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Father of Monsters
There is more to Loki's story.
In every myth there is a truth, and in every truth, there is an illusion.
What if the myths were wrong and Thor’s hammer wasn’t stolen?
What if we all had the power to shape our destiny?
What if the real story lies untold?
What if conflict is the only thing that can truly shape who we become?
A long time ago in the land of giants, there was an unusual family desperate to remain a secret from the gods of Asgard.
It was all going as planned until the Norse trickster Loki makes a risky deal with a Jotun that sets off a cascade of scandals that only he can fix. Follow Loki in this decadent retelling full of magic, love, myth, humor, and betrayal as he faces the new challenges of fatherhood and is forced to choose between his family or his own selfish pursuits.
In every myth there is a truth, and in every truth, there is an illusion.
What if the myths were wrong and Thor’s hammer wasn’t stolen?
What if we all had the power to shape our destiny?
What if the real story lies untold?
What if conflict is the only thing that can truly shape who we become?
A long time ago in the land of giants, there was an unusual family desperate to remain a secret from the gods of Asgard.
It was all going as planned until the Norse trickster Loki makes a risky deal with a Jotun that sets off a cascade of scandals that only he can fix. Follow Loki in this decadent retelling full of magic, love, myth, humor, and betrayal as he faces the new challenges of fatherhood and is forced to choose between his family or his own selfish pursuits.
135 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
About the author
A.B. Frost
3 books13 followersA.B. Frost is a graduate of Fordham University with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Creative Writing. She is a lover of Nordic Mythology and fantasy, and enjoys breathing new life into old tales using the figures who have enlivened all that is myth. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, cooking, and travelling.
She is preparing to launch a Norse Loki novella titled Father of Monsters.
To get a sneak peek at her works in progress you can sign up for her newsletter at https://abfrostauthor.com.
She is preparing to launch a Norse Loki novella titled Father of Monsters.
To get a sneak peek at her works in progress you can sign up for her newsletter at https://abfrostauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 4, 2022
"Illusion is the first of all pleasures and I, Loki, am not a stranger to any of them."
I've always been obsessed with Loki (s/o to Marvel), so I was PUMPED when I won this ebook through a Goodreads giveaway!
This novella was so well-done. I devoured it in a night. I really enjoyed Frost's writing style. It's very descriptive and flows very nicely. I also really loved how they introduced the characters and set up the storyline arc. This was one of my first literary introductions to Norse mythology, and I didn't feel overwhelmed or confused by an information or character overload. I think Frost does a great job of building this really cool world with really interesting, multi-dimensional characters.
Really looking forward to more from this author :)
I've always been obsessed with Loki (s/o to Marvel), so I was PUMPED when I won this ebook through a Goodreads giveaway!
This novella was so well-done. I devoured it in a night. I really enjoyed Frost's writing style. It's very descriptive and flows very nicely. I also really loved how they introduced the characters and set up the storyline arc. This was one of my first literary introductions to Norse mythology, and I didn't feel overwhelmed or confused by an information or character overload. I think Frost does a great job of building this really cool world with really interesting, multi-dimensional characters.
Really looking forward to more from this author :)
April 7, 2022
"Father of Monsters" by A. B. Frost weaves a gambit-filled story from the Norse god Loki's point of view. Is he the trouble-making villain, out to create chaos, or is there more to him than that?
Frost clearly enjoys Norse mythology and incorporates enough context for the reader to learn more about Asgard, Jotunheim, and the life within. The story is fast-moving and light-hearted, yet contains content more appropriate for adults. Although the tone and the content seemed a little mismatched, I could certainly understand that it fit Loki as a character, as Frost imagines him. Likewise, the art is whimsical and fun, but didn't reflect the tone or maturity of the story.
Somewhat like a soap opera, "Father of Monsters" tells Loki's rambling story (in first-person), in which he gets into a little trouble, tries to fix it, and finds himself in even more trouble one chapter later. His travels take him across worlds, through transformations, into layers of lies and half-truths, all to protect those he cares about. The plot did wander a bit before the title became clear, and I felt it ended too abruptly. I enjoyed the story enough that I was disappointed to turn the last page and not find out what monsters the future would bring.
I received an advanced reader copy of this novella and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Frost clearly enjoys Norse mythology and incorporates enough context for the reader to learn more about Asgard, Jotunheim, and the life within. The story is fast-moving and light-hearted, yet contains content more appropriate for adults. Although the tone and the content seemed a little mismatched, I could certainly understand that it fit Loki as a character, as Frost imagines him. Likewise, the art is whimsical and fun, but didn't reflect the tone or maturity of the story.
Somewhat like a soap opera, "Father of Monsters" tells Loki's rambling story (in first-person), in which he gets into a little trouble, tries to fix it, and finds himself in even more trouble one chapter later. His travels take him across worlds, through transformations, into layers of lies and half-truths, all to protect those he cares about. The plot did wander a bit before the title became clear, and I felt it ended too abruptly. I enjoyed the story enough that I was disappointed to turn the last page and not find out what monsters the future would bring.
I received an advanced reader copy of this novella and am leaving a review voluntarily.
March 27, 2022
"At least for now, I had the satisfaction that only my family could provide, no matter how strange it was."
An amazing and quick read, I truly could not pull myself away from Father of Monsters! Not only a beautiful love story about Loki, Angrboda, and their unique children but a witty and comical adventure as well. The story was an excellent retelling of stories from the Poetic Edda from Loki's perspective, shining a light on what occurred behind the scenes in the god of mischief's personal life. A.B. Frost illuminated Loki's personality through her narration by the trickster himself, giving him more dimension than more traditional texts regarding Loki in Norse myth. It is evident that the author is well-versed in Norse mythology through the accuracy of the storyline to source texts. Furthermore, I found the narration to be a perfect portrayal of how I envision Loki's personality! Truly a touching, insightful, and all-around excellent read!
An amazing and quick read, I truly could not pull myself away from Father of Monsters! Not only a beautiful love story about Loki, Angrboda, and their unique children but a witty and comical adventure as well. The story was an excellent retelling of stories from the Poetic Edda from Loki's perspective, shining a light on what occurred behind the scenes in the god of mischief's personal life. A.B. Frost illuminated Loki's personality through her narration by the trickster himself, giving him more dimension than more traditional texts regarding Loki in Norse myth. It is evident that the author is well-versed in Norse mythology through the accuracy of the storyline to source texts. Furthermore, I found the narration to be a perfect portrayal of how I envision Loki's personality! Truly a touching, insightful, and all-around excellent read!
March 17, 2022
I received an ARC and wanted to leave some of my thoughts. I enjoyed this book a lot! Its a light-hearted and fun read from Loki's perspective as he navigates the conflicting interests of his personal aspirations and his desire to be near and protect those he loves.
Charming & fast-paced, it was a refreshing read. Broadly speaking outside this book, there is little writing about Loki's children, and the writing that does exist is either heavily with serious gravitas or condemning judgement. Therefore, I enjoyed a book that showed the love within Loki's family while showing an honest portrayal of the growing pains of adjusting to a life where its no longer about just you- but the people who love and need you - all the more.
As a side note, the illustrations are gorgeous & the occasional character portraits are adorable.
Charming & fast-paced, it was a refreshing read. Broadly speaking outside this book, there is little writing about Loki's children, and the writing that does exist is either heavily with serious gravitas or condemning judgement. Therefore, I enjoyed a book that showed the love within Loki's family while showing an honest portrayal of the growing pains of adjusting to a life where its no longer about just you- but the people who love and need you - all the more.
As a side note, the illustrations are gorgeous & the occasional character portraits are adorable.
May 10, 2022
The Poetic Edda gives us the bases for the gods and goddesses we know best from Norse mythology. They tell of heroes journeys and tricks played by immortals, of seer women and all of mankind. While Loki plays a small part in those, Frost has given him a true voice in Father of Monsters.
Witty and well-researched, this novella gives Loki a chance to tell his own tales as he regales readers with accounts of his mistakes and choices, and the ways he often tries to rectify them. It doesn’t read like Marvel fanfiction, as some Loki stories I’ve read have. Instead, we get a book more in line with the original story of the trickster god. He’s given layers and a certain sass I feel is very fitting.
Overall, I recommend this book for fans of north mythology, and even those who enjoy the Marvel version we all know and love.
Witty and well-researched, this novella gives Loki a chance to tell his own tales as he regales readers with accounts of his mistakes and choices, and the ways he often tries to rectify them. It doesn’t read like Marvel fanfiction, as some Loki stories I’ve read have. Instead, we get a book more in line with the original story of the trickster god. He’s given layers and a certain sass I feel is very fitting.
Overall, I recommend this book for fans of north mythology, and even those who enjoy the Marvel version we all know and love.
October 29, 2024
Father of Monsters is an Adult Norse Fantasy Retelling standalone novella.
I know this is an indie book, but because of how short it is, I'm just going to give you a quicky review instead of an in depth one. Now, based on the synopsis and the title, I thought this story was going to focus on Loki and his 3 kids with Angrboda, it kind of does and doesn't. Most of the book is a retelling of when Thor's hammer Mjolnir was taken and when Thor goes fishing and "accidentally" hooks Jormungandr. The only child born in this story is the serpent Jormungandr while Angrboda is pregnant with their 2nd. This story will rely on you already having an understanding of this mythology and this pantheon, so I wouldn't recommend this for new comers. Otherwise, I only found the story meh. This take on Loki is one I've already seen before and hadn't provided anything new, at least to me. That's it, I really don't have much else to add here except that I'll still read The Vat of Truth by this same author. Happy reading!
I know this is an indie book, but because of how short it is, I'm just going to give you a quicky review instead of an in depth one. Now, based on the synopsis and the title, I thought this story was going to focus on Loki and his 3 kids with Angrboda, it kind of does and doesn't. Most of the book is a retelling of when Thor's hammer Mjolnir was taken and when Thor goes fishing and "accidentally" hooks Jormungandr. The only child born in this story is the serpent Jormungandr while Angrboda is pregnant with their 2nd. This story will rely on you already having an understanding of this mythology and this pantheon, so I wouldn't recommend this for new comers. Otherwise, I only found the story meh. This take on Loki is one I've already seen before and hadn't provided anything new, at least to me. That's it, I really don't have much else to add here except that I'll still read The Vat of Truth by this same author. Happy reading!
April 21, 2022
An amazing, witty and entertaining story through the eyes of the trickster god himself. You can truly feel the love and thought that went into the development of each character and that the author is extremely well versed in Norse mythology. Frost not only understands Loki's mentality and motivations, but she also manages to plunge the reader into the convoluted and sometimes tortured mind of the trickster so we can see the world (or the nine worlds?) through his eyes. The depiction of Loki's relationship with Angrboda and their kids is both hilarious and heartbreaking at times, there is no way you can read this and not feel touched or moved by these characters. The art is truly beautiful too. This book deserves more love!
May 9, 2022
Holding the persona of Loki in lore dear to my heart, there’s no one way to describe the wee surge of fiery joy A.B. Frost’s writing brought to my veins. Amongst giggles and saucy descriptors, there’s a subtleness to the author’s world building steeped in travel, true love and experience. My only caveat, that even for a novella, it felt too short! I sincerely hope Loki’s humour and odd-found humanity extends to larger works from Frost in future. The delightful rogue surely deserves an epic of his own!
February 28, 2022
I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a playful retelling of Norse mythology through Loki’s POV. I love how A.B. Frost captures his playful spirit but also what worries him and motivates him. I loved her descriptions of the worlds. It’s fast paced, taking place over a matter of days. This is a quick and fun read and I can’t wait to read by her!
There are beautiful illustrations in the book as well.
This was a playful retelling of Norse mythology through Loki’s POV. I love how A.B. Frost captures his playful spirit but also what worries him and motivates him. I loved her descriptions of the worlds. It’s fast paced, taking place over a matter of days. This is a quick and fun read and I can’t wait to read by her!
There are beautiful illustrations in the book as well.
March 16, 2022
Supremely grateful to the author for supplying me with an ARC copy!
I don’t have a background in Norse stories or retellings, however felt this was close enough to the Marvel characters for me not to be entirely lost.
I really enjoyed Loki’s playful nature, but think due to the complexity level of the plot, that the book would be better targeted towards a younger/teen audience (with the removal of the 🌶 scenes)
I don’t have a background in Norse stories or retellings, however felt this was close enough to the Marvel characters for me not to be entirely lost.
I really enjoyed Loki’s playful nature, but think due to the complexity level of the plot, that the book would be better targeted towards a younger/teen audience (with the removal of the 🌶 scenes)
March 1, 2022
A beautiful tale
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the next! I love reading the tales from Loki's point of view, seeing what goes through his mind. I love seeing his interactions with Jormungander, and the wedding story has always been one of my favorites. Definitely a good read!
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the next! I love reading the tales from Loki's point of view, seeing what goes through his mind. I love seeing his interactions with Jormungander, and the wedding story has always been one of my favorites. Definitely a good read!
March 17, 2022
This story was quite enjoyable. A mix of actual Norse mythology with interactions that have some modern-day lingo. The author takes mythology and fills in the gaps with her story. It follows Loki throughout the whole book and Angrboda having had their first child. This was a fast, enjoyable read and I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one!
April 28, 2022
Absolutely wonderful writing transports you into the life and mind of loki. Beautifuly written and honestly my new favorite book which ive added to my collection. As good as Neil Gamin in my opinion in story telling. The passion and life that is put into these words brings life to the old gods in ways nod other could.
July 27, 2022
Fantastic Read!!!
A.B.Frost is an amazing writer! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend! She holds your attention and makes you feel like your part of Lokis mind and living the story. I can't wait to see what else A.B.Frost brings to the reading world.
A.B.Frost is an amazing writer! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend! She holds your attention and makes you feel like your part of Lokis mind and living the story. I can't wait to see what else A.B.Frost brings to the reading world.
April 23, 2022
Superb fast read. I really enjoyed it and read it rather quickly.
October 17, 2022
A great telling.
It read like watching a movie. Before I knew it I was at the end, but the entire time attached to every word.
It read like watching a movie. Before I knew it I was at the end, but the entire time attached to every word.
May 22, 2026
I thought this would mostly be about, y'know, Loki being a father, as the title alludes to. Instead, it's mostly just a retelling of the already most known myth, and not even a very good one, and the fatherhood stuff seems like an afterthought. The style of the author is extremely bland. I'm giving it 2 stars because at least Jormungandr was very cute... but man, do I feel misled by the text on the back and the title.
May 5, 2023
'Father of Monsters' is a vivid, enjoyable retelling of several tales of Norse mythology featuring Loki Laufeyson -- with some surprisingly unexpected twists! A highly recommended read.
May 28, 2024
An entertaining, easy read!
July 31, 2024
Very lovely little book, a great re-telling of the myths in it's own way.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews