[Asis’ Review] Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee

Loki: Where Mischief Lies
by Mackenzi Lee
Pages: 416
Published by Marvel Press
Release Date: September 3rd 2019
Genres: YA, Mythology, Magic, LGBTQ+, Fantasy, Diverse
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC, eBook
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This is the first of three young adult novels from New York Times best-selling author Mackenzi Lee that explores the untapped potential and duality of heroism of popular characters in the Marvel Universe.

Before the days of going toe-to-toe with the Avengers, a younger Loki is desperate to prove himself heroic and capable, while it seems everyone around him suspects him of inevitable villainy and depravity . . . except for Amora. Asgard's resident sorceress-in-training feels like a kindred spirit-someone who values magic and knowledge, who might even see the best in him.

But when Loki and Amora cause the destruction of one of Asgard's most prized possessions, Amora is banished to Earth, where her powers will slowly and excruciatingly fade to nothing. Without the only person who ever looked at his magic as a gift instead of a threat, Loki slips further into anguish and the shadow of his universally adored brother, Thor.

When Asgardian magic is detected in relation to a string of mysterious murders on Earth, Odin sends Loki to investigate. As he descends upon nineteenth-century London, Loki embarks on a journey that leads him to more than just a murder suspect, putting him on a path to discover the source of his power-and who he's meant to be.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The quotes used on this Review were taken from the ARC and may change after publication.

I came into this book not really knowing what to expect, I haven’t really read any comics but I do love the MCU and was hopeful for what this book would bring us.

I really appreciated the way Loki was portrayed in the book. He was witty and smart, he was mean and a total ass with others but he also had a big heart deep down with a lot of pain that you felt yourself when you were reading.

I didn’t know Amora before this book but I loved her character and her plot went in a way I didn’t predict. As for Thor, I kept trying to think these were his early days and forgiving him, ‘cause he sure was a dumb asshole here a time or two. And I do think at the end of the day, we did get some important scenes with their relationship as brothers.

Odin was the worst and that’s all I’m gonna say about him, but I truly loved Frigga and her relationship with Loki. She was as amazing as I remembered her to be.

Even though at times I felt like it was dragging a bit, in general, I really liked Mackenzi’s writing.

I especially enjoyed the initial part in Asgard. All of her descriptions really took me to all those places and it felt as magical and beautiful as they were. The first part of the story when we’re on Eart felt too slow, but after it picked up the pace again, I really enjoyed it. I loved Loki’s reactions and interactions with our world and there were definitely different references throughout the book for fans to catch.

Theo was a character that I didn’t like all that much for a while when we first meet him but ended up being my favorite of them all, right there with Loki. Their friendship and relationship was so good and interesting with such good development and banter; they were a great team together and I was incredibly invested in them. They broke my heart and made me laugh and I am just so happy that I met them in this story.

I loved some of the statements and messages of this book. The comparisons of Earth and Asgard and the ways both of them fell short in certain aspects, making life truly unfair for some… to the extent that someone from a different world couldn’t even get it. How trapped these characters felt because of who they were for different yet similar reasons. It broke my heart and it made me reflect and want more for them.

I really enjoyed the story. There were times where it was totally predictable yet still not boring, and there were others where it kept me on my toes and I just couldn’t stop reading. I think this is a good story for all ages, with important topics and funny moments. It felt like a perfect balance of adventure, magic, mystery, family baggage, friendship and team development, witty dialogue and a bit of very subtle and sweet romance.