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Loki: Why I Began the End
The end of the world is coming. We all know it. I think we knew it the moment Odin and I first met—any indication of camaraderie between a god and a giant was unthinkable. But that was just the first thread of the unraveling world tapestry. Considering my betrayal toward the giants, the gods treating my children like beasts, and my own ignorance regarding the futility of divine power, I’m surprised the world is still standing. I’m surprised the gods can move on unchanged, even after the death of their Prince, the Shining One, the sum of all that’s good and worthwhile in the world.
Yggdrasil forbid they should ever admit to a mistake or a flaw, or own up to their share of blame.
If you haven’t guessed, I’m Loki, member of the Jotun giant race, sworn blood-brother of the supreme god Odin. If you’ve heard of me, you’ve heard that I’m wicked, that I’m the greatest enemy of the gods, and that I began the chain of events that promise the end of the world. Well, yes, that’s all true—but not for the reasons you think.
Yggdrasil forbid they should ever admit to a mistake or a flaw, or own up to their share of blame.
If you haven’t guessed, I’m Loki, member of the Jotun giant race, sworn blood-brother of the supreme god Odin. If you’ve heard of me, you’ve heard that I’m wicked, that I’m the greatest enemy of the gods, and that I began the chain of events that promise the end of the world. Well, yes, that’s all true—but not for the reasons you think.
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First published July 31, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 30, 2011
This Amazon e-book is quite easy in its reading style and it helps as some readers who turn to it might havea slight inkling about norse mythology (otherwise they wouldn't have a clue who the key character is from the title) but it also introduces a range of aspects of the norse mythic world to them in a very easy to understand way with a big dollop of humour thrown in. That is the one lovely thing about this particular book in that it doesn't treat the great events and characters of norse mythology with the darkness and depth some other authors I've read have done but the humour doesn't make you connect with each character and Loki's plight through it all any less. Some of the portrayals of characters are certainly different and there are new aspects shown as well on certain events, in particular when Balder became technically invulnerable and showed a deeper more human side to this god and even more so in Loki half-god-half-giant which was truly touching.
It is not a complete overhaul of the legends though but sadly the story doesn't follow the myth of Ragnarok all the way through to its climactic end, instead it brings you to the brink of it occuring which I did find frustrating as I wanted the whole legend not just half of it.
But it was a very entertaining read and read easily in a day as it wasn't very long compared to others I read dealing with norse legends and I can recommend it to norse lovers and those who are just beginning to dip their toes into this norse world.
*Please note only available via Amazon Kindle Bookstore*
It is not a complete overhaul of the legends though but sadly the story doesn't follow the myth of Ragnarok all the way through to its climactic end, instead it brings you to the brink of it occuring which I did find frustrating as I wanted the whole legend not just half of it.
But it was a very entertaining read and read easily in a day as it wasn't very long compared to others I read dealing with norse legends and I can recommend it to norse lovers and those who are just beginning to dip their toes into this norse world.
*Please note only available via Amazon Kindle Bookstore*
December 17, 2018
This was a decent short read, but by this point I think I've read almost every single one of these type of Loki books that I can find, so there's definitely a sense of 'been here done that' before. The story is told by Loki as he is imprisoned in the cave with the snake and he goes through all the popular stories but retells them in such a way that he was always the victim. There were actually a few stories in here that I had not heard before in any form, although I'm not sure if that's because the author entirely made them up or she just dug further than other authors for source material.
I did like the interactions between Loki and Baldur here because I have been wanting a story where they are actually on good terms ever since reading the short story How Saeter Robbed the Underworld, but it was just not enough to bump the rating up here for me. I would say this is probably more enjoyable if you haven't read a lot of other books like this, but it appears to have been taken off the Kindle store since I bought it over two years ago, so I'm not even sure where you would find it these days.
I did like the interactions between Loki and Baldur here because I have been wanting a story where they are actually on good terms ever since reading the short story How Saeter Robbed the Underworld, but it was just not enough to bump the rating up here for me. I would say this is probably more enjoyable if you haven't read a lot of other books like this, but it appears to have been taken off the Kindle store since I bought it over two years ago, so I'm not even sure where you would find it these days.
May 15, 2012
This is the story of how Loki came to start Ragnarok. We don't quite get to Ragnarok here, but it is imminent. Loki is misunderstood, unfairly mistrusted and reviled, he was only playing some pranks. Things just kept going wrong. This could be an interesting story, but this is... Meh.
The book takes the form of Loki, bound up with the serpent dripping venom on him, telling his wife about how things came to pass so Odin would punish him that way. The asides to his wife were distracting and forced. Loki was supposed to be a sympathetic character -- I think -- but he didn't come off that way.
The writing wasn't awful, but it wasn't great either. I never really cared about any of the characters. Some of the liberties taken with the Norse myths were overly liberated. Some word choices were off -- I could guess the word Jacomus wanted to use, but she got the wrong one. There were a few expressions used that seemed somewhat more contemporary than I would expect for this sort of story.
If you want to read a novelization of Loki and the Norse gods, instead of reading this you should read Kelly McCullough's superb "MythOS". That has the best explanations I've yet heard for Loki's motivations. Seeing as it's the fourth book in the WebMage series, you'll also have to read the preceding three books. That's okay, though, since it's an excellent series. It's definitely a more contemporary interpretation and not a straight retelling.
If you want a retelling of Loki's story that doesn't include guns, computers, magic, and alternate universes, then you should read Mike Vasich's "Loki". I quite enjoyed this book.
I gave this book two stars. It's not quite one star, it's not quite two. I gave the extra fractional star because the subtitle kept reminding me of Young Frankenstein.
The book takes the form of Loki, bound up with the serpent dripping venom on him, telling his wife about how things came to pass so Odin would punish him that way. The asides to his wife were distracting and forced. Loki was supposed to be a sympathetic character -- I think -- but he didn't come off that way.
The writing wasn't awful, but it wasn't great either. I never really cared about any of the characters. Some of the liberties taken with the Norse myths were overly liberated. Some word choices were off -- I could guess the word Jacomus wanted to use, but she got the wrong one. There were a few expressions used that seemed somewhat more contemporary than I would expect for this sort of story.
If you want to read a novelization of Loki and the Norse gods, instead of reading this you should read Kelly McCullough's superb "MythOS". That has the best explanations I've yet heard for Loki's motivations. Seeing as it's the fourth book in the WebMage series, you'll also have to read the preceding three books. That's okay, though, since it's an excellent series. It's definitely a more contemporary interpretation and not a straight retelling.
If you want a retelling of Loki's story that doesn't include guns, computers, magic, and alternate universes, then you should read Mike Vasich's "Loki". I quite enjoyed this book.
I gave this book two stars. It's not quite one star, it's not quite two. I gave the extra fractional star because the subtitle kept reminding me of Young Frankenstein.
June 5, 2012
(I have way too many other books to read and one in particular that I will get to eventually!)
I've gained an obsession with Norse myths, so just for the sake of it, I typed 'Loki' into the Amazon Kindle Store search box. This book and two others were the ones that grabbed my attention - though I was rather put off by how short this book was, I have to say.
I downloaded the sample and, when I got paid, bought the rest of the book. I'm not a great expert on the Norse myths, but there were various scenes that I could say, 'I remember reading about this.'
The way Loki was portrayed in this novel was very interesting and he came across as somewhat more sympathetic than most myths portray him. I understand that there are a lot of liberties taken with the myths in this book, but I think that's to be expected with anything that isn't an anthology of the existing myths.
Well... that was a rather roundabout way to say that I liked the book. I would have liked it to be longer and have more showing of interaction with Loki and Sigyn, rather than just telling. I was left wondering exactly what Sigyn's motivations were for staying with Loki. I think it would have helped to have her comments rather than just asides by Loki apparently addressed to her.
I found the other characters interesting. My favourite was Fenrir. I've seen him portrayed in various other things, but most of them showed him as a monstrous brute... I liked the way he came across in this.
I won't go into too many details here, in case people haven't read it, but overall, I enjoyed the book. And I thought the way it was ended was very well-done, even if I would like to see a sequel.
I've gained an obsession with Norse myths, so just for the sake of it, I typed 'Loki' into the Amazon Kindle Store search box. This book and two others were the ones that grabbed my attention - though I was rather put off by how short this book was, I have to say.
I downloaded the sample and, when I got paid, bought the rest of the book. I'm not a great expert on the Norse myths, but there were various scenes that I could say, 'I remember reading about this.'
The way Loki was portrayed in this novel was very interesting and he came across as somewhat more sympathetic than most myths portray him. I understand that there are a lot of liberties taken with the myths in this book, but I think that's to be expected with anything that isn't an anthology of the existing myths.
Well... that was a rather roundabout way to say that I liked the book. I would have liked it to be longer and have more showing of interaction with Loki and Sigyn, rather than just telling. I was left wondering exactly what Sigyn's motivations were for staying with Loki. I think it would have helped to have her comments rather than just asides by Loki apparently addressed to her.
I found the other characters interesting. My favourite was Fenrir. I've seen him portrayed in various other things, but most of them showed him as a monstrous brute... I liked the way he came across in this.
