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The Shapeshifter's Daughter
Nothing, on earth or below it, freezes faster than the worthless heart.
Before she was a hideous monster, the queen of the underworld was simply Hel. But cast as a girl out of lofty Asgard, realm of the gods, by Odin the Allfather, Hel's fate as the terrible goddess of death is sealed. Half beauty, half crone, she has reigned for aeons in the starless darkness of Niflheim, grimly welcoming the most pitiful of death's travellers to her ice-locked prison. Until one day a memory shifts, and she is forced to seek out the sun in Midgard, where humans have made their home.
Faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Helen Firth makes the impulsive decision to return to Orkney after forty years to make peace with her past. Under the wintering solstice sun, she reconnects with the ungainly but affable Thorfinn Coffin, who helps her address the real reason she has returned to the to die.
As Helen draws closer to death and ever closer to Thorfinn, Hel in turn is intrigued by Helen. She, too, has a past to confront and a lesson to that perhaps who she believes herself to be isn't who she really is.
A powerful reimagining of the Norse myth of Hel, The Shapeshifter's Daughter celebrates the joy of reclaiming our stories.
Before she was a hideous monster, the queen of the underworld was simply Hel. But cast as a girl out of lofty Asgard, realm of the gods, by Odin the Allfather, Hel's fate as the terrible goddess of death is sealed. Half beauty, half crone, she has reigned for aeons in the starless darkness of Niflheim, grimly welcoming the most pitiful of death's travellers to her ice-locked prison. Until one day a memory shifts, and she is forced to seek out the sun in Midgard, where humans have made their home.
Faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Helen Firth makes the impulsive decision to return to Orkney after forty years to make peace with her past. Under the wintering solstice sun, she reconnects with the ungainly but affable Thorfinn Coffin, who helps her address the real reason she has returned to the to die.
As Helen draws closer to death and ever closer to Thorfinn, Hel in turn is intrigued by Helen. She, too, has a past to confront and a lesson to that perhaps who she believes herself to be isn't who she really is.
A powerful reimagining of the Norse myth of Hel, The Shapeshifter's Daughter celebrates the joy of reclaiming our stories.
- GenresFantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
16 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Sally Magnusson
23 books139 followersSally Magnusson is a Scottish author and broadcaster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 5, 2026
liked this retelling of Hel in Norse mythology set in the modern age
November 29, 2025
I think I've figured out that modern myth retellings are never going to work for me, because I believe the requirements of a novel are simply in tension with the functions of a myth. There's perhaps some leeway with epic (see: the multiple retellings of The Iliad and The Odyssey) and with fairy tale, though here I still think writers have to tread carefully. As Kate Bernheimer argues in her brilliant essay 'Fairy Tale is Form': 'characters in a fairy tale are always flat... [but this] functions beautifully; it allows depth of response in the reader'. When I read and re-read Madeline Miller's
The Song of Achilles,
I battled with how far she needed to try and enter the ancient mindset, but for myths and fairy tales, the problem is compounded: character motivation is deliberately mysterious, illogical or simply not explained. It's hugely tempting for a modern novelist to try and fill in the gaps, and yet for me this shows a basic misunderstanding of how these narratives work. So it is with Sally Magnusson's retelling of the Norse myth of Hel, goddess of the underworld, in The Shapeshifter's Daughter. In trying to give Hel psychological interiority, we simply lose the power of her story, and undermine the resonance of the other god-characters that people it.
Fortunately, retellings of Norse myths are not the only thread in The Shapeshifter's Daughter, nor even the most prominent one. The bulk of the novel focuses on Helen, a woman in her fifties who has returned to her childhood home of Orkney after being given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Helen grew up hearing Icelandic sagas from her difficult, volatile father, who killed himself when she was fifteen, and believes she has come home to die alone, because there is nobody else in the world who cares for her. However, a surprising reconnection with a childhood acquaintance, Thorfinn, begins to crack open her isolation. Books that focus on older characters finding love later in life often have worthy aims but end up being twee, sentimental or falsely heartwarming - even worse when they dabble in patronising stereotypes about anybody over about forty. Here, Magnusson pulls this plot off magnificently. I completely believed in Helen's emotional world, how her defences, caused by childhood trauma, lead her to misread situations, and how she allows herself to slowly grow closer to Thor. It's a beautiful and genuinely touching story that is enriched by Helen's knowledge of Norse myth and by the people she meets in the bereavement group she attends (again, refreshingly, this is treated completely naturalistically rather than an opportunity to tell us about the Power of Community). But I didn't think that the thread about Hel in this novel added much at all; I would have preferred it if Hel had turned out to be a traumatised human. Magnusson seems to have some last-minute doubts, as well, because there are quite a few awkward explanations at the end of what Hel represents and why myth is important. Nevertheless, this is worth reading for Helen's story alone. 3.5 stars.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
Fortunately, retellings of Norse myths are not the only thread in The Shapeshifter's Daughter, nor even the most prominent one. The bulk of the novel focuses on Helen, a woman in her fifties who has returned to her childhood home of Orkney after being given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Helen grew up hearing Icelandic sagas from her difficult, volatile father, who killed himself when she was fifteen, and believes she has come home to die alone, because there is nobody else in the world who cares for her. However, a surprising reconnection with a childhood acquaintance, Thorfinn, begins to crack open her isolation. Books that focus on older characters finding love later in life often have worthy aims but end up being twee, sentimental or falsely heartwarming - even worse when they dabble in patronising stereotypes about anybody over about forty. Here, Magnusson pulls this plot off magnificently. I completely believed in Helen's emotional world, how her defences, caused by childhood trauma, lead her to misread situations, and how she allows herself to slowly grow closer to Thor. It's a beautiful and genuinely touching story that is enriched by Helen's knowledge of Norse myth and by the people she meets in the bereavement group she attends (again, refreshingly, this is treated completely naturalistically rather than an opportunity to tell us about the Power of Community). But I didn't think that the thread about Hel in this novel added much at all; I would have preferred it if Hel had turned out to be a traumatised human. Magnusson seems to have some last-minute doubts, as well, because there are quite a few awkward explanations at the end of what Hel represents and why myth is important. Nevertheless, this is worth reading for Helen's story alone. 3.5 stars.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.
July 31, 2025
Shapeshifters Daughter
Rating 3.5
A unique story which twins together Norse mythology, and a last love story.
Focussing on Hel, queen of Niflheim and daughter of Loki, and Helen, who is returning to Orkney to die but has a lost love break through her barriers.
Beautiful and heartbreaking, this story uses Helen’s love of Norse mythology to bring Hel to life and show compassion to the much-maligned mythological Hel, a figure who has been vilified for reasons she could not control.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this EARC!
Rating 3.5
A unique story which twins together Norse mythology, and a last love story.
Focussing on Hel, queen of Niflheim and daughter of Loki, and Helen, who is returning to Orkney to die but has a lost love break through her barriers.
Beautiful and heartbreaking, this story uses Helen’s love of Norse mythology to bring Hel to life and show compassion to the much-maligned mythological Hel, a figure who has been vilified for reasons she could not control.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this EARC!
October 30, 2025
Oh how I loved this story, bringing Norse Mythology into current life.
Loki's daughter Hel and her siblings are banished by Odin as he fears Ragnorok, Hel to the underworld where she welcome's those that have died.
Helen returns to the Orkney Islands, where she spent her childhood, to end her days following her terminal diagnisis. She rekindles a friendship with Thorfinn who helps her realise all she's missed about the island.
Hel's and Helen's lives collide and both acknowledge what they have in common.
Its a powerful, enthralling read
Loki's daughter Hel and her siblings are banished by Odin as he fears Ragnorok, Hel to the underworld where she welcome's those that have died.
Helen returns to the Orkney Islands, where she spent her childhood, to end her days following her terminal diagnisis. She rekindles a friendship with Thorfinn who helps her realise all she's missed about the island.
Hel's and Helen's lives collide and both acknowledge what they have in common.
Its a powerful, enthralling read
January 17, 2026
Loved it from start to finish. Tying in the ideas of modern day grief and bereavement with Norse mythology sounds like a headache waiting to happen but was in fact a beautiful merging of two deeply interesting and thought provoking subjects.
December 16, 2025
(2.5) Well it had a beautiful cover, and yes, I am damning with faint praise. In fact, I nearly gave up after the first extremely convoluted chapter which sets out the early Nordic myths. I probably should have.
The intermixing of a modern story with the myths didn’t really work for me, nor did I immediately take to the element where Hel moves into the modern world. It is slightly confusing at points as both ancient and modern female leads annoyingly get called Hel. Whilst the modern story is about someone’s death, it still manages to verge on being twee at points. And another thing, does the author only know one authentic adjective, ‘peedie’? I lost count of the number of times she uses it.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Sally Magnusson’s earlier works so, all in all, I was very disappointed with this.
The intermixing of a modern story with the myths didn’t really work for me, nor did I immediately take to the element where Hel moves into the modern world. It is slightly confusing at points as both ancient and modern female leads annoyingly get called Hel. Whilst the modern story is about someone’s death, it still manages to verge on being twee at points. And another thing, does the author only know one authentic adjective, ‘peedie’? I lost count of the number of times she uses it.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Sally Magnusson’s earlier works so, all in all, I was very disappointed with this.
December 2, 2025
As much as I wanted to love this book, being a fan of both norse mythology and Sally Magnusson's writing, I was a bit disappointed. It wasn't bad, but not as good as I had expected. But then again, perhaps my expectations were just too high.
November 20, 2025
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter by Sally Magnusson is a reimagining of the Norse myth surrounding Hel—Hel of Niflheim, or Hel of the Underworld—who is cast out by Odin because he perceives her as a threat to the gods. Magnusson reconstructs this mythic narrative alongside a contemporary story set in present-day Orkney.
In the modern thread, we follow Helen Firth, who returns to her native Orkney after many years away. Having just received a terminal cancer diagnosis, she decides to go back to the island she left as a teenager. She has never married and has lived, in many ways, a rather lonely life, though her work as a librarian has been fulfilling. Helen has always been fascinated by Norse mythology: her father, a scholar of the subject, inspired and nurtured this interest. She was particularly captivated by the figure of Hel, and after experiencing trauma and loss in her youth, she even adopted Hel’s identity for a time as a way of coping.
The two narrative strands—myth and present-day Orkney—run in parallel until they intersect when Hel escapes Niflheim and travels to Orkney. Their meeting is central to the novel, though I will not reveal the reasons behind it so as not to spoil the plot. Magnusson crafts a tale of two women who are, in different ways, lost and searching for meaning.
On the realistic side of the story, Helen’s character arc also involves a love story. She reconnects with Thor (Thorfinn) Coffin, a man she knew in her youth. This relationship echoes the mythic world, where Thor has a particular connection to Hel due to events preceding her banishment. Magnusson weaves these parallels and cross-references thoughtfully, allowing the two narrative threads to inform and illuminate each other.
The result is a compelling novel and a touching love story. It is also a feminist retelling of Hel’s myth, very much in the vein of the Greek myth reinterpretations that have become popular in recent years—and Magnusson has said that she drew inspiration from those works. One must, of course, suspend disbelief, as Hel walks the human world and certain events stretch the boundaries of realism, but the fantasy elements are well integrated into the grounded, contemporary storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Four stars.
In the modern thread, we follow Helen Firth, who returns to her native Orkney after many years away. Having just received a terminal cancer diagnosis, she decides to go back to the island she left as a teenager. She has never married and has lived, in many ways, a rather lonely life, though her work as a librarian has been fulfilling. Helen has always been fascinated by Norse mythology: her father, a scholar of the subject, inspired and nurtured this interest. She was particularly captivated by the figure of Hel, and after experiencing trauma and loss in her youth, she even adopted Hel’s identity for a time as a way of coping.
The two narrative strands—myth and present-day Orkney—run in parallel until they intersect when Hel escapes Niflheim and travels to Orkney. Their meeting is central to the novel, though I will not reveal the reasons behind it so as not to spoil the plot. Magnusson crafts a tale of two women who are, in different ways, lost and searching for meaning.
On the realistic side of the story, Helen’s character arc also involves a love story. She reconnects with Thor (Thorfinn) Coffin, a man she knew in her youth. This relationship echoes the mythic world, where Thor has a particular connection to Hel due to events preceding her banishment. Magnusson weaves these parallels and cross-references thoughtfully, allowing the two narrative threads to inform and illuminate each other.
The result is a compelling novel and a touching love story. It is also a feminist retelling of Hel’s myth, very much in the vein of the Greek myth reinterpretations that have become popular in recent years—and Magnusson has said that she drew inspiration from those works. One must, of course, suspend disbelief, as Hel walks the human world and certain events stretch the boundaries of realism, but the fantasy elements are well integrated into the grounded, contemporary storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Four stars.
August 11, 2025
The Shapeshifter's Daughter by Sally Magnusson is a book that will linger long after the last page is turned. This beautiful blend of Norse mythology and poignant love story is truly something special and it found me at just the right moment. The author vividly brings windswept Orkney to life on the page as we see former librarian Helen Firth return for the first time in forty years following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She has several unresolved issues that she would like to put to rest in her final months, most notably the traumatic and tragic death of her father, but also a surprising and delightful reconnection with a childhood friend Thorfinn Coffin who loved her as a teen and has pined for her ever since. Despite Helen's best efforts Thorfinn finds a way through the barriers she puts up and what follows is a sweet, bumbling and beautiful love story.
Alongside Helen's story is the author's take on the character of Hel, Queen of the Underworld, who returns to earth to chase down a fleeting memory, and it is one of the most compassionate versions of the myth that I have seen, making the reader feel for both the young girl torn from her mother on the whim of Odin, and the Queen of the Underworld who gives shelter to the most pitiful souls who do not earn a better resting place and who cannot understand human grief .
The author sums up why the stories of Norse mythology have remained so popular - "Norse mythology is just my cup of tea- wise and tragic one minute, boisterous and silly the next." and that is a perfectly apt description of this book, which swings from the tragedy of Hel's story and Helen's illness to the often awkward humor of the banter between Helen and Thorfinn. Death features heavily in this book and I think there are some moments that could provide real comfort to those who are grieving, the depiction of Helen's last few days was both heartbreaking and yet peacefully perfect. This may be a book about Gods and monsters but it is also one of the most universal human stories I have ever read, and one that I know I will revisit.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Alongside Helen's story is the author's take on the character of Hel, Queen of the Underworld, who returns to earth to chase down a fleeting memory, and it is one of the most compassionate versions of the myth that I have seen, making the reader feel for both the young girl torn from her mother on the whim of Odin, and the Queen of the Underworld who gives shelter to the most pitiful souls who do not earn a better resting place and who cannot understand human grief .
The author sums up why the stories of Norse mythology have remained so popular - "Norse mythology is just my cup of tea- wise and tragic one minute, boisterous and silly the next." and that is a perfectly apt description of this book, which swings from the tragedy of Hel's story and Helen's illness to the often awkward humor of the banter between Helen and Thorfinn. Death features heavily in this book and I think there are some moments that could provide real comfort to those who are grieving, the depiction of Helen's last few days was both heartbreaking and yet peacefully perfect. This may be a book about Gods and monsters but it is also one of the most universal human stories I have ever read, and one that I know I will revisit.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
September 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and John Murray for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I never used to like mythological retellings when I was younger, but now I've become a bit obsessed with them and this was another that I was so keen to read, but sadly it didn't do it for me.
It's very heavy. There is a huge amount of history and context, world building, character creation, and at times it's just too much. I wanted it to be stretched out a bit more, because a lot of the information-heavy bits were right at the start. If it had been stretched out, dipped in and out of, it might have felt more seamless to read.
I had an issue with the characters in that...well...how to explain? You know when you read a series, in the first boo you get to meet the characters, invest in them. And then in book two, you don't need all of that because it's all been developed in book one. This book felt like book two. Whether the characters were well-known Gods, lesser-known myths, or normal people, it felt like we should already know who they are, an so they felt flat and I didn't have any emotional investment in any of them.
There's a lot of narrative, a lot of emotion, a lot of what I call airy-fairy nothingness, with not enough focus on the storyline or the characters. It felt like it was trying too hard to be something it's not, whereas I feel a story about Hel could be really interesting if she had focussed more on the bare bones of what makes a good story, and less about making it sound deep and clever.
It flits between scenes - normal scenes, for want of a better word, scenes in present time on Earth, and scenes that are based in Asgard and the like, all gods and Frost Giants and whatnot. I usually love all that but not with this, there was an imbalance. I found the more 'normal' scenes much more interesting and would have preferred to read that story on its own, as I'm not sure all the Norse legends and myths really added anything other than confusion.
I made myself finish it because it's not a long book but I am disappointed with it.
I never used to like mythological retellings when I was younger, but now I've become a bit obsessed with them and this was another that I was so keen to read, but sadly it didn't do it for me.
It's very heavy. There is a huge amount of history and context, world building, character creation, and at times it's just too much. I wanted it to be stretched out a bit more, because a lot of the information-heavy bits were right at the start. If it had been stretched out, dipped in and out of, it might have felt more seamless to read.
I had an issue with the characters in that...well...how to explain? You know when you read a series, in the first boo you get to meet the characters, invest in them. And then in book two, you don't need all of that because it's all been developed in book one. This book felt like book two. Whether the characters were well-known Gods, lesser-known myths, or normal people, it felt like we should already know who they are, an so they felt flat and I didn't have any emotional investment in any of them.
There's a lot of narrative, a lot of emotion, a lot of what I call airy-fairy nothingness, with not enough focus on the storyline or the characters. It felt like it was trying too hard to be something it's not, whereas I feel a story about Hel could be really interesting if she had focussed more on the bare bones of what makes a good story, and less about making it sound deep and clever.
It flits between scenes - normal scenes, for want of a better word, scenes in present time on Earth, and scenes that are based in Asgard and the like, all gods and Frost Giants and whatnot. I usually love all that but not with this, there was an imbalance. I found the more 'normal' scenes much more interesting and would have preferred to read that story on its own, as I'm not sure all the Norse legends and myths really added anything other than confusion.
I made myself finish it because it's not a long book but I am disappointed with it.
October 29, 2025
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for my ARC copy, this is my honest review.
I found this book compelling, once I started I didn't want to stop. Helen and Hel were such wonderful characters, both impacted by the treatment from others they eventually managed to find their own way to be themselves. I was emotional to follow Helen's journey and to learn of her past. I'm so glad that Thorfinn was with her and loved the way their relationship grew with the story. I found it fascinating to learn more about Norse mythology and I loved how this merged with Helen's timeline.
Helen is given bad news and being alone in the world she determines to go back to her roots in the Orkney's to spend her last days. Drawn back into memories of her past childhood and teenage years, she reaches out to the irrepressible Thorfinn. His sweet nature and charms manage to slowly break down the barriers she's built around her life. With his help she can understand her own past, and open herself up to a new world of possibilities.
Alongside this runs a backdrop of Norse Gods and Goddesses, a world that has fascinated both Helen and Thor and played such a massive part in both of their lives. Hel, the daughter of the shapeshifter is front and centre in the story and what a fascinating creature she was. There is a merging of the timelines and Hel having escaped the Underworld can be found in the present day. Taken as a child she was thrust into a role that was predetermined for her, shaped by others but thanks to her escape she manages to find her true self.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I found this book compelling, once I started I didn't want to stop. Helen and Hel were such wonderful characters, both impacted by the treatment from others they eventually managed to find their own way to be themselves. I was emotional to follow Helen's journey and to learn of her past. I'm so glad that Thorfinn was with her and loved the way their relationship grew with the story. I found it fascinating to learn more about Norse mythology and I loved how this merged with Helen's timeline.
Helen is given bad news and being alone in the world she determines to go back to her roots in the Orkney's to spend her last days. Drawn back into memories of her past childhood and teenage years, she reaches out to the irrepressible Thorfinn. His sweet nature and charms manage to slowly break down the barriers she's built around her life. With his help she can understand her own past, and open herself up to a new world of possibilities.
Alongside this runs a backdrop of Norse Gods and Goddesses, a world that has fascinated both Helen and Thor and played such a massive part in both of their lives. Hel, the daughter of the shapeshifter is front and centre in the story and what a fascinating creature she was. There is a merging of the timelines and Hel having escaped the Underworld can be found in the present day. Taken as a child she was thrust into a role that was predetermined for her, shaped by others but thanks to her escape she manages to find her true self.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 11, 2026
The Shapeshifter's Daughter by Sally Magnusson ties together two narrative threads - that of Hel, Norse goddess of the underworld, and that of Helen Firth, a woman in her fifties newly returned to her home in Orkney following a terminal cancer diagnosis. With Helen growing ever-closer to death and Hel wandering the mortal world, the two characters find themselves drawn to one another as they each begin to make sense of their own stories.
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This is the third novel I've read by Magnusson and I'm continuously impressed by her ability to write movingly about subjects that tend towards cheesy or patronising when tackled by other authors. As an old cynic, it takes a lot for me to become invested in any romantic sub-plot, particularly one of the 'last chance' variety, but Helen's story genuinely made me shed a tear. There's something very real and human about Magnusson's characters - they tend to resonate with me in unexpected ways and stick in my mind long after I've finished the story, reminding me of why I enjoy reading.
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Unfortunately, compared to other of Magnusson's novels, this one felt less compelling, largely due to the mythical aspect. I found Hel's story less absorbing than Helen's. While I do like a good myth retelling, Hel's story needed so much world-building, character introduction and explanation that it failed to gain momentum, ultimately making the narrative threads feel a little unbalanced.
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Overall, I think The Shapeshifter's Daughter is definitely worth a read - despite its flaws, Helen's story is a poignant and affecting reminder that it's never too late to rewrite the ending to our stories.
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This is the third novel I've read by Magnusson and I'm continuously impressed by her ability to write movingly about subjects that tend towards cheesy or patronising when tackled by other authors. As an old cynic, it takes a lot for me to become invested in any romantic sub-plot, particularly one of the 'last chance' variety, but Helen's story genuinely made me shed a tear. There's something very real and human about Magnusson's characters - they tend to resonate with me in unexpected ways and stick in my mind long after I've finished the story, reminding me of why I enjoy reading.
📚
Unfortunately, compared to other of Magnusson's novels, this one felt less compelling, largely due to the mythical aspect. I found Hel's story less absorbing than Helen's. While I do like a good myth retelling, Hel's story needed so much world-building, character introduction and explanation that it failed to gain momentum, ultimately making the narrative threads feel a little unbalanced.
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Overall, I think The Shapeshifter's Daughter is definitely worth a read - despite its flaws, Helen's story is a poignant and affecting reminder that it's never too late to rewrite the ending to our stories.
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October 9, 2025
Norse legend meets the reality of 21st century Orkney in Sally Magnusson's latest novel. In parallel timelines, we learn the story of Hel, daughter of mischievous Loki, cast into the underworld by Odin, and Helen, an Orkney native who has returned to the islands for her final few months on earth. As their two stories begin to intertwine, we get to know two very different women, each shaped by their fathers' sometimes benign, sometimes malign presence and absence in their lives.
This was an extraordinary read. It starts with the Norse gods, but really it is about humanity. It's a story that is sharp, insightful, emotional and in the end life-affirming as both Helen and Hel discover that they do not have to travel their paths alone, that fate may not be avoided, but can be accepted and even embraced.
It's a testament to Sally Magnusson's writing that as a reader, I easily accepted that Hel and Loki could become part of 21st century Orkney life. After all, seeing them through her pen, the gods on Asgard aren't so different from us. I just loved the mixing of mythology and reality.
Alongside the themes of abandonment, death and loneliness that pervade the story, there is humour, there is hope and above all there is love.
Love for tradition and history and nature, but most of all love for each other and for humanity.
This was an extraordinary read. It starts with the Norse gods, but really it is about humanity. It's a story that is sharp, insightful, emotional and in the end life-affirming as both Helen and Hel discover that they do not have to travel their paths alone, that fate may not be avoided, but can be accepted and even embraced.
It's a testament to Sally Magnusson's writing that as a reader, I easily accepted that Hel and Loki could become part of 21st century Orkney life. After all, seeing them through her pen, the gods on Asgard aren't so different from us. I just loved the mixing of mythology and reality.
Alongside the themes of abandonment, death and loneliness that pervade the story, there is humour, there is hope and above all there is love.
Love for tradition and history and nature, but most of all love for each other and for humanity.
September 10, 2025
I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book as I'm not a great fan of Norse mythology, but I am a fan of Sally Magnusson's writing, so I thought I would take a chance. I'm glad I did, as this was an excellent read and had me engrossed from start to finish.
The story alternates between the Norse mythology, particularly the life of Hel, Queen of the Underworld and Loki's daughter, and Helen Firth, who used the library and its book on Norse mythology to escape from reality as a child. (Helen believed she was actually Hel.)
Helen returns to an ancient grave in Orkney where her father took his own life, and back to the modern Orkney and the adoring gaze of Thorfinn Coffin (what a fabulous name!), who has loved Helen since watching her in the library as a youngster, and loves her still. Helen has returned home to die peacefully and alone. She has terminal cancer, but she has reckoned without meeting the real Hel, and gaining an enormous change in what's left of her life.
This is a very informative, beautifully heartfelt and heartbreaking novel, and I loved every word.
I chose to read an ARC of this work, which I voluntarily and honestly read and reviewed. All opinions are my own. My thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley.
The story alternates between the Norse mythology, particularly the life of Hel, Queen of the Underworld and Loki's daughter, and Helen Firth, who used the library and its book on Norse mythology to escape from reality as a child. (Helen believed she was actually Hel.)
Helen returns to an ancient grave in Orkney where her father took his own life, and back to the modern Orkney and the adoring gaze of Thorfinn Coffin (what a fabulous name!), who has loved Helen since watching her in the library as a youngster, and loves her still. Helen has returned home to die peacefully and alone. She has terminal cancer, but she has reckoned without meeting the real Hel, and gaining an enormous change in what's left of her life.
This is a very informative, beautifully heartfelt and heartbreaking novel, and I loved every word.
I chose to read an ARC of this work, which I voluntarily and honestly read and reviewed. All opinions are my own. My thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley.
November 6, 2025
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter by Sally Magnusson is a great Norse mythology based tale moving through present time. As a child I really enjoyed the Norse stories. Odin, Loki etc!! So I thought this book would be right up my street, and it was!!!
Helen Firth travels back to her hometown of Orkney where a lot of sad memories await her. She wants to die in a place that she loved as a child. This is her last journey. We find out all about her life up to the present, and she has had some traumatic events that she needs to find peace from. A childhood friend called Thor helps her so much.
We also read about Hel leader of the underworld. She had a happy life until Odin made a decision that she was to be made to live down there. We find out about that as we go along. Hel travels back to Midgard(Earth), and to Orkney after she remembers something from life before. . She feels drawn to this place and to Helen. Hel has only been told how repulsive she is, and she finds that there are two sides to her personality as well as her face. This helps Hel to have different views about herself and her destiny.
This story is written beautifully, I loved it. The characters were amazing and the plot had a message at the end.
Many thanks to John Murray Press for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
# Netgalley, # JohnMurrays, # SallyMagnussonAuthor.
Helen Firth travels back to her hometown of Orkney where a lot of sad memories await her. She wants to die in a place that she loved as a child. This is her last journey. We find out all about her life up to the present, and she has had some traumatic events that she needs to find peace from. A childhood friend called Thor helps her so much.
We also read about Hel leader of the underworld. She had a happy life until Odin made a decision that she was to be made to live down there. We find out about that as we go along. Hel travels back to Midgard(Earth), and to Orkney after she remembers something from life before. . She feels drawn to this place and to Helen. Hel has only been told how repulsive she is, and she finds that there are two sides to her personality as well as her face. This helps Hel to have different views about herself and her destiny.
This story is written beautifully, I loved it. The characters were amazing and the plot had a message at the end.
Many thanks to John Murray Press for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
# Netgalley, # JohnMurrays, # SallyMagnussonAuthor.
November 18, 2025
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter is a reimagining of the Norse myth of Hel, queen of the underworld. Torn from her siblings, the wolf Fenrir and serpent Jörmungandr, and thrown into the void at the command of Odin the Allfather, Hel spends aeons as the goddess of death in Niflheim until her icy domain starts to melt. Tormented by one of the souls she guided and prompted to find his daughter in Midgard, she makes her way to Orkney.
Interwoven with Hel’s story is the tragic tale of Helen Firth, a woman with terminal cancer who impulsively decides to return to her home on Orkney after forty years away. There she tries to come to terms with her father’s suicide and reconnects with an old acquaintance.
I enjoyed both women’s stories and how they collided. The mythic elements seemed to blend effortlessly with the real-world. The author has a lyrical and flowing writing style that made this an easy and compelling read. The exploration of childhood trauma, mental illness, and death was careful and considerate. This was a richly detailed, insightful, and heartfelt novel.
*Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.*
Interwoven with Hel’s story is the tragic tale of Helen Firth, a woman with terminal cancer who impulsively decides to return to her home on Orkney after forty years away. There she tries to come to terms with her father’s suicide and reconnects with an old acquaintance.
I enjoyed both women’s stories and how they collided. The mythic elements seemed to blend effortlessly with the real-world. The author has a lyrical and flowing writing style that made this an easy and compelling read. The exploration of childhood trauma, mental illness, and death was careful and considerate. This was a richly detailed, insightful, and heartfelt novel.
*Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.*
July 23, 2025
Briefly - A remarkable book, I suggest that tears will be likely - 4.5/5.
In full
This is a re-imagining of Norse legend, in particular that of the children of Loki and specifically Hel. Due to a prophesy Odin felt he had to eliminate Loki's children and Hel's fate was to become "queen of the underworld". By some she was seen as a hideous monster and she reigned there for aeons. However even such monsters can be affected by the ebb and flow of the world and very gradually she came to think that she wishes to see the sun in Midgard where humans live.
At the same time Helen Firth made a very uncharacteristic and impulsive decision to leave her job as a librarian in England and return to the place of her birth, Orkney. In so many ways grief made her leave there and kept her away. However she feels it might allow her some peace if she returns there. There is no one she really knows however she did once know a boy called Thorfinn Coffin. To suggest that they might have been friends would be an exaggeration however they had a love of books and Norse stories in common.
The start of this book is very atmospheric. There is a "dying" in an ancient place and the sun and the person's daughter are mentioned. It was well done. After that we get a brief but effective history of Norse gods from creation to the gods coming to take Loki's children. Again well written and it means that you do not have to be particularly familiar with Norse legend (though it should be of interest to you). After this we move to Midgard and Helen's arrival on Orkney which introduces her side of the threads.
The book then switches between Hel and Helen's stories. I found the stories interesting and powerful. There are few books that have held my attention as well as this one did. There are even fewer that have made me laugh and cry in the same chapter. The relationship between Thorfinn and Helen was for me entirely believable (and wonderfully awkward at times!). They simply felt so human. The writing here was exceptionally good for me and that made the storytelling great reading. I'm certainly going to take a look at Sally Magnusson's other books, if they are anything like this I should have some treats in store! This book was a joy to read so 4.5/5 happily rounded up.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
This is a re-imagining of Norse legend, in particular that of the children of Loki and specifically Hel. Due to a prophesy Odin felt he had to eliminate Loki's children and Hel's fate was to become "queen of the underworld". By some she was seen as a hideous monster and she reigned there for aeons. However even such monsters can be affected by the ebb and flow of the world and very gradually she came to think that she wishes to see the sun in Midgard where humans live.
At the same time Helen Firth made a very uncharacteristic and impulsive decision to leave her job as a librarian in England and return to the place of her birth, Orkney. In so many ways grief made her leave there and kept her away. However she feels it might allow her some peace if she returns there. There is no one she really knows however she did once know a boy called Thorfinn Coffin. To suggest that they might have been friends would be an exaggeration however they had a love of books and Norse stories in common.
The start of this book is very atmospheric. There is a "dying" in an ancient place and the sun and the person's daughter are mentioned. It was well done. After that we get a brief but effective history of Norse gods from creation to the gods coming to take Loki's children. Again well written and it means that you do not have to be particularly familiar with Norse legend (though it should be of interest to you). After this we move to Midgard and Helen's arrival on Orkney which introduces her side of the threads.
The book then switches between Hel and Helen's stories. I found the stories interesting and powerful. There are few books that have held my attention as well as this one did. There are even fewer that have made me laugh and cry in the same chapter. The relationship between Thorfinn and Helen was for me entirely believable (and wonderfully awkward at times!). They simply felt so human. The writing here was exceptionally good for me and that made the storytelling great reading. I'm certainly going to take a look at Sally Magnusson's other books, if they are anything like this I should have some treats in store! This book was a joy to read so 4.5/5 happily rounded up.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
November 28, 2025
As a child Hel played with her siblings and knew nothing of the world. Then she was cast down to rule the underworld where those not worthy enough to die in battle lived. Her quixotic father, Loki, is planning to rise against the Gods of Asgard and he needs Hel as part of his plan for Ragnarok. As the seas rise, Ragnarok seems imminent but Hel has disappeared. In Orkney, Helen Has returned to die but before she does she finds peace with the help of the strange girl who says she is Hel.
This is a short and rather lovely story. It addresses the end of life in a pragmatic way but with a softness that really appeals. Of course the Icelandic sagas form a prominent role and it is very clever in the way that Magnusson links climate change to Ragnarok and melds old and new in a sympathetic way.
This is a short and rather lovely story. It addresses the end of life in a pragmatic way but with a softness that really appeals. Of course the Icelandic sagas form a prominent role and it is very clever in the way that Magnusson links climate change to Ragnarok and melds old and new in a sympathetic way.
January 14, 2026
I would give this 3.5 if I could work out how.
I see other reviews comment that this is a retelling of a Norse Myth, in modern times. I don’t agree it’s far cleverer than just a straight retelling. Unfortunately for me perhaps a little too clever as for most of the first part of the book is found it difficult to follow.
The two main protagonists are called Hel and Helen whilst I see why this was important to the plot it’s very confusing when reading.
The story of Helen a woman who chooses to return to her Orkney home after a lifetime away is beautiful.
The final third of the book is beautiful, poignant and achingly sad. A stunning peace of writing someone that has an understanding of loss and grief.
For me this was a book of two halves the first half would get a 3 and the second a 5.
I see other reviews comment that this is a retelling of a Norse Myth, in modern times. I don’t agree it’s far cleverer than just a straight retelling. Unfortunately for me perhaps a little too clever as for most of the first part of the book is found it difficult to follow.
The two main protagonists are called Hel and Helen whilst I see why this was important to the plot it’s very confusing when reading.
The story of Helen a woman who chooses to return to her Orkney home after a lifetime away is beautiful.
The final third of the book is beautiful, poignant and achingly sad. A stunning peace of writing someone that has an understanding of loss and grief.
For me this was a book of two halves the first half would get a 3 and the second a 5.
November 6, 2025
As a child I loved books about Norse mythology, but haven't read any for many years. Having previously enjoyed Sally Magnusson's stories, I thought this would be a good reintroduction as an adult reader, sadly I was quite disappointed and felt I had almost outgrown the tales which is a shame as they should resonate with any age, maybe it was the weaving in with a present day character and her cancer diagnosis that didn't really work for me- I'm still not sure, but look forward to more works by this talented author.
Thank you to netgalley and John Murray Press for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to netgalley and John Murray Press for an advance copy of this book.
November 15, 2025
Hel was a daughter of Loki and had two siblings who were all doomed by Odin. Hel was sent to Niflheim to welcome death’s travellers.
Helen has returned to Orkney to die. She will once again meet Thorfinn Coffin who loved and admired her as a child. He never stopped loving her and realises she needs help now she is back. They will reconnect and try to make sense of past events which have caused pain.
Hel escapes her prison and will be chased by Loki to force her back. Hel will meet Helen and become intrigued by her.
Really enjoyed this very well written, well paced novel with excellent characters.
Helen has returned to Orkney to die. She will once again meet Thorfinn Coffin who loved and admired her as a child. He never stopped loving her and realises she needs help now she is back. They will reconnect and try to make sense of past events which have caused pain.
Hel escapes her prison and will be chased by Loki to force her back. Hel will meet Helen and become intrigued by her.
Really enjoyed this very well written, well paced novel with excellent characters.
January 10, 2026
Am sad to report that, while the book starts really well, it gradually weakens to a point I just wished it would end. I think it’s because the book starts with the Norse gods; the settings are fantastical and the characters enthralling. But then it becomes mainly a story about a couple of unexceptional humans in the dullest of dullvilles. It’s the equivalent of starting with dessert and ending with a stale piece of bread. It doesn’t help that there are whole sections that could’ve used a good edit; I had to re-read quite a bit to grasp what was happening. Which wasn’t much. Some very muddled writing. The book could’ve been something really special.
September 28, 2025
Norse mythology on the island of Orkney, alongside a tale of Helen, who has returned to the island to die.
The 2 intertwine and it was interesting to learn about Norse mythology but myself, I preferred to storyline in the present day of Helen, and rekindling of lost love with Thorfinn, whilst trying to uncover and understand her own childhood. Her mother left her as a young child of 7 and her father took his own life. Helen wants some closure before her own time comes.
An interesting concept and I finished the book, though it was not really my thing! I gave the book 4 stars.
Thank you for the advance copy.
The 2 intertwine and it was interesting to learn about Norse mythology but myself, I preferred to storyline in the present day of Helen, and rekindling of lost love with Thorfinn, whilst trying to uncover and understand her own childhood. Her mother left her as a young child of 7 and her father took his own life. Helen wants some closure before her own time comes.
An interesting concept and I finished the book, though it was not really my thing! I gave the book 4 stars.
Thank you for the advance copy.
November 6, 2025
I’ve always been fascinated by tales of the Gods and the power they exert over humankind. This tale, set in the islands of Scotland is a modern day story that sees a deity from the Underworld arriving in the village community. It eventually becomes clear what she’s here to do but the story that spins out is one of warmth, care and love amidst the mischief the gods love to cause humans. It’s a lovely story; it’s heartwarming, beautifully written and shows us what can happen when we dare to care.
August 16, 2025
The cancer connection to love story to the mythology all a bit much. Then you are adding in all the extra emotion. The book seemed like it was trying too hard. It didn’t have this natural flow of poetic emotion out pour. As i was reading it just felt forced out to make it “extra” so reader would like the story.
September 13, 2025
ARC provided by NetGalley.
The book shines in its portrayal of Norse mythology. I is richly imagined and full of fascinating detail that brings the ancient world to life. But for me the story itself felt a little unfocused at times. A lot the narrative wandered without a clear sense of direction. While the atmosphere was compelling, I found myself wishing for more momentum.
The book shines in its portrayal of Norse mythology. I is richly imagined and full of fascinating detail that brings the ancient world to life. But for me the story itself felt a little unfocused at times. A lot the narrative wandered without a clear sense of direction. While the atmosphere was compelling, I found myself wishing for more momentum.
January 22, 2026
The beginning was pretty difficult to get into - far too much information dumping and exposition, but once we meet Helen the story really picks up and I found this a really engaging story. Orkney was a really good setting and I could fully picture it and all the quirky characters in my head. Ultimately a sad story but an interesting juxtaposition with the Norse mythology.
November 25, 2025
as always, this is very well written. Took me a few chapters to get to grips with the "underworld " characters, but it was such a good read once I did. Love the mixture of today & the mythical Gods. Orkney is a perfect setting for the book
December 17, 2025
“You are everything that life holds: youth and promise and age and despair and tenderness and cruelty and waste and death”
December 30, 2025
rounded up to 4 stars. father daughter relationships , Norse mythology blended with a contemporary plot line where the mature age main character has a terminal illness
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