Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 352pgs
The Story
Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.
What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.
Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.
What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.
Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.
The Review
I picked up this book on a whim and I wasn't particularly expecting much from it either. Mostly because of the average reviews it has been receiving over the last year or so. But since I was already in love and interested in Norse mythology, and much to my own surprise and better judgement, I actually really, really enjoyed this book and it definitely reminded me of the likes of Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed series which is always a good thing since I enjoyed that series as well. This book, I guess, just had this fun feel about it and you can't go wrong with a book like that.
VALKYRIE RISING offered a lot of great things to me. It has many likable characters, interesting mythologies, great plot and unexpected twists, and on a whole it just had such a great background setting of Norway which isn't featured - if at all - in too many books that I have read in the past which is quite refreshing to say the least. But out of everything I've just mentioned, what I loved the most about this book and what was its strong suit was the mythology it featured - these group of women warriors who lure strong and young men to join Odin's army. How cool is that, right? Well . . . maybe not for the guys hehe. I mean, there's something just so awesome about this particular mythology and what amplifies this mythology even more was having an amazing and a very strong, determined and young protagonist named Ellie, whom I thought had really bought out the awesomeness in the mythology alone not to mention the story itself. Just you wait you guys it's really awesome, especially when the story begins to come together in the end!
Overall, VALKYRIE RISING was such a great debut coming from a very talented Ingrid Paulson. With great mythology, characters and interesting plot twists, I can't wait to read more from her and from this series because I was hooked right from the very beginning with this one!
The Rating
4 1/2 / 5 stars
Ooh, I haven't actually heard much about this book, but from your review, it sounds awesome! I love the setting and the mythology - can't wait to read this now! Fab review :).
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's definitely a great book myth-wise.
DeleteI picked this one up on a whim at the library a couple of months ago but didn't get around to reading it. But after reading your review I think I might have to pick it up again! Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteAnge
That's a shame but I would definitely recommend you picking it up again. It's such a great read. Thanks Ange.
DeleteI can't think of a single book that I've read in the last couple of years that has been set in Norway. That definitely sets this one apart for me straight away. I'm glad it pleasantly surprised you, Erin! I have a copy but haven't really been too interested in picking it up yet. I guess I'll have to change that soon. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah Norway isn't mentioned too much, if at all in books I have read lately. But I do love THAT certain part about this particular book. It's refreshing both with the setting and with everything else myth-wise which gives it even more bonus points from me. :D
DeleteIve been eyeing this off Loved your review will have to check it out ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you will like this one! :)
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