The Witch’s Heart Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec reimagines the story of Angrboda, a banished Norse witch punished by Odin and intimate with deep myth and magic. The tale begins after she survives a burning and escapes into the Ironwood forest, where Loki returns her heart—a literal gift—to bring her back from death. Together they build a quiet life, giving her three extraordinary children and finding solace away from the gods’ reach. But as Angrboda’s lost prophetic powers return and threats from Odin loom, she must choose whether to remain hidden or stand and fight for her family’s future. The story weaves Norse myth, maternal strength, and subtle magic into an emotionally resonant fantasy journey.
Why I Love This Book
I love how the book gives Angrboda a voice powerful and real. I feel her pain, her quiet fury, and her fierce love. I love that it doesn’t rush her recovery or her journey. I love how her bond with Loki is full of tension and complexity, and not just romance—but also vulnerability and regret. I love the bond she builds with Skadi and how that grows from friendship to something deeper, surprising and tender. I love the quiet moments in the woods, the way the myth feels alive but human. I love how the story balances grief and hope, magic and motherhood, so gently yet firmly. I love how this book makes me care about a witch in a way myths seldom do.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like mythology retellings, especially from a feminist angle, and stories that focus on healing, identity, and found family, you’ll love this novel. If you enjoy deeply emotional, character-driven fantasy with subtle magic and strong quiet mothers—this is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains themes of trauma, punishment, and loss. It’s emotional and may be intense at times. Please approach with that in mind.
Tagged As
mythology-inspired, Norse mythology, retelling, fantasy, witch, magic, prophecy, mother’s love, found family, slow burn, emotional fantasy, strong heroine, quiet magic, supernatural creatures, indie romance, standalone
Steam Level
I feel the intimacy here is gentle and symbolic. There’s emotional heat, but nothing explicit or frequent. It’s more about emotional closeness than sex scenes.
