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Thunderstruck
Author: Lissa LaylandPage Count: UnknownPublication Date: Expected publication 2026-11-17 APL Thunderstruck, the latest release by Lissa Layland, promises to deliver a smart, sexy debut romantasy infused with Norse mythology. The premise—American exchange student Althea Leos gets caught up in a love triangle with Norse gods Thor and Loki—is tantalizing enough to pique the interest of even the most jaded reader. —But what exactly are we getting with this book? It seems like a predictable academic romance with a dash of fantasy. Accordingly, the synopsis lists love triangle, academic romance, slow-burn romance, and Norse mythology as tropes. One can't help but think of The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty as this book's distant cousin. Both novels deal with academic romances and fantastical elements, albeit with vastly different settings and tones. The inclusion of Norse mythology seems like a bold move, but one that risks feeling superficial. We're told Althea stumbles upon a bridge to Asgard, but what exactly happens in this immortal realm remains a mystery. It's unclear whether Layland will delve into the mythology with any depth or if it'll be reduced to superficial references. I must admit, I'm growing increasingly restless under the weight of this review. My editor is, as usual, breathing down my neck, demanding word count and relevance. The school run, however, takes precedence over my duties at the moment. Meanwhile, let's examine the character of Althea Leos, described as Type A. What might this mean in the context of her interactions with Thor and Loki? We're told she's "love-drunk" and "angrily follows the elusive Professor Dahl home." This juxtaposition of passion and anger could potentially create a compelling narrative, but only if Layland chooses to explore these complexities. The dynamic between Althea, Thor, and Loki promises to be the real focus of this novel. Will we see a genuine exploration of their relationships or a tired rehashing of typical slow-burn romance tropes? As a feminist critic, I have to ask: what does this love triangle between a mortal and two Norse gods say about female agency? Does Althea truly have control over her own narrative or is she trapped in a predetermined fate? It's worth noting that the author's background and writing experience aren't mentioned in the synopsis, leaving us to speculate about her influences. Perhaps Layland is drawing from a long line of writers who've successfully woven mythological elements into their work? But for now, the only thing that's certain is that I have to wrap this review up. My editor is threatening to send a team of highly trained literary assassins to extract the necessary words from my brain. The school run awaits, my duties a mere distraction from the crushing weight of my responsibilities. I'll end here, with the following: Thunderstruck promises to be a sexy, slow-burn romp through Norse mythology, but only time will tell if it lives up to its tantalizing premise. #RomantasyTropes