I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong, M. A. Marr Narrator: Casey Holloway, Jon Wierenga, Pat Young
Length: 7 Hours 45 Minutes
Series: The Blackwell Pages #1
Also in this series:
Also by this author:
on May 7th 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Social Themes, Friendship, Norse, Action & Adventure, General, Social Issues
Pages: 256
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Publisher
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"The runes have spoken. We have our champion...Matthew Thorsen."
Matt hears the words, but he can't believe them. He's Thor's representative? Destined to fight trolls, monstrous wolves and giant serpents...or the world ends? He's only thirteen.
While Matt knew he was a modern-day descendent of Thor, he's always lived a normal kid's life. In fact, most people in the small town of Blackwell, South Dakota, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt's classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke. No big deal.
But now Ragnarok is coming, and it's up to the champions to fight in the place of the long-dead gods. Matt, Laurie, and Fen's lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team, find Thor's hammer and shield, and prevent the end of the world.
In their middle grade debut, K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr begin the epic Blackwell Pages series with this action-packed adventure, filled with larger-than-life legends, gripping battles, and an engaging cast of characters who bring the myths to life.
Why Did I Listen To Loki’s Wolves?
I tend to sit up and pay attention when two authors I really like team up and write a book together. Loki’s Wolves is a joint effort between Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr, writing as K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr. Of course, the fact that Loki’s Wolves has some basis in Norse mythology upped the appeal factor. My expectations, however, did not match the reality. While I certainly enjoyed this audiobook, I would not go so far as to say it is on the level of Percy Jackson. Percy Jackson is probably the nearest comparison I can make to Loki’s Wolves.
What’s The Story Here?
Loki’s Wolves by KL Armstrong and MA Marr is about a group of middle graders who are descended from the Norse gods. These kids have a prophecy to fulfill – they are going to take on the serpent Ragnarok and save the world. Matt Thorsen is a descendent of Thor and you probably wouldn’t believe it to look at him. However, he is the one whom Thor chose. He lives in Blackwell, South Dakota. The other main family in town are the Brekke’s. They are descendents of Loki. As it turns out, cousins Fen and Laurie will stand in for Loki and join Matt on his quest. Along the way he finds other god descendents and forms a bit of a dream team in hopes of taking on Ragnarok. There’s adventure and betrayal.
How Is The Characterization?
Okay, so the characterization in Loki’s Wolves is alright. I mean, I liked the characters and wanted them to go on to fulfill their destinies. However, I just wasn’t super attached. It irritated me how Laurie basically stands around in the back while the boys get to do everything. Granted, this is addressed eventually but it still rankles. I did love the character of Baldwin though, he is a bit of a hoot. I would have liked more female characters too — as it is three male god descendents and one female god descendent.
What Did I Ultimately Think Of Loki’s Wolves?
Ultimately, I was not super impressed with this book. As I was listening, I could not help drawing Rick Riordan comparisons. I know, that is on me and my own fault. However, I just was never as compelled by the journey of these kids. It isn’t as interesting as Camp Half Blood. I did go on to start to listen to the sequel which I like a little bit better.
How’s The Narration?
Loki’s Wolves has three narrators -Â Casey Holloway, Jon Wierenga, and Pat Young. I wasn’t totally into this audiobook. It just felt so slow and long, even though it is one of the shortest ones I have listened to in quite a while. I think this was partially because I listened to the audiobook on CD and not via app so I could not speed it up. It felt a bit unbearable. Maybe I would have been more into this book if I had physically read it, but maybe not. Either way, it truly failed to captivate me.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
The GIF caption says it all.
Other reviews of Loki’s Wolves by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr:
The Book Smugglers – “flat to the point of when something really tremendous happens I felt cold and uninterested”
Alice Marvels – “I was still very pleased with the story”
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Your review completely sums up my response as well. I really wanted to like it, and could see some potential; but the minute I finished it, I basically forgot it and had no desire to listen to it again.