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rafacolog's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Violence, and Misogyny
fieldofhats's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Queer Vikings! The two main characters, Aydis and Brynhild, as well as the goddess Freyja, are clearly, openly, and unabashedly queer. We need this. I’m sad this isn’t more popular. There’s way too much toxic heterosexual masculinity in the fictional Viking landscape, so this was a breath of fresh air.
The story was fantastic as well, it’s not accurate to the Saga of the Volsungs (the original Old Norse saga that feature Brynhild and Sigurd), but that’s not really the point. Brynhild is a more developed character here than in the source material, and the story really benefits from it. The story is also entrenched with the culture and society of the Vikings, portrayed from a more mythical view. The art is absolutely stunning, as well!
Overall, one of the best fictional Norse stories I’ve read. If you want something mythological, queer, or Norse/Viking-related, definitely read this!
The story was fantastic as well, it’s not accurate to the Saga of the Volsungs (the original Old Norse saga that feature Brynhild and Sigurd), but that’s not really the point. Brynhild is a more developed character here than in the source material, and the story really benefits from it. The story is also entrenched with the culture and society of the Vikings, portrayed from a more mythical view. The art is absolutely stunning, as well!
Overall, one of the best fictional Norse stories I’ve read. If you want something mythological, queer, or Norse/Viking-related, definitely read this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
meecespieces's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
fifiisbored's review
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
They did Freja - goddess of fertility and war - so dirty but other than that it is good
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
howlinglibraries's review
5.0
RE-READ REVIEW: JULY 2022
There's something really incredible about re-reading a book 5 years later and loving it even more the second time. The queer rep made my heart ache in the best, heaviest way, the art was lovely, and the characters... *wistful sigh*
—————
ORIGINAL REVIEW: JULY 2017
A graphic novel about a lesbian viking who's been exiled from her home, so she goes off on an adventure to save the former queen of the Valkyrie, Brynhild, and to rescue other LGBTQ+ individuals so they don't have to fear the same fate she underwent?
Do you think it was even possible for me to read this fast enough?!
This story was AMAZING. The artwork is stunning, the characters are warm-hearted and pure, and the plot is so intriguing and fantastic. I'm always a sucker for a warrior heroine - especially a lesbian one! - and Aydis is genuinely just... flawless. She has such a good soul and wants so badly to do the right thing, and I loved every moment of getting to know her character.
Every side character in this story is also absolutely splendid. There's Brynhild, who's a raging badass despite nurturing her own inner turmoils. Freyja, who is mischievous and scheming and yet altogether a complete sweetheart. There's Saga, the fantastic horse, and the wolf brothers, Skull and Hati, who are endearing and a little bit comical... I just can't say enough good things about the cast of this graphic novel.
I cannot wait to read more of Aydis' story! I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good fantasy adventure, especially if you enjoy solid queer rep and some fun viking lore.
Content warning: This book does have some minor nudity as well as portrayal of homophobia, so proceed with caution if either of these things bother you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Literati Press for granting me a review copy of this graphic novel! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There's something really incredible about re-reading a book 5 years later and loving it even more the second time. The queer rep made my heart ache in the best, heaviest way, the art was lovely, and the characters... *wistful sigh*
—————
ORIGINAL REVIEW: JULY 2017
A graphic novel about a lesbian viking who's been exiled from her home, so she goes off on an adventure to save the former queen of the Valkyrie, Brynhild, and to rescue other LGBTQ+ individuals so they don't have to fear the same fate she underwent?
Do you think it was even possible for me to read this fast enough?!
This story was AMAZING. The artwork is stunning, the characters are warm-hearted and pure, and the plot is so intriguing and fantastic. I'm always a sucker for a warrior heroine - especially a lesbian one! - and Aydis is genuinely just... flawless. She has such a good soul and wants so badly to do the right thing, and I loved every moment of getting to know her character.
Every side character in this story is also absolutely splendid. There's Brynhild, who's a raging badass despite nurturing her own inner turmoils. Freyja, who is mischievous and scheming and yet altogether a complete sweetheart. There's Saga, the fantastic horse, and the wolf brothers, Skull and Hati, who are endearing and a little bit comical... I just can't say enough good things about the cast of this graphic novel.
I cannot wait to read more of Aydis' story! I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good fantasy adventure, especially if you enjoy solid queer rep and some fun viking lore.
Content warning: This book does have some minor nudity as well as portrayal of homophobia, so proceed with caution if either of these things bother you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Literati Press for granting me a review copy of this graphic novel! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
thebackcatalogue's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Starting with the intriguing concept of a reimagining of Sigurd and Brynhild following lesbian protagonist Aydis as she and Brynhild fights against the oppressive patriarchal Viking clans. However, our two protagonists are quickly separated and go on separate journeys of self-discovery, weakening later revelations in the plot. And Alterici’s art style often portrays women in a voyeuristic and fan service way which only leans into the themes she is trying to tackle rather than dismantle them. — Full Review on thebackcatalogue.substack.com
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Lesbophobia, Violence, Misogyny, Death, and Homophobia
Minor: Racism, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Body horror, and Rape
Graphic: Nudity Depicted: Violence, Death, Misogyny, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Sexual Content Mentioned: Body Horror, Rape, Slavery, Religious Bigotry, Racismkatebird's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
wordwilderness's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Heathen is a unique storyline that had the potential to become an epic fantasy, but since it's confined to three short graphic novels it falls a bit short. Besides that, it's still a creative and fun series that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia and Homophobia
Moderate: Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Blood and Rape
rainbowshelves's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Misogyny, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Minor: Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Body horror