Review of Harbinger of the End by Nicki Chapelway

A reluctant bride.
A trickster groom.
The lineage of a god comes to an end.

Long ago, Loki and Odin swore an oath of brotherhood. Since then, Loki believes that it is enough to love one soul, and wreak havoc on all else, until he learns that he is the one who will be responsible for bringing about the Twilight of the Gods. In a desperate attempt to forestall Ragnarök, Odin betrays his brother and forces him to take a bride. A Valkyrie, someone who will be loyal to Odin, and doubtless keep the god of lies in line. But if Odin believes that Loki will be controlled by the whims of one woman, then he is terribly mistaken.

Sigyn has never regretted the decision she made to leave behind her life as a mortal princess to serve Odin as one of his Valkyries, until now… When Odin orders her to marry Loki, Sigyn feels trapped by her duty and the oaths she swore. Even worse, to marry means that she will no longer be a Valkyrie, and she will lose all immortality that comes with it.

Tricked during his wedding vows, Loki finds himself exiled to Midgard and bound to a mortal. Now he must keep his new bride alive long enough to find her a new form of immortality or risk being dragged into death with her. Sigyn seeks to find a new purpose after everything that she once believed in betrayed her. Allying themselves to great mortal heroes, they set out to slay a dragon, claim a legendary treasure, and unite kingdoms. All the while, seeking to discover the truth to the question that could change their lives forever—what makes one worthy of becoming a god?

This standalone is perfect for romantic fantasy fans and readers of Emma Hamm and Sylvia Mercedes, who are looking for a new slow-burn, swoon-worthy story. It’s a sweeping tale of love, betrayal, and dragon fire set in a world of Vikings, witches, and gods.

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 My Review:

I was extremely fortunate to get to be an arc reader for this gem, and let me tell you, this book has everything you could possibly want from a Loki and Sigyn romance meets Norse saga. Including . . .

 

The "man":

Loki: He was definitely an entity entirely comprised of chaos, but in a lovable way (excluding his violent tendencies toward small rodents). Even when he was trying to be good, he was still chaotic. His nature was unavoidable, but there was more to him, too. He was cunning with a strange sort of innocence. And as the protector of outcasts, he was an outcast himself, but one who never wanted anything more. But Odin knew there was something he needed . . .

Sigyn: She's just a former mortal making her way among the immortals, losing herself in her position as a Valkyrie. But Odin has seen a different future for her than his warrior. Sigyn is unapologetically herself, but in a way that lets others, even Loki, be themselves. And she is so different in the way she reacts to a situation, taking control of only that which is within her control: herself.

The myth:

Nicki Chapelway did her homework about Norse mythology. The first few chapters really take you into the worlds of the tree of life. I learned more about the subject reading this book than I did in school, and it was a LOT more compelling than any textbook.

The legend:

But Norse mythology isn't the only part of this epic tale; the legends of several Norse heroes are also included as Loki and Sigyn are forced to work together to secure her divinity so they don't both get dragged into the afterlife. And it's against this backdrop that their unorthodox romance shines. She's bound by duty, and he's destined for chaos. Yet somehow, it is because of these things that they are so perfect.

My favorite quote:

"I don’t see how this man who blushes if his wife looks at him for too long can be the malevolent being who is going to bring about the end of the world. I simply cannot wrap my mind around such a notion."

 

Note to more sensitive readers: this book contains violence. It also touches on some grittier Norse myths and legends, but with tact and grace. 

 

Anyway, this book is perfection, and its only failing is that it was too short. So, if you can properly gird yourself against that disappointment, you will most certainly enjoy this rare gem of a story that is so close to the source material, but in the most original way. 

 

To summarize:

 

❤️Loki (he is true to the legends and also very similar to a certain Marvel character of the same name . . .)
❤️Loki and Sigyn- one of the most compelling Norse mythology couplings if not the MOST compelling.
❤️ An arranged marriage NEITHER of them want.
❤️ Forced proximity because Odin saw that coming.
❤️An immortal bard

 ❤️ DEEP Norse mythology lore
❤️ VIKINGS
❤️ Only one bear rug ;)
❤️ Learning to be true to another without being false to yourself.

 

 

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