"Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie, #1)" by Ingrid PaulsonPublished: October 9, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Mythology
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Source: MeLCat
Read March 21 to 25, 2015
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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. |
As someone who comes from a Norwegian family, I felt like this book was must read, simply because it has Norse mythology. I feel like I have made my grandma proud...
Anyways, I feel like I haven't seen a whole lot of Norse mythology retellings. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. However, I do know that Rick Riordan is starting a Norse mythology series, so I'll have to read that!
When I first started this book, I was ready for a fast-paced book about a girl who learns about her heritage and becomes badass. And... this book wasn't exactly like that. There were some slow parts, but I blame that on having to give information, as Norway and Norse mythology aren't the topics of a whole lot of books. It's a very sad, small section in the mythology-retelling world.
Ellie learns about what she is meant to be, but it seems as though she just all of a sudden starts getting these abilities with little to no explanation as to how it happens. I wanted to read about a hard journey into Valkyrie-hood. Is that a word? I just feel like her training, or really quick lessons to learn how to use a gun and her sudden ability to do Valkyrie things, was just far too quick. I felt like it could have been developed very well.
The romance was interesting. Tuck is Graham's, Ellie's older brother, best friend. They have this witty banter that I really liked. Ellie got annoyed by Tuck, but tried to not show that he got on her nerves. She eventually needs to team up with him to save everyone. There's also Kjell, who I actually kind of liked. Maybe I liked him mostly because he was older, but I guess that's just my type when it comes to guys.
Then there's this information that Tuck knows about Valkyrie and that his family has some history with them, which isn't fully explained and I needed more to understand the point of it.
I want to know why the cover girl is wearing a sparkly club outfit. I don't think that's an outfit you can kick ass in without a wardrobe malfunction.
I also have to add that Ellie's name is actually Elsa, and that got me SOOO excited. I will love Frozen forever.
The ending totally leaves room for a sequel! However, this book was published almost three years ago, and I have seen nothing about a sequel, so I doubt one will happen. I also haven't seen much on the author's social media, so that also gives me the impression that one won't happen.
Ellie
I liked her! I thought that she was a great character, as she grows a lot during the course of the book. She used to be a timid girl who lets her brother tell her what to do, and then turns into a super confident Valkyrie!
Tuck
He was pretty good. He was kind of douchey, but he gets better.
Graham
I wanted to punch him a lot. I know he was really overprotective of Ellie, but he got to the point of being bossy and controlling so many times! He was also pretty hypocritical.
Kjell
What can I say? I like older guys.
Hilda
Super badass grandma! You'll find out why.
Loki
He makes a tiny appearance, but it sadly wasn't Tom Hiddleston. Oh well, we can't have it all.
Overall, this book was really good! I wish that there had been a little bit more development when it came to certain things, but I loved it! A sequel is absolutely necessary! I want to know about Ellie possibly becoming a Valkyrie!
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