July 15, 2019
One does not have to be a Marvel film franchise fan to enjoy this action-packed, emotionally resonant origin story of trickster deity and sorcerer Loki. Through a deep dive into the sibling rivalry between Thor and Loki, Lee (The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue) traces Loki’s sometimes-questionable choices to his attempt to win over their father Odin and be seen as a true contender for the Asgardian throne. Upon peering into the Godseye Mirror during the Royal Feast of Gullveig, Odin sees what he believes to be a treasonous act by one of his sons. The vision sets off a series of events that leads to the mirror’s destruction and the banishment of Loki’s only friend—
sorcerer’s apprentice Amora, who has been teaching Loki to use his magic, is sent to Midgard (Earth), where magic does not exist. After a series of magically induced murders plagues London, Loki goes to help and prove that he can be trusted. Lee’s Loki is a complicated young man trying to define who he is as distinct from his family, something that many young people can relate to, and while Lee does not skimp on the fun—a fabulous party, flirty and witty dialogue—she also clarifies that it is not individual acts that determine whether someone is good or bad. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Rees Agency.