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The Grimnir Saga #3
The Doom of Odin
As the Black Death rampages across Europe, two creatures of the Elder World clash over the rotting corpse of Christendom in Scott Oden's third book in the Grimnir Series
Skrælingr . Orcnéas. Fomoraig. He is Grimnir . . .
For over a century, he has tracked the dragon, Níðhöggr -- the Malice-Striker -- from the shores of Lake Vänern, across the Baltic Sea, through Russia, and down into the Mediterranean; he has hounded the wyrm from Old Muscovy to Messina. And finally, to the Eternal City -- to Rome, itself.
And in Rome, on a cold November night in 1347 AD, on the ruined steps of Old St. Peter’s basilica, Grimnir’s saga comes crashing to an end. A crossbow bolt, loosed in terror, slays him out of hand. It is a mundane finale to a life spent hip-deep in bloodshed and slaughter, surrounded by steel and savagery and the sorcery of the Elder World.
But Death is just the beginning . . .
Now, on the grim and misty isle of Nástrond, under the shadows of Yggðrasil, Grimnir is plunged headlong into the twisted Valhalla that is the afterlife of his people. Here, bloody in-fighting, schemes and betrayals are the order of the day. Grimnir is forced to contend with a cabal of witches, with giants and trolls who have never felt the light of Miðgarðr’s moon, and with his own rapacious kin as he journeys beyond the shores of Nástrond to find answers. And with every death, Grimnir unravels another thread of a monstrous secret woven at the dawn of time -- one that will turn him from the pawn of unknown gods into the most powerful being in the Nine Worlds. And the most hunted.
For he, alone, holds the key to Ragnarök and the Doom of Odin . . .
Skrælingr . Orcnéas. Fomoraig. He is Grimnir . . .
For over a century, he has tracked the dragon, Níðhöggr -- the Malice-Striker -- from the shores of Lake Vänern, across the Baltic Sea, through Russia, and down into the Mediterranean; he has hounded the wyrm from Old Muscovy to Messina. And finally, to the Eternal City -- to Rome, itself.
And in Rome, on a cold November night in 1347 AD, on the ruined steps of Old St. Peter’s basilica, Grimnir’s saga comes crashing to an end. A crossbow bolt, loosed in terror, slays him out of hand. It is a mundane finale to a life spent hip-deep in bloodshed and slaughter, surrounded by steel and savagery and the sorcery of the Elder World.
But Death is just the beginning . . .
Now, on the grim and misty isle of Nástrond, under the shadows of Yggðrasil, Grimnir is plunged headlong into the twisted Valhalla that is the afterlife of his people. Here, bloody in-fighting, schemes and betrayals are the order of the day. Grimnir is forced to contend with a cabal of witches, with giants and trolls who have never felt the light of Miðgarðr’s moon, and with his own rapacious kin as he journeys beyond the shores of Nástrond to find answers. And with every death, Grimnir unravels another thread of a monstrous secret woven at the dawn of time -- one that will turn him from the pawn of unknown gods into the most powerful being in the Nine Worlds. And the most hunted.
For he, alone, holds the key to Ragnarök and the Doom of Odin . . .
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2023
9 people are currently reading
3874 people want to read
About the author
Scott Oden
28 books389 followersScott Oden is a liar. He is a forger and a thief; a scoundrel and a spreader of gossip . . . which is all just a fancy way of saying Scott Oden is a writer. He is perhaps best known for his ability to mimic Robert E. Howard's style of prose -- though he does a passably good A.A. Milne, as well. His books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, earned him recognition as an Amazon Editor's Pick, and garnered a Gemmell Award nomination. Or so he says. Who can believe him, really? For all we know, he's just a triumvirate of raccoons with a trench coat and access to Chat GPT.
His notable works include Men of Bronze, Memnon, The Lion of Cairo, and the Grimnir Saga. His less notable works include Claude Moreau's Garden: dozens of cozy short stories about a magical village of mice living in a Provencal garden at the turn of the last century, and long, incendiary posts on Discord about why Cimmerians and Picts should never "get together".
The author lives in rural North Alabama, where he sometimes talks to trees and tries to befriend all the neighborhood dogs. The neighborhood cats can piss right off . . .
His notable works include Men of Bronze, Memnon, The Lion of Cairo, and the Grimnir Saga. His less notable works include Claude Moreau's Garden: dozens of cozy short stories about a magical village of mice living in a Provencal garden at the turn of the last century, and long, incendiary posts on Discord about why Cimmerians and Picts should never "get together".
The author lives in rural North Alabama, where he sometimes talks to trees and tries to befriend all the neighborhood dogs. The neighborhood cats can piss right off . . .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 14, 2023
This book was spectacular. It was filled with so much of what I call prose poetry - Scott Oden has a talent for that. I have long held "The Lion of Cairo" as my favorite of his books, but this one is going to take its place as my favorite. This book was gripping, intense, and so well-plotted.
Scott Oden has a cinematic style - in that I could picture the movie that could be made. I'd love to see a premium illustrated edition one day. Grimnir deserves to stand next to Conan, Elric, Beowulf, Odysseus, and Gilgamesh as some of the greatest protagonists in this genre.
I feel like Scott is a modern day version of Robert E. Howard.
Anyway, this is the final story of Grimnir's saga, and Grimnir finds himself a pawn in an ancient battle between Odin and, well, to avoid spoilers, I won't mention the other party. Grimnir is forced to move back and forth between 1347 AD Midgard and Nástrond. He battles the ancient dragon, Níðhöggr, on Midgard and fights for his culture and ways on Nástrond. He encounters ancestors and deities and intense magics. He battles a witch and the undead. It's just an amazing book.
Scott Oden has a cinematic style - in that I could picture the movie that could be made. I'd love to see a premium illustrated edition one day. Grimnir deserves to stand next to Conan, Elric, Beowulf, Odysseus, and Gilgamesh as some of the greatest protagonists in this genre.
I feel like Scott is a modern day version of Robert E. Howard.
Anyway, this is the final story of Grimnir's saga, and Grimnir finds himself a pawn in an ancient battle between Odin and, well, to avoid spoilers, I won't mention the other party. Grimnir is forced to move back and forth between 1347 AD Midgard and Nástrond. He battles the ancient dragon, Níðhöggr, on Midgard and fights for his culture and ways on Nástrond. He encounters ancestors and deities and intense magics. He battles a witch and the undead. It's just an amazing book.
November 12, 2023
“Your blood is as black and stinking as any of ours, you oaf! Deeds, not blood, are what sets us apart. As for my names, they are beyond number! Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, I am called; the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. The Hooded One, I am, the Tangled God’s last immortal herald. The last of Bálegyr’s brood to plague Miðgarðr, last to prey on the sons of Adam."
Scott Oden returns with the climatic ending to the saga of Grimnir. Hot on the heels of the dragon Níðhöggr, Grimnir has his long life cut short in the most mundane way. Even he is pissed about it when he awakens in Nástrond, the orc afterlife. It doesn't take long for things to get bloody. In Nástrond typically when you die you resurrect after a short time. Grimnir is different. There is an unseen player that has taken direct interest in Grimnir. Refusing to be trifled with, much less manipulated, Grimnir would burn Yggdrasil to its roots to accomplish his goals.
Bloody, red-handed action from the very beginning. Reading The Doom of Odin was a rapturous delight! Brutal and unforgiving, Grimnir takes as much punishment as he dishes out. I envision most of the novel as being dark, maybe even black and white with vivid splashes of color throughout. The panoramic scenes of the Yggdrasil as seen from Nástrond would be some of the best. I could certainly envision this filmed in a similar manner as Sin City or 300.
I've read that many reviewers have complained that the story was hard to follow. I had no trouble whatsoever. Once I gained a grip on what was going on the story progressed perfectly fine. Yes, initially it was disorienting, but as you progress it becomes more and more clear what is going on.
I felt like the climax and ending was rushed; although, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel. I would also like to touch on one more thing. The very last conversation in The Doom of Odin led my imagination to ponder if there could be more after this. The unspoken question rings in my mind, Is there someone with that kind of power?
Scott Oden returns with the climatic ending to the saga of Grimnir. Hot on the heels of the dragon Níðhöggr, Grimnir has his long life cut short in the most mundane way. Even he is pissed about it when he awakens in Nástrond, the orc afterlife. It doesn't take long for things to get bloody. In Nástrond typically when you die you resurrect after a short time. Grimnir is different. There is an unseen player that has taken direct interest in Grimnir. Refusing to be trifled with, much less manipulated, Grimnir would burn Yggdrasil to its roots to accomplish his goals.
Bloody, red-handed action from the very beginning. Reading The Doom of Odin was a rapturous delight! Brutal and unforgiving, Grimnir takes as much punishment as he dishes out. I envision most of the novel as being dark, maybe even black and white with vivid splashes of color throughout. The panoramic scenes of the Yggdrasil as seen from Nástrond would be some of the best. I could certainly envision this filmed in a similar manner as Sin City or 300.
I've read that many reviewers have complained that the story was hard to follow. I had no trouble whatsoever. Once I gained a grip on what was going on the story progressed perfectly fine. Yes, initially it was disorienting, but as you progress it becomes more and more clear what is going on.
I felt like the climax and ending was rushed; although, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel. I would also like to touch on one more thing. The very last conversation in The Doom of Odin led my imagination to ponder if there could be more after this. The unspoken question rings in my mind, Is there someone with that kind of power?
December 21, 2023
After reading the first two books in the series, I received a beta copy of The Doom of Odin earlier this year. With my apologies for taking this long to write a review, please know that Oden has saved the best book for last in this series.
Grimnir is an orc, the last of his kind to plague Midgard. Actually he's been the last of his kind since book one where he was already nursing a centuries-old grudge. By The Doom of Odin, Grimnir's sole reason to be is to hunt down the dragon Nidhogg and get revenge for his kin.
The Doom of Odin marks one major departure from the first two books. Despite being antagonistic to humans, Grimnir has nevertheless found a few he could respect and even help a bit in the previous books. Book three is mostly set away from Midgard though, where no puny humans beg for his help. Grimnir is finally free to be Grimnir, with a no-hold-barred attitude as he challenges the biggest and baddest Norse myths can throw at him.
Oden's prose shines in this arena. The geography and the characters are deeper and darker. The plot moves forward heavy with impending threat even in the peaceful scenes. The action reads like Robert E. Howard was writing his own Norse saga. Few writers pull off fast pacing with memorable characters and complex plotlines as well as Oden does, and fewer still make the Norse myths crackle with life with such skill.
Highly recommended.
Grimnir is an orc, the last of his kind to plague Midgard. Actually he's been the last of his kind since book one where he was already nursing a centuries-old grudge. By The Doom of Odin, Grimnir's sole reason to be is to hunt down the dragon Nidhogg and get revenge for his kin.
The Doom of Odin marks one major departure from the first two books. Despite being antagonistic to humans, Grimnir has nevertheless found a few he could respect and even help a bit in the previous books. Book three is mostly set away from Midgard though, where no puny humans beg for his help. Grimnir is finally free to be Grimnir, with a no-hold-barred attitude as he challenges the biggest and baddest Norse myths can throw at him.
Oden's prose shines in this arena. The geography and the characters are deeper and darker. The plot moves forward heavy with impending threat even in the peaceful scenes. The action reads like Robert E. Howard was writing his own Norse saga. Few writers pull off fast pacing with memorable characters and complex plotlines as well as Oden does, and fewer still make the Norse myths crackle with life with such skill.
Highly recommended.
June 13, 2024
As reviewed on Black Gate June 2024
https://www.blackgate.com/2024/06/09/...
Ymir’s balls! Oden’s trilogy ends. This was initiated with A Gathering of Ravens (reviewed by Flecther Vredenburgh on Black Gate) to be followed by Twilight of the Gods (Review by SE Lindberg on Black Gate). Read those first to become a cheerleader of Grimnir. The milieu is reminiscent of Poul Anderson’s Viking Age The Broken Sword, being full of Dane’s and Celtic faeries and Norse myths. Oden’s style is more readable than that classic, but is still saturated with just the right amount of call-outs to geographies and history to blur the lines between fantasy and history.
Don’t expect coming-of-age stories or epic fantasy, five-character parties either. These provide the classic Sword & Sorcery approach: the protagonists may have sidekicks, but they operate primarily on their own, and they are already equipped with experience/skills/power from page one. So the pace is fast and focused.
Expect a blend history with fantasy…with significant doses of myth/sorcery, so these are not alternate history stories. Oden’s Grimnir is inhuman, more of a manifestation of Beowulf’s Grendel’s kin, and whereas the first two books had Grimnir apart from his estranged family, this last installment showcases loads of family drama (i.e., think family reunion on the scale of Ragnarok, aka, the end of the world, with Rome hosting part of the picnic).
This is no historical fantasy, but the foundation of history is so well played the fantasy feels “real.” Equally balanced are the sorceries of Celtic witches, Norse deities, and Christian beliefs. All supernatural “sides” of faith conflict here. All are presented as real, though some are being superseded. So who is the orc protagonist employed by Scott Oden to redeem the Orc culture? He is Grimnir… Grendel’s brother, as named by some. The lady Étaín, a servant of the Christian God, the Nailed One, and unlikely companion of him describes him:
He is called Grimnir… the last of his kind, one of the kaunar — known to your people as fomóraig, to mine as orcnéas, and to the Northmen as skrælingar. In the time I’ve known him, he has been ever a fomenter of trouble, a murderer, and as cruel a bastard… I can vouch neither for his honesty nor his morals, as he is bereft of both. And while he did kidnap me, threaten me with death, mock my faith, and expose me to the hates of a forgotten world, he also saved my life…— From A Gathering of Ravens
Grimnir is a monstrous, brutal bastard!
His name suits him since he might as well be carrying a flagstaff with the contemporary “Grimdark subgenre” splayed upon it. Yet his predicament and motivations are as compelling as any vigilante hero. How best to end the series other than (a) meeting Grimnir’s estranged family [i.e., the paternal Bálegyr] while (b) ushering in Ragnarok? This last installment takes us to mindbending travel between ancient Rome and Nastrond/Yggdrasil (i.e. Nordic Otherworlds that Oden can explain better than me). Granted Rome is only part of the landscape here; readers should expect more time in the Nordic realms.
The Doom of Odin: A Novel (Grimnir Series Book 3) Blurb
To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcnéas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind—the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.
Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that’s changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir’s vengeance cannot be denied.
Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.
But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning — the Old Ways versus the New — and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?
Grimdark Battles Infused with Norse Mythology
Excerpt 1
Grimnir hacked slivers from the skrælingr’s club; over his shoulder, he saw the shuffling kaunr — that straight-legged bastard with a beard like tarry weeds — moving into his blind side. Snarling, Grimnir deflected another blow from the skrælingr’s knotty club, then drove the hilt of his long-seax into the idiot’s teeth. Once. Twice. Blood spurted from the wreckage of his nose and mouth. A third blow snapped the skrælingr’s head back. The club slipped from his nerveless fingers. A fourth crushing blow sent him crumpling to the ground with a broken neck.
Excerpt 2
Grimnir never let him finish… With a serpentine hiss, the son of Bálegyr snapped his arm forward, driving the blade of his spear into the point of the kaunr’s bearded chin. His drawn breath, meant for the boastful recitation of his deeds, turned into a death-rattle as the spearhead plowed through bone and teeth; it cut through the muscle of his tongue and the soft flesh of his palate, splitting his face from jaw to brow. Blood spewed from the spear-cleft ruin.
https://www.blackgate.com/2024/06/09/...
Ymir’s balls! Oden’s trilogy ends. This was initiated with A Gathering of Ravens (reviewed by Flecther Vredenburgh on Black Gate) to be followed by Twilight of the Gods (Review by SE Lindberg on Black Gate). Read those first to become a cheerleader of Grimnir. The milieu is reminiscent of Poul Anderson’s Viking Age The Broken Sword, being full of Dane’s and Celtic faeries and Norse myths. Oden’s style is more readable than that classic, but is still saturated with just the right amount of call-outs to geographies and history to blur the lines between fantasy and history.
Don’t expect coming-of-age stories or epic fantasy, five-character parties either. These provide the classic Sword & Sorcery approach: the protagonists may have sidekicks, but they operate primarily on their own, and they are already equipped with experience/skills/power from page one. So the pace is fast and focused.
Expect a blend history with fantasy…with significant doses of myth/sorcery, so these are not alternate history stories. Oden’s Grimnir is inhuman, more of a manifestation of Beowulf’s Grendel’s kin, and whereas the first two books had Grimnir apart from his estranged family, this last installment showcases loads of family drama (i.e., think family reunion on the scale of Ragnarok, aka, the end of the world, with Rome hosting part of the picnic).
This is no historical fantasy, but the foundation of history is so well played the fantasy feels “real.” Equally balanced are the sorceries of Celtic witches, Norse deities, and Christian beliefs. All supernatural “sides” of faith conflict here. All are presented as real, though some are being superseded. So who is the orc protagonist employed by Scott Oden to redeem the Orc culture? He is Grimnir… Grendel’s brother, as named by some. The lady Étaín, a servant of the Christian God, the Nailed One, and unlikely companion of him describes him:
He is called Grimnir… the last of his kind, one of the kaunar — known to your people as fomóraig, to mine as orcnéas, and to the Northmen as skrælingar. In the time I’ve known him, he has been ever a fomenter of trouble, a murderer, and as cruel a bastard… I can vouch neither for his honesty nor his morals, as he is bereft of both. And while he did kidnap me, threaten me with death, mock my faith, and expose me to the hates of a forgotten world, he also saved my life…— From A Gathering of Ravens
Grimnir is a monstrous, brutal bastard!
His name suits him since he might as well be carrying a flagstaff with the contemporary “Grimdark subgenre” splayed upon it. Yet his predicament and motivations are as compelling as any vigilante hero. How best to end the series other than (a) meeting Grimnir’s estranged family [i.e., the paternal Bálegyr] while (b) ushering in Ragnarok? This last installment takes us to mindbending travel between ancient Rome and Nastrond/Yggdrasil (i.e. Nordic Otherworlds that Oden can explain better than me). Granted Rome is only part of the landscape here; readers should expect more time in the Nordic realms.
The Doom of Odin: A Novel (Grimnir Series Book 3) Blurb
To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcnéas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind—the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.
Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that’s changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir’s vengeance cannot be denied.
Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.
But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning — the Old Ways versus the New — and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?
Grimdark Battles Infused with Norse Mythology
Excerpt 1
Grimnir hacked slivers from the skrælingr’s club; over his shoulder, he saw the shuffling kaunr — that straight-legged bastard with a beard like tarry weeds — moving into his blind side. Snarling, Grimnir deflected another blow from the skrælingr’s knotty club, then drove the hilt of his long-seax into the idiot’s teeth. Once. Twice. Blood spurted from the wreckage of his nose and mouth. A third blow snapped the skrælingr’s head back. The club slipped from his nerveless fingers. A fourth crushing blow sent him crumpling to the ground with a broken neck.
Excerpt 2
Grimnir never let him finish… With a serpentine hiss, the son of Bálegyr snapped his arm forward, driving the blade of his spear into the point of the kaunr’s bearded chin. His drawn breath, meant for the boastful recitation of his deeds, turned into a death-rattle as the spearhead plowed through bone and teeth; it cut through the muscle of his tongue and the soft flesh of his palate, splitting his face from jaw to brow. Blood spewed from the spear-cleft ruin.
October 28, 2023
While the first book in this series was terrific, the second one was my favorite. It was so good that I had serious doubts that the author could match it. Yet Scott Oden did it and more. The third book of the Grimnir series hits it out of the park. I'm usually not a fan of stories that make the stakes larger and larger, as typically stories suffer when that happens. The stakes get large indeed in this third installment, yet every twist and turn works in this story. I wish I could write prose half as vivid as Mr. Oden's, and it's a shame that his work has not yet gotten the attention from the wider reading public that it deserves.
November 29, 2023
I've read the trilogy and it's a complex slow burn but amazing epic fantasy with great characters and viking mythology. Made me want to play God of War again.
January 2, 2024
Excellent Ending
The final book of the Grimnir saga is the best. Scott Oden tossed all of the coal into the fire for this book. Packed with action, and an engaging plot. The final five chapters will keep you up late for just “one more chapter”. The ending is satisfying, but with this, the last book, it made me wish I had read slower. Great work. I recommend the whole three book saga.
The final book of the Grimnir saga is the best. Scott Oden tossed all of the coal into the fire for this book. Packed with action, and an engaging plot. The final five chapters will keep you up late for just “one more chapter”. The ending is satisfying, but with this, the last book, it made me wish I had read slower. Great work. I recommend the whole three book saga.
December 27, 2023
Packed with world-shaking events and operatic struggle, The Doom of Odin is an immensely satisfying conclusion to Grimnir’s saga. One of grimdark’s most compelling characters gets exactly the bloody send-off he deserves. Grimnir’s tale couldn’t have ended any other way.
Read my full review at Grimdark Magazine!
Read my full review at Grimdark Magazine!
February 1, 2024
To me The Doom of Odin is as if Poul Anderson wrote a novel of Karl Edward Wagner's Kane. It's an epic story that's heavy on Norse mythology and the conflict between pagan and Christianity with protagonist that is way more villain than hero.
Mr. Oden pulled out all the stops for this final installment in the series. Grimnir is a force of nature, relentlessly jumping into the fray time and time again. His hate and fury is like maelstrom that no one is safe from to include the reader.
After reading this book, I all the more anxious to read Scott Oden's upcoming Conan pastiche for Titan Books' Heroic Legends series; The Shadow of Vengeance.
Mr. Oden pulled out all the stops for this final installment in the series. Grimnir is a force of nature, relentlessly jumping into the fray time and time again. His hate and fury is like maelstrom that no one is safe from to include the reader.
After reading this book, I all the more anxious to read Scott Oden's upcoming Conan pastiche for Titan Books' Heroic Legends series; The Shadow of Vengeance.
December 16, 2023
THE DOOM OF ODIN is an engaging fantasy read, third in a series. While it helps to have read the earlier books, the story does a good job of giving essential information along the way in case it has been a while. Grimnir finds that death is another journey with a new role to play, and he will encounter plenty of mythological creatures along the way.
This is a really engaging and intriguing fantasy read. I was caught up easily in Grimnir's story and found his personality compelling. He was a character that I enjoyed following in the strange world beyond death. There was a lot happening along the way, and it really kept the plot moving quickly and plenty of twists and turns along the way - this was quite the adventure.
Overall, THE DOOM OF ODIN is a unique and fascinating fantasy that I would recommend for people who enjoy Norse Mythology, surprising quest-like adventures, and characters with big personalities. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is a really engaging and intriguing fantasy read. I was caught up easily in Grimnir's story and found his personality compelling. He was a character that I enjoyed following in the strange world beyond death. There was a lot happening along the way, and it really kept the plot moving quickly and plenty of twists and turns along the way - this was quite the adventure.
Overall, THE DOOM OF ODIN is a unique and fascinating fantasy that I would recommend for people who enjoy Norse Mythology, surprising quest-like adventures, and characters with big personalities. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2024
A Mythological Epic Through a Norwegian Lens
"The Doom of Odin," the third and climactic volume of The Grimnir Saga by Scott Oden, is a rich tapestry of Norse mythology and grimdark fantasy. As a Norwegian reader, I found a unique charm in this book. Oden's use of Norse words resonated with me, feeling like a blend of Norwegian and Swedish, making the reading experience both familiar and immersive.
Set in 1347, the story transports Grimnir, the last orc, to a plague-ridden Rome, culminating his age-old quest against his nemesis. Unlike the previous volumes, this book delves deep into otherworldly realms, bringing to life a plethora of Scandinavian spirits, monsters, and gods. The shift from a historical to a mythological setting is not only seamless but elevates the narrative to a cosmic scale, perfectly setting the stage for Ragnarök.
As a reader not deeply versed in Norse mythology, I was initially apprehensive. However, Oden’s excellent writing and his evident admiration for Robert E. Howard (my personal favorite) drew me in. His skillful storytelling makes the saga accessible and engaging, even for those less familiar with the mythological backdrop.
Grimnir's interactions, particularly with the fierce warrior woman Skaði, reveal more about his character and his race, adding a new dynamic that contrasts sharply with his previous human encounters. The visceral, graphic violence in the book aligns with the heightened stakes, depicting Grimnir's rage in a raw and unbridled form.
The expanded cast and dense use of Old Norse terms can be challenging, but the glossary at the end of the book is a valuable tool. Additionally, as a Robert E. Howard fan, I was delighted to find several nods to Howard's stories throughout the book(s), further enriching the reading experience.
In conclusion, "The Doom of Odin" is not just the end of a saga; it's a masterful blend of mythology and storytelling. It's a book that transcends genres, appealing to fans of fantasy, Norse mythology, and Howard's work alike. Scott Oden has crafted an epic that is both brutal and beautiful, a fitting tribute to the power of myth-making.
Rating: 5/5 - A mythological masterpiece that resonates with a Norwegian heart and a Howard fan.
"The Doom of Odin," the third and climactic volume of The Grimnir Saga by Scott Oden, is a rich tapestry of Norse mythology and grimdark fantasy. As a Norwegian reader, I found a unique charm in this book. Oden's use of Norse words resonated with me, feeling like a blend of Norwegian and Swedish, making the reading experience both familiar and immersive.
Set in 1347, the story transports Grimnir, the last orc, to a plague-ridden Rome, culminating his age-old quest against his nemesis. Unlike the previous volumes, this book delves deep into otherworldly realms, bringing to life a plethora of Scandinavian spirits, monsters, and gods. The shift from a historical to a mythological setting is not only seamless but elevates the narrative to a cosmic scale, perfectly setting the stage for Ragnarök.
As a reader not deeply versed in Norse mythology, I was initially apprehensive. However, Oden’s excellent writing and his evident admiration for Robert E. Howard (my personal favorite) drew me in. His skillful storytelling makes the saga accessible and engaging, even for those less familiar with the mythological backdrop.
Grimnir's interactions, particularly with the fierce warrior woman Skaði, reveal more about his character and his race, adding a new dynamic that contrasts sharply with his previous human encounters. The visceral, graphic violence in the book aligns with the heightened stakes, depicting Grimnir's rage in a raw and unbridled form.
The expanded cast and dense use of Old Norse terms can be challenging, but the glossary at the end of the book is a valuable tool. Additionally, as a Robert E. Howard fan, I was delighted to find several nods to Howard's stories throughout the book(s), further enriching the reading experience.
In conclusion, "The Doom of Odin" is not just the end of a saga; it's a masterful blend of mythology and storytelling. It's a book that transcends genres, appealing to fans of fantasy, Norse mythology, and Howard's work alike. Scott Oden has crafted an epic that is both brutal and beautiful, a fitting tribute to the power of myth-making.
Rating: 5/5 - A mythological masterpiece that resonates with a Norwegian heart and a Howard fan.
June 28, 2023
This is an interesting book. It involves norse mythos and an near immortal warrior who is stalking down the nidhoggr. who is bringing plague wherever he goes. This story is dark, brutal, it involves both Midgard and the afterlife amongst the roots of Yggdrasil. It is a fascinating story which I've thoroughly enjoyed. However, there is one issue I have. This book takes place in the middle ages and before thereabouts. But there keeps on happening in the conversations between characters that use language that is far more modern.. The main character says " I like the cut of your jib" a term coined in the mid 18th century. Toerags get's thrown around a lot. It is a mid 19th century Irish slang. Itmay not bother most people but it bugged the heck out of me and kept pulling me out of the world the author was trying to create. I found that somewhat insurmountable. in reading this otherwise detailed and interesting book. .
Want to read
November 19, 2023Thank you for letting me ARC read the book!
While there were many aspects of the story I enjoyed I found it hard to get into and had trouble caring about the characters. That being said there will be plenty of fantasy lovers who I think will really like this book! Remeber everyone this is book THREE. So you really need to make sure you read the first two or you'll be really confused. I definitely plan on buying the book to add to my shelf regardless.
While there were many aspects of the story I enjoyed I found it hard to get into and had trouble caring about the characters. That being said there will be plenty of fantasy lovers who I think will really like this book! Remeber everyone this is book THREE. So you really need to make sure you read the first two or you'll be really confused. I definitely plan on buying the book to add to my shelf regardless.
January 8, 2024
Spectacular action packed novel.
Mythology and fantasy are intertwined superbly in this action packed conclusion of The Grimnir Series. Scott Oden is a master storyteller and scholar of history and mythology and the best of his skill and knowledge is evident in this book. It is my favorite volume of the Grimnir trilogy and I enjoyed reading every page.
Mythology and fantasy are intertwined superbly in this action packed conclusion of The Grimnir Series. Scott Oden is a master storyteller and scholar of history and mythology and the best of his skill and knowledge is evident in this book. It is my favorite volume of the Grimnir trilogy and I enjoyed reading every page.
December 2, 2023
Unfortunately I can't say I liked this one as much as the other two in the series. I get that Grimnir is an anti-hero, and that he is trying to right the balance. But parts felt just too violent and angry for me. I loved the first book of the series that felt like a retelling of the Beowulf epic poem with Norse legends and extra depth. I'm conflicted about it though.
Things that really appealed to me in the story:
1. Grimnir couldn't die. Every time he died in one location, he came back in another (where he had also just died). That added intrique. That need to know what was going on. But every time Grimnir came back, he was more violent than the last time. That level of blood gore and violence really started to get to me. It was like being in the orc camp in a Tolkein book. And we know those weren't the good guys.
2. The fact that even though these really were all just a bunch of Orcs, there was still a sense of good vs. evil. Of the need to right a balance and a wrong. Just again, all the violence to get there.
However, sometimes it felt like the violence was just for the sake of violence. You could take it out and the storyline wouldn't fall apart. To me, that felt like the violence was then unnecessary. We already knew Grimnir was violent and angry. No need to see him kill and mutilate everything just to reinforce that idea. I would also have liked that final scene to have taken longer to play out. For an epic final battle scene, it wasn't very epic.
Things that really appealed to me in the story:
1. Grimnir couldn't die. Every time he died in one location, he came back in another (where he had also just died). That added intrique. That need to know what was going on. But every time Grimnir came back, he was more violent than the last time. That level of blood gore and violence really started to get to me. It was like being in the orc camp in a Tolkein book. And we know those weren't the good guys.
2. The fact that even though these really were all just a bunch of Orcs, there was still a sense of good vs. evil. Of the need to right a balance and a wrong. Just again, all the violence to get there.
However, sometimes it felt like the violence was just for the sake of violence. You could take it out and the storyline wouldn't fall apart. To me, that felt like the violence was then unnecessary. We already knew Grimnir was violent and angry. No need to see him kill and mutilate everything just to reinforce that idea. I would also have liked that final scene to have taken longer to play out. For an epic final battle scene, it wasn't very epic.
September 21, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc of this book to read and review.
I found this book difficult to really get into. I didn’t really connect with the story or any of the characters. Nothing really kept my attention or kept me engaged. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or not. I didn’t really like the language that was used. It was hard to understand/read.
I don’t want to discredit this book because I do feel like some fantasy lovers will enjoy this book but I just wasn’t one of them. I thought it had potential but I just didn’t connect well with it.
3.5 stars!
I found this book difficult to really get into. I didn’t really connect with the story or any of the characters. Nothing really kept my attention or kept me engaged. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or not. I didn’t really like the language that was used. It was hard to understand/read.
I don’t want to discredit this book because I do feel like some fantasy lovers will enjoy this book but I just wasn’t one of them. I thought it had potential but I just didn’t connect well with it.
3.5 stars!
December 29, 2023
This was an interesting book to read. I enjoyed that it heavily featured Norse mythology and used Norse gods and goddesses. The Doom of Odin was a bloody, violent book. While it wasn't a put-off to me, it might be to some other people. The storyline was interesting but could be a bit hard to follow. But overall, this was a good, interesting book to read.
November 2, 2023
Deep and dark, this fantasy is full of battles and action. This is the third book in the series and we are getting an epic battle. I like how the series uses Norse Mythology as a point of reference to the story. Grimnir's is a big character and the writing supports him with descriptions, backstory, and action. I was easily drawn into the atmosphere of the world and both the plot and prose are impeccable. There are a lot of battles which is not my favorite thing, but the author is able to keep these sections engaging and meaningful to the story.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
September 13, 2023
The Doom of Odin is Book three within an ongoing series pulling heavily on Norse mythology. This installment builds well on and fully utilizes previous books world building and plot progression but can become overly complex in places leading to a reader loosing grasp of the over the narrative as a whole.
It is highly advised to read the other books preceding this one first.
It is highly advised to read the other books preceding this one first.
Read
December 28, 2023This is a deeply immersive fantasy based on Norse mythology and is a good book for lovers of epic fantasy. It’s the kind of book that you need to pay attention to while reading- almost like learning another language. The fight scenes were fantastic but I will say it took me some time to really get into the story, likely because I read this without reading the previous novels in the series. I’ll look into getting those. Thank you to the publisher for gifting me this copy. These thoughts are my own.
January 20, 2025
Ginnungagap -- The Howling Dark
4.5/5
At last, hundreds of years later (!), we hit the blood-soaked ground running again as Grimnir pursues his avowed & most hated foe, Nidhoggr. But unlike the other books, Scott Oden takes a creative leap & hurls us back & forth between the realms in an almost hallucinogenic fashion: one minute Grimnir is in the Italian countryside stalking the wyrm, the next he is in a fog-shrouded land of undeath called Nastrond. And in typical Grimnir fashion, he makes more enemies along the way, including his own kin, the other hated skraelingr.
Political tensions, duels, betrayals, & eldritch magic occupy him in one realm while Nidhoggr spreads pestilence in the other. And in spectacular fashion, this brings us to Odin. This is Odin done right (looking at you God of War: Ragnarok!!) -- a cunning but mighty force of terror that dominates every scene he is in. From his appearance to Gungnir to his archaic/Elder Speech, he is not a character to be taken lightly. Even Grimnir seemed tame by comparison as I read....
Likes
+ The bloodiest of bloodbath books.
+ Finally getting actions to names -- Balegyr, Gifr, they're all here for the finale.
+ Grimnir's love for Skadi was masterfully done & so believable for him. Excellent character arc.
+ No one but Scott Oden & Robert Jackson Bennett have captured the "Elder Terror"/primal fear of real life as well. I was transported to Rome & felt the oppressive gravity of Odin's wrath & presence.
+ Excellent action sequences!
+ Terrifying monsters!
+ A perfect ending for our anti-hero.
Dislikes
- Wanted more Odin! (and maybe the other Aesir, but only because Oden would do them justice)
- Some of the dialogue felt cumbersome/repetitive, but this would make sense among the skraelingr....
Summarily, this is the darkest of this dark series & a perfect ending for Grimnir -- satisfying & sensible. Scott Oden writes with excellent gravity & descriptions, as I felt every moment of fear from Nidhoggr & Odin's presences. Coupled with a super unique premise & these elements make this a slept on series for anyone who enjoys Norse mythology & grimdark fantasy.
Skol!
4.5/5
At last, hundreds of years later (!), we hit the blood-soaked ground running again as Grimnir pursues his avowed & most hated foe, Nidhoggr. But unlike the other books, Scott Oden takes a creative leap & hurls us back & forth between the realms in an almost hallucinogenic fashion: one minute Grimnir is in the Italian countryside stalking the wyrm, the next he is in a fog-shrouded land of undeath called Nastrond. And in typical Grimnir fashion, he makes more enemies along the way, including his own kin, the other hated skraelingr.
Political tensions, duels, betrayals, & eldritch magic occupy him in one realm while Nidhoggr spreads pestilence in the other. And in spectacular fashion, this brings us to Odin. This is Odin done right (looking at you God of War: Ragnarok!!) -- a cunning but mighty force of terror that dominates every scene he is in. From his appearance to Gungnir to his archaic/Elder Speech, he is not a character to be taken lightly. Even Grimnir seemed tame by comparison as I read....
Likes
+ The bloodiest of bloodbath books.
+ Finally getting actions to names -- Balegyr, Gifr, they're all here for the finale.
+ Grimnir's love for Skadi was masterfully done & so believable for him. Excellent character arc.
+ No one but Scott Oden & Robert Jackson Bennett have captured the "Elder Terror"/primal fear of real life as well. I was transported to Rome & felt the oppressive gravity of Odin's wrath & presence.
+ Excellent action sequences!
+ Terrifying monsters!
+ A perfect ending for our anti-hero.
Dislikes
- Wanted more Odin! (and maybe the other Aesir, but only because Oden would do them justice)
- Some of the dialogue felt cumbersome/repetitive, but this would make sense among the skraelingr....
Summarily, this is the darkest of this dark series & a perfect ending for Grimnir -- satisfying & sensible. Scott Oden writes with excellent gravity & descriptions, as I felt every moment of fear from Nidhoggr & Odin's presences. Coupled with a super unique premise & these elements make this a slept on series for anyone who enjoys Norse mythology & grimdark fantasy.
Skol!
May 19, 2024
Whew. This book is a LOT. In mostly very good ways!!
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and since death isn't necessarily permanent in this story, it's sometimes hard to remember who's still around and who's planning what, so I think that's why I want to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 -- for me personally, I found it a tiny bit hard to keep track of the plot, and I flipped back a few times, thinking, "oh, what'd I miss?" A complicated plot and structure isn't a bad thing though, so other readers might have an easier time than I personally did.
What really makes this book unique and excellent is the descriptions. Holy cow, is this book immersive. The worldbuilding is well-researched and the way that foreign/Nordic terms are used isn't confusing and feels natural in the way it eases the reader into understanding what the terms mean. The relationships are well-built-up and I definitely believe that this vulgar group of people deserves each other.
And, man. The violence. It's hard to keep the stakes high when "death isn't exactly permanent", but, boy, you FEEL every cracked rib, every stabbing, every EVERYTHING. The descriptions of the land and the religions and the different realms are all super easy to insert yourself into, but, watch out, because you'll also insert yourself into some EXCELLENTLY-described fight scenes. If you're not too turned away by ABSOLUTE GORE, then definitely give this a book a try, because I respect it for how HARD it goes (in a way that makes sense for this worldbuilding!!).
Interesting stuff!
Content warning: a ton of violence, gore, blood.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and since death isn't necessarily permanent in this story, it's sometimes hard to remember who's still around and who's planning what, so I think that's why I want to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 -- for me personally, I found it a tiny bit hard to keep track of the plot, and I flipped back a few times, thinking, "oh, what'd I miss?" A complicated plot and structure isn't a bad thing though, so other readers might have an easier time than I personally did.
What really makes this book unique and excellent is the descriptions. Holy cow, is this book immersive. The worldbuilding is well-researched and the way that foreign/Nordic terms are used isn't confusing and feels natural in the way it eases the reader into understanding what the terms mean. The relationships are well-built-up and I definitely believe that this vulgar group of people deserves each other.
And, man. The violence. It's hard to keep the stakes high when "death isn't exactly permanent", but, boy, you FEEL every cracked rib, every stabbing, every EVERYTHING. The descriptions of the land and the religions and the different realms are all super easy to insert yourself into, but, watch out, because you'll also insert yourself into some EXCELLENTLY-described fight scenes. If you're not too turned away by ABSOLUTE GORE, then definitely give this a book a try, because I respect it for how HARD it goes (in a way that makes sense for this worldbuilding!!).
Interesting stuff!
Content warning: a ton of violence, gore, blood.
August 26, 2023
My thanks for the advance copy; I was getting antsy waiting on my preorder, and I happened to get antsy in the right place at the right time.
Grimnir is sui generis, so when I draw comparisons — when I say things like 'Highlander who ain't had nothing but maggoty bread and Pabst Blue Ribbon in three stinking days' or, perhaps, 'a Guy Ritchie roguelike in a collapsed garage infested with grody little monks' or, indeed, 'that one Assassin's Creed bit where you butcher the Pope except you're not Ezio Auditore, you're Natasha Lyonne in Russian Doll' or, for that matter, 'Steven Seagal losing at Valheim while gnawing a human shinbone' — please understand that I'm not talking influences, I'm talking convergent evolution towards greatness.
Word of warning: it's long. Take your time with the glossary. Pace yourself between scrag sausages and blood feuds. Hydrate.
On a more serious note, there's a real flair for place description and sensory detail, some of the most immersive I've found. Laird Barron is the closest comparison that comes to mind. This isn't simple prose, it's carefully constructed even when it's blitzing through bloodshed. Oden keeps the violence from getting repetitive in two ways: by making each battle utterly distinct in setting and playout, and through a unique structural approach that takes a couple of risks and feels fresh.
I'll also note that it stands alone well. I haven't read the previous two Grimnir novels but had no problem with this as a self-contained narrative.
Grimnir is sui generis, so when I draw comparisons — when I say things like 'Highlander who ain't had nothing but maggoty bread and Pabst Blue Ribbon in three stinking days' or, perhaps, 'a Guy Ritchie roguelike in a collapsed garage infested with grody little monks' or, indeed, 'that one Assassin's Creed bit where you butcher the Pope except you're not Ezio Auditore, you're Natasha Lyonne in Russian Doll' or, for that matter, 'Steven Seagal losing at Valheim while gnawing a human shinbone' — please understand that I'm not talking influences, I'm talking convergent evolution towards greatness.
Word of warning: it's long. Take your time with the glossary. Pace yourself between scrag sausages and blood feuds. Hydrate.
On a more serious note, there's a real flair for place description and sensory detail, some of the most immersive I've found. Laird Barron is the closest comparison that comes to mind. This isn't simple prose, it's carefully constructed even when it's blitzing through bloodshed. Oden keeps the violence from getting repetitive in two ways: by making each battle utterly distinct in setting and playout, and through a unique structural approach that takes a couple of risks and feels fresh.
I'll also note that it stands alone well. I haven't read the previous two Grimnir novels but had no problem with this as a self-contained narrative.
December 16, 2023
This is the third and final adventure of Grimnir, who is… eh more or less an orc? He’s got many names, and people have many names for him. In this volume, we see the Grimnir that finally dies (oh no!), rather embarrassingly, actually. It turns out that those of his kind go to a special island called Nástrond, where they will wait for Ragnarok. As long as you’re on the island, you can die and you’ll come back to ‘life’ within a few hours. Except it’s different for Grimnir for some reason…
As with the previous novels of our grumpy protagonist, I quite enjoyed my time with Grimnir in this volume as well. I mean, get ready to be reading a lot of Norse words and pronouncing them almost certainly wrong in your head (is that just me then?). There are a lot of words here that are not of the English language but they are nonetheless words that make this book feel more… authentic?
Grimnir is grumpy as usual, and death hasn’t changed that one bit, especially since he was right in the middle of something when he died. He’s still foulmouthed and easy to anger, but it’s hard not to cheer for him anyway. So, I can say that it was easy to stay immersed in this one from beginning to end.
All told, I’d recommend this one to anyone that like viking stories, or to anyone that likes a good anti-hero in their story. A great conclusion to the Epic of Grimnir!
As with the previous novels of our grumpy protagonist, I quite enjoyed my time with Grimnir in this volume as well. I mean, get ready to be reading a lot of Norse words and pronouncing them almost certainly wrong in your head (is that just me then?). There are a lot of words here that are not of the English language but they are nonetheless words that make this book feel more… authentic?
Grimnir is grumpy as usual, and death hasn’t changed that one bit, especially since he was right in the middle of something when he died. He’s still foulmouthed and easy to anger, but it’s hard not to cheer for him anyway. So, I can say that it was easy to stay immersed in this one from beginning to end.
All told, I’d recommend this one to anyone that like viking stories, or to anyone that likes a good anti-hero in their story. A great conclusion to the Epic of Grimnir!
December 12, 2023
I Just finished The Grimnir Saga #3 The Doom of Odin by Scott Oden and here are my thoughts.
I did read book 2 before I read this one and honestly, this book wouldn’t work as a standalone in my opinion.
I love books that center around norse mythos and I have come to love the almost immortal warrior. His character building was the best part about the book for me. His main objective is to bring down a creature who brings plagues wherever he roams.
I love fantasy books and this one was super sonic dark and had some pretty bad inconsistencies for the time it is apparently set which rubbed me right up the wrong way.
The writing style is a bit different and not my usual cup of tea but the storyline was interesting enough that it wasn’t a deal breaker. It was a slow burn which isn’t sometime I like much, had the pace been a bit quicker, I think this book would have been a winner for me. The story gets pretty complex in places so this isn’t the book for someone looking for some light fantasy. This book has a lot of intricacy and you really need to be fully invested to get the most out of this book.
3.75 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
#scottodin #thedoomofodin #thegrimnirsaga #fantasyreader #fantasy #mythology #bookishreview #igblog #readerofoinstagram #bookstababe #booknerd #booklover
I did read book 2 before I read this one and honestly, this book wouldn’t work as a standalone in my opinion.
I love books that center around norse mythos and I have come to love the almost immortal warrior. His character building was the best part about the book for me. His main objective is to bring down a creature who brings plagues wherever he roams.
I love fantasy books and this one was super sonic dark and had some pretty bad inconsistencies for the time it is apparently set which rubbed me right up the wrong way.
The writing style is a bit different and not my usual cup of tea but the storyline was interesting enough that it wasn’t a deal breaker. It was a slow burn which isn’t sometime I like much, had the pace been a bit quicker, I think this book would have been a winner for me. The story gets pretty complex in places so this isn’t the book for someone looking for some light fantasy. This book has a lot of intricacy and you really need to be fully invested to get the most out of this book.
3.75 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
#scottodin #thedoomofodin #thegrimnirsaga #fantasyreader #fantasy #mythology #bookishreview #igblog #readerofoinstagram #bookstababe #booknerd #booklover
February 28, 2023
The Doom of Odin builds on the previous two books in the series and pulls out ALL the stops in a story that moves seamlessly between the world we all inhabit, Midgard, and the Norse afterlife, filled with all manner of magical things.
This book is full of energy and power, blood and bone, magic and mayhem, and - a bit surprisingly for a book that focuses on a brutal orc protagonist in a hellishly brutal life and afterlife - heart. Grimnir is not a human skinned to look like an orc, he is the embodiment of what it means to be an orc. But that doesn't make him an unrelatable monster, which is a feat Oden pulls off with remarkable skill. In this book, where we finally see Grimnir, the last of his kind, in the company of other orcs, he becomes even more impressive.
The Doom of Odin is dark and gritty and an explosively good read. You will not want to put it down. This book is a powerful, highly satisfying closing chapter, with everything you would ever want to see in it. READ IT!
This book is full of energy and power, blood and bone, magic and mayhem, and - a bit surprisingly for a book that focuses on a brutal orc protagonist in a hellishly brutal life and afterlife - heart. Grimnir is not a human skinned to look like an orc, he is the embodiment of what it means to be an orc. But that doesn't make him an unrelatable monster, which is a feat Oden pulls off with remarkable skill. In this book, where we finally see Grimnir, the last of his kind, in the company of other orcs, he becomes even more impressive.
The Doom of Odin is dark and gritty and an explosively good read. You will not want to put it down. This book is a powerful, highly satisfying closing chapter, with everything you would ever want to see in it. READ IT!
January 4, 2024
Hot damn, what a great read.
Bloody, visceral action, Norse mythology, monsters galore, and a main character I'll never forget... Grimnir, the Hooded One. A Gathering of Ravens was great, Twilight of the Gods as well. But The Doom of Odin was stellar. I'd count this as my favorite of Scott Oden's work. The high points for me are the dialogue, scene imagery, and seriously... non-stop action. Scott really did his research on Norse mythology, something I'm a stickler on, so kudos to him. There are no orcs in Norse Mythology, but who gives a shit. It just works.
Grimnir as a character will be one of those that sticks with me the rest of my days. He is a timeless hero--okay maybe not hero, probably not even an anti-hero... in fact, he might just be a villain, but he was so fun to read. Do yourself a favor and pick up a A Gathering of Ravens so that you can reach the epic conclusion to the Grimnir Saga, The Doom of Odin. You won't regret it!
Bloody, visceral action, Norse mythology, monsters galore, and a main character I'll never forget... Grimnir, the Hooded One. A Gathering of Ravens was great, Twilight of the Gods as well. But The Doom of Odin was stellar. I'd count this as my favorite of Scott Oden's work. The high points for me are the dialogue, scene imagery, and seriously... non-stop action. Scott really did his research on Norse mythology, something I'm a stickler on, so kudos to him. There are no orcs in Norse Mythology, but who gives a shit. It just works.
Grimnir as a character will be one of those that sticks with me the rest of my days. He is a timeless hero--okay maybe not hero, probably not even an anti-hero... in fact, he might just be a villain, but he was so fun to read. Do yourself a favor and pick up a A Gathering of Ravens so that you can reach the epic conclusion to the Grimnir Saga, The Doom of Odin. You won't regret it!
January 5, 2024
We are in a very fortunate time that authors exist who are willing to take the huge high risk / low reward effort to bring Sword and Sorcery back to the forefront. There was a surge of popularity in the genre in the 70's and 80's when strong, heroic, steamy fantasy was a big deal. Too bad several founders of the genre passed away long before it hit its peak.
But here we have Scott Oden (and Howard Andrew Jones, etc.) who are bringing us back to this style, but presenting it in a way that makes it meaningful. It's historical in its DNA, epic in scale, vicious and beautiful in style, and stays with you forever. This isn't a "let's make everything up and milk a shallow plot and characters" type of story. It's gritty, realistic, magical, believable, and thrums with a power that reverberates down to the reader that pushes you forward, gripping you in prose, alluring you with deep characters, shocks you with violence, and keeps you with heart. I have no negatives to share on this one. If you've gotten to the third and final book in this COMPLETED series/trilogy, you know what you are getting, because you love it. I was hooked by book one. It's a shame that historical fantasy is so unknown in this day and age. Gamelit, Grimdark, LITRPG, generic humble origins protagonist fantasy (Wheel of Time clones, etc.), romantasy, these are the hot properties right now. And the Grimnir series is clearly Grimdark, but takes place in a real place with real historical events, cultures, mythologies, only some of those mythologies have come to life. That's the main thrust of the concept, is that one of those mythological creatures, not entirely dissimilar to a human being, is just beastly enough to create a bit of a stir wherever he goes in his many long years.
I hope one day this series can find its audience, because it deserves as much attention as can be found. It's a modern classic, and I for one prefer the unique combo of fantasy and history--it grounds it, makes the supernatural elements more meaningful, and spices up my interest in learning more about a time and place. Greek, Norse, and other mythologies are fascinating, and I love exploring that in a fresh way, especially when learning how not to repeat the mistakes made by many cultures of the past.
All in all...
Writing (my biggest metric): 5/5
Story: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
This is a great capper to a great trilogy, give the first book a try and breeze through all three. It's well worth your time.
But here we have Scott Oden (and Howard Andrew Jones, etc.) who are bringing us back to this style, but presenting it in a way that makes it meaningful. It's historical in its DNA, epic in scale, vicious and beautiful in style, and stays with you forever. This isn't a "let's make everything up and milk a shallow plot and characters" type of story. It's gritty, realistic, magical, believable, and thrums with a power that reverberates down to the reader that pushes you forward, gripping you in prose, alluring you with deep characters, shocks you with violence, and keeps you with heart. I have no negatives to share on this one. If you've gotten to the third and final book in this COMPLETED series/trilogy, you know what you are getting, because you love it. I was hooked by book one. It's a shame that historical fantasy is so unknown in this day and age. Gamelit, Grimdark, LITRPG, generic humble origins protagonist fantasy (Wheel of Time clones, etc.), romantasy, these are the hot properties right now. And the Grimnir series is clearly Grimdark, but takes place in a real place with real historical events, cultures, mythologies, only some of those mythologies have come to life. That's the main thrust of the concept, is that one of those mythological creatures, not entirely dissimilar to a human being, is just beastly enough to create a bit of a stir wherever he goes in his many long years.
I hope one day this series can find its audience, because it deserves as much attention as can be found. It's a modern classic, and I for one prefer the unique combo of fantasy and history--it grounds it, makes the supernatural elements more meaningful, and spices up my interest in learning more about a time and place. Greek, Norse, and other mythologies are fascinating, and I love exploring that in a fresh way, especially when learning how not to repeat the mistakes made by many cultures of the past.
All in all...
Writing (my biggest metric): 5/5
Story: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
This is a great capper to a great trilogy, give the first book a try and breeze through all three. It's well worth your time.
November 21, 2023
WOW. I was a huge fan of the first two books in this series, A Gathering of Ravens and Twilight of the Gods, and this final novel in the trilogy did not let me down. The Doom of Odin is an action-packed and totally engaging conclusion to the Saga of Grimnir, my favorite Orc in literature. Bloody, violent, and filled with a blend of sword-and-sorcery and beautiful, poetic language that we've rarely seen since the days of Robert E. Howard. Grimnir is dead in the opening pages of the novel, but that does not keep him from having battles and adventures in the underworld. In this trilogy, Scott Oden has given us a new epic, a new mythology that I hope will be read and enjoyed for decades to come.
September 24, 2024
With this being the last book in the series I had to purchase the first two to read. I don't like starting a series at the end because I don't know what is happening. After bingeing the first two books the third book was amazing. Mr. Oden definitely saved the best for last. It was full of action and it made it hard to put the book down even for dinner. I was excited to finish this book and was not left disappointed with the ending. I recommend reading the entire series and maybe rereading it myself in a few months just to enjoy the story again.
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