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Inner Origins #1
Shades of Valhalla
Enter the hidden world of the fae, the most ancient race on the planet and uncover the inner origins of humanity.
There is an unseen war going on between the Light and the Dark, and seventeen year old Siri Alvarsson holds the fate of the world in her hands. Her whole life has been leading up to this moment -- training in martial arts and parkour with her mom, learning the legends of old and traveling from town to town. Now, she's in a new town, she's met a gorgeous guy she'd like to trust, and she's having strange visions.
The pressure is on to choose a side. Both sides need her if they want to win. The futures of humanity, the fae, and the entire planet all depend on Siri. Which side will she choose? Can one girl really save the world alone?
Ellis Logan’s new YA Fantasy series, Inner Origins, is action-packed with magic and romance. The books combine fairies, Celtic/Norse mythology, and hollow earth theory to create an adventure you’ll never forget.
There is an unseen war going on between the Light and the Dark, and seventeen year old Siri Alvarsson holds the fate of the world in her hands. Her whole life has been leading up to this moment -- training in martial arts and parkour with her mom, learning the legends of old and traveling from town to town. Now, she's in a new town, she's met a gorgeous guy she'd like to trust, and she's having strange visions.
The pressure is on to choose a side. Both sides need her if they want to win. The futures of humanity, the fae, and the entire planet all depend on Siri. Which side will she choose? Can one girl really save the world alone?
Ellis Logan’s new YA Fantasy series, Inner Origins, is action-packed with magic and romance. The books combine fairies, Celtic/Norse mythology, and hollow earth theory to create an adventure you’ll never forget.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2016
116 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Logan
14 books81 followersEllis Logan lives a quiet life in New England, obsessing daily over superheros and the gods of old. She spends her days corralling wild children and communing with fairies. When everyone is settled down and the owls begin to sing, you'll find her typing away and munching on dark chocolate while unseen spirits whisper stories in her ear. For news and all things fae, follow Ellis at https://www.facebook.com/ellisloganbo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 29, 2016
I've read my share of Fantasy novels, but I will admit YA Fantasy wasn't my go to genre, but Shades of Valhalla by Ellis Logan may have changed that.
Ms. Logan has written a strong, fast paced story. Her world building was vivid and descriptive. Between that and the well developed characters, I was immediately pulled into the story. Every chapter added something new and exciting to the story. The author did an excellent job of getting seventeen-year old mannerisms, attitudes, vocabulary and humor down to almost perfect.
I don't give spoilers in my review or rehash the blurb. The plot and writing are strong and this is more than a story between good and evil or light and dark. For a seventeen year old girl, Siri has a lot on her plate and hard decisions to make on her. On the up side, there are two handsome young men who want her attention, and an adorable pet squirrel named Miko, so it's not all bad.
The end tied up the existing story nicely but left enough questions and situations open for the next book. For a first time fantasy author - well done!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Logan has written a strong, fast paced story. Her world building was vivid and descriptive. Between that and the well developed characters, I was immediately pulled into the story. Every chapter added something new and exciting to the story. The author did an excellent job of getting seventeen-year old mannerisms, attitudes, vocabulary and humor down to almost perfect.
I don't give spoilers in my review or rehash the blurb. The plot and writing are strong and this is more than a story between good and evil or light and dark. For a seventeen year old girl, Siri has a lot on her plate and hard decisions to make on her. On the up side, there are two handsome young men who want her attention, and an adorable pet squirrel named Miko, so it's not all bad.
The end tied up the existing story nicely but left enough questions and situations open for the next book. For a first time fantasy author - well done!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2017
Totally awesome, original, and cool. I can't wait to read more about Siri! Team Alec, btw.
January 30, 2017
Seventeen year old Siri Alvarsson is about to start her senior year at Union High School in Vermont. Having just moved from Arizona, she takes time out from her extreme martial arts training to catch up on her school work, studying with her irresistible new boyfriend, Rowan Carey, and new best friend, Rose David. Terrifying dreams penetrate Siri’s sleep, causing her to question her own sanity. When she discovers that she is descended from the Norse gods, themselves, Siri starts to understand her dreams and unique powers. Trapped within an age-old war of good versus evil, learning that nothing and nobody is what they had seemed to be, trusting others becomes a risk Siri can no longer afford. After being delivered an ultimatum, Siri realizes that she, alone, is the key to destroying the Shades (the Dark Fae), whose thirst for destruction can never be quenched.
This exciting introduction to the Inner Origins series dove immediately into Viking lore, much to the delight of this Pagan reader. Ellis Logan’s tale of a young girl who’d thought she was just like any other teenager at school, only to find out she is the most important ingredient in determining whether or not darkness prevails in bringing about the end of the world, touches on almost every single emotion, in the telling of this magical teenage romance. Each character in the book is introduced slowly and with depth, ensuring that their purpose is made clear. Whilst I do enjoy books which portray female heroines, Shades of Valhalla brings about so much more, showing strong family values, the mystery of Siri’s parentage and origins, and touches on sensitive social issues such as bullying and abuse. It also introduces a world filled with Valkyries, Faes and the complexity of the Norse Gods, showing how they play a major role in the past, present and future. I enjoyed Shades of Valhalla immensely and plan on seeking out the rest of the books in the series. I recommend it to readers over the age of 15 years who enjoy adrenaline-pumping action, mixed in with the mystery of paranormal legend, romance and drama.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
This exciting introduction to the Inner Origins series dove immediately into Viking lore, much to the delight of this Pagan reader. Ellis Logan’s tale of a young girl who’d thought she was just like any other teenager at school, only to find out she is the most important ingredient in determining whether or not darkness prevails in bringing about the end of the world, touches on almost every single emotion, in the telling of this magical teenage romance. Each character in the book is introduced slowly and with depth, ensuring that their purpose is made clear. Whilst I do enjoy books which portray female heroines, Shades of Valhalla brings about so much more, showing strong family values, the mystery of Siri’s parentage and origins, and touches on sensitive social issues such as bullying and abuse. It also introduces a world filled with Valkyries, Faes and the complexity of the Norse Gods, showing how they play a major role in the past, present and future. I enjoyed Shades of Valhalla immensely and plan on seeking out the rest of the books in the series. I recommend it to readers over the age of 15 years who enjoy adrenaline-pumping action, mixed in with the mystery of paranormal legend, romance and drama.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
November 1, 2018
A quick nice read. A combo of Mythology and City of Bones.
Characters
Alec was awesome. The freaky hot one.
Amber reminded me so much of Izzy from TMI.
Rowan was such a hard core boyfriend material. I want his character development more.
Plot
Plot was sortof interesting. But the writing made it move along fast .
Situation
Aedan was totally awesome. The descriptions were enough .
A quick nice read . Recommended for City of Bones fans.
Characters
Alec was awesome. The freaky hot one.
Amber reminded me so much of Izzy from TMI.
Rowan was such a hard core boyfriend material. I want his character development more.
Plot
Plot was sortof interesting. But the writing made it move along fast .
Situation
Aedan was totally awesome. The descriptions were enough .
A quick nice read . Recommended for City of Bones fans.
August 23, 2016
A must read book. Usually I don't read books where there is a female main protagonist (just my taste), but the author's great characterization quicky drew me into this book. It starts a bit slow, but that's okay, because the characters become more well rounded. There are many reference to pop culture things (Clash of Clans, Jason Bourne and so on) and I really liked that a lot. The author is a great storyteller and the mythological references too kept me hooked.
Beware, there is a talking squirrel in this book.
Beware, there is a talking squirrel in this book.
October 7, 2016
Fast and entertaining read. Didn't want to put it down.
May 19, 2018
This book is unusual, full of interesting ideas that blend mythology, fairy stories and modern life into one great read. I loved the story and the characