’m a sucker for anything Norse. This story is really good, but I believe it really hinges on the rest of the series to hit its potential. Fingers crossed for the rest of the series. Good start.
January 12, 2023
A fantastic mythic reimainging. Matt does a tremendous job with the monumebtak task of pulling together a single cohesive story from a patchwork of historical sources. The gods you know, but seen like never before. Matt kills the ancient history vibes, he kills the intrigue vibes. Whilst it felt a tad rushed at the end, and character development wasn't as much a factor in this plot driven book, it worked perfectly as it itended.
4.5* rounded up
Full review to follow soon
4.5* rounded up
Full review to follow soon
March 14, 2021
Notes:
Too much tell & now enough show. I have the first three books in a bundle pack. I hope the setting, plot & characters will develop into a rich story. (It probably won't.)
Too much tell & now enough show. I have the first three books in a bundle pack. I hope the setting, plot & characters will develop into a rich story. (It probably won't.)
January 3, 2024
If you like mythology, you will truly enjoy this book. Not only is it well written but the narration is outstanding.
April 11, 2018
THIS IS ONE READ YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!!!
Holy crap! Talk about adventure! Matt doesn't mess around. He has a way of bringing life to the most beat down tales of old. Not that its beat down. Just an expression. Yeah, I'm good like that. If you want action packed, smooth flowing, steady paced adventure, man did you did come to the right place. Matt brings us back to the world of myth and legion with a twist that kept me spell bound and frozen to my seat. The characters and scenes are so life like and realistic you're caught in its web and drug deep into the action. Take my advice when you grab your copy, get really comfortable. Grab some snacks and a drink cause trust me, you won't be putting it down until the very last word. Thanks for sharing such a phenomenal read Matt. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Holy crap! Talk about adventure! Matt doesn't mess around. He has a way of bringing life to the most beat down tales of old. Not that its beat down. Just an expression. Yeah, I'm good like that. If you want action packed, smooth flowing, steady paced adventure, man did you did come to the right place. Matt brings us back to the world of myth and legion with a twist that kept me spell bound and frozen to my seat. The characters and scenes are so life like and realistic you're caught in its web and drug deep into the action. Take my advice when you grab your copy, get really comfortable. Grab some snacks and a drink cause trust me, you won't be putting it down until the very last word. Thanks for sharing such a phenomenal read Matt. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
July 20, 2018
The Apples of Idunn by Matt Larkin is the first installment in The Ragnarok Era series. Odin swears vengeance against the frost giant who killed his father.
Plot 5/5: Excellent plot involving Odin of Norse mythology.
Characters 5/5: Vivid and vibrant characters throughout the story.
World building 5/5: Incredible world building that takes you directly into the world the author has created.
Pacing 5/5: Full of action, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, brotherhood, and love and sex (a bit descriptive, and visually vivid).
Writing 5/5: A few typos, but not in any way did it interfere with the story.
Overall 5 stars
I highly recommend this book to anyone into Odin or Norse mythology.
Purchased on Amazon.
Plot 5/5: Excellent plot involving Odin of Norse mythology.
Characters 5/5: Vivid and vibrant characters throughout the story.
World building 5/5: Incredible world building that takes you directly into the world the author has created.
Pacing 5/5: Full of action, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, brotherhood, and love and sex (a bit descriptive, and visually vivid).
Writing 5/5: A few typos, but not in any way did it interfere with the story.
Overall 5 stars
I highly recommend this book to anyone into Odin or Norse mythology.
Purchased on Amazon.
February 23, 2015
Taking from the Norse gods of old, Larkin gives you an exciting and entertaining view into the before they were gods time. Odin, Loki and many more that were to be gods in a time of their own humanity. Before Odin became a god and his life was but a short period of time in the lives of the immortal. This story even goes into very major detail of many of the legends that began with the gods of werewolves, and spirits. This read kept me reading to the end. I could barely sit the book down long enough to rest my eyes before needing to get back to it. Great read and a new way of looking at the tales of the Norse gods.
February 20, 2022
by Andrew Bell, Lead Reviewer Audio Fiction Works
Apples of Idunn: Eschaton Cycle (Gods of the Ragnarok Era Book One) is an incredibly well-read fantasy, narrated by Ulf Bjorklund, whose soft and gravelly voice invites the reader to sit before an open fire, and be lulled into, and comforted by the telling of this story.
But as the reader listens on...and is drawn into the fantastic world created by the Author, Matt Larkin, that initial sense of comfort dwindles, as the exciting events of the story unfold.
Apples of Idunn is a strong and passionate tale, not for the faint hearted, featuring Norse mythology and the ultimate sacrifice made...
A Choice...
Driven by his desire to save his family, Odin is torn, for he knows of the darkness God’s cruel games have in store, should he choose this path.
I loved this book, and I am looking forward to hearing more of Matt's work.
I award Apples of Idunn, 4 stars.
Cover Blurb:
Driven to become king. Fated to be a god.
In the cold winters of an ice age, Odin was born to be a mere jarl. But Fate has staked a claim upon him. When his brother falls under a ghostly curse, a goddess offers Odin a chance to save him. If Odin can make himself king—and promise an unspecified favor—she will make him and his family immortal.
In desperation, Odin begins a quest to become king of all the Aesir. But his journey exposes him to forces more powerful than even the goddess: the Norns who foretell Fate. They warn of a terrible burden he will bear, and of the coming end times, Ragnarok.
Tormented by his prophetic dreams, Odin must soon choose between those he loves and a fragile chance to avert Ragnarok.
Thank you, Matt Larkin, for sharing your book with the Book Dragon.
Apples of Idunn: Eschaton Cycle (Gods of the Ragnarok Era Book One) is an incredibly well-read fantasy, narrated by Ulf Bjorklund, whose soft and gravelly voice invites the reader to sit before an open fire, and be lulled into, and comforted by the telling of this story.
But as the reader listens on...and is drawn into the fantastic world created by the Author, Matt Larkin, that initial sense of comfort dwindles, as the exciting events of the story unfold.
Apples of Idunn is a strong and passionate tale, not for the faint hearted, featuring Norse mythology and the ultimate sacrifice made...
A Choice...
Driven by his desire to save his family, Odin is torn, for he knows of the darkness God’s cruel games have in store, should he choose this path.
I loved this book, and I am looking forward to hearing more of Matt's work.
I award Apples of Idunn, 4 stars.
Cover Blurb:
Driven to become king. Fated to be a god.
In the cold winters of an ice age, Odin was born to be a mere jarl. But Fate has staked a claim upon him. When his brother falls under a ghostly curse, a goddess offers Odin a chance to save him. If Odin can make himself king—and promise an unspecified favor—she will make him and his family immortal.
In desperation, Odin begins a quest to become king of all the Aesir. But his journey exposes him to forces more powerful than even the goddess: the Norns who foretell Fate. They warn of a terrible burden he will bear, and of the coming end times, Ragnarok.
Tormented by his prophetic dreams, Odin must soon choose between those he loves and a fragile chance to avert Ragnarok.
Thank you, Matt Larkin, for sharing your book with the Book Dragon.
July 13, 2018
This has sat in my TBR on my Kindle for a while now, so I am not sure if it was a freebie or just something I found on my Kindle Unlimited, unfortunately. I finally got around to reading it and I'm glad I finally gave it a go.
As a pagan who worships the Norse pantheon, especially dedicated to Frigga, I found it hard at times to let go of what I have read before of the Gods and just let myself be swept up in to the story. It took a few chapters but once I did that I found myself enjoying it much more than I had previously. And honestly, it blends pretty well in to some accounts we have of the Gods already.
The only thing I found I didn't like in the end was the repetition towards the beginning of the book. I understand what the author was trying to accomplish in showcasing Odin's constant hemming and hawing about fulfilling his oaths and becoming the man his father wanted him to be, and I appreciate the personal connection he'd drawn between himself and Odin, but it's too much for me when the same sentiment is repeated again and again within the same 2-3 pages in different paragraphs. It happened again at later intervals in the book, but not so badly as at the start, so therein lies the reason this didn't quite make it to a full 5/5 stars for me.
Aside from that this was a very good read and I could definitely see myself continuing the series. 4/5.
As a pagan who worships the Norse pantheon, especially dedicated to Frigga, I found it hard at times to let go of what I have read before of the Gods and just let myself be swept up in to the story. It took a few chapters but once I did that I found myself enjoying it much more than I had previously. And honestly, it blends pretty well in to some accounts we have of the Gods already.
The only thing I found I didn't like in the end was the repetition towards the beginning of the book. I understand what the author was trying to accomplish in showcasing Odin's constant hemming and hawing about fulfilling his oaths and becoming the man his father wanted him to be, and I appreciate the personal connection he'd drawn between himself and Odin, but it's too much for me when the same sentiment is repeated again and again within the same 2-3 pages in different paragraphs. It happened again at later intervals in the book, but not so badly as at the start, so therein lies the reason this didn't quite make it to a full 5/5 stars for me.
Aside from that this was a very good read and I could definitely see myself continuing the series. 4/5.
August 10, 2018
This 🍎Apple Is Full of Worms🐛
I could not get into this book 📑as much as I wanted to.
There are too many characters. I love romances, so that's not a problem, and almost all fairy tales are romances anyway!
There just seemed to be a lot of confusion and goings on in the book📑 that made it somewhat hard to follow.
It is a rehash of Norse Mythology.
When Odin's father, the Jarl Borr, is killed, Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 sets out with Borr's champion, Tyr🐺🍆🌋🔪, to get revenge. Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 takes up Gungnir, the sacred spear of his father, given to Borr by Idunn💃💋, the Goddess of Spring, and sets out to seek retribution.
At a neighboring Jarl's town, Idunn💃💋 comes to Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 at 🌙night in The flesh, and asks him if he wants to be 👑King of Aesir, forever!. Idunn💃💋 offers him the Golden 🍎Apple of Immortality, but he must do two great deeds for Her, first. Always a catch!
First Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪must become 👑King of the nine warring tribes, and push back the cold mists taking over the 🌎world that are killing mankind. Idunn💃💋 won't tell him what the other deed is until he becomes the 👑King.
ARC Received from HG.
I also got The book with KU.
Recommend if you 💘Love epic mythology adventures!
I could not get into this book 📑as much as I wanted to.
There are too many characters. I love romances, so that's not a problem, and almost all fairy tales are romances anyway!
There just seemed to be a lot of confusion and goings on in the book📑 that made it somewhat hard to follow.
It is a rehash of Norse Mythology.
When Odin's father, the Jarl Borr, is killed, Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 sets out with Borr's champion, Tyr🐺🍆🌋🔪, to get revenge. Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 takes up Gungnir, the sacred spear of his father, given to Borr by Idunn💃💋, the Goddess of Spring, and sets out to seek retribution.
At a neighboring Jarl's town, Idunn💃💋 comes to Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪 at 🌙night in The flesh, and asks him if he wants to be 👑King of Aesir, forever!. Idunn💃💋 offers him the Golden 🍎Apple of Immortality, but he must do two great deeds for Her, first. Always a catch!
First Odin🐺🍆🌋🔪must become 👑King of the nine warring tribes, and push back the cold mists taking over the 🌎world that are killing mankind. Idunn💃💋 won't tell him what the other deed is until he becomes the 👑King.
ARC Received from HG.
I also got The book with KU.
Recommend if you 💘Love epic mythology adventures!
August 3, 2020
Matt Larkin’s writing style is a bit misty – sort of like the mists of Niflheim that infest Midgard in this story based on the original Norse myths. It fleshes out the dry bones of the myths as we found them in the Prose Edda in the Sagas of the Icelanders.
The story begins with Odin who has just become jarl of the Wodanaz tribe of the Aesir following his father’s death. He is still a common mortal. He has vowed revenge for his father’s murder, and he finally gets it, taking his two brothers and a stranger to the tribe, an enigmatic person by the name of Loki, to kill a giant.
In gratitude for his help, Odin makes Loki his blood brother. But a bad train of events has begun. A goddess by the name of Idunn offers Odin magic apples – the fruit of the world-tree, Yggdrasil. But for all that the apples make him and those to whom he gives the other apples immortal, the tasks Odin has to take on to accomplish all he sets out to do multiply faster than he can get them done. It looks like he will be working on this for a long time.
The story begins with Odin who has just become jarl of the Wodanaz tribe of the Aesir following his father’s death. He is still a common mortal. He has vowed revenge for his father’s murder, and he finally gets it, taking his two brothers and a stranger to the tribe, an enigmatic person by the name of Loki, to kill a giant.
In gratitude for his help, Odin makes Loki his blood brother. But a bad train of events has begun. A goddess by the name of Idunn offers Odin magic apples – the fruit of the world-tree, Yggdrasil. But for all that the apples make him and those to whom he gives the other apples immortal, the tasks Odin has to take on to accomplish all he sets out to do multiply faster than he can get them done. It looks like he will be working on this for a long time.
June 8, 2023
I started by feeling it was a 2 star book. Through the most of it I felt it was better, a 3 star. By the end it somehow managed to draw me in and now I give it 4 - well, it is more like 3.5.
It is about before Odin became a king and before he became a god.
I am a bitt baffled as somebody's review said how the book had no good people. Funny story: most of them are good people. Odin is a noble man who values honor (much), his family, his obligations even if he is at times vain and hotheaded (although to be fair, those qualities doo go hand in hand with being a warrior jarl). Loki even to the very end comes across as a good man, even if he is scheming something. Tyr is a loyal to a fault, valiant man and a great warrior. The women - Frigg, Idunn, the rest - are good people even if they have their weaknesses and blind spots. The witch queen and her brood - yes, those are legit evil, they are supposed to be.
Anyhow, this is a retelling of existing myths. YMWV. I will read the next book too.
It is about before Odin became a king and before he became a god.
I am a bitt baffled as somebody's review said how the book had no good people. Funny story: most of them are good people. Odin is a noble man who values honor (much), his family, his obligations even if he is at times vain and hotheaded (although to be fair, those qualities doo go hand in hand with being a warrior jarl). Loki even to the very end comes across as a good man, even if he is scheming something. Tyr is a loyal to a fault, valiant man and a great warrior. The women - Frigg, Idunn, the rest - are good people even if they have their weaknesses and blind spots. The witch queen and her brood - yes, those are legit evil, they are supposed to be.
Anyhow, this is a retelling of existing myths. YMWV. I will read the next book too.
October 25, 2018
Disclaimer: I sort of fell smack-dab in the middle of the "Gods of the Ragnarok Era" series, reading book #5 (The Well of Mimir) first. From there I finished the series, putting the cart pretty much before the eight-legged horse - and now I'm starting over with book #1 to see how Ragnarok came to be.
With this sort of perspective, it's fascinating to see how the characters started out. And, oh boy, everyone is still so... young. And to think that Odin, the Allfather, was once just an arrogant little prick (sorry!) before he became the immortal king of the Aesir...
So, for me, this second edition is the perfect start for the series, introducing the main players and giving me more background on the hows and whys of the later books.
Looking forward to reading the whole epic story!
With this sort of perspective, it's fascinating to see how the characters started out. And, oh boy, everyone is still so... young. And to think that Odin, the Allfather, was once just an arrogant little prick (sorry!) before he became the immortal king of the Aesir...
So, for me, this second edition is the perfect start for the series, introducing the main players and giving me more background on the hows and whys of the later books.
Looking forward to reading the whole epic story!
March 22, 2020
*1 star because I had to, really 0 stars*
Such a fucking snore-fest. Odin is a whiney little bitch. Poor emo boy, no one can be as sad as he is. Cry, bitch, repeat. The only one even vaguely interesting is Tyr, but he's not the star. Instead, we have whiney, bitchy Odin who thinks he's better and sadder than anyone else. Also, women are dangerous she-devils who are only good for fucking. Meanwhile, this book can't pick a damn tone and style. It jumps between being a poor man's Tolkien or trying to be some modern-day Viking tale. Go read Prince of Fools instead. While I haven't finished the whole series, that one book if far better than this garbage. DNF at 7% (28 pages).
Such a fucking snore-fest. Odin is a whiney little bitch. Poor emo boy, no one can be as sad as he is. Cry, bitch, repeat. The only one even vaguely interesting is Tyr, but he's not the star. Instead, we have whiney, bitchy Odin who thinks he's better and sadder than anyone else. Also, women are dangerous she-devils who are only good for fucking. Meanwhile, this book can't pick a damn tone and style. It jumps between being a poor man's Tolkien or trying to be some modern-day Viking tale. Go read Prince of Fools instead. While I haven't finished the whole series, that one book if far better than this garbage. DNF at 7% (28 pages).
June 30, 2017
I was gripped by this book. I liked it. It's good.
What Larkin does brilliantly is atmosphere, a driving plot and a sense of the supernatural. If you are looking for subtle characterization and likable characters, look elsewhere. But that's not what this is about. This is about the mythic and the heroic. And that's done superbly here.
The folk in this novel are pretty coarse and brutal. It's believable (always a strange term in fantasy), given the hardships they endure. But if you don't like that sort of thing, steer clear. The only real regret I have from this book, is the characterization of Loki. That could have been played many ways: trickster, schemer, liar and more. But for me, in this story, he wasn't an enigma, so much as a blank. Just my take.
In conclusion: if you like well-executed Sword and Sorcery, give this a try.
What Larkin does brilliantly is atmosphere, a driving plot and a sense of the supernatural. If you are looking for subtle characterization and likable characters, look elsewhere. But that's not what this is about. This is about the mythic and the heroic. And that's done superbly here.
The folk in this novel are pretty coarse and brutal. It's believable (always a strange term in fantasy), given the hardships they endure. But if you don't like that sort of thing, steer clear. The only real regret I have from this book, is the characterization of Loki. That could have been played many ways: trickster, schemer, liar and more. But for me, in this story, he wasn't an enigma, so much as a blank. Just my take.
In conclusion: if you like well-executed Sword and Sorcery, give this a try.
March 12, 2024
I absolutely love Norse mythology. The idea of a dark fantasy retelling of these tales was right up my alley so I have this first book a try. Glad I did because I loved it.
Only reason I'm not giving a full 5 stars is because of the POV of Tyr. I get what Larkin was doing with it, but I found it jarring compared to the POV sections of other characters' chapters. Very clipped and broken, which again, I see what he was going for, but because of how jarring it was I kept thinking about it every time it came along and pulled me from the story.
Otherwise, fantastic. I'll keep going with the series.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
Only reason I'm not giving a full 5 stars is because of the POV of Tyr. I get what Larkin was doing with it, but I found it jarring compared to the POV sections of other characters' chapters. Very clipped and broken, which again, I see what he was going for, but because of how jarring it was I kept thinking about it every time it came along and pulled me from the story.
Otherwise, fantastic. I'll keep going with the series.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
July 15, 2018
The story of Asgard, Odin, Loki, Thor and the world of all the Norse Gods told from the beginning. Larkin's Ragnarok Series is a Dark Dark Dark Fantasy story. GRIMDARK as Larkin calls it. Odin's relentless search for the way to defeat Ragnarok and with it the end of the world is depicted brutally and explicitly. Larkin builds worlds and characters beyond my ability to describe. I have never heard Odin's tale told in this manner and the book grabbed me right from the start. I'm just finishing book 5 "The Well of Mimir". I love this story and series. If you like dark fantasy full of graphic violence, sex and intrigue then you'll love this story.
February 15, 2021
An intriguing retelling of the ancient myth and the first entry of what promises to be a fascinating saga. Odin, Loki and many of their fellows begin as mortals until they taste of the golden apples of immortality plucked from the World Tree. Their battles are intense, in an icy world hostile to humanity and populated with frost giants, trolls, witches and dark spirits who possess the bodies of the dead to prey on the living. The author draws on deep knowledge of Norse culture and myth, and the promised story of these newborn gods vanquishing the world’s monsters so humanity might thrive (and the price those gods will pay) makes for exciting reading.
May 24, 2022
While I really like the premise of this series, and what Matt Larkin is trying to do here, I can't say I loved the book. Liked it, yes but not enough to fall for the sneaky trick they seem to have of making each book a little more expensive than the previous (Book 1 was free, Book 2 is just a few dollars but then the price starts to rise). It's an original take, true, with Loki a very interesting and enigmatic character, but I still didn't find the writing immersive enough, or myself caring enough for, or identifying with, anyone except perhaps Sigyn.
So, final verdict, I'll stand by my 3 stars.
So, final verdict, I'll stand by my 3 stars.
March 6, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a story about Odin. Not the Odin that was king of the Norse gods, but a human that had to go through some very serious and demanding trials to get the end results. There were several names featured in the story that were well known though. The characters were not dry and two dimensional, but vibrant and full of life. The story kept the reader involved, action and drama was top notch, and what romance/love interest that was included kept the reader guessing.
This is a story about Odin. Not the Odin that was king of the Norse gods, but a human that had to go through some very serious and demanding trials to get the end results. There were several names featured in the story that were well known though. The characters were not dry and two dimensional, but vibrant and full of life. The story kept the reader involved, action and drama was top notch, and what romance/love interest that was included kept the reader guessing.
April 4, 2018
Wow. Just wow
Wasn't entirely sure from the blurb that this was going to be something I could get I into but boy did I ever! Larkin's characters are real people - not necessarily real as in actually existed (though they might have) but real as in their problems and motivations are real as is the way they seem to tackle things.
He pulls a lot from the old Norse mythology but makes the story live and breathe and I had a hard time putting it down for anything. Good thing I can eat while I read.
Absolutely brilliant. Go read it now
Wasn't entirely sure from the blurb that this was going to be something I could get I into but boy did I ever! Larkin's characters are real people - not necessarily real as in actually existed (though they might have) but real as in their problems and motivations are real as is the way they seem to tackle things.
He pulls a lot from the old Norse mythology but makes the story live and breathe and I had a hard time putting it down for anything. Good thing I can eat while I read.
Absolutely brilliant. Go read it now
October 11, 2017
An intriguing take on the Scandinavian mythology, in which lines are porous between men & gods, and all mythological denizens have additional quirks beyond the descriptions in the sagas - it’s worth the read. My problem is that while the book started slow, the pace picked up, and the reader was left hanging in wait for the next volume (not my favorite thing).
Still, good read, and I’ll wait for book2.
Still, good read, and I’ll wait for book2.
June 8, 2018
A deeper look into the very legends of old
Viking myths are always fascinating and the author takes us deeper than I have ever read before. Where did they start? How did they become what we always read about? Here we go deep into the mists and see the rise of Odin before there was an Asgard. Not for the faint of heart but come on, these are Vikings we are talking about. They don't do nice and this is the beginning of a journey worth telling.
Viking myths are always fascinating and the author takes us deeper than I have ever read before. Where did they start? How did they become what we always read about? Here we go deep into the mists and see the rise of Odin before there was an Asgard. Not for the faint of heart but come on, these are Vikings we are talking about. They don't do nice and this is the beginning of a journey worth telling.
September 28, 2018
An interesting take on Norse Mythology
If you've read on Norse Mythology and the saga of the Volsungs and think that this book should stay true to those stories it may well drive you mad. It took me about 80 pages to finally get over it. But aside from that and some editing problems, I enjoyed the story, characters, and worldbuilding. I will probably continue to read the series.
If you've read on Norse Mythology and the saga of the Volsungs and think that this book should stay true to those stories it may well drive you mad. It took me about 80 pages to finally get over it. But aside from that and some editing problems, I enjoyed the story, characters, and worldbuilding. I will probably continue to read the series.
December 26, 2018
Great epic series! This book is actually in the middle of the suggested order to read the series and I never noticed or felt I had to read another one first. all the characters are well built. Each has their own strengths and weakness. The book takes place during what I took as ice age Time period for they hunted and killed mammoths. Fantasy and supernatural are woven into the threads of the book. Great read!!!
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