4/5

For fans of: High fantasy, Norse mythology, coming-of-age, slow burn romance, finding a place to belong, political and cultural upheaval

Synopsis: 18-year old Rime has come home after three years of training to become a soldier of the Seer and no one is more excited to see him than his best friend, Hirka. But she also has other things on her mind as the Rite approaches and her life is about to change. Unknown to her, participating in the Rite won’t just change her life, but make her a target for the entire world. Unknown to her, she isn’t of this world at all and her very existence could unleash the destruction and death not seen in a thousand years.

Review: WOW. So I’ve read a few Norse-influenced stories, but Odin’s Child is something else. Written by native Norwegian Siri Pettersen, this is a whole new beautiful and rich world. The journeys of Hirka and Rime from simple village life to world-changing figures is beautiful, if a bit slow for my taste. Their relationship is so sweet despite their circumstances. The politics, religion, and cultures paint a truly unique fantasy world founded in the very real fears, hopes, and desires of our own. If you are looking for something new in the world of fantasy, this is a great new series to get into and I can’t wait for the next book coming in October!