Review – The Fires of Muspelheim by Matt Larkin

It’s over. Nine glorious books (ten if you include Darkness Forged) and Ragnarok is here. This has been one of the finest series I’ve ever read, independent or otherwise, and it’s been a pleasure to be on board as a beta reader for the last half of it. All the characters are back, and the stories are brought to their conclusion.

Hel has begun her offensive on Midgard, bringing forth the worst Niflheim has to offer, along with Draugr and an army of Jotunn. The Aesir, or what’s left of them, are trying to stem the tide of death washing over the land, while also endeavouring to rally the mortal kingdoms, who are more interested in their own minor woes than the fate of humankind. The Deathless continue to push forth their own borders, as the vice closes on our heroes.

Even this late in the game, Odin tries to change fate, but is he really just a pawn of urd, his greatest fear? A meeting with Loki sets him on a time-spanning journey, and his true purpose is unveiled. Loki, ever accused of the instigator of Ragnarok, plays his own part, and it remains to be seen whether his role is foul or fair.

Thor, still recovering from the battle for Asgard, is left with the task of rallying Midgard to fight two impossible hosts with the help of his liosalf allies, but his forces are stretched thin. Staunch Hermod, Odin’s right hand man, is sent to rally the dead warriors of Valhalla for one final battle, while Tyr, whose attempts at an honourable life have often fallen short, tries to hunt down Fenrir, the varulf whom fat

e has predicted will kill Odin.

Idunn, feeling a stronger sense of belonging in Svartalfheim with each passing moment, receives a chance at freedom from the unlikeliest of sources, but does she even want it? If she leaves, will she just spend her days evading Volund?

There is more, so much more, as the author wraps up the previous nine books in a neat little bow. The tale is epic in scale, but is pitch dark (as mythology often is) and abound with philosophical musings on fate and causality.

If this is your first venture into the author’s Gods of the Ragnarok Era, stop right there and go back to book one. If you have read the previous books, then this is a satisfying, if saddening, finish to the series.

5/5 stars