Bite of the Hound

Valaria Descending #3

by Ella Walker Henderson

The Hundar are coming. War and destruction will follow.

Valaria and Culland have little time to train a new army, and the Hundar could arrive any day. But the clans are blind without scouts reporting. No one has heard from them in weeks. They could all be dead, killed off by the Hundar, and the clans refuse to send anyone else.

The clan leaders don’t feel the same urgency to track the Hundar as Valaria. But they aren't leading the united army, which must be ready wherever the Hundar attack.

Valaria is tired of waiting. That’s when she decides to take matters into her own hands and scout the Hundar herself. But she doesn’t go alone. Culland will risk his life to go with her.

The knowledge they find is enough to set their world on fire. War with the Hundar will do exactly that.

The Hundar are coming.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Ella Walker Henderson is the author of character driven epic fantasy, full of adventure and a dash of romance. Some of her favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers, the heroine's journey, and the chosen duo's quest. She writes about women who must fight for what they love, whether on a battlefield or among friends. As she's always a fan of a good plot twist, you may not know which characters to trust.

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from an author that truly deserves more attention (at least on this series, I haven’t read any others… yet). I am in a quandary over whether to list it as a fantasy or not, though. It isn’t a fantasy at all, as there are no elements of magic whatsoever. BUT, it is set in a world that, although it is assuredly Norse/viking, the names, places etc. are not real. So? Also, I was under the assumption this was the end of a trilogy, however, it really isn’t. It ends right in the middle of the arc.

With all that being said, it is an awesome story! All three books keep the reader anxiously turning pages and enjoying every minute!

[Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC
This is the third and final book in the Valaria Descending trilogy and the descent is over. Now we must wait for the first book in the Valaria Ascending duology, which unfortunately we will have to wait until 2026 to get our hands on. However, EWH has another series (Legendaries) coming out this year, so that should keep us occupied in the meantime.
As you may gather, I'm a big fan of this author, having come to her writing by way of the Selah Series, also highly recommended.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this trilogy!! Valaria is so pragmatic and her decision to visit the Spirit felt like such a different form of growth for her! Also witnessing how Culland navigates his relationship with Grannd was very interesting to read. It did a great job of highlighting how complex family relationships can be! I thoroughly enjoyed Valaria and Culland’s relationship in this book. His trust in her, them both voicing their opinions and being respected by the other while decided how to lead the Seaclan was all excellent. All the green flags!! And while the plot surrounding the inevitable attack by the Hundars is front and center, this book also wove their love story into that plot beautifully.

This book gives all the yearning between Culland and Valaria and I loved every single minute of it. Cautious glances, gentle brushing of hands, leaning into one another. SWOONNN I loved that they finally had some time to really connect and express feelings.

The final battle was really intense and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen or how this book would end. It is importantly to note that while this is the final book in the Valaria Descending trilogy, it’s not the end of the story and there is a Valaria Ascending duology that will complete her story. So this book ends in an “OK for now” way. Without spoiling, I was a bit emotional at the end but still felt hopeful that everything will eventually work out for Valaria, Culland, and all the clans of the North and South.

I am very much looking word to reading the Valaria Ascending duology when it comes out! These books showcase respect and quiet strength in such a beautiful way!

This is written in single 3rd person POV.

[Kell X · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how can I tell and explain this bittersweet feeling after reaching the end of this trilogy? I want MORE!
I stuck like glue to this pages (during all three books really) and was dying to see how their story unfolded. And I can't help but think that there is so much more. I know we got this HFN, but I'm not really ready to leave this world. I recently learned that there will be more in the future, so at least there's that! 😅

In this third book of the trilogy we follow Valaria and Culland after their united army is formed and  while they wait for news about a possible Hundar's threat. While they get restless for news, Valaria decides to take a step forward and go into enemy lands to see for herself and learn information about their enemy and their plans! Together with Culland they soon realise that the threat is real and mighty and they'll have to unite all clans to conquer and survive. But how can they fight against such force? What will happen during and after the battle? 
I didn't expect this turn of events but I guess they make sense with all the information we had through all this story. 
During their time together, beside the battle we can see Valaria's and Culland's relationship unfold and their feelings grow with time, friendship, companionship, trust and love. 
Even though they don't always see eye to eye and have different oppinions on several aspects due to their different upbringing they manage to adapt and believe and support each other. 
They also have amazing friends as side characters and I've come to adore them as well. 

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As war looms on the horizon, Valaria seeks wisdom from an unlikely source and finds it. She sets off to fulfill her destiny, which she believes now includes Culland. She finds her trust in Culland finally solidifying and her feelings intensifying, as Culland proves to his betrothed that he is willing to defy his father. But will the risks they take be worth it? Or will they lose everything in the process of finally uniting the clans?

The last book in the Valaria Descending series is an epic, breathtaking conclusion to Valaria finding her own place in her world. It's the type of story that definitely leaves you wanting more. Sadly, we will have to wait a year before it continues, but I genuinely can't wait to see what happens next on this journey for Valaria and Culland and their friends. The action of these books are so well described. They are heart pounding and amazing!!

What to expect:
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Kisses only, very swoony though, more so than the other books.
⚔️ it's a war, so there's lots of fighting! Nothing graphic is described, but it's written well enough that you get the idea!
🪄 Nothing magical, in my opinion. Anything described is more of a mystical thing. I'm sure I'm not doing it justice, but it's not spelled
This is more of a historical fantasy, low magic in my opinion!

Thank you to Ella for the opportunity to read this amazing book! Looking forward to more from this author! 😍

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valaria needs information and she needs it now. She can’t properly organize the new Sealands army without the information that the scouts from the tribes have sent out. And the scouts have been quiet for too long, with most thinking they are either laying low or captured. No one wants to send new scouts for the Hundar would not be foolish enough to send their army in the approaching Winter. But Valaria isn’t so sure, seeking guidance from an unlikely place. Now en route to join Culland and start the training for the army, she is determined to go into Hundar land herself and get that information. For why should she send someone on a dangerous mission that she wouldn’t do herself? But going could cost much and she needs to rebuild the trust between her and Culland so they can be a united front.

I got to the end of this and went “where is the rest?!”. Yes, this the closing of this trilogy but sets the tone for the next stage/arc that is to come. The character development and the conflict we see in Valaria about who she was versus who she needs to become was well done. The slow build between her and Culland was nice as well and I loved how Culland was handled in this book. I think he is one of my more favorite MMCs that I have read in some time. I have read several stories by this author and she has yet to disappoint with her storytelling for me.

ARC read

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I really liked book 3 it wasn't the ending I was expecting, but much more like life and the ending that happens. Valeria and Culland come back together with their recruits to train as the Sealand warriors and learn to fight their common enemy. Valeria is very concerned that they haven't heard from any scouts, though, on the location or the movements of their enemy. She feels it deeply in her soul that her and Culland must go and scout together, as they will not ask others to risk what they won't. What they find is insurmountable odds, but the pair do not give up. They also have a lot of time to get to know one another and form a bond as a betrothed pair, which was desperately needed for Valeria. The fight scenes again are so wonderfully written that you feel in the action, and the author does a wonderful job keeping you in the moment with all of the adrenaline. It was a treat to have a semi-end to this portion of Valeria's descending, I look forward to her ascending in the future.


"I do not take their choice lightly. And in the end, perhaps I will be glad I only have those who come freely because then I will have their hearts.”

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is truly about balance
In the previous books, Valaria and Culland navigate their nascent betrothal in the midst of a forced tribal takeover and an impending war of self-defense. Their developing partnership faces many external challenges (some due to conflicting mindsets of how they were raised):
*Safety versus risk
*Building upon one’s strengths versus learning new skills
*Nurturing common bonds versus starting over with other tribes
*Maintaining a clear cultural identity versus incorporating different approaches

For me, they both struggle internally with:
*Autonomy versus greater good
*Speaking one’s peace versus biting one’s tongue
*Filial obedience versus coming into one’s own as a leader


Even though we modern readers are not fending off foreign raiders on our shores, I think we could still relate to many of the issues depicted in this tale of togetherness.

While ‘this is the end of the Valaria Descending Trilogy, [it’s] but only the beginning for Valaria Ascending’.

[C.A. Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite of the Hound is a thrilling, high-stakes Viking story with a slow-burn romance. Valaria still doesn't have the full support of her father's people, and now she must gain the trust of the allied army under her and Culland's command. The two disagree on how the training should go. Will their newly formed army be ready in time for war?
But that's not Valaria's only problem. The scouts sent by the clans haven't returned. She seeks advice in an unlikely place. Will Culland follow her latest plan?
I wasn't expecting that ending! So much self-sacrifice by favorite warriors. Who will live and die against their common enemy, the Hundar?
This is the third book in the Valaria Descending trilogy, but not the end of Valaria and Culland. Their story feels like it's just beginning and will continue in Valaria Ascending. I received an ARC, and my review is voluntary.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an action packed, thrilling conclusion to the Valaria Descending trilogy! I’m a bit sad this part is over, and we’ll have to wait a bit for their story to continue. However, the anticipation will be great!

The story ends on a bittersweet note. Definitely left open for more story to follow, but still satisfying. I loved Valaria and Culland’s arc, and their slow burn romance. I loved the story of the united tribes, and how they all come together to fight one common enemy. Everything about this series was good, and I can’t wait to read more, even if there is a wait.

Totally recommend this series if you like Norse/Viking inspired books. So good!

Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valaria's world is on the brink of change, regardless of how much she tries to fight it. Her growing relationship with Culland, the ever growing threat of the Hundar, and the pull of loyalty to her clan leaves her questioning where her future will lead her.

We are once again swept up in Valaria's desperate race to find a way to defeat the Hundar and save her people, who are no longer just the Vargsung.

Valaria soon discovers that sometimes the path to victory isn't as straight as hoped, and the end can be a lot farther away than expected. But with Culland by her side, her spirit guiding her, and the strength of her new allies, Valaria will keep the faith.

While you are waiting for the Valaria Ascending series, check out the Selah Series!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nail biting conclusion to Valeria Descending

This is the final part of the opening trilogy about Valeria and Culland. This story is awesome, it is set in a viking-esq world and Valeria has come along way from the first book when she was an untried warrior. She is now a leader of the Sealands army and the decisions that she and Culland make will have long lasting consequences... I highly recomend this series (or in fact anything by Ella Walker Henderson). This series is enemies to friends to lovers, the heroines journey and the epic couple's love story and how it impacts their world. The characters become friends and I mourned the losses alongside Valeria. I am so curious to know where the next trilogy will go... thank you for this enjoyable escapism!!

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise 👏 once again to Walker Henderson on *Bite of the Hound*. Since discovering this very talented author, I have never been let down by one of her books. Her work is just the kind of writing that keeps on giving.

With *Bite of the Hound*, it is no different. You have your heroic and strong main female character, Valaria, who decides to wait no more and take matters into her own hands. And Culland (MMC), who has no intention of letting Valaria go at it alone.

Ms. Walker Henderson will keep you engrossed, and when the ending comes, you will wish there were more.

Well done as always, and congratulations, EWH! 🎊🎉

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third installment in Valaria’s story and the end of the Valaria Descending Trilogy, set up the rest of the series exceptionally well. The Hundar are coming and Valaria knows she and Culland must venture into enemy territory to obtain the only solid information any of the clans could have. But will Culland trust her and the word of an ancient Spirit? Does she? Bite of the Hound shows a deepening of not only the companionship between Valaria and Culland but the trust between the two as well. This was such an enjoyable read.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

I love Valaria in this book. The enemy is coming and Valaria and Culland are trying to get the clans to unite into one army to defend their lands from this enemy. Unfortunately, they don’t have the time to do this that they thought they were going to have.Valaria takes it upon herself to go scout the enemy and she ends up taking Culland with her. These two get to know each other better on this trip. I know it was war, but I was bummed to see who died at the end of this book. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

[Cristel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I absolutely adored the first book and felt like the second book was a filler to set up for this third book, but it didn't meet my high expectations unfortunately.
I expected more action and a finished plot to wrap up this trilogy.

I still loved the viking-setting and the growing connection between Valaria and Culland

[Viktimka · Rating 4 out of 5]

And now to wait for Valaria Ascending…
Must read for every viking fan 🔥 Don’t expect very much romance, books are plot driven, keeping you on your toes all the time.

[Luzanne Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS. BOOK.

I was not prepared for how emotional Bite of the Hound would be. From the very first chapter, it’s clear that the war for Valaria is reaching its peak, and the weight of every decision is crushing.

🔥 The battle sequences are some of the best I’ve read.
💔 The relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel so raw and real.
✨ The ending? Absolutely unforgettable.

Henderson doesn’t just write a story—she makes you feel it. This is hands-down one of the best fantasy series conclusions I’ve ever read.