I recently finished The Witch's Heart by @gengornichec and oof the last quarter of this book is so emotional! A brief appreciation thread follows...

First of all let me say that I'm loosely familiar with stories of Norse mythology, so I had some warning about what sorts of things might happen. When Hel and Fenrir and Jormungand were born I knew roughly their fates, which was b/c J was such a sweet baby snek.

And also the language and style of the book were quite plain-spoken and straightforward. The dialog was very simple and fairly modern. It was incredibly accessible.

And so I NEVER SUSPECTED that the events of the last 1/2 would absolutely slay me like they did. It was like watching helplessly in slow motion. And those rough moments were interspersed with such sweetness, tenderness, understanding. I was just about always going thru it.

I did not expect to fall SO HARD for Skadi. I adore her. I would have read a whole 'nother chapter just about them being happy together and enjoying each other's company.

Sure, I've always known Thor was a dick, but damn I seethed with loathing, as little as he was in the page, it was enough.

And I will never forgive Sigyn or Gerd. Other characters may, but I will not. Fuck them.

And I just ADORE how Loki retained that slippery quality here.
Normally tales are told thru Asgard's eyes, and Loki is not quite villain, not quite ally.
This story was told thru the 'monsters' eyes, and Loki was still a character you couldn't hate, but you couldn't quite forgive

In conclusion, this book packed more of a punch than I was expecting, considering that a lot of early action happens off-page while the POV character lives in a cave. Didn't slow it down a bit.

I thoroughly enjoyed, and I highly recommend! Thanks for writing, @gengornichec !!!