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Norse Code

by Greg Van Eekhout (Goodreads Author)

3.25 of 5 stars 3.25 · rating details · 655 ratings · 148 reviews

Is this Ragnarok, or just California?

The NorseCODE genome project was designed to identify descendants of Odin. What it found was Kathy Castillo, a murdered MBA student brought back from the dead to serve as a valkyrie in the Norse god’s army. Given a sword and a new name, Mist’s job is to recruit soldiers for the war between the gods at the end of the world—and to kill th...more

Paperback, 292 pages

Published May 19th 2009 by Spectra (first published May 9th 2009)

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The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

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Mar 03, 2012 Stephen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, fantasy, mythstories-and-legends, 2006-2010

Hold up....everyone who sees this book’s cover and thinks it’s just another PNR crowding the already bloated market...you’ve been maliciously led astray.

This novel is 100% Ragnarokian...

...but with words and punctuation.

This story contains absolutely:

**No sultry, “come and hither me” eyes;
**No tumultuous, steam-filled romances full of moist, frothy otherworld humping; and
**No star crossed lovers fighting the odds to win other-side-of-the-track booty.

What this book does feature is a boat lo...more

96 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2009 Felicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-paranormal

This book has an awesome cover that is completely deceptive to what the book is about. This is not a vaginal-urban-fantasy book where a girl you connect with kicks mythological ass, it's from the POV of several ppl, more along the vein of American Gods by Neil Gaiman (although I didn't enjoy it as much as that book).

I know from personal experience that it's fun to write "inside" stuff, but sometimes that can leave ppl left out on the joke, and this book did that a bit for me. I know SOME about N...more

15 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Mike Vasich rated it 5 of 5 stars

As others have already noted, this book has been mis-marketed, which I feel has done a disservice to the author. I purposely avoided it for a while because while I dearly love the Norse myths (see my own novel if you don't believe me), I thought this was a wish-fulfillment fantasy for teen girls. You know, sort of a Buffy but with Viking stuff.

It's not that at all. This book should never have been portrayed as a YA book--there's nothing YA about it or teen about it aside from the cheesy cover.

I...more As others have already noted, this book has been mis-marketed, which I feel has done a disservice to the author. I purposely avoided it for a while because while I dearly love the Norse myths (see my own novel if you don't believe me), I thought this was a wish-fulfillment fantasy for teen girls. You know, sort of a Buffy but with Viking stuff.

It's not that at all. This book should never have been portrayed as a YA book--there's nothing YA about it or teen about it aside from the cheesy cover.

Instead, we get the Norse myths clashing with the modern, which means gods who use modern day slang while still retaining their 'godness'. We get Valkyries and Einherjar who work for a corporation bent on identifying fighters based on their genetics. We get the essence of the myths with some twists and turns that were satisfying for Norse fans. It would also be good for newcomers, since much of the myths and characters are revealed in a way that is unforced. In other words, you don't need to know the characters already to enjoy the book since the author will ease you into their stories as you read.

I thought the characters were great. Were they super complex and painstakingly rendered? No, but they were believable within the context of the story and true to their personalities and backstories. As another reviewer noted, the change in character in Hermod from reluctant hero (at best) to . . . well, I guess non-reluctant hero . . . was really good.

Eekhout doesn't shy away from killing or maiming characters, and the story does not stay nice and tidy. It's chaotic (in a good way, I think) and action-packed, and I was never bored. In fact, I devoured this book. It was both light and funny, but also serious when it needed to be.

Lastly, Ragnarok was handled really well. I loved where it took place--a thematic statement, I think, on the nature of our civilization. The climax and resolution fit the book extremely well.

Recommended for Norse lovers who aren't too uptight about their characters being reinterpreted. Also for those who like action-packed urban fantasy-ish stuff that isn't too dark.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 27, 2010 Ben Babcock rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mythology-remix, 2010-read, fantasy, owned

The cover of Norse Code is misleading. It has a classic "urban fantasy" pose, the woman holding a phallic weapon and looking over her shoulder at the reader. Really, Norse Code is nothing like the cover or the description on the back of the book. Although it begins like other urban fantasy books, it quickly becomes something different. It is an epic tale focused through the lens of postmodern apocalypse, where metaphor becomes literal, and gods are as mortal as men.

When I went through my mytholo...more

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 14, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

More of a 3 1/2 stars. I have to give Greg van Eekhout props for a very clever and interesting take on how Ragnarok might come about during modern times (I mean, the fire giant Surtr is wielding his sword from on high over a final battlefield that includes a Home Depot and a Costco, which made me smile). I can't say that I've read a lot of Norse mythology because it always seemed so fragmented and difficult to follow when I went through my mythology phase in junior high (the year Edith Hamilton...more More of a 3 1/2 stars. I have to give Greg van Eekhout props for a very clever and interesting take on how Ragnarok might come about during modern times (I mean, the fire giant Surtr is wielding his sword from on high over a final battlefield that includes a Home Depot and a Costco, which made me smile). I can't say that I've read a lot of Norse mythology because it always seemed so fragmented and difficult to follow when I went through my mythology phase in junior high (the year Edith Hamilton never left my side), so I have no idea how accurate Eekhout's depictions are. Furthermore, I can't say that I care. It was entertaining and original, especially when compared with the current glut of vampire fiction on the market today.

Also, I'm always worried about books like this (the ones that look like they'll be urban fantasy with a strong female heroine) because they tend to devolve into nothing more than a sexfest of a plot that goes something like this: "It's almost the end of the world--there's only one thing to do! Have dirty, sweaty, S&M sex since all is futile! And then lets do it again every 25 pages or so until we've exhausted the Kama Sutra." I was pleased that Norse Code never becomes a dressed up excuse for supernatural porn.

A few minor issues that shouldn't stop anyone from reading the book:

1. The back cover makes it seem as though the entire story will be told from the point of view of Mist, a valkyrie whose purpose is to gather warriors who will serve in the Einherjar at the final battle. However, the book doesn't seem to have one main character (which is just as well as Hermod and the Aesir are far more interesting characters than Mist; in fact, her whole "I must save my sister from Hel" mission seems unnecessary). It also seems as though the book will focus on the NORSEcode project being used to track down descendants of Odin (a kick ass idea in every way that isn't really utilized or expanded upon). These aren't really problems, but it ticks me off when a book presents itself as one thing and then goes in a different direction--even if I end up liking it.

2. And the name Mist is a minor irritation because sentences like "Mist hung around Hermod's waist" caused my mind to put forth disconcerting images of a Norse god riding into battle surrounded by a Charles Schulz Pigpen-esque fog.

3. The characters seem to exist only to serve the purpose of executing the plot. We never learn about them in any depth. Normally, this would be quite vexing, but the book makes it clear that they are pawns of prophecy and fate so, in a way, they do exist only to set the chain of events in motion. However, it would have been better if they could have been a little more interesting along the way. (less)

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 11, 2011 Woodge rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, adventure

I bought this one a couple years ago when it first came out and figured it would be a good one to read since I'm currently in Sweden and Norse mythology takes a big role in this story. I have a passing familiarity with Norse mythology (which I enjoy more than Greek) since I've read D'Aulaire's Book of Norse Gods and Giants several times to my kids and I've also started a grown-up book about Norse mythology. So I actually recognized some of the lesser known Norse gods' names. (Beyond Thor, Odin,...more

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2009 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book is a little misleading because it suggests that Norse Code is another run-of-the-mill urban fantasy featuring a kickass babe with attitude.

It does have a kickass babe, the Valkyrie Mist, but the book is a lot more epic in scope than most urban fantasies. Plus the male protagonist, Hermod, is at least as important to the story as Mist. It's also a lot more apocalyptic than a typical urban fantasy. It is about Ragnarok, after all. The last few lines (beautifully written) re...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Mick rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Urban Fantasy Fans

Shelves: sci-fi_reads, urban-scifi

With perpetual Winter slowly destroying civilization and end-of-the-world portents everywhere, modern-day tech-savvy Valkyries use DNA testing to select warriors for Ragnarok.

The main characters of this very entertaining ramble through Norse mythology are an increasingly reluctant Valkyrie, her long-suffering trainer, a ghost and a woebegon Aesir (Hermod) who's been avoiding his family and is currently wandering through California. Their fates collide just in time for them to become major player...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 31, 2012 Ashley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Except, it's not really Norse Code so much as NorseCODE, a genetics company started by a valkyrie to better hunt down decsendents of Odin to fight for the Aesir in Ragnarok. The last winter has started and the world tree is soon to be split asunder. Whomever is left standing when the nine realms collapse gets to create the new world.

This is urban fantasy. When our heroes are in Midgard they're either in modern New Jersey or LA. We start out following Mist, a valkyrie as she's about to put some r...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Kyle Aisteach rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: urban fantasy readers, Norse mythology geeks

This is one of the better urban fantasies I've read, and that's a genre I generally enjoy. Greg Van Eekhout writes Norse mythology with the same facility that C.S. Lewis wrote Christian mythology, and as a Norse mythology geek I really appreciated the organic way Van Eekhout wove that mythology into a thoroughly satisfying story about Ragnarök occurring in our own time.

The novel follows the story of a young woman who died young and was selected to become a Valkyrie as the events of the end times...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 30, 2011 Text Addict rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy

This novel gave me what I can only call a “seventies vibe.” That is, something about the execution reminded me of speculative fiction novels from the 1970s, or possibly even the 1960s. Which is odd, because I haven’t felt similarly about other urban fantasy novels (of which I have read some, not many).

At any rate, van Eekhout’s premise is that the Norse gods were and are real, and that Ragnarok thing? About to happen. Fimbulwinter (three years of just winter) is already in progress. One of the m...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Eric rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: norse, novels, urban-fantasy

I've had a strange journey with this book. It started with a startled discovery and fear that the novel I had been working on had already been done. The blurb on the back of the book said "Is it Ragnarok or is it just California." But thankfully the similarities end there or I would be starting again from scratch.

So I read the first few pages and instantly fell in love with the idea of Odin's raven Hugin (Thought), along with his brother Munin (Memory), narrating the story in first person.

Then C...more

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Aug 12, 2010 Daniel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My timing on reading this book turned out to be nearly perfect. I'd just finished a great deal of research on Norse mythology for a project that I was commissioned to write, and I was heading out for a week of vacation on the beach and grabbed this book as something small and 'light' for beach reading.

Having so many of the Norse gods and their relationships and places still in my head, this book struck me as extremely well researched and a fun take on the personalities. I knew immediately who ea...more My timing on reading this book turned out to be nearly perfect. I'd just finished a great deal of research on Norse mythology for a project that I was commissioned to write, and I was heading out for a week of vacation on the beach and grabbed this book as something small and 'light' for beach reading.

Having so many of the Norse gods and their relationships and places still in my head, this book struck me as extremely well researched and a fun take on the personalities. I knew immediately who each character was and of course I knew their relationship with the other characters. I did wonder, though, if I hadn't been as fmailiar with them before reading this, would I have enjoyed this book nearly as much? Probably not.

Although I gave this book four stars, based on my own enjoyment of reading it, I did have a few problems with the story.

First, while I really liked the idea of "Norse Code" -- a technologically modern center for finding appropriate people to bring to Valhalla to fight for Odin at the final battle, I felt that this gimmick was ill-used. Certainly not worthy of the title of the book. It came into play in the first couple of chapters and then was really nothing at all important to the story.

Second, we as readers had to take some giant leaps (pun intended) of literary faith to accept that everything that happens in the story is simply because one woman, a mortal who became a Valkyrie, wants to rescue her sister and a man she doesn't know (but whom she killed) from Hel. I don't think that the relationship with the sister was ever really established enough, and the guilt over killing the man was definitely not believable. Perhaps that's why both ... neither was strong enough motivation? Even so...for all that these people faced, marching into Hel, attempting to stop Ragnarok (the final battle), facing undefeatable foes, all to rescue two people... well, it just seemed a bit lame, quite frankly.

If I could have given this three and a half stars, I would have, but I stand by the four stars because ... well, I enjoyed it.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jun 01, 2010 Kater Cheek rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm not sure if this qualifies as urban fantasy or apocalyptic fantasy. Maybe a little of both. Kathy "Mist" is an Angeleno who died by gunfire and now serves as a Valkyrie, gathering warriors who will fight at the climactic battle at the end of time. Then she learns of Hermod, one of Odin's sons who went to Helheim and back again--the only creature to return successfully from the realm of the dead. Mist decides she'd rather rescue her sister from Hel's realm than do her job as Valkyrie, and she...more

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Feb 28, 2010 Steven Darrall rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, apocalyptic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 07, 2009 Joshua rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Norse mythology looking for something really light to read

Shelves: sci-fi-and-fantasy, urban-fantasy

Norse Code is the first book written by Greg Van Eekhout- a tale of the epic collapse of the world known as Ragnarok and humanity along with gods trying to stop it's embrace.

I've always been a big fan of Norse mythology- tales of adventure, giants and gods, that while being muli-layered and confusing at times never stops from bringing a smile to my face. So yeah, I was really excited to read this book, a mix of old-school tales with a fresh and new take. If anything, Norse Code is a very amb...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 Traci Hollander rated it 1 of 5 stars

I am a seventh grade student and I read this book for a my language arts class. This book is about the Norse code. The Norse code is a mythology that has a main idea of whether or not one person has a blood relation to Odin. This book has deep and thoughtful while bloody and adult language. The book involves many characters that accept the power and rein of Odin, The Norse code involves the future thinking of the beliefs and habits of the code/religion. This book has a lot of war and pain, so d...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Solace Winter rated it 5 of 5 stars

As usual with most books I read I didn’t actually know what to expect going in. I usually have forgotten how the back cover read by the time I started the novel. The book was a mixture of Norse Mythology and Norse Gods, most who people will not even know the name of because there are only a select few most tend to know, with a pinch of those destined for Valhalla. If you barely remember your Norse mythology from school, have no fear. What you need to know is explained flawlessly and if it’s not...more

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Jan 31, 2011 Jacki rated it 5 of 5 stars

I ran into this book about 18 months ago, but had some reservations about how good it could possibly be. I recevied it through PaperbackSwap about 6 months ago, and there it sat until I picked it up last week. Boy were my reservations WRONG.

As the earth falls into endless winter, Mist is resurrected through NorseCODE to perform the duties of a Valkyrie. That is, she is expected to track down the genetic descendents of Odhinn and kill them in the hopes that they will take up the warrior mantle an...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 05, 2012 Chris Schwarzkopf added it

Believe some of the other reviews of this book when they say that the title, or the cover art, is misleading. These present it as yet another addition to the urban fantasy sub set that's been all the rage for the past couple years. But the character of Mist is not just another pseudo-hip cute-chick-with-supernatural powers who battles monsters.
The events of the story follow the order of things that are, according to legend, supposed to occur as Ragnarok draws to it close, but the ending truly...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 24, 2009 Sandi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, 2009, california-lit

This book really deserves 4.5 stars. From the cover and the blurb, I expected Norse Code to be a lot fluffier than it was, especially with the tagline "Is this Ragnarok, or just California?". What I found was an ambitious re-telling of Norse mythology that encompassed our 21st century world. Greg van Eekhout manages to not only convey the complexity of Norse mythology, but he does it in a way that is completely comprehensible and entertaining. He accomplishes this feat in less than 300 pages.

Nor...more

16 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2009 oliviasbooks rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: swapped-or-given-away, urban-fantasy-paranormal, gods-demons-angels-immortals, other-creatures, fantasy, retellings-continuations, read-2009, greek-norse-roman-mythology, adult-fiction

A bloody, brutal, mythical and definitely different apocalypse.
Think California. Think the not so far future. But also think nine worlds at the brink of destruction caused by Ragnarok, an apocalypse prophesied by a sybil thousands of years ago. Think giants giving birth to wolves, dwarfs, gods of all sort of character. Think Valkyries recruiting students for an army to defeat the ruler of the land of the dead by testing their DNA for a relation to the Norse god Odin's and then killing them. I di...more

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Nov 23, 2011 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fanstasy, paranormal, magic, authors-efg, gods-and-demons-and-stuff, myths-fables-folklore-legends, goodreads-author, reviewed-books

I liked this book pretty well. It was interesting, funny, dramatic, and full of conspiracies.

I also wouldn't - quite - classify it as urban fantasy. It's sort of in that same middle space as Terry Brooks' {i}Magic Kingdom for Sale; Sold!{/i} books: there's plenty of going back and forth between modern Earth and not modern Earth (although, mostly NOT modern Earth), there is an awful lot of magic and sword-fighting and trying to convince people that Earthlings don't use giant hammers in every-day...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Anthony Bopp rated it 1 of 5 stars

There's virtually nothing positive to say about this lazy piece of almost-writing. I think the author wanted to write a grand, sweeping tale of the End Of Days, but never rose much above "...and then...and then...and then..."

The story's protagonists are mainly immortals, yet there is no sense of age, history or longevity about them. There is no characteristic any of them provide to suggest they have experienced the eons from before the earth formed.

Similarly, there is little if any real emotion,...more

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Oct 05, 2011 Emmilie Berkner rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book Norse Code is about the Nordian culture. Ever Since Baldr (son of Odin) died, Ragnorak has begun. Everone has chosen sides and are recruting troops. When Mist and her sister Lilly die, Mist is saved by Radgrid and recruited as a Valkyrie. Mist's job is to recruit other possible long-lost relatives of Odin to be sent to Valhalla to fight against Ragnorak. When one man dies Mist will change sides and do what she thinks is right in order to save all of the worlds.

This bokois really good bu...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Caroline rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book paws through the Norse pantheon with eager enthusiasm. It also has a good overall plot--how can we stop the end of the world, when it has been prophesied? And a lady who's supposed to be sexy and a good fighter (note cover). But it rings very hollow. The playing with myth was really the most fun part; the plot was more playing with myth, which meant it was always a new turn, not one that fell from previous knowledge, nor did it hang together. Many turns could have happened; none of it...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Gerri Leen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: will-look-for-this-author-again

I was browsing Amazon and found this book. I love urban fantasy but get weary fast of the wise-cracking heroines often found in these books. I think the general thrust of the authors is to be the next Joss Whedon, but even Joss knows when to tone it the hell down. So, anyway, my issues with that, but I do tend to like my urban fantasy a little less wiseass but still kickass with funny (like the Nightside books), and violent is okay with me, if it's not just gore for gore's sake. In fact, funny a...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Chad Brown rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was actually better than I thought it would be (when I first bought it, I debated for twenty minutes whether to buy it or not). Van Eekhout weaves an interesting tale by integrating Norse mythology into the modern world, and presents a unique take on some of the Norse gods, especially Hermod who has living among humans for a thousand plus years. However, of all the characters, I found the main character Mist to be rather one-dimensional and lacking in the potential her character could...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Rena rated it 3 of 5 stars

I admit to some frustration to this book.
"Sibyl" is not Norse, nor meant to be a catch all phrase for a prophetess. The number of sibyls in Greek myth was numbered, their names known.
What the "sibyl" is, is a volva, a Norse wise woman who perhaps practices seidr.

However, the "sibyl" played a small part, and I still enjoyed what I read, which was a modern take on Ragnarok. Hermod is a god rarely focused on, and in the wake of Hel's refusal to to give back bis brother Baldr (and in this account...more

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Jan 17, 2011 Shomeret rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mythology, fantasy, my-reviews

There were things I liked about this book. Most importantly, I liked Hermod's struggle to preserve Midgard (the human realm)during Ragnarok (the end of current existence). But I figured out how the book would end before it happened which always annoys me. I also didn't particularly like the resolution.

The main character Mist and the Valkyrie premise was very problematic for me. The way I understand Valkyries, they are supposed to have a strong connection and commitment to Odin. Mist doesn't. Sh...more

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About Greg Van Eekhout

Greg van Eekhout writes books for kids and adults. He enjoys eating little tacos, walking along the beach, and practicing kung fu. About the kung fu: He's let himself get a bit slovenly, quite frankly, so please do not challenge him to a fight. He cries easily. He's a weeper. He lives in San Diego.

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“Magic is like pulling the pin on a grenade and then stuffing it down your pants to see what happens.” — 2 people liked it

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