Valkyrie: 2: The Runaway

Valkyrie #2

by Kate O'Hearn

In the world of Asgard, living among Odin, Thor and Loki are the Valkyries of legend. Norse goddesses, reapers of souls from human battlefields - they have the power to cause death with just one touch. Fourteen-year-old Freya is a Valkyrie - but she has not followed in the footsteps of the legends before her. She has been to the World of Man to befriend humans - and not to reap their souls. Now she must return to the World of Man on a new quest to track down the runaway Valkyrie of legend. There she will discover a dark secret that leads her to the Land of the Frost Giants where she must take on new enemies. But this time she has friends to rely on, and lots more to gain. Enter a new Valkyrie legend ... 'Kate O'Hearn serves up a winning mix of modern adventure and classic fantasy.' Rick Riordan, author of "Percy Jackson"

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2014

About the author

Kate O'Hearn was born in Toronto Canada, but raised in the heart of New York City and has lived in many places throughout her life. These days, she calls the south coast of England home. She has 3 brothers, no sisters and is passionate about animals and their causes and has many animal friends. (Pets)

Over the course of her life she has had several careers before finding her real love, writing children's books. Being the only girl in family of boys, she grew up a true tom-boy and always loved books with high adventure. But one of the problems she discovered was a lack of female leads in these adventure books.

When she started to write, Kate decided to address this imbalance and now writes high fantasy adventures with strong, compassionate and adventure loving girl heroes. There are plenty of boys in the story to keep it interesting and challenging, but she believes that a girl hero can be as brave, strong and adventurous as a boy.

She insists that adventures are for everyone!

So come and enjoy a few adventures with her...

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Man Kate O'Hearn is good. If Rick Riordan is the Michael Jordan of writing, then she's the Shaquille O'Neil.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Word. Kate O'Hearn has OFFICIALLY joined the ranks of my favourite and super exciting and refreshing Valkyrie authors with this first class sequel to Valkyrie. The characters we loved in the first book are back to face even more danger, experience even more adventure, discover even more secrets and teach us as readers even more powerful lessons so simple and beautiful that connect to us all as humans.
Whereas Valkyrie 1 explored the issues of bullying and social family collapse with Archie's alcoholic mother - Valkyrie The Runaway expands into the wider and deeper value of family whether blood or not. I won't say any more as it is a key part of the excellent gripping plot that had me dedicate many hugely enjoyable hours doing nothing but reading chapter after chapter. And that is the real magic of Kate's writing is that although I am an adult I am enchanted and hooked on the story as much as any young child or teenager would be. Her Valkyrie books each have so much for everyone of all ages and gender.
This sequel is truly fantastic and raises the bar even higher for these fab characters and the world they live in. And as Book 2 has raised the bar higher than first expected I can guarantee that Book 3 will literally be a world changer for readers and characters alike.
If you or a young sibling or relative have any interest in Norse Mythology then I insist you read Valkyrie & Valkyrie: The Runaway asap.

[Fantasy Girl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible, same goes for book one . First off it doesn’t fit with the actual mythology and second off this series has turned the Gods of Asgard into a bucket full of tree sap . Another reason I think I must say is that it barely has anything to do with mythology at all .

[Autumn Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Sequel cast a successful spell upon me

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I needed to find you. I never thought beyond that." --When you find the perfect quote that summarizes the entire plot of the book.

I liked the premise of this series, yet I keep finding the same problem with the characters: a lack of planning. Freya continuously jumps into action with no second thought for anyone else or the consequences. I’m not expecting the plot to get deep into the consequences of Freya with the Frost Giants and Asgard relations or how things are run by Odin and how Freya’s actions could potentially start a war. Yet even some regard for what other people want and how it will affect them in the long run would be a nice change of pace.

I liked the introduction of Brundi and her family, it made for a good change of scenery and interaction between Valkyries and humans, but again with the planning: there is none, just the here and now. Brundi is expected to go back to Asgard where she is an outcast, does not have wings, just got her sight back, and leave behind her family and centuries of memories and companionship with her son for beings that are probably not going to tolerate a traitor. Yes, this will go over well….What I found even more ridiculous was what Freya planned for the rest of the family. Vonnni, Brundi’s son, a famous singer who is world-renown is just expected to go into hiding. Her cousin, Mims, is now developing Valkyrie powers and is no longer allowed to touch anyone lest they die, and given barely any explanation for how to deal with her new gifts. So all of Brundi’s family, plus some ranch hands, are now going to hole themselves up in a dangerous mine for who knows how long, with no mention of food, water, toilets, or even air, in order to hide from Odin and the war that is about to start. I kept thinking if this was the time to go for the crazy plan without thinking, it would be the plan to tell Odin about the family and hope not to be incinerated on the spot.

And that’s only the first half…

Next in the line of discovering secret family relations, Freya realizes she has a twin brother. Kai is a Dark Searcher separated from the Valkyries because of……reasons. Apparently, all Dark Searchers are descendants of Valkyries and none of them ever knew. This was where I think the reasoning should have gone in a wholly different direction. If they were separated, did no one ever wonder where the babies went, or who gave birth to Dark Searchers in the first place? Both sections fighting to become Odin’s favorite would definitely drive enough tension between everyone for them to hate each other and give a better reason for the animosity.

I think this is a fun introduction into Norse mythology, but that's about it. It doesn't truly show readers the consequences of Freya's actions on others. She is given a free pass with minimal punishment, everyone covers for her, and anyone she could potentially endanger is saved or forgotten about. I think this series has potential but it really needs to realize that think before you leap is a good motto to work on.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name is Archie, and I'm thankful that Gee reaped my soul as I was dying. However, she always seems to find a way to get herself into trouble. I mean, Chicago was almost destroyed because of what she did, so she's on probation with Odin. Odin is now offering her a chance to get back her position as a Valkyrie if she completes an urgent quest. Gee needs to find a banished Valkyrie in Midgard and return her to Valhalla. Odin's given Gee two days to finish the mission, since a war among the realms might erupt at any moment. A couple of problems. The Valkyrie has established a life in Midgard and doesn't want to leave. Secondly, we've discovered a huge secret about the Dark Searchers that has Gee confused and angry. Odin will be furious if he discovers what's happening down here, but Gee doesn't seem to care. That can only spell disaster.

This book has a lot going on, and you need to read Valkyrie first. The series is based on Norse mythology, and Odin isn't known for being understanding, cooperative, or compassionate. Gee, or Frieda as she's known in Valhalla, is the main character, and her empathy for others has a tendency to get her into trouble. She's strong, independent, and doesn't always like to follow the rules. An interesting part of this book is the revelation of how Dark Searchers are chosen, something they don't know about themselves. They are Odin's special force and are feared because of their relentless pursuit of anyone leaving Valhalla without his permission. One of them has a violent vendetta against Gee due to her actions in the first book. The story also reveals unknown siblings that will take over the plot and potentially trigger the war between the realms. Consequently, this book includes a higher level of danger and creates more tension than the prior one. An added level of concern arises from the fact that the touch of a Valkyrie is deadly to humans. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend you give it a shot. I'm looking forward to the sequel, War of the Realms, and I assume it will end the series.

[Serra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!!! Loved it soo much !!
Whoever you are you should definitely read Valkyrie The Runaway. It is the best book I have read in my life so far!! (Because im reading Valkyrie War Of The Realms so I don't know) If you want spoilers carry on... if not DON'T CARRY ON!!!




I just don't know what to say about this book but one: I totally ship Freya and Archie. Those two are besties though I think they should be something more. But in the book im currently reading it looks like Freya is crushing on Quinn and Archie is crushing on Skye so im over shipping the besties anyway back to where I was. Second thing: Freya's long lost twin is the dark searcher she felt during the realms challange (in that case dark searcher/ Freya's twin is Kai) I couldn't get over that. Third thing; Never thought Brundi was Eir's mother and Freya and her sisters' grandmother oh and also that Vonni was Freya and her sisters' uncle. Fourth thing: the some Dark Searchers uniting with the Asgardians
left me just in a complete shock though of course actually their mothers are valkyries.

And yes thats it for now so far Valkyrie The Runaway is my favourite book and Im right now reading Valkyrie The War Of The Realms. One spoiler about the current book im reading Freya gets her wings chopped of by Dirian . Im in total shock! anyway thats enough for now !

[Cat Carstairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can't say much about what happens in it because SpOiLeRs but it was just the kind of middle grade novel I love reading. I love that the stakes in this book were so much higher than the last, and it was full of action and adventure. The characters are all really growing on me, and I'm slightly terrified for their lives in War of the Realms. Kate O'Hearn better keep my precious children safe! (Although we all know that nobody controls Freya). If you didn't like the first Valkyrie novel, I definitely recommend checking out the second one. It was amazing!

[sophia ! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. I liked the first one better.

But can I just say, I LOVE the Valkyries. I mean, a super awesome group of female winged warriors?? YESSSS!!! 😁

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. idk, i liked the first book alot better than the second one. It was just lots of characters and stuff being thrown into it here and there and i did not like it as much. Archie and Orus are a delight though.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pegasus book's made me cry the Valkyrie book's have not done that yet but there is still one more book so I have to read it and no one is going to stop me!!!!!!!

[Hadessephy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book of the year! A good follow up to the first, Freya is back and on a mission for Odin himself. On the way she discovers family and friends and as usual gets herself into big trouble. And more is coming in book three!

[Rayne Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Tiah Varner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good! Definitely a fave series! 8/10

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually started reading this book on a whim after discovering it while browsing at the library, being drawn to it by the cover of the two flying Norse winged figures sword-fighting.

Fortunately, I was not disappointed. I discovered later that this book was intended for a bit younger audience than I am, but it was still nice to read. Why? For one thing, the creative take on Norse mythology (including Wagner's The Ring of the Nibelung) from the perspective of youth within that world worked well. It was believable. The characters were relatable. Also helpful was the appendix containing descriptions of the places and people in Norse mythology for those who don't know all these things, including me.

The vivid descriptions in the first chapter felt immersive and established a sense of wonder early on in the book. There are some other nice examples of vivid descriptions later in the book too. However, I felt there were a few missed opportunities in terms of a few places and people of which and whom having vivid descriptions would add to the wonder of the story.

In regard to the characters and the overall plot, sometimes it might have been nice to have a little more inspection on the part of the characters. In any case, The characters demonstrate loyalty and friendship through their words and actions, both towards their friends, family, and their duty. They do so despite many obstacles and risks, and only succeeding due to the help of each other. The display of such is inspiring and endearing, giving a sense of hope and warmth.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

O’Hearn, Kate Valkyrie: The Runaway, 350 pgs. Aladdin, 2014. $17.99. Language G; Mature Content: PG; Violence PG-13.
In book two of the Valkyrie series, Freya again returns to earth (aka Midgard) to find a runaway Valkyrie. She must be careful because Asgard could be facing a war between the nine realms, and Odin wants all of his Valkyries to stand with him. In the process, Freya uncovers a lot of family secrets and discovers the traitor to Asgard, putting her life at risk as well as those she loves. I love the plot set-up. Valkyries are cool to the power of 12. However, this book is so dialogue heavy that there isn’t much time for characters to ponder or come to grips with life-changing information. There are so many family secrets that get revealed it’s almost like a soap opera and no one seems particularly fazed to find out they are related to Norse Gods or that Valkyries and flying horses exist. The fight scenes would be more exciting if Valkyries weren’t healed so quickly. There wasn’t a lot of tension and the characters weren’t developed. I know more about Loki’s character from watching Thor movies.
MS/HS - OPTIONAL. Michelle in the Middle
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got my hands for the second adventures of Freya, Orus and Archie. This time they're going to find the runaway Valkyrie and bring her back to Asgard. Before that, they met Azrael, the leader of the Angels of Death, as he revealed the true intentions why the runaway Valkyrie must be return immediately as war is approaching and the truth of her family origins.

I could not help myself dropping my jaws in shock in every chapters I read. We get to know the real parentage of the Dark Searchers and about Valkyries especially the real reason why Freya felt she's missing something and being restless among her Valkyrie sisters.

As I finally reach the end of this book, I could not help screaming in agony of the book's cliffhanger. Now I must go and buy the final one to see how my favorite characters will end the war.

[RebekahD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Freya actually got sent on a mission instead of defying Odin. Granted, Odin didn't know about Brundi's son but we can see that Freya is definitely trying. (Spoiler alert) She does break a few rules when she goes to Utgard to retrieve her brother. But, if she didn't, all of the Dark Searchers that followed them would have been killed along with her brother. Who knows, even Thor and Balder could've been killed. (Spoiler alert) Dirian would have stopped at nothing to start the war, he only used Freya as a trigger to start it. She was more like an excuse. Who know how much hatred he's been storing up. (End of spoilers). I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the next book brings. It was well thought out and written. This is a great choice for young audiences who love mythology.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old Freya, a Valkyrie, and Archie, her dead human friend, are in trouble with Odin, leader of the highest realm. As a punishment, Freya can only compete in the Three-Strike Sword Challenge against the Dark Searchers and the tug-of-war against the Angels of Death during the Nine Realms Challenge. When Odin sends Freya and Archie on a mission to the World of Man to rescue Brünnhilde, her grandmother, whom he banished to Earth years before, Freya discovers secrets about her genealogy that change everything she thinks she knows about herself. With her deadline from Odin running out, she fights enemies to reunite her family, but can she avert the war that is brewing? O’Hearn includes a “Guide to this World,” which includes information about names and places in Norse mythology. Readers will be primed for the next book in the series.

[Elephants · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is the best of the trilogy! Strong characters you will definitely have a favourite and if you don’t like the first one you can still read the second.

War in the realms is about to begin. So Freya, Archie and Orus are sent out to bring back the runaway Valkyrie. However Brundi the runaway Valkyrie is not sure on coming back as she wishes to protect her family. Freya meets her Valkyrie cousin who has been brought up to think she is human and her uncel Voni the dark searcher. Freya realises that she must find her long lost brother as well . However it could be incredibly dangerous because war in the realms is brewing. And danger is coming to Asgard and the land of the frost giants as it makes its way to Midgard.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I didn't realize until after I had started reading it that it was part of a series. By the time I got to the end I was glad and a little aggravated. Happy-more to read, Aggravated-more to read and stopped before the real action began. ;) I loved the characters and their personalities. This was written well and definitely had me turning pages. It was also great because there really isn't much about Norse mythology (in story form). I'm really excited to read more in this series and also another series that's by this author. Great for reading anytime and worth the shelf space. Enjoy!

[Erzsebet Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book if you enjoy norse mythology. This follows the path of a valkyrie who has to go to Midgard(Earth) in order to find another valkyrie who was banished there. The valkyrie finds out the banished valkyrie is actually her grandmother and now has a family on Midgard. As the story progresses the main character/Valkyrie Freya has to overcome obstacles and be careful with what she does. Normally she is pretty reckless but since she is on a very important mission in which if she messes up she can cause a war to happen. In this story you learn the importance of family and of trust.

[Jeana Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

So my problem with the first one is that the stakes didn’t seem high enough. Well it seems plenty high in this one (a possible war between all the realms) but I feel like the characters don’t really consider this as they make their decisions, at least until literally the last three pages. Also all the characters seem to act more erratically in this one. AND how convenient is it that Freya’s mother has a twin and she does too? Still not a bad book in all. An accurate rating would be 2.5 so I rounded up.

[Abigail Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book one of my favorites I would read it over and over again .I really could picture everything and that made even more enjoyable .Freya is also amazing and free willed she puts others first and one of my favorite moments is when she went to Utgard to free her brother from the dark searchers knowing Dirain would be waiting for her to be killed.Archie is also amazing he is a true friend to Freya along with Orus of course they never leave her side and they don't care what the danger is.this is such a good book I would recomend it.

[Apaloosa_equine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! I am a massive mythology fan, I also extremely enjoyed Pegasus which is also by Kate O'Hearn, I read the series in year seven and I could not put them down. The Pegasus books got me interested in mythology, a couple of years later I discovered Kate O'Hearn also wrote this trilogy; Valkyrie so I got it straight away, and I am so glad I did. The first book was amazing and I loved the characters'. I never really knew much about Norse mythology and this series inspired me to research into it more. I thought this book; Valkyrie the runaway was superb.

[Kylie Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Norse Mythology. I really do. It’s so convoluted and amazingly detailed and spread out. This book was good as well. It was insane and convoluted, and I loved it. The author is a wonderful writer and does a fantastic job combining her own lore with previously established lore. Despite being incredibly convoluted, the writing was very good and it was easy to follow. O’Hearn does a wonderful job entrancing you in the world of the Valkyries. I am curious though, how Freya and Kai’s appearances swapped. It’s quite interesting.

[Harley Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of her recent visit to Midgard (Earth), Freya is sent back to persuade Brunnhilde to Asgard. But, the mission becomes more complicated. Once she arrives in Midgard, Freya discovers that Brunnhilde has a family that may be endangered by her return as well as by the upcoming war of the realms.
This is an excellent sequel to Valkyrie. Those readers who liked the first book will enjoy this one.

[Nancy Zhao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both the male and female Valkyries sound like they're very beautiful supernatural beings! I wish I could have their looks and their voice, as I love music. Most of all, I desperately want their wings and have the ability to fly, as Freya and the others make it sound like it's so much fun and gives you a sense of freedom. They're like superheroes by how they save lives!

[renée Flaaaa]

I just finished this book a few days ago, and I feel like Kai and Loki both are really underrated characters. Kai went against his brotherhood to save Freya, and Loki was basically Freya's father figure even though nobody ever accepted him. Loki was so helpful to Freya, and yet everyone still didn't trust him. Give that man a cookie.

[Lilia Bowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good; but not as great as the first book. I love how Freya meets her lost family members no matter the danger throughout the book; but it needs a little more excitement like the first book. I will continue to read the third book, though, as the War of the Realms has started.