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Urban Magick & Folklore #3
Grendel & Beowulf
Once upon a time, in our ordinary world, there was a grandmother.
She died.
She was reborn as a Vampire in a world of Magick.
The grandmother de-aged. Her ailments healed, her body became strong, and her wrinkles faded.
Her wisdom, however, did not diminish. She knew monsters need monstrous names so they never forget the monsters they are.
She named herself Grendel, after the medieval haunter of borderlands and drinker of warriors’ blood, slain by the hero Beowulf.
The name seems appropriate. Grendel the Grandmother haunts the borderlands and drinks the blood of (mostly) evil warriors.
But in a Magickal world, names don’t just have meanings, they are prophecies.
And a new hero is rising. He has been molded since birth to fight evil, and been given the tools and skills to vanquish the most insidious evil of all: Vampires.
His name is Beowulf, and he’s coming for Grendel.
She died.
She was reborn as a Vampire in a world of Magick.
The grandmother de-aged. Her ailments healed, her body became strong, and her wrinkles faded.
Her wisdom, however, did not diminish. She knew monsters need monstrous names so they never forget the monsters they are.
She named herself Grendel, after the medieval haunter of borderlands and drinker of warriors’ blood, slain by the hero Beowulf.
The name seems appropriate. Grendel the Grandmother haunts the borderlands and drinks the blood of (mostly) evil warriors.
But in a Magickal world, names don’t just have meanings, they are prophecies.
And a new hero is rising. He has been molded since birth to fight evil, and been given the tools and skills to vanquish the most insidious evil of all: Vampires.
His name is Beowulf, and he’s coming for Grendel.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
34 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
C. Gockel
67 books572 followersC. Gockel got her start writing fanfiction, and she is not ashamed! Much. She received emails, messages and reviews from her fans telling her she should 'do this professionally'. She didn't; because she is a coward and life as a digital designer, copywriter and coder is more dependable. But in the end, her husband's nagging wore her down: "You could be the next '50 Shades of Gray' and I could retire!" Unfortunately, the author isn't much for writing smut. She is sad about this; she'd love for her husband to be able to retire and just work for her so she could nag him.
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 11, 2025
Grendel is my favourite character that this author writes. Good to see more of her.
December 8, 2025
Mythology interwoven with mystery, exciting and captivating. Grendel and Beowulf refreshing to read, like everything I've read by C. Gockel so far.
July 10, 2024
From the First Bite Anthology:
She had gone to a wedding, and on her way home, this grandmother died, but when she awoke, she realized she was now a vampire. She also found out the world was changed, was changing. A new element or compound called Ember was destroying nearly everything that ran on electricity. She also didn’t know if she was attacked and turned by someone or if her death and resulting vampirism were part of the world’s change. She knew she had become a monster and so decided to adopt a monster’s name. She picked the name of Grendel, the mythical beast that killed warriors, but she would defend her family and any other innocents and kill those who would perpetrate evil. Beowulf, on the other hand, was human and born with magickal ability. He was trained from then to develop his magick in different ways so as not to limit him like other humans with power. He trained his powers so he could use magic in more ways than one. Usually, those with magick had a knack, an ability that came to them easily, and they lived with that, but Beowulf was trained to use his magick in multiple ways. He was trained this way to hunt and kill vampires. He was taught they were soulless beings and did nothing but hunt and kill humans. Boy, was he in for a surprise when his mission was to kill Grendel.
Interesting! Our world changed from its everyday mundane existence to a magical one. The ability to mine a new compound called Ember and use it in place of electricity. The stuff that floated in the air that allows those gifted to harness its power and use it. The stuff that replaced gasoline, and if used too long, the car or truck would develop a personality. The change brought about magical animals that could talk, not mimic, but reason and think. The United States of America broken up into different governments with different beliefs. One of them cut out the vocal cords of those magical animals that could talk, and they thought all vampires were evil. While another gave those animals and vampires rights and live in peace with them. The character’s interaction is believable. The character’s history, or the relevant part of it, is part of the story. The physical world-building gives you a clear picture, but in some places, it is a little fuzzy at the edges. The ethereal world-building, while tied mostly to the magic of the universe, is in abundance.
This creation from the author’s mind has the enemies-to-lovers trope or at least respected advisories. It is clean, not spicy. I give this imagination five stars out of five stars.
She had gone to a wedding, and on her way home, this grandmother died, but when she awoke, she realized she was now a vampire. She also found out the world was changed, was changing. A new element or compound called Ember was destroying nearly everything that ran on electricity. She also didn’t know if she was attacked and turned by someone or if her death and resulting vampirism were part of the world’s change. She knew she had become a monster and so decided to adopt a monster’s name. She picked the name of Grendel, the mythical beast that killed warriors, but she would defend her family and any other innocents and kill those who would perpetrate evil. Beowulf, on the other hand, was human and born with magickal ability. He was trained from then to develop his magick in different ways so as not to limit him like other humans with power. He trained his powers so he could use magic in more ways than one. Usually, those with magick had a knack, an ability that came to them easily, and they lived with that, but Beowulf was trained to use his magick in multiple ways. He was trained this way to hunt and kill vampires. He was taught they were soulless beings and did nothing but hunt and kill humans. Boy, was he in for a surprise when his mission was to kill Grendel.
Interesting! Our world changed from its everyday mundane existence to a magical one. The ability to mine a new compound called Ember and use it in place of electricity. The stuff that floated in the air that allows those gifted to harness its power and use it. The stuff that replaced gasoline, and if used too long, the car or truck would develop a personality. The change brought about magical animals that could talk, not mimic, but reason and think. The United States of America broken up into different governments with different beliefs. One of them cut out the vocal cords of those magical animals that could talk, and they thought all vampires were evil. While another gave those animals and vampires rights and live in peace with them. The character’s interaction is believable. The character’s history, or the relevant part of it, is part of the story. The physical world-building gives you a clear picture, but in some places, it is a little fuzzy at the edges. The ethereal world-building, while tied mostly to the magic of the universe, is in abundance.
This creation from the author’s mind has the enemies-to-lovers trope or at least respected advisories. It is clean, not spicy. I give this imagination five stars out of five stars.
October 4, 2022
I received this book as an ARC but have already pre-ordered it because it is that good and I want to support this author.
I truly love how Ms. Gockel takes a story we all know and turns it on its side. In many cases, you find a character that you should not like to be the one you really love. It is great to watch the characters grow both intelligently and morally. Grendel thinks of herself as a monster and you watch her slowly come into one of those characters you love. Bayo (Beowulf) was raised in a cult and begins to see that some things he believed as true, maybe were not true.
I have to say that this story was not what I expected and the journey the reader goes on is one that is exciting and unexpected. Bayo has come to kill Grendel and she knows it. She calls him Nemesis throughout the story because she knows the tale of their namesakes. I really enjoyed how she handled Bayo throughout the story.
Bayo is now on the journey that he was fated to do which is to find and kill Grendel. That fate was given to him when his father named him after his birth. He grew up in a cult that looked like a religion and was taught all vampires were evil and needed to be killed. He totally believed that they were all blood thirsty and lusted for power. When he goes off to find Grendel is the first time he leaves the country/state where he was born and raised. This new adventure opens him up to new ways of thinking.
When these two characters meet and end up forming an allegiance of sorts, you start to see them both grow. You get caught up in their adventures and find yourself, as the reader, rooting for them. I cannot say much more without giving away spoilers. This story is well worth reading. I cannot wait for the next book.
I truly love how Ms. Gockel takes a story we all know and turns it on its side. In many cases, you find a character that you should not like to be the one you really love. It is great to watch the characters grow both intelligently and morally. Grendel thinks of herself as a monster and you watch her slowly come into one of those characters you love. Bayo (Beowulf) was raised in a cult and begins to see that some things he believed as true, maybe were not true.
I have to say that this story was not what I expected and the journey the reader goes on is one that is exciting and unexpected. Bayo has come to kill Grendel and she knows it. She calls him Nemesis throughout the story because she knows the tale of their namesakes. I really enjoyed how she handled Bayo throughout the story.
Bayo is now on the journey that he was fated to do which is to find and kill Grendel. That fate was given to him when his father named him after his birth. He grew up in a cult that looked like a religion and was taught all vampires were evil and needed to be killed. He totally believed that they were all blood thirsty and lusted for power. When he goes off to find Grendel is the first time he leaves the country/state where he was born and raised. This new adventure opens him up to new ways of thinking.
When these two characters meet and end up forming an allegiance of sorts, you start to see them both grow. You get caught up in their adventures and find yourself, as the reader, rooting for them. I cannot say much more without giving away spoilers. This story is well worth reading. I cannot wait for the next book.
November 1, 2024
I had no idea what to expect from a C. Gockel novel. I mean, I’ve got a few in my TBR, but I’ve never actually read one. My verdict? Enjoyable and surprising. I love how Gockel was able to use aspects of the original tale of Beowulf (which I’m only vaguely familiar with, I think I read it once…), but create a new and much more pleasant version. I mean, Grendel is still a monster to a degree, albeit one with fangs. And Beowulf is still a monster hunter, just one with a skewed perception of reality. The only downside to this being my first story by Gockel? It’s the third in the Urban Magick & Folklore series. Not the first. But I’ll quickly rectify that.
I’ve read a lot of retellings over time, as you can probably see from my shelves. And I always love to see how different authors take the same tales and twist and turn them to suit their literary reality. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of a Beowulf retelling though. He’s been alluded to in a few books, but never an outright retelling. And I found that I absolutely loved this. Admittedly, it didn’t work out at all how one would expect from the fact that it’s about Grendel and Beowulf. But, I always love to be pleasantly surprised.
Having a quick perusal of the blurbs for the first two books in this series, I’m incredibly keen to see how Grendel gets to the point she is in this book. She’s a bit of a godmother / grandmother type obviously, and I want to find out more about how she takes that role. Grendel and Beowulf is very obviously all about the two in the title, but I actually want more of those other relationships of Grendel’s throughout. There’s a whole world there to explore that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Plus, even though this is obviously a story in which Grendel and Beowulf are going to end up together, I want more backstory on what makes this wonderfully caring and maternal grandmother type.
Most age gaps I read tend to have the man as older (insert soap box moment of media and gender expectations here). I love that this was a non-creepy reversal of that. Plus, Grendel spends the majority of this story thinking of Beowulf as a bit of a child, and feeling a bit odd about her attraction anyway. Then, there’s the whole getting to know you bit that they both do. A really good enemies to lovers trope with Beowulf actually taking on a bit of a villainous role before he starts to understand that he might have been brainwashed… although, Grendel and Beowulf doesn’t really end with the relationship in a nice and neat bow… making me all that much more keen to dive into the rest of this series!
I’ve read a lot of retellings over time, as you can probably see from my shelves. And I always love to see how different authors take the same tales and twist and turn them to suit their literary reality. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of a Beowulf retelling though. He’s been alluded to in a few books, but never an outright retelling. And I found that I absolutely loved this. Admittedly, it didn’t work out at all how one would expect from the fact that it’s about Grendel and Beowulf. But, I always love to be pleasantly surprised.
Having a quick perusal of the blurbs for the first two books in this series, I’m incredibly keen to see how Grendel gets to the point she is in this book. She’s a bit of a godmother / grandmother type obviously, and I want to find out more about how she takes that role. Grendel and Beowulf is very obviously all about the two in the title, but I actually want more of those other relationships of Grendel’s throughout. There’s a whole world there to explore that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into. Plus, even though this is obviously a story in which Grendel and Beowulf are going to end up together, I want more backstory on what makes this wonderfully caring and maternal grandmother type.
Most age gaps I read tend to have the man as older (insert soap box moment of media and gender expectations here). I love that this was a non-creepy reversal of that. Plus, Grendel spends the majority of this story thinking of Beowulf as a bit of a child, and feeling a bit odd about her attraction anyway. Then, there’s the whole getting to know you bit that they both do. A really good enemies to lovers trope with Beowulf actually taking on a bit of a villainous role before he starts to understand that he might have been brainwashed… although, Grendel and Beowulf doesn’t really end with the relationship in a nice and neat bow… making me all that much more keen to dive into the rest of this series!
September 26, 2022
If you haven't yet experienced the magic of Ms Gockel, this is an excellent place to start. While it may be useful to read the other books in this series first, it's not necessary, as this can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely adored Grendel & Beowulf. I was a little nervous as my knowledge of either of these characters in folklore is sketchy, but it really didn't matter. Gockel skilfully teaches as she explores themes of redemption, what constitutes good vs evil, and humanity, among others. She is so very adept at incorporating layer upon layer of meaning behind rollicking good storytelling. Great book club possibilities here.
The story is not a re-telling but runs parallel to the story of Beowulf, with interesting twists. The pace is good, there is nowhere that feels too rushed or that flags. I was engaged thoroughly throughout and found it difficult to put down. The characters are remarkable in their complexity; I felt so close to them and really cared about their fates. These are not what you'd usually think of as likeable characters, but they wormed their way into my heart.
This has to be one of my favourites of Ms Gockel's work and I heartily recommend you give it a go.
I absolutely adored Grendel & Beowulf. I was a little nervous as my knowledge of either of these characters in folklore is sketchy, but it really didn't matter. Gockel skilfully teaches as she explores themes of redemption, what constitutes good vs evil, and humanity, among others. She is so very adept at incorporating layer upon layer of meaning behind rollicking good storytelling. Great book club possibilities here.
The story is not a re-telling but runs parallel to the story of Beowulf, with interesting twists. The pace is good, there is nowhere that feels too rushed or that flags. I was engaged thoroughly throughout and found it difficult to put down. The characters are remarkable in their complexity; I felt so close to them and really cared about their fates. These are not what you'd usually think of as likeable characters, but they wormed their way into my heart.
This has to be one of my favourites of Ms Gockel's work and I heartily recommend you give it a go.
October 18, 2022
C Gockel knows how to spin a tale that is entertaining and thought provoking. The characters are well thought out and bring an interesting twist to stories we may already know, weaving in bits of current political issues to make the story seem relevant even though it is fantasy. Here we have two characters who were brought up to believe certain things about vampires and their fate in life. What they find is something altogether different - and an opportunity to grow and learn. I have yet to read one of C Gockel's stories and not be entertained and left wanting more - and re-reading those same stories again. Well worth the read.
November 16, 2022
Im going to start by saying that I jumped into this book not knowing anything about Beowulf and Grendel. Throughout reading this book I couldn’t help but research these characters, the epic poem and the roots of this heroic figure. I know that when I’m this interested in book characters it’s because that author has brought to life the most dynamic characters! I love C Gockel’s retelling of Beowulf and Grendel!
This story is so fascinating, and working this into a futuristic society makes this story even more wonderful and unique!
This story has done Justice to my fav character Grendel!!! She is by far one of the most fascinating characters I’ve read in a long time!
This story is so fascinating, and working this into a futuristic society makes this story even more wonderful and unique!
This story has done Justice to my fav character Grendel!!! She is by far one of the most fascinating characters I’ve read in a long time!
February 16, 2023
Mash-up of folklore and alternate history
Urban fantasy version of Grendel & Beowulf set in a speculative fiction U.S. Civil War (complete with bigotry, slavery, and human trafficking). With a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Be careful what name you choose for yourself:
‘In a Magickal world, names don’t just have meanings—they are prophecies.’
Sage advice from the author:
Avoid Magickal cats – they are diabolical.
Fave quote:
‘Yogurt is, by definition, funky milk.’
For more of Grendel & Beowulf’s story, ‘Mother of Monsters’ is expected in late April then ‘Monsters & Empire’ in late Oct!
Urban fantasy version of Grendel & Beowulf set in a speculative fiction U.S. Civil War (complete with bigotry, slavery, and human trafficking). With a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Be careful what name you choose for yourself:
‘In a Magickal world, names don’t just have meanings—they are prophecies.’
Sage advice from the author:
Avoid Magickal cats – they are diabolical.
Fave quote:
‘Yogurt is, by definition, funky milk.’
For more of Grendel & Beowulf’s story, ‘Mother of Monsters’ is expected in late April then ‘Monsters & Empire’ in late Oct!
February 20, 2023
🔮⚔💀 Entertaining.
Grendel was running at full speed down the logging road trying to escape her pursuer.
She escaped in space time but her pursuer followed her.
Grendel swore...
But what was he? she wondered...
--------------------------
It's not the reading I had originally imagined, but I found this novel quite pleasant to read.
I didn't particularly know this folk legend and I had a hard time getting interested in the two main characters.
But the author's writing managed to make it a rather unique grand adventure.
I recommend to fans of the genre.
P.S.: The cover of the novel is splendid.
Grendel was running at full speed down the logging road trying to escape her pursuer.
She escaped in space time but her pursuer followed her.
Grendel swore...
But what was he? she wondered...
--------------------------
It's not the reading I had originally imagined, but I found this novel quite pleasant to read.
I didn't particularly know this folk legend and I had a hard time getting interested in the two main characters.
But the author's writing managed to make it a rather unique grand adventure.
I recommend to fans of the genre.
P.S.: The cover of the novel is splendid.
February 20, 2025
It was well written and I'm glad the story didn't default to bodice-ripping filler. There was some good depth to the relationship between Bayo an Grendel. I did find at one point I drifted off as the conversations went on a bit long while trying to bridge their lack of understanding of each other. Grendel one of better written female characters I've read and I may check out the follow up book "Mother of Monsters." This book is a complete story but there is still more to explore about Grendel and Beowulf. Well done.
February 14, 2023
It might help to know the folklore of Grendel and Beowulf, but the story makes a brief reference and can be read as a standalone. From reality to fantasy, Rose is thrown into a folklore retelling with vampires. The chapters switch between Grendel and Beowulf (Bayo) so readers can get a full overview of the story as the two characters fight internal and external battles.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
December 18, 2024
This book was amazing. Again, completely different tone wise from the first 2 books in the series, but absolutely amazing. The only thing I didn't like was that a character was killed off between books, I understand that the author was opening up a potential romance option for Grendel but it was still a shock.
February 18, 2023
This is a retelling of an old story most of us are familiar with to some extent. However, the story gets a new face with different supernatural characters. Love, trials, self-discovery are a few of the things that come out in this excellently written book.
September 14, 2023
Grendel has always been my favorite character
I love the dry humor and snarkiness between Grendel & Beowulf. The story delves into "racism" & preconceived notions/unlearning what you've always believed. Great story! Can't wait to start the next book in the series!
I love the dry humor and snarkiness between Grendel & Beowulf. The story delves into "racism" & preconceived notions/unlearning what you've always believed. Great story! Can't wait to start the next book in the series!
December 10, 2022
Another great book from C. Gockel
Everything you could want from an Action adventure /love story/fantasy book.
I love books from C. Gockel so very much
Everything you could want from an Action adventure /love story/fantasy book.
I love books from C. Gockel so very much
April 30, 2024
This author is amazing … I’ve read their Loki books previously and loved them and now I need to buy this series.
Fantasy mixed with mythology- just perfect
Fantasy mixed with mythology- just perfect
May 19, 2024
I loved this book. I would love to read more of Grendal & Bayo’s story. What started out as enemies ended as something different all together.
July 29, 2025
I loved this book. Although this story is different than the first two in the series, it still captured my attention.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews