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Midnight Son: A Prophecies of Ragnarok Story
Prince. Warrior. Son. Brother.
Baldr has always been destined for greatness. As Odin’s heir and firstborn legitimate son, he’s been raised to succeed Odin as king of Asgard and ruler of the Nine Realms, and to lead the worlds into an era of peace and prosperity.
But the brightest of lights casts the darkest of shadows, and in Baldr’s wake looms his younger twin brother, Hodr, who has already betrayed Asgard once before.
This is a prequel short story to THE PROPHECIES OF RAGNAROK trilogy by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, beginning years before and leading up to the events of Hotel Fen , and a retelling of the myths involving Baldr, a Norse god whose death is said to herald the coming of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the worlds.
Baldr has always been destined for greatness. As Odin’s heir and firstborn legitimate son, he’s been raised to succeed Odin as king of Asgard and ruler of the Nine Realms, and to lead the worlds into an era of peace and prosperity.
But the brightest of lights casts the darkest of shadows, and in Baldr’s wake looms his younger twin brother, Hodr, who has already betrayed Asgard once before.
This is a prequel short story to THE PROPHECIES OF RAGNAROK trilogy by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, beginning years before and leading up to the events of Hotel Fen , and a retelling of the myths involving Baldr, a Norse god whose death is said to herald the coming of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the worlds.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2023
19 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sinadjan
8 books80 followersMarie Sinadjan is a UK-based Filipino SFFH author, singer-songwriter, and musical theatre actress. She is the co-author of The Prophecies of Ragnarok series, and her short stories have been published in anthologies, magazines, and literary journals. @marienettist
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 26, 2023
I grabbed MIDNIGHT SON on a whim from the Indie Black Friday sale. All I can say is WOW! I really love Marie Sinadjan's storytelling voice. So easy to read and this short story was the perfect size. I enjoyed this reading experience so much that I bought her HOTEL FEN novella. The blurb says it's The Shining meets Norse mythology. Very intriguing indeed.
August 3, 2023
I have truly enjoyed other books from this author and this novella is no different! I enjoyed all of the detail the reader gets from it!
August 14, 2023
4.5 Stars 🌟 (so you know we have to round up to 5)
What a fantastic prequel! 👏 I'm pretty pumped for the rest of the series (and relieved that theres frequent new additions coming).
This is such a short story that can easily be demolished in an afternoon with graphic writing that shoves you right next to the characters. I'm a lover of mythology, but have never delved into Norse myths personally, and found it to be a nice introduction in novel form.
The only thing missing for me was slightly more detail, I got the vague idea of who is who but needed a little more (I bet this is in the primary novels of the series though!)
What a fantastic prequel! 👏 I'm pretty pumped for the rest of the series (and relieved that theres frequent new additions coming).
This is such a short story that can easily be demolished in an afternoon with graphic writing that shoves you right next to the characters. I'm a lover of mythology, but have never delved into Norse myths personally, and found it to be a nice introduction in novel form.
The only thing missing for me was slightly more detail, I got the vague idea of who is who but needed a little more (I bet this is in the primary novels of the series though!)
September 5, 2024
In Marie Sinadjan's short story collection Midnight Son, Baldr is the heir to the throne of Odin. But when his brother decides to throw a wrench in his ascension and plots to destroy the world to gain the crown, Baldr may be the only person standing in his way.
Midnight Son by Sinadjan was the first short story I've ever read. I'm glad to say it was a pleasant experience. Although there was some odd transitioning between each segment of the short stories, I did enjoy the writing style presented. The stories were steeped in folklore, entrenched in vivid prose, and full of flawed, likeable characters. I would love to spend more time with this cast and hope to eventually read the main trilogy, prequels, and other stories written by Sinadjan.
The main reason this story wasn't a five-star read for me was because it ended very abruptly. I read through 90% of the book before everything started coming together, and there wasn't much foreshadowing beforehand - though the twist at the end did make sense by the finale.
Midnight Son by Sinadjan was the first short story I've ever read. I'm glad to say it was a pleasant experience. Although there was some odd transitioning between each segment of the short stories, I did enjoy the writing style presented. The stories were steeped in folklore, entrenched in vivid prose, and full of flawed, likeable characters. I would love to spend more time with this cast and hope to eventually read the main trilogy, prequels, and other stories written by Sinadjan.
The main reason this story wasn't a five-star read for me was because it ended very abruptly. I read through 90% of the book before everything started coming together, and there wasn't much foreshadowing beforehand - though the twist at the end did make sense by the finale.
March 19, 2024
A copy of this book was sent to me in return for an honest review ~
I really enjoyed this short story! You follow Baldr, a son of Odin and some of his life. Including some battles, relationships and afterlife. Alongside this is a mystery surrounding his twin brother.
The mystery really kept me reading, I wanted to know what had truly happened and what was really going on.
The story itself was fast-paced and interesting. I liked the transitions between important moments in Baldr's life that had an impact on the plot.
This read almost like a mix of the Thor films and like another ethereal book I read (Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep).
I didn't always fully understand who each character was and their history but it didn't matter. I really enjoyed the story and I'm excited to pick up the other installments, particularly with how this one ended!
Definitely recommend picking this up!
I really enjoyed this short story! You follow Baldr, a son of Odin and some of his life. Including some battles, relationships and afterlife. Alongside this is a mystery surrounding his twin brother.
The mystery really kept me reading, I wanted to know what had truly happened and what was really going on.
The story itself was fast-paced and interesting. I liked the transitions between important moments in Baldr's life that had an impact on the plot.
This read almost like a mix of the Thor films and like another ethereal book I read (Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep).
I didn't always fully understand who each character was and their history but it didn't matter. I really enjoyed the story and I'm excited to pick up the other installments, particularly with how this one ended!
Definitely recommend picking this up!
March 5, 2024
Midnight Son is the story of Baldr, son of Odin, the leader of the Norse gods. He suffers from sibling rivalry with his twin brother Hodr and we see episodes from his life as the author uses well known stories from Norse mythology to retell his life story, leading ever closer to the inevitable Ragnarok, which is prophesied to begin after Baldr’s death. Much of this short story takes place in Niflheim, the realm of the dead which is presided over by Loki’s daughter Hel, who loves Baldr’s brother Hodr. Surprisingly Baldr spends his time in the realm of the dead with King Arthur and his knights and before his death we see him having a dalliance with Greek god Poseidon’s son, Triton. These were fun touches which I enjoyed, but purists of Norse retellings may not be too keen on. Midnight Son is a quick and enjoyable read.
June 25, 2024
I've been reading The Prophecies of Ragnarok for a while, and the novellas are a great addition to the main story, providing detailed and critical background to some of the most mysterious characters.
Baldr is a character who is mentioned in passing in the main story, but in this novella, it's made clear how critical he is for the events that will set Ragnarok in motion. And Odin is a d#&k. There's no doubt about it.
I love the author's writing style and I'm enjoying delving deeper into this story.
Baldr is a character who is mentioned in passing in the main story, but in this novella, it's made clear how critical he is for the events that will set Ragnarok in motion. And Odin is a d#&k. There's no doubt about it.
I love the author's writing style and I'm enjoying delving deeper into this story.
July 28, 2024
Midnight Son by Marie Sinadjan is a short story set within the universe of the Prophecies of Ragnarok Series and is her take on the story of Baldur, Odin's son and heir and the complicated story and relationship he shares with his younger twin Hodr. If you are familiar with the mythology it is nice to see a different perspective on the story and for readers new to the legends it is a compelling introduction that quickly and simply sets up the world and introduces several important characters. Though short the story felt complete and yet fulfils its purpose of enticing me to read more of the series, as between this and the other novella I have read, Nameless Queen, I really enjoyed the writing style and story telling ability. This is a perfect short read for anyone looking to explore the genre, and it certainly gave me a taste for more
September 27, 2024
I enjoyed this novella! I really liked the writing style, but at the same time, it also felt like I was kept just outside of the story? I wanted more. The storytelling was quick-paced and left me with so many questions. I know a small bit of Norse mythology, so I think that helped fill some of the blanks.
Either way, I will definitely continue the series with Hotel Fen and see how it goes. I’m intrigued!
Either way, I will definitely continue the series with Hotel Fen and see how it goes. I’m intrigued!
August 8, 2023
Wonderful Baldr Highlight
This is a wonderful, quick read short. The snapshots of Baldr’s life at the different stages are rich and full, giving life to the character. It also gives such depth seeing what he want through, and what he was pushed into doing, while also doing a beautiful job taking the myth about his mother making him invinsible.
This is a wonderful, quick read short. The snapshots of Baldr’s life at the different stages are rich and full, giving life to the character. It also gives such depth seeing what he want through, and what he was pushed into doing, while also doing a beautiful job taking the myth about his mother making him invinsible.
August 25, 2024
This was an interesting novella! I’m not super familiar with the mythology behind it and I think context always helps in a retelling, but considering how short it was it covered a lot of ground. Marie has a way with words and I always enjoy her storytelling!!!
August 18, 2023
If you are not reading this series, you are doing yourself a disservice!
September 4, 2023
Loved this so much, so cool to get to see Baldr get his own story.
October 8, 2024
A mystical fantasy direct pack with magical characters and beautiful storytelling.
This book is fantastic. The idea, superb. The characters, divine. The length…Needed to be longer! This is a good thing, I enjoyed the short story thoroughly but at times I felt like we needed a little more to expand some of the story. The whole premise of this is stunning. The inclusion of other gods and mythological characters was a master stroke! Watch out for Poseidon, Triton, King Arthur and his knights of the round table. I love the idea that the Asgardians are the overall rulers of the realm and the other ‘gods’ are beneath them. It’s such a unique and inspired idea and one of my favourite aspects of the story.
Baldr’s story is a really interesting one, spurned by his father, loved by his mother, used by his wife and hunted by the ruler of Helheim. There is so much to unpack in his story and that’s why I feel we needed a little longer with him!
A divine short story in an inspired world, I can’t wait to read more.
This book is fantastic. The idea, superb. The characters, divine. The length…Needed to be longer! This is a good thing, I enjoyed the short story thoroughly but at times I felt like we needed a little more to expand some of the story. The whole premise of this is stunning. The inclusion of other gods and mythological characters was a master stroke! Watch out for Poseidon, Triton, King Arthur and his knights of the round table. I love the idea that the Asgardians are the overall rulers of the realm and the other ‘gods’ are beneath them. It’s such a unique and inspired idea and one of my favourite aspects of the story.
Baldr’s story is a really interesting one, spurned by his father, loved by his mother, used by his wife and hunted by the ruler of Helheim. There is so much to unpack in his story and that’s why I feel we needed a little longer with him!
A divine short story in an inspired world, I can’t wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews