Review: Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

 

Author: Ingrid Paulson

Series: Valkyrie

Pages: 352

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal

Amazon: Valkyrie Rising

Synosis. (Goodreads)

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.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

My introduction to Norse Mythology has certainly started off well; Valkyrie Rising is a book which kept me entertained throughout and wanting more.

16 year-old Ellie (Elsa) Overholt is spending her summer in Norway with her Grandmother but what she has always remembered of the peaceful, fishing town has certainly changed. On arrival, she is treated with disdain and soon finds out she descends from the Valkyrie and is being blamed for the recent disappearances of the boys in town.

Valkyrie’s are mythological female warriors who lure strong, young men to join Odin’s army and when Ellie’s brother disappears her hidden powers awaken and she along with Graham’s best friend Tucker Halloway set out to find him. 

I loved each of the characters, Ellie was realistic in her actions and although she did make a few bad decisions I really liked her. The secondary cast all played a pivotal part in this story which I really liked but the true standout was definitely Tuck! He was an absolute classic; the banter between him and Ellie kept me giggling and the chemistry was undeniable despite the forbidden aspect which certainly kept Ellie on her toes, he was quite cheeky but also supportive and protective; I liked how the romance developed at a believable pace.

The villains were each written really well, they were intimidating and cold; I enjoyed the action scenes where they were involved especially with Astrid who I found to be quite intriguing.

The mythology and the lore was interesting, I have never read about Valkyrie’s before so something fresh was certainly a welcomed relief.

The only aspects I questioned with this book was the absence of Ellie and Graham’s parents; it was barely touched upon and although I loved the sibling bond they shared, Graham seemed to play more of a fatherly role; I was also quite keen to learn more about Tucker’s family history – there is so much yet to be explored.

Valkyrie Rising is a fast paced story placed in a wonderful setting and filled with tension, mystery, action and intrigue; the suspense left me breathless and yearning for more and I loved Ms. Paulson’s writing style which was crisp and entertaining.

This book was a thrilling debut by Ingrid Paulson, I really hope it becomes as series.