Norse mythology is hard to get right. Bjørn Larssen gets it right with ‘Children.’
This book is like a feast at a Jotnar wedding. A table packed with heavy courses interspersed with scrumptious amuse-bouches. It deserves to be savored one bite of mutton at a time.
In writing ‘Children,’ Bjørn Larssen has succeeded in capturing the tone of the Norse myths. It’s a story that is dark, dangerous, cruel, yet with glimmers of fun and humor and adventure. I mean, Freya wasn’t wrong when she gives her “sage” advice about how one meets all the best people at orgies….not that I know from personal experience, of course. *cough* ANYWAY…
I absolutely loved how I felt thrust into the world of Odin, Freya, and Thor. I also loved that, for once, we get to meet the usually sidelined children of the gods (who are usually just used for their entrails or powers of avenging deaths by angry wolf-monsters).
Norse Mythology and Marvel-ous Gods
I also appreciated that we see a pretty horrifying Odin, as well as Loki, and Thor…Let’s be honest, the gods didn’t become gods because of their good deeds. It was refreshing to see a more authentic view of these figures, and not ones sugar coated in the Marvel-verse. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marvel Thor and Loki, but sometimes you just want psychopathic gods who are out for themselves. ‘Children’ definitely delivers on that front.
As for the actual children of this tale, I found Magni (son of Thor) and Maya (raised by Freya) both strong and real and believable. In fact, I found myself punched in the gut on multiple occasions (thanks Bjørn??) because I truly FELT for them as they endured challenges and betrayals. Their growth through the book was incredibly moving, as was the love and friendship they shared.
‘Children’ is a truly beautiful, intense, and riveting story. Be warned, there are some seriously dark moments (the author has a wonderful list of all triggers on his website if you have any concerns) but to me, none felt gratuitous in any way. As someone who reads heavily in this genre, I found this book extremely original and fresh. Bjørn Larssen is an excellent writer and storyteller, and you can sense his love and passion for the gods and Norse myth.
I eagerly await the sequel.