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savshanae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is an absolute MASTERPIECE. Hands down one of my favorite standalone books. I tore through it and nearly started it over again as soon as I finished!
As the story continued I felt more and more attached to Angrboda and invested in her story, whatever form she took. The way Gornichec weaves together so many myths (and has notes to back it up at the end!) and draws the characters in a new light is nothing short of stunning. The portrayal of motherhood is raw and heartfelt, all while subtly highlighting the strengths (and weaknesses) of women.
10/10, no notes, just praise for this book!
As the story continued I felt more and more attached to Angrboda and invested in her story, whatever form she took. The way Gornichec weaves together so many myths (and has notes to back it up at the end!) and draws the characters in a new light is nothing short of stunning. The portrayal of motherhood is raw and heartfelt, all while subtly highlighting the strengths (and weaknesses) of women.
10/10, no notes, just praise for this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Mental illness, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Alcohol
ibjilln's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Body horror, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
caseythereader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
- I fully expected to have to slog through THE WITCH'S HEART, as I have little interest in Norse mythology. However, I read the entire thing in one day and one sitting, completely drawn in to Angrboda's story.
- The writing reads like oral tradition, flowing on and on.
- While many of the plot developments were telegraphed in advance, taking Angrboda longer to catch on that it probably should have, I still found myself quite immersed in the story.
- The writing reads like oral tradition, flowing on and on.
- While many of the plot developments were telegraphed in advance, taking Angrboda longer to catch on that it probably should have, I still found myself quite immersed in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
dearb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
By the end of the book I was sobbing my heart out, and that's saying a lot for someone whose favourite book is The Song of Achilles.
Very interesting interpretation of the characters, very intelligent plot (that somehow managed to link the most infamous anecdotes from Norse Mythology) and overall a great book.
I would definitely recommend if you love mythology and drama, and I will surely reread next year!
Very interesting interpretation of the characters, very intelligent plot (that somehow managed to link the most infamous anecdotes from Norse Mythology) and overall a great book.
I would definitely recommend if you love mythology and drama, and I will surely reread next year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
emmazucati's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received a free ebook via NetGalley via Berkley Penguin Random House. All my thoughts are my own.
CW for the book include domestic and familial physical and emotional abuse. It's Norse family so I think pretty typical for the genre but I don't have a huge frame of reference.
I think mythology is a wonderful genre in the way that it puts you in the middle of a story that feels a bit like magic that the reader can almost touch. I think mythology lacks a bit in the dehumanizing of situations. I think The Witch's Heart fits both of these to a tee.
I loved the story. I liked how we went from the cave to a journey and how all the little foreshadows circled back. The story was incredibly well thought out and clearly researched. The universe felt both massive and small as characters came and went during Angrboda's time in the cave.
I also thought Gornichec did a really good job at making the Norse gods unique to her story. I don't know if it was intentional but, at this point, most pop culture education of Norse mythology is from plotlines from MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies. I was worried about making assumptions going into it, but even something as innocuous as reiterating Loki's blonde hair was enough of a reminder that I could really get into Gornichec's story and not worry about others. The time I spent in the cave with Angrboda, and then with her children left me very attached. At one point, I sobbed for like 10 minutes. I really fell into the book. I absolutely could not put it down.
I also loved how much of Angrboda's identity was in being a mom. While all women should obviously not feel forced into making their entire world their children, some women choose motherhood as their passion and I felt it was really well done here. I got a well rounded main character and lots of cute children moments, win win for me.
The attachment to Angrboda also led me to my biggest complaint though. I understand why immortal gods are going to treat mortal beings and their short lifecycle as superfluous and unimportant, but the absolute disregard for anyone's feelings or physical well being was a bit too much for me. Everyone was just so cruel to each other. Yes I sobbed because I loved Angrboda and I was angry on her behalf, but she forgave and kind of moved on so much faster. Between the inevitable prophecy and the gods, I was really emotionally exhausted by the end, and I'm not sure in a good way.
I had also just finished The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller a few books before this one so in the future I might try and put bigger gaps between mythology based books.
I think Gornichec could've done a better job taking care of her characters, and in turn her readers, but I think I would still recommend the book to others. Maybe with a bit more caution, especially if they're experiencing difficulty with a partner or family. It just left me a bit hopeless.
CW for the book include domestic and familial physical and emotional abuse. It's Norse family so I think pretty typical for the genre but I don't have a huge frame of reference.
I think mythology is a wonderful genre in the way that it puts you in the middle of a story that feels a bit like magic that the reader can almost touch. I think mythology lacks a bit in the dehumanizing of situations. I think The Witch's Heart fits both of these to a tee.
I loved the story. I liked how we went from the cave to a journey and how all the little foreshadows circled back. The story was incredibly well thought out and clearly researched. The universe felt both massive and small as characters came and went during Angrboda's time in the cave.
I also thought Gornichec did a really good job at making the Norse gods unique to her story. I don't know if it was intentional but, at this point, most pop culture education of Norse mythology is from plotlines from MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies. I was worried about making assumptions going into it, but even something as innocuous as reiterating Loki's blonde hair was enough of a reminder that I could really get into Gornichec's story and not worry about others. The time I spent in the cave with Angrboda, and then with her children left me very attached. At one point, I sobbed for like 10 minutes. I really fell into the book. I absolutely could not put it down.
I also loved how much of Angrboda's identity was in being a mom. While all women should obviously not feel forced into making their entire world their children, some women choose motherhood as their passion and I felt it was really well done here. I got a well rounded main character and lots of cute children moments, win win for me.
The attachment to Angrboda also led me to my biggest complaint though. I understand why immortal gods are going to treat mortal beings and their short lifecycle as superfluous and unimportant, but the absolute disregard for anyone's feelings or physical well being was a bit too much for me. Everyone was just so cruel to each other. Yes I sobbed because I loved Angrboda and I was angry on her behalf, but she forgave and kind of moved on so much faster. Between the inevitable prophecy and the gods, I was really emotionally exhausted by the end, and I'm not sure in a good way.
I had also just finished The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller a few books before this one so in the future I might try and put bigger gaps between mythology based books.
I think Gornichec could've done a better job taking care of her characters, and in turn her readers, but I think I would still recommend the book to others. Maybe with a bit more caution, especially if they're experiencing difficulty with a partner or family. It just left me a bit hopeless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
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