The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec

Hello dear reader.

It has been too long since my last review, I must apologize. Life can sometimes get in the way and I was finally able to finish reading this lovely book in the dead of night last night.

Here’s the synopsis:

“When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.

Angrboda's story begins where most witches' tales end: with a burning. A punishment from Odin for refusing to provide him with knowledge of the future, the fire leaves Angrboda injured and powerless, and she flees into the farthest reaches of a remote forest. There she is found by a man who reveals himself to be Loki, and her initial distrust of him transforms into a deep and abiding love.

Their union produces three unusual children, each with a secret destiny, who Angrboda is keen to raise at the edge of the world, safely hidden from Odin's all-seeing eye. But as Angrboda slowly recovers her prophetic powers, she learns that her blissful life—and possibly all of existence—is in danger.

With help from the fierce huntress Skadi, with whom she shares a growing bond, Angrboda must choose whether she’ll accept the fate that she's foreseen for her beloved family…or rise to remake their future. From the most ancient of tales this novel forges a story of love, loss, and hope for the modern age.”

I had never heard of Angrboda, never knew her story. And yet I was so awed by her. Going into this book with barely any knowledge of Norse mythology (besides the basics modern media has fed to us) only served to let the book surprise me further.

I could not imagine the pain and trauma that comes from being burned at the stake once, let alone three times, and yet this is what Angrboda endured. All to hide the secrets Odin wanted so badly, ones he truly had no right to know. And not only did he have her burned three times but he also removed her heart itself. Separated her from it, hoping she would finally die… but she didn’t.

I cried several times while reading this book. I covered my mouth in shock, held my heart during cute moments, and sometimes had to stop reading to absorb what on earth (or Midgard) just happened. I came away from this book wanting to read more about Norse mythology and wanting to hear more from Gornichec. Her storytelling was absolutely enthralling and the world felt so real to me, I could see it, feel it, touch it. This story felt new and exciting and I’m unsure how I’ll recover from such a tale.

Out of all of the I loved most in the book, the coziest was the home of Angrboda. A quiet wood, a small cave home, a few goats and a garden? Sounds like a peaceful life, and one she deserved after how much pain she went through. When she met Loki, I didn’t expect romance to form but I was glad it did. My heart softened for this version of Loki. His boyish charm touched my heart and his humor made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. This Loki felt truly separate from today’s TV and movie Loki, thankfully. (I love a good Tom Hiddleston moment, but I love being able to picture this Loki without seeing him even more!)

I never got mad at Angrboda’s decisions. She had decided for herself to stay hidden away from Odin and I respected it. I have seen that other reviewers have mentioned that Angrboda didn’t seem to be a “strong” female lead, but I feel that is the opposite. She did what she could with what she had and she was so brave in it all. She was a woman, protecting her peace and that is more than a lot of people do for themselves nowadays. My heart hurt for this woman in so many ways, and I too curse the Norse gods for their treatment of her.

Without delving too much into spoiler territory, I want to say I truly did enjoy the story of Angrboda, Loki and the rest of their little family. I never wanted the story to end but even though it did, it ended beautifully. Without a doubt, I will be getting a physical copy of this book to put on my shelf.

A big thank you to Gornichec. You have given me the knowledge of Boda and I will be talking about her to everyone who will let me speak. No one will not hear of her injustices, thanks to you and this lovely book.

Overall, The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec receives a 4 out of 5 stars. Please read this book yourself, reader. It is worth it.

Sending all my love,

Vic