Rhinegold

by Stephan Grundy

Overview

Grundy tells his version of the saga of Sigifrith's heroic ancestry and of the cursed treasure guarded by the dragon Fadhmir. touching on Sigifrith's coming of age, gaining a steed and a sword worthy of a hero, and of his deeds including revenge for his father's death, and slaying the dragon Fadhmir while taking possession of the great treasure. Ending in his tragic destiny as it forces him into an impossible choice between two women: Gundrun, a powerful king's daughter, his betrothed; and Brunichild, who believes herself to be his destined soulmate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781959350415
Publisher:	Three Little Sisters
Publication date:	09/29/2023
Pages:	688
Sales rank:	1,045,199
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.44(d)

Editorial Reviews

Grundy's epic first novel, which takes its name from Wagner but the bulk of its plot from the Norse Volsunga Saga , does a skillful job of handling the youth of Sigifrith, his revenge for his father Sigimund's death and his battle with the dragon Fadhmir. Even better is the grisly, intriguing portrayal of Sigimund, his twin Sigilind and their child Sinfjotli, all caught in one of those horrid Norse nets of revenge and counter-revenge. Unfortunately, once Sigifrith has gained his fame and ventures among the Burgundians (Gundahari, Gundrun and Hagan), the pace slows. It's not entirely the author's fault: the Volsunga Saga isn't concerned with the legal complexities that underlie and undermine Wotan's power, so Grundy doesn't have the frisson of a Gotterdammerung for an ending--just Huns slaughtering Burgundians and Burgundians returning the favor. Still, his more historical approach in the novel's last third clots the story with extraneous names and events that mute the legend's impact. In addition, Grundy's dialogue often seems inappropriate to his generally skaldic narrative. (``Muspell, shit. I heard there's a dwarf-sized smith on the Rhine who's forging 'em.'') On balance, though, this is a good rousing read. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Grundy's first novel, a truly mammoth retelling of the same Germanic legends that inspired Wagner's famous Ring Cycle, illustrates why one shouldn't throw stones at otters or attract the attention of Wodan. For in this multigenerational tale, Wodan raises each of the Walsings to great might, then repeatedly betrays his chosen. The theme of revenge also prevails, as each new Walsing attempts to right the wrong done to his father. Battle descriptions are subdued, with the emphasis placed on the plotting and planning of the main characters. The reader will have to put up with a variety of Germanic words and phrases, but a glossary and a map (not seen) are included. Not a particularly great book, but nonetheless a good, solid read.-- Robert A. Curtis, Taylor Memorial P.L., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Library Journal