So by now it's no secret that Neil Gaiman is a multitalented writer. His voice and style lends itself to any genre he takes on. It seems he has a distinct style of not having a distinct style, and what I basically mean by that is he can write anything and each piece of work will feel diverse and different from his last whilst somehow still maintaining that quintessential Gaiman feel.

Norse Mythology is a prime example of this. It feels like a Gaiman book, but reads like tales and myths from the fireside of a Viking's hall. You feel like you could be sitting there with a horn of mead while a long-bearded Norseman regales you in the rich history and folklore of his country.

Gaiman has perfectly captured the feeling and atmosphere of these stories and this culture. Not every Norse myth has been included, but others that I haven't read before were, so I enjoyed hearing stories unknown to me as well as hearing a different take on the more popular and well known ones.

(I noticed I wrote hearing instead of reading and decided not to change it. For me, it really did read like I was been told the stories firsthand from an ancient native.)

Most of the stories in here are short so this is an easy one to dip in and out of if you need something quick, and one that doesn't require undivided attention and concentration. It reads quickly too. The writing style itself is basic, nothing to fancy and flowery. If you want prose, choose something else. This book is blunt and to the point, and doesn't waste page space with idle details.

As for the Gods themselves, well, I'd take them with a pinch of salt. They are brave and strong and noble, but also stupid and gullible, and also cruel and selfish. They're a dubious bunch to be sure. They are everything that makes up the human race, and I think that's the point. Here is set of people that are far from human, but more human and more flawed than anyone you could meet.

An easy enjoyable read and a must for anyone interested in the Norse myths.