The Valhalla Prophecy

Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #9

by Andy McDermott

Nina and Eddie have been thinking about taking a break to start a family. The IHA has nothing major going on at the moment and Nina has been offered a large advance to write a book-it might be the perfect time for a sabbatical. But those dreams are quickly dashed when the new U.N. liaison calls an emergency meeting to announce that a Viking runestone has been stolen from a Swedish museum, and that the heist was led by none other than a mole operating within the IHA itself. Nina and Eddie are immediately on the scene, where they learn from the museum's Norse expert, Tova Skilfinger, that the runestone reveals the secret of how to reach Valhalla-a great hall that, according to myth, houses a god-killing poison known as eitr. Using IHA resources on top of Tova's meticulous knowledge, Nina is able to deduce the location of the runestone-it's in Norway-but at the bottom of an isolated lake. As the team comes closer to excavating the artifact, it becomes increasingly obvious to Nina that Eddie knows more about the mission than he's letting on. In fact, his connection to it is buried deep within his past-in the dense, sweltering jungles of Vietnam-and he knows that to find Valhalla is to unleash a grave danger upon the world. This pulse-pounding adventure will take Nina and Eddie to the vast reaches of the earth in a race against time as they strive to prevent rival forces from unleashing a wave of mass destruction that would threaten the fate of humanity forever.

Listening Length: 15 hours and 54 minutes

Genres: Adventure, Thriller, Fiction, Action, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2014

About the author

Andy McDermott was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and now lives in Bournemouth. As a journalist and magazine editor, amongst other titles he edited DVD Review and the iconoclastic film publication Hotdog. Andy is now a full-time writer.

Reviews

[Nathan Flamank · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rated 2.5
This is an interesting story but is waaaayyyyyyyy too long. The story could have shed a hundred pages and would have been better for it, I guess the publisher required a certain amount of pages/words. The biggest problem with McDermott is his rather annoying habit of making the action scenes so long and overly detailed, sometimes a simple fight takes 5-7 pages to describe and this gets boring, well for me it does, so despite an interesting premise this is nothing but average.
Come on Mr McDermott try a little harder.

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s another solid but predictable treasure hunt adventure. This series has definitely gotten a bit stale for me. Good twist at the end though.

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Eddie Stars

"Is Nina here???"
"No, I came out here all my own 'cause I like collecting pine cones..."



Nina and Eddie discovered Atlantis, Excalibur..... HELL even freaking Eden, thwarted evil plans and offed masterminds, but now the IHA director and her self-appointed bodyguard/husband will take on the most personal and dangerous assignment.

Valhalla and the myths of Vikings. Familiar faces will return to h(a)unt them and the race is once again on to save the world. But this time Eddie and Nina will realise that they can't always escape unscathed. This and where are Vikings, there is snow and it's too damn cold...



I am having a great time with this series and the main reason is that I am an Indiana Jones, myths and archaeology aficionado. Sadly, I can't say that this book was a good one for me. The main emphasis was on the adventure part, not the Vikings themselves, while Nina was left out for most of the case and only in the end she plays a vital role in the story. I couldn't feel the threat of the villains, because nothing was really revealed about their motives and plans. That said, it was refreshing for once that Americans were the bad guys and Russians the good guys...

For me the real star and saving grace of the book was.... Eddie Chase!



The Yorkshireman, takes the lead and with humour and his trusted Wildey smashes his way through all obstacles. We also have some glimpses of the past that shaped Eddie and by the end he is more determined than ever to save what he cares about.

So, this is the book. It needed some more character development and historical background and a little less gunfire, struggles and explosions. And by the end...



Mean way to end a book...... Really, really mean. I am definitely reading the next.

[Jacob Chinchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what you really want to read is some balls-to-the-wall action writing. You want a book that reads like a film. You want action, adventure, humour and a smidge of archaeology thrown in for good measure.

I am an unashamed fan of Andy McDermott's books. After I read the first book they quickly became launch day purchases and this one was no different. I made sure I'd finished whatever I was reading beforehand in preparation for this one being Whispered to my Kindle as I slept.

And I read it and a I loved it. Apart from feeling that Eddie Chase might be the most double-crossed man in literary history, that is. It's a wonder he trusts anyone at all because most of the people he's ever known are bastards. Because this is a tale that weaves in and out of Chase's back- - events 8 years ago tie in with a new mystery involving the Norse Gods and the legend of Valhalla. And it's awesome. And the ending... well... bring on book 10!

[Emiliano · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very predictable turn of events...
Chase and Nina once again escape impossible conditions, allies die, bad guys are stopped, and a whole lot of travel is done.

The only cool part is the flashback aspect though. Pretty good concept.

And after six years of foiling destructive global threats, one would think at the very least, that Nina and Eddie would be going on missions with a whole lot more security and firepower.

Well, this was a disappointing read for me.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike previous installments that focused primarily on the global stakes, The Valhalla Prophecy takes a more personal turn. By weaving in flashbacks to Eddie Chase's traumatic past in Vietnam, the book offers a deeper understanding of his motivations and character. The added emotional weight elevates the entire narrative, making his and Nina's latest challenge all the more resonant.

[Gary Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway... I have never read anything by Andy McDermott before. I enjoy James Rollins so I thought I would give this a go. I have to say, I am now a fan. I am hooked and will continue to read more of Andy McDermott's books. This was book 9 in the series, but with subtle hints as to what has happened in the past, it was easy to read this one out of order. There was good pace to the story, and some fun characters to get to know. It was cool seeing McDermott pick main characters from England, the US, Russia, and Sweden. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book as well as the action. It's not so technical or in depth regarding the history, but enough to engage and intrigue you. I won't give away any spoilers here, but if you like a good action, Indiana Jones type of story, with a DaVinci Code type of history, then give McDermott a try. I know that winning this book and exposing me to McDermott has made me a fan, and as I said before, I will be going back to read the others in the series!

[V.E. Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ninth novel starring husband and wife adventurers Eddie Chase and Nina Wilde. This time, Nina and Eddie are trying to find Valhalla, the legendary home of Norse warriors and also it seems of a deadly substance that the bad guys want to get their hands on. There is also a parallel storyline featuring Eddie and a woman called Natalia whom he was called on to save eight years ago in Vietnam. Will Nina and Eddie be able to save the world again? And what of the fate of Natalia? Loved this book, as I have loved the previous eight instalments in this series. Can't wait to see where Andy McDermott will go with it next, especially given the twist that occurred right at the end of 'The Valhalla Prophecy'. Will say no more.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found my new favorite 'history's mysteries' author! This book about Viking myths and history was right up my alley. From finding runestones to solving ancient Viking mysteries of their afterlife, this is a long, detailed book full of global setting, today's politics, fast-paced action, exciting historical finds, hi-tech anticdotes, high speed chases, bad Russians, (some) good Americans and one hysterical Britsh soldier whose quips kept me laughing - and crying - during my read. I will definitely be reading more of Andrew McDermott!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nina and Eddie thrillers are right up there with James Rollins' Sigma series as my very favourite thriller series. It's been two years since the last one and I have missed them. I'm delighted but not surprised to say that The Valhalla Prophecy is everything that I hoped for. Unputdownable, thrilling, bloody, funny and tragic - just brilliant. If you like this sort of thing, you'll love this.

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Valhalla Prophecy is the most action packed and intense book so far in the series. Nina and Eddie head to Stockholm after a Norse ruinstone is stolen from a museum. It is believed that the ruinstone will lead to Valhalla.

We see flashbacks to a mission Eddie had eight years ago in Vietnam. Hoyt is once again leading the opposition against Nina and Eddie. Eddie past comes back to haunt him.

The ending of The Valhalla Prophecy is shocking. I didn't see it coming.

[Warren Thoms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fast paced with Nina and Eddie going from the USA to Europe to Russia to Canada's Baffin island. It was interesting to see the fact that they took the Tsar bomba event and intertwined it into the beginning of the story. One thing I did not like is the fact that Nina and Eddie have been married for a long time but still does not trust him and thinks the worst of him at the drop of a hat. It was a different twist with what happens to Nina and where the book goes at the end.

[Silje Thomassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Valhalla Prophecy by Andy McDermott

"It is important to say that I have read this book in the Norwegian version as the book can be a little different based on what language you read it in, I felt that it was important to accept this possibility of differences between languages."

Andy McDermott's "The Valhalla Prophecy," the ninth installment in the thrilling Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase series, is a rollercoaster ride of action, mystery, and historical intrigue. McDermott delivers a captivating blend of ancient legends and modern-day adventure, ensuring readers are hooked from the first page to the last.

The story begins with archaeologist Nina Wilde and her husband, ex-SAS soldier Eddie Chase, once again thrust into a high-stakes quest that could change the course of history. This time, their mission revolves around the legendary Valhalla, the mythical hall of the Norse gods. A long-lost Viking artifact holds the key to finding Valhalla, and as Nina and Eddie race against time and formidable enemies, they uncover a conspiracy that stretches back centuries.

One of McDermott's strengths is his ability to seamlessly blend historical myths with contemporary thrillers. "The Valhalla Prophecy" is no exception, as it weaves Norse mythology into a fast-paced narrative filled with modern technology, shadowy organizations, and explosive action scenes. The meticulous research and attention to detail bring the ancient world to life, making the historical elements both believable and fascinating.

The characters of Nina and Eddie are as dynamic and engaging as ever. Nina's intellectual prowess and relentless curiosity drive the plot forward, while Eddie's combat skills and dry wit provide both tension and humor. Their chemistry is palpable, and their relationship adds depth to the story, grounding the fantastical elements in human emotion and experience. The banter between them is sharp and entertaining, providing a welcome contrast to the intense action sequences.

McDermott excels in crafting high-octane action scenes that are vividly described and impeccably paced. From daring escapes and intense firefights to treacherous archaeological digs, the adrenaline never lets up. The stakes are continually raised, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. McDermott’s ability to create suspense and build tension is evident throughout the novel, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed. Villains are suitably menacing, with complex motivations that make them more than just one-dimensional adversaries. Allies and secondary characters add richness to the narrative, each contributing to the unfolding mystery and the global scale of the adventure.

While "The Valhalla Prophecy" is primarily an action-adventure novel, it also delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge. Nina and Eddie’s quest is not just about uncovering an ancient secret but also about protecting humanity from those who would use such knowledge for nefarious purposes. This moral underpinning adds weight to the story, elevating it above a mere treasure hunt.

If there is a minor critique, it might be that the relentless pace occasionally leaves little room for quieter moments of character reflection. However, this is a small price to pay for the relentless excitement and intricate plotting that McDermott provides.

In conclusion, "The Valhalla Prophecy" is a superb addition to the Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase series. Andy McDermott has crafted an exhilarating tale that blends myth, history, and modern thrills into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find it an exciting entry point into a world of adventure. With its engaging characters, relentless action, and fascinating historical backdrop, "The Valhalla Prophecy" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller. Also the plot twists on its own

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I've had The Hunt for Atlantis and The Tomb of Hercules loaded up on my Kobo for ages, and have been eagerly anticipating my first adventure alongside Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase, The Valhalla Prophecy is actually my first encounter with the world of Andy McDermott - and I'm pleased to say it definitely won't be my last.

Yes, it's formulaic and predictable, falls prey to pretty much all the clichés of the genre, and belongs to that catastrophic excavation side of archaeology, but that's precisely what we come to enjoy. If you're a fan of Clive Cussler, David Gibbins, Will Adams, Thomas Greanias, Matthew Reilly, and the lot, then Andy McDermott is going to be another author you want to make room for on your shelf.

What sets The Valhalla Prophecy apart and makes it more than just another archaeological, treasure hunting adventure is the depth of the backstory. Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are partners in every sense of the word, both a romantic pairing and professional colleagues. There's chemistry there, personality, and the kind of genuine conflict anybody who has ever been in a long term relationship with recognize. In this volume (their 9th outing) we also get a significant look into Eddie's past, with a mission from the days before becoming the hero we know today, including an earth-shattering secret that threatens to unsettle his marriage when it's revealed.

The use of Norse mythology is both educational and entertaining, with some interesting suggestions as to how those myths sprang to life. There's a definite Dan Brown sort of element to the archaeology there, with each piece of the puzzle leading Nina and Eddie closer to Valhalla itself, but it works. Like I said, the story falls prey to the usual Indiana Jones type clichés, with discoveries coming fast and easy, and with the need to save the world taking precedent over the desire to preserve precious historical artifacts, but it does make for one heck of an adventure.

There's also a deeply unsettling element of government conspiracy, human experimentation, and biological warfare to the story that ties the search for Valhalla to Eddie's past. It's dark and it's grim, and almost seems out of place in such a 'fun' sort of popcorn adventure, but it lends some real credence to the end-of-the-world scenario. The god and monster slaying eitr is real, and it's been used to breed horrible atrocities in the past - with at least one clandestine government agency anxious to take those experiments to the next level.

No surprises here. The good guys win, the world is saved, treasures are revealed . . . and historical sites are destroyed. It's a fast-paced adventure, full of beautiful scenery and interesting history, populated by characters you can cheer for (and against). Whether you've yet to meet Nina and Eddie or are old friends, The Valhalla Prophecyis well worth the read.


Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins

[Matthew Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've made it this far into the series, you already know what to expect from this book. And if you haven't read all the books before it, I highly suggest you get started on it. Technically, you can read it out of sequence, but the payoff packs more punch if you've read the others.

That being said, all the usual suspects are present and accounted for in The Valhalla Prophecy: over-the-top action sequences, a globe-trotting adventure, some archeology mixed with mythology, and, of course, plenty of Eddie's crass wit.

In The Valhalla Prophecy, we focus on Norse mythology, particularly on Ragnarök, which is a series of events that bring forth the apocalyptic destruction of the world. Our favorite husband and wife duo are, once again, at the center of a conspiracy to take something from the ancient world and thrust its terror upon modern-day society. In this one, our villains are bent on taking eitr, which is the venom of the snake Jormungandr, and weaponizing it.

This time around, Eddie gets a bigger chance to shine with some major character development. The first half of the book is split between two timelines. There's the present-day portion of the story and a mission of Eddie's that took place in Vietnam eight years prior. These flashbacks are essential to the story going on in the present timeline and show an event that helped shape Eddie's character after he left the SAS. Eddie has some skeletons in his past and here we get to witness one of them as it happens.

Some things, though, will never change. The banter between our leading couple is as blunt as ever. The silver tongue razor-sharp sarcasm never gets old. Eddie still makes too many crude jokes. McDermott still finds new ways to put our dynamic duo in peril, and in this one, the stakes are as high as they've ever been, with some far-reaching repercussions for the pair.

[Viktoras Ayd · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is book is one that I will not recommend to anyone. The only reason I put two stars rating is the storyline in the book. Otherwise all the dialogues are full of "funny" quotes and expressions. And when I mean all - it is really in all the time some of the characters speak each other, they are super annoying, by telling some witty joke. Edie Chase is more super action hero than all of the actors in The Expandbles movie combine... And I really don't understand why all the time everyone is telling something that is obvious. And from the description that the author is giving about the landscapes or the characters, I didn't get a real picture in my head about how these things really look.
This book was a gift to me from a friend, and I haven't read the previous books of this series about Nina Wild and Edie Chase but I definitely won't. I was somehow interested when I read the preview from the back of the book, but at the end I was exhausted and dissapointed from reading this book.

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eddie and Nina take on the Norse legends as they try to stop the development of a WMD. It's deadly and no one should have it but that doesn't stop an group of Americans from trying to acquire a dangerous liquid that lies at the bottom of a pit. The path to which is recorded in runes. Finding the rune stones is their first problem but not the least of their worries

The problem with this book is it is too long and the first half is alternating chapters of the present and the past. I got tired of it and read just the past and then the present. In the end, if the past was not written it wouldn't have made one bit of difference to the outcome of this book.

There's lots of action and adventure but it is just too long to totally enjoy.

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's rare for me to not finish a book, in face I can count on my fingers the number of times it has happened. I usually try to push through a book I'm not enjoying just to find out what happened, but even the story here made me not care.

I got a third of the way through, and there were two completely different and seemingly unrelated stories happening every chapter, which was confusing, the characters were awfully wooden, and the story was so plodding.

Now I've not read any of the series before, but someone recommended this to me and said it would not matter. I think it matters. I won't be trying any more in the series though, and that's a shame I think, but there are too many other books to read.

[Paul Beswick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to be honest, whilst I did like this novel, it seemed like the author was pursuaded to write it by his publishers and his heart wasn't really into it. All the typical elements from the other books in the series are there, but they feel unnecessay. In total fairness to the author, I thought that the previous novel ended nicely at a point where there was no further story that needed telling with our lead characters, hence my comment about the story here feeling less... polished than previously, this feels like more of the same stuff we have seen before. Not a bad thing, still well written, but nothing remarkably special either.

[Starlo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim without knowing anything about the preceding eight books or the author. Perhaps the bullet-ridden off roaders on the front cover or the glowing endorsements of the “Huddersfield Daily Examiner” on the back cover warranted further thought before I took the plunge, but too late now. What bollocks from start the finish. I have no idea who the target market is (tweenies possibly?) for this tosh but clearly it’s not me. I battled through it out of principle but the plot is absurd even by Hollywood standards, the main characters utterly preposterous (“arse chives”??) and Eddie in particular, a total mug. His “gags” are beyond description. Utterly, utterly terrible.

[Joe Geesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this one really is action backed (on occasion to much so, the air base escape a little too long, for example), but that said an excellent read, great story and lots of emotion too.
For a good chunk of the book there's a second story based 8 years previous that ties in, and with alternating chapters it's like reading in stereo, and while the main story is fast paced with a twist or three, both the past and present stories have a twist at the end that brings everything together nicely. ONe of the best of the series.

[Benjo Dalmacio-demition · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry for the long read, got my hands full with a baby and a toddler. Story is a bit long. And i have no background on vikings, thus i have a struggle to finish it (aside for the unending chores i need to do). The usual miraculous escape of the couple is still there. Guns and fight scenes. I hope the next book will redeem the author (for me)

[Gene Steiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure!

Andy’s gift of taking a historical Viking belief and turning into a globe hopping adventure is fantastic! His descriptions of buildings and terrain are vividly described. I love his use of dialogue to define his characters so that I can visualise them. I hope that Nina and Eddie have many more adventures together.

[Char · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out a page turner and about the middle of the book quickly became boring. I abandoned this book on around page 400 due to the monotony of the writing. In the end, I really could have cared less about the outcome of this book.

[Teresa Cage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Twist

Great book, wonderful discoveries of well loved characters, and exceptional use of Norse mythology. Besides that this book has twists you never see coming. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Kyle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book and gripping to the end.

But I agree with some of the sentiments in the reviews. It’s a bit long. Some of the scenes dragged out to the point that I was skim reading sections to get through it.

Still well worth the read.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really know what to say here, im kind of left a bit lost after Nina got hit with the Eiter.
I assume she gets cured at some point since there are a lot of books left in the series.
If you like McDermotts writing, you will like this

[Mats · Rating 3 out of 5]

The action sequences in this book are too long and overly complex, and I missed the exotic locations that I’ve come to love from Dan Brown. Even so, McDermotts plots packs a punch and his characters are interesting. It’s not unthinkable that I’ll return!

[Yasser Maniram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely nutters. Not much more can be revealed without spoiling the events that unfold to what can only be described as bonkers and proving that there is no black or white just various shades of moral grey.

[Cheryl Peña · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I was sad when I finished it. Lots of action sequences and plot twists kept it moving very quickly. The writing is fun to read and the story was interesting and compelling. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.