Cycles of Norse Mythology: Tales of the Æsir Gods

by Glenn Searfoss

These stories are old, old as the Behmer Wold and seldom in life has there been such a brewing...

Cycles of Norse Mythology captures the passion, cruelty, and heroism of an ancient world. Encompassing Odin’s relentless pursuit of wisdom across the nine worlds, Gullveig’s malicious death at the hands of the Æsir that sparks a brutal war with the Vanir, Thor’s battles against the giants of Jotunheim, the tragedy of Volund, the many devious machinations of Loki, and the inescapable events of Ragnarök, this lyrical re-imagining of the Norse myths presents the gripping adventures of the Norse gods and their foes in a style to delight modern readers of all ages.

A detailed glossary provides a quick reference to the meaning behind names and terms used in the book.

A Source Reference is included for persons who want to delve deeper into the study of Norse mythology.

1058 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2019

About the author

Engaging storytelling transports the reader to a different time/place/viewpoint and encourages their exploration of a subject.
A professional writer of 28+ years, Glenn Searfoss has authored numerous technical manuals (bills must be paid), as well as books in the arenas of computer science, natural history, science fiction, and mythology.
Glenn lives with his wife and two boxer dogs in a turn-of-the-century, brick farm house in Colorado, USA. When not busy making a living, he reads classic and not-so-classic literature and does research for new book projects.

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ‘Cycles of Norse Mythology’, Glenn Searfoss creates a legend story that has a brilliant plot with thrilling characters. One can feel the ancient touch in the storyline as the author incorporated elements that are used in mythology, folklore, and fantasy in literature. Glenn Searfoss is graphic in some scenes. The text in the book sounds so real that one imagines living as a mythical creature. I like how the author details events and the characters. The vivid description in the book is one of the amazing things about Glenn Searfoss' style of writing.
We follow Odin as he traverses different worlds in his personal pursuit. Odin was a character that was exciting to follow. The traits Glenn Searfoss gave Odin made him a special character. The author’s creative side shows in how he came up with the settings in relation to the characters. In ‘Cycles of Norse mythology’, we see how every character fits with the historical setting they associated with. War was among the themes that made the book an interesting read. Following the events that led to the war, the instigators and the aftermath was a fun experience. Gullveig’s death was cruel but necessary for the story to be enthralling.
Treachery, tragedy, power, ownership, denial, and vengeance are some of the major themes in the book. Living in an ancient world is incredible. Some scenes in the book were intense. The drama and extreme deaths were scary but interesting. You live in a fantasy world as you read every chapter. I like the suspense Glenn Searfoss creates right before a major scene. It keeps the reader gripped and with a certain yearning to read on. The language used in the book is easy to follow. Some terms were new and a little complex, but the author’s explanation made the words and phrases clear.
‘Cycles of Norse Mythology: Tales of the Æsir Gods’ takes every reader into a different universe, a world of mythology that has surreal character engaging in some eccentric and extreme activities. You will meet powerful beings, heroes, villains, regular characters and people who want to be treated like demigods. : Glenn Searfoss’ writing style is attractive. Every text penned down is captivating and striking. The author writes from his soul and that is how he gets every reader’s attention.
Glenn Searfoss’ book is for readers who love tales that include adventure, drama, gods, and heroism. The reader is taken to a mythical location where they experience life away from modernity. The author’s phrasing is commendable. Other than the amazing imagery, Glenn Searfoss’ arrangement of the events is also worth mentioning. The twists and turns in the book are worth your time. His texts flow smoothly, enabling the reader to enjoy the beautiful story he put together. A good number of characters were great in their roles but Thor, Baldur, and Odin stood out for me. Any reader of any age group can enjoy this book. There is nothing confusing in Glenn Searfoss’ narration.

[J.A. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cycles of Norse Mythology written by Glenn Searfoss is an enchanting novel. I have always loved mythology thanks to my grandfather so when I was introduced to Marvels Thor I, of course, fell even deeper in love with it and then I came across this book which has my favorites in it; Thor, Loki, and Odin. The story begins by showing the reader just how much Odin loved to gain wisdom and knowledge. You follow Odin as his wisdom grows and along the way you hear/read of tales from past, present, and future.
One of the stories that I thought was the neatest was of Freyja and her husband. Her husband is cast out of Asgard by Odin and turned into a serpent. Freyja searches high and low for him and eventually, she finds him, but after she finds him he is killed by Hadding. Freyja curses Hadding for killing her husband and tells him that the curse will only be lifted when he honors her fallen husband with prayers and a sacrifice. Hadding is terrified of the curse and does what Freyja says, but while she is mourning the loss of her husband the gods saw Freyja’s tears of pure love and they saw Hadding’s tribute and they raise up her husband, heal his body, restore him and accept him into their clan once more.
Loki is of course always the mischievous one that causes trouble everywhere that he goes. Heimdall is another of my favorite characters. The book has everything in it from the Frost Giants, to Seers, to Ogres, Gods and Goddesses, war and love. Even though I already knew some of the deaths were coming it was still sad to read about my favorite characters being slain in war. I really liked reading about Agnar becoming king and being blessed by Odin. Another one of my favorites was reading about Loki helping the farmers to keep their sons, which made me love him as a person even more. I loved Odin's wife, Frigg.
I loved the upbeat pace that the book held and I love that you could feel how much the author loved his characters. I wouldn’t change anything about it, to be honest. I would recommend this book and give it five out of five stars. There were a few points in the story where things kind of got stale/boring, but it never lasted long. The glossary in the back of the book was really helpful and I thought it was cool to have. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and would probably read it again at some point. It was a fun read with characters that I wouldn’t mind visiting again. I’ll probably come across something I missed the next time around which will make me appreciate it even more.

[Sarah Nantais · Rating 5 out of 5]

When adventure calls, you answer. When mystery presents itself, you endeavour to solve it. If this sounds like the kind of reader you are, then Cycles of Norse Mythology by Glenn Searfoss is a must-read. This book is an excellent introduction to those who are new to Norse mythology while also a wonderful addition to pre-existing fans. Instead of a collection of seemingly disconnected stories about the gods and goddess of Asgard, Searfoss brings a novelist’s touch to bring it all together.
The names of Odin, Loki, Thor, and Freyja have been made popular by media thanks to the Marvel Cinematic series and the wildly acclaimed God of War video game. This has brought about a spike in interest in the myths that spawned the characters we’ve come to enjoy. It’s difficult to dive into a new topic without feeling like we’ve gone back to the school days of our youth. Sitting and reading an anthology or encyclopedia on a singular topic isn’t exciting anymore; of course, assuming that it ever was. Searfoss takes that ancient knowledge and transforms it into an easily readable format for readers of all genres.
Written like any other novel, Searfoss allows us to watch the engagements of Odin and his brethren without boring us to tears. Creative liberty may have taken place in order to bring about a more novelesque feeling to these stories of old; however, Searfoss clearly knows what he is doing. This book feels like it was written centuries ago and that perhaps it was the first telling of these wonderous tales. The skill it takes to write in a classical tone that would make even Homer proud yet keep a modern readers attention like Gaiman can is not easily come by. It is clear that Searfoss has spent much time honing his craft.
Adventurous tales with familiar characters in ancient yet familiar situations are wrapped up within these pages. Anyone would enjoy reading Cycles of Norse Mythology by Glenn Searfoss; from scholars to casual readers. There is something within these pages for everyone. There is excitement, mystery, action, drama, and a very refined while classical voice sharing it all. This is the perfect book for those who have been intrigued to the history of Thor and Loki after watching Marvel films. Even those who may know the tales will enjoy this refreshingly modern twist on such wonderous classics. You really can’t go wrong with adding this piece to your library.

[Moná · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters created in history have their own stories to tell, but someone has to share their stories on their behalf. If you ever wondered what the individuals of the mythical world were like, how they carried out tasks to protect their people, and ensured they were respected and worshipped, this book provides an abundance of information. The rise and fall of mythical gods and warriors as told from the perspective of a talented author. What new knowledge would you gather and would you look at them differently?

In "Cycles of Norse Mythology," author Glenn Searfoss introduces his readers to the lore of Odin and other mythology characters. Odin sought out his journey to obtain wisdom of all from a seeress, learning about different gods and warriors, as well as the downfalls by their miscalculated errors. The seeress is all-knowing of the past up to the present and shared historical stories of the rise and falls of mythology legends. The list of names that were mentioned was of most popular characters, from Thor, Loki, Freya, and more who were studied either in school or from comics or movies. As a reader, you feel like you're witnessing events unfold before your eyes, although they happened in historic times. Odin felt it was his right to level up in his rank to be the ultimate god of all time and with the gift of wisdom, nothing would stop him. Through the vision of the seeress, one grasps the reigns towards improved methodologies.

This book gave an insight into the lives of mythical characters that I didn't know I wanted, which turned out amazing. Although the list of names made it a bit of a challenge to comprehend moments at times, there's so much one can take away from this reading experience. Odin, being the highest rank mythical god had plenty of growing up to do, which he achieved by seeking the wisdom of a seeress. An extensive read for those who are quite new to mythology, but an excellent book that provides enough coverage to shed light on the complexity of mythology, allowing readers to uncover the reasons why these characters are popular. The author's writing style of storytelling leads to the feeling of being amongst the characters in their times of wars, moments of love and loss, especially sought out vengeance. I highly recommend this book to others who would enjoy mythology and other forms of folklore.

