“You are the wisest man in the Cosmos, Mimir – of course it’s your fault.”
The Book of Mim is Sam O'Hanlon's debut novel - a dark fantasy retelling of Norse mythology, complete at 160,000 words and currently seeking representation.
The novel is the first in a planned trilogy reimagining Norse mythology through the eyes of Mimir, God of Memory and Wisdom - the only witness to the true story of how his nephew Odin transformed from an arrogant, entitled youth into the paranoid, all-powerful tyrant who would remake the world in his own image.
Part myth retelling, part political tragedy, it asks how tyrants seize power while maintaining the facade of beloved leaders - and what it costs those closest to them to watch it happen.
Sam O'Hanlon is an award-winning short fiction writer whose work has been recognised by the Andromeda Magazine Fantasy Short Story Prize and shortlisted for the Merky Prize. The Book of Mim has been professionally developmentally edited.
The Book of Mim - Blurb
In a cave somewhere in the depths of the universe, an unnamed traveller stumbles upon the decapitated head of the Jotun Mimir, who has been waiting for guests for far too long. Unable to resist the allure of an audience, the reanimated head of Mimir begins to retell his story to the silent traveller.
But the story he tells – it’s different this time. The name - Odin - that once resounded down the ages, doesn’t seem to shine as bright as the Old Tales once told. No-one talks about the many lies the mighty All-Father has woven into the very fabric of reality.
But Mimir, the Norse God of memory, magic and stories, is all too happy to put it right.
As his tale draws to its climax, the head of Mimir grows increasingly curious about the identity of his elusive audience. What’s more, he’s startled to realise that his infallible memory is beginning to fail him. Parts of the story have just disappeared, as though they’ve been removed.
As Mimir realises the true identity of the stranger before him, he begins to realise the true purpose of their meeting. He must reveal a great secret to the Lord of Asgard, and when he does, it will mark the beginning of the end. Ragnarök.
The World Tree trembles.