by Genevieve Gornichec
Overall: The Witch’s Heart may sound like a Halloween read, but it’s a retelling of Norse mythology that wouldn’t be out of place any time of year. It feels quite appropriate for the end of fall or beginning of winter as it’s full of snow, dark plots, and mugs of ale by firelight. Somehow, the witch giantess Angrboda has survived being burned as punishment by Odin for refusing to give him the secret magic of seid, which allows her to see the future. She finds herself on the edge of the Ironwood, a barren place nearly devoid of inhabitants. Loki returns her heart to her and, gradually, she builds a new life for herself that includes three very unusual children. But she can’t stay hidden from the gods forever, and when they find her, they set in motion the events that could lead to the end of the world.
Likes: This is a heartbreaking story about a mother’s love. Angrboda is a fantastic character, fierce, full of dry wit, and totally committed to the welfare of her daughter and two sons, even if they aren’t like other children. Her friendship with Skadi, another giantess, evolves slowly into a deeper relationship. And Loki! For those of you who like romance, a love story develops between Loki and Angrboda filled with passion, duplicity, abandonment, and forgiveness. At times Loki comes off as one-dimensional, at other times as a self-absorbed cad, but there are clues scattered throughout that all may not be as it appears. I thought the book communicated a wonderful message about love, acceptance, and healing. We may think we know the future, but we don’t – not even Angrboda sees everything with her magic. The writing style feels appropriate for this type of mythological retelling and kept me grounded in this strange and magical world.
Dislikes: the first section of the book is a little slow. I also think readers will appreciate the story more if they have at least a passing knowledge of Norse mythology.
FYI: murder, violence, difficult pregnancy/birth, infidelity.
Liz Helfrich 