Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Welcome to my stop on the Valkyrie Rising tour hosted by Itching for Books.  Following my review you'll find a wonderful giveaway I hope you'll enter.


Book Blurb:
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.


My thoughts:

I've said this before and I'll say it again...I LOVE that the old myths are getting new stories! I love the fresh elements that are being added. Valkyrie Rising is no exception. First you have the strong heroine, Elsa (Ellie). She doesn't start out that way but watching her evolution into the kick-butt, action girl is fantastic! She doesn't just get there over night either, which I appreciated. There's not much in the story about Elsa's father, but the way her mother is described I was so relieved to finally see a parent act like a parent. Elsa's grandmother is a woman of many secrets and MANY talents. Graham, Elsa's brother is way too overprotective but I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Last but certainly not least, there's Tuck. Tuck reminds me of Puck from a Midsummer's Night's Dream. He's the one person who really keeps Ellie from giving into her new nature. 
While most stories of Nordic myths focus on Odin and/or Loki; Valkyrie Rising focuses on the Valkyries and their role in the world. The book wrapped up well, but left plenty for a continuation which I'll gladly read! 
This book contains mild language and very little sexual content.



Author Spotlight
Ingrid Paulson lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter and enjoys long-distance running, eavesdropping, and watching science documentaries. She has always loved books and writing short stories, but was surprised one day to discover the story she was working on wasn't so short any more. VALKYRIE RISING is Ingrid's first novel.

Ingrid's grandmother might actually be a Valkyrie; she's still waiting for her to come clean.

You can visit Ingrid on the web at
www.ingridepaulson.com
Twitter: @ingridepaulson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5322924.Ingrid_Paulson


5 comments:

  1. I have heard so many good things about this book! It sounds incredible!

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  2. If I went to Europe I would have to go to Italy to visit the Vatican. Although, Norway especially in the summer is supposed to be beautiful. I hate snow so winter there for me is out of the question. This book sounds great. I hope to read it soon but my Tbr pile is getting higherby the minute from all of the outstanding new books & authors out there. I would love to win this, thanks for the chance.

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  3. Sounds so good! I also love mythology... can't wait to read it! Thanks for your review :)

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  4. thanks for a great post and giveaway! I'm dying to read this book :)

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  5. Wonderful review. Glad you liked it.

    Thanks for partcipating:)

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