Review: Valkyrie Rising

Sep •  17 •  2012

Title: Valkyrie Rising

Series: ?
Genre: Young Adult-Paranormal/Fantasy
Author: Ingrid Paulson
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Book: ARC sent by publisher

“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.”

Why aren’t there more books like this out there? Amazing, fantastic, off the grid, blow your mama’s mind story!!!! After reading this, I am thoroughly impressed 🙂
The best part about this story is the plot. I love the idea of a teenage girl, over-protected, secretly loved, and totally clueless as to who she really is. Within the first few paragraphs, I found myself easing into Ellie shoes like butter. Her personality is one that the reader just wants to help change. She has been so overlooked you can’t help but look right at her and know that there is something special.

The characters in the story play some important roles in her life. Some big while others small. I enjoyed watching each characters spark life in Ellie one by one. They made her strong and confident. While she was down, they picked her up and gave her something to fight for. There were a few surprises that left me quite shocked. Half-way through the book, I was certain that I had it all figured it out, but the towards the end the author played me good. Nicely done!

Of course with a powerful leading lady there is a love interest of a life time. It never ceases to amaze me that the love of your life in right in front of you the whole time. All you have to do it see it. And yes she does. It’s take some time, which I like cause it gives the reader the feel of passion and love that they have for each other. It’s not rushed nor childish, instead it’s a yearning love that is begging to be quenched.

Valkyrie Rising is an amazing book! Well told from the first line of the story to the ending, once I step in I was consumed. Valkyrie Rising brings back everything that is good in the book. Awesome plot, well-developed characters, with a powerful history, it rises to top. Well crafted, Valkyrie Rising is a story worth re-visiting.

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

7 Comments

  1. Must Love Books
    Sep 17, 2012

    Hmmm I haven’t heard of this one before. It actually sounds pretty good. Thanks for the review 🙂

  2. Heather
    Sep 17, 2012

    I haven’t heard of this one, so I enjoyed your review… I love books based in mythology (I just read one myself, Wake, by Amanda Hocking)… and I’m a total sucker for anything by Rick Riordan!

    Thanks for the heads up on this one!

  3. Alison Can Read
    Sep 17, 2012

    Hi Savvy. I’m back! Isn’t it nice when you can relate to a character really well? I love that this is set in Norway

  4. Jenny
    Sep 17, 2012

    YAY! I so loved this one too Savy! It was just such a fun story, and I loved the romance in it. So adorable. I want a Tuck of my very own:) I can’t wait for more books from Ingrid!

  5. Woah! Blow your mind? I have been wanting to read this one but you just pushed it to the top of my wishlist! This sounds amazing!

  6. Ariella Blake
    Sep 18, 2012

    OOH… NOW I MUST READ THIS.. or when it comes out anyways. Another awesome review!! I’ve been kinda hesitant about reading this.. but 5 bites from you, no questions asked, I WILL READ THIS.. 🙂 Another amazing review as always 😀

    A Sprinkle of Books

  7. Giselle
    Sep 18, 2012

    Ooh yay! I have this to read soon for the tour and I hadn’t seen any reviews on it so I’m glad you liked it it sounds so good and unqiue!