RAGNAROK The End of the Gods

If Norse myths don't come easily to mind, here's a chance to indulge in the fabulous fantasy of the gods and giants of the North. Narrator Harriet Walter is a superb oracle, telling the ancient tales of conflicts and feuds in dazzling description through the eyes of a young girl absorbed by her book of myths. Byatt reinterprets the prediction of "Ragnarok," or doom of the gods, and Walter delivers every terrible moment. The names Odin, Skoll, Heimdallr, Fenrir roll easily off her tongue. Her exquisite pacing and emphasis help listeners roll on with the curses, spells, battles of gods, dwarves, and all manner of stunning and violent creatures. The sensual imagery—color, texture, sound—comes through in this vibrant telling. A listening spectacular. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]