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Ragnarok: A high fantasy retelling of history
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was an interesting story, and the premise itself is my favorite part. Let me first mention that, as a Norse Pagan, I do have a bias toward Norse mythology, so I really enjoyed the broad application of characters such as Odin, Thor, Tyr, Loki, and Baldur, who is presented more in Saxo's version of him than Snorri's, which was an interesting way to portray him. We even saw Sigurd, Eikthyrnir, and Sleipnir.
This was overall a fun adventure. The book read a bit like a video game to me in some places, which I like to see in a story like this. The fantasy world was intriguing, and the writing was straightforward and to the point. The main character, Erik, was likable as an underdog, and you immediately understand what holds him back and what drives him. Since it's third person omniscient and bounces between the primary POV and others, you get a deeper understanding of what's happening in a room and with each character. That being said, there were quite a few threads planted through other characters' eyes that didn't pay off in this book. It does end on a cliffhanger, so those might be addressed later, but it would have been nice to at least see how those things were related to what was happening around the rest of the story. The way it's written, it sort of feels like those threads are simply dropped.
As for the three stars . . . I wasn't quite sure of the direction this was going. More than once, we seemed to be thrown into a new adventure/task without being led there smoothly. To be honest, I'm still not 100% sure what the actual plot of the book was or what they're actually trying to accomplish. I know what the characters told us about the politics and the people plotting in the background, but I had a hard time discerning what's behind any of it. It was like interruptions kept getting thrown in, and that itself was the plot engine. I just feel that, by the end of the first book, I should have a better understanding of the world.
More nitpicky things are the prose, the pacing, and the characterization. There was a lot of telling rather than showing. Physical tics were used a lot, then the reasoning behind those gestures was explained where it didn't really need to be. If a character is smirking, it should make sense without being overexplained, or if our MC is showing tangible signs of anger in a place where he clearly SHOULD be angry, I don't need to be told that he's breathing heavily because he's furious, and then also told why he's furious when I just witnessed what led to it. I didn't get much depth to the characters either, so it was hard to care much about them, and the dialogue was in a weird middle ground between a fantasy sword-and-sorcery world and a modern one. Those things weren't dealbreakers. They just made it a bit clunky to read, so it could use a good editing pass. For those who don't notice that stuff as much, it probably wouldn't be an issue.
Anyway, the story is interesting and it's a fun read, especially if you enjoy Norse mythology and want to see a cool premise that involves the gods.
This was an interesting story, and the premise itself is my favorite part. Let me first mention that, as a Norse Pagan, I do have a bias toward Norse mythology, so I really enjoyed the broad application of characters such as Odin, Thor, Tyr, Loki, and Baldur, who is presented more in Saxo's version of him than Snorri's, which was an interesting way to portray him. We even saw Sigurd, Eikthyrnir, and Sleipnir.
This was overall a fun adventure. The book read a bit like a video game to me in some places, which I like to see in a story like this. The fantasy world was intriguing, and the writing was straightforward and to the point. The main character, Erik, was likable as an underdog, and you immediately understand what holds him back and what drives him. Since it's third person omniscient and bounces between the primary POV and others, you get a deeper understanding of what's happening in a room and with each character. That being said, there were quite a few threads planted through other characters' eyes that didn't pay off in this book. It does end on a cliffhanger, so those might be addressed later, but it would have been nice to at least see how those things were related to what was happening around the rest of the story. The way it's written, it sort of feels like those threads are simply dropped.
As for the three stars . . . I wasn't quite sure of the direction this was going. More than once, we seemed to be thrown into a new adventure/task without being led there smoothly. To be honest, I'm still not 100% sure what the actual plot of the book was or what they're actually trying to accomplish. I know what the characters told us about the politics and the people plotting in the background, but I had a hard time discerning what's behind any of it. It was like interruptions kept getting thrown in, and that itself was the plot engine. I just feel that, by the end of the first book, I should have a better understanding of the world.
More nitpicky things are the prose, the pacing, and the characterization. There was a lot of telling rather than showing. Physical tics were used a lot, then the reasoning behind those gestures was explained where it didn't really need to be. If a character is smirking, it should make sense without being overexplained, or if our MC is showing tangible signs of anger in a place where he clearly SHOULD be angry, I don't need to be told that he's breathing heavily because he's furious, and then also told why he's furious when I just witnessed what led to it. I didn't get much depth to the characters either, so it was hard to care much about them, and the dialogue was in a weird middle ground between a fantasy sword-and-sorcery world and a modern one. Those things weren't dealbreakers. They just made it a bit clunky to read, so it could use a good editing pass. For those who don't notice that stuff as much, it probably wouldn't be an issue.
Anyway, the story is interesting and it's a fun read, especially if you enjoy Norse mythology and want to see a cool premise that involves the gods.
June 20, 2026
★★★★★
I first picked up Ragnarok because of the cover art. It was beautiful, compelling, and impossible to ignore. Then I read the synopsis, and the premise immediately captured my imagination. The story delivered.
The novel takes Norse mythology in a direction I haven’t encountered before. Erik isn’t simply given power—he becomes the vessel for an entire world and all the responsibilities that come with it. What could have easily become a story about an overpowered hero instead becomes a story about sacrifice, consequences, and the weight of impossible choices. More than once, I found myself wondering how Erik managed to navigate two very different worlds while carrying so many voices within him.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the way the gods were written. Every time Erik summoned one, I could see it. Each feels distinct and memorable, and those scenes played out almost like a movie in my head. Their personalities came through clearly, and some of them were genuinely disturbing. What fascinated me was that they weren’t simply powers Erik could call upon and then set aside. At times, you could see pieces of those personalities leaking into him, and I found myself wondering what that would ultimately cost him.
What I appreciated most was that power always has a cost. Every major choice Erik makes carries consequences, and by the end of the book those consequences become impossible to ignore. The final sacrifice and the cliffhanger that follows left me sitting there thinking, “Wait… that’s it?” Not because the ending wasn’t satisfying, but because I wasn’t ready to leave this world yet. I finished the last page and immediately wanted the next book in my hands.
A wonderfully imaginative fantasy novel and a remarkable debut. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Erik’s journey leads next.
I first picked up Ragnarok because of the cover art. It was beautiful, compelling, and impossible to ignore. Then I read the synopsis, and the premise immediately captured my imagination. The story delivered.
The novel takes Norse mythology in a direction I haven’t encountered before. Erik isn’t simply given power—he becomes the vessel for an entire world and all the responsibilities that come with it. What could have easily become a story about an overpowered hero instead becomes a story about sacrifice, consequences, and the weight of impossible choices. More than once, I found myself wondering how Erik managed to navigate two very different worlds while carrying so many voices within him.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the way the gods were written. Every time Erik summoned one, I could see it. Each feels distinct and memorable, and those scenes played out almost like a movie in my head. Their personalities came through clearly, and some of them were genuinely disturbing. What fascinated me was that they weren’t simply powers Erik could call upon and then set aside. At times, you could see pieces of those personalities leaking into him, and I found myself wondering what that would ultimately cost him.
What I appreciated most was that power always has a cost. Every major choice Erik makes carries consequences, and by the end of the book those consequences become impossible to ignore. The final sacrifice and the cliffhanger that follows left me sitting there thinking, “Wait… that’s it?” Not because the ending wasn’t satisfying, but because I wasn’t ready to leave this world yet. I finished the last page and immediately wanted the next book in my hands.
A wonderfully imaginative fantasy novel and a remarkable debut. I’m already looking forward to seeing where Erik’s journey leads next.
August 20, 2026
THE REVIEW
This was a fun and engaging fantasy novel. The unique story of the Norse pantheon housed within a single individual was inspired and a great interpretation of the Ragnarok mythos. The world-building was top-notch, and the author perfectly captured the North gods, the world they left behind, and the world they left behind. They came after Ragnarok and the class system between nobility, mages, and the common folk that played a role in how the protagonist began his journey.
Beyond the amazing character development of the North gods and the protagonist's ability to use his growing powers and magic to call upon them, a truly fascinating part of the story came from the character dynamics themselves. In particular, the complex relationship between Eric and his father helped readers better understand the protagonist and his personality, and it also shaped how humanity began to seek to use his gifts and his connection to the old world for their own gain. The imagery the author used also created an immersive experience that felt both ancient and action-packed.
THE VERDICT
Thrilling, entertaining, and immersive, Author Jobe Arney’s “Ragnarok” is a must-read fantasy novel. If Game of Thrones were blended with Norse mythology, this would be the novel it produced. The high stakes and power struggles, along with the narrative's dynamic character development and world-building, will keep readers enthralled and on the edge of their seats to see what this Author brings next in what could be a powerful new series.
This was a fun and engaging fantasy novel. The unique story of the Norse pantheon housed within a single individual was inspired and a great interpretation of the Ragnarok mythos. The world-building was top-notch, and the author perfectly captured the North gods, the world they left behind, and the world they left behind. They came after Ragnarok and the class system between nobility, mages, and the common folk that played a role in how the protagonist began his journey.
Beyond the amazing character development of the North gods and the protagonist's ability to use his growing powers and magic to call upon them, a truly fascinating part of the story came from the character dynamics themselves. In particular, the complex relationship between Eric and his father helped readers better understand the protagonist and his personality, and it also shaped how humanity began to seek to use his gifts and his connection to the old world for their own gain. The imagery the author used also created an immersive experience that felt both ancient and action-packed.
THE VERDICT
Thrilling, entertaining, and immersive, Author Jobe Arney’s “Ragnarok” is a must-read fantasy novel. If Game of Thrones were blended with Norse mythology, this would be the novel it produced. The high stakes and power struggles, along with the narrative's dynamic character development and world-building, will keep readers enthralled and on the edge of their seats to see what this Author brings next in what could be a powerful new series.
June 25, 2026
Ragnarok hooked me from the start with its rich mythology and the way it reimagines familiar gods with fresh, distinct personalities. Every deity feels fully realized. They were flawed, powerful, and deeply tied to the world around them, which makes the story feel alive in a way I didn’t expect.
The character development is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Watching each figure evolve, clash, and reveal new layers kept me invested the entire time. The worldbuilding is just as strong: the creatures, landscapes, and mythic elements are described with such vivid imagery that it’s easy to picture every scene unfolding like an epic cinematic moment.
If you love mythology‑driven fantasy with bold characters and immersive worldcraft, this one delivers from beginning to end. Not to mention the ending will leave you stunned
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The character development is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Watching each figure evolve, clash, and reveal new layers kept me invested the entire time. The worldbuilding is just as strong: the creatures, landscapes, and mythic elements are described with such vivid imagery that it’s easy to picture every scene unfolding like an epic cinematic moment.
If you love mythology‑driven fantasy with bold characters and immersive worldcraft, this one delivers from beginning to end. Not to mention the ending will leave you stunned
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2026
Ragnarok: A High Fantasy Retelling of History is a myth inspired fantasy work that reimagines historical themes through a legendary, epic lens. Jobe Arney builds a concept driven narrative rooted in mythic structure and reinterpretation, appealing to readers who enjoy fantasy retellings grounded in history and legend.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews