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Valkyrie Darkness #1
Valkyrie: Darkness Awaits
Gil has been spent years recovering from the trauma caused by losing his comrades. Then a mysterious woman of his past appears to involve him in a war between the gods. An epic battle between light and darkness.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2015
6 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 7, 2017
You know an author has engaged you a reader when you read the last page and quickly seek the next in the series. The world of the Valkyrie wraps itself around you. If begins with Gil Swanson, a veteran with PTSD who meets a mysterious woman. She requests his help.
Somehow he believes he knows her, and realizes he has seen her at various times throughout his life; usually in connection with battle or the memory of war.
She is Mist, a Valkyrie. Now she has asked him to help her defeat an entity known as Malice. He doesn't realize it, but his life is about to take off into the fantastic.
During his journey with her into herr world, he wakens to many truths about his own existence.
The story has action, battle, sensuality, humor and a great fast-pace that is over-all too-soon with a strong lead-in to the next Book Valkyrie - Darkness Rising Buy and read both. Enter Mark's world of unbeatable fantasy and action!
Somehow he believes he knows her, and realizes he has seen her at various times throughout his life; usually in connection with battle or the memory of war.
She is Mist, a Valkyrie. Now she has asked him to help her defeat an entity known as Malice. He doesn't realize it, but his life is about to take off into the fantastic.
During his journey with her into herr world, he wakens to many truths about his own existence.
The story has action, battle, sensuality, humor and a great fast-pace that is over-all too-soon with a strong lead-in to the next Book Valkyrie - Darkness Rising Buy and read both. Enter Mark's world of unbeatable fantasy and action!
Want to read
January 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/13/2020)! 🎁
October 18, 2015
Firstly can I just say, that this is a Debut novel for Mark McQuillen, and he's nailing it! A RPG veteran and DM for over 20 years and it shows. He can tell a tale and wrap you up in it with force. From the word go, our tormented Gil Swanson is swept up into a world that he seemed to know lay just under the surface. Experiences long forgotten preparing him for a battle to save a world he didn't know needed him, but that once he is thrust with in, he wants desperately to be a part of.
The Valkyrie Mist, is beautiful, intelligent and fierce. Written with a strong will and yet a softer side that keeps her believable, as a warrior and as a woman. Her Sister Valkyrie and the surrounding Goddess players in the tale, are also exquisitely written. This is a man who actually has done his homework on his subjects.
It's nice to see a fantasy with intelligence, humor and a modern twist even as the old Norse mythology runs rampant. We see some old favorites, Freya, Skuld, and Loki to name a few. If you know your Norse these names are familiar. Gil is called upon to retrieve Thor's Hammer, but soon learns that there is far more going on than a simple snatch and dash.
An ancient Evil has been terrorizing the people of Asgard and is threatening to spillover into Midigard if it is not stopped. There are prophecies which foretell the coming of a man to save them. The question at my cut off is can Gil be that man? I'm not telling... Go read this awesome tale, and keep you're eyes peeled for the continuation!!
The Valkyrie Mist, is beautiful, intelligent and fierce. Written with a strong will and yet a softer side that keeps her believable, as a warrior and as a woman. Her Sister Valkyrie and the surrounding Goddess players in the tale, are also exquisitely written. This is a man who actually has done his homework on his subjects.
It's nice to see a fantasy with intelligence, humor and a modern twist even as the old Norse mythology runs rampant. We see some old favorites, Freya, Skuld, and Loki to name a few. If you know your Norse these names are familiar. Gil is called upon to retrieve Thor's Hammer, but soon learns that there is far more going on than a simple snatch and dash.
An ancient Evil has been terrorizing the people of Asgard and is threatening to spillover into Midigard if it is not stopped. There are prophecies which foretell the coming of a man to save them. The question at my cut off is can Gil be that man? I'm not telling... Go read this awesome tale, and keep you're eyes peeled for the continuation!!
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December 16, 2019Great franchise movie potential with all of their books and the covers are phenomenal, as well! The reader is taking to a place of fantasy that is both surreal and realistic. That takes talent and an understanding of what potential readers will enjoying reading. Guys...great job, and please keep your books coming!
December 29, 2015
I’ve been looking to update my library, and though I’ve some good ones through another group, I wanted to see about expanding my fantasy and sci-fi collections. So, when I encountered Mark on Facebook, I figured I’d give his work a chance. I’m so very glad I did.
In Darkness Awaits, there are several themes running under the surface that may not be immediately apparent. It starts off in the modern world, practically present day. It lets you get to know the main characters, and figure out that not everything is quite what it seems. Then Mark takes your hand with a gentle smile and warns you to buckle in, because things are about to get fun.
With the sharp turn into the fantastical, Mark has his work cut out for him. He has to build an entire new world while carrying the story forward without losing the momentum he’s developed. And he does this quite well. In fact, he adds to the momentum, letting the change in scene help develop the characters even further. Normally, I’d separate the world building from the character development critiques, but in this book, that is impossible. If either part has a flaw, it would have shown up in the other – and I never once felt a hiccup as the story progressed.
Past and present also wind up woven together – not because of flashbacks, but because of who the characters are. There is a depth to the characters that lets you feel their age, and the pool of skills they have to draw from. It peeks out from time to time to tempt and taunt you into forging out even further into the wilderness of the plot.
The pace starts off pretty sedate, but when Mark warns you to buckle up, he’s not joking. It’s similar to when you first get on that monster roller coaster at the theme park: it’s slow while you’re being chained upto the top of the first drop, and then it’s the breathtaking speed after that until you come to the final set of breaks that slow you down to return to the station. Nothing is rushed, but it comes at you fast as you turn the pages. I’m a fast reader, I know. I expected this book to take at least a couple of days to devour. I finished it in one sitting on a single night with enough time to get a comfortable amount of sleep before I had to get up for work the next day.
In Darkness Awaits, there are several themes running under the surface that may not be immediately apparent. It starts off in the modern world, practically present day. It lets you get to know the main characters, and figure out that not everything is quite what it seems. Then Mark takes your hand with a gentle smile and warns you to buckle in, because things are about to get fun.
With the sharp turn into the fantastical, Mark has his work cut out for him. He has to build an entire new world while carrying the story forward without losing the momentum he’s developed. And he does this quite well. In fact, he adds to the momentum, letting the change in scene help develop the characters even further. Normally, I’d separate the world building from the character development critiques, but in this book, that is impossible. If either part has a flaw, it would have shown up in the other – and I never once felt a hiccup as the story progressed.
Past and present also wind up woven together – not because of flashbacks, but because of who the characters are. There is a depth to the characters that lets you feel their age, and the pool of skills they have to draw from. It peeks out from time to time to tempt and taunt you into forging out even further into the wilderness of the plot.
The pace starts off pretty sedate, but when Mark warns you to buckle up, he’s not joking. It’s similar to when you first get on that monster roller coaster at the theme park: it’s slow while you’re being chained upto the top of the first drop, and then it’s the breathtaking speed after that until you come to the final set of breaks that slow you down to return to the station. Nothing is rushed, but it comes at you fast as you turn the pages. I’m a fast reader, I know. I expected this book to take at least a couple of days to devour. I finished it in one sitting on a single night with enough time to get a comfortable amount of sleep before I had to get up for work the next day.
November 27, 2015
Valkyrie Darkness Awaits is a heart pumping read from beginning to end. It’s quick pace and surging action kept me reading and curious. Mist is a Valkyrie, an ancient woman created to be a warrior. Gil is a human soldier who has impeccable skills. They team up with Elves and other legendary, mythical creatures to save Thor and defeat the dark elf Malice.
The story is a mix of legend, imagination and history, along with steamy love scenes, and a full course of adventure. Gil Swanson is the tough guy soldier, always thinking, and always one step ahead of evil forces. He is the epitome of a manly man. Mist on the other hand is no delicate woman. She’s a warrior, nearly seven feet tall and ready for action. The sparks between these character’s fly from the start.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The story is a mix of legend, imagination and history, along with steamy love scenes, and a full course of adventure. Gil Swanson is the tough guy soldier, always thinking, and always one step ahead of evil forces. He is the epitome of a manly man. Mist on the other hand is no delicate woman. She’s a warrior, nearly seven feet tall and ready for action. The sparks between these character’s fly from the start.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 4, 2016
I came across this author at our Facebook blog party and since I am a paranormal nut I just had to read his stories. I was given book one from his PA for a blog review and started it a few days ago and flew right through it. Mark weaves quite the web with the main character Gil how his life changes while walking through a cemetery will blow your mind. I don't put spoilers in my reviews, but I can say that Gil goes on a journey and learns things about himself and his heritage while fighting along side the Valkyries light against the dark. This story is very well written and I gave it a 5 star rating and would recommend for an adult audience.
October 12, 2016
Everyone loves Valkyries! And mysteries! And Darkness Awaits, has both. Mark has managed to blend history, with folklore, which is pretty much just history of a different sort, and created a tale that could keep one intrigued for days on end; and I look forward to getting lost in the next book!
January 10, 2023
Characters are multi-dimensional, the world-building is great, and the author blends Norse mythology with modern warfare better than you would think. MG-42s and modern weaponry plus steamy romance and ancient mythological epics? Pretty cool stuff. Furthermore, the author is a veteran who acknowledges struggles with PTSD and I love to support our military in any way possible, coming from a military family myself. The series is very promising! Something here for everyone to enjoy!
February 15, 2018
Strong story
A very good story with a undercurrent of PTSD battles. The characters are very good and we'll developed. The flow is very good. I liked the speed of the story's progress.
As a survivor of domestic PTSD I know the battle is never over but remission is equal to peace of mind.
A very good story with a undercurrent of PTSD battles. The characters are very good and we'll developed. The flow is very good. I liked the speed of the story's progress.
As a survivor of domestic PTSD I know the battle is never over but remission is equal to peace of mind.
February 20, 2018
Absolutely amazing! From beginning to end you get action, adventure, laughter, tears, redemption and the joy of trying, with heat of course. Mark Mcquillen weaves together a story that you won't be able to put down. If you like valkyries, gods, goddesses, goblins, demons etc, than you will love this book!
April 27, 2020
Fantasy meets Myth
Tisiphone is a Valkyrie princess, next in line to the throne. But she’s tired of the lies and secrets surrounding her mother and she goes rogue in an effort to find the truth and herself in the process. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what happens next
Tisiphone is a Valkyrie princess, next in line to the throne. But she’s tired of the lies and secrets surrounding her mother and she goes rogue in an effort to find the truth and herself in the process. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what happens next
July 19, 2020
An epic story. Tisiphone is the heir to the Valkyrie throne. Her tale includes past, present and future. The tale also explores relationships. battles and feelings one usually doesn't find in a fantasy thriller. The author does a great job wrapping all the above together in book one. I think readers are going to love this series.
July 10, 2017
This is my first read from this Author. It was amazing and had me on my seat. My heart raced with excitement and sadness as I felt the emotions of the characters. I was pulled in from the beginning needing to know more and what happened. Just an overall amazing read and I cannot wait to read more.
January 6, 2019
Got a free copy of this book from a great author. However the story was not for me. It was long and over sexually at times. I needed more story and stronger bond with characters.
December 19, 2018
Firstly can I just say, that this is a Debut novel for Mark McQuillen, and he's nailing it! A RPG veteran and DM for over 20 years and it shows. He can tell a tale and wrap you up in it with force. From the word go, our tormented Gil Swanson is swept up into a world that he seemed to know lay just under the surface. Experiences long forgotten preparing him for a battle to save a world he didn't know needed him, but that once he is thrust with in, he wants desperately to be a part of.
The Valkyrie Mist, is beautiful, intelligent and fierce. Written with a strong will and yet a softer side that keeps her believable, as a warrior and as a woman. Her Sister Valkyrie and the surrounding Goddess players in the tale, are also exquisitely written. This is a man who actually has done his homework on his subjects.
It's nice to see a fantasy with intelligence, humor and a modern twist even as the old Norse mythology runs rampant. We see some old favorites, Freya, Skuld, and Loki to name a few. If you know your Norse these names are familiar. Gil is called upon to retrieve Thor's Hammer, but soon learns that there is far more going on than a simple snatch and dash.
An ancient Evil has been terrorizing the people of Asgard and is threatening to spillover into Midigard if it is not stopped. There are prophecies which foretell the coming of a man to save them. The question at my cut off is can Gil be that man? I'm not telling... Go read this awesome tale, and keep you're eyes peeled for the continuation!!
Thanks Shannon for the review.
The Valkyrie Mist, is beautiful, intelligent and fierce. Written with a strong will and yet a softer side that keeps her believable, as a warrior and as a woman. Her Sister Valkyrie and the surrounding Goddess players in the tale, are also exquisitely written. This is a man who actually has done his homework on his subjects.
It's nice to see a fantasy with intelligence, humor and a modern twist even as the old Norse mythology runs rampant. We see some old favorites, Freya, Skuld, and Loki to name a few. If you know your Norse these names are familiar. Gil is called upon to retrieve Thor's Hammer, but soon learns that there is far more going on than a simple snatch and dash.
An ancient Evil has been terrorizing the people of Asgard and is threatening to spillover into Midigard if it is not stopped. There are prophecies which foretell the coming of a man to save them. The question at my cut off is can Gil be that man? I'm not telling... Go read this awesome tale, and keep you're eyes peeled for the continuation!!
Thanks Shannon for the review.
October 17, 2016
Author Mark Mcquillen blew me away with this book! The quality of writing was on point all the way through I really enjoyed the characters and am very impressed with his ability to create such a believable paranormal story. Gil the main character wanders into a land of Valkyres as he ventures through a graveyard and the author takes us through a journey of all kinds of twists turns and surprises. I appreciated the story and the talent it took to write with such skill so i gave this book a solid 5 star well deserved rating!
April 27, 2016
This is a well-written interesting fantasy. Gil is special ops. He is wandering through a cemetery thinking when a beautiful woman appears. Mist is a Valkyrie and has come to get Gil to save their realm and the world. As he learns what he is up against, Gil also learns there is a lot more to him than he thought. Lots of romance and intrigue.
It is a unique blend of mythologies.
It is a unique blend of mythologies.
February 6, 2017
Welcome, to the world of Valkyries. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I started with book two, but I am so glad I went back and took a look at how it all began! The author has a way with words that leaves you with no choice but keep on reading; and Mist and Malice are two that I would welcome at my side in battle any day!
September 25, 2016
For anyone who has ever been a fan of Norse mythology
The author's story builds and builds with love, life, death, and the real struggle of PTSD. Fact and fantasy blend beautifully into a rich tapestry of story telling.
The author's story builds and builds with love, life, death, and the real struggle of PTSD. Fact and fantasy blend beautifully into a rich tapestry of story telling.
October 22, 2016
Intriguingly deep and passionate. Excellent read!!!
February 9, 2018
My first read of this author.
Gil & Mist are both warriors-in their respective worlds. Both give all that they have to everything that they do 100%. This magnificently crafted story is packed with Old World myths, senuous romance, exciting battles, & he compassionately deals with the struggles of PTSD. Loved it. Great debut novel.
Gil & Mist are both warriors-in their respective worlds. Both give all that they have to everything that they do 100%. This magnificently crafted story is packed with Old World myths, senuous romance, exciting battles, & he compassionately deals with the struggles of PTSD. Loved it. Great debut novel.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews