Twilight of the Gods

December 23, 2019
Robust action sequences and detailed descriptions mark Oden’s ambitious second Grimnir Viking adventure. In 1218 Sweden, 200 years after the events of A Gathering of Ravens, 16-year-old Dísa Dagrúnsdottir becomes the priestess of the Hooded One, Grimnir, a monstrous, ancient deity who promises to train her as a shield maiden. When Grimnir’s servant, the troll woman Halla, prophesies that the dominance of the Nailed God of Christianity will end the Norse traditions, Grimnir and Dísa work to preserve the old ways, aided by the immortal warrior Úlfrún of the Iron Hand. Úlfrún seeks the magical sword Sárklungr, which is rumored to have the power to destroy the Christians. Opposing them is the Nailed God’s champion, Lord Konraðr, who hopes to wipe out all pagans. Oden’s impressive writing successfully evokes a grand but grim atmosphere as the well-developed heroes undertake a dangerous quest to find Sárklungr. Fans of fast-paced battles and indomitable warriors will relish the sweeping fight scenes, complete with berserkers, siege engines, and the growing threat of Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse. Series readers will not be disappointed. Agent: Bob Mecoy, Creative Book Services.

Starred review from January 1, 2020
Oden's follow-up to A Gathering of Ravens (2017) continues the story of Grimnir, the last of the skraelingr, an orc-like addition to Norse mythology of the author's own invention. More than two hundred years after the events of Ravens, Grimnir has become the guardian of the Raven Geats, a stubborn holdout against a rapidly Christianizing Sweden. A prophecy hangs over the home of the Raven Geats, proclaiming the return of Nidhoggr, a dragon minion of Odin who will unleash his vengeance on a world given over to the "Nailed God." The threads of this prophecy attracts two enemies: a pale berserker queen guided by Odin, and Konradr the White, a Crusader haunted by the victims of his previous conquests. At the center of it all Grimnir and his allies, Halla the troll and the young Raven-Geat Disa, attempt to determine who is really behind this web of prophecies and visions, even as Grimnir and Halla debate which will take precedence, the restoration of the Old World or Grimnir's vengeance on the dragon that killed his mother. An action-packed and grim adventure, this novel further demonstrates Oden's able combination of historical narrative with dark fantasy. Highly recommended for all orc fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)