What If... Loki Was Worthy?

Rating Description:

1.0 - DNF/Despise

1.5 - Almost DNFed and wish I had

2.0 - Almost DNFed but had redeeming qualities/just boring

2.5 - Alright with lots of notes

3.0 - Alright with notes but I'm not raving about it

3.5 - Technically good but I'm not raving about it

4.0 - Technically good, and/or I enjoyed it a lot

4.5 - Loved it, I wanted to highlight lines in the book but still with notes

5.0 - Loved it, I wanted to highlight lines in the book, and notes are very positive

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Given that this book was about one of the most engaging characters in the MCU, it’s really boring.

I get that Loki lost his ability to sew chaos while in exile, but he would still have his usual charm and wit. Those were sorely lacking here.

Tony’s descent into obsession with avenging Happy was also not great. Plotwise, it would have been fine however I don’t think it was well executed. I believe he can get obsessed but not to the point that he’d kidnap a kid. He’s a douche but he’s not totally depraved.

The timeline was also problematic.

The whole thing happened in just a few months. The significance of Loki’s “redemption” is undermined given how he was only exiled for a few months. Heck, it hasn’t even been half a year. How changed could he be in just a few months?

On top of all this, we don’t even find out the identity of the person who tricked Loki and masterminded Thor’s death.

The only saving grace here was the scene between Loki and his mother, when he asked how could he hold up his arms to receive his parents love when his arms were loaded with the feeling of shame.

This story could be considered geared just as much towards adults as it is to younger readers, as it deals with big themes like love, loss, identity, and destiny. It is also very well written with a quick pace, solid prose, and very cinematic action and happenings. The book would even serve as a really good genre piece outside of its connections to these Marvel characters, but the exploration of slightly different versions of characters that many will be familiar with adds a little extra to the dynamic. This includes some surprise supporting players, a few strategic and welcome cameos, and plenty of clever (and not overdone) easter eggs. Pairing all of this with strong dialogue and a unexpected depth to the writing and you get a fun, exciting, and engaging read that easily feels part of or adjacent to the MCU.