Every week on Wednesday, Breaking the Spine holds a book meme where bloggers highlight the books they’re looking out for. This week my choice is: Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology
It’s Paper Fury over at this post that made me hyper aware of fairytale retellings — or rather just retellings in general, so I was thrilled when I found out that Neil Gaiman was doing exactly that with Norse Mythology! I am sooo excited! I loved his take on the Sleeper and and Spindle so I am hoping for something AMAZING HERE! Here’s the blurb:
Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerge the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
So what do you think? Would this be something you’ll be picking up?
Retellings are so much fun!! I will have to check this out!!
Aren’t they? I have read some of his work so I have HIGH hopes for this one!
I’m super interested in this one! I haven’t read any book by this author before but It really looks fantastic. 😀
My WOW
Neil Gaiman is SO good! I’ve read Neverwhere and Good Omens and LOVED them. So, I am sooo looking forward to this onE!
I plan to give this one a shot, even though I just recently DNF’ed American Gods. I’m hit and miss when it comes to Gaiman but always game to give him a go.
American Gods is epic, isn’t it? I haven’t made it through that one, but I loved Neverwhere and Good Omens, so I am sooooo busting for this one. I’m in the mood for an awesome mythology retelling!
I read a Neil Gaiman book last year and was kind of confused by it, but I love the idea of Norse mythology, so I may have to give this one a try!
I hope this one is a better read, Angela! His work can be tough to get through — I haven’t managed to get to the end of American Gods.
I love retellings! This sounds great. I need to read more Neil Gaiman anyway. So far I’ve only read a couple of his Sandman graphic novels.
Ohhh, Erin, where they good? I’ve read he’s done some awesome comics!
Interesting! I have only read one Neil Geiman book (The Graveyard Book), and I didn’t love it. But I feel like I should give him another try since so many people love his work.
I haven’t read that one yet, Kate! Have you tried Neverwhere or Good Omes? They’re so good! I’ve tried to get through American Gods, but haven’t managed to just yet, so I know some of his work can be hard to get through or like.
Can you believe I still haven’t read a Gaiman book? My library just got Sleeper and the Spindle so I plan on reserving that one soon. This one sounds really interesting and I may have to check it out. I saw Netgalley had it as a “wish for it” title earlier this week.
Ahhh, Barb, Sleeper and the Spindle is just gorgeous! I adore the artwork on that one. Also, OMG. THIS IS ON NETGALLEY? I didn’t even realise! *rushes off to wish for it* Thank you for letting me know!
I would definitely pick this up. I haven’t read Neil Gaiman (I know!) but this may be my first. I’m a sucker for anything Norse mythology though. I just saw this one myself a day or two ago, so it’s pretty new to me, but I think I’m in. 🙂
*high fives* I can’t wait for this one, Greg! It’s seems like a great place to start with his work!
YEP! This sounds so amazing
Thanks for stopping by my WoW!
Sooo excited for it!!
I’m really looking forward to this one! I’m a huge Gaiman fan, and have always been interested in mythology, so this should be a real treat. I only wish it were available sooner!
ME TOO MALIA! Pins and needles until this one comes out!
That cover looks beautiful, that´s for sure 🙂 Hope you enjoy.
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best wishes
Vi @ Gone With The Books
Thor’s hammer! Thanks Vi!
This title sounds quite good, one I think I’d really enjoy!
Definitely hope it works great for you 😀
I hope you do Silvia!
I’ve never read any Neil Gaiman, and I don’t know anything about Norse mythology, so I don’t see myself reading this. I did just get a review request for a book that involves Norse mythology though lol. I wonder if Norse mythology is just getting more popular in general. Maybe I should start learning about it! Hope you enjoy this book 🙂
I think you would like Neil Gaiman, Kristen. His other work is much like the other books you read, i think. I in need of some different mythology retellings, so I am hopeful about this one! I think maybe Norse is getting more popular because Greek mythology has had it’s day?
Great pick! I immediately wanted this when I saw it on Amazon last week. It popped up while I was searching for books on Greek and Norse myths. I hope we both love it!
I’m a massive fan of Neil, but I hope they release an illustrated edition too. Such an amazing author. I love retellings, Cait got me into them as well. Really looking forward to this one, thanks so much for sharing Verushka <3