Book Review: Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

By: Ingrid Paulson

Published by: Harper Teen

Released on: October 9th, 2012

Source: arc from publisher to review

Series: Valkyrie #1

4.5 stars: I Really Enjoyed It

Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

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 - quoted from Goodreads

A fabulous debut! I really enjoyed Valkyrie Rising. It's an action packed book with a rich Norse mythology, a beautiful setting, a butt kicking heroine, and a fabulous swoon worthy romance. I am a sucker for the older brother's best friend kind of romance, and Ingrid Paulson did a wonderful at setting up and creating the romance that develops between Ellie and Tucker, her overly protective, older brother's best friend. These two have known each other for years, banter like crazy, and have this chemistry I couldn't get enough of. I loved their stolen moments together, and the way they worked around the awkwardness of going from friends who would dish it to each other nonstop to something much more serious. I loved Tuck's protectiveness of Ellie. 

I know a little bit about Norse mythology and I love the twist Ingrid gave her mythology. I liked that at first it was a mystery trying to figure out everything that was going on in the quant fishing village the story is set in, and what Ellie really is. I felt as though I was learning everything along side Ellie. I loved that this story includes some butt kicking, strong females who don't let anyone or anything get in the way of what they want. Don't worry, there's plenty of swoon worthy guys in it too. The beautiful Norweign setting created the perfect back drop for everything that develops in this story; Ellie's finding out about her heritage, her coming of age, and the romance that develops. The cover of this book compliments the story well.

Ellie and Tuck are what made this story so engaging and entertaining for me. Ellie herself is someone who's brave, tough, and will do anything to protect her family, and those she loves. She's someone who doesn't give up. I love that she can hang with the boys as much as she can hang with the girls. Tuck is that hot, athletic boy from next door (in this case 2 doors down), who's always been a fixture in Ellie's life. Ellie is the one girl that he's not allowed to have, since it's his best friend's little sister. The two of them have this incredible chemistry that made me laugh out loud at times, from their on going bantering and other times had me swooning as they go from being untouchable so to speak, to being together. I loved seeing how things developed between them. They both want to protect each other from what develops in the story, while at the same time learn to trust in each other in a completely different way. I loved the little twist Ingrid threw in about both of their heritages, and I'm eager to find out how things continue to develop between them with book two. 

This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The pace made it easy for me to read it in one sitting. The action, romance, and lore kept me hooked, and invested with the story. There were a few scenes in this book I would have liked to have a little bit more details for, but over all it was an intriguing read, and wonderful debut! I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Ingrid's books. If you're a fan of mythology I'd recommend picking this one up!

Before you go pick up this book, you can read the short prequel here, called Valkyrie Symptoms from Tuck's point of view. Trust me, YOU WANT TO READ IT! #TeamTuck!