Loki: Where Mischief Lies *"This deft, nuanced examination of identity, destiny, and agency is a surprisingly tender addition to the Marvel canon."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "One does not have to be a Marvel film franchise fan to enjoy this action-packed, emotionally resonant origin story of trickster deity and sorcerer Loki. . . . Lee's Loki is a complicated young man trying to define who he is as distinct from his family, something that many young people can relate to, and while Lee does not skimp on the fun--a fabulous party, flirty and witty dialogue--she also clarifies that it is not individual acts that determine whether someone is good or bad."-- Publishers Weekly "The dry, conversational humor ("I think you're trying to inflate the charges against me with synonyms") works in tandem with the story's unflinching plot. Lee deftly reveals the depths of Loki's struggle to grapple with his need for approval as well as his desire to make his own destiny and find an authentic identity."-- Booklist (starred review) "With his penchant for disruption--for good or ill--fully established, the Loki presented here will delight fans of the legends and the comics."-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB) Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Simmons College. She is the New York Times best-selling author of the historical fantasy novels Loki: Where Mischief Lies ; The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue , which won a 2018 Stonewall Honor Award and the New England Book Award; and its sequel, The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy . She is also the author of the nonfiction books Bygone Badass Broads , a collection of short biographies of forgotten women from history. In 2020, she was named one of Forbes 's 30 Under 30 for her work in bringing minority narratives to historical fiction. When not writing, she works as an independent bookseller, drinks too much Diet Coke, and romps with her Saint Bernard, Queenie. Loki: Where Mischief Lies By Mackenzi Lee Disney Book Group Copyright © 2019 MARVEL All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-368-02226-2 CHAPTER 1 The Royal Feast of Gullveig, like all Asgardian feast days, was enjoyable for those who were fond of listening to overly long speeches, exchanging inane niceties, and getting their feet stepped on, because the Great Hall was always too crowded and no one knew how to walk in heels. Loki was convinced everyone loathed the feasts but no one dared say so for fear of appearing small-minded. Being quite confident of the size of his mind — large — and his ability to walk in heels, he was comfortable saying it. "I hate feast days." In the royal receiving line beside him, Thor didn't drop the politician's smile he had been practicing for state occasions like this. It had only faltered when Loki had suggested showing that much teeth made it very obvious there was something stuck in them, and he had fumbled with his tongue for several minutes — lips bulging in a grotesque way that made several approaching courtiers change course — before realizing there was nothing there. "The feasts are important days," Thor said. "They instill competence in Asgard's leaders among our court." "Confidence," Loki corrected. The smile didn't slip, but Thor's eyebrows crept together. "What?" "I memorized the same quote," Loki replied. "It's confidence. " "What did I say?" "You — Never mind." Loki fixed his own overly large smile, raising his voice so Thor could hear him over the musicians playing a lively folk song. "You did it perfectly." Thor adjusted the circlet resting on his forehead. Beads of sweat were beginning to gather around it, and it was slipping over his brows. Loki had been offered a circlet as well — his mother had selected a silver braid inlaid with small gemstones for him. But while Loki loved few things as much as a bit of sparkle, he had opted instead for a more sophisticated, understated look that the circlet would have ruined entirely. He didn't have to enjoy feast days, but he could look good for them. The boots made him feel like doing a strut down the middle of the hall — black, over the knee, and with heels as long and thin as the knives he kept up his sleeves. His coat had a high collar and green ribbing on the shoulders, and he wore loose trousers of the same color. Amora had told him green made his eyes look like jewels, but he had been careful not to wear it too often. Best not to let Amora think he was taking her advice too seriously. She may always be right, but she didn't have to know that. Loki glanced down the line of dignitaries, past Thor and Frigga in her flowing silver robes, hands tucked beneath the sleeves as she smiled and nodded to the Asgardian woman fumbling a compliment about how lovely the queen's hair looked with its streaks of gray. On her other side were the ambassadors from Varinheim and Ringsfjord, talking with their heads bent toward Queen Jo