REVIEW: Valkyrie (Valkyrie #1) by Ingrid Paulson

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson
Series: Valkyrie #1
Published by HarperTeen on 9th October 2012
Pages: 352

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.

Valkyrie Rising is unlike any story I have read before. It is refreshing and addictive, and certainly a novel you do not want to miss out on. I'm not a massive fan of the cover. It is rather cheesy, but it is okay. It tells you the basics of the novel and does that job brilliantly.

When Ellie goes on holiday to stay with her Grandmother, the last thing she expects is to have entered a war. With kidnappings occurring around the small town, alongside the whispers of mythological warriors, Ellie finds herself face-to-face with danger, and only she can stop them.

Our main female protagonist Ellie is someone whom the reader instantly longs to help. It was a feature of Ellie that made her so likeable and realistic because she cared about her brother so much, yet you just wanted to see her grow by herself. That was the main aspect of the novel I enjoyed seeing most; seeing Ellie's confidence and independence grow and flourish had you rooting for her, witnessing her become the strong independent woman that she is. The romance of the novel was perfect. It was slow-burning and sweet, yet did not overtake the novel. And I loved the banter between both Ellie and Tuck, it really made you smile.

The plot of this novel was unique and intriguing. I have never read a novel, nor heard of, valkyries before and so I thoroughly enjoyed learning about their species. The plot was fast-paced and addictive, and I liked how it was mainly based around one area and within a small-time frame, for it really added the climax to the novel it needed. And I must say, those twists. I was shocked. I could tell something was up, but I did not expect that at all. I believe the one thing that knocked off the one star for me was how some scenes felt rather repetitive, not that I didn't enjoy them, I just got rather frustrated for Ellie, how many times in twenty-four hours can you go back and try and fight the same person over and over? I was rather frustrating.

Overall this was an addictive novel that had action and a strong protagonist who really found herself. It is just a shame this is not a series; though maybe it is for the best.