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The Prophecies of Ragnarok #1
Hotel Fen
The Shining meets Norse mythology in this tale of star-crossed romances, ancient prophecies, and revenge.Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime?Victor has always had a passion for Norse history and mythology, but after hitting a dead end with his book on valkyries, not even that passion is enough to move him forward. Just when he's ready to abandon the project, he receives an he's won a free trip to Hotel Fen, a remote vintage resort in the Scandinavian Mountains.Silje has always felt that her life was fairly unremarkable. She cares deeply about people and that has led her to find her purpose at a nursing home in Oslo. When a resident dies and leaves her an all-expense paid vacation package to Hotel Fen, however, she takes the opportunity to experience something different.It all starts innocently enough, with a little meet-cute in the hotel elevator that takes forever to arrive on their floor. But the longer Victor and Silje remain together, the more dangerous the hotel becomes, and the more they question where reality ends and the impossible begins.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2021
6 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Meri Benson
16 books46 followersMeri Benson is a Chicago-land native, and storyteller for as long as she can remember. She’s always had an extremely vivid imagination, leading to the creation of imaginary friends as a child, and characters that live in a variety of worlds of their own as an adult. Most of her characters tend to stay locked up in notebooks, their worlds spun and developed carefully until she feels that they are ready for family and close friends; though occasionally developed further into stories for writing contests and classes, including a Best Mystery win during grade school.
Her preferred writing genres are science fiction and fantasy; coming as no surprise to those aware that she’s been attending sci-fi conventions since the age of four---adorned in hand-made costumes, no less, thanks to her talented family. The artist halls of these conventions were filled with dragons, fairies, and other mythical creatures that only fueled her imagination and stories she developed both on paper and in her head. This is also her preferred choice for a quick read as well, thanks to growing up around her parents’ massive library ranging from mystery to fantasy and beyond.
While she graduated with a BA in psychology, Meri is an artist at heart and is always looking for new ways to create and has a myriad of things to keep her busy. When not writing, she is usually found behind her camera capturing the world one shutter snap at a time, or drawing it onto a sketch pad; though she’s also been known to be bent over a potter’s wheel, molding the world to her liking. Her favorite distractions from creative endeavors and writing are her two cats that enjoy ‘helping’ by settling themselves on her, or whatever project has stolen her attention away from her number one “fans”.
Her preferred writing genres are science fiction and fantasy; coming as no surprise to those aware that she’s been attending sci-fi conventions since the age of four---adorned in hand-made costumes, no less, thanks to her talented family. The artist halls of these conventions were filled with dragons, fairies, and other mythical creatures that only fueled her imagination and stories she developed both on paper and in her head. This is also her preferred choice for a quick read as well, thanks to growing up around her parents’ massive library ranging from mystery to fantasy and beyond.
While she graduated with a BA in psychology, Meri is an artist at heart and is always looking for new ways to create and has a myriad of things to keep her busy. When not writing, she is usually found behind her camera capturing the world one shutter snap at a time, or drawing it onto a sketch pad; though she’s also been known to be bent over a potter’s wheel, molding the world to her liking. Her favorite distractions from creative endeavors and writing are her two cats that enjoy ‘helping’ by settling themselves on her, or whatever project has stolen her attention away from her number one “fans”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 17, 2021
An intriguing story that blends present and past in a story heavily flavored with Norse myth and folklore. Victor, an American professor of Norse mythology wins a trip to Hotel Fen, a vintage resort tucked into the Scandinavian Mountains. Shortly after arrival he meets Silje, a woman of Norwegian descent, who has also been gifted with an all-expense paid stay. It isn’t long before the two realize the hotel is nothing as it seems, and that surviving their stay involves facing not only danger but understanding a shared and complicated past.
As someone who loves Norse myth, I was thoroughly immersed in this story. From the snowy isolated setting to the creepy old hotel with its wolf carvings and door handles, to the tight weave of folklore interlaced with whispers of past lives and reincarnation, the plot kept me flipping pages well into the night. Victor and Silje are both intriguing characters, and the myth elements are vividly imagined. There is a fair amount of head hopping that takes place, particularly early on, but it did not distract from the story for me. The writing is otherwise polished and pace is spot on. If you enjoy Norse myth, you’re sure to love this book!
As someone who loves Norse myth, I was thoroughly immersed in this story. From the snowy isolated setting to the creepy old hotel with its wolf carvings and door handles, to the tight weave of folklore interlaced with whispers of past lives and reincarnation, the plot kept me flipping pages well into the night. Victor and Silje are both intriguing characters, and the myth elements are vividly imagined. There is a fair amount of head hopping that takes place, particularly early on, but it did not distract from the story for me. The writing is otherwise polished and pace is spot on. If you enjoy Norse myth, you’re sure to love this book!
March 20, 2024
I won an audible code for this, I believe from the narrator, so I gave it a listen.
This book meshes hotel horror with Norse mythology. It starts with Victor arriving at the hotel after receiving a free trip from a radio show he can’t seem to remember participating in. When he meets Silje, the woman staying in the room next to him, he can’t help but feel as if he’s known her for a long time. It is from there that things get a little… strange.
It mixes magic, eternal and fated lovers, action, suspense, and expansive knowledge of Norse mythology. It handles the pacing pretty well while only feature a handful of characters. But it does miss the mark of atmospheric horror for me, which I believe had to do with length. The blurb mentions The Shining, but this has a shorter opening, so I didn’t get that eerie back-of-the-neck creeping feeling.
Personally a 4/5* for me. I look forward to checking out more by the authors.
https://fanfiaddict.com/hotel-fen-the...
This book meshes hotel horror with Norse mythology. It starts with Victor arriving at the hotel after receiving a free trip from a radio show he can’t seem to remember participating in. When he meets Silje, the woman staying in the room next to him, he can’t help but feel as if he’s known her for a long time. It is from there that things get a little… strange.
It mixes magic, eternal and fated lovers, action, suspense, and expansive knowledge of Norse mythology. It handles the pacing pretty well while only feature a handful of characters. But it does miss the mark of atmospheric horror for me, which I believe had to do with length. The blurb mentions The Shining, but this has a shorter opening, so I didn’t get that eerie back-of-the-neck creeping feeling.
Personally a 4/5* for me. I look forward to checking out more by the authors.
https://fanfiaddict.com/hotel-fen-the...
September 25, 2023
Review originally on
Jamreads
Hotel Fen is the first book in the Prophecies of Ragnarok series, written by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, which gives a new twist to Norse mythology in this urban fantasy proposal which also gives homage to The Shining; a contained story inside the mysterious Hotel Fen, where Viktor and Silje meet, because of a series of apparent coincidences.
Shortly after Viktor and Silje have a rather uncomfortable encounter on the lifter, they start discovering that Hotel Fen, where they are staying due to their apparent good luck, is not exactly what it seems to be; danger is surrounding them, and escaping from this place has become their priority.
In a well-paced story, we become spectators of how Viktor and Silje descend from the eighth floor to the lobby, while having several encounters with creatures that come directly from the Norse mythology; each one will reveal them more about their pasts and their true nature.
I found quite enjoyable how the authors slowly introduce more references to the mythology, without overwhelming you; and while you can feel a bit of plot armor for the characters, the fights are still tense, especially once we discover the mind behind the hotel.
However, I feel the short length of this book also plays against it, because our main characters could have been better developed; the world seems to be rich in details, but we don't really have the time to explore it much, as it is quite frenetic.
In summary, if you are looking for a short novel that blends Norse mythology and a bit of horror, I think you will like this book; it sets up perfectly for a sequel that I will be reading soon.
Hotel Fen is the first book in the Prophecies of Ragnarok series, written by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, which gives a new twist to Norse mythology in this urban fantasy proposal which also gives homage to The Shining; a contained story inside the mysterious Hotel Fen, where Viktor and Silje meet, because of a series of apparent coincidences.
Shortly after Viktor and Silje have a rather uncomfortable encounter on the lifter, they start discovering that Hotel Fen, where they are staying due to their apparent good luck, is not exactly what it seems to be; danger is surrounding them, and escaping from this place has become their priority.
In a well-paced story, we become spectators of how Viktor and Silje descend from the eighth floor to the lobby, while having several encounters with creatures that come directly from the Norse mythology; each one will reveal them more about their pasts and their true nature.
I found quite enjoyable how the authors slowly introduce more references to the mythology, without overwhelming you; and while you can feel a bit of plot armor for the characters, the fights are still tense, especially once we discover the mind behind the hotel.
However, I feel the short length of this book also plays against it, because our main characters could have been better developed; the world seems to be rich in details, but we don't really have the time to explore it much, as it is quite frenetic.
In summary, if you are looking for a short novel that blends Norse mythology and a bit of horror, I think you will like this book; it sets up perfectly for a sequel that I will be reading soon.
October 11, 2021
Definitely a must read. <3 I had a roller coaster ride of emotions reading this book hahahaha. I felt love, got scared, angry and had fun through out the journey. hahaha And definitely did not expect the twist (that you'll find out once you read this book ^_^).
November 27, 2021
I have a strong taste for Norse mythology in an urban fantasy setting, and this did a good job of satisfying it! Granted, this was more of a horror/dark fantasy, which is very appropriate for Norse Mythology. Hotel Fen is heavy on the foreshadowing and for a good reason; all of the symbolism and references to mythology are incredibly important, and I really appreciated it.
I was taken on a creepy journey through a haunted, cursed hotel that wasn't anything like it seemed at all. Wolves tried to tear our protagonists apart at every turn, and shadowy tendrils promised certain death if they got dragged off. The runic 'help me' spellings every so often also added to the terror, and the blend of languages in this book really added to the immersion.
Now, however, I would like to get into specifics!
**SPOILERS START**
Victor was an interesting character, and I found I could connect to him pretty well. Those eerie blue eyes indicating he might be something more than human had me on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what was happening. I really like how wolves in this story could mean enemy or ally, given Vidar was wolf-like himself, but so was Loki & Erik in many ways. I am a huge fan of gods as characters, especially ones who are not all-powerful, merely stronger than usual. I LOVE humanization of deities.
Silje was very fun, and I loved her personality. The fact that she is a nurse played an important role in this story, and she used her skills very well. It also really connected well to her being a Valkyrie, given they guided souls to Valhalla and were generally forces of good. I LOVED the bits about the unicorns, and really hope she ends up seeing one in the end. After all...we're in a world of fantasy and magic now. Who's to say they don't exist?
Ivaldi was great, I like the dwarf showing up here and again the references to 'rival' dwarf groups having created Thor's hammer. I REALLY liked how he was modernized, however, and how this story payed homage to history but also held up when it came to modern technology, as seen by Ivaldi's toys and use of the tank in the end.
