Author: Tom Holt
Series: unfortunately not
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Fiction, Mythology
Short summary of the story: The whole story is based around the Ring of the Nibelungs and what has since happened to it, after the ending of Wagner's Ring Cycle. It includes virtually all the Norse gods and has an entirely different look at them. The hero (possibly anti-hero) is Malcolm Fisher who accidentally runs over a badger and finds out that the badger is really the shape-shifted Ingolf (who was the last known owner of the Ring). That's not much of a spoiler since it happens in the first couple of pages. The rest of the book is of Malcolm's experiences as he finds out he is possibly the most powerful person in existence and how he deals with it. We meet virtually all of the gods and, well, everyone who is anyone! The end of the story is sort of very unexpected to me but is extremely good.
Points to consider: If you like (or love) the writing of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams, you might find yourself right at home in Combe Hall as Malcolm learns how to cope with being apotheosis. It doesn't have very many 'laugh out loud' moments but has a continual cheery beat to it, leavened with some moments of sorrow. If you don't care for the books of Discworld or Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, you might not enjoy this book very much (but who knows!)
Goodreads has an oddly short review
My initial Goodreads review of it wasMalcolm Fisher inherits a magic ring from a dying badger and becomes the much-disputed Ruler of the World. Everyone wants the ring--despite the fearsome curse upon it. And Malcolm is about to learn that some are born to greatness, and some are, well, badgered into it.
This is a re-read and again I find it delightful.An exceptionally brilliant book. Gives folks a chance to look at the gods of Asgard, nature spirits -- and the whole world -- in an entirely different light ... Hilarious. A very very Good Read.
