posted on 21 Jun 2023

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Ruling the World by Louie Stowell

Loki has a well deserved reputation in mythology as a mischievous god, something which is bound to make him an interesting character. He is temporarily banished from Asgard to Misgard (Earth) by Odin as a punishment for cutting off the goddess Sif’s hair. He must learn to be less troublesome to his 'fake' family: brother Thor and foster parents Hyrrokkin and Heimadal. When his other older half brother, Balder is sent to keep an eye on the boys whilst their foster parents go on holiday, Loki is furious. After all, living as a well behaved mortal is pretty tiresome for someone who likes breaking rules and causing mayhem.

He keeps an illustrated diary, rather in the style of the Wimpy Kid which he claims makes him a thoroughly reliable narrator because he is honest about every fib. The stern voice of Odin is threaded through pointing out that this isn’t quite the case:

‘I’ve given up on the tiny ones. And the lies you tell yourself and believe. And some of your exaggerations!’

I like the way that the author sneaks in some adult perspectives in the frequent clarifications for the reader:

‘Mall: a brightly lit, cavernous mortal temple containing many shops which sell things that you neither want nor need.’

And Odin regularly chips in with plenty of wise words to remind Loki that he needs to remember why he has been banished:

‘I urge you not to chase shallow popularity.

That is NOT the path to virtue.’

About half way through the story Loki starts wearing a ring that he finds amongst the costumes for the school drama production. As a result he becomes immensely popular and is even adored by people who used to find him difficult and annoying. He basks in the glory of his new found favour but when his class visits a Viking museum, he is disappointed to see that only one ‘measly display’ mentions Loki whilst there are plenty about Odin and Thor.

I rather warmed to Loki whose swagger and naughtiness reminded me of Dennis the Menace. His bouts of self pity and exaggeration of being hard done by also give his character some traits of William Brown. Despite being insufferably arrogant and self centred at times, he clearly enjoys life and being sociable. Whether he has gained enough Virtue Score points by the last page to be allowed to return to Asgard remains to be seen.

As this is the third book in a very popular series, it seems unlikely anytime soon. The author is to be commended on using her own interest in Norse myths to perhaps inspire readers to do some further research into this fascinating treasure-chest of stories.

Strongly recommended to all young readers who enjoy an eventful story peppered with funny asides and doodles along the way.

 

Karen Argent

June 2023