The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

What is it about?

Angrboda is a witch who has been burned three times by Odin, the king of the Norse gods, as a punishment because she didn’t want to give him what he sought: knowledge of the world’s end and his own destiny. But Angrboda survives and seeks refuge in a remote forest, powerless and unable to remember what happened before. It is here that she meets and falls in love with the trickster and shape-shifter Loki. But when their three unusual children – deemed “monsters” by some – are threatened, Angrboda must decide if she should yield to the Gods and the destiny she has foreseen or rise to the challenge and try to change their fate. 

Is it any good?

Going into this, I must admit I didn’t know much about Norse mythology – besides whatever I learned from the Marvel universe. And I couldn’t help but hearing Tom Hiddleston’s voice whenever Angrboda has a conversation with Loki (since he has a pleasant voice though, I didn’t mind at all). But Norse mythology is obviously so much more than Hollywood blockbusters, and I’m so glad I picked up this book to dive into this fascinating world.

The novel is rather slow-paced, but again, I didn’t mind at all – it fits the story extremely well. It also affected my own reading pace. Instead of devouring the book, I took my time, sometimes deliberately reading only a few pages at night because I wanted the experience to last a little longer.

The main characters were superbly written, fully fleshed out and multi-layered, particularly Angrboda and Loki. I highly enjoyed the witty banter between these two and – the humor throughout this book was excellent and a welcome diversion to the overall somber and serious story.

Favorite character?

Angrboda was a wonderful character. She was loyal and kind, but could also turn into a fierce and brave woman, drawing on her powers as a witch whenever her loved ones were under threat. Still, she wasn’t flawless and made mistakes like any human would. I also loved Loki, cunning and wily, yet also charming and gentle. His character was the most complex, unpredictable to the end, both lovable and despicable – simply a delight. I must also mention Skadi, the huntress, Angrboda’s only friend during her most lonely times. Without Skadi, Angrboda’s body and soul would have been starving. 

Most memorable quote?

“The ending doesn’t matter. What matters is how we get there. To face what’s ahead with as much dignity as we can muster and make the most of the time we have left.”

Conclusion?

This book has been compared to Circe, and I can see the similarities (though the author has infused more humor into The Witch’s Heart than there ever was in Circe). Like the Greek mythology retellings I have read lately, it’s intriguing to see the story through the eyes of a woman. Usually not more than a footnote in the original sources, these recently published novels have offered a fresh perspective on ancient tales and put the spotlight on those who have long been voiceless.

AT A GLANCE

Title: The Witch’s Heart

By: Genevieve Gornichec

Published by: ACE/ Berkley (2021)

Pages: 393

Language: English