Marlin is a Valkyrie, born and raised to slay the immortals and return them to the underworld before they can reck havoc in the world. But when Malin’s mother fails to carry out a mission, and lets one of the immortal escape, she sets in motion a series of far reaching, life changing events that could change Malin’s life forever.

I was drawn to this initially because of the mythology and background. It’s an interesting take of the Norse myths, told in a modern futuristic way, which I found unique. It’s also a quick read, wih a consistent pacing filed with plenty of action and fighting that made it really easy to read. I do think it helped that I’d read up on some Norse myths before I started this however, as I found a lot of the background information isn’t really explained well and at times it could have got a little confusing. Sometimes the plot itself was also a little all over the place, bouncing from one area or character to the next, without any clear idea of where it was going to end up. It really could have done with some more coherency, and tightening up of the text.

I also didn’t really feel any connection with the characters. They were overly simplistic, with little depth to them. I think the characters really suffered because of the short length of the story, and they had little chance to develop beyond the one dimensional. I also didn’t really see much of a relationship between Malin and her friends and lovers (although I loved the fact that she was bisexual), and I disliked the love triangle element. I found it slightly cliched, and harked back to more stereotypical and unoriginal YA fiction.

The premise for this is wonderfully unique, but ultimately I felt that it failed to deliver on some key points, which was a shame.

A tale of adventure and love, this book brings you the Norse World in a modern format. There is technology and pollution, and the world is a more messed up place than ever. But these bunch of kids is all set to take revenge for the deaths the evil immortal has caused and to save the world. What they don’t know yet that this is a trap that runs deep, and there’s no way one can fix all the problems without losing a few soldiers in the process.

The story is fast-paced and the writing style is extremely simple. The characters are shallow and fail to create any impact. This book can be a headache for anyone reading Norse for the first time because things just drop out of nowhere. No warnings. Full of strange characters and folklore elements, this is a light read and varies in intensity. Not really sure whether I’ll pick the second book in the duology up or not.

2.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2018/03/15/between-the-blade-and-the-heart-valkyrie-1-by-amanda-hocking/
As one of Odin’s Valkyries, Malin’s greatest responsibility is to slay immortals and return them to the underworld. The balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.

As Malin wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought, she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue-eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. Malin, along with her best friend and her ex-girlfriend, must decide where her loyalties lie…and whether helping Asher enact his revenge is worth the risk—to the world and to her heart.

So, the above is the synopsis for Between the Blade and the Heart taken directly from the Goodreads page. Now, I don’t normally just cut and paste the blurb – this isn’t a judgement by the way – everyone writes reviews following their own preferred style and I normally try to give a brief synopsis in my own words. Mainly because I want to write my own interpretation of the plot. But the reason I’ve changed my style a little is twofold.

Firstly, this book didn’t really work for me but, I can’t deny that it was a great idea – Odin’s Valkyries – oh yes, I am there for that. And, this book is undoubtedly action packed and fast paced – and I think you can pick up from the synopsis that the story will be that sort of style, urban fantasy, plenty of characters and action.

Secondly, there was a love triangle, this is the main reason why I’ve used the publisher’s blurb – if you read this it’s patently obvious that not only will this book involve romance but there will more than likely be a love triangle. Why then, given that romance and love triangles are not really my preference, did I pick this up? Odin’s Valkyries – right there, you got me. I read that and was totally blindsided. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that although this didn’t work for me I think I have to own that I chose a book that was always going to have to work hard to win me over. I was just caught, like a fish on a hook, by the thought of reading some Norse mythology and didn’t really read the description properly. My bad.

All that being out of the way I’m not going to go into too much further detail.

The idea of the Valkyries is that they’re a little like the Grim Reaper of the Immortals. Basically when your time is up, and I’m not sure how it’s decided they appear for you and it’s ‘curtains’. Seems a bit harsh really doesn’t it. In one respect you can’t just have more and more immortals populating the planet, it just wouldn’t be good would it, but, the idea of somebody appearing with their sword and saying ‘your number’s up mate’ does seem a bit of a crazy way of doing things. Clearly, most of the supernaturals who receive a visit from their own angel of death are less than pleased, some beg and plead, some run, some fight. Consequently, as you may be able to imagine the Valkyries are not terribly popular. There is however an underlying theme to the book which is all about fate and choices, whether everything is predestined or whether there is free will, and this aspect feeds into the plot. Malin’s mother, who has been one tough cookie to deal with, has basically let an assignment go and in doing so has set in motion a train of potential world destroying events.

Now, clearly I’ve already mentioned the romance and love triangle. I think for me the other problem with those elements is they felt rushed and consequently a little thin. The characters themselves are not really well fleshed out which is understandable in some respects because there’s quite a lot of action, themes and ideas, but it still made me feel ambivalent to them all. Perhaps too ambitious given the page count.

Then there’s the world building. It’s urban fantasy but futuristic with flying, hover-type bikes, etc. Regular humans and immortals living alongside each other. I couldn’t really get a grip of it. Again, maybe it’s because there really isn’t any nod to the humans of the world – how do they fit in. It all seems perfectly normal having a world where your mechanic has horns but I just felt like I wanted a little more depth and a better understanding. I just feel like I have too many questions and although they might be answered in the second book I don’t think at this point I have the motivation to read on.

I’m a bit saddened that this one didn’t work for me and I realise this sounds very negative. To end on a positive note I would say that this will probably work very well for others, it’s fast paced and packed with ideas, it’s got gorgeous people being smitten with each other and it’s got a crazy, action packed finale. On top of this there is diversity and strong female characters – in other words plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy courtesy of the publisher, through Netgalley, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

Amanda Hocking is an author that has been on my radar for a long time, I own a few of her books but I’ve never gotten around to reading them. I know so many people love the Trylle Trilogy so I was definitely looking forward to giving this a go. I loved this fast paced and exciting read and I am now definitely going to be catching up on all of Amanda’s books that I missed.

I always enjoy books with Norse mythology and Between the Blade and the Heart is chalk full of myths and legends. I loved the level of detail that Hocking put in, the story feels well plotted out and well researched. I also loved the dark, dank setting of a world full of demons and creatures. The world building is an odd mix, with run down buildings and dingy bars but also hovering bikes and other technology.

The book of course has plenty of action and fighting scenes, but there’s also a fair bit of romance too. I’m normally not that big a fan of romance heavy books but I felt the romance unfolded naturally and it wasn’t too in your face. I also really liked the characters. Our main protagonist Malin is a Valkyrie in training, learning her trade as well as school and dealing with a less than affectionate mother, she makes for a really fascinating character. She’s strong and brash and often tends to have her mind on things other than the end of the world. I thought she was a great flawed and likeable character. Joining her is a cast of secondary characters who were well fleshed out and definitely added an interesting mix to the story.

I really enjoyed this fun book and ended up reading it really quickly. If you like your books fast paced and full of action, you’re bound to enjoy Between the Blade and the Heart. Your only problem will be waiting for the release of book two!

I think for someone who is a fan of gritty, super-urban futuristic fantasy, this might be a great fit! For me , though, I just couldn't really get into it. I didn't feel connected with the characters or sucked into the plot. When I put it down I didn't feel like I HAD to pick it up again. But! I loved that the main character Milan was unashamedly bi; it's great to see unashamed diversity in books! And overall it was very well written.

A good fantasy book with an interesting main characters and a really good work in world building.
It took a bit to get into the book but then I was hooked and had to read till the end.
Very interesting, well written and entertaining.
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley

Started off very strong, got a bit harder to read and then finished off well. Good storyline, but the slog in the middle of the story was a bit of a turn off. I am glad that I finished it off but it was only because I stayed with it.

The synopsis of Between the Blade and the Heart caught my attention and I thought it sounded like a really fun read.

It was!

Malin has almost completed her training to “return” immortals to their underworld to preserve a balance here on Earth. Her distant-but-efficient mother is overseeing her training and apart from complicated feelings about an ex-girlfriend, Malin is happy. But when some stranger breaks into her apartment and reveals her mother isn’t as perfect as Malin believed, everything unravels.

Despite the fight scenes, the complicated relationships, the immortals and a quest for revenge, this story is ultimately about love, both platonic and romantic. Malin hates her mother for what she has done: she will also do anything to avenge her. Quinn will face impossible odds if it gives her a chance to win Malin back. Despite being on his own quest for revenge, Asher also puts Malin first, ensuring her survival because of budding feelings. Oona doesn’t have strength or a sword, she has sorcery. But she also enters this fight because Malin is her best friend and she won’t let her face those odds on her own. Love binds this group together.

I really enjoyed Between the Blade and the Heart. Underlying tension from the start – we meet Malin as she decapitates an immortal – gives the book a steady pace, which quickens in the drama of the end. A sense of normalcy – Malin still attends school (of sorts!) – blends with the unnatural elements of her life. It keeps the story grounded in today’s world, even if not the present time, which makes connecting and empathising with the characters easier.

The characters are well developed. Malin’s conflicted feelings about her mother ring true and her uncertainty about love gives a clear character development arc as the story progresses. I loved Asher – he wants to protect Malin but knows full well she can handle herself far better than he can. He respects her and her talent from the start. Quinn is more distant to connect to, but it’s clear how she feels about Malin. And Oona is the type of best friend that we all want; ready to dive into a mystery and danger that has nothing to do with her because her friend needs help.

Some of the romance undermined the book a little for me. It was Malin’s romantic feelings that placed the book in the YA category for me due to her thought processes and actions. It also followed the now-old trope of a love triangle with Asher/Malin/Quinn. Thankfully, however, Malin didn’t spend the entire book lamenting over who to choose. It felt repetitive when she was thinking about her potential partner though; we find out more than once how the two of them make her feel.

Between the Blade and the Heart is a solid story with excitement, romance and interesting characters. It’s an enjoyable, albeit fairly easy read, and I could connect to the world being portrayed. I would happily read the next book!

GBTQ REP. Yaaaas! More on that after.

I'm not usually drawn in to narratives that have Valkyries in, so I took this book on with some trepidation. I WAS SO GLAD I DID. It's set in an alternate world where immortals and mythical beings are common and live amongst humans. The world is pretty dystopian, despite the presence of magical beings - which I found really interesting.

Malin was BADASS. There's a lot moral questioning and discussion around free will vs destiny.











The story was steady paced - we were thrown straight in to Malin's life as a Valkyrie in training, where she has to kill an immortal as it's their time. I loved this aspect as it's morally questionable. Yes they justified it but technically Valkyrie's are murderers, hit men even. Yes there were some typical 'YA tropes' but I mean, that's why we read YA right? They have a big quest to go on at the end, culminating in a huge freaking cliff hanger! GAH. So I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.











BISEXUAL MAIN CHARACTER! Guys - there's a kind of love triangle between the bisexual main character, a girl and a guy! YAAS. Malin is unashamedly bi, she also isn't afraid of her sexuality - having a casual relationship which I feel like more young women in YA should be seen doing. Relationships shouldn't have to always be deep insta love, though there are deeper romantic feelings going on at times. Girls and women shouldn't be shamed for having a sex drive! So props to Amanda Hocking! Though for a girl who's convinced Valkyrie's couldn't love - she certainly had a lot of emotion going on.

Asher was a bit of a wet lettuce - he did some things that were badass but didn't follow through, but I was okay with that.

First off.... How gorgeous is this cover? So pretty! Then there is the concept of the existence of this whole secret world where Valkyries watch out for and protect humans. Loved it. And then there is the story of Malin and Asher. It is a slow progressing story and if you don’t like those kinds of book, this is not the one for you. Of course, there is romance involved and (of course) there is a love triangle. Overall, it was a good read. I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan!

4.5 stars rounded to 5!

I enjoyed this read so much! It really surprised me in a good way, I was expecting some mythology and I'd been told not to expect too much in the way of Norse mythology so I guess that helped me to push aside some preemptive ideas about the story setting. I still wasn't expecting it to be set in such a futuristic world with hovercrafts but I loved how the author has merged everything into one big world.

Excited to read the sequel too!

Full review on my website (attached to links)

Until I picked up this book (which I was approved to read on NetGalley) I was in a bit of a reading slump with another book I was slowly making my way through. I knew the publication date was coming up and thought it couldn’t hurt to read two books at once. Turns out it was a good choice to make because I flew through this book. Luckily it isn’t a large read, with only 287 pages on the Kindle, and I have to say it was a fun read and quite entertaining. While it isn’t the best book I’ve read, I will probably be picking up the second after that ending.

Valkyries help to keep the balance in the world by slaying the immortal beings when their time comes to die. Malin is in training to become a Valkyrie, but she hasn’t been finding it easy to balance everything in her life, with things being more difficult once she broke up with her girlfriend. When Malin’s home is broken into and she’s attacked, she realises that the stranger has discovered that a rogue immortal, who should have died, killed his mother. After asking for Malin’s help, she uncovers that a betrayal led to the woman’s death and that nothing is as it seems. She embarks on a journey with her friends to hunt down the immortal and stop him before the end of the world, as they know it, comes about.

I can see why this book was compared to Blade Runner (although I have never seen it myself, I know about it) and it was interesting to see Valkyries in such a modern setting, with strange and unique weapons. It was a different concept and a unique idea, one that Hocking fleshed out so I had a good idea of the way the world worked. I would have loved to see the Valkyries in action more and have more battle scenes, but something tells me that will be in the second book.

Malin was an interesting main character, with so many conflicting emotions that made her relatable, but also annoying at times. She didn’t always make the best decisions, but I liked how she questioned things, about her mother and the way their world worked. What I didn’t like was the little love triangle (if you can call it that) and the romance wasn’t incredible. There were a few scenes that got steamy, but I was expecting more from what I had heard from others. I wish it had seemed before realistic, so I could believe what was being said, but I didn’t resonate with it.

The other characters weren’t too memorable, although I thought Oona, Malin’s best friend, was quite cool, being a sorceress and all. I had read one of Amanda Hocking’s books before, but it was so long ago that I can’t remember if I loved it or not. Between the Blade and the Heart entertained me for a bit and it didn’t take itself too seriously. If you are expecting a book all about Norse mythology, you’ll be disappointed because this has a very urban fantasy setting, something I wasn’t sure about at first and in the end I enjoyed it.

Overall, I thought this was a good read with a fast pace. It was nothing spectacular but I wasn’t expecting it to be from the reviews that I had seen. A booktuber I like said that it was a fun read with some sexy scenes, and that is what it was. I enjoyed it for the most part and I might even pick up the second book, just so I can see how it ends. All in all, I will be giving Between the Blade and The Heart a solid 3 stars.

I was instantly interested in this book as it has a lot of references to mythology, especially norse mythology which I've become much more knowledgeable about over the past few months. Also the cover is stunning and I love a good YA fantasy read.

We follow Malin, a Valkyrie in training with a formidable Valkyrie mother, Marlow. Valkyries kill immortals and send them back to the afterlife so their lives are full of fighting, danger and facing various demonic, hellish and mythic creatures but thankfully Valkyries are mortals with immortal like strength and abilities. However, Malin's world is thrown into even more danger when secrets emerge about her mother that not only threatens her safety and those around her but the entire world.

I loved the writing style, it was such a quick and easy read and my favourite part of the book has to be the world and all of the amazing mythical and magical creatures within it inspired by various mythologies - I need a Bowie in my life! I liked the characters, LGBT characters (the main character is bisexual) and the romances on the whole but it definitely wasn't my favourite part of the book. I also didn't like the relationship between Oona and Malin as whenever a love interested turned up, Malin seemed to focus on them rather than her best friend - I'm so over relationships like that portrayed in books, especially YA, where a love interest of a week or so replaces or take precedence over a long term friendship! However, aside from that annoyance, it was a good read and I'd recommend it if you like mythology or YA fantasy as I do.

Between the Blade and the Heart is described as BLADE RUNNER meets GAME OF THRONES meets THOR: RAGNAROK. Once I read that I knew I wanted to read this book. I love Thor: Ragnarok, and I have always had a fascination with mythology and this book mixes them together. 



Between the Blade and the Heart  is a gripping action adventure set in a world where immortals walk the earth. The Book follows Malin she is a Valkyrie-in-training, and, to keep the peace, it’s her responsibility to slay immortals, returning them to the underworld. She is sent orders from the Gods, they decide who will return to the underworld it's just the Valkyries job to kill return them, no questions asked.

Malin not only has to keep the balance in the world, she also has to keep the balance in her life which she struggles with. She needs to balance her school life, her Valkyrie training, and her love life which is slightly complicated due to her mixed feelings for her ex fellow Valkyrie Quinn.

Things becomes more complicated for Malin when a beguiling stranger breaks into her home on a quest for vengeance. Asher is hunting the rogue immortal who murdered his Valkyrie mother, and he thinks Malin may have information.

What Malin find out will unravel everything she ever knew about her family and the world. She must decided if she willing to help Asher with his revenge and right a wrong, but helping Asher comes with a risk to her life and her heart.



This book is fast-paced and action packed book, the action starts from chapter one where we are introduced to Malin and her mother Marlow as they stake out the next person they are to return to the underworld.

I like the friendship between Malin and her best friend and roommate Oona, Malin is trying to be the Valkyrie her mother is wants her to be. Where Oona is there to help remind her that she is more than that.

One if my favourite exchanges between the two of them is below;

Oona stood behind me with her arms folded over her chest and a self-satisfied grin on her face.

"You're lucky you have me," she said.

I looked at her in the reflection of the mirror said, "I know."

"You'd be totally lost without me," she reiterated.

"I really would," I agreed with a laugh.

"You could show your appreciation a little more."

I turned back to her. "Hey, I made you breakfast this morning, and I helped you work on your term paper for your Miracles and visions course."

I loved that even though they live in this crazy world, friendship doesn't change.

I liked Malin as a character, she is not perfect but she is doing the best that she can. She wants to do the right thing, even if it is not the easy option. Malin is a kick ass female, who can take care of her self (most of the time) she is smart and drive, I was glad that Malin wasn't like Marlow.

I found it interesting the mixture of norse mythology with other fantasy creatures like the vampires. It's really interesting to read a book that about the Valkyries, they make interesting leading character. I am glad that Amanda kept in the fact that Valkyries are Bisexual. The romances in this book is a love triangle between Malin and a female and male character, it was nice to see that Malin didn't focus on the gender but how the person made her feel.

The book is really a page turner and by the end of the book I was exited to see what happens next in From Earth to the Shadows which is planned to published 3rd May 2018.

If you would lile to find out more about the Author click HERE.

I give this book 4.1 out of 5



I would recommend this book if you like;

Kiss ass Woman
Mythology
Norse Mythology
Romance
Cute mythical pets. (Search Wolpertinger)
Thank you to Pan for supply me with the copy of the book to read and review for an honest review.

The prospect of the book excited me, and I loved the idea behind it. I however, found that I was forcing myself to read the story and I didn't like that. I thought the themes were great, I just could not get in to the book, and it was such a shame because I was excited to read this initially.

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy that so much as I expected. I like the concept of the story, but the writing was not my cup of tea and made me speed read most of the book.... It had so much potential and the only reason I kept reading it was because I wanted to see how the story would evolve, but the writing was really putting me off. I couldn't connect with any of the characters... 🙁

I'd describe this as something of an urban fantasy with a lot of the paranormal thrown in. It takes place in a city where the paranormal is...well...normal. I actually liked reading a book where most of the plot was not to do with concealing the paranormal from mortals. I don't know that the fact that it was 'normal' was as clearly indicated as it could have been since you don't actually encounter many (now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure if you encounter any) mortal characters. Just a little element of worldbuilding that could have been a little clearer. 

I won't lie to you, the romance is a strong plot point in this book. If you're not into books with romance, run for the hills, if you shudder at the mention of anything slightly resembling a love triangle then flee! I actually wasn't bothered too much by the love triangle-esque dynamic in this book, I think perhaps because I haven't read a love triangle in a while. It may also be that because our MC is bi it's different to the clichéd 'two men fight for the beautiful girl's heart'. Either that or it's just better written than most love triangles I have read in the past. 

What the predominance of the romance proves, I think, is that this book is heavy on both emotions and on the action. The relationships between various characters, both romantic and otherwise, are at the forefront of this story. There is, however, a good number of fight scenes and action sequences that keep the pace of the story going. 

I would describe this as reminiscent of Rick Riordan's work, in the sense that it brings mythology into the modern day, but obviously for an older readership and with a different sense of humor behind it. It doesn't have the wackiness of Riordan's work, it's wrier than that. 

With this and Reign of the Fallen I've been reading a lot of bi protagonists of late and honestly I'm loving it. What a time to be alive.

My rating: 4/5 stars

I received a digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Occasionally it's nice to read a book and know what you're going to get. Not the exact story as such but the broad strokes of a story that doesn't require much of you. This sounds like a not very flattering reason to enjoy Hocking's work but I can assure you that I reread books that give me that comfortable feeling with enough fantasy excitement far more than I reread new and challenging books about concept. This was great. I loved the take on Valkerie lore. The characters were engaging and Hocking has really matured as a writer. Thoroughly enjoyable.

While I loved the idea of this book I'm afraid it just didn't work for me.

I was very excited when I read the blurb of this book, I don't know much about Norse mythology so I was really looking forward to something original and different and the fact that it followed a Valkyrie/Assassin was just wow.

Unfortunately however I think it may have been my lack of knowledge around Norse mythology that let me down as I spent most of this book confused by all of the various creatures that appear and what their purpose was. I'd never heard of most of them leaving me studying the descriptions to try and figure them out. Added to that I couldn't really understand where or when the world was supposed to be (I think it's America in some kind of alternative reality future?) and I just kind of gave up. It is a very detailed, well constructed and original world but it's just too much new for me.

I could probably also have gotten on better with this if I had connected with any of the characters but I just never did. Main character Malin is just horrible to everyone, even those who try to help her, and there's just not enough depth to either her or any of the others to really care what happens to them. I also didn't feel any connection between the characters. The romance lacks any kind of chemistry and even her relationship with her mother and supposed best friend seemed odd. There are just so many inconsistencies, her best friend asks questions she should really know the answers to, her mother is awful but Malin keeps trying to protect her and Malin goes from love to indifference in the blink of an eye.

As well as inconsistencies the writing also suffers from some pacing issues which make it feel rather disjointed and uneven. The focus seems to be on describing the world and the various creatures and as a result the action is rushed. What should be a big epic fight scene is over in a couple of paragraphs leaving you wondering what just happened and the reactions don't feel natural or believable. The dialogue is very clunky (even taking into consideration it's a different world) and there is a lot more tell than show. Everyone seems to state exactly how they feel and emotions are exaggerated and change from one paragraph to the next. There's no subtlety and consequently none of it feels real. I certainly didn't feel anything when reading it.

Overall I loved the idea of this book more than the story itself. I'm sure it'll really work for some people and I've seen some glowing reviews which suggest that maybe this just wasn't for me. It is the first book in a series so maybe once the world building is out of the way there will be more room for character development but I'm not sure I'll be continuing.