[Diana Levit · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the begging of times people keep wondering did the antient gods really exist and if they did, what were they like? In his piece ‘Cycles of Norse Mythology’, Glenn Searfoss gives his interpretation on what the mythical world of the north looked like.
The author decides to set his narrative around one of the most powerful and recognizable characters in Germanic mythology - Odin. The reader witnesses first hand how the young god goes trough a number of different challenges that shape his character and eventually makes him the famous god he is known to be.
It can be argued that one of the most important things that shape anyone is one’s surroundings. This is one of the secret morals the writer hides inside his narrative. This is why Searfoss carefully guides the reader trough the different lives of other gods, while keeping returning to Odin.
The reader is shown how the gods love, hate and betray each other and although, at times, certain acts of certain gods are hard to comprehend, one can’t help but start thinking that this is, indeed, the way our society is – naïve, arrogant, vain and yet always hopeful.
Overall, the writer does an incredible job describing the mythical universe and creating an unique, magical atmosphere that makes the reader forget this is fiction, It shows that Searfoss loves and knows a great deal about this topic, and wants the reader to enjoy it as much as he does. The book is full of Germanic myths references and author tries very hard to explain it to the reader, and I must say I have learnt a great deal while reading the piece. I must confess though, that at times, I felt overwhelmed with terms and names of the mythical creatures and I found it hard to fallow narrative. Moreover, the writing style is rather hard to read although one can argue that pompous narrative style is contributing to creating the ancient mythical atmosphere. I personally find it a bit too much to enjoy reading but I guess it is just because I am not the hard-core myths fan and was hoping for a bit lighter dive into the historical accuracy of the Germanic myths.
Nevertheless, I cannot not admire the effort and vividness of the narrative the author creates. The stories are well thought trough and make one can’t help but portray the dilemmas characters are facing onto one’s real life and I guess that is exactly what the myths are created for.

[Mary Maciejewski]

Cycles Of Norse Mythology, by Glenn Searfoss, is a series of intriguing tales of the days of old. The past battles of mythical legends such as Odin and Loki initiated these enthralling adventures of the Norse gods and their adversaries who enchant readers of today. Readers of all ages. Just as James Joyce’s Ulysses, fought the war against the city of Troy, in Cycles Of Norse Mythology, Baldur experiences similar trials and triumphs. Some of these tales touched my heart and saddened my soul, such as Baldur’s Dreams and The Death of Baldur. Others lifted my spirits and gave me hope, such as The Start Of Life.

Searfoss’s gift for transporting his readers to a different dimension is phenomenal. He encompasses a viewpoint and drops the reader into a set of medieval times. It is as though the reader were living in that era. Of the fantasy genre, this book compares to Ulysses' adventures as well as, J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.

Searfoss’s writing style is astonishing. Gifted. Brilliant. His diversity of tales is a plot well captured. I wasn’t confused by the transitions. I was fluidly carried along from one tale to the next. He captures the true ancient voices and emotions of his Norse characters. I felt I could relate to all the characters in one way or another. Like Tolkien, Searfoss’s characters are beloved, emotions are stirred, and his stories are enjoyable and endearing. I found Searfoss’s tales’ edge-of-your-seat captivating. A real page-turner.

I had to give, Cycles Of Norse Mythology, by Glenn Searfoss, 5 out of 5 stars. I could have given it no less. I was thoroughly entertained by this brilliant writer. I have not seen a book more well written. I highly recommend this book to school-age children as well as adults.

[Alexander Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to Norse mythology was in the recent Marvel movies. I was not given a proper introduction to this topic in school, but Thor intrigued me to no end. Cycles of Norse Mythology has satiated my curiosity by providing a wealth of knowledge on this topic in an easy-to-understand language that is suitable for a contemporary audience. While I was interested in Norse and Viking legends I never delved into the literature because I felt I would not understand the old high-minded language. But Glenn Searfoss is able to provide a depth of understanding in an easy-to-understand language that left me completely engrossed with the stories that are shared.


This retelling of the stories of the Norse god’s is absolutely riveting, and has turned me from passively interested into an ardent fan of the mythology. What I really enjoyed was the balance between ease of reading and depth of the knowledge. Do not think that just because this is easy to read that you are missing out on the details. The author provides a depth and breadth of knowledge on the topic that left me feeling like I had a great grasp of the subject and could go out and discuss this topic with other fans. This is as it should be considering the book is about nine hundred pages in length. Readers will have plenty to read and wade through as they take in this wealth of information.


Cycles of Norse Mythology is a well-researched, informative, and entertaining book on Nordic folklore that will transport readers on an ancient yet exotic adventure.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full and wild ride

Cycles of Norse Mythology is an adventure novel with familiar characters, however you are sure to learn about some new characters that add to the stories. The storylines as well have a familiar Norse mythological feel to them, but with a modern and interesting feel to them.

I was never very familiar with Norse mythology, or any mythology for that point, other than the basics that most of us learn growing up, and honestly I have to admit, from the recent Marvel movies with Thor, Loki, and places like Asgard. But that’s what made this book so interesting. The reader can follow along in a story that is exciting and new, but have some characters and elements that are already known and loved, or hated.

The author does a really good job of writing like he’s writing a classic, but keeping the reader's attention with a good pace, interesting action and drama, and suspense. Too many times I get stuck in the lengthy and wordy descriptions of a book, but this one does a good job of leading you along at the perfect pace.

The action scenes are intense and there are some deaths that hit pretty hard. I do feel like anyone can read this book and enjoy it though. Of course this genre isn’t for everyone, but I do believe that it’s well rounded, and well written, and worth the time for anyone to read.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cycles of Norse mythology is a book by Glenn Searfoss which involves a compilation of various pieces of Norse mythology. We are first welcomed by a story involving Odin, where he revives a woman who recounts a creation story.

We then move on to several other very interesting stories, like Thor’s growth into a heroic figure, Loki’s misadventures, and much more. Overall, this book was chock-full of fun stories.

It’s great for both mythology buffs and people who just like norse myths. In my experience, some mythology books I’ve read have used an older style of writing which was harder to follow. The author made it easy to read overall, and I personally didn’t find it difficult to follow along.

Anyone can come up, pick up the book, and dive into it. I felt that he also put a lot of effort behind the research, and it shows with the variety of characters behind the book too. From the more obscure Ymir to popular figures, this book stays true to lore yet brings a different and engaging way of telling these stories.

I’ll definitely find myself re-reading this book in the future. Overall, this book was very well done and I’d recommend it to everyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction into Norse myths. Starting with Odin, then Thor. Ragnarok and the destruction of the Aesir, to tales of humans and interaction with the Gods. Readable and enjoyable.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
28th September 2019
TITLE: Cycles of Norse Mythology
AUTHOR: Glenn Searfoss
Star Rating: 5

‘A gripping set of Norse myths written with a gold-tipped pen. Accessible, gripping and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
To many modern storytellers, myths and legends offer endless plots and characters to be picked over and developed. Whether it’s Marvel’s Thor or J K Rowling’s Harry Potter, film makers and writers have turned to myths not only to inspire them but also to supply them with many elements of a successful story. In fact, if you know your myths and legends, you will know there’s hardly a fantasy character in Harry Potter that’s not been in story after story for the last century or so.


So, I opened Cycles of Norse Mythology hoping for a number of things. Firstly, a writing style that would bring to life the deeds of the Norse gods, making them accessible to modern readers. Secondly, characters of old that jump – yes, literally jump – off the page. And, thirdly, a text that would not only be of interest to scholars of Norse mythology, but also to anybody who is simply looking for a good book. And, I’m delighted to say that this ticked every box.
The writing style is vivid, often graphic in many ways, with a good balance of descriptive prose and speech. It is flowery too; ornate almost which, admittedly, kills the pacing here and there. But a flowery writing style reflects the historical/mythological nature of the work and works well in this book.
The character work is ‘stunning’. There’s no other word for it. The Norse gods – and the secondary characters – bring every story to life. The author knows his characters so very, very well; this shows in the consistent and very individual way they act. In this book, the characters are the jam which holds everything together.
The author also works particularly well with setting. He understands how important it is not to just simply describe the ‘historical’ setting but, rather, have the characters interact with it in a natural and unobtrusive way.
Finally – and this is the best bit – accessibility! Yes, this book is long. It’s a bit of a brick, as they say. But the author’s zest for the subject – I understand it’s the result of sixteen years of study – and the way every story twists and turns, will pull most readers in. Whether you enjoy a gripping adventure story or simply have a passing interest in myths and legends, you will probably find this book gripping. Also, I suspect scholars of Norse mythology will find it of interest too.
So, all in all, this is a bit of a gem. Enjoy!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk


This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Cycles of Norse Mythology
Author: Glenn Searfoss

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is such a gripping book. I love mythology particularly when it is captured in such strong prose. I would recommend this to adults and YA who have an interest in timeless characters and timeless deeds. Ignore the dreary title; this is a fascinating read.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘Settle back and enjoy the twists and turns of mythical characters as they battle to do what’s right. A little gory here and there, but that’s okay with me. Timeless!’ Female reader, aged 43
‘Vividly written by an author who knows his myths and legends. Educational and entertaining – a rare thing. It’s only slightly let down by a boring title and cover.’ Female reader, aged 71
‘War, revenge, love, all wrapped up in a mythical world. Superbly written, fast-paced and full of the most amazing characters, this is a lot of fun.’ Male reader, aged 66

To Sum It Up:
‘A thrilling set of Norse myths written with a gold-tipped pen. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards