When the fate of the world is at stake
Loyalties will be tested
Game of Thrones meets Blade Runner in this commanding new YA fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.
As one of Odin’s Valkyries, Malin’s greatest responsibility is to slay immortals and return them to the underworld. But when she unearths a secret that could unravel the balance of all she knows, Malin along with her best friend and her ex-girlfriend must decide where their loyalties lie. And if helping the blue-eyed boy Asher enact his revenge is worth the risk—to the world and her heart.
I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher for an honest review for the blog tour that this review is a part of. There was no compensation of any kind (unless you count having an awesome book by Amanda Hocking as compensation). What follows is my opinion and my opinion alone.
Okay, let me begin by saying I didn’t read the blurb before I grabbed the book. Amanda Hocking is one of my instant buy authors. I see a book by her and I grab it. I knew this book had Norse mythology in it, but that was pretty much all I knew (well and a gorgeous cover).
When I first started reading three thoughts came into my head: 1. Cyberpunk, Bladerunner esque. 2. LGBT+ M.C. THANK YOU!! 3. This may be Hocking’s best work yet.
I’m serious about #3. This is quite possibly her best work thus far. It is gritty, dark, and just when you think you might have an idea what’s going on, you get slapped in the face with something new. I could feel the pollution, see the city, the world, all of it. This is her best work thus far.
And believe me, I’m a huge Hocking fan. I’m possibly a few books short of owning everything she’s written so far.
This is a YA book that borders on the adult. There is sex and alcohol and a whole lot of killing. I mean, returning. Our main lead is a young woman named Malin. She is a Valkyrie in training, who are executioners for immortals. She is strong and yet has this piece of innocence to her. It’s more like a ‘I was raised in a hard way and don’t understand how my feelings work’ kind of innocence to her. I actually really like this kind of character and it didn’t take me long to be pulled into her world.
As if the twists, action, and the world wasn’t enough to keep you wanting more, I also love the fact that the sequel is coming out THIS APRIL! HUZZAH! I don’t have to wait long to get this duology finished. Thank, God. Thank you, Amanda Hocking. You can be sure that I have this book on its way to my house and I’m definitely getting the second.
Buy Links:
Amazon /Barnes & Noble /Books-a-Million /IndieBound /Powells
AUTHOR BIO:
Amanda Hocking is the author of over twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle Trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influence her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book.
Social Links:
Author Website: http://www.worldofamandahocking.com/
Twitter: @Amanda_Hocking
Facebook: @AmandaHockingFans
Casia's Corner 