Fantasy review of The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
After surviving mutilation and burnings at the stakes, a gifted witch becomes reclusive. But Loki finds her dug-out heart and returns it to her. Their happy living arrangement is not to everyone’s liking, and the family is torn apart. Thus begins the prophecy of the end of days.
Goodreads Blurb
Goodreads Choice Award –Nominee for Best Fantasy (2021)
When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.
Angrboda’s story begins where most witches’ tales end: with a burning. A punishment from Odin for refusing to provide him with knowledge of the future, the fire leaves Angrboda injured and powerless, and she flees into the farthest reaches of a remote forest. There she is found by a man who reveals himself to be Loki, and her initial distrust of him transforms into a deep and abiding love.
Their union produces three unusual children, each with a secret destiny, who Angrboda is keen to raise at the edge of the world, safely hidden from Odin’s all-seeing eye. But as Angrboda slowly recovers her prophetic powers, she learns that her blissful life—and possibly all of existence—is in danger.
With help from the fierce huntress Skadi, with whom she shares a growing bond, Angrboda must choose whether she’ll accept the fate that she’s foreseen for her beloved family…or rise to remake their future. From the most ancient of tales this novel forges a story of love, loss, and hope for the modern age.
My Thoughts after Reading
This retelling of Norse mythology is about a witch who could see in the future and how this ability haunts her till the end of days.
Angrboda, having had her heart cut out and burnt at the stakes three times, simply wants a quiet life living on her own at the edge of the world. But Loki finds her heart and returns it to her. Thus begins their relationship. It deepens and they have a family. But the world would not leave her alone, and when insults led to anger, its reaction consequently led to tragedy.
The author is incredibly gifted with dialogue. One can’t help but be charmed by Loki; his personality shine through in the conversations. I love the banter between Angrboda and Loki. Through their conversations, we can feel their relationship blossoming. Angrboda’s independence and nonchalance is a perfect fit for Loki’s cheekiness and unpredictability.
There are many layers in this story. My knowledge of Norse mythology are only from the Marvel movies, but this book is much more than Norse characters and their stories. You can see the struggles and frustrations of a virtually single mother, who accepts the frequent absences of her husband. You can see the diversity and inclusion themes. The mother and daughter theme is also a strong one.
Highly recommended. 5/5
Opening Line: Long ago, when the Gods were young and Asgard was new, there came a witch from the edge of the worlds.
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