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The Ragnarok Era #6
The Radiance of Alfheim
Odin’s endgame draws near. Only a few obstacles remain between him and his goal of reaching Alfheim.
His most valuable piece has become Sigurd, son of Sigmund, and a fierce warrior. Odin now must prompt Sigurd on a quest to slay a dragon and unravel a dynasty.
But Odin no longer cares who his machinations harm.
His most valuable piece has become Sigurd, son of Sigmund, and a fierce warrior. Odin now must prompt Sigurd on a quest to slay a dragon and unravel a dynasty.
But Odin no longer cares who his machinations harm.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2018
17 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Matt Larkin
99 books174 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 17, 2018
What can I say about this series that hasn't already been said? The author has added life and dare I say cohesion to Norse mythology, particularly with his Eschaton Cycle which deals with the build up to Ragnarok.
It's book 6, and Odin's hand is guiding many of the characters' fates in his attempt to avoid Ragnarok. Will he succeed though? This book incorporates a lot of characters, but focuses mainly on the Allfather, Thor and Sigurd.
Odin is Odin, but his motives become more questionable as he tries to alter the threads of urd.
Thor is probably the finest character in the whole series. Full of bluster and disinterested in the backroom politics that his family seem to thrive on, Thor just wants to be pointed in the direction of some Jotunn and and his phaser set to kill. However, with his wife Sif dead, Thor feels the responsibility of keeping the rest of his brood alive. No easy task when you face a race of giants.
Sigurd takes a major role here, and he really is the best character in this book. A tragic hero, poor Sigurd is a pawn of others throughout, and I found myself rooting for him, even when he crosses the line, despite the odds (the urds?) being stacked against him.
There is also Loki, but we never really know what Loki's motives are, adding a sense of mystery that we don't get with the Marvel version. Is he the bad guy? Is he the good guy? Will all be revealed?
Matt Larkin has written a ton of books, with about a dozen of them based on Norse mythology, and everyone of them is a delight. If you enjoy the darkest of fantasy/mythology, that is...
It's book 6, and Odin's hand is guiding many of the characters' fates in his attempt to avoid Ragnarok. Will he succeed though? This book incorporates a lot of characters, but focuses mainly on the Allfather, Thor and Sigurd.
Odin is Odin, but his motives become more questionable as he tries to alter the threads of urd.
Thor is probably the finest character in the whole series. Full of bluster and disinterested in the backroom politics that his family seem to thrive on, Thor just wants to be pointed in the direction of some Jotunn and and his phaser set to kill. However, with his wife Sif dead, Thor feels the responsibility of keeping the rest of his brood alive. No easy task when you face a race of giants.
Sigurd takes a major role here, and he really is the best character in this book. A tragic hero, poor Sigurd is a pawn of others throughout, and I found myself rooting for him, even when he crosses the line, despite the odds (the urds?) being stacked against him.
There is also Loki, but we never really know what Loki's motives are, adding a sense of mystery that we don't get with the Marvel version. Is he the bad guy? Is he the good guy? Will all be revealed?
Matt Larkin has written a ton of books, with about a dozen of them based on Norse mythology, and everyone of them is a delight. If you enjoy the darkest of fantasy/mythology, that is...
July 17, 2018
The 9 Realms are running out of time. The flames of Ragnarok burn through Odin's mind and all his manipulations and attempts to change the events that he sees now that he has the vision given to him through the waters of Mimir seem futile and pointless. The end is no longer a seemingly distant future but is rushing towards him. To that end Odin gives up his indirect actions and now is taking direct action. But hose actions seem to be for naught as the free will of his chess pieces continue to disrupt everything. And, unbeknownst to him, one of those closest to him is actually an agent of the End. An End that seemingly will not...be...stopped!!!
Matt Larkin, Master of the Mythic Legend, gives us this, the 6th book in the RAGNAROK ERA. As in each of the preceding, he weaves a world choking in the never ending mists of Niflheim that has its share of flawed heroes fighting wars without end against villains and monsters of nightmares and legend. Larkin has beautifully twisted and wound multiple story threads in a way that would make the Norns jealous. As those threads begin to unravel and reveal their secrets, Larkin starts to reveal the complete tapestry woven only in his mind.
Matt Larkin, Master of the Mythic Legend, gives us this, the 6th book in the RAGNAROK ERA. As in each of the preceding, he weaves a world choking in the never ending mists of Niflheim that has its share of flawed heroes fighting wars without end against villains and monsters of nightmares and legend. Larkin has beautifully twisted and wound multiple story threads in a way that would make the Norns jealous. As those threads begin to unravel and reveal their secrets, Larkin starts to reveal the complete tapestry woven only in his mind.
April 7, 2022
I love the tragedy in this series. The tale of Sigurd and Brynhild was so excellently done, and the climax was epic. I consumed this via Audible and the narrator was full of passion and conviction in really made the dialogue snap! Larkin's dark fantasy take on Norse myth and characters continues to be faithful while offering a compelling new take.
July 21, 2018
This retelling of the Siegfied / Sigurd legend blends elements from both the German and the Norse versions of the story, adding an interesting twist.
So far this is my favorite book in the Gods of the Ragnarok Era series. Part of this is probably because I am more familiar with the legend of Siegfried (Wagner, anyone?) than other Norse myths. But it's also because I found the book at times surprisingly funny, despite the tragic story. Most of the comic relief is thanks to Thor being as oafish as it gets, displaying an ego that would deserve its own zip code.
As always, Matt Larkin's world building is excellent, and I am particularly partial to little details like a short encounter with Starkad, who is one of my favorite characters in the Runeblade books.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
So far this is my favorite book in the Gods of the Ragnarok Era series. Part of this is probably because I am more familiar with the legend of Siegfried (Wagner, anyone?) than other Norse myths. But it's also because I found the book at times surprisingly funny, despite the tragic story. Most of the comic relief is thanks to Thor being as oafish as it gets, displaying an ego that would deserve its own zip code.
As always, Matt Larkin's world building is excellent, and I am particularly partial to little details like a short encounter with Starkad, who is one of my favorite characters in the Runeblade books.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 26, 2018
ODIN....ODIN!!!
Radiance of Alfeim Book 6 of “Gods of Ragnarok Era” written by Matt Larkin picks up with Odin one step closer to finding how to destroy Ragnarok. Odin also continues his quest in reuniting with his soulmate Freja, who he had cast out Vanaheim along with all of the Vanir to Alfeim. Odin’s continues his massive orchestrating of all including Sigurd, Brynhill and of course Thor and his other children.....many who meet their own end as a result of Odin’s schemes.....it’s his manipulation of all, that eventually leads him to his desired end.....but is that the end Odin? Love the book....the series.....and the fact the author works his tail off to deliver a well researched, brutally dark story that keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. Great stuff!!!
Radiance of Alfeim Book 6 of “Gods of Ragnarok Era” written by Matt Larkin picks up with Odin one step closer to finding how to destroy Ragnarok. Odin also continues his quest in reuniting with his soulmate Freja, who he had cast out Vanaheim along with all of the Vanir to Alfeim. Odin’s continues his massive orchestrating of all including Sigurd, Brynhill and of course Thor and his other children.....many who meet their own end as a result of Odin’s schemes.....it’s his manipulation of all, that eventually leads him to his desired end.....but is that the end Odin? Love the book....the series.....and the fact the author works his tail off to deliver a well researched, brutally dark story that keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. Great stuff!!!
August 2, 2018
THIS ISN'T A WALK IN THE PARK!!!
Talk about stepping off in the deep end. Wow! Matt is a master of illusion that just keeps bringing it. His insight and imagination are so vast it's like an addiction. You can't just step away, you have to know what power he's bringing to the frontline next in this page turning series. All the action and suspense keep you on a razors edge waiting for the next shoe to drop. This is one series you don't want to miss. Matt shows us just how strong and realistic his worlds are that he created to give us all the excitement, action, suspense, danger and an insight into his talent that know no bounds. Phenomenal job Matt bringing this read to life flawlessly. Thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Talk about stepping off in the deep end. Wow! Matt is a master of illusion that just keeps bringing it. His insight and imagination are so vast it's like an addiction. You can't just step away, you have to know what power he's bringing to the frontline next in this page turning series. All the action and suspense keep you on a razors edge waiting for the next shoe to drop. This is one series you don't want to miss. Matt shows us just how strong and realistic his worlds are that he created to give us all the excitement, action, suspense, danger and an insight into his talent that know no bounds. Phenomenal job Matt bringing this read to life flawlessly. Thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
August 5, 2018
Keeps getting better
Larkin mixes mythology and history and legend to create something totally different. The Nordic gods are real people who make mistakes and suffer the consequences.
Odin and Frigg, Thor, Frey, Tyr and Freja are much as they appear in the mythology. Loki's part is radically different for far from being a frost-giant, he's an oracle and fire-worker. The only similarity to his mythical counterpart is his relationship with Odin.
This is a brilliant series and I am not looking forward to it being finished
Larkin mixes mythology and history and legend to create something totally different. The Nordic gods are real people who make mistakes and suffer the consequences.
Odin and Frigg, Thor, Frey, Tyr and Freja are much as they appear in the mythology. Loki's part is radically different for far from being a frost-giant, he's an oracle and fire-worker. The only similarity to his mythical counterpart is his relationship with Odin.
This is a brilliant series and I am not looking forward to it being finished
November 4, 2022
Enjoyed
This being the 3rd book in the second trilogy and indeed the best of them. It was back to the fast pace action that was throughout the first trilogy so far more enjoyable. To finally get past Odin’s manipulation and find out the fate of some made for a much better read even if some of the long lasting characters died. This book has redeemed this series and has made me wish to continue…
This being the 3rd book in the second trilogy and indeed the best of them. It was back to the fast pace action that was throughout the first trilogy so far more enjoyable. To finally get past Odin’s manipulation and find out the fate of some made for a much better read even if some of the long lasting characters died. This book has redeemed this series and has made me wish to continue…
December 6, 2024
The sex is starting to get more prevalent and take a more prominent role in the stories, which is a bit annoying. The mythology has definitely taken a weird turn in that there is no afterlife and gods are just superhumans, but there are wraiths and "demons" and the goddess Hell. So, it's filled with contradictions. It still has plenty of intrigue and interesting twists and turns. I'm still enjoying the series.
August 15, 2018
An amazing fantasy book. Couldn’t get enough. Just kept me reading until the end.
December 8, 2019
Not disappointed
Still as captivating as ever. Can't help myself from reading long into the night. I can't wait for the next chapter in the series.
Still as captivating as ever. Can't help myself from reading long into the night. I can't wait for the next chapter in the series.
October 26, 2021
Not the best but a solid book.
While Sigurd doesn't really make the compelling main character that Odin himself was or Loki or Thor or Sigyn, the story sets the stage for Ragnarok!
While Sigurd doesn't really make the compelling main character that Odin himself was or Loki or Thor or Sigyn, the story sets the stage for Ragnarok!
July 15, 2023
Quite a bit of fun, but also getting progressively darker. Things are moving to the inescapable end. Everybody makes bad choices and everybody pays. The ending is great.
June 6, 2024
Definitely worth the build up from the last book. Matt Larkin does an excellent job of building up events that then eventually snap into place and everything makes sense retrospectively.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews