Valkyrie Rising
by Ingrid Paulson
Rating: 5 stars
Publication: October 9, 2012
Pages: 352
Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Harper Teen
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository
ARC provided by publisher for review purposes
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.
Action, romance, and intrigue. This book has it all. It was so good that I’ve been letting it brew over in my mind for a couple weeks now, wondering just how am I supposed to tell you how much I loved this book. Then I realized that I had to say something, or years would pass without me finding words to tell people what exactly I love about this book and what makes it so special. More than how much I love books, this blog is here to tell you what I think about books–and in this case, why I love this particular book.
I typically don’t fall for the players, but Tuck is so sweet and caring. And I adore the banter between the two of them. It’s just what you’d expect between two teens who’ve grown up next to each other all their lives and are now trying to figure out what to do with their feelings for each other. Then there’s the older brother / best friend to think about and the fact that Ellie’s growing into her powers. With all these factors coming into play, there is a lot of conflict brewing underneath the tension between the two. And I love it. After all, where’s the fun when the protagonist gets everything she wants so easily!
Ellie herself is a lovable heroine. She doesn’t like all the secrets floating around; she likes to be in control, and she’s scared. She’s facing a big adversary without her knowledgable and powerful grandmother by her side, and if she fails in her mission, she risks losing those she cares about most. However, she is fiercely loyal and does all she can to protect her loved ones, even if it means playing mind games with a wily god or two.
What makes this book all the more brilliant is the gorgeous Norwegian setting. This book doesn’t take place in any old town that might be recognizable somewhere in another country. It takes us on an adventure in a forgeign country with Ellie finding herself interacting with, and battling against, gods that the people believe in. The Valkyries are kick-butt girls that don’t let anyone boss them around, not even the gods for long. (And the boots were a nice touch. I want a pair for myself!) I love Norse mythology and had a blast seeing familiar characters come to life in Valkyrie Rising.
I recommend this book to those who look for heart-pounding action, sweet and hot chemistry, and characters that come to life off the pages. I’ll miss these characters, as Valkyrie Rising is a standalone novel. I will definitely be on the lookout for more works by Ingrid Paulson!
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Andrea M. says
Wow, your review makes it sound like a spectacular book, too bad it's not part of a series. 🙁
Crystal says
Yeah, I was a bit disappointed as well. While it's nice not to have to wait for the next book, I would have loved to see more of these characters 🙂
WulfLuva says
It's a stand-alone! NOOOO!!! I haven't even read it yet, but I already know that I want more than one book! Boo… 🙁 Oh well, I'm still excited to read it.
Ash says
Ok, you've piqued my curiosity; Ive never read Norse mythology and this one looks great!! I'm already loving Ellie's character. Super review.
Dragana says
This book already had a big plus because of Norse mythology theme, but you review added another one – I love good banter between characters. Great review. 🙂
Aline Tobing says
I'm intrigued ever since I read the blurb on Goodreads. Never read any book about valkyrie before. And so glad this a standalone novel. I'm kinda tired with all the series especially the waiting for the next installment >,<
By the way, nice reviews! I love the banters between my H/h. Hopefully I could get my hands on this one ASAP!
Crystal says
Thanks, Aline! I hadn't read a book about valkyries before either. I agree. It's nice that this is a standalone. While I love the characters and would have loved to see more of them, I tend to forget many of the important details by the time the next installment of a book comes in. 🙂
I Talk books! says
Amazing Review! Now I really want to read this book. 😀
siriusyareader says
Wheee I love the sound of this book!!!! Can't wait to read it now.
Book Whales says
I want this book! Love the cover and summary. Your review made me want to read it asap. 😀
-Dannielle
Anonymous says
Norse mythology is something awesome and valkyries are majestic creatures (I love magical strong girls!)
Your review totally made me wanna read this book 😀
Holly says
It sounds so good! Can't wait to read it! I love reading Norse mythology!
Christy Maurer says
This seems like such a good book. I love that this is set in Norway. Can't wait to read it!
Midorichan says
I really want to read this book, particularly because of the Mythology. We can't read this type of story every day, and that's why it makes that one more attractive.
You did a good review, thank you =)
izz says
The word of Valkyrie absolutely got my attention, I really want to read this book, thank God it's not a series so I don't have to read the previous book. LOL.
Natalie Aguirre says
Ooh, this sounds really good. I want to read it. Thanks.
Crystal says
Thanks, Natalie. I hope you enjoy Valkyrie Rising!!
Vivien says
YAY!!! So bloody glad this is a standalone. You have no idea. I absolutely love Mythology and cannot wait to read more Norse style. Love it all!! Sounds brilliant 🙂
Crystal says
Haha… it is pretty relieving not to have to wait for the next installment, though I wouldn't have minded seeing more of the awesome characters. I love Norse mythology and how Ingrid incorporates it into this book. 🙂
Heather C. (The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl) says
Glad that is a standalone book!!!
Tuck sounds fantastic! I don't really like players either, but I'm sure I'll love him =)
Fantastic review! Definitely makes me want to read the book =)
x
Crystal says
Oh, Tuck. He's such a sweetie <3 I hope you love him as much as I do! 🙂
Thanks, Heather!
izz says
wow, this book sounds really great, especially the "heart-pounding action" part, I love books with a lot of action in it and based on mythology stories . Definitely the book I must read!
Danny says
OoOOOO I'm so getting my own copy today! And Truly, a Standalone??? Ha… I really thought this was going to be a Trilogy… too bad!
Crystal says
I thought it was going to be a trilogy too and actually emailed the author asking if it was one. Goodreads didn't have it marked down as one, but sometimes they get marked late. It was disappointing since I wanted to see more of the characters, but at the same time it ends with a bang. Enjoy!! 🙂
Lynn K. says
A standalone? Now that's pretty unusual…in the sea of trilogies nowadays. xD The Norwegian setting sounds fantastic and Nosrse mythology? Even better! I'm definitely marking Valkyrie Rising as a must-have. 😉
Crystal says
A standalone is pretty unusual, isn't it? Especially with a mythological/paranormal-y book. I love how Ingrid incorporates Norse mythology into this book. This is definitely a must-have book. I hope that you enjoy it, Lynn!
Jessica Russell says
I can't wait to read this! Tucker sounds awesome, and Ellie sounds kick butt! Thanks for the review!