Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking is an engaging urban fantasy novel that draws readers into a world where Norse mythology meets a modern-day setting. As the first book in the Valkyrie duology, it introduces readers to a universe filled with gods, monsters, and powerful female warriors who walk the line between life and death.

The story follows Malin, a young Valkyrie-in-training whose duty is to slay immortals when their time on Earth is up. Malin has been raised to believe in the strict code of the Valkyries, taught by her mother to do her job without question. However, Malin's world is turned upside down when she discovers that her mother broke this code by sparing the life of an immortal. This revelation sets off a chain of events that forces Malin to question everything she thought she knew about her role, her family, and her place in the world.

Malin is a compelling protagonist, struggling with the weight of her responsibilities and the moral ambiguities that come with her role as a Valkyrie. She’s torn between the expectations placed upon her and her own desires and fears. Hocking does a good job of fleshing out Malin’s character, showing her growth as she grapples with difficult choices and the implications of her mother’s actions. The internal conflict Malin experiences as she navigates her dual roles as both a dutiful Valkyrie and a young woman seeking her own identity is central to the novel’s emotional depth.

The world-building in Between the Blade and the Heart is one of its highlights. Hocking draws from Norse mythology but infuses it with a fresh, modern twist, creating a vibrant and dangerous world where gods and mythical creatures coexist with humans. The setting, a gritty urban environment where danger lurks around every corner, complements the dark and mystical elements of the story. Hocking’s descriptions of the city’s underworld, populated by all manner of supernatural beings, add a rich layer of atmosphere to the novel.

The supporting cast of characters adds complexity and diversity to the story. Malin’s relationships with other characters, including her best friend Oona, her love interest Asher, and her complicated relationship with her mother, are well-developed and add emotional stakes to the narrative. Asher, in particular, brings a sense of mystery and tension to the story, as his own quest for vengeance intertwines with Malin’s journey, leading to a partnership that is both intense and fraught with conflict.

The novel’s pacing is generally brisk, with a mix of action-packed sequences and moments of introspection. Hocking balances the adrenaline of fight scenes with the quieter, more emotional moments that allow readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The plot is filled with twists and turns, some of which are predictable, but others that keep readers guessing and engaged.

One of the novel’s key themes is the exploration of free will versus destiny, as Malin confronts the question of whether she is bound by the strict codes of the Valkyries or if she can forge her own path. This theme is woven throughout the story, giving it a philosophical edge that elevates it beyond a simple action-adventure tale.

While Between the Blade and the Heart has many strengths, it does follow some familiar tropes of the urban fantasy genre, including the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and the forbidden romance. However, Hocking’s engaging writing style, strong character development, and unique mythological elements help the novel stand out.

Overall, Between the Blade and the Heart is a fast-paced, entertaining read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and mythology. Amanda Hocking has crafted a story that combines action, romance, and a touch of the supernatural into a compelling narrative that sets the stage for an exciting continuation in the series. With its intriguing world and relatable heroine, the novel offers a fresh take on the Valkyrie myth and leaves readers eager to see what happens next in Malin’s journey.

I will not be giving feedback on this book as I couldn’t really get into it but I think others may enjoy it.

Thanks very much to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. Many thanks, Dave

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was packed full of action, i like the mythology side of it as ive never read a norse mythology retelling like this so it was nice to acctually learn some things while reading. It has definitley made me want to read more and excited to pick up the second. Malin was incredibly strong both as a character and i like her connection with Asher, I liked the little bit of romance we saw within the book. would of liked a bit more but thats just me being a sucker for romance.

I was initially interested in reading this book, however my tastes have shifted and I do not think I will be able to get to it now. Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a digital copy!

Between the blade and the heart was such a meh! read for me... The novel starts with Malin, a young Valkyrie "returning" to the other world and immortal and I was very excited, but from there it kind of went downhill. After getting hooked by this start, a lot of uninteresting things happen and I started to be less and less interested until the blue-eyes boy suddenly appears and I just could not continue anymore.

By no means is not a bad book, but it just wasn't for me. I was bored and felt like nothing was happening, the characters felt underdeveloped and one dimensional. The plot is also lacking and struggles with the pacing in places. It is a shame because I am fascinated by Norse Mythology.

Another brilliant boom by Amanda Hocking!! It kept me up all night reading it!! Love it can't wait to read more from her

An incredibly enjoyable read! I enjoyed the twists and turns, I loved the main characters and their stories. I already have the sequel and I can't wait to finish the series and see how this all ends.

Quick thoughts:
- Norse mythology! Valkyries!
- Sloppy world-building & messy plot
- 🇵🇭 folklore (e.g. aswang, manananggal)
- Skewed love triangle
- Cheap cliffhanger ending???
- NO 🤦🏻‍♀️🙅🏻‍♀️
- I won’t pick up the sequel 🤢

* Full review to follow

I just want to personally thank NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an advance copy of this book, I apologize that the review is late.

Being a lover of mythology and of course Marvel's Thor and the Valkyrie, I was drawn to this book when I spotted it on the website and was delighted when I was allowed to read it. For my honest review I will say that I enjoyed aspects of this book, however, I wasn't fully drawn into it most of the time.

I feel the main character Malin didn't really develop at all through the story and I didn't feel any connections with the characters which was unfortunate. However, I do believe that others will enjoy it much more than me, it was just unfortunate that I couldn't get hooked into it.

I have always loved the authors writing and this was no exception. I was sold on the book’s description and it really did live up to it. I’m curious as to how it’ll progress.

I was given a copy of this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for n honest review.

I am not really sure what to say about this book. I felt very underwhelmed in the end. It was not necessarily predictable though pretty much everything that happened was standard and to be expected from this type of story.

I struggled to connect with any of the characters they came across to me as very one-sided and I could not distinct one voice fromanoher. Quite often I would have to reread the dialogue to get who was speaking as it was not always clear.

The premise is quite solid and the plot flows well but I felt lost in the world. I believe it was supposed to be read as a reality where demons and gods are are real and the supernatural live side by side with humans. I just couldn't reconcile this as too many times it felt like the main characters were trying to hide in plain sight.

For me this was a very conflicted book and unfortunately I was not interested enough to want to know more and continue the series when the next book releases.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I never read a book by Amanda Hocking, but I love vakyries, so it was natural I wanted to read this book. I don't really have much to say. I loved the diversity, but didn't really like the ending? It didn't really make me want to continue. Maybe I'll have to read it again sometime soon, and my review will change.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was blown away by the writing. It was such a good plot and I loved Mailn's character. Loved the norse mythology intertwined within the story and I'm definitely excited for the next book.

I enjoyed this book, but personally, it didn't manage to drag me in.. I was very intrigued by the whole Valkyrie/Norse myth aspect but there were so many other mythologies thrown in and I didn't like that at all.. Had the author solely focused on Norse mythology and Norse Mythology only, then I probably would have rated this book higher, but unfortunately it wasn't... I will probably pick up the second book, mainly because if I read it correctly it's only a duology, but I can't say it's a new favourite...

I wanted to read this book because I loved the Tryll trilogy. TBH, I didn't really expect to like it as much as I did, amazing!

I want to read more from this author.

There are a whole bunch of cliches about urban fantasy. About 'strong' female protagonists with the ability to kick demon butt and a taste for form-fitting black leather, tattoos, piercings and edgy haircuts. About irresistibly sexy Fae creatures that capture the hearts of said strong female protagonists, often after stories involving love triangles. And plots centring on conspiracies, world-threatening catastrophe and hidden pasts. So much so that when I picked up Amanda Hocking's Between the Blade and the Heart (review copy from Pan Macmillan) I took it for parody to begin with. But apparently it's meant to be serious, and Hocking's popularity suggests her writing is the source for a lot of these tropes and cliches.

This was a book I didn't finish. There are holes in the plot and the world-building you could drive the main character Malin's luft-bike through. And the prose was so eye-rollingly facile and over-sexualised that I struggled. This is pure chick-lit - romance with the slight gloss of a supernatural mystery to solve as Malin gets involved in correcting a mistake her mother once made that arguably puts the world at risk. It aspires to being 'edgy' with Malin's bisexuality, strained relationship with her mother, references to drink and drugs, and her status as a professional slayer of immortals, but this is as derivative a work of fiction as they come.

The characters are unlikeable stereotypes, yet with Hocking making a point of telling us exactly how attractive they all are. Malin is a standard issue strong-female-protagonist, who aspires to being a rebellious outsider (by not taking her college classes seriously, by ignoring instructions and advice, and partying hard). Her flatmate Oona is a put-upon doormat. And there is a classic Mean Girl at college, who is no doubt destined to become Malin's BFF. Add to that mix a Sexy Ex, a hot Friend With Benefits, and a Sexy Yet Mysterious Stranger and I noped my way out fast.

Hocking's popularity and sales suggest she has a devoted readership and following of fans. I am glad they are reading work they enjoy. But this is not my cup of tea. I prefer books with a bit more substance.

Goodreads rating: 1*

2.5/5


How to begin to review this book.

First, I should start by saying that it wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me (the literary term for "it's not you, it's me") because honestly, I tried so hard to really enjoy this book but I just could not. I pushed my way through with the hope that there'd be some major plot twist that would completely turn the whole plot on its head,

Unfortunately, there wasn't really. I don't count a plot twist as very good when I think of it from halfway through the book.

Malin, our main character and Valkyrie, is the kind of main character that is my pet hate; she seems to be given everything when it's most convenient. Oh, you're looking for someone? Here, take a sunstone to locate them (even though they were a myth two seconds ago). Need a magical weapon to help you? Here, I sold my most prized possession to buy this one for you. Need a killer dress? No worries, my mum just whipped something up for you in the span of what seemed like 2 hours?!