I won't go into too many details here, in case people haven't read it, but overall, I enjoyed the book. And I thought the way it was ended was very well-done, even if I would like to see a sequel.
March 27, 2010
Sadie is an outcast in the small town where she lives. Considered a “witch” for her beliefs, she is mocked and harassed by the people of the small town. She keeps to herself with only one friend, “Faith” to help her through her rough times. After a church is vandalized, she becomes the prime suspect. She begins receiving threatening letters in the mail, even as the police begin watching her as a suspect for the vandalism. The local sheriff takes an interest in the case and begins to watch Sadie himself. As he watches her, both he and Sadie find they are drawn to each other. Being a suspect in the vandalism case, and a victim herself from the mailed threats, Sadie and Sheriff Malone realize they can’t begin a relationship, but they are still drawn together with a strange attraction. As the action ramps up near the end, and Sadie begins to have to deal with more than just threats, she finds herself falling in love with a man she’s not sure she can accept. And all other problems aside, will he accept her for who she really is?
The author writes with a fluid style that gave me a strong connection to the main character. I both worried about Sadie, and cared what happened to her. The story was good enough to keep me reading to the last page, wanting to find out what would happen next. A very good effort that held my attention right to the end. I would easily recommend this novel to anyone interested in a good romance!
The author writes with a fluid style that gave me a strong connection to the main character. I both worried about Sadie, and cared what happened to her. The story was good enough to keep me reading to the last page, wanting to find out what would happen next. A very good effort that held my attention right to the end. I would easily recommend this novel to anyone interested in a good romance!
October 20, 2017
Loki, a family matter.
This is the tale of the Trickster and how he is going to start the Ragnarøk. As already seen in other book such as Gospel of Loki and Loki, Jacomus delivers a story that is told from the Sly One point of view. Loki's account is funny and easy to read, but in the meantime gives a new approach to the most known myths, such as the Walling of Asgard, Idunn's kidnapping, among others. While Loki is mischievus and deceiving, we also note that he cares about his family. We can see his close relationship with all his children and how he develops it through the plot. From his point of view all his kids are innocent and clever, even Fenrir and Jormundgar. Hel is a litlle bit lonely and reflexive but not evil as in other stories. So, basically, we are witness about a story that show them as victims of the intolerance.
The Aesir are portrayed as selfish and flawed and many ways, mainly with a massive ego. This applies for all of them, the only exception of Balder, who is tormented and harrased when the Aesir discover that he is invulnerable. Balder suffers this quietly, thus making Loki to find a solution. This solution wouldn't be the best and will put Loki in Chains.
A good short novel that might need a further chapter about how Loki set everything straight and unleashed Ragnarøk.
This is the tale of the Trickster and how he is going to start the Ragnarøk. As already seen in other book such as Gospel of Loki and Loki, Jacomus delivers a story that is told from the Sly One point of view. Loki's account is funny and easy to read, but in the meantime gives a new approach to the most known myths, such as the Walling of Asgard, Idunn's kidnapping, among others. While Loki is mischievus and deceiving, we also note that he cares about his family. We can see his close relationship with all his children and how he develops it through the plot. From his point of view all his kids are innocent and clever, even Fenrir and Jormundgar. Hel is a litlle bit lonely and reflexive but not evil as in other stories. So, basically, we are witness about a story that show them as victims of the intolerance.
The Aesir are portrayed as selfish and flawed and many ways, mainly with a massive ego. This applies for all of them, the only exception of Balder, who is tormented and harrased when the Aesir discover that he is invulnerable. Balder suffers this quietly, thus making Loki to find a solution. This solution wouldn't be the best and will put Loki in Chains.
A good short novel that might need a further chapter about how Loki set everything straight and unleashed Ragnarøk.
December 11, 2017
This novel is very similar to Written in Venom, only simpler and more suitable for teens. After a few chapters it veers of in a different direction and becomes an original interpretation of the Norse myths.
April 1, 2010
Take a good witch, toss her into a small town and mix in a little crime, mystery, suspense, and steamy erotica and you have a book that will keep you turning pages! Sadie's grandmother Cora was known as the town witch. Now, with Cora gone, Sadie has taken over that title. The townspeople publicly scorn her, while privately seeking her advice on everything from finances to relationships. Sadie has one friend and no romance in her life. That is, until she is placed directly in the path of the new guy in town. Then everything changes.
Prochilo does a great job of bringing us into Sadie's world. The characters are all unique and full of personality. This story is a fun read that will entertain as well as stimulate the senses!
Prochilo does a great job of bringing us into Sadie's world. The characters are all unique and full of personality. This story is a fun read that will entertain as well as stimulate the senses!
December 14, 2020
I love anything that’s written from Loki’s point of view and this did not disappoint! Hilarious at times, I’ll re-read this when I need some laughter and mischief in my life!
February 7, 2011
Okay, yes, you’re right. It’s time I told you more about how I came to be strapped down with a serpent leaking venom on my face. I didn’t want to tell you before, because not only did it mean telling a rather long story, but it means revisiting the deception, anger, and pain of those years. Still, you’re right; you’ve helped me all these years without truly understanding my situation-catching the venom in that bowl, never leaving my side. So, I’ll tell you thoroughly and from the very beginning. I owe you at least that much. I’ll start with…Yes. I would have to start with Odin. ~ from Loki: Why I Began At The End.
This tale centers on the Nordic gods and is told through Loki’s eyes. Loki tells how he first meets the god Odin hanging upside down inside the trunk of a tree. Odin first tricks the trickster by befriending Loki and taking him across the rainbow bridge, to Asland. Why has such a powerful god befriended Loki? After all, Loki is a half giant from Jotunheim. The Jotuns and Aesir are enemies.
Loki: Why I Began At The End is a hard to put down story that leaves you thinking, “Just one more chapter. Just one more.”
While Loki is living in Asland, we are introduced to the rest of the Norse deities.
Loki feels so honored to be a friend to the god, that he is completely taken in. In time, Odin asks to meet his children. So, he takes Odin to Johentheim where he is forced to watch his trusted friend condemn two of his monster-children to live in the far reaches of the earth. Ferrir, Loki’s third son gets the worst deal of all when Odin asks Loki to bring him back to Asland. There, Ferrir is tricked and is doomed to spend the rest of his days chained in a dungeon in Asland. Since Loki now lives in Asland with the Aesir, he watches his son suffer day, by day.
This tale centers on the Nordic gods and is told through Loki’s eyes. Loki tells how he first meets the god Odin hanging upside down inside the trunk of a tree. Odin first tricks the trickster by befriending Loki and taking him across the rainbow bridge, to Asland. Why has such a powerful god befriended Loki? After all, Loki is a half giant from Jotunheim. The Jotuns and Aesir are enemies.
Loki: Why I Began At The End is a hard to put down story that leaves you thinking, “Just one more chapter. Just one more.”
While Loki is living in Asland, we are introduced to the rest of the Norse deities.
Loki feels so honored to be a friend to the god, that he is completely taken in. In time, Odin asks to meet his children. So, he takes Odin to Johentheim where he is forced to watch his trusted friend condemn two of his monster-children to live in the far reaches of the earth. Ferrir, Loki’s third son gets the worst deal of all when Odin asks Loki to bring him back to Asland. There, Ferrir is tricked and is doomed to spend the rest of his days chained in a dungeon in Asland. Since Loki now lives in Asland with the Aesir, he watches his son suffer day, by day.
September 28, 2012
My Loki obsession continues and my favourite thing about this book is that it's from his point of view.
In this retelling of the Norse myths Loki is confessing all to his lovely and undervalued wife Sigyn. Some of his phrasing really makes me laugh and you really get the sense that Loki isn't just smart but has a damn good sense of humour too.
I also really like the brotherly affection that builds between Loki and Balder.
Of course everything is ultimately leading towards Ragnarok but this book is more about the journey than the destination and its one hell of a fun ride!
In this retelling of the Norse myths Loki is confessing all to his lovely and undervalued wife Sigyn. Some of his phrasing really makes me laugh and you really get the sense that Loki isn't just smart but has a damn good sense of humour too.
I also really like the brotherly affection that builds between Loki and Balder.
Of course everything is ultimately leading towards Ragnarok but this book is more about the journey than the destination and its one hell of a fun ride!
June 14, 2012
Quick and easy read, almost too quick actually. I was just getting to enjoy it and then it was over. Worth a read if you enjoy Mythology, would be better if you had some background knowledge of it prior to reading this book - and for those that are unsure, The Marvel Thor/Loki is not the Norse Myth Thor/Loki.
October 30, 2012
Despite some inaccuracies, which admittedly annoyed me quite a lot, I found this book a really good read. The myths of Norse Mythology are told in a new and entertaining way and the story truly illustrates the fickleness of Loki.
Still, I cannot give this book more than three stars, due to the inaccuracies that just annoyed me so much! Even so, it is definitely worth a read.
Still, I cannot give this book more than three stars, due to the inaccuracies that just annoyed me so much! Even so, it is definitely worth a read.
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