Nameless Queen: A Prophecies of Ragnarok Story

by Marie Sinadjan

All things end, and all must die.
But death is not always the end.

When Geiravor Lokisdottir was stripped of her name and cast out of Asgard, torn from her family and the life she had known, she thought she’d lost it all. But in the shadows of Niflheim she discovers the path to her destiny, and what it truly means to be queen.

This is a prequel short story to THE PROPHECIES OF RAGNAROK trilogy by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan and a retelling of the myths involving Hel, the Norse goddess of death and the queen of the underworld.

Genres: Fantasy

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Marie Sinadjan is a UK-based Filipino SFFH author, singer-songwriter, and musical theatre actress. She is the co-author of The Prophecies of Ragnarok series, and her short stories have been published in anthologies, magazines, and literary journals. @marienettist

Reviews

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Nameless Queen is a heartwarming and cozy reinterpretation over the Norse myth of Hel, queen of the underworld, a short story part of The Prophecies of Ragnarok series, written by Marie Sinadjan (co-authored with Meri Benson). After being stripped of her privileges, Hel is sent to the underworld, where she will have to learn what really means to be a queen, to be a leader.

Marie manages to write a story that is really different from your usual Norse myth, creating a less dark variant of those, while sending a different image of Loki's daughter, and how she really becomes a leader of those in the Helheim, those souls deemed unworthy for the Valhalla; but Hel, with the help of her assistant, will manage to create a place where those can feel as at home. When the Ragnarok is coming, she will be followed by those souls, kindness having its reward.

A really different story, short but great; if you want to read a Norse inspired series with a different twist, The Prophecies of Ragnarok is a great choice. And if you are in doubt, those short stories are a great way to test your taste.

[Ellie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written and impossible to put down!

Really well written! I know a little Norse mythology, but am not particularly familiar with Hel. This novella has definitely piqued my interest, though! The magic was cool! The world and writing and characters really draw you in and make it impossible to put the book down! I really LOVE Hel! I really enjoyed her relationship and interactions with the rest of the characters and the world, but there is some really satisfying feminine rage in this story! I want to read more of Marie Sinadjan's work! Highly recommend!!!

[erikoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting dive into Norse mythology. I’m more familiar with Greek / Roman gods so it was so fun to read this retelling of Hel, the Queen of the Underworld. Really appreciated the glossary at the back to help me along before I started down the wiki black holes… I also enjoyed the small glimpses of history / modern day to show time passing / help the reader place when things are happening.

I read this so quickly in one sitting and was left wanting more! It felt too short, but I know it’s *just* the prequel novella.

So grateful for the eARC from Marie Sinadjan, I can’t wait to read the trilogy!

[Anca Antoci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hel is coming.

A quick overview of Hel's story. It might not be as accurate to the real myths, I don't know but it's standalone spinoff of the main series. Hel is one of my favourite Norse Gods and love to see more of her! Marie did an excellent job bringing her to life.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nameless Queen by Marie Sinadjan may be a short story but it packs a real emotional punch. Telling the story of Hel, the Norse Queen of the underworld , this little tale features many familiar faces including Loki and my favourite Fenris but brings a new and unique perspective. In this version of the story Hel, as she has come to be known since arriving in the Underworld with no name, has settled into her role as unofficial Queen though she sees her role less as ruler and more as the person who can help the recently deceased settle in their new home , with the help of her capable assistant of course.
Eventually her destiny catches up with her and she is forced to make some difficult choices.
I really loved this story and it made me want to read more of the series it is based on, the characters were so real, even though the story was short I still felt like I got a good understanding of their personalities and motivations and I found myself really caring about what would happen to them. If the worst thing you can say about a novella is that it left you wanting more that is not a bad complaint, and especially in this case as I know there are more books in the series out there waiting for me.

[S. Bavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nameless Queen is a short story of Hel, Loki’s daughter and Queen of Niflheim, the realm in Norse mythology where those who did not die in battle go for eternity. Set before Ragnarok takes place, this emotional story shows the depths of Hel’s love for her husband, Hodr, and how protective of him she feels. The beginning, where Hel first finds herself banished by Odin really pulls on the heartstrings and the love between Hel and Hodr is heartwarming. A quick read, this story would fit well into a coffee break or other short space of time.

[H Noss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nameless Queen is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Hel and the realm of Niflheim.

I love how mythology is modernised in this novella, and how Hel's lore is explained. Everything the author has done in this story just works fluidly. There are so many great little details about Ragnarok sewn throughout.

Hel is a wonderful protagonist, and her relationships with Hodr, Fenris, Byleistr, and Loki in particular are perfect.

Thanks to the author for the ARC!

[Lucy Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much rich characterization in this collection of short stories! Much of the issues that I have with mythology retellings is that the authors expect readers to already have a background in mythology but this book does not make that mistake!

[Raelyn McNaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a short story of a main trilogy I believe, which I have not read, but now that I have read this, I fully intend to read the rest of the series. This mini-book was so good and I enjoyed it quite a bit, it's definitely for people who love Norse Mythology and all that Asgardian stuff.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super solid story in the Prophecies world, so nice to learn more about Hel. So well written and fun to read.

[Fionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fan of this series and of Hel, READ THIS!

[Charlotte Patrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. This is such a great novella. It's fast paced but has enough detail that you can really picture it.

[Chloe Englefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCUSE ME WE CANNOT LEAVE THAT THERE
I got so invested I actually ignored the number of pages. Fuck it if u know Norse mythology, this book has u covered. I just needed more of it