I'm also a little frustrated with this world building. Book one of a series and I was hit was random information dumps that spoke of things as if I should have known the context of them. I've finished the book and I'm still not quite sure, is this Earth where everyone knows about paranormal creatures? Is this an alternate dimension where all kinds of creatures live? What are the rules? Are there laws? What's the social standing of our main characters? Discrimination based on species? (Sure we saw a little bit with that bypass friend at Malin's school, but that was IT.) There was just so much potential here to explore, to actually build this world with beauty and flaws and I feel like it completely fell flat.

When I read a book, I hate to say that the minor characters or the side characters are the people I wanted to see more of but in this case, it's absolutely true. For the first half of the book, all I thought about was Jude, Asher, Oona and Quinn – like just give me more scenes with them and I would have been happy; Jude was a perfect example of how this book's world was structured! (Actually, all of them were but Jude appeared twice and didn't have a big role – he was a lilypad character for me but I would have loved to see more of him.) When I say these characters are the reason I enjoyed the book, I mean that the last quarter of the book we got to see of their interactions is the main thing I wanted to see in the book. Maybe I'll see it in the next one.

The plot itself I enjoyed, particularly the inclusion of mythologies, LGBTQ relationships that didn't seem juvenile, the very very last page (THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SURPRISED ME!). And though there were definitely predictable outcomes and slow build-ups, I do see that there's potential for the sequel. The first book sets itself up for a sequel and I am looking forward to it (but again, only because of the other characters unless Malin ends up being part-something-not-Valkyrie).

(Side note, because we only saw them together for two seconds, but I want to see more of Oona and Atlas together. Romantically, platonically, I just think the dynamic would be interesting.)


•

This was an ARC book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me gripped from the beginning, i had been looking forward to this book for ages and it did not disappoint. I love norse mythology and the valkyries have always held a special interest for me. Malin is a great character and her development within this book is perfect! I cannot wait for the next book!!!! Great book.

I received a copy from Netgalley.

This book was fun. An action packed paranormal adventure.

First book I read by this particular author, and I enjoyed it. The world building was a little haphazard, in this world there are all sorts of supernatural creatures around, all governed by Norse gods, and kept in control by Valkyries. Seemed to be a vaguely futuristic kind of society. A little unclear on when it was set. A little bit of history on the species and the set the governing body and the jobs of Valkyries. When your time is up, a Valkyrie is sent to dispatch you to the next plane of existence. Valkyries only go through the female line, Marin is training to follow in her mother Marlow’s footsteps and is in the final steps of her training to become an official Valkyrie as well as attending a supernatural academy for classes.

Marin was tough and spunky, relatively sensible and a likeable MC. Also extra points – she was bisexual. She had a relationship with another female Valkyrie, Quinn. Which didn’t end brilliantly but they remained sort of friends. Marin lives with her best friend, witch Oona and her beloved pet, some sort of a hybrid creature a little like a dog but not quite.

Lots of action, though I did find some of the characters to be a little flat, there didn’t seem to be much back story to hardly anyone other than Marin herself. There was very little seen of the academy she attends, there’s a few classes mentioned, and a rivalry with a classmate she doesn’t get on with. Though later on in the novel they do have a fairly interesting discussion about fate and destiny – which was about as deep as the novel got.

Mostly it was all action packed. Marin’s world is thrown into chaos when a handsome stranger breaks into her apartment demanding information on her mother. Something that was supposed to have happened didn’t and as a result people are being killed. Marin is stunned and furious, and with the stranger, Asher, by her side sets off to confront Marlow about what happened.

She’s shocked at the revelations and she and Asher decide to try and put things right and stop the killings. The supernatural beasties Marin is hunting are getting stronger, she’s feeling pain when she shouldn’t and it could all be a result of what went wrong many years ago. She gets help from witchy Oona and Quinn appears a few times saving her butt and becomes part of the group who work to find the bad guy and solve the mystery.

Of course, Marin is starting to develop feelings for Asher and finds herself getting closer again with Quinn, trying to understand why their relationship failed – something to do with something that’s been ingrained into Marin about Valkyries and love and how it never works. So Marin is struggling to come to terms with her feelings on top of this manhunt for a bad guy getting nastier and stronger as the time goes by.

A surprise death half way through doesn’t help at all.

A surprising twist at the end as well, as it turns out the bad guy they’re hunting is small fries and there’s an even bigger bad on the way. Left at cliff hanger of course.

Not particularly moving, while the world building wasn’t brilliant (in my opinion) it was interesting and it’s been a long time since I’ve found a paranormal adventure I’ve liked so much. Decent characters, and a fun read.

Looking forward to the next one in the duology.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan McMillan for approving my request to view the title.