Fans of Norse mythology (or of Marvel's Thor movies) are generally familiar with Ragnarok, the prophesied end of rule by the Norse gods. A long winter starts the process, followed by the breaking of all bonds — including the ones holding back a massive wolf and a massive sea snake; keeping the dead in their land; and holding captive the trickster god Loki — and an epic battle.
The Witch's Heart revisits this old tale from the point of view of Angrboda, a witch who once attempted to teach the gods how to see their own futures but was thrice burned at the stake and had her heart removed after angering Odin. Somehow surviving all of that, Angrboda hides in the forest and becomes irreversibly intertwined with the events and major players of Ragnarok, thanks in part to regular visits from Loki.
This is a fascinating reimaging of the tale, focusing on the woman who saw it coming but was unable to stop it. While it would probably help to have some knowledge of Norse mythology, it's not exactly necessary, as Gornichec weaves a compelling feminist version of Ragnarok. Recommended for fans of Circe.
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