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The United States of Asgard
The Weight of Stars: Three United States of Asgard Novellas
“This infinitely exciting tale’s twist and turns highlight the characters’ missions as they decide which identity to choose: hero, martyr, or villain. Readers looking for a sophisticated fantasy that shows a raw, rowdy, and rough side of life will be utterly satisfied. For fans of Robin LaFevers’s His Fair Assassins series.” —School Library Journal
The United States of Asgard is a nation of poets and warriors, of rock bands and evangelical preachers, of gods and their children. The media tracks troll sightings and reality TV is about dragon slaying and teen prophets. The president rules the country alongside a council of Valkyrie, and the military has a special battalion dedicated to eradicating the threat of Greater Mountain Trolls. Welcome to the United States of Asgard: Be sure to watch for troll-sign!
GOLD RUNNER tells the story of Amon Thorson, bastard son of Thor Thunderer, a rebel who specializes in illegal troll artifacts and elf gold. Someone has stolen Loki’s Mask of Changing, and Amon is the prime suspect, putting a famous hunter and a mysterious stranger on his tail.
LADY BERSERK is about Vider, the first female berserker warrior in generations, who is loved by Loki Changer but determined to stand on her own. One of six celebrities invited to participate in a televised dragon hunt, she knows things are not as they seem—which is usually a sign Loki is up to his old tricks.
GLORY’S TEETH offers a glimpse into the wild heart of the Fenris Wolf, also called Glory, trapped in the shape of a teenaged girl for hundreds of years so she cannot grow large enough to devour the sun and begin the end of the world. But Glory’s seen signs that now is time she’s fated to hunt Baldur the Sun down and eat him.
With evocative writing and lush world building, Tessa Gratton once again captivates readers with her inventive reimagining of Norse mythology and American life in this collection of novellas based on her United States of Asgard series.
“With razor-sharp prose and bone-deep emotions, Tessa Gratton doesn’t just tell a story. She invites readers into another world-- one we hate to leave when the last page is turned.” —Saundra Mitchell, author of Mistwalker and The Vespertine
The United States of Asgard is a nation of poets and warriors, of rock bands and evangelical preachers, of gods and their children. The media tracks troll sightings and reality TV is about dragon slaying and teen prophets. The president rules the country alongside a council of Valkyrie, and the military has a special battalion dedicated to eradicating the threat of Greater Mountain Trolls. Welcome to the United States of Asgard: Be sure to watch for troll-sign!
GOLD RUNNER tells the story of Amon Thorson, bastard son of Thor Thunderer, a rebel who specializes in illegal troll artifacts and elf gold. Someone has stolen Loki’s Mask of Changing, and Amon is the prime suspect, putting a famous hunter and a mysterious stranger on his tail.
LADY BERSERK is about Vider, the first female berserker warrior in generations, who is loved by Loki Changer but determined to stand on her own. One of six celebrities invited to participate in a televised dragon hunt, she knows things are not as they seem—which is usually a sign Loki is up to his old tricks.
GLORY’S TEETH offers a glimpse into the wild heart of the Fenris Wolf, also called Glory, trapped in the shape of a teenaged girl for hundreds of years so she cannot grow large enough to devour the sun and begin the end of the world. But Glory’s seen signs that now is time she’s fated to hunt Baldur the Sun down and eat him.
With evocative writing and lush world building, Tessa Gratton once again captivates readers with her inventive reimagining of Norse mythology and American life in this collection of novellas based on her United States of Asgard series.
“With razor-sharp prose and bone-deep emotions, Tessa Gratton doesn’t just tell a story. She invites readers into another world-- one we hate to leave when the last page is turned.” —Saundra Mitchell, author of Mistwalker and The Vespertine
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2014
About the author
Tessa Gratton
81 books1,979 followersTessa Gratton is the author of adult and YA SFF novels and short stories that have been translated into twenty-two languages, nominated twice for the Otherwise Award, and several have been Junior Library Guild Selections. Her most recent novels are the dark queer fairy tales Strange Grace and Night Shine, and queer the Shakespeare retelling Lady Hotspur. Her upcoming work includes the YA fantasy Chaos and Flame (2023), and novels of Star Wars: The High Republic. Though she has lived all over the world, she currently resides at the edge of the Kansas prairie with her wife. Queer, nonbinary, she/any.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2014
The United States of Asgard is one of the most under-read series in YA Fiction. If you enjoy Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle and Sarah Rees Brennan's Unspoken or anything by Courtney Summers then you should be reading Tessa Gratton.
All three novellas collected in Gratton's The Weight of Stars are well-paced stories set in The United States of Asgard that offer full characterization and a satisfying plot without sacrificing thematic elements. These stories are quietly intelligent, direct in their purpose, and make the original Norse mythology as accessible and fun as Rick Riordan made Greek and Roman lore.
The narrators in The Weight of Stars learn to live within their own skins, to know their hearts, and to be fiercely proud of who they are despite the pressures to confirm to societal expectations. These are stories vital to the reading community—full of hope and offering a diverse range of representation to readers. Stories with both visible and invisible minorities written with lush, evocative prose in a richly re-imagined world. The collection also showcases Gratton's talent with narrative voice, as each reads as a distinct character while fitting within the world.
The Weight of Stars can be read out of the context of The United States of Asgard novels, so if you're looking for a sample then consider trying these novellas or the novella that sounds most appealing (as all three are available for the Kindle and via the Kindle app as separate eBooks.) If you're already a reader of novels, you won't be disappointed as The Weight of Stars is like getting three extra books.
All three novellas collected in Gratton's The Weight of Stars are well-paced stories set in The United States of Asgard that offer full characterization and a satisfying plot without sacrificing thematic elements. These stories are quietly intelligent, direct in their purpose, and make the original Norse mythology as accessible and fun as Rick Riordan made Greek and Roman lore.
The narrators in The Weight of Stars learn to live within their own skins, to know their hearts, and to be fiercely proud of who they are despite the pressures to confirm to societal expectations. These are stories vital to the reading community—full of hope and offering a diverse range of representation to readers. Stories with both visible and invisible minorities written with lush, evocative prose in a richly re-imagined world. The collection also showcases Gratton's talent with narrative voice, as each reads as a distinct character while fitting within the world.
The Weight of Stars can be read out of the context of The United States of Asgard novels, so if you're looking for a sample then consider trying these novellas or the novella that sounds most appealing (as all three are available for the Kindle and via the Kindle app as separate eBooks.) If you're already a reader of novels, you won't be disappointed as The Weight of Stars is like getting three extra books.
December 6, 2014
I was drawn into this intriguing collection of stories by Gratton’s superior world-building. Beautifully descriptive and evocative prose, complex characters and engrossing stories about them (plus romance (lots thereof) and dragons and lady berserkers and Loki and Amon. AMON.) I haven’t read the trilogy of novels set in the same world yet, but they went straight onto my wishlist as soon as I’d finished my personal favourite in this collection, Gold Runner. An easy 5 stars for a stand-out, diverse set of novellas.
January 31, 2015
Oh, I just don't even know which of these three novellas I liked the most. This series has become one of my very favorite YA series. The world-building is just excellent, and Gratton's writing is simply delicious. I'm hoping that Gratton writes more than just three novels in this universe...
April 21, 2024
I read the United States of Asgard series years ago and loved Gratton's reimagining of Norse characters within a 21st-century United States. I've always wanted my own copies, so finally found this one to buy and re-read. My favourite novella is the one about Fenris wolf. She is the wolf who will swallow the world, triggering the events of Ragnorak. Re-imagined as a teenage girl (her wolfish form has been bound to keep her hunger in check by the gods), Glory is always hungry. I loved Gratton's descriptions of her stalking the beach: she can smell sunscreen, bubble gum, sweat and sand as she licks her lips.
November 20, 2014
I don't usually like to read things that are shorter than novel-length, but when I finished The Strange Maid and saw that this collection of three novellas was coming out, I knew I had to read them. I definitely recommend reading them in the order collected here if you can. It isn't critical, but they refer to each other at various points and it's nice to have insider knowledge. (Like when Vider pesters Sune about who his girlfriend is...if you've already read Gold Runner when you read Lady Berserk, you'll know.)
In general I would highly recommend the United States of Asgard series to anyone with a love for/interest in Norse Mythology. One of the things I find most fascinating about that particular branch of myth is that the gods are so fallible - they make mistakes that will eventually cause the end of the world. In these books, you get to see a world in which those gods are part of modern society and have shaped the culture around them. Also, there's the constant looming prospect of Ragnarok, and intense characters who fall in love with people they shouldn't. Worth the read. Start with The Lost Sun first and then read The Strange Maid before picking up these novellas.
In general I would highly recommend the United States of Asgard series to anyone with a love for/interest in Norse Mythology. One of the things I find most fascinating about that particular branch of myth is that the gods are so fallible - they make mistakes that will eventually cause the end of the world. In these books, you get to see a world in which those gods are part of modern society and have shaped the culture around them. Also, there's the constant looming prospect of Ragnarok, and intense characters who fall in love with people they shouldn't. Worth the read. Start with The Lost Sun first and then read The Strange Maid before picking up these novellas.
August 14, 2016
Gold Runner: didn't even read it. I didn't like the elf storyline in The Apple Throne so that short story was not one I wanted to read.
Lady Berserk: Vider!! She was one of the characters I wanted to read since The Lost Sun so I'm glad she got her own story, struggling and embracing the Berserk madness and actually having closure with Loki. I wasn't that much into the dragon hunt though.
Glory's Teeth: I love love love this one. Definitely my favorite of the three. Glory aka Fenris Wolf is always a highlight when she appears in any of the book so having a story solely for her was a great choice, especially because it was an insight into her mindset and her sun-sized (geddit) hunger. I loved how she wasn't afraid of being selfish because she was literally destined to eat the sun so what if she did it a little early? Though, I wish we could have more on her relationship with Tyr.
The United States of Asgard book series is definitely one of the best of the world mythology YA books out there, and an underrated one. Glad I'm finally finished with them.
Lady Berserk: Vider!! She was one of the characters I wanted to read since The Lost Sun so I'm glad she got her own story, struggling and embracing the Berserk madness and actually having closure with Loki. I wasn't that much into the dragon hunt though.
Glory's Teeth: I love love love this one. Definitely my favorite of the three. Glory aka Fenris Wolf is always a highlight when she appears in any of the book so having a story solely for her was a great choice, especially because it was an insight into her mindset and her sun-sized (geddit) hunger. I loved how she wasn't afraid of being selfish because she was literally destined to eat the sun so what if she did it a little early? Though, I wish we could have more on her relationship with Tyr.
The United States of Asgard book series is definitely one of the best of the world mythology YA books out there, and an underrated one. Glad I'm finally finished with them.
November 17, 2014
I've loved every book in the U.S. of Asgard series, but this collection of novellas might be my very favorite so far. All three of these novellas are smart and snarky, emotional and intense, full of fierce girls and wild magic. They would work just fine as standalone pieces whether or not you’ve ever read the novels (although of course I recommend the novels really highly, too). Each novella has a very different emotional tone, and every one of them is fantastic.
My very favorite of the three, though, was the second one, Lady Berserk. How could it not be? It’s a fun, witty romance where the unreliable trickster god Loki himself is the romantic hero (but does not get any free passes because of his godhood from the very, very awesome berserker heroine). SO MUCH FUN.
My very favorite of the three, though, was the second one, Lady Berserk. How could it not be? It’s a fun, witty romance where the unreliable trickster god Loki himself is the romantic hero (but does not get any free passes because of his godhood from the very, very awesome berserker heroine). SO MUCH FUN.
August 23, 2015
Absolutely amazing writing and more exciting adventures with incredibe characters in United States of Asgard. Lady Beserker has to be my favourite as we get to know more of Vider from Lost Sun. I am truly heartbroken this beautiful alternative world full of magic and mythology will no longer be explored. It is a world I have loved from page 1 and Tessa has created wonderful artistic imagery and detail with crafted expressions that match Neil Gaiman for their originality and spark.
She is one of my favourite norse fantasy author alongside Joanne Harris, Betsy Tobin, A K Morgen and Amalia Dillon.
She is one of my favourite norse fantasy author alongside Joanne Harris, Betsy Tobin, A K Morgen and Amalia Dillon.
October 15, 2014
I’m bias just because I love this series more than anything but these novella just cinched how in love with this series I am.
The world building, oh man, the world building needs ten books of its own. Amazing characters and while the first novella was my least favourite (Gold Runner) that was merely because I was so excited for the next two however the story as a whole was amazing.