Ada had quite the personality, and I found myself really loving her too. This cat reminded me a lot of Freya, and I have to wonder if she was actually Freya, or if she was a cat owned by Freya. Clearly she cared about Ivaldi & Vidar, which was a lot of fun to see. She even warmed up to Silje, even if just a tad.
The romance here was well written, and I am a huge sucker for star-crossed lovers, so that was quite the treat.
I LOVE how Jormungandr is a lady in this, as usually they're depicted as a son. I was actually quite sad at the death of Erik/Fenris, as in the end, I saw that Loki really did care about his children. Loki is the anomaly, and I can tell he's (maybe) meant to be evil here, given all he tried to do to our protagonists, but I have a suspicion there's something more at play. He is revolting against destiny and fighting for free will against Odin who seems... uncaring. Loki is chained by both destiny and the gods. There's something more to him that I feel will be revealed as the series continues.
**SPOILERS END**
All in all, this was a very fun read, and I got through it quickly because I enjoyed it so much. The descriptions were able to properly plunge me into the story, and I could see the characters pretty well in my head, along with the various monsters presented in the hotel. I give this story a huge thumbs up as a Norse mythology, horror, & urban fantasy fan!
I was taken on a creepy journey through a haunted, cursed hotel that wasn't anything like it seemed at all. Wolves tried to tear our protagonists apart at every turn, and shadowy tendrils promised certain death if they got dragged off. The runic 'help me' spellings every so often also added to the terror, and the blend of languages in this book really added to the immersion.
Now, however, I would like to get into specifics!
**SPOILERS START**
Victor was an interesting character, and I found I could connect to him pretty well. Those eerie blue eyes indicating he might be something more than human had me on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what was happening. I really like how wolves in this story could mean enemy or ally, given Vidar was wolf-like himself, but so was Loki & Erik in many ways. I am a huge fan of gods as characters, especially ones who are not all-powerful, merely stronger than usual. I LOVE humanization of deities.
Silje was very fun, and I loved her personality. The fact that she is a nurse played an important role in this story, and she used her skills very well. It also really connected well to her being a Valkyrie, given they guided souls to Valhalla and were generally forces of good. I LOVED the bits about the unicorns, and really hope she ends up seeing one in the end. After all...we're in a world of fantasy and magic now. Who's to say they don't exist?
Ivaldi was great, I like the dwarf showing up here and again the references to 'rival' dwarf groups having created Thor's hammer. I REALLY liked how he was modernized, however, and how this story payed homage to history but also held up when it came to modern technology, as seen by Ivaldi's toys and use of the tank in the end.
Ada had quite the personality, and I found myself really loving her too. This cat reminded me a lot of Freya, and I have to wonder if she was actually Freya, or if she was a cat owned by Freya. Clearly she cared about Ivaldi & Vidar, which was a lot of fun to see. She even warmed up to Silje, even if just a tad.
The romance here was well written, and I am a huge sucker for star-crossed lovers, so that was quite the treat.
I LOVE how Jormungandr is a lady in this, as usually they're depicted as a son. I was actually quite sad at the death of Erik/Fenris, as in the end, I saw that Loki really did care about his children. Loki is the anomaly, and I can tell he's (maybe) meant to be evil here, given all he tried to do to our protagonists, but I have a suspicion there's something more at play. He is revolting against destiny and fighting for free will against Odin who seems... uncaring. Loki is chained by both destiny and the gods. There's something more to him that I feel will be revealed as the series continues.
**SPOILERS END**
All in all, this was a very fun read, and I got through it quickly because I enjoyed it so much. The descriptions were able to properly plunge me into the story, and I could see the characters pretty well in my head, along with the various monsters presented in the hotel. I give this story a huge thumbs up as a Norse mythology, horror, & urban fantasy fan!
July 22, 2023
I had fun with this one! This is very much a love story, but with a lot of elements of Norse Mythology thrown into the mix to keep Victor and Silje on their toes! I loved watching them grow together as the story went on, and I learned so much about Norse mythology that I didn't know before (the extent of my knowledge comes from playing Assassin's Creed haha!) The setting of this book was also hugely atmospheric which I liked a lot! A quick, fun read, and I'll be returning for book 2 at some point!
October 16, 2023
If you want a lighter horror story filled with Norse mythology and a romance which has weathered many lives and much adversity through the ages, then Hotel Fen could be just what you are looking for.
The two main characters, Silje and Victor, have never met before in this life but seem strangely familiar to one another when they meet by chance (or is it through someone’s design?) at Hotel Fen in Norway, both having been gifted a stay there under unexpected circumstances.
Before long, strange things start happening and they notice sinister wolf motifs all around the hotel which seem to have a life of their own.
Silje and Victor are well-written and their instant attraction is cute and necessary for the rest of the story to make sense. Both of them begin having weird dreams, which turn out to be flashbacks to former lives, starring the other.
The hotel appears to be possessed and on a mission against them. These scenes are much faster paced than those with the couple getting to know one another as the excitement and peril ramps up and the pacing is perfect throughout the novel.
Hotel Fen is an ideal story to read during spooky month for anyone with an interest in Norse mythology, who likes romance amongst their life-threatening horror stories.
I was gifted a review copy of this book by the author, thank you Marie! My review is honest and my opinions are my own!
The two main characters, Silje and Victor, have never met before in this life but seem strangely familiar to one another when they meet by chance (or is it through someone’s design?) at Hotel Fen in Norway, both having been gifted a stay there under unexpected circumstances.
Before long, strange things start happening and they notice sinister wolf motifs all around the hotel which seem to have a life of their own.
Silje and Victor are well-written and their instant attraction is cute and necessary for the rest of the story to make sense. Both of them begin having weird dreams, which turn out to be flashbacks to former lives, starring the other.
The hotel appears to be possessed and on a mission against them. These scenes are much faster paced than those with the couple getting to know one another as the excitement and peril ramps up and the pacing is perfect throughout the novel.
Hotel Fen is an ideal story to read during spooky month for anyone with an interest in Norse mythology, who likes romance amongst their life-threatening horror stories.
I was gifted a review copy of this book by the author, thank you Marie! My review is honest and my opinions are my own!
December 14, 2021
Are you a fan of creepy Hotels that are not what they seem? Of Mythology perfectly intertwined with present life? and Characters that will intrigue the heck out of you?
Then this is the perfect read for you, It's a story that manages to mesh up Norse mythology with current daily life... and it does it so well. adding bits of reincarnation along the way. I confess to be a little biased because I adore reading about deities that are humanized and not all mighty powerful all the time... Norse mythos are so rich on their own...and this books blends everything so well.
The descriptive narrative works great to create an intriguing and creepy as hell atmosphere in the Hotel... that when mixed with the pacing of the story will keep you hooked and trying to guess which is friend or foe and what is really going on because nothing is what it seems.. It's a hell of a ride.
The characters are fun, interesting and relatable... And to my utter delight there's a star-crossed lovers romance that just feels like the cherry on great reading cake..
As a fan of Urban fantasy I would recommend this book to anyone that loves the genre and isn't afraid of a bit of horror to spice it up.. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
Then this is the perfect read for you, It's a story that manages to mesh up Norse mythology with current daily life... and it does it so well. adding bits of reincarnation along the way. I confess to be a little biased because I adore reading about deities that are humanized and not all mighty powerful all the time... Norse mythos are so rich on their own...and this books blends everything so well.
The descriptive narrative works great to create an intriguing and creepy as hell atmosphere in the Hotel... that when mixed with the pacing of the story will keep you hooked and trying to guess which is friend or foe and what is really going on because nothing is what it seems.. It's a hell of a ride.
The characters are fun, interesting and relatable... And to my utter delight there's a star-crossed lovers romance that just feels like the cherry on great reading cake..
As a fan of Urban fantasy I would recommend this book to anyone that loves the genre and isn't afraid of a bit of horror to spice it up.. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
April 29, 2022
Plenty of mystery and pulse-pounding anticipation! What a unique book! I was immediately drawn into this somewhat creepy tale. (I will admit, I have a weakness for mysterious hotels.) We meet our main character Victor just as he arrives in the Scandinavian mountains after winning a free trip. Victor is an author with a passion for Norse history and mythology, and through his eyes we notice that this hotel is steeped in symbolism associated with Norse gods. Soon after his arrival, Victor meets Silje, another hotel guest. As the attraction between them develops, unease about the hotel does, as well. Benson and Sinadjan do a fantastic job building a sense of foreboding while fanning the flames between Victor and Silje. This is a must-read for mystery fans and fans of Norse mythology.
June 20, 2023
More like a 3.5! I was excited to read this because I love Norse myth and just overall loved Victors winning a trip then meeting a woman who also won a trip (love that coincidence). I was worried about how Norse mythology would be explained and wondering if it would all be written well (?) if that makes sense just because of the topic itself.
I did enjoy how both main characters probably thought it was nice to win a free trip but not one that you literally have to survive! Everything was well written and described, plus enjoyed the character development! It is definitely a book I will recommend and looking forward to the next book.
I do want to thank the author for sending me this ebook and note that all opinions/thoughts above are my own!
I did enjoy how both main characters probably thought it was nice to win a free trip but not one that you literally have to survive! Everything was well written and described, plus enjoyed the character development! It is definitely a book I will recommend and looking forward to the next book.
I do want to thank the author for sending me this ebook and note that all opinions/thoughts above are my own!
September 25, 2023
The amount of love I have for this is undescribable (and I won't even try, I'm a reader not a writer). I will warn the scaredy cats like myself to not read it in the dark, but I am always easily spooked!
I cant even keep rambling about my love for the writing, the foreshadowing, and even the explanations of norse mythology (which the authors also have specific blogs to explain if you're stuck), if I keep going Im going to spoil it.
Book 2, here I come....... (also I read the prequel first and honestly recommend this reading order tbh).
I cant even keep rambling about my love for the writing, the foreshadowing, and even the explanations of norse mythology (which the authors also have specific blogs to explain if you're stuck), if I keep going Im going to spoil it.
Book 2, here I come....... (also I read the prequel first and honestly recommend this reading order tbh).
April 11, 2023
Sometimes Norse mythology is hard to pin down, but this book did it justice. I don’t want to spoil anything, just read the book!
March 2, 2022
HOTEL FEN is an exciting and engrossing seamless interweaving of contemporary culture with ancient Norse Mythology, in which Norse Myths are not fanciful fantasies, but are extraordinarily real and very present. This is easily a one-session read: what I commenced the pages seem to turn themselves in a breathless, edge-of-my-seat fashion. This is a rereader, and gratifyingly, it's Book One of a new Series: THE NINE. [Norse Mythology posited Nine Worlds, of which Midgard (Earth) is but one.]
April 17, 2022
Amazon Rating: ☆★★★★
Book Rating: ☆☆★★★
---
Hotel Fen is certainly not what I assumed it would be. Good reminder not to judge a book by its cover - not saying that in a bad way btw.
How to describe it? It feels like this would've made a decent game. It has all the hallmarks of a game. Heroes and villains, levels and bosses, magic and weapons. I'd play it!
It's very much a classic good guys vs bad guys tale that is dominated by a romance arc. Though the epilogue teased a more grey conflict if ‘good vs evil’ isn't your cup of tea.
The writing style was solid and consistent.
A little bit of unnecessary repeating but wasn't overly so.
Characters were a bit Mary Sue + Bond Villainish but that plays into the Gold vs Evil.
Story flow was perfect. It was quick and I never grew bored.
I learnt some Norse mythology I never heard of before so that's certainly very cool.
Overall a decent effort. I'm positive there will be people who love it.
---
My rating Systems:
Amazon Rating: (because they suck and will kill your book)
5 – Fantastic work. Anything from brilliant to highly likeable.
4 – A decent solid piece of writing with a lot going for it. I really dig your jive.
No rating if I don’t like it or think others won’t like it.
All other Book Rating Systems:
5 – Absolutely genius. I might want to marry you.
4 – Fantastic story. I loved it and will pick up your other work without hesitation.
3 – A good solid story. You had some good ideas here, (might be some bad ones too)
2 – I wasn’t into it. Some potential and missed opportunities.
1 – We need to talk.
Book Rating: ☆☆★★★
---
Hotel Fen is certainly not what I assumed it would be. Good reminder not to judge a book by its cover - not saying that in a bad way btw.
How to describe it? It feels like this would've made a decent game. It has all the hallmarks of a game. Heroes and villains, levels and bosses, magic and weapons. I'd play it!
It's very much a classic good guys vs bad guys tale that is dominated by a romance arc. Though the epilogue teased a more grey conflict if ‘good vs evil’ isn't your cup of tea.
The writing style was solid and consistent.
A little bit of unnecessary repeating but wasn't overly so.
Characters were a bit Mary Sue + Bond Villainish but that plays into the Gold vs Evil.
Story flow was perfect. It was quick and I never grew bored.
I learnt some Norse mythology I never heard of before so that's certainly very cool.
Overall a decent effort. I'm positive there will be people who love it.
---
My rating Systems:
Amazon Rating: (because they suck and will kill your book)
5 – Fantastic work. Anything from brilliant to highly likeable.
4 – A decent solid piece of writing with a lot going for it. I really dig your jive.
No rating if I don’t like it or think others won’t like it.
All other Book Rating Systems:
5 – Absolutely genius. I might want to marry you.
4 – Fantastic story. I loved it and will pick up your other work without hesitation.
3 – A good solid story. You had some good ideas here, (might be some bad ones too)
2 – I wasn’t into it. Some potential and missed opportunities.
1 – We need to talk.
August 7, 2024
“Hotel Fen” by Authors Marie Sinadjan and Meri Benson intertwines supernatural elements with rich Norse mythology. The story follows Victor, who has unexpectedly won a free trip to Hotel Fen, and Silje, who arrives at the hotel thanks to a bequest for an all-expenses-paid vacation. Their fateful encounter in the hotel lift sparks an instant, unexplainable connection, suggesting that their lives have intertwined in ways they are yet to understand.
The authors create a captivating atmosphere, immediately immersing the reader in an environment that feels both familiar and otherworldly. As Victor and Silje navigate their initial confusion and the escalating supernatural occurrences within the hotel, the plot unfolds with a brisk pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The clever integration of Norse mythology adds layers of intrigue and depth, enriching the narrative and inviting readers to explore the themes of fate and past lives.
Character development is another highlight of “Hotel Fen.” Victor and Silje are relatable and engaging protagonists allowing readers to connect with their emotional turmoil and confusion as they grapple with the hotel’s mysteries. The dialogue is authentic and serves to propel the story forward, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The book serves as a brilliant introduction to what promises to be an exciting series. I eagerly anticipate the potential development of Victor and Silje in future installments, as there is a wealth of backstory and psychological depth that has yet to be explored. The authors have successfully crafted a narrative that keeps readers guessing, building tension and intrigue throughout.
In conclusion, “Hotel Fen” is a fascinating read that combines supernatural thrills with the allure of Norse mythology. The engaging plot and relatable characters make it a compelling introduction to a series that I am excited to follow. This book not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the connections that transcend time and space. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a blend of mystery, mythology, and romance. I award 4.5 stars.
The authors create a captivating atmosphere, immediately immersing the reader in an environment that feels both familiar and otherworldly. As Victor and Silje navigate their initial confusion and the escalating supernatural occurrences within the hotel, the plot unfolds with a brisk pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The clever integration of Norse mythology adds layers of intrigue and depth, enriching the narrative and inviting readers to explore the themes of fate and past lives.
Character development is another highlight of “Hotel Fen.” Victor and Silje are relatable and engaging protagonists allowing readers to connect with their emotional turmoil and confusion as they grapple with the hotel’s mysteries. The dialogue is authentic and serves to propel the story forward, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The book serves as a brilliant introduction to what promises to be an exciting series. I eagerly anticipate the potential development of Victor and Silje in future installments, as there is a wealth of backstory and psychological depth that has yet to be explored. The authors have successfully crafted a narrative that keeps readers guessing, building tension and intrigue throughout.
In conclusion, “Hotel Fen” is a fascinating read that combines supernatural thrills with the allure of Norse mythology. The engaging plot and relatable characters make it a compelling introduction to a series that I am excited to follow. This book not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the connections that transcend time and space. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a blend of mystery, mythology, and romance. I award 4.5 stars.
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December 5, 2025If you like a thrilling story in a single setting, a romance worthy of the gods all mixed in with Norse Mythology, come sit with me.
Hotel Fen is the introduction to The Prophecies of Ragnarok and the book starts off disorienting, paralleling the characters' experiences. As the story unfolds, their circumstances start to make sense and why Hotel Fen is the way it is 😏
As a lover of mythology, I absolutely enjoyed reading the different references for gods and heroes and I made it into a guessing game just to test my stock knowledge. Sometimes though, I wish the story didn't handhold the reader to allow them the space to be pleasantly surprised.
Mythology aside, I appreciate the balance between the fantastical and romantic elements as they wove together cohesively. The story reveals itself in waves and allows the reader to just ride the ebbs and flows. With the hotel setting, I admire how the eerie scenery has a similar vibe as The Shining. I wish the story was longer as the world and characters can be more established without the limit on the page count.
The writing style fits the tone of the story, setting a seemingly ominous atmosphere while being a fast read. I love reading dual POVs but I wish there was more distinction and separation between the two to create an even more coherent experience for the reader.
All in all, Hotel Fen is a good book and a solid start to a trilogy. I'm extremely lucky to be part of this book tour with my fellow Book Chicks and I'm so thankful to Meri and Marie for this opportunity. I can't wait to see how Victor's and Silje's stories unfold in the coming books!
Hotel Fen is the introduction to The Prophecies of Ragnarok and the book starts off disorienting, paralleling the characters' experiences. As the story unfolds, their circumstances start to make sense and why Hotel Fen is the way it is 😏
As a lover of mythology, I absolutely enjoyed reading the different references for gods and heroes and I made it into a guessing game just to test my stock knowledge. Sometimes though, I wish the story didn't handhold the reader to allow them the space to be pleasantly surprised.
Mythology aside, I appreciate the balance between the fantastical and romantic elements as they wove together cohesively. The story reveals itself in waves and allows the reader to just ride the ebbs and flows. With the hotel setting, I admire how the eerie scenery has a similar vibe as The Shining. I wish the story was longer as the world and characters can be more established without the limit on the page count.
The writing style fits the tone of the story, setting a seemingly ominous atmosphere while being a fast read. I love reading dual POVs but I wish there was more distinction and separation between the two to create an even more coherent experience for the reader.
All in all, Hotel Fen is a good book and a solid start to a trilogy. I'm extremely lucky to be part of this book tour with my fellow Book Chicks and I'm so thankful to Meri and Marie for this opportunity. I can't wait to see how Victor's and Silje's stories unfold in the coming books!
May 30, 2023
First of all, I would like to thank Marie Sinadjant for giving me a digital copy of this book!! 💖
This book was sooo good I loved it! The range of emotions it made me feel was incredible - from fear to love, anger to joy - it was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me engaged from start to finish.
The author's use of foreshadowing was extremely well-done, leaving me on the edge of my seat throughout. The descriptions throughout were top-notch, setting the perfect mood and overall vibe for the book. I couldn't put it down and found myself constantly eager to know what would happen next.
For readers who enjoy the themes of mythology, mystery, reincarnation, horror, and romance - this book is for you! As for the characters, I loved all of them but for me Ada definitely stole the show (of course my favorite character would be a cat instead of a human). 😂
The romance between Victor and Silje was so beautifully written, adding another layer of heart to the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read.
And let's not forget the unicorns (If you have read the book you know) I need them to make an appearance in the second book! The characters keep saying that they are not real but it’s a fantasy book soooo….
This book was sooo good I loved it! The range of emotions it made me feel was incredible - from fear to love, anger to joy - it was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me engaged from start to finish.
The author's use of foreshadowing was extremely well-done, leaving me on the edge of my seat throughout. The descriptions throughout were top-notch, setting the perfect mood and overall vibe for the book. I couldn't put it down and found myself constantly eager to know what would happen next.
For readers who enjoy the themes of mythology, mystery, reincarnation, horror, and romance - this book is for you! As for the characters, I loved all of them but for me Ada definitely stole the show (of course my favorite character would be a cat instead of a human). 😂
The romance between Victor and Silje was so beautifully written, adding another layer of heart to the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read.
And let's not forget the unicorns (If you have read the book you know) I need them to make an appearance in the second book! The characters keep saying that they are not real but it’s a fantasy book soooo….
December 14, 2024
🌟 4 Stars - Twisty Norse Mythology Meets Creepy Hotels 🌟
Do you dare step into Hotel Fen.. yes you do.
If you love eerie settings that are more than they appear 👀, Norse mythology brought to life in surprising ways ⚡🛡️, and characters who feel all too human despite their legendary ties 👤✨, this series is your next binge-read.
The books are a masterful blend of suspense, mythology, and heart-stopping moments. Victor and Silje’s journey is captivating, and the stakes get higher with every chapter. The hotel’s ominous vibes (seriously, what’s with that elevator? 🚪⏳) and the creeping danger made me question reality right alongside them.
While I absolutely adored how the series humanizes Norse deities and adds layers of reincarnation to the plot, I did wish for more balance in showcasing their power dynamics. Still, the twists? 🤯 Utterly satisfying.
This trilogy is a fantastic choice for fans of star-crossed romance 💔✨, ancient prophecies 📜, and a good dose of spine-tingling mystery. Don’t be surprised if you’re left questioning what’s real and what’s myth by the end. HEHE
📚 READ Hotel Fen—just don’t forget to leave the lights on. 🔦👻
Do you dare step into Hotel Fen.. yes you do.
If you love eerie settings that are more than they appear 👀, Norse mythology brought to life in surprising ways ⚡🛡️, and characters who feel all too human despite their legendary ties 👤✨, this series is your next binge-read.
The books are a masterful blend of suspense, mythology, and heart-stopping moments. Victor and Silje’s journey is captivating, and the stakes get higher with every chapter. The hotel’s ominous vibes (seriously, what’s with that elevator? 🚪⏳) and the creeping danger made me question reality right alongside them.
While I absolutely adored how the series humanizes Norse deities and adds layers of reincarnation to the plot, I did wish for more balance in showcasing their power dynamics. Still, the twists? 🤯 Utterly satisfying.
This trilogy is a fantastic choice for fans of star-crossed romance 💔✨, ancient prophecies 📜, and a good dose of spine-tingling mystery. Don’t be surprised if you’re left questioning what’s real and what’s myth by the end. HEHE
📚 READ Hotel Fen—just don’t forget to leave the lights on. 🔦👻
September 19, 2023
Does anyone need a good Fantasy Horror novel?
"The Shinning meets Norse mythology" is a pretty accurate description of this book, but they left out the amazing writing, endearing characters, and the brutal ending that was like a punch in the gut, which I didn't need right now. I need Book II!
I have a strong opinion about dual POVs, which can become messy if done carelessly, but I was glad to see it wasn't an issue here. Victor and Silje had very distinct voices and it was easy to follow who was at the forefront of each scene. Even when they flashed back to their past lives. Oh, did I mention we have a severe case of rebirth here? Absolutely perfect!
The first part was all about mystery and spookies (so many spookies!) but the story quickly evolves into action, prophecies, and a looming war that has been brewing for centuries. Ragnarok? Ringing any bells?
Lucky me, I already have the entire series on my Kindle, so I you'll excuse me, I'll be joining the Valkyries and slaying foes.
"The Shinning meets Norse mythology" is a pretty accurate description of this book, but they left out the amazing writing, endearing characters, and the brutal ending that was like a punch in the gut, which I didn't need right now. I need Book II!
I have a strong opinion about dual POVs, which can become messy if done carelessly, but I was glad to see it wasn't an issue here. Victor and Silje had very distinct voices and it was easy to follow who was at the forefront of each scene. Even when they flashed back to their past lives. Oh, did I mention we have a severe case of rebirth here? Absolutely perfect!
The first part was all about mystery and spookies (so many spookies!) but the story quickly evolves into action, prophecies, and a looming war that has been brewing for centuries. Ragnarok? Ringing any bells?
Lucky me, I already have the entire series on my Kindle, so I you'll excuse me, I'll be joining the Valkyries and slaying foes.
May 25, 2024
Hotel Fen by Marie Sinadjan is a masterfully written urban fantasy about norse mythology, which makes the reader weave back and forth between past and present in a very satisfying and engaging world. Especially impressive is the author’s perfectly balanced shifts between Victor’s and Silje’s shared and exciting outer-world, and their very relatable, deep individual inner worlds.
I am so terrified that writing more would accidentally spoil this very enjoyable adventure, so I’ll end by saying that I would highly recommend this, especially if you’re into norse mythology, meet cute, urban fantasy, mystery, and a bit of time-warping. A little note to my christian friends out there, books 2 and 3 (which I haven’t read yet) will contain a some lgbt representations which i doubt will be crucial to the story line. However, book 1 works very well as a stand-alone if you choose it to be, with a satisfying ending that i found to be worth the journey.
PS: For the music-lovers out there, Hotel Fen has a pleasant surprise for you, which you'll surely figure out after reading the book.
I am so terrified that writing more would accidentally spoil this very enjoyable adventure, so I’ll end by saying that I would highly recommend this, especially if you’re into norse mythology, meet cute, urban fantasy, mystery, and a bit of time-warping. A little note to my christian friends out there, books 2 and 3 (which I haven’t read yet) will contain a some lgbt representations which i doubt will be crucial to the story line. However, book 1 works very well as a stand-alone if you choose it to be, with a satisfying ending that i found to be worth the journey.
PS: For the music-lovers out there, Hotel Fen has a pleasant surprise for you, which you'll surely figure out after reading the book.
January 17, 2022
This book is based around Norse mythology and set in a hotel which means that you could have the grandest hotel ever but still have a set scale of how big something could ever feel and yet this book feels epic in scale despite being in a hotel. The book is a beautiful read which has epic scale, dark feeling moments and descriptions of the surroundings that enable the reader to be drawn in. For a book which is setting up a world which is giant in what it could deliver, you always worry that it will result in either a watering down of the book you are reading or even that it feels a bit drawn out and for me this book manages to avoid both of these problems.
The book delivers on mythology, characters who you believe in and also a story which works well and delivers something that whilst epic for book one, could simply expand beyond anything you could picture if this series continues along like this.
The book delivers on mythology, characters who you believe in and also a story which works well and delivers something that whilst epic for book one, could simply expand beyond anything you could picture if this series continues along like this.
