I love this book.It was the first book on mythology that I ever read.For me it has a special place in my heart.At times of great tragedy of wagnerian proportions in my life I find myself turning to this book.I am just reading it again after about 8 years and still enjoying every minute of it.It reminds as that today we need a hero of Sigifreids scale.Top class story telling

I deeply enjoyed and appreciated "Rheingold" when I first read it. It's a well worded retelling of the myths, to be sure. But the main strength here is the sincerity and devotion to detail. Grundy writes as one who respects and knows the people and Gods that the myths deal with. One probably needs to be Forn Sidh/Asatru to fully sympathize with the spirit this book is writen in. True, the Gods are presented mythically as well as mystically, but the devout will approach this book with holy recognition. At the least, one should have a background in migration era Teutonic culture to see the well used details.

True, Grundy will probably never be as good a writer as Wagner was a musician. But Wagner's christianized, Romanticized, bowdlerized wanna-be Ring Cycle plot is far flatter than the mythic awe Grundy compells. (I love HEARING the Ring Cycle, but the libretto is egregious.) What Wagner treated with sublimated condescention, Grundy exposes and reverently handles. That alone is worth the ticket for those who see the greater truths in the stories.

If one is looking for a "sword and sorcery" romp, "Rheingold" is bound to be a disappointment. Many historical novel types will probably be neutral on it's metaphysical emphasis as well. It's a specific and special audience that will understand "Rheingold"'s importance.

Stephan Grundy seems to have gotten much better at writing by the time he got to 'Attila's Treasure'. The characters and dailogue are a little weak here, but he has done a superb job of making a coherent and consistent narrative given the diversity of the sources and their contradictory nature.
Overall, the story is presented and told very well. Grundy's strong point is his proficiency at creating imagery with words.

I am reading this book now for the third of forth time now. I think it is a nice book: a strong story and easy to read. However I miss the spark. Wagners telling of the same story grabs you and holds you. Even when the music stops after 15 hours. Grundy couldn't do that to me. I read this before I go to sleep, to relax. Some parts however are strong: I like the part about Runes very much, although I wanted something more than just the translations of the old Icelandic verses. And the again, sometimes the use of Runes is coming back in the story itself. I think the Gods are a little to human: more focused on women than on the education of mankind. Also Sigmund and Sinfjotli's life in the woods is a little disturbing (can't think of a correct describtion of the feeling) to me. All together: I like the book but I think it is not more than that; a likeable book.

I'm currently reading Rhinegold for the second time and I can't put it down. I wish I had picked up a hardcover copy when I had the chance. If you are a fan of Tolkien or fantasy in general you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of Rhinegold.It may take a little effort to keep track of all the characters and how they relate to the story but the effort is well worth the reward of this rich tale.