The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism Book by author Ryan Smith, published by Llewellyn Publications brings us an interesting look and a new way of seeing Norse paganism.

The way of Ice and Fire is a refreshing new take on Norse Paganism. This groundbreaking re-imagination of Norse Paganism opens the doors for people to build communities and their own personal practice of Norse magic and tradition. It goes into the different types of Norse paganism such as Asatru and into Seidr Magick. Among other things that are important to know if you are walking this path.

Cons:
The book has good information but a lot of it is short and packed in. It would have been better if it was cut in half and made into two separate books that way the author could have gone into more detail. It's good for beginners but if you already know a good amount of Norse Paganism they don't really go into anything out of the ordinary in the book. The last two chapters are specifically about finding groups to work with or creating your own community. Which is good if you're interested in working with other people but if you're not these last two chapters might be unnecessary for you to read.

Pros:
It goes into detail about the basics of Norse magic and mysticism while still encouraging your individual self to explore your own style. It helps to build your own magical practice while still sticking true to the Norse traditions and mystical ways. There is no gatekeeping in this book. So you don't have to feel as if somebody's talking down to you. It's good for beginners because the chapters are short, comprehensive, and to the point. It has this refreshing take about opening yourself up to other Norse pagans and building communities that help each other to thrive and progress forward. If you're into meditation, at the end of each chapter there is a different meditation exercise that is simple yet effective to commune with the Gods.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. For its refreshing new look on Norse paganism and giving its readers the freedom to develop their own style and opening up the world of Norse paganism in a friendly and healthy way. And gives you Norse paganism in a non-scary, open-minded environment for you to learn and not be judged.

My closing thoughts: This is an excellent book for new beginners in Norse paganism that are familiar with basic Traditions such as Wicca and other modern-day pagan religions. That are not married to strict beliefs on how to practice and to different ideas and our open to finding their own individuality when it comes to Magic and spirituality

A good beginners book for a modern Heathen. Answers most questions a new Heathen or outsider might have on the topics of Norse Pagansim. Smith has a very clear, down to earth writing style that felt conversational but still scholarly. I recommend.

This book provides a great explaination of. Norse traditions and how to bring it into your daily practice. The descriptions are easy to understand and are full of enough detail to keep the reader interested.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have always been a believer in the old ways and the paths that they have lead me down. I have read a few books in the past that follow the Norse path. It has truly spread worldwide. This gave me another look in the World Tree, druids, pagan and the gods that we call on to aid us and give thanks for the guidance that we have received. There were time while reading this I got flashes of things and could almost hear music. There was something that just drew me to read this and I am glad I did. I will be going back to from time to time.

I've spent a lot of time reading through the mythologies and theologies of various societies and each one has fascinated me with the way that they've gone on to explain how things occurred, how they've effected the mindset of the various peoples and also demonstrated through the stories how things were met and overcome.

For me, Norse mythology is perhaps the most human of those that I've read with even the gods making human errors and having to face their fates when the time of ragnorak comes. This book takes you through the various aspects of the norse religion addressing various offshoots and even facing its own dark rising from the far right stealing and manipulating the stories for their own use.

The book deals with that, explains the errors and also goes on to show you how their own teaching give them various means to explore the human experience, showing you ways to utlise the runes both for divination as well as magic and how your own fate is yours to control through strength and courage rather than letting it be manipulated. Its a solid read, it doesn't take prisoners and I find it refreshing how it deals with all aspects revealing the darker things that can happen alongside how to walk your own path. All round its utterly refreshing and for me a title I had a hell of a time putting down.


Review goes live on 10 November

A fantastic text for novices to paganism. I would recommend this for those beginning to explore this subject for study or for curiousity. A great foundation for your Norse pagan education.

This is my first book on Norse Paganism and it was quite fascinating. I didn't know there were so many different groups of Norse Pagans or Heathens, or that it was interchangeable, sometimes. This books was a great starting point for learning about Norse paganism.

I did have one issue with this book. Mainly that it wasn't consistent with how to pronunciation of Norse words. There would be pronunciation for words that came up frequently like Yggdrasil, but then the next few Norse words did not have pronunciation. This was not helpful for someone like me who doesn't know a lot about Norse culture.

Overall, this was an interesting and informative book. I recommend it for anyone interested in Norse paganism.

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*

This is a much needed book about the Nordic religion[s] and practice. The author is concise and easily explains many aspects and well as goes indepth into some issues that have surfaced. The idea of racial purity in the US is kind of a farce as well as being ridiculous imo. I was always interested in Norse myths and legends from my own family because of my mothers father [his father was German and mother was Danish.I believe they were first generation],. he was a rotter like his father but was also considered a war hero that won practically every medal given in WW1 because he was a sociopath and lunatic, he could go behind lines and the Germans thought he was one of them both in villages and I think around soldiers because of his German as well as his looks [the stereo type ice blue eyes and white blond hair] that did not make him a great person at all but a great warrior I think war and peace started out describing a man that was great in ties o =f war but worthless in times of peace or normal life]. These seem to be ideals that have been adopted by various groups that is a disservice to the Deities and peoples f the past and what they practiced imo. I brought up my grandmother to one group [confrontationally] when I got an invite to something as a reason I wouldn't be attending anything of theirs while remarking on their hypocrisy. Something is horribly wrong when you try to fall back on specific ethnicity over whether or not you have a right to practice a particular religion I believe more in purity of intent on the individuals part. This book has some great history, stories ideas and beliefs and anyone can see how any practice needs to be aligned with the present to work as everything evolves and grows or withers and dies

This book is the book I’ve been looking for on Norse Paganism. This will be added to my shelf and referenced back to often. I loved that the author included exercises at the end of each chapter. While beginners will get the most out of the book I believe that those practicing could take away things as well. Highly recommend!

I am blown away by this refreshing book on Norse Paganism. Not only is it educational in the historical aspects, it is also inclusive and make me feel more connected to the deities of this pantheon. I have learnt much from it and hope that there will be more of such books.

This book was a really refreshing perspective on Norse Paganism. So many Norse pagan books are written the same few authors, names we see over and over again. And many are problematic. I really appreciated that this author right away stated his views and I felt I could read this book without worry. My favorite part of this book were the exercises at the end of each chapter. I find it really easy to learn about something but I have difficulty applying the knowledge. These exercises were a great way to apply the teachings of each chapter. He even has a whole chapter to developing a spiritual practice. Even if you don't want to follow the exact way of fire and ice, this book is still worth a read if you are interesting in norse paganism. He goes over core values, runes, spirits, seidr, galdr, the gods, etc. The only chapters I didn't enjoy much were about finding and building community, but I know those could be super helpful to others looking to find or build a local community. All in all, this was a great book on norse paganism and definitely a good read for beginners and experienced people who might want a different perspective.

The Way of Fire and Ice by Ryan Smith was a great introduction for me into the world of radical Norse paganism. I did not know much about this path in paganism and it was enlightening to learn more about Norse deities and a modern worship of different spirits. I also appreciated the author's direct communication that this type of paganism does not condone discrimination in any form. I would definitely classify this as a good introductory book and would recommend it for those who are interested in either learning about a more modern perspective on Norse paganism or those who would like to incorporate it into their daily practice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for the advanced reader's copy of this book.

This is a nice introduction to Norse Paganism and I liked that the author pointed out/called out the racism-part that one sometimes can find within the community.

Although I am not a pagan or Wiccan, I really enjoy reading about different cultures and beliefs. The Way of Fire and Ice presented an intriguing overview of Norse Paganism that kept me engaged throughout the book. There's some interesting historical context given here, and those who choose to follow the path of Norse Paganism (or any type of paganism/Wicca, really) will likely enjoy some of the more practitioner-based elements.

A worthy read for anyone who wants to learn about new cultures/religions.

A nice introduction for those who want to be more focused on the Norse tradition. To understand the different areas and introduced to them. To me, there is more information then to personal opinion/information, even with a bit of it in there.

An interesting and informative book about Norse paganism. I learn a lot, liked the clarity of the explenations and the style of writing.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

(Sorry for possible English mistakes)
In this book you will find real nature of Norse paganism. There are excellent explanations how one can practice this particular tradition of "fire and ice", and in this text experienced practitioners can find new insights how to make better their own practices in esoteric methods. For. ex. very interesting "opening and attunement" for possible charging of runes or bindrunes is given. Where this book also shines are places where wise advices about racism are given because often "The Way of Fire and Ice" was misused. Find out in this book how more balanced view is bringed back. Very interesting book in general. And even though general themesare maybe well known to some of the readers still one can find in this book something fresh and authentic! For beginners it is gold !
Thanks Llewellyn and NetGalley for bring this title.