Neil Gaiman is a truly talented story teller with a unique narrative voice. He has a real talent for mythologically inspired stories, as seen with [b:American Gods|30165203|American Gods (American Gods, #1)|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1462924585l/30165203._SY75_.jpg|1970226] and [b:Anansi Boys|2744|Anansi Boys|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1479778049l/2744._SY75_.jpg|1007964]. In this volume, [b:Norse Mythology|37903770|Norse Mythology|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516128292l/37903770._SX50_.jpg|51396954], Gaiman gives his version of the wacky adventures of Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, and crew. It’s a pretty solid read.

Even though I grew up in a small town literally named Valhalla, I’d be lying if I said I knew much (if anything) about Norse mythology other than what has now popped into the zeitgeist thanks to the Marvel cinematic universe. Gaiman’s take is tonally similar in that the silly elements are highlighted, but he definitely tells these tales in a way that’s respectful to the source material, and makes me want to learn even more about the Norse pantheon. I liked it so much, not even Ragnarök dampened my mood.

Rating: 3.5 stars