Book Review:

Northworld Vengeance

By David Drake

Reviewed by Russ Lockwood


Ace, 1991, $4.95, ISBN: 0-441-58615-5, 330 pages, paperback

The series (of which I have read none until this one) uses the Scandinavian Eddas as a starting point. Drake layers on a multi-dimensional sci-fi universe over the top of the gods and such. The result is a generally pleasing interpretation of lore.

Force shields and laser swords from the basis of warfare, and Hansen (a god) is the best there is at it. Oddly enough, he seems to be the god of peace, evidently locked in a clash of wills with a superior god named North. It sounds a little like Thor and Odin. As you can guess, to keep the peace, he must fight a war among the mortals.

As a god, he can travel between dimensions, which is handy when you have to borrow a person or object to help you win. Along the way, you meet a number of other gods, demi-gods, and mortals. It’s an interesting mix, though it can get disjointed if you don’t pay attention.

All in all, it’s a good little book and a series worth investigating.


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