Title: Loki
Author: Mike Vasich
First published January 1, 2010
378 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781456463465 (ISBN10: 1456463462)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Master of Deception. Bringer of Chaos.
Architect of Revenge. Abandoned and tormented by the gods, Loki vows to seek retribution.
He will call upon the fearsome Fenris Wolf and the mythical Midgard Serpent, marshaling an army of giants and the undead from Niflheim. Empowered by the might of the most malevolent entity across the Nine Realms, he will not relent until Asgard lies in ruins and every deity cowers beneath his rule.
About the Author
Mike Vasich is an English teacher for gifted and talented students in suburban Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys writing novels to avoid doing any actual work around the house.
His preferred storyline involves the triumph of the villains and the crushing defeat of the heroes. When he’s not napping, he likes to challenge the status quo and is not above bringing tears to his children’s eyes.
If you want to contact him, you can reach him at [email protected] or on Facebook.
Editoral Review
In his novel Loki, Mike Vasich takes readers on a journey into the world of Norse mythology, with a particular focus on the mischievous trickster god, Loki. The book was first published in 2010 and has since gained a dedicated following among fans of fantasy and mythology.
Vasich is well-known in the indie publishing scene, having written several other books on mythological themes, including books on Zeus and Medusa. Loki tells the story of the titular character from his perspective, as he navigates the turbulent waters of Asgard, dealing with his troublesome offspring, and riling up the other gods.
The book is set in a time before Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse, and is full of intricate and evocative descriptions of the mythical realm. Vasich’s prose is poetic, often using powerful imagery to paint pictures of the sweeping landscapes and grand cities of the gods.
The central conflict in the book arises when Loki’s sons are accidentally killed by the god Balder, setting off a chain of events that ultimately leads to Loki’s betrayal of the gods and his involvement in the events of Ragnarok. Vasich weaves together several different storylines, including the love triangle between Loki, Odin, and the goddess Rindr, and the complicated relationship between Loki and his sons.
One of the strengths of this book is Vasich’s ability to create memorable and engaging characters. Despite being known as a villain in Norse mythology, Loki is portrayed here as a complex and nuanced figure, with his own motivations and desires.
The other gods, too, are given more depth than in traditional mythological stories, with Vasich exploring their interpersonal relationships and political maneuverings. Another strength of the book is its attention to historical and cultural detail.
Vasich clearly did his research and brings to life many aspects of Norse mythology that are often overlooked in other retellings. He also does an excellent job of conveying the themes and messages of the original myths while still putting his own spin on the story.
However, the book does have some weaknesses. One of the main criticisms is that at times, the plot can be slow and meandering.
While this is in part due to the nature of the source material, some readers may find themselves getting bogged down in the descriptions and tangential storylines. Additionally, some readers may take issue with Vasich’s portrayal of certain characters or storylines, as his interpretation may diverge from traditional interpretations.
Overall, Loki is a well-crafted and engaging retelling of a classic mythological story. Vasich’s attention to detail, memorable characters, and poetic prose make for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Fans of mythology and fantasy will find plenty to love here, as will readers who appreciate works that explore complex themes and ideas. While it may not be for everyone, for those who are intrigued by the idea of a more nuanced portrayal of Loki and the gods of Asgard, this book is an excellent choice.
I give it a solid B+.
