Tro

The Elsker Saga #3

by S.T. Bende

Sometimes you just have to believe.

Finding her destiny nearly cost her everything. Kristia knows she can handle whatever The Fates throw at her next—including her long-awaited honeymoon with the God of Winter. But as things heat up between Kristia and Ull, a frost settles over Asgard. An unexpected death marks the beginning of the end, much earlier than anyone expected. Kristia’s barely begun to understand what she’s capable of, and controlling her powers seems completely out of her grasp. With her new family fighting for their lives, and Ull fighting for their future, Kristia has to make a devastating choice: preserve the life she loves, or protect the god she can’t live without?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Young Adult

Unknown Binding

First published August 26, 2014

About the author

Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, S.T. Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (where she became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and studied Shakespeare in Europe… where she became overly fond of McVitie's cookies.

Her Scandinavian heritage and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired her YA Norse fantasy series' (Viking Academy, Ære Saga, Elsker Saga, and Alfheim Academy). And her deep love of a galaxy far, far away led to her writing children's books for the Star Wars franchise. As an experienced IP writer, she's written multiple books published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press and its licensees, and looks to expand into additional beloved IP projects.

When she's not creating stories, S.T. dreams of skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth.

Find S.T. on her website (www.stbende.com), her newsletter (http://smarturl.it/BendeNewsletter), or on Twitter @stbende.

Reviews

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this series took me on a great ride. I loved it, and will not say much as I do not want to spoil anything for you.
I loved the characters and came to really care for them.
You can get the first book free for ebook, and you will get hooked. I had to buy the 2nd and 3rd right away as i loved it so much.

Give this series a chance if you like mythology and paranormal books.
You will fall in love with Ull like I did too.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Finally the Honeymoon! I must say, I love Ull and Kristia. They are just so very sweet. And fun. And funny. And sexy in their very adorable way. All the build-up of their relationship was lovely and I caught myself grinning and sighing contentedly often during this book, particularly the first half. Just seeing Ull and Kristia let loose and be completely free with each was the best. I especially loved the new fun side of Ull we got to see. This story gave me all kinds of happy.

Besides the happy honeymooning, we still have the ever impending doom of battle on its way. Elfie himself takes persistent, annoying, crazy, evil guy to a new level. He's not toying around anymore. There are some great battle scenes here and I liked the various perspectives we're able to take on them. I was certainly biting my nails at one point as I flipped through the pages, nerves on high alert. I wanted a bit more, too, but was content with the tension and intensity of the scenes.

I love the Elsker Saga series. The combination of Norse mythology with the modern world, the beauty of finding your true love and soulmate, the sweet tenderness of friendship and romance, the intensity of impending battle and doom. All these things make this series very special and a journey I loved taking. The author even notes there will more to come with a new Norse crew, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Sanne Heremans · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5 stars - ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*** Sanne ~ Scandalous Book Blog

After you attended the wedding of the millenium you are now cordially invited to the honeymoon... Will they finally get their happily ever after or will the upcoming #RagnaRock destroy them?

Prepare yourself for the ride of a lifetime and get ready to rock! ;)

The honeymoon - Will the God of Winter finaly let loose and enjoy his new bride/godess? He is one greedy litlle bugger if he get's going... lol

But.... Kristia's visions are becoming clearer and will put an early stop to their happy little bubble.

--------- That's when #RagnaRock starts

How will they handle all of this, will there be casualities and will they get their happily ever after? Read and find out! ;)

Ohh my dear Gunnar such a funny guy and always comes to the rescue! :)He has got a little surprise for ya'll too.... Mwhuahahah ;)

Overall a beautiful ending to a beatiful story! Mange takk to ST Bende for letting us take part in this incredible journey! Jeg elsker deg and may you always have Tro!

PS: And I NEED that name!!!

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This was such an awesome series! I was sad to see it end! However, this was the perfect ending to the story. Kristia and Ull are adorable! I've already pre-ordered the first book in a new series set with Norse mythology. This was a perfect trilogy and I can't recommend the five star read enough!

[Hetal · Rating 1 out of 5]

everything was too happy and mushy. It was too much, coming from someone who loves love stories. too many "perfects" "I love yous" "darlings" etc.

[[ J o ]]

(Read the first book in the The Elsker Saga series, 'Tur'. Didn't enjoy, therefore will not be continuing with the series.)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? I will try to tell you my thoughts without veering too far into fangirl land. Ha! I have loved every single second of the Elsker Saga. This series proves that you can have a clean series that still has all the elements that people want to find in a book: love, romance, adventure, with a fabulous paranormal flair- a unique spin involving the Norse gods. Tro opens up literally seconds after the end of Endre. Kristia and Ull are on the way to their honeymoon. She has already gone through the transformation to become Norse goddess. She is anticipating learning how to function in her new role and more importantly, how to control and use her visions to save her new family and Asgard. The beginning of the story portrays a devastatingly sweet love story. Kristia and Ull spend weeks on a glorious honeymoon. Their love affair is so endearing yet it smolders with the best of them. During their nuptial adventures, Ull begins to teach Kristia what it means to be a goddess and how to utilize her new found powers. With Ragnarok still on the horizon, despite their happiness, there is an urgency that Ull and Kristia cannot ignore. When things start to come together and Kristia's dreams and visions warn of what is coming, they leave the island to join with Ull's family to face an uncertain future.
We see all the favorites from the series so far! Gunnar and Inga are back and as wonderful as ever. We see more of Elsker, Thor, Odin, Sif, and Olaug from Asgard. One of my favorite themes (which I have mentioned in reviewing the other books in the series) is family. It is the defining pillars of the Norse culture and something that Ull and Krisita refuse to compromise on. They are a new family and will do whatever it takes to protect their extended family, no matter the cost.
One of my absolute favorite things while reading this series is watching the transformation of Kristia. She starts off as a shy girl, who has had visions of the future her whole life and no way to truly understand what is happening to her. Yet adventure strikes and takes her across the pond to Cardiff University, where she develops a community of new friends and meets a mysterious heartthrob. She falls in love with Ull and discovers that all the stories her grandmother told her were true. She learns of the reality of the Norse gods and that there is so much to the world than what she sees. She begins to become a stronger and more confident woman, a woman determined to protect and love those around her. When she and Ull are married, she can finally come into her destiny, as the goddess of winter, standing beside Ull, protecting those she loves in ways that she could never imagine. She is not a passive character but one who actively seeks out what is right and how to protect the world she is a part of and the ones that she loves. She becomes a true heroine of the story in the end. Ah! I love to fangirl over her. She is the best!
Without giving too much away, this book gives us the sweet romance we wanted to see for the first bit and then the adventure and fight in the second half. It is filled with visions and training, with a battle of good versus evil that finally comes to a boiling point. We see the confrontation between enemies and how Ull's family fights for the future existence of Asgard and his family, holding to the truth that Kristia and her visions are the reason that the prophecies have been changed. There is action and suspense, romance and love. All in all, it is everything I wanted and I cannot wait to read it all over again. If you have not picked up this series, then stop being crazy and do it now! You will not be disappointed.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I wanted the first two books to have are all HERE! Therefore, this is my MOST favorite book in the trilogy!

I still think this book series didn't get the much deserved attention it deserves! It's a great series and I love it! Did I say I love it? haha!

Seriously though. On a random note, it's so funny. The other day, my friend and I went to a Phillip Phillip concert in Manhattan, and in between the first act and Phillip finally singing, these three HUGE tall guys worked their way and stood in front of us, where we were standing for an hour or so already. And we were like, 'what are you doing?' and they said "we're from Iceland and we're really huge Phillip Phillip fans..." we were like 'we don't care if you're from wherever you are and if you're huge fans, we got here first and you are all so tall, go stand in the back.". haha! Okay, how does this connect? Well, I don't know why but when I saw them, tall guys and one was gorgeous and they all have white blonde hair, and I just couldn't stop myself from thinking "They must be from Asgard!" haha. ALL because of this series, I relate tall gorgeous white blonde guys with accents to be Norwegian, where the setting of S.T. Bende's series is based.

Anyway, the last book is where all the action and all the answers are! This is the most exciting book in the series! Ull and Kristia are now married and the first few chapters are dedicated to their honeymoon. In all honesty, it kind of reminded me of Breaking Dawn, the last book from the popular Twilight series, because yeah, the first parts of that book was also about the honeymoon...same setting: beach, same anxiety for the girls- the first night. ONLY- Kristia didn't get miraculously pregnant! lol. Then after the "honeymoon phase", literally honeymoon phase,lol, comes the exciting phase where all the action happens. I'm not going to spoil you whether or not who dies or what exactly happens, but every question and every mystery there is in the first two books are finally answered! The sequencing of the events are perfect. The plot is perfect. Aaaah. I just love everything!

So, from me, an honest book reviewer, to you, fellow readers, I highly recommend this book series. Especially if you love, Norse mythology, or if you've never tried reading a novel with Norse myth on it..or if you love some light paranormal romance. I don't know if this is categorized as paranormal, but it's clearly not normal. lol. :D



A copy was received in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't paid to say what I said above. :D I was never ever paid ever in any of my reviews if that info helps. :)

[Cassie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

Update 12/23/14:

I didn't think I could possibly love this series more, but Ms. Bende has proven me wrong! This conclusion to the Elsker Saga was phenomenal, and sweeps you off your feet from the very first page. Ms. Bende has such an elegant way with words that you will never want to stop reading. Because of this, you'll easily devour this book in one sitting (even though you want it last forever)! The scenes were yet again perfectly and richly described so you can easily picture every minute detail as if you were truly standing next to the characters. Ms. Bende weaves the Norse mythology into the story seamlessly, and it makes for such an exciting read as you learn Norse mythology and are taken on an exciting adventure. She obviously did her research, and I loved every single second of it.

Kristia has always been one of my favorite characters because she has always been strong, but she truly blossoms in this one into a brave warrior. She takes on the role that she must to fight and defend Asgard (and Midgard) from Ragnarok, and is certainly kick ass! Ull is as amazing as ever, and will have you swooning so many times throughout the story. He would go to the ends of the earth for Kristia, and he proves how much he cares and loves her in this novel. The romance between Ull and Kristia can't be denied, and their entire honeymoon was extraordinarily magical and lovely.

The action is at an all time high once you reach the halfway point in this novel, and it is never-ending excitement until the end. There's plenty of fighting, deception, and sadly death (but don't worry too much). I loved that there was peek into Kristia and Ull's future, as it gave the series as a whole a very nice conclusion. That being said, I definitely wouldn't mind reading more!!

I highly recommend checking this book out for fans of the Elsker Saga. It is not to be missed!! I can't wait to read more amazing adventures from Ms. Bende (maybe even another novella *hint hint*).
5+++++ stars

Happy reading :)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to ST Bende for providing me with an advance copy

The Elsker Saga has been an incredible read and the improvement in my Norwegian has been immense!

Kristia and Ull's journey is nearing it's end, will they have a happy ending or will Asgard fall and those they love be lost?

Before anything happens though they need to have their honeymoon, at the end of the last book Kristia became Mrs Myhr (breaking thousand of fan girl hearts in the process) and Ull has one hell of a romantic honeymoon lined up, which I will let you read about for yourself!

Kristia is still learning how to deal with her powers and her visions are becoming more frequent, the evil elf is still showing up and in this book his true identity is revealed and as a fan of that person in another series I was like "why does he have to be sooo bad when he is so damn handsome in that other series" (that's my clue see if you can work that out!!) but of course he is meant to be bad.

Tro is a very satisfying read, the characters as always are brilliantly written and the seamless changing between Midgard and Asgard is again just perfect. The Elsker Saga has all the hallmarks of a great series for me, a fantastic plot, engaging characters and great settings, plus it doesn't always take itself to seriously and of course it does help your Norwegian too!

The climax of this Tro was excellent and the glimpse in to their future thanks to Elsker spilling her secrets was much appreciated!, plus I forgot to say we find out a little bit more about Kristia's family history which comes in handy when a beloved character is taken ill.

So if you have enjoyed the previous books in the series, you will love Tro!

Awarded 5 out of 5

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Sometimes you just have to believe.

Finding her destiny nearly cost her everything. Kristia knows she can handle whatever The Fates throw at her next—including her long-awaited honeymoon with the God of Winter. But as things heat up between Kristia and Ull, a frost settles over Asgard. An unexpected death marks the beginning of the end, much earlier than anyone expected. Kristia’s barely begun to understand what she’s capable of, and controlling her powers seems completely out of her grasp. With her new family fighting for their lives, and Ull fighting for their future, Kristia has to make a devastating choice: preserve the life she loves, or protect the god she can’t live without?"


My Review: I really am hoping this isn't the last book in the saga, I am enjoying these characters and the premise far too much! I loved all the action in this one, it wasn't all romance which is so nice. Kristia might become one of my favorite female kickass heroines, just takes on all challenges. The way all the characters work together so beautifully in all the scenes. This was a book that pulled me in (really the whole series did) and made the pages just fly.

[Verity Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in return for a review.

When this came through as a read and review I very nearly didn't sign up. I had already read the first books in this series, and I was left felling really disappointed after book two. So I signed up for this book, as I figured, I had read the series up to this point just finish it and find out how it ends.

And boy am I glad I signed up. This was how to write a sequel! It was packed full of action. It moved with pace. It held my attention. I flew through this book!!

Everything fell into place with this book, something I had really hoped for from book two. The first third of the book was just pure romance chick lit, my all time favourite thing in a book. The rest was full of surprises, a couple of why are you not questioning this sooner moments, and a whole lot of punch. I really liked that Krista stuck to her guns, grew as a person, and proved just why she was so important. Ull was the typical protective Agsardian, who finally realised his wife was so much more powerful than he ever realised, and maybe he doesn't have to do it all alone any more.

I really loved this book, I am so glad I read it.

[Tanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received a copy in exchange for a review*

4 stars

YES, I liked Tro very much! It was a great ending to a great trilogy. I will keep an eye on you, S.T. Bende!
This book was full of action, a bit (a lot) more steam (I was getting toothache of the sweetness) and interesting developments. Go read this book!

The book started in a bubble, the honeymoon bubble. Far away from the world (loved the Valkyries btw, they are awesome), a place to have fun! I felt just as relaxed as Ull and Kristia were. It had funny scenes, and I enjoyed it, but it was starting a bit slow. And then.... BAM!

This book finally gets to the part you were waiting for! It was action and suspense and great. I had to keep reading. The ending was perfect, but the last two chapters did feel a bit unnecessary.

The characters were great. We finally got to know Ull as a fighter, and Kristia became... herself, and she was badass. She protected her loved ones, and she finally became useful! I loved her role in Tro.

Tro is a great book. I loved the action, and I'm recommending this book (series) to anyone!

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. After you attend the wedding of Krista and Ull you get to witness the making of a goddess. The honeymoon is going well but as they decide to return home the fight of their lives is before them. Krista is trying to learn to control her visions and foresee the future of Asgard. Will she be able to see the enemies and help save Asgard?

The action in this book was non stop. At times I was scared to turn the page because I did not want to see who was going to face death. It was like reading through your fingers. LOL. We watch the fight to save Asgard play out and you will hold your breath throughout. We also learn more about some of the secondary characters. There is a twist at the end that you won't see coming.

I will certainly be putting S.T. Bende on my must read author list.

I received a gift copy in exchange from an honest review.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book to the series and loved it. It really surprised me at the end and I am not going to spoil it for you, so you will just have to read it yourself. Kristia is one strong woman and even she didn’t know how strong she was until she needed to be. The fact that she never gave up on those she loved and always put them before her made for a great read. Ull and Kristia together make a very romantic couple so if you really don’t care about mythology or wars, there is a very cool love story going on. This book hits on all three levels, action, mythology and romance. In addition, the author left it open just enough that if she wants to carry this story further, she can. I, for one, hope that that she does decide to do just that in the future.

[Kacey Armbruster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why does it feel like Kristia is getting younger as the books progress? The constant lovie droning of the 2nd book progressed in this one. By the end it feels like you just read the diary of a love-sick teenager with her first crush, instead of an Asgardian Seer, learning and strengthening her immortal powers and becoming an all-powerful being. Ull also seemed more and more like a too-soft blubber instead of the hardened warrior learning to love. The big major battle that we've all been waiting 3 books for was a total let down. There was almost nothing to it. Really disappointed in the direction of this story. The first one started out so great, but each progression just spiraled down instead of up.

[Mihi Vienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless for a long time :)

OMG!! I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVED THIS!!!
My review is going to be short and sweet!!...
I usually do quite a long one but this one has left me feeling, Emotional..
I cried a little, stopped breathing, smiled so much and laughed in this book!..
I absolutely enjoyed how everything came about. It was so intense and had me on edge
the whole entire time. It made me love all the characters even more, they all compliment each other & their flaws.
This I felt was a beautifully written story and I had a joy reading it.

Definitely recommend this series to anyone!.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provided a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Tro continues immediately from Endre, where Kristia and Ull are embarking on their honeymoon. It's great being a fly on the wall to their honeymoon! Kristia, being a new goddess, has lots to learn. As always, the threat of Ragnarok is there and Kristia's visions are alarming. There are new monsters, demons and old monsters identities are revealed (didn't see that one coming!). The final chapters are thoroughly enjoyable. I have loved this series and look forward to more Norsk storytelling.

[Gretchn_red · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why? Why? Why? The first book was interesting enough for me to want to know how it ended. It ended completely the way I thought it would - way over the top Happy Ending. Don't get me wrong, I love a happy ending, but these MC's were so vanilla and so boring. I swear to Odin that after reading sooo many stupid metaphors for every feeling this girl had, I was so happy when Loki stabbed her to just make it stop.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What am amazing book. Gods & Goddesses
Faithful friends & bitter enemies. Good vs Evil
I cannot get enough of this series. I would love to read more about some of the other characters we have met & Ardis needs her HEA what ever that might be. Five stars for this truly exciting book. It is so hard to not give away the story. Read it you won't be sorry

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story finally gets going in this concluding chapter. I would say I like these characters more than the ones in Twilight, but I still see a few parallels. This story works better I think. In the end I liked it well enough that I think I will try out the spin off series. :)

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best ending to the best series. Ever!

[Elizabeth Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing saga was hooked from the very start all three books kept me on the edge of my seat would deff recommend to friends.

[Misty McMillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love!!!!

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Awesome ending for a series. :-)))

[Merlin’s Cove · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well. That was, well, just not that enjoyable.

It’s a virtual Twilight carbon copy. Seriously. The only difference is the supernatural origin of the characters and world. You have a MC who is bland as can be. Sweet and innocent, and completely weak kneed over just how beautiful a man she barely knows is, so obviously she wants to marry him. Honestly there’s really no other reason given. He’s hot and she’s horny and a teenage virgin. There’s also the uncomfortable age discrepancy in common with Twilight, only even worse here by quite a few centuries.

The honeymoon is straight from Breaking Dawn. Idyllic honeymoon on a private island reached by boat. Shower and shaving legs in a flurry of anxiety then going outside and ending up in the sea with the hot hubby, who is severely one dimensional and really has no personality or growth, he’s just muscly and there. He then whisks her indoors to a build of very PG foreplay before she ‘becomes his in every way’ 🙄 I’m pretty sure it’s 2019 and sex isn’t used as a deed to a person but what do I know, I’m only happily married to a man I don’t belong to.

The entire series is problematic in so many ways. Ull is controlling and secretive to ‘protect’ Kristia, thereby removing her agency and treating her as a pet who needs coddling. The rush to marry doesn’t bother me as I married quickly after meeting my husband, but I wasn’t 19 years old and he wasn’t a centuries old assassin. He also didn’t knock me up immediately leaving me to choose a leave of absence from my degree, which I’d made a big deal about finishing, because I never give up on ANYTHING 🙄

I know this is a book aimed at YA/NA but the abstention propaganda and the PG foreplay is just laughable. It’s better to have nothing in there along those lines than to do it this way. When will we stop telling girls and women that sex is something they should only enjoy in their marriage bed. It’s 2019 ffs. She’d committed to marrying the man and joining his world, she wanted to climb him like a tree but he wouldn’t ‘dishonour’ her. I mean, really? Again, it’s 2019. There is no dishonour in consensual sex between adults before marriage. Just. Stop. It.

Again, the MC makes stupid and reckless decisions cos it’s her life dammit *stamps foot* yet fails to see she risks everyone else with her carelessness and stubbornness. Yes, she’s kind (obviously, she’s virgin, they’re the only good girls) and at times shows a hint of spirit, but she’s passive to the point of the 1950’s calling and wanting their gender norms back. Even in the final battle, which is supremely underwhelming, she’s utterly useless for most of it and needs to be rescued, after her own stupidity and reckless decision put her in jeopardy. Of course she came out unscathed because her husband wept over her body, and all those years of being a morally upstanding, honourable virgin healed her mortal wounds 😏

There is just no tension to this series. Not even sexual tension considering she wants to jump him constantly. The characters are one dimensional, even the ones I quite liked such as Inga and Gunnar, aren’t particularly interesting or present. Everything is easy. Wrapped up in a neat little bow. This centuries old prophecy of Ragnorak is defeated in a rather piddling little battle (there is more on the other fronts in the other series but even then there’s not a lot of time dedicated to the battle to end all battles) and everybody lives happily ever after. There are few lasting consequences, everyone is happy clappy and she’s hailed a hero, despite the fact that her much lauded power was somewhat lacklustre when it came to it.

There are loose ends too, and I’m not sure if I just glazed over and missed things or they just weren’t mentioned. The character of Skadi, for example, was built up to be a danger and we’re led to believe she’d be back to cause mayhem. Nope. We don’t find out about her mysterious origin, or what she actually did to her ex in a rage. She just turns up, tries to menace the MC and flirt with Ull then never pops up again. What’s the point??

The happily-ever-after-oh-my-gosh-they’re-having-a-baby! ending is just so dull and predictable. Again, she’s 19, newly immortal, and hasn’t finished her degree, but she’s knocked up and being mollycoddled by her husband who is still trying to control her, I mean PROTECT her, despite her being safe due to the IMMORTALITY THING. Giving her Asgardian ancestry is another trite touch. Cos of COURSE she’s descended from an Asgardian, couldn’t have been fully mortal cos that may have actually had a message about Odin’s unthinking prejudice against mortals being challenged by a lowly mortal saving all the realms. That would have been waaaaay too much. Apparently.

I had issues with some of the language too. The ‘British accent’ thing is rage inducing - THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BRITISH ACCENT AND IF YOU SAY THAT TO A WELSH PERSON YOU’RE LIKELY TO GET PUNCHED IN THE NECK. Also, bagpipes being traditional in Wales? Hmmm less so in Wales but very much synonymous with Scotland. The ‘arugh’ is baffling. I’ve never made that noise in my life. I’ve said ‘aaargh’ and ‘ahhhh’ but I’ve never sounded like the bloke from Gladiators screaming ‘awuga’ every 10 seconds.

I’m glad I read this series after the Aere Saga and Viking Academy, because even though some of the same issues and problematic stuff happened in those books, it was nowhere near the level of these three books.

I was going to go straight onto to reading the new Alfheim series but I need a break after struggling my way through this series unfortunately.

All in all, a forgettable series, mostly copied from another YA series, with problematic content galore and messages I wouldn’t want to send to young women.

Not great.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tro; the conclusion to the Elsker series! Once again we follow Ull and Kristia during their day to day life; learning how to be married, be intimate with each other, dealing with Ragnarok, and the new powers that Kristia is inheriting.

I think this is my favourite book when it comes to Ull's personality. He's finally starting to relax and let go and just ave fun with Kristia, not just the series intense version of himself. Hes learning to embrace the fun and playful side of himself and she is learning the nuances of being a goddess. Ull and Kristia were so adorable in this book that it made me happy smile almost the entire time.

Obviously the drama and the danger hypes in this book, with Elfie getting more and more bold, desperate and dangerous. Kristia's visions getting more frequent and more detailed now that Ragnarok is upon them.
The side characters once again only add to the appeal of the book, i love Gunnar and Inga!
The action scenes are great, and seemed to have just the right amount of information.

I loved the ending!!! it was beautiful and perfect and so uber sweet!

[Selaya Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As previously mentioned, I'm enduring a bit of downtime right now but am finding ways to fill it quite productively. Binge reading "The Elsker Saga" has been one of the most enjoyable & productive.

I'd already taken in "The AEre Saga" so it was great to see the other side of the coin as it were. It was almost as if Kristia & Ull were discovering more talents and abilities within each other on every page. The ultimate showdown and the events (visions) leading up to it demonstrate this quite admirably, even though I was already aware of the identities of the bad guys. To have some gaps thoroughly filled in was very gratifying. Also, Kristia's welcome to Asgard displays a real sense of accomplishment on behalf of all of S.T's characters. I won't reveal any more just in case there are some folks out there who haven't given themselves this treat. Pick it up if you can! I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of S.T. Bende's writing.

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad this series had to end, but I loved every second of it! Book 3 was fantastic, was super fast paced but gave you everything you ever wanted/great way to end the series. One of my favorite parts was when Kristia was learning her Goddess of Winter powers while on her honeymoon and once they are back. Yeah, the honeymoon setting reminded me of Breaking Dawn, but this one was so much better and thank goodness Kristia didn't get pregnant. You fall in love with the side characters even more and the expansion of Norse mythology that is included because of Ragnarok. I didn't think i could fall more in love with Kristia and Ull, but I did. The love you you feel from the familiar relationships and friendships are epic. S.T. Bende did a fabulous job, I highly recommend this series!

[DaisyLynneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to an awesome series. Starting off with a honeymoon is always a good way to start an action filled adventure. Raw emotions showcase in a battle of a life time. The mix of love, laughter, and heartbreak makes it a book you do not want to put down. And the multitude of surprises at the end. Looooove it!!!