The whole thing was just amazing something I rarely say with novella's.
After reading:
I have this in my life and it was perfect.
Before reading:
I need this in my life.
The world building, oh man, the world building needs ten books of its own. Amazing characters and while the first novella was my least favourite (Gold Runner) that was merely because I was so excited for the next two however the story as a whole was amazing.
The whole thing was just amazing something I rarely say with novella's.
After reading:
I have this in my life and it was perfect.
Before reading:
I need this in my life.
May 11, 2021
If YA fantasy overall was more like the United States of Asgard series, I'd read so much more of it. I cannot get enough of Gratton's sharp, sexy and overly emotional teens in this series!
This collection of three novellas was just what novellas set within the world of a larger series should be: each one focused on developing a side character and yet with wisps of narrative either filling out or advancing the broader story within the novels. (I was advised by the author to read the first two novels, The Lost Sun and The Strange Maid then this collection, then the final novel, The Apple Throne - this is publication order, I believe.) Though even if you haven't read the full-length books, each novella offers a different take on that most popular YA theme: finding and accepting yourself. Of course with a supernatural twist.
Gold Runner - this one nearly destroyed me. Amon Thorson has daddy issues (wouldn't you if your dad was Thor?) and so he steals from the gods' hall and moves illicit elf gold across state lines. It's probably also why he's willing to take a strange girl he meets with him without asking too many questions. I had figured out the twist in this one before the end - well, ONE of them - but was taken by surprise at how Gratton left it kinda heartbreaking. (Don't worry, there's a postscript for Amon in one of the other novellas.)
Lady Berserk - I thought Signy in Strange Maid was a cannonball. I had not yet become fully acquainted with the only living female berserker, Vider! She's two years older than in the novels and left her berserker family to go on a reality-TV dragon hunt. Luckily the reality-TV part is minor; it's mostly about her coming to terms with the god who loved her as a child - Loki.
Glory's Teeth - what would YOU do if it was your destiny to eat the sun and end the world?? That's a lot for anyone to carry, and poor Glory is always so hungry. Gratton does a great job of putting us in Glory's shoes by vividly describing that hunger, and the smells that surround her character at all times. Can you ever be at peace as the bringer of end times?
Ugh, I could read endlessly about these gods and half-gods and the mortals that interact with them. I am tantalized by the glimpses we got of Soren and Idun in each of these novellas, and eager to read The Apple Throne to see their story resolved and how all these characters might come back together and their outcomes.
Dammit, I'm going to have to go back and give all of the United States of Asgard novels five stars, aren't I? I THINK SO.
This collection of three novellas was just what novellas set within the world of a larger series should be: each one focused on developing a side character and yet with wisps of narrative either filling out or advancing the broader story within the novels. (I was advised by the author to read the first two novels, The Lost Sun and The Strange Maid then this collection, then the final novel, The Apple Throne - this is publication order, I believe.) Though even if you haven't read the full-length books, each novella offers a different take on that most popular YA theme: finding and accepting yourself. Of course with a supernatural twist.
Gold Runner - this one nearly destroyed me. Amon Thorson has daddy issues (wouldn't you if your dad was Thor?) and so he steals from the gods' hall and moves illicit elf gold across state lines. It's probably also why he's willing to take a strange girl he meets with him without asking too many questions. I had figured out the twist in this one before the end - well, ONE of them - but was taken by surprise at how Gratton left it kinda heartbreaking. (Don't worry, there's a postscript for Amon in one of the other novellas.)
Lady Berserk - I thought Signy in Strange Maid was a cannonball. I had not yet become fully acquainted with the only living female berserker, Vider! She's two years older than in the novels and left her berserker family to go on a reality-TV dragon hunt. Luckily the reality-TV part is minor; it's mostly about her coming to terms with the god who loved her as a child - Loki.
Glory's Teeth - what would YOU do if it was your destiny to eat the sun and end the world?? That's a lot for anyone to carry, and poor Glory is always so hungry. Gratton does a great job of putting us in Glory's shoes by vividly describing that hunger, and the smells that surround her character at all times. Can you ever be at peace as the bringer of end times?
Ugh, I could read endlessly about these gods and half-gods and the mortals that interact with them. I am tantalized by the glimpses we got of Soren and Idun in each of these novellas, and eager to read The Apple Throne to see their story resolved and how all these characters might come back together and their outcomes.
Dammit, I'm going to have to go back and give all of the United States of Asgard novels five stars, aren't I? I THINK SO.
April 15, 2018
Love seems to be a recurring theme throughout the short stories. I only wish Glory's story was a little longer/more in depth.
September 5, 2018
Sometimes when writers opt to put out novellas or side stories to their fictional universe, said stories appear superfluous. This is NOT the case with The Weight of the Stars, which gives some side characters a chance to shine. I honestly can't decide which novella is my favorite as both Gold Runner and Lady Berserk each have their own strengths. Teen readers will empathize with Amon's antipathy towards his distant godly father Thor and his internalized biphobia. Lady Berserk explores Vider's complicated feelings for Loki, and asks the question of whether we can forgive those we love who fail us. While Glory's Teeth wasn't as strong or as long as the previous entries it was still a fascinating exploration into the thoughts of Lady Fenris.
This collection is sure to be a hit with fans of Tessa Gratton's Asgard series.
This collection is sure to be a hit with fans of Tessa Gratton's Asgard series.
September 14, 2015
Still loving Tessa Gratton's United States of Asgard books. These three novellas are great - some of the primary and secondary characters of the main series make appearances, and their stories are hinted at. Although, in the introduction, she says the novellas can be read in any order, they make reference to the events of books 1 & 2 - I would definitely recommend not reading them until you've finished The Lost Sun and The Strange Maid. Looking forward to (and already mourning) reading the last book in the series!
October 18, 2014
Finished "The Weight of Stars" by Tessa Gratton and loved it!!! :D It's a collection of 3 novellas featuring characters from her "United States of Asgard" series. My favorite was "Lady Berserk" about Vider from book 1 and Loki, followed by "Glory's Teeth" about Fenris Wolf, and then "Gold Runner" about one of Thor's sons. Really just love this world of the series and the possible foreshadowing for what's to come in the final book "The Apple Throne" in April.
January 1, 2015
Mythology blended with familiar places makes a disconcerting and fascinating juxtaposition. I laughed and squirmed and underlined my favorite bits, and read straight through to the end because I couldn't stop.
This is a book about rule breakers, about injustice, about finding yourself, about sacrifice, about love. The stories were beautiful, and over too quickly, but at the same time, so very satisfying.
I want more.
This is a book about rule breakers, about injustice, about finding yourself, about sacrifice, about love. The stories were beautiful, and over too quickly, but at the same time, so very satisfying.
I want more.
December 29, 2014
Really liked Gold Runner (I think I would actually have liked an extended, i.e. novel-length, edition better), thought Lady Berserk was okay (good, but a little slow), and practically drooled over Glory's Teeth (no pun intended... such an interesting character voice, and maybe a bit of self identification in there). Real rating for the collection is probably 4.5 stars.
March 24, 2015
Some great views of the world
Here we get to see some of the rest of the world, and some more of the characters and their lives. My favorite story was the middle one, where we get to see more of Loki, but I liked them all.
Here we get to see some of the rest of the world, and some more of the characters and their lives. My favorite story was the middle one, where we get to see more of Loki, but I liked them all.
October 21, 2014
Rating: 3.25/5
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
December 1, 2014
It's not the novellas, it's me. I just don't work as a novella reader.
March 15, 2015
Wonderful worldbuilding. I didn't want to leave.
July 21, 2015
Amon's and Vider's stories were amazing. Got absolutely emotional in Amon's. Glory's story was good, but not as gripping for me. But this collection is a must for any United States of Asgard fans.
August 28, 2015
Interesting premise, but slow going at points.
November 23, 2015
I liked mostly the second story because I had a question about this couple since book 1!
January 22, 2017
How the hell did it take me so long to realize I needed to read this book.
January 1, 2015
A decent compilation. I liked Lady Berserk the best of the three, the other two were just okay.
August 19, 2017
Revisiting this world in these novellas reminded me again of just how much I love it. There is so much feeling in every story, every character, and a reverence that you feel in your bones. I'm going to have to come back to the trilogy very soon.
Want to Read
November 13, 2017good
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