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Tales of the Nine Worlds #1
Thunder, Blood, and Goats
Killing one measly dragon wasn’t supposed to be a problem.
It seemed like a good, if not practically heroic, choice to join Thor on a quick mission to rid the realm of Alfheim of a minor dragon infestation. It all goes wrong when Thor insists on bringing the goats. And then it gets worse when Elénaril—an elf with an attitude and a crossbow—steps on the scene.
Loki finds her absolutely charming.
And so does Odin. He craves Elénaril for his army in Valhalla. Loki sees this as a (second) chance to secure his place in Asgard and impress the gods.
He wants to show them he isn’t as bad as they say.
But if Loki does what Odin wishes, it might not necessarily prove he isn’t as bad as they say, but prove that he is.
It seemed like a good, if not practically heroic, choice to join Thor on a quick mission to rid the realm of Alfheim of a minor dragon infestation. It all goes wrong when Thor insists on bringing the goats. And then it gets worse when Elénaril—an elf with an attitude and a crossbow—steps on the scene.
Loki finds her absolutely charming.
And so does Odin. He craves Elénaril for his army in Valhalla. Loki sees this as a (second) chance to secure his place in Asgard and impress the gods.
He wants to show them he isn’t as bad as they say.
But if Loki does what Odin wishes, it might not necessarily prove he isn’t as bad as they say, but prove that he is.
Published November 9, 2021
9 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Wolf
9 books136 followersLyra Wolf is a Swiss-American author of fantasy and mythic fiction.
Raised in Indiana, home to a billion corn mazes, she now lives in Central Florida, home to a billion mosquitoes. She enjoys drinking espresso, wandering through old city streets, and being tragically drawn to 18th century rogues.
When Lyra isn’t fulfilling the wishes of her overly demanding Chihuahua, you can find her writing about other worlds and the complicated people who live there.
Lyra has earned a B.A. in History and M.A. in English.
Raised in Indiana, home to a billion corn mazes, she now lives in Central Florida, home to a billion mosquitoes. She enjoys drinking espresso, wandering through old city streets, and being tragically drawn to 18th century rogues.
When Lyra isn’t fulfilling the wishes of her overly demanding Chihuahua, you can find her writing about other worlds and the complicated people who live there.
Lyra has earned a B.A. in History and M.A. in English.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 1, 2021
Thunder, Blood, and Goats is a novella side story in Lyra Wolf’s The Nine Worlds Rising series (previously titled The Nine Worlds Chronicles). I have been a big fan of this series, and this latest release has done nothing to diminish that experience.
I am a big fan of Norse Mythology, and so reading Norse-inspired fantasy has really been a treat for me. There are so many great writers in the genre, right now, and Wolf is one of my favorites. I like the author’s writing because the style is light and the stories are fun, but the lore is there, as well. And that is exactly what the readers get with Thunder, Blood, and Goats.
This book (and the series, overall) is very character driven, in my opinion, and Wolf’s consistency with writing characters comes through in this book really well, also. Loki is as mischievous as always, Thor is constantly looking for a fight (and really attached to his goats, apparently, which is new information to me), and Odin has the end of the world on his mind (among other things, but we will get to that in a minute). Of course, Elénaril is a big part of the story, too, which adds to the ever-growing classic Norse character set. There is also a dragon, which I am always a sucker for.
The narrative itself is a good medium for showcasing the characters. Odin sending Loki and Thor on a mission to kill a dragon is just asking for trouble. These two get into all kinds of shenanigans (because nothing ever seems to go the way they plan), and Elénaril ends up getting caught up in the mess they made. For a novella, I was impressed at the way the author was able to fit so much mayhem into only 100 or pages.
Going back to what Odin has on his mind, let’s just say it would not be a Lyra Wolf book without a steamy scene. I am going to let you experience that for yourself, but trust me, it is hot.
Thunder, Blood & Goats is a great compliment to Lyra Wolf’s The Nine Worlds Rising series. The characters really shine, the storyline is fun, and the author’s genuinely lighthearted writing style comes through in spades. If you have read this series, I definitely recommend picking it up. If you have not read the series, I still recommend it because I think it can be read as a playful Loki standalone, as well.
I am a big fan of Norse Mythology, and so reading Norse-inspired fantasy has really been a treat for me. There are so many great writers in the genre, right now, and Wolf is one of my favorites. I like the author’s writing because the style is light and the stories are fun, but the lore is there, as well. And that is exactly what the readers get with Thunder, Blood, and Goats.
This book (and the series, overall) is very character driven, in my opinion, and Wolf’s consistency with writing characters comes through in this book really well, also. Loki is as mischievous as always, Thor is constantly looking for a fight (and really attached to his goats, apparently, which is new information to me), and Odin has the end of the world on his mind (among other things, but we will get to that in a minute). Of course, Elénaril is a big part of the story, too, which adds to the ever-growing classic Norse character set. There is also a dragon, which I am always a sucker for.
The narrative itself is a good medium for showcasing the characters. Odin sending Loki and Thor on a mission to kill a dragon is just asking for trouble. These two get into all kinds of shenanigans (because nothing ever seems to go the way they plan), and Elénaril ends up getting caught up in the mess they made. For a novella, I was impressed at the way the author was able to fit so much mayhem into only 100 or pages.
Going back to what Odin has on his mind, let’s just say it would not be a Lyra Wolf book without a steamy scene. I am going to let you experience that for yourself, but trust me, it is hot.
Thunder, Blood & Goats is a great compliment to Lyra Wolf’s The Nine Worlds Rising series. The characters really shine, the storyline is fun, and the author’s genuinely lighthearted writing style comes through in spades. If you have read this series, I definitely recommend picking it up. If you have not read the series, I still recommend it because I think it can be read as a playful Loki standalone, as well.
September 17, 2021
I was granted complimentary access to Thunder, Blood, and Goats by author Lyra Wolf in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Lyra for the review copy and to Sue for putting us in contact! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Although this isn't the first time I've had the opportunity to promote Lyra's work, it is the first time I've sat down to read it, and now I need to read the rest! Wolf's interpretation of Norse mythology and these early/origin stories of the gods are fascinating and right up my alley. In Thunder, Blood, and Goats we get a Thor who's over it all (except for his goats. Those poor goats.), Loki is the new guy, and a fierce young mortal woman doesn't need their help and isn't afraid to say so.
Wolf's version of these gods is so beautifully complicated and utterly human, as the gods of many European cultures often were in the beginning, and it's refreshing to watch them struggle with genuine emotions, inner conflicts, and the fear of facing reality.
If you love a good fantasy adventure steeped in Norse lore, but you're also looking for a beating heart in the chests of those powerful gods, Wolf's work is for you!
Although this isn't the first time I've had the opportunity to promote Lyra's work, it is the first time I've sat down to read it, and now I need to read the rest! Wolf's interpretation of Norse mythology and these early/origin stories of the gods are fascinating and right up my alley. In Thunder, Blood, and Goats we get a Thor who's over it all (except for his goats. Those poor goats.), Loki is the new guy, and a fierce young mortal woman doesn't need their help and isn't afraid to say so.
Wolf's version of these gods is so beautifully complicated and utterly human, as the gods of many European cultures often were in the beginning, and it's refreshing to watch them struggle with genuine emotions, inner conflicts, and the fear of facing reality.
If you love a good fantasy adventure steeped in Norse lore, but you're also looking for a beating heart in the chests of those powerful gods, Wolf's work is for you!
November 28, 2021
I was lucky enough to get a digital copy from the author and was very excited to pick this book up since I haven't read anything by Lyra Wolf prior to that and she's been on my reading list for a while now.
Firstly, I have to point out that this novella is a companion book to the The Nine Worlds Rising series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is why I picked up a copy, even though I haven't read the series prior to that. I'm sure anyone who has read it, find this an amazing addition to the series, but speaking from someone who has read only this novella, it's an amazing norse tale featuring Loki and Thor.
What I loved the most about this book is how the gods are portrayed. You have Odin, who is a huge egoistic persona, like he is supposed to be, you have Loki, a trickster god who always makes sure everything works out for him, no matter the casualties, but still has a bit of conscience, so he's not a one-dimensional character and really gives him depth. And what I loved the most is Thor. I think we all got used to »marvelian« Thor that's almighty and perfect, but in this case he's still super strong, but a bit slow and dumb on the side. Next to gods, there is Eléndaril, who really completes the book. She is a smart, strong woman who isn't afraid of anything and is brave beyond belief.
