Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Because Neil Gaiman has prominently used mythology and folklore as constants in his writings, most notably in "American Gods" and the Sandman comics, it should not come as a surprise that his latest book returns to that realm, specifically Norse Mythology.

Crisp, potent and  filled with adventure "Norse Mythology" gives readers a narrative comprised of Norse all-stars like Odin, Thor and the cunning Loki and their seriously dysfunctional family issues.

The book gets to the point and  gives readers a finely crafted narrative load with angst, tension and drama. Since Norse Gods were not huggers fit comes as no surprise that the book is rife with doses of deception that build to the climax of Ragnarok, an epic battle between gods and giants that signals the end of the world.

In his care this pantheon of Norse gods breathes anew. These egomaniacal divinities are gluttons for power and passions which, when left unchecked (which seems to be always), sparks the actions and reactions that bring about their demise, leaving readers thrilled but exhausted.