Gods of Fire and Thunder (Book of the Gods #5) by Fred Saberhagen

[gilda_elise]

In the first four volumes of the Book of the Gods, Fred Saberhagen brought a new perspective to the classic gods of Greek mythology. Now the legendary creator of the Berserker and Lost Swords sagas turns his gaze northward toward an entirely different pantheon of immortal deities… the fearsome and ferocious gods of Valhalla.

Haraldur the northman once joined Jason on his fabled quest for the Golden Fleece, but now he wants nothing more to do with gods and adventure. Returning to his homeland for the first time in many years, he hopes only to settle down on a farm of his own—until he comes across an impenetrable wall of eldritch fire and a lovesick youth determined to breach the wall at any cost.

Behind the towering flames, he is told, lies a beautiful Valkyrie trapped in an enchanted sleep, as well as, perhaps, a golden treasure beyond mortal reckoning. It is the gold that tempts Hal to agree, against his better judgment, to assist the youth in his quest.

But to find away past the fiery wall, they must first brave gnomes, ghosts, and the wrath of the gods themselves. For a mighty battle is brewing, and Hal soon finds himself caught up in a celestial conflict between Thor the Thunderer, Loki the Trickster, and, most powerful of all, Wodan, the merciless Lord of Battles!

A somewhat entertaining book, though it took me quite a while to really get into it. I suppose I don’t tend to equate humor with most of the stories of the gods. And what didn’t help is that I’m not that acquainted with Norse mythology, so I didn’t have a clue regarding the back story that that this story was working off of.

The characters were engaging, especially Haraldur. I think for that reason I’ll probably go back and read books two through four of the series. Or not, since I wasn’t all that taken with book number one.

The last fifty pages of this one were solid, and it was at that point that the book drew me in. Still, not a book that a can recommend.





Mount TBR 2022 Book Links


Links are to more information regarding each book or author, not to the review.



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76. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
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78. Gods of Fire and Thunder (Book of the Gods #5) by Fred Saberhagen







DECEMBER- The Fire is So Delightful. Read a book that has a fire, flames, candles, smoke, or burning in the title or on the cover.

Gods of Fire and Thunder: The Book of the Gods Vol V by Fred Saberhagen