Mist by Susan Krinard
Series: Midgard #1
Published by Tor Books
Published on: July 16, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Mist lives a normal life. She has a normal job, a normal boyfriend, and a normal apartment in San Francisco. She never thinks about her past if she can help it.
She survived. That’s the end of it.
But then a snowy winter descends upon San Francisco. In June. And in quick succession, Mist is attacked by a frost giant in a public park and runs into an elf disguised as a homeless person on the streets…and then the man Mist believed was her mortal boyfriend reveals himself to be the trickster god, Loki, alive and well after all these years.
Mist’s normal world is falling apart. But thankfully, Mist isn’t quite so normal herself. She’s a Valkyrie, and she’s going to need all her skill to thwart Loki’s schemes and save modern Earth from the ravages of a battle of the gods.
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In MIST, Susan Krinard dives straight into the thick of Norse mythology by assuming that most readers are somewhat knowledgeable about Ragnarök and the lore surrounding it. The lack of back story didn’t bother me overly much thanks in large part to Kevin Hearne’s IRON DRUID CHRONICLES, and Jennifer Estep’s MYTHOS ACADEMY series’ having prepared me beforehand, but if you’re not familiar with the Aesir Gods, you might feel a bit lost in the beginning.
Loki is wreaking havoc in the streets of San Francisco, and stirring up trouble as only a trickster God can. Krinard does a beautiful job of sticking to the roots of this genre by blending fantasy with a classic urban setting, and the result is a nice mix of old and new. The author weaves a fascinating tale of deceit and betrayal that keeps the action flowing, and readers turning the pages. I had no difficulty rolling with the mythology, but the constant influx of terminology and characters was a little much for one novel. The elaborate details made it hard to focus on any one thing which caused the story to feel somewhat disjointed.
Initially, Mist is painted as a fierce heroine, and a brave Valkyrie warrior which is precisely how I like my protagonists. Her character is well-developed, and I enjoyed the strength that she brought to the table considering she’s up against some pretty heavy hitters. However, as the story progresses she’s transformed from a queen into a pawn as fate begins to have its wicked way with her. Mist’s magic is no longer her own, and it quickly becomes evident that she’s just a cog in Freya’s wheel of machinations which drastically changes her role in the overall scheme of things. Her fall from grace was quite abrupt which kind of short circuited whatever connection I had formed with her.
There is an element of romance, but it’s difficult to buy in to thanks to the evil ex-boyfriend and dark elf love interests. Dainn is a complex character, and because of this I think that their relationship would have benefited from a more slow-burn approach. Mist is oblivious to “the game” that the Gods are playing, and I just felt irritated with her for waltzing right into their hands by not only unwittingly sleeping with Loki for months, but also for even considering someone with a name like Dainn Faith-breaker.
MIST delivers a rich story peppered with mythology and action of epic proportions, this book isn’t without its flaws, but series debuts rarely are. BLACK ICE is definitely going on my wishlist.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
For me this was fail on all levels :/
blodeuedd recently posted…Cursed by Destiny – Cecy Robson
I finished book 2 not that long ago, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as this one. 🙁
It’s been a while since I read this one but I remember really liking the Norse mythology that played such a large role in the story. I think I wanted Mist to be less of a push-around pawn…maybe in book 2, she’ll get it together again!
Mary recently posted…Mini Swarms: Hot and cold romances
That was my main complaint as well. Mist doesn’t really have much say, she’s just along for the ride. At least, so far.
I read this one a while back, don’t remember much about it, only remember I didn’t like it that much and didn’t continue with the series. 🙁
BookaholicCat recently posted…Review: The Game and the Governess by Kate Noble
I know that you are experience Norse mythology burnout too, so I can understand why.
I’m a fan of any mythology. But I agree that I would need a lot of background reading before diving into this series. And since i’m not at all familiar with Hearne’s Druid series and Estep’s Mythos Academy ( I read the first two books), I’m afraid I’m going to get lost.
Great review, Carmel!
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Then this one would probably be a bit of a struggle for you.
Ooh, I love Norse mythology. Mist sounds like a pretty good intro to a series despite the issues you had with it. But if you’re going to continue it even though you lost connection with Mist, it must be pretty good. 🙂 Great review, Carmel! This one’s going on my tbr.
I try to always give a series 2 books before breaking up with it in order to give it a fair chance. 🙂
I would be interested in the mythology on this one. We are talking Loki, as in Thor’s Loki, right? It’s kind of disappointing that the heroine started off like a heroine should and then became a pawn.
Jade recently posted…Mini-Review: Moonlight Masquerade by Jude Deveraux
Yes, that Loki. It was definitely an odd approach for the author to take.
I enjoyed this one too and also got a bit frustrated with her. Still enjoyed this one. I so need to get that second book as well.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Doghouse by L. A. Kornetsky
It comes out in August, so you don’t have much longer to wait!
Eek have not heard of this book before. I loveeee books that have mythology in them. Adding to my TBR 😀
LilyElement recently posted…Review: By a Thread
Me too. Usually. But, I think I’ve read one too many of ’em as of late. o_O
This looks like a fantastic read, though I’d admittedly have to brush up on my Norse mythology. From comments, it sounds like I should avoid book two. Can this one stand alone?
Kris recently posted…Review: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
It can as it’s the first book in the series, but you won’t know how the story ends unless you continue on.
Great review Carmel! I’ve just remembered that I won this book LAST AUGUST and never received it 🙁 I was looking forward to it too! I love mythology, but I don’t know Norse Mythology very well, so I think that might overwhelm me at first. I’ve heard really mixed things about it, but I”m still curious!
Berls recently posted…Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke | #COYER Book Review
I hate it when prize books don’t show up. 🙁
I loved both the Mythos Academy Series and the Iron Druid (what I have read of it) so I think I would really like this one and hopefully not be too lost with it.
Wonderful review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Feral by Holly Schindler
You should be all set then to start this series. Happy reading!
Yeah, you’d think “Faithbreaker” would be a clue that he should be avoided. Despite the unfortunate love interests, this one sounds pretty good! I agree, series debuts need more leeway than other books. UF in particular seems to start off good and then go to HOLY CRAP AMAZING after a few books.
Danya recently posted…Tough Travelling: Practice/Combat Rings
I always give book 1 a pass, unless there were MAJOR problems that can’t be saved in future installments.
This one sounds awesome, and I’m glad our main character is well-developed. Despite the not-so-great love interests, I’m pretty interested in picking this up!
Hafsah recently posted…Once Upon A GIF — Sassy and Arrogant Characters
Cool! I hope you and Mist hit it off!
A Canadian, weee. I think I saw that you live in Québec (me too) but I may be mistaking.
I don’t even know what Aesir Gods are so it doesn’t start too well I guess.
The main character seems like…an unlucky one. Don’t think I’ll connect with her and that’s important to me so guess I’ll pass–plus the romance looks ugh.
Thanks for the honest review. 🙂
Lola recently posted…Review of Snow White Blood Red (The Grimm Diaries Prequels #1) by Cameron Jace
Oooh, a fellow Québecoise! Nice to meet you! 🙂
I do love mythological based books. But to much detail can make a book tedious to read.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #87: Blood Games
It’s hard to avoid info bumps in first installments unfortunately.
I won this from Shelley’s blog last year, thanks for reminding me. I kinda miss pantheon based series. I love Norse myth, they’re more ruthless IMO than the Greeks and I like that. I hope I will enjoy this one too!
Braine recently posted…Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #111 + Homeland S4
Looks like you’ve decided which book you’ll be reading next!
Oooh, I love Norse mythology. Mist sounds like it’s off to a good start, despite some of the issues you mentioned. The elaborite world-building, myth and action sounds pretty awesome. Wonderful review, Carmel 🙂
If you love Norse mythology, then this one is for you!
Interesting! I never heard of this series before. It’s sound like it’s starting with bang! I’m definitely going to keep my eyes open for this 🙂
Great review Carme!
Lupdilup recently posted…Future #Audiobook Releases Giveaway â¼Happy Summertimeâ¼
I might be wrong, but I do not believe that it’s available in audio. Yet…
Uoh, the elements of romance you mentioned have me all drooling at the prospect of reading this 😀 Loki, evil ex-bf and dark elf? That’s the kind of romance I wanna read about :)) I’m twisted, yep 😀
Sounds like a really good read, I’m pretty okay with my Norse mythology, more or less as good as with Greek, meaning no expert or anything but mention a significant name and I’ll know the basic idea of what you’re talking about, lol. I figure it’s good enough? 😀 The novel should do the rest for me, right?
Livia recently posted…Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
Well, after learning more about your sex life on Thursday’s question post, your comment doesn’t surprise me. LOL
LOL so i’m reading your review and reading all the different elements this story has and I just think “this story is pretty OUT there isn’t if?” LOL i hadn’t heard of it before!
It’s not out there any more than other UF titles, unless you don’t read the genre, then I could see why you might think that.
I love mythology but I’m not really familiar with Norse mythology so I’m definitely excited to try reading a book that has it as part of its story. I’m quite apprehensive because you said the story just went straight into the thick of things and some of the issues you mentioned might irked me a little bit. I’m still inclined on trying this one though, just to see it for myself.
Sarah recently posted…Let’s Talk About Anime
Keep a Norse mythology Wiki page open, and you’ll be fine. Hehe
I think I will add this to my TBR because even though it has its share of flaws, you seemed to really like it. Sometimes the first book in the series can be a bit bumpy but then the series, not always, but most of the time gets better and better. Hopefully book 2 will rock your world. 😉
I have since read book 2, and it unfortunately did not rock my world. 🙁
I know that the reviews were quite mixed about this one but I”m happy you liked it like me too. I have book 2 but I still need more time to get into it. Maybe when I’m back at home.
I read your review before deciding to add this one to my TBR pile. It helped. 🙂
I’m glad if it helped you! We’ll see how the sequel is!
See I hate feeling lost (admittedly a reason why I tend to stay away from mythology fantasy)
Tabitha recently posted…When books are shelved in genres where you don’t think they belong
I always feel a little overwhelmed whenever I start a new Fantasy series. I’m never happy about it, but it’s at least expected.
I’ve never read anything about Norse mythology so I’m afraid this one would confuse me. I’m glad you liked it though!
Dea S. recently posted…Exclusive Q&A with Stephanie Diaz, Author of EXTRACTION
Having a good Norse mythology base is key to enjoying this book.
This sounds like it could be a lot of fun reading if just for the mythology’s sake! I love Norse mythology and I’m sure I’ll enjoy the references, but I’m not that keen on heroines bowing down to fate and losing whatever control they had, and a Valkyrie even less, so I might give this one a pass for now…
Great review, Carmel!
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