September 7, 2023
Do you love Norse mythology? Then this is a book for you filled with action, adventure and romance! ✨
This is the first Norse mythology book that I’ve read so all the mythical stories are new to me. This book does a wonderful job of reincarnating the characters and portraying their story. It is a bit eerie and I sometimes felt that the 🐺 are like real lol. Hopefully that doesn’t haunt me on my next stay at a hotel or Airbnb 😫😂. I also avoid horror so maybe my horror scale is really low 🥲. That said there’s a lot of information and relationships that play into the story which would be easy to understand if you know your mythology. I didn’t so I had to google things a bit but now I’m curious to know more. I absolutely adored the 🐈⬛ and believe she’s the smartest of them all 😁. What’s really unique is there’s original songs written just for this book that’s also so cool! ✨✨
This is the first Norse mythology book that I’ve read so all the mythical stories are new to me. This book does a wonderful job of reincarnating the characters and portraying their story. It is a bit eerie and I sometimes felt that the 🐺 are like real lol. Hopefully that doesn’t haunt me on my next stay at a hotel or Airbnb 😫😂. I also avoid horror so maybe my horror scale is really low 🥲. That said there’s a lot of information and relationships that play into the story which would be easy to understand if you know your mythology. I didn’t so I had to google things a bit but now I’m curious to know more. I absolutely adored the 🐈⬛ and believe she’s the smartest of them all 😁. What’s really unique is there’s original songs written just for this book that’s also so cool! ✨✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
I loved how the authors blend myth and modernity so seamlessly. The pacing is eerie and immersive, the atmosphere deliciously unsettling and just when you think you know what’s happening, the story flips on you. 👀
The Norse myth references are introduced gradually, never overwhelming, and when that one famous name appears? Chef’s kiss! 👌🏻 No spoilers !!! but mythology lovers, you’ll know. 😉
The writing is vivid and cinematic, the tension real, and the romance between Viktor and Silje? Star-crossed and beautifully done ! the perfect cherry on this dark, myth-soaked cake. 🍒
I don’t read much urban fantasy (note to self: fix that soon!😅), but this one absolutely pulled me in. ♥️
If you love paranormal romance, mythology, reincarnation twists, and a dash of horror, Hotel Fen deserves a spot on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A haunting, myth-infused ride that keeps you guessing till the end.♥️
January 12, 2022
If you're into books like Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief or mythology, then I would recommend you give this book a try. This was an interesting story, the way it mixed tales of Norse Gods with a supernatural element.
I also liked how it intertwined quite a few of the Norse Gods along with other characters. At times it was rather difficult for me to keep track of which character's points of view I was reading from. Unfortunately, I feel that due to this confusion, the story lost some of its magic for me. However, I still feel that this book constrained a great concept and was a unique story worth reading.
I also liked how it intertwined quite a few of the Norse Gods along with other characters. At times it was rather difficult for me to keep track of which character's points of view I was reading from. Unfortunately, I feel that due to this confusion, the story lost some of its magic for me. However, I still feel that this book constrained a great concept and was a unique story worth reading.
January 4, 2025
This book had me hooooked. I love Norse mythology and thought this was well written.
I'm actually not a huge fan of horror in movies or tv but when reading horror in a book that is doable for me. This had a perfect blend with the mythology and horror combined.
I don't really want to go too in depth with spoilers so I will just say that if you like Mythology and Horror then this is the book for you. The character development was perfectly paved from start to finish. There were a few twists and turns that had me on my toes and of course a villian who we all absolutely hate. I will be keeping an eye on this series because I am intrigued to see where it goes.
I'm actually not a huge fan of horror in movies or tv but when reading horror in a book that is doable for me. This had a perfect blend with the mythology and horror combined.
I don't really want to go too in depth with spoilers so I will just say that if you like Mythology and Horror then this is the book for you. The character development was perfectly paved from start to finish. There were a few twists and turns that had me on my toes and of course a villian who we all absolutely hate. I will be keeping an eye on this series because I am intrigued to see where it goes.
August 2, 2024
I loved this captivating tale that combines Norse mythology with a eerie atmosphere. The story follows Victor and Silje as they meet at a remote hotel and uncover ancient prophecies, romance, and danger.
The author does a great job of blending mythology, suspense, and romance, making it hard to put down. The characters are relatable and well-developed. My only issue was some plot twists felt a bit convenient. Overall, a great read for fans of mythology, mystery, and romance!
The author does a great job of blending mythology, suspense, and romance, making it hard to put down. The characters are relatable and well-developed. My only issue was some plot twists felt a bit convenient. Overall, a great read for fans of mythology, mystery, and romance!
December 31, 2025
If you're looking for a richly moody book that will take you away to a mysterious, intriguing setting, pack your bags and go spend some time in Hotel Fen. If you're intrigued by Norse mythology, you're going to love what goes on there!
This is one of those books you sink into and move around inside of, losing sight of your usual mundane surroundings. Author Meri Benson has done a fine job of stirring up a plot that is rich in history and feels very tangible.
This is one of those books you sink into and move around inside of, losing sight of your usual mundane surroundings. Author Meri Benson has done a fine job of stirring up a plot that is rich in history and feels very tangible.
November 18, 2024
As a fan of ally types of mythology I really enjoyed this novel immersed the the norse gods. This was a perfect spooky vibes kinda read for fall and I became attached to Victor and Silje on their adventure as they have one hell of a holiday (also hello elevator meet cute!) This one is sort of slow paced at first but it picks up.
February 13, 2025
Such a good, creepy audiobook! The narrator, Rebecca Lemke, has such a cute & sweet voice, which I thought really ramped up the creepy horror aspect of this tale! What’s around the corner, what’s going to happen next? Sent shivers down my spine!
Thank you to the authors for the Audible code for this book 💕
Thank you to the authors for the Audible code for this book 💕
April 10, 2023
Really great book, interesting characters and a great storyline. Can't wait to read book 2.
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