What a fun little book!
The underlying premise is that Norse mythology is very true and that Ragnarok is about to break out in Los Angeles.
The story follows a Mexican-American valkyrie called Mist and the Norse god Hermod as they attempt to save Midgard and humanity from the coming total destruction. In order to do so they must travel through the nine worlds and face off against the manipulations of the Norse gods who are actively working towards bringing on Ragnorak - and their own rise to power in a new creation.
So you have badass Norse gods and demigods, a rebellion of the dead led by Iowan farmers in Hel, and the battle at the end of the world involving gods and giants and monsters. Who could ask for more?
Coming from me this is a very high compliment - but this little novel reminded me of Zelazny at his best - badasses, mythology, likable main characters, and a lot of story and plot packed into a relatively tightly paced and paged book.
I loved it.
van Eekhout is a bright new voice in the genre.