As much as I enjoyed the characters, the book is also written really well. For a novella, you get a full lenght novel experience. The story is developed perfectly from the beginning to the end, and so are the characters as I already mentioned. Everything is explained to the right amount, so you have all the information you need and also written simplistic enough so you can just sit back, enjoy the story, withouth overthinking everything.
Like I said, this is the first book by Lyra Wolf I picked up and I really loved it. Her books were on my radar for a while now, but after experiencing this novella, they definitely deserve to get on my priority list.
Firstly, I have to point out that this novella is a companion book to the The Nine Worlds Rising series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is why I picked up a copy, even though I haven't read the series prior to that. I'm sure anyone who has read it, find this an amazing addition to the series, but speaking from someone who has read only this novella, it's an amazing norse tale featuring Loki and Thor.
What I loved the most about this book is how the gods are portrayed. You have Odin, who is a huge egoistic persona, like he is supposed to be, you have Loki, a trickster god who always makes sure everything works out for him, no matter the casualties, but still has a bit of conscience, so he's not a one-dimensional character and really gives him depth. And what I loved the most is Thor. I think we all got used to »marvelian« Thor that's almighty and perfect, but in this case he's still super strong, but a bit slow and dumb on the side. Next to gods, there is Eléndaril, who really completes the book. She is a smart, strong woman who isn't afraid of anything and is brave beyond belief.
As much as I enjoyed the characters, the book is also written really well. For a novella, you get a full lenght novel experience. The story is developed perfectly from the beginning to the end, and so are the characters as I already mentioned. Everything is explained to the right amount, so you have all the information you need and also written simplistic enough so you can just sit back, enjoy the story, withouth overthinking everything.
Like I said, this is the first book by Lyra Wolf I picked up and I really loved it. Her books were on my radar for a while now, but after experiencing this novella, they definitely deserve to get on my priority list.
January 18, 2022
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Thunder, Blood, and Goats
Thank you to Lyra Wolf for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
While Loki isn’t thrilled to be trouncing through deep snow, freezing his toes off hunting a dragon with Thor, it really is for a good cause. If he can slay the beast he’ll be one step closer to proving to the Gods he is more than just a trickster. Yet of course the hunt turns disastrous once Thor’s blundering self mucks it up. Then he’s offered a second chance when the elf Elénaril crosses their paths. Forced to work off a debt to the Gods in Asgard, Elénaril catches Odin’s eye and he’ll do anything to claim her soul.
Lyra Wolf’s interpretation of the Norse Gods is fantastic. Thor is such a bumbling hard head, I can’t help but feel for Loki. Being stuck with someone like Thor in the cold facing down a dragon would drive me crazy. I could picture Loki’s facial expression with each clipped bit of dialogue as he tried to do the best he could. I also appreciated Thor grumbling about the need for a hammer that returns to him. I do hope we experience that adventure in a future short story.
Loki is a fantastic character to follow. He’s manipulative and constantly plotting to put himself in a better light. And while readers may not always agree with his choices, Lyra builds his character in such a way that you can’t help but root him on. And to watch him receive such poor treatment from the Gods just hurts. My heart wants so much more for him.
While it isn’t necessary to read Truth & Other Lies before this novella, I feel like I gained a bit more from the story because I did read it first. The tension between Odin and Loki in the first book of The Nine Worlds Rising has a bit more of an explanation. It also helps put a few more things into perspective from the first book.
If you enjoy Norse mythology, you need to read Lyra Wolf’s books. The Nine Worlds Rising is one of those series I want to read as quickly as possible, yet I also don’t want to run out of books. I have to know what's going to happen.
Thank you to Lyra Wolf for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
While Loki isn’t thrilled to be trouncing through deep snow, freezing his toes off hunting a dragon with Thor, it really is for a good cause. If he can slay the beast he’ll be one step closer to proving to the Gods he is more than just a trickster. Yet of course the hunt turns disastrous once Thor’s blundering self mucks it up. Then he’s offered a second chance when the elf Elénaril crosses their paths. Forced to work off a debt to the Gods in Asgard, Elénaril catches Odin’s eye and he’ll do anything to claim her soul.
Lyra Wolf’s interpretation of the Norse Gods is fantastic. Thor is such a bumbling hard head, I can’t help but feel for Loki. Being stuck with someone like Thor in the cold facing down a dragon would drive me crazy. I could picture Loki’s facial expression with each clipped bit of dialogue as he tried to do the best he could. I also appreciated Thor grumbling about the need for a hammer that returns to him. I do hope we experience that adventure in a future short story.
Loki is a fantastic character to follow. He’s manipulative and constantly plotting to put himself in a better light. And while readers may not always agree with his choices, Lyra builds his character in such a way that you can’t help but root him on. And to watch him receive such poor treatment from the Gods just hurts. My heart wants so much more for him.
While it isn’t necessary to read Truth & Other Lies before this novella, I feel like I gained a bit more from the story because I did read it first. The tension between Odin and Loki in the first book of The Nine Worlds Rising has a bit more of an explanation. It also helps put a few more things into perspective from the first book.
If you enjoy Norse mythology, you need to read Lyra Wolf’s books. The Nine Worlds Rising is one of those series I want to read as quickly as possible, yet I also don’t want to run out of books. I have to know what's going to happen.
September 14, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I also am a friend of the author, so unbiased is always a relative term.
This novella was just what I needed. While it’s a short, fun read for people just discovering Lyra Wolf’s work, it’s also a gut punch for anyone familiar with The Nine Worlds Rising series.
Wolf plays on a lot of the things I love to see in a story: morally grey choices, characters whose self-interest drives them to make bad decisions, and examination of human psychology. It’s hard to get too deep into this without spoiling this tiny novella’s plot, but if you’ve already read Truth and Other Lies, you’ll find yourself wanting to punch a certain someone over and over again. I may even have called Wolf a monster several times because of the emotional distress I had over several scenes, but I have forgiven them. Afterall, what else is an author’s life purpose but to make people feel things?
I also adored that Wolf took a myth that I’ve never much cared for and turned it into something fantastic. My only gripe now is that the novella is over and I have nothing left TO READDDDD
This novella was just what I needed. While it’s a short, fun read for people just discovering Lyra Wolf’s work, it’s also a gut punch for anyone familiar with The Nine Worlds Rising series.
Wolf plays on a lot of the things I love to see in a story: morally grey choices, characters whose self-interest drives them to make bad decisions, and examination of human psychology. It’s hard to get too deep into this without spoiling this tiny novella’s plot, but if you’ve already read Truth and Other Lies, you’ll find yourself wanting to punch a certain someone over and over again. I may even have called Wolf a monster several times because of the emotional distress I had over several scenes, but I have forgiven them. Afterall, what else is an author’s life purpose but to make people feel things?
I also adored that Wolf took a myth that I’ve never much cared for and turned it into something fantastic. My only gripe now is that the novella is over and I have nothing left TO READDDDD
February 1, 2023
3.5 stars
Pros:
-Short and to the point
-Insight into the beginning of Odin and Lokis relationship
-Lots of foreshadowing and little details that are a nice call out to the rest of the series
Cons:
-Not much plot (I know it’s a novella but it felt like nothing happened)
-The goats died… and weren’t mentioned after that
Pros:
-Short and to the point
-Insight into the beginning of Odin and Lokis relationship
-Lots of foreshadowing and little details that are a nice call out to the rest of the series
Cons:
-Not much plot (I know it’s a novella but it felt like nothing happened)
-The goats died… and weren’t mentioned after that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Review to come
October 20, 2022
SO funny and snarky and action packed. One of my favorite quick reads this year, hands down!
September 19, 2021
I received an arc copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review - thank you, Lyra!
I have loved all of the books I have read by Lyra Wolf so far, and this short novella was no exception! Her version of Loki is just deliciously snarky enough without being unbearable and he has a conscience - although he doesn’t always listen to it! Odin is despicable in his egotistical plans again, and as for Thor - he is dumb and strong, but with a temper which Loki has to keep in check before he rains vengeance on the young boy Nym in this retelling of a lesser known Norse myth. The other main character in this story is an Elven woman named Eléndaril, who was a fantastic character full of feistiness and bravery. Determined to slay the dragon which has been troubling her village all by herself, she is annoyed to meet Thor and Loki banging around noisily outside the dragon’s lair. As always when you start to get involved with the gods there are consequences - and she is lucky that she charmed Loki enough with her personality and courage for him to care about her well-being.
Also did I mention the dragon? I always enjoy a dragon and this one is fantastic:
“The dragon tore out of its den, all green scales and muscle and a jowl full of sharp teeth. It flapped its small, useless wings—which would have made it look laughable, had it not been for the glob of venom it spat at my chest. I jumped out of the way, avoiding the mass of liquid by inches. Steam rose around the purple puddle, hissing as it sank and melted the snow where I had stood a second earlier.“
Wolf’s wit hits all the right notes in this novella and I would urge anyone considering reading her other books to give this one a try. It works as a standalone, yet equally fits into the ongoing series well and gives a great taste of her undeniable skill in writing entertaining stories. I can’t wait for the next one!
I have loved all of the books I have read by Lyra Wolf so far, and this short novella was no exception! Her version of Loki is just deliciously snarky enough without being unbearable and he has a conscience - although he doesn’t always listen to it! Odin is despicable in his egotistical plans again, and as for Thor - he is dumb and strong, but with a temper which Loki has to keep in check before he rains vengeance on the young boy Nym in this retelling of a lesser known Norse myth. The other main character in this story is an Elven woman named Eléndaril, who was a fantastic character full of feistiness and bravery. Determined to slay the dragon which has been troubling her village all by herself, she is annoyed to meet Thor and Loki banging around noisily outside the dragon’s lair. As always when you start to get involved with the gods there are consequences - and she is lucky that she charmed Loki enough with her personality and courage for him to care about her well-being.
Also did I mention the dragon? I always enjoy a dragon and this one is fantastic:
“The dragon tore out of its den, all green scales and muscle and a jowl full of sharp teeth. It flapped its small, useless wings—which would have made it look laughable, had it not been for the glob of venom it spat at my chest. I jumped out of the way, avoiding the mass of liquid by inches. Steam rose around the purple puddle, hissing as it sank and melted the snow where I had stood a second earlier.“
Wolf’s wit hits all the right notes in this novella and I would urge anyone considering reading her other books to give this one a try. It works as a standalone, yet equally fits into the ongoing series well and gives a great taste of her undeniable skill in writing entertaining stories. I can’t wait for the next one!
April 25, 2023
A quick easy read set before the main Nine Worlds Rising Series. This book is set right after Loki joins the Aesir and becomes a god, so you get a closer look at his relationship with Odin and Thor, which I really enjoyed. f you haven’t read the other books in the series, you can read this as a stand-alone to see if you would like the other books. It sets up a few things that pay off in books 1 and 2 and people who enjoy the series will really like this novella too!
June 2, 2025
The relationship between Loki and Odin is so layered. Wolf's depiction of these characters has me in such a tight grip. I just received The Fire and the Frost- can't wait to continue reading this series! Keep writing these characters, Lyra Wolf!!
March 29, 2022
I really do love Lyra wolfs stuff! It’s so great to read!
April 6, 2022
Awesome little prequel story for the rest of the series. Angry goat, just an awesome image.
May 23, 2022
Great Novella for an amazing Loki series!
March 23, 2023
Sweet
A sweet little story with some Odin spice. And a dragon! Full of action. Can't wait to get the next book!
A sweet little story with some Odin spice. And a dragon! Full of action. Can't wait to get the next book!
January 11, 2024
reading about loki is such a comfort for me <3
March 28, 2024
another one that was good, still not as good as the first but good nonetheless
June 9, 2025
I’m kind of obsessed with Loki in any shape or form!! I started with this prequel by accident, but still enjoyed it — now I’m even more exited for the whole other 4 books >>
November 17, 2023
I seen that someone had recommended this book on TikTok so I had to give it a shot as I really enjoy Norse mythology. I thought it was a well written story however it just wasn’t for me unfortunately. This is a prequel to the series so I would definitely recommend starting here if you are interested in this series and if you enjoy Norse mythology.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews