Monsters

In the second installment of C. Gockel's "I Bring the Fire" series, ordinary life collides with Norse mythology in modern-day Chicago. Amy Lewis is barely keeping herself afloat, juggling two jobs while trying to claw back her veterinary school scholarship, when the chaos she thought she had left behind comes roaring back. Meanwhile, a federal agent finds his ambitions derailed by something far stranger than politics, and Loki, the God of Mischief himself, remains delightfully committed to his own agenda. The three are pulled together as ancient threats, trolls, frost giants, and a creeping darkness beneath the city, converge on an unsuspecting world.

Barrie Kreinik brings a sharp, energetic presence to the narration, deftly navigating the story's tonal range from dry humor to genuine menace. The pacing mirrors the novel's momentum, keeping listeners engaged through both quieter character moments and escalating supernatural stakes. The ensemble cast of voices feels distinct and grounded, which is no small feat given the mythology-meets-mundane premise. Gockel's blend of comedy and cosmic dread translates especially well to audio.