Book Review-Thor: An Illustrated Guide to the Thunder God by L. Dean Lee, Illustrated by The Saxon Storyteller
Book Review
Thor: An Illustrated Guide to the Thunder God
By L. Dean Lee, Illustrated by The Saxon Storyteller
Publisher: Red Wheel
128 Page Fully Illustrated, Full Color Harcover
Release Date: September 16th, 2025
Thor: An Illustrated Guide to the Thunder God by L. Dean Lee and beautifully illustrated by The Saxon Storyteller, is the introduction that I wish I had to mighty Thor when I first started out. Thor and I have an interesting relationship; he at once protects me and guides me, but he seemingly tests me at times. One particular quote from this book perhaps sums up why I’ve felt this way when it comes to Thor: “Thor isn’t the creator of storms. He is the storm”. During my reading and review of this book, I came to find just why he was testing me with these trials and tribulations; he’s not known to test like Loki does, after all. However, as the God of every human, he was trying to get me to control my reaction to things, as I’d shown a lack of control leading up to reading this (His) book.
I digress; this book is chocked full of (accurate) information about not only Thor, but his piece in the Norse/Heathen world view, as well as his significance to the everyday Pagan. Without rambling on anymore, let’s get into the meat and potatoes (I’m sure Thor approves) of this book!
I’ve reviewed other books in this series before, and have thoroughly enjoyed them, and this entry was no different. The illustrations bring the stories of this mighty God of the Common Man and Hero alike to life, and it’s full of practical information on how to honor Thor, and perhaps work with him in a magical or religious sense. Each book in this particular series by Red Wheel starts off with an overview of Norse cosmology and a brief introduction into the worldview itself, and mythologic sources. After this, the specific deity is discussed in depth, making this series of particular interest to those who may not know much about the Norse pagan world, but are still interested in Thor, Loki, Odin, or Freya (reviews of Odin and Loki are done, Freya is coming soon!).
While reviewing this series, I’ve found that each section on offerings, and practices to honor each deity, has some of the same material within for obvious reasons, to make each book beginner friendly. However, the specifics, are accurate and conform to both modern and ancient practice. There are even tidbits included about Thor that I didn’t know-and I’ll leave those for to you to find for yourself, should you choose to purchase a copy for yourself! I really have no critiques of Thor: An Illustrated Guide to the Thunder God. As a matter of fact, I believe that reviewing this book has actually helped mend whatever issue there may have been between the Thunderer and I. The illustrations and quality of content alone sell this book, but the other goodies within just add to its intrinsic value; I’ll recommend this book to anyone looking to build or further a relationship with Thor. 5/5 Pentagram Rating!
L. Dean Lee is a practicing Norse Heathen with a love for knowledge and a background in teaching. He runs the website Skald’s Keep and has been deeply involved in the Pagan and Heathen community since 2017. He is the author of other books in the Norse Gods & Goddesses Series: Odin, Loki, and Freya.
The Saxon Storyteller (Matt Greenway) is the illustrator of the Norse Gods & Goddesses Series. He is known for his ability to capture the character of artifacts adn historical figures. His interests in Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, and Norse mythologies and history have inspired his work for years. He shares his passion for mythologies and history on Instagram @thesaxonstoryteller and illustrates content for the Nordic Mythology Podcast.
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin is a Polytheist, Pagan, Animist, Witch, Sorcerer, Paranormal Investigator, Amateur Folklorist, Chaos Magician and Occultist. He embarked on his spiritual and magickal journey over 15 years ago. As such, he has extensive knowledge of The Occult, Ceremonial Magick, Chaos Magick, Witchcraft, Sorcery, and both modern and ancient world religions and folklore. He is a practicing Sorcerer, blending ceremonial high magick, chaos magick and witchcraft, as well as plant medicine, poisonous plants and entheogens, shamanic techniques, and mysticism. He believes that magick can be as simple or as complex as one needs it to be, and rejects dogma, instead trusting his intuition, and encourages other magickal and spiritual folks to do the same! He venerates and casts magick with a wide array of spirits and deities, and works with both the Left and Right Hand Paths, having experience in both. He has also studied eastern philosophies such as Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Hinduism. He is an Astrologer and Tarot reader and actively studies and practices many other forms of divination including Runes, Ogham, Palmistry, Lenormand and Scrying. An animal lover, he sees divinity in nature-the trees, plants, animals and sky. Also an avid reader, you’re hard pressed to not find him nose deep in a book, most likely on an occult, mystical, religious or magickal subject. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns for PaganPages.Org. He gives readings and other spiritual services through his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see! You can reach him on Facebook, or e-mail him at [email protected]
