Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

 
I received an uncorrected proof paperback copy of Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman through the Goodreads Giveaways program for FREE.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman.

I basically chose to read Norse Mythology for two main reasons:

1) I was not all that familiar with Norse Mythology; other than knowing the names of four of the Norse gods/goddesses. 

2) Neil Gaiman seems to have a huge fan base and is almost a god himself in the writing/literary world.

However, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman fell flat, in my opinion. I didn't enjoy the stories much as I found them to be boring and formulaic in nature. 

As far as Neil Gaiman's writing goes, I'm not crazy about it. Norse Mythology is the third encounter I've had with Gaiman's writing and I'll take a pass on reading anything else written by him.

Below is the plot summary for Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman from Goodreads:

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Once, when Thor's hammer is stolen, Thor must disguise himself as a woman—difficult with his beard and huge appetite—to steal it back. More poignant is the tale in which the blood of Kvasir—the most sagacious of gods—is turned into a mead that infuses drinkers with poetry. The work culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and rebirth of a new time and people.

Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerge these gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

I am giving Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!