Joanne Harris reimagines Norse mythology in a witty, irreverent fantasy. Set five hundred years after Ragnarok, the world is ruled by the Order, which has outlawed magic. Yet young Maddy Smith, born with a rust-colored rune mark on her hand, discovers that the old gods, goblins, and chaos still linger. Her journey pulls her into a battle between fading deities and oppressive order, blending myth, adventure, and humor.
Community Buzz:
Goodreads: 3.74 average rating from nearly 9,000 readers. Reviews praise Harris's "fresh, funny, and wonderfully irreverent" take on Norse tales, though some note the pacing can be uneven.
BookTok: Popular among fantasy readers who enjoy myth retellings; clips highlight Maddy's rebellious spirit and the book's playful tone compared to darker Norse adaptations.
If You Liked…
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (modern myth retelling)
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (straight retelling with wit)
The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris (companion novel, Loki's perspective)
Condition: Fair – trade paperback with visible wear, likely creased spine and shelf scuffing, but pages intact and readable.
