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The Odin Blood Series #1
Dagger Heart
Alternative cover for ASIN: B006Y3RXMA
“Erica was a good girl – most of the time – and didn’t step on anyone’s toes – for the most part. But sometimes a girl like her just couldn’t help getting into trouble.”
Norway, 704 A.D.
The valiant King Ulfur defeated the evil that swept the seaside village of Nornör into despair; Morgan, the demon witch, has been dead for nearly twenty years. The truce between King Úlfur and the Queen of the Fae has remained intact since the day that Morgan’s dark curses vanished. It seemed that peace had finally come to the wounded souls of the village.
But this peace is shaken when three curses that Morgan promised with her dying breath are placed upon the Norwegian village: who among them has cast the spell?
Seventeen-year-old Erica finds herself trapped in the middle of a witch’s deadly revenge scheme with no way out but to fight for survival. On top of trying to end the curses devouring her village like a savage beast she finds herself at the center of attention when it comes to Viking King Úlfur’s three sons: Kriger, Paul, and Finn.
Three of them will fight alongside her.
Two of them want to marry her.
One of them could be the son of King Úlfur… and Morgan.
“Erica was a good girl – most of the time – and didn’t step on anyone’s toes – for the most part. But sometimes a girl like her just couldn’t help getting into trouble.”
Norway, 704 A.D.
The valiant King Ulfur defeated the evil that swept the seaside village of Nornör into despair; Morgan, the demon witch, has been dead for nearly twenty years. The truce between King Úlfur and the Queen of the Fae has remained intact since the day that Morgan’s dark curses vanished. It seemed that peace had finally come to the wounded souls of the village.
But this peace is shaken when three curses that Morgan promised with her dying breath are placed upon the Norwegian village: who among them has cast the spell?
Seventeen-year-old Erica finds herself trapped in the middle of a witch’s deadly revenge scheme with no way out but to fight for survival. On top of trying to end the curses devouring her village like a savage beast she finds herself at the center of attention when it comes to Viking King Úlfur’s three sons: Kriger, Paul, and Finn.
Three of them will fight alongside her.
Two of them want to marry her.
One of them could be the son of King Úlfur… and Morgan.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2012
22 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 26, 2012
First I want to say Thank you to Ronnell Porter for allowing me to review his book!
Ronnell Porter has excelled in my expectations for this book, it was different, unique in a way, focusing around Nordic mythology, and since I, myself am a fan of mythology I found it a great read.
I found it to have an even pace throughout the whole book, there weren't parts that went beyond, nor parts that lagged, it was just right the whole way through for me. The plot was creative and had me guessing how it would end from the start, I was intrigued especially because of Erica, the female protagonist in the story that everyone seemed to dislike for her difference and being and orphan, it is quite obvious that she would be the major “player” for Ronnell’s book, but I did not expect some of the outcomes towards the end. He really had me astounded when I realized the truth. I honestly thought it was the other way around, but I loved how I was proven wrong at my guess.
I loved how it ended and now I am left wondering if there will be more to this story, as I feel that I have unanswered questions. But nonetheless I recommend this book to those that want something different, a book that includes mysticism, mythology and overall great and even paced story plot. 4/5 Bats
~Marie
Ronnell Porter has excelled in my expectations for this book, it was different, unique in a way, focusing around Nordic mythology, and since I, myself am a fan of mythology I found it a great read.
I found it to have an even pace throughout the whole book, there weren't parts that went beyond, nor parts that lagged, it was just right the whole way through for me. The plot was creative and had me guessing how it would end from the start, I was intrigued especially because of Erica, the female protagonist in the story that everyone seemed to dislike for her difference and being and orphan, it is quite obvious that she would be the major “player” for Ronnell’s book, but I did not expect some of the outcomes towards the end. He really had me astounded when I realized the truth. I honestly thought it was the other way around, but I loved how I was proven wrong at my guess.
I loved how it ended and now I am left wondering if there will be more to this story, as I feel that I have unanswered questions. But nonetheless I recommend this book to those that want something different, a book that includes mysticism, mythology and overall great and even paced story plot. 4/5 Bats
~Marie
September 25, 2012
First I want to say Thank you to Ronnell Porter for allowing me to review his book!
Ronnell Porter has excelled in my expectations for this book, it was different, unique in a way, focusing around Nordic mythology, and since I, myself am a fan of mythology I found it a great read.
I found it to have an even pace throughout the whole book, there weren't parts that went beyond, nor parts that lagged, it was just right the whole way through for me. The plot was creative and had me guessing how it would end from the start, I was intrigued especially because of Erica, the female protagonist in the story that everyone seemed to dislike for her difference and being and orphan, it is quite obvious that she would be the major “player” for Ronnell’s book, but I did not expect some of the outcomes towards the end. He really had me astounded when I realized the truth. I honestly thought it was the other way around, but I loved how I was proven wrong at my guess.
I loved how it ended and now I am left wondering if there will be more to this story, as I feel that I have unanswered questions. But nonetheless I recommend this book to those that want something different, a book that includes mysticism, mythology and overall great and even paced story plot. 4/5 Bats
~Marie
Ronnell Porter has excelled in my expectations for this book, it was different, unique in a way, focusing around Nordic mythology, and since I, myself am a fan of mythology I found it a great read.
I found it to have an even pace throughout the whole book, there weren't parts that went beyond, nor parts that lagged, it was just right the whole way through for me. The plot was creative and had me guessing how it would end from the start, I was intrigued especially because of Erica, the female protagonist in the story that everyone seemed to dislike for her difference and being and orphan, it is quite obvious that she would be the major “player” for Ronnell’s book, but I did not expect some of the outcomes towards the end. He really had me astounded when I realized the truth. I honestly thought it was the other way around, but I loved how I was proven wrong at my guess.
I loved how it ended and now I am left wondering if there will be more to this story, as I feel that I have unanswered questions. But nonetheless I recommend this book to those that want something different, a book that includes mysticism, mythology and overall great and even paced story plot. 4/5 Bats
~Marie
May 8, 2013
Full Post @Book-Marks the Spot
Erika has been an orphan her whole life. Her only true friend is Finn, the son of the king. They met as children and have been inseparable since. She longs for the day Finn will finally express his feeling to her. She does get a confession, but not from whom she wanted it to be from. Finn’s brother Paul wants to marry her. She had to take Paul home one night and they run into an undead. It seems that the old witch tales are true and they have another witch on their hands. Erika has to find out who it is before there is nothing left of her town, but that is easier said then done, when everyone is a suspect.
It is a race against time and many lives will be lost in the process.
I really liked this book. It seems I’ve been hitting the jackpot with books lately. Erika was a very likeable character and I like how the author incorporated Fae and witchcraft into the story. I think it would have been just as great without it, but come on who doesn’t love magic? I could picture every thing in the book and that is very important to me. I need to feel like I am there for me to really enjoy a book. This was one of those books. :D It took me out of the real life and took me on a journey that I didn’t want to end. I hope the next one we get to know a little bit more about the Fae and their world. I want to say other things, but it would spoil the book for you. What I can say is that this book is not about romance. Yes, it plays a role, but it’s not the main focus of the book.
If you love a good witch hunt this book is for you.
Erika- She has never truly fit in anywhere, with her flaming read hair and not wanting to be tied down to a man. She is a free spirit and that’s what I like about her. She had to face many hardships and she has become a better person because of it. She can only truly be herself when she is in her wolf pack, which consists of her and Finn.
Finn- He is another free spirit. He is the son of the king, but wants nothing to do with the crown. And that’s one of the reasons him and Erika get along so great. It’s hard not to fall for his bright green eyes and dark hair. Not to mention that BOD *MEOW* He likes to live on the wild side from time to time. There was only one part in the book when I thought he was a total douche, but I don’t wish to speak of it.
Astrid- She is the only girl that Erika actually gets close to. I’m glad she has a friend like her. She is a sweet soul in the beginning and still is, but death will change a person.
Paul- I don’t really know what to say about him. H just suddenly pops into Erika’s life asking her to marry him. You can tell he really cares for her. I felt bad for him most of the book.
Erika has been an orphan her whole life. Her only true friend is Finn, the son of the king. They met as children and have been inseparable since. She longs for the day Finn will finally express his feeling to her. She does get a confession, but not from whom she wanted it to be from. Finn’s brother Paul wants to marry her. She had to take Paul home one night and they run into an undead. It seems that the old witch tales are true and they have another witch on their hands. Erika has to find out who it is before there is nothing left of her town, but that is easier said then done, when everyone is a suspect.
It is a race against time and many lives will be lost in the process.
I really liked this book. It seems I’ve been hitting the jackpot with books lately. Erika was a very likeable character and I like how the author incorporated Fae and witchcraft into the story. I think it would have been just as great without it, but come on who doesn’t love magic? I could picture every thing in the book and that is very important to me. I need to feel like I am there for me to really enjoy a book. This was one of those books. :D It took me out of the real life and took me on a journey that I didn’t want to end. I hope the next one we get to know a little bit more about the Fae and their world. I want to say other things, but it would spoil the book for you. What I can say is that this book is not about romance. Yes, it plays a role, but it’s not the main focus of the book.
If you love a good witch hunt this book is for you.
Erika- She has never truly fit in anywhere, with her flaming read hair and not wanting to be tied down to a man. She is a free spirit and that’s what I like about her. She had to face many hardships and she has become a better person because of it. She can only truly be herself when she is in her wolf pack, which consists of her and Finn.
Finn- He is another free spirit. He is the son of the king, but wants nothing to do with the crown. And that’s one of the reasons him and Erika get along so great. It’s hard not to fall for his bright green eyes and dark hair. Not to mention that BOD *MEOW* He likes to live on the wild side from time to time. There was only one part in the book when I thought he was a total douche, but I don’t wish to speak of it.
Astrid- She is the only girl that Erika actually gets close to. I’m glad she has a friend like her. She is a sweet soul in the beginning and still is, but death will change a person.
Paul- I don’t really know what to say about him. H just suddenly pops into Erika’s life asking her to marry him. You can tell he really cares for her. I felt bad for him most of the book.
July 19, 2013
I won a copy of this book in an author-sponsored giveaway. This review has not be altered in any way and is my honest opinion.
I didn't really know what to expect with this book. From the beginning I was really interested in the friendship of Erica and Finn. Erica is an orphan in her village. She has bright red hair (color of witches hair) so that puts her in the way of much gossip. She does have a best friend in Finn, though; ever since they were little. They are a 2-man "wolf pack" (significance and some irony come with that title later in the book). Erica's tomboy ways make her and Finn rough house together, fight and run as fast as they can in the woods surrounding the village. Trouble is, Erica is an orphan (still marriage-less at 17!) and Finn is the son of the king. Erica finds herself fantasizing about Finn as being more than friends...but does he feel the same way? He never shows her he does.
Things take a drastic turn when Finn's brother, Paul, proposes to Erica proclaiming his love for her. How can she say no? She's an orphan who cant wait much longer and certainly wont get a better offer...*sigh* Suffice it to say, witches and magic really start flooding in and we get swept away in another world. Erica is a really strong female character. I love her strength. I was pretty disenchanted with Finn-- ok, I hated his guts at one point and he never really completely redeemed himself (lets just say it had to do with making Erica jealous ). I felt for his brothers, though. Paul especially. It was a little rushed to turn him into a bad guy, I thought. Kind of sloppily done. I like the whole secret world though, and the secret Finn has learned about himself too.
If you like fantasy books with a bit of romance and magic, you'll like Dagger Heart. The time period is really unique as there aren't many stories faking place in the villages of the North/Viking ish territory (?) Erica is a great character, she seems frail yet incredibly strong and resourceful. Although I didn't love Finn at times, he does prove his love in the end. I will be reading the next in the series.
I didn't really know what to expect with this book. From the beginning I was really interested in the friendship of Erica and Finn. Erica is an orphan in her village. She has bright red hair (color of witches hair) so that puts her in the way of much gossip. She does have a best friend in Finn, though; ever since they were little. They are a 2-man "wolf pack" (significance and some irony come with that title later in the book). Erica's tomboy ways make her and Finn rough house together, fight and run as fast as they can in the woods surrounding the village. Trouble is, Erica is an orphan (still marriage-less at 17!) and Finn is the son of the king. Erica finds herself fantasizing about Finn as being more than friends...but does he feel the same way? He never shows her he does.
Things take a drastic turn when Finn's brother, Paul, proposes to Erica proclaiming his love for her. How can she say no? She's an orphan who cant wait much longer and certainly wont get a better offer...*sigh* Suffice it to say, witches and magic really start flooding in and we get swept away in another world. Erica is a really strong female character. I love her strength. I was pretty disenchanted with Finn-- ok, I hated his guts at one point and he never really completely redeemed himself (lets just say it had to do with making Erica jealous ). I felt for his brothers, though. Paul especially. It was a little rushed to turn him into a bad guy, I thought. Kind of sloppily done. I like the whole secret world though, and the secret Finn has learned about himself too.
If you like fantasy books with a bit of romance and magic, you'll like Dagger Heart. The time period is really unique as there aren't many stories faking place in the villages of the North/Viking ish territory (?) Erica is a great character, she seems frail yet incredibly strong and resourceful. Although I didn't love Finn at times, he does prove his love in the end. I will be reading the next in the series.
February 2, 2014
Erica's an orphan who found a pack member in Finn, one of the three princes in their lands. Years later, they're older, and things have changed between them. Her heart beats faster when he's near, but he's completely clueless to it all. Then his brother, the middle child, asks her out and she later finds out that he'd planned to propose to her. Her caretaker only wants the best for her, and seeing as that no one else's come to ask for her hand in marriage, Paul seems like a pretty good choice. He's well-off, kind, and obviously infatuated with her. But even if he looks like the better choice, she can't help but think of Finn's silence, and the way he doesn't react to her. Or doesn't he?
The story was amazing, but the book and its delivery was a little slow or choppy for me in the middle. It started off with a great hook, but once the plot started to thicken, it all seemed like, "You'll be asked out by him. Yes, now you will run. Now go do this. Okay, now that. Then this will happen." Just stuff like that. The flow wasn't very good for me, and it didn't really improve in the end. THE END THOUGH. UGHHH <3
The ending totally blows all the imperfections away for me, but I can't overlook it for the sake of rating. The flow isn't very good through most of the book for me, and if it'd been smoother, this would be a definite 5 Stars. But back to the ending... I can't tell you without giving it away and spoiling it for you, but I've got to say - there was something about it that resonated with me. Depressed me, yes, but it was still beautiful in the most sharpest sense of reality. Does that make sense?
If you like villages and curses, witches and trolls, you'll love this. My friend read it with me and she said it was 'kind of depressing' and it's true, but the story's still really good. It was free when I got it, and it might be still on Amazon if you go and look for yourself.
Happy Reading :)
The story was amazing, but the book and its delivery was a little slow or choppy for me in the middle. It started off with a great hook, but once the plot started to thicken, it all seemed like, "You'll be asked out by him. Yes, now you will run. Now go do this. Okay, now that. Then this will happen." Just stuff like that. The flow wasn't very good for me, and it didn't really improve in the end. THE END THOUGH. UGHHH <3
The ending totally blows all the imperfections away for me, but I can't overlook it for the sake of rating. The flow isn't very good through most of the book for me, and if it'd been smoother, this would be a definite 5 Stars. But back to the ending... I can't tell you without giving it away and spoiling it for you, but I've got to say - there was something about it that resonated with me. Depressed me, yes, but it was still beautiful in the most sharpest sense of reality. Does that make sense?
If you like villages and curses, witches and trolls, you'll love this. My friend read it with me and she said it was 'kind of depressing' and it's true, but the story's still really good. It was free when I got it, and it might be still on Amazon if you go and look for yourself.
Happy Reading :)
August 6, 2013
I saw that this book was available for free for a limited time, so I immediately put it on my kindle. I absolutely loved the trinity saga (which if you have not read that I highly recommend it as well), so I was excited to read another of his books. I was impressed with this one as well. It was easy to follow and I was pulled in rather quickly. I did *almost* quit reading when I got to the part with the draugen (i think is what they were called) which in my mind were zombies because I have never been interested in those kinds of stories. I did keep reading though and I am happy that I did. They are not the main part of the book and are explained in a way which makes it flow well into the story. I had read where another reviewer had mentioned how there are things mentioned in the beginning and middle of the book that tie in really well and make sense later in the book, and I completely concur. There is the perfect amount of action and love in this book. I really like it. All but one item (in my mind) was wrapped up by the end of the book. I was really upset with the one thing that didn't, but then when I found out there is another book I understood why and am extremely excited to read it as well. I just purchased it and will begin reading it tonight!
December 18, 2019
This story tells the tale of Erica, an orphan, and how she connects with 3 royal brothers.
The story is part mythology, part fantasy, part mysticism and ALL good! The characters have depth, the plot is very well-paced and the whole book leaves you wanting more. I'm very glad that book 2 is now out as I've just put it on my wishlist! There is no 'shock' value to this book, apart from the variety of creatures that appear in it, but this in no way devalued the plot or the writing style that it was written in.
I have read some of the other reviews and there seems to be a general complaint that the conversations made it seem like it was present day rather than 704 A.D. My response to that is that I love how it was written as it makes it very easy and pleasurable to read. I'd love to see if the same people would read it if it WAS written in ye olde language!
Like books chock full of mythology, witchcraft and fantasy? Then try this one!
The story is part mythology, part fantasy, part mysticism and ALL good! The characters have depth, the plot is very well-paced and the whole book leaves you wanting more. I'm very glad that book 2 is now out as I've just put it on my wishlist! There is no 'shock' value to this book, apart from the variety of creatures that appear in it, but this in no way devalued the plot or the writing style that it was written in.
I have read some of the other reviews and there seems to be a general complaint that the conversations made it seem like it was present day rather than 704 A.D. My response to that is that I love how it was written as it makes it very easy and pleasurable to read. I'd love to see if the same people would read it if it WAS written in ye olde language!
Like books chock full of mythology, witchcraft and fantasy? Then try this one!
April 1, 2013
First of all, I totally admire the book cover. Sensual and very descriptive, but I don't know if it looks Norwegian enough. Still, I like it. The story grabbed my interest from the start. The construction of the story is nearest to perfection. Until I was not so sure when all the conversation doesn't sound like it was in 704 A.D. I felt it was in the present day. Nevertheless, the book is still an attention grabber. Your eyes will keep you on the every words of the story. Another reason I like the book is because it has witchery in it. Plus, the love interest between Erica and Finn is another romance you will look after. Sweet and brief yet intense. All in all, I think we should give try the book. And I cant wait to read the sequel.
January 15, 2013
Let me start by saying this was not the book I was expecting it to be. It took me a while to get through it because of the crazy turns. I just sat there thinking "what just happened?" This book tries to be very deep, and it tries to connect loose ends that it sets up in the beginning. However, it didn't always work. The love story between Erica and Finn is sweet, sometimes a little confusing, and standard. Nothing new there. The book has a lot of zombies, which I wasn't expecting. There are trolls, fae, shapeshifters - something to please everyone. A good stand alone book for someone not looking to get swept into yet another series.
April 2, 2013
This definitely wasn’t the book I was expecting. Though, I won’t say that’s a bad thing at all. Quite the contrary. I happen to enjoy such a diverse but highly interesting plot.
For one thing, I definitely didn’t get bored. I mean, it had a little of everything. And although it might be a little confusing to put so many supernatural creatures into one same book, somehow, the author made it worked. I didn’t feel as if things weren’t well explained or well described. The fact that it was fast paced and didn’t drag along was even better.
Overall, I not only enjoyed the book but the author’s voice. I’m definitely picking up more books from this author.
For one thing, I definitely didn’t get bored. I mean, it had a little of everything. And although it might be a little confusing to put so many supernatural creatures into one same book, somehow, the author made it worked. I didn’t feel as if things weren’t well explained or well described. The fact that it was fast paced and didn’t drag along was even better.
Overall, I not only enjoyed the book but the author’s voice. I’m definitely picking up more books from this author.
July 3, 2012
Interesting story, good character development, well done foreshadowing (so while you're not surprised, there's no "duh, I already knew that"). My main issues were that I never felt like the book was taking place in 8th century Norway - partly due to language, partly due to the general description of buildings, the town, etc. - and, there were some rather abrupt transitions that I think could have been done better - they may have been deliberate for the "shock" value, but it didn't feel that way to me.
August 17, 2012
I'm still trying to get over how amazing this story is, and I can't help but wonder if there's a possibility of a second book. Pretty please?
Given the fact that I haven't read any novels that involve this kind of supernatural creatures -fairies, trolls- I'll say that this was a perfect choice for the first one. The plot is well built and the characters are very diverse, but I wouldn't have complained if there were more romance parts. ( And I'm still trying to figure out if they break that wolf-curse or not. )
Given the fact that I haven't read any novels that involve this kind of supernatural creatures -fairies, trolls- I'll say that this was a perfect choice for the first one. The plot is well built and the characters are very diverse, but I wouldn't have complained if there were more romance parts. ( And I'm still trying to figure out if they break that wolf-curse or not. )
June 2, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! It caught me by surprise at the storyline, with the whole superstitions times and the rising of one true leader and hero when all the odds were stacked against her. The budding romance that the reader knows is there but yet just out of reach and the mystery and about the identities of the curse and the fascinating truth that tips the scales and all the reasoning you would think you had. It was a great book, the characters all mesmerizing and compelling, I will most definitely continue.
August 10, 2013
Absolutely magnificent story ! Witches, trolls, gallant princes, zombie-like creatures, fairies, orphans, villagers, a heroine, a wolf and magic all tied up nicely in Norway during the 700s. I really enjoyed the creativity in the book, especially when events transpired as I least expected.
It should be noted, however, that the author really needs to have an editor take a good look at this book because there are some serious grammar problems that are truly distracting !
It should be noted, however, that the author really needs to have an editor take a good look at this book because there are some serious grammar problems that are truly distracting !
December 2, 2013
This was an amazing book. The setting was very realistic and the characters were great. I loved that there was a strong female lead. I couldn't put the book down. Just when I thought the climax is coming, there is another twist to the story. So many adventure I really thought I was fighting beasts and screaming at the top of my lungs. I'd definitely recommend this book if your into Vikings, heart wrenching fight scenes, and strong female roles.
August 14, 2015
So... Erica manages to save the village from the undead, trolls, evil witches, and human stupidity. In the end, though, she laments that she can't provide Finn with luxuries. "She didn't have any possessions of her own to offer, no inheritance. All she could offer was herself, and compared to his beautiful face, his flawless body and incomparable nature, it seemed a bit unfair." If I roll my eyes any harder I may need glasses from the eye strain.
December 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Witches, trolls, zombies, the fae, and vikings. What's not to like? LOL! I love how Erica handles herself through out this story. She's a fighter, and stands up for her self in a time when most women didn't. I love her. And the relationship between her & Finn...the ending had me so sad but now I'm clamoring for the next book in the series.
October 22, 2012
A Nordic fairy tale with a good mix of mystery, suspense and romance. I finished it within a day. Was both pleased and touched by the ending, and sorry at the same time. Recommended to teenagers aged 13 and above.
March 3, 2013
It was enjoyable and fast paced. I would say it is more of a young adult book....which I wasn't expecting. The love story between Erica and Finn was sweet. I will read the sequel as I need to see what happens. If you have a teen it is a safe book for them to read. There is a lot of action.
March 31, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. Erica is a strong character full of determination, preservation, and strong-willed. There was one part in the book that I was not expecting to happen; which is always a good thing. I look forward to reading the next book.
February 3, 2016
Actually a really great fantasy novel with witches, curses, dark creatures and a heart pounding storyline. I enjoyed it quite a lot and can recommend this to fantasy genre readers who like when their first story impression will be overturned by the end of the book completely.
August 9, 2016
This book had a pleasant mix of romance, horror, and adventure. Trolls, witches and the Fae keep things interesting as Erica blossoms from a wild child into a woman. I can't wait to see how Finn and Erica resolve the problems keeping them from being together.
July 18, 2012
I was really good and totally different than the other books I have been reading. It was a great change though.
Want to read
August 29, 2012Kindle free download 8/29/12.
September 16, 2012
what an interesting story that I found myself enjoying. Glad I took a chance on the freebie!
October 5, 2012
I thought it was really good for what it was.
October 18, 2012
3.5 Stars.
March 19, 2013
This was an interesting and shocking read. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more from this author. Loved it.
March 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book :D Review to come later :D
April 4, 2013
I loved this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews