Odin's Voice

Pagan Mars #1

by susan-price

This first adventure follows the story of a bonder, Kylie, and a pampered teen, Affroditey - both thrown together as their prescribed roles in society change. Kylie becomes the mouthpiece of the god, Odin, and gains political advantage and freedom as a result. Affroditey finds herself reduced to penury after her father's suicide, and sold off as a bonder by her uncaring stepmother. Brought together by Kylie's young son, who has been 'adopted' by Affroditey's employers, the two girls decide to escape as pioneers to Mars, where they will help to set up a new society.

Genres: Science Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Keziah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture a world in the future, and yet based on Norse society. Where bondsmen and women are tagged and tracked like animals, and freedmen and women control their lives and names, and even their children. In this world the old gods reign and Kylie is chosen the speaker for Odin, a lesser worshipped god. However Kylie soon proves she truly is the voice of Odin and takes on a new name as Odinstoy (Odin's Toy) when her bond is passed to the temple itself.

Affroditey Millinger is a designer baby. Her parents designed her and spliced her genes for attraction, giving her jellyfish hair that changes colouring depending on her moods. However once Affie's father dies her stepmother sells her into bondage and she must learn to live the life of those she once despises. A seemingly chance meeting with Odinstoy changes Affie's life and gives her something to hope for, but all is not necessarily as it seems.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok teen book weaving Norse mythology into a future earth, where slaves (bonders) are at the service of Freemen and women. Technology has advanced, but the people of earth still believe in the power of prophecy. Kylie becomes the mouthpiece of one group of Odin worshippers - only problem is that she was once a bonder who had a child by a Freeman, and now wishes to escape earth for Mars with her son and another bonder, Affie. Not good enough to tempt me to read the sequel

[Ruth Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Susan Price's 'The Sterkarm Handshake', which I first read many years ago and re-read a few months ago. I thought I'd have a look at her other work, and I wasn't disappointed. I loved this story - the characters were very real, and the world was well-imagined. I would have liked a bit more insight into a few of the main characters - particularly Odinstoy - but my unanswered questions may be revealed in the sequels.

[Kaitlin 🧸🕯️🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

amaaazzziinnggg!

[Vania S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Sonja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good concept but it fizzled out halfway through.