Blog Tour Review: Valkyrie Rising

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Valkyrie Rising

Author: Ingrid Paulson

Summary:

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.

Published October 9th 2012.

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I walked into this book having not the slightest inkling of what a Valkyrie was. And I walked out knowing not much better. But, strangely enough, I was contented because Ingrid Paulson sure can write novels that blow your mind away. 

When Ellie heads to Norway to visit her grandmother, the town that greets her is filled with hostility. There are rumours in the air about Ellie's grandmother and a gradually permeating fear about a group of mesmerizing but powerful girls-- the Valkyrie. So on a journey to rescue her brother amongst the other boys that get kidnapped by these girls, Ellie discovers that there's more to her grandmother than she can ever imagine. To trace back her heritage, she must pit herself against the Valkyrie. But, ultimately, they are all just pawns in the game of wits and war between two ancient Norse gods-- Odin and Loki. 

And indeed, Norse mythology was what that set this novel apart from the others. Artfully weaved into our modern times, Ingrid Paulson gives a whole new meaning to the word, 'Valkyrie', by adapting old legends and mythical creatures into our everyday lives, with the skill of Rick Riordan.

PAST. "Back in the time of the Vikings, soldiers were encouraged to embrace death without fear and according to their religion, according to what is now considered myth, Valkyries were beautiful women who hovered around battlefields, and when brave fighters were killed, they took their souls to Valhalla-- a fortress ruled by Odin, god of death and war and knowledge... These soldiers... They became part of Odin's army."

PRESENT. The Valkyries are flawlessly beautiful, that's a given, but their ways have changed with time. Handling guns, wearing leather boots and strutting into night clubs are now their routine. Yet, at the same time, the old ways have remained the same. They still retain their heightened senses and strength, and as Ellie begins to uncover her true identity, her journey into the new world of Norse mythology in current-day Norway is thrilling. Personally, for me, it is the realistic way that the Valkyries are portrayed in this tale that makes me fall for it. The whole story seems so raw and genuine that I could honestly believe that it can happen to me in the next heartbeat. (Not that I have any relatives from Norway, but still.) The old magic still lives on, but Ingrid Paulson gives it a whole new dimension, completely integrating it into our world today. 

Frankly speaking, pulling off a successful modern-day myth is no easy feat. In ancient legends, there are always unexpected twists which take us by surprise. Similarly, in Valkyrie Rising, there are stunning plot twists that keep me constantly on my toes. They will make you race through the whole book, dealing out new secrets every once in a while, and nothing ever remains quite the same.

Fortunately for us, there is still a romance that is worth gushing about. Tucker, I swear, is one of the wittiest guys I have every met. He becomes a highlight of this novel, standing out even amongst fantastic action sequences and ominous scenes. You will love him, I promise. 

This is just the book for the hordes of mythology-romance fans to sink their teeth into. And I promise you again, it will dazzle your taste buds.

Source: ARC for review purposes as part of blog tour. 

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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.

Official links

Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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Here's a chance to sink your teeth into it >:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Ingrid has gladly offered a prequel to VALKYRIE RISING, titled VALKYRIE SYMPTOMS. This story is told by the amazing Tucker, one day prior to the events that take place in the novel. Get a taste of what I fell in love with ;)

xoxo,
Sel

Review: Crux

Crux


Author: Julie Reece

Summary:


She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night. 

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together. 

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.



Published 9 July 2012

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Wow, just wow. 

Crux was so action-packed that I was whisked off from one scene to the next in a wave of never-ending surprises and adventure. 

I am catapulted into a startling climax right away in the first chapter. From the moment when Birdie chooses to follow the guy, Jeff, into an alley to pick up the thousands of hundred dollar bills flying in the wind, her life is destined to change-- for the better and for the worse. Armed with cash, Birdie is ready to start living life for herself. And in a lucky turn of events, she bumps into the hot Grey Mathews over and over again. 

Yet, we should know that nothing could ever be normal for Birdie. As she is hounded by greedy thugs, she has to come face to face with her magical legacy. There is a reason why she saw Jeff in the faceless crowds of millions and there is a reason why he handed her his fortune. Mythology and historical elements weave themselves seamlessly into the tale and Crux becomes more than just a full-fledged adventure story. It becomes a coming-of-age tale. 

As Birdie traipses through strange lands in her dreams, she encounters monks who offer boggling riddles and Vikings who harbour hidden vendettas. Can dreams get any stranger than that? Yet, her real life isn't much better. With an amulet in her care, Birdie has to learn to deal with her powers and get accustomed to the fact that her new dog is the ancestor of wolves. But, on her journey to discovering her heritage, Birdie's past gives her doubt and more than once, she pushes Grey away. Grey, the one boy who is willing to listen and understand. 

So along with epic battle scenes, old Latin riddles and some good kissing, Birdie has to come to fully trust herself in order to become the girl she really wants to be. There can really be nothing wrong with this book. 

One star for being thought-provoking. For allowing me to take a look at the life of a homeless girl through the eyes of Birdie, for being a smart enough novel to point out the tragedies of human trafficking, for making me wonder about Shondra-- the poor girl lost in the swarms of commercial child exploitation...

One star for being the most thrilling ride of my life. I'm thoroughly satisfied with the action in Crux-- the gruelling training, the dangerous escapades, the numbing kidnapping and that mind-blowing battle scene of epic proportions at the end of the novel. Simply brilliant. 

One star for the endearing cast of characters. There's Jeff who is really something, especially when his real identity is revealed. Then there's Scud and Kate who offered Birdie their genuine friendship which healed her mistrust of those around her. And finally, Fenris, the dog who always protected Birdie and who is just as commanding and intimidating as a guy. (We should have seen more of him!)

And lastly, one star for Birdie, being the awesome heroine that she is, and Grey, who is in a complete league of his own. Their love made Crux a romantic read that is warm and tingly in all the right places.

So, let's do the Math. I've never been so happy to give out four brilliant stars!

Source: ARC from J. Taylor Publishing for review purposes     

          

xoxo,

Sel