raven_morgan's review
5.0
Stormbringer is the sequel to Alis Franklin’s debut novel, Liesmith (which I reviewed here), and the second book in the urban fantasy series The Wyrd.
Liesmith focused very much as an introduction to the world of The Wyrd, seen through Sigmund’s eyes as a newcomer (of sorts) and human (of sorts) as well as those of Loki/Lain. I loved this book. I loved the relationship between Sigmund and Lain, I loved Franklin’s spin on the Norse sagas. I actually went back and reread Liesmith before reading Stormbringer for review, and loved it just as damn much.
Which is to say, if you haven’t read Liesmith, you should. And then you should make haste to pick up Stormbringer.
Liesmith was a book fairly tightly focused on the Sigmund/Lain relationship, as well as Sigmund coming to grips with the strange new world he finds himself part of (finding out that you’re basically the reincarnation of a Norse goddess will do that to you). Stormbringer expands out from this focus – Sigmund and Lain spend much of the book apart, and each takes the reader into new parts of the world.
Major kudos are due to Franklin for how she deals with the whole reincarnated goddess bit, too. Other writers would have chosen to go down a path of fate/instalove with Loki/Sigyn, but she always makes Sigmund and Lain their own people, much more than anything fate could manipulate. It’s always clear that both of them are with the other because they choose to be, and their love for each other admirably never falters. No fear of love triangles here (and thank the Gods, because that trope has been so, so overdone). It’s very clear that the relationship between Sigmund and Lain is a new and unsteady thing, and all the more compelling because of that. Seriously, I think I may have actually cheered when Lain and Sigmund met again near the end of the book.
The female characters that Franklin writes continue to be awesome. Wayne and Em, both once-Valkyries, are unfortunately sidelined by events a little (but are, nonetheless, extremely important to how the events of this book unravel). To make up for this, we have three (!) new female characters: the goddess Nanna, Hel (Loki’s daughter, ruled of Helheim, and oh, I am in love with how Franklin writes her) and more prominently, Thor’s daughter, Þrúðr. All of these women are amazing, and even when they are squashed into more traditional female roles (such as being married off by others for their gain) they find a strength and power in it. Each of the characters, male and female both, are complex and all are fascinating and unique enough to carry off a book on their own. Which is to say, this is an awesome cast.
The nerd/geek/gaming humour and references continue through this book (as befitting the characters, especially Sigmund, Wayne and Em, who are all gamers and general awesome geeks). There is also some fantastic interrogation over what it means to be monstrous (and just what defines being monstrous).
And here’s a little personal confession: rereading Liesmith and reading Stormbringer got me through a particularly awful week. I am so, so glad that there is at least another book in this series coming.
If you’re burned out on urban fantasy, I can highly recommend Stormbringer (as I can also recommend Liesmith). And even if you’re not, go and read these books now. Franklin has pretty much cemented herself in my virtual buy-everything-they-release headspace.
Liesmith focused very much as an introduction to the world of The Wyrd, seen through Sigmund’s eyes as a newcomer (of sorts) and human (of sorts) as well as those of Loki/Lain. I loved this book. I loved the relationship between Sigmund and Lain, I loved Franklin’s spin on the Norse sagas. I actually went back and reread Liesmith before reading Stormbringer for review, and loved it just as damn much.
Which is to say, if you haven’t read Liesmith, you should. And then you should make haste to pick up Stormbringer.
Liesmith was a book fairly tightly focused on the Sigmund/Lain relationship, as well as Sigmund coming to grips with the strange new world he finds himself part of (finding out that you’re basically the reincarnation of a Norse goddess will do that to you). Stormbringer expands out from this focus – Sigmund and Lain spend much of the book apart, and each takes the reader into new parts of the world.
Major kudos are due to Franklin for how she deals with the whole reincarnated goddess bit, too. Other writers would have chosen to go down a path of fate/instalove with Loki/Sigyn, but she always makes Sigmund and Lain their own people, much more than anything fate could manipulate. It’s always clear that both of them are with the other because they choose to be, and their love for each other admirably never falters. No fear of love triangles here (and thank the Gods, because that trope has been so, so overdone). It’s very clear that the relationship between Sigmund and Lain is a new and unsteady thing, and all the more compelling because of that. Seriously, I think I may have actually cheered when Lain and Sigmund met again near the end of the book.
The female characters that Franklin writes continue to be awesome. Wayne and Em, both once-Valkyries, are unfortunately sidelined by events a little (but are, nonetheless, extremely important to how the events of this book unravel). To make up for this, we have three (!) new female characters: the goddess Nanna, Hel (Loki’s daughter, ruled of Helheim, and oh, I am in love with how Franklin writes her) and more prominently, Thor’s daughter, Þrúðr. All of these women are amazing, and even when they are squashed into more traditional female roles (such as being married off by others for their gain) they find a strength and power in it. Each of the characters, male and female both, are complex and all are fascinating and unique enough to carry off a book on their own. Which is to say, this is an awesome cast.
The nerd/geek/gaming humour and references continue through this book (as befitting the characters, especially Sigmund, Wayne and Em, who are all gamers and general awesome geeks). There is also some fantastic interrogation over what it means to be monstrous (and just what defines being monstrous).
And here’s a little personal confession: rereading Liesmith and reading Stormbringer got me through a particularly awful week. I am so, so glad that there is at least another book in this series coming.
If you’re burned out on urban fantasy, I can highly recommend Stormbringer (as I can also recommend Liesmith). And even if you’re not, go and read these books now. Franklin has pretty much cemented herself in my virtual buy-everything-they-release headspace.
emhamill's review
5.0
LOVED this second book, with Sig, Em, and Wayne riding at the head of Hel's undead army.
This series is a must read, full of the Norse mythos and magic and one sassy ex god who has embraced being Australian with every bit of his immortal self.
**Spoilers ahead. If you haven't read book one, stop here. **
Sig and Lain are settling into their new apartment. Sig's still a little befuddled that his boyfriend was once the god Loki, and isn't human, but jotunn in his native form. Lain has some unfinished business to attend to on the other side in Asgard after the battle in the last book--but he's set up and captured by Thor's thuggish sons and their elder sister, who want to know where Loki hid Mjolnir after Thor's death.
Sig and the reincarnated valkyries, Wayne and Em, are busy creating a new video game for their boss (also Loki, when he's not being Lain), when Hel, the goddess of death, shows up at the door with her undead army behind her. She was killed by Baldr in the recent battle, and as such, she qualifies for rest in Valhalla -- and she wants to take all her subjects with her, to reunite them with their families. Trouble is, the new King of Asgard is a total jacka** and won't even consider the possibility. She wants Sig to come with her, because as Sigyn's reincarnation, they can't refuse him entrance to Asgard.
While Sig and Em and Wayne help Hel in her quest, Lain is subjected to his worst nightmares, and the god of chaos who lives beneath his skin is dangerously close to the surface, something he doesn't want. His struggle to free himself isn't going well, and when Sig discovers Lain has been kidnapped, his whole heart turns toward a rescue mission while Em and Wayne mastermind Hel's game plan. It's an exciting, vacillating between thrilling high fantasy and urban fantasy adventure, and you don't want to miss this.
This series is a must read, full of the Norse mythos and magic and one sassy ex god who has embraced being Australian with every bit of his immortal self.
**Spoilers ahead. If you haven't read book one, stop here. **
Sig and Lain are settling into their new apartment. Sig's still a little befuddled that his boyfriend was once the god Loki, and isn't human, but jotunn in his native form. Lain has some unfinished business to attend to on the other side in Asgard after the battle in the last book--but he's set up and captured by Thor's thuggish sons and their elder sister, who want to know where Loki hid Mjolnir after Thor's death.
Sig and the reincarnated valkyries, Wayne and Em, are busy creating a new video game for their boss (also Loki, when he's not being Lain), when Hel, the goddess of death, shows up at the door with her undead army behind her. She was killed by Baldr in the recent battle, and as such, she qualifies for rest in Valhalla -- and she wants to take all her subjects with her, to reunite them with their families. Trouble is, the new King of Asgard is a total jacka** and won't even consider the possibility. She wants Sig to come with her, because as Sigyn's reincarnation, they can't refuse him entrance to Asgard.
While Sig and Em and Wayne help Hel in her quest, Lain is subjected to his worst nightmares, and the god of chaos who lives beneath his skin is dangerously close to the surface, something he doesn't want. His struggle to free himself isn't going well, and when Sig discovers Lain has been kidnapped, his whole heart turns toward a rescue mission while Em and Wayne mastermind Hel's game plan. It's an exciting, vacillating between thrilling high fantasy and urban fantasy adventure, and you don't want to miss this.
sumayyah_t's review
4.0
I obtained this advance reader copy from Netgalley.
Lain and his boyfriend are back in the second part of their adventure. (Read book #1 first, otherwise you will be utterly confused. Heck, I read book #1 and was still confused for the first few pages.) In any case, Lain holds the souls of the original Loki and a bit a Baldur within him. He returns to Asgard with Odin's spear, intending to deliver it to the heirs/children of Thor and Baldur. He is kidnapped but Thor's children, who intend to use him to retrieve their inheritance. Meanwhile, Sigmund, mortal boyfriend and reborn wife of Loki, Sigyn, and his friends, Em and Wayne, who are reborn Valkyries, are approached by Hel for a favor. Into Asgard they go, without knowing exactly what is happening in the other realm. War is coming, on multiple fronts, with Lain at the center of it all. (Also, the next generation of Asgardian heirs are a bunch of assholes, in my opinion.) A mix of pop culture and Norse. mythology, do NOT expect much in this book to resemble the Marvel canon. As it is an ARC copy, there are a few typos that need to be fixed. 4 stars for story, 3 stars for some parts that are either unclear or redundant. 3.5 stars total, and I plan to read book #3 when it is available.
Lain and his boyfriend are back in the second part of their adventure. (Read book #1 first, otherwise you will be utterly confused. Heck, I read book #1 and was still confused for the first few pages.) In any case, Lain holds the souls of the original Loki and a bit a Baldur within him. He returns to Asgard with Odin's spear, intending to deliver it to the heirs/children of Thor and Baldur. He is kidnapped but Thor's children, who intend to use him to retrieve their inheritance. Meanwhile, Sigmund, mortal boyfriend and reborn wife of Loki, Sigyn, and his friends, Em and Wayne, who are reborn Valkyries, are approached by Hel for a favor. Into Asgard they go, without knowing exactly what is happening in the other realm. War is coming, on multiple fronts, with Lain at the center of it all. (Also, the next generation of Asgardian heirs are a bunch of assholes, in my opinion.) A mix of pop culture and Norse. mythology, do NOT expect much in this book to resemble the Marvel canon. As it is an ARC copy, there are a few typos that need to be fixed. 4 stars for story, 3 stars for some parts that are either unclear or redundant. 3.5 stars total, and I plan to read book #3 when it is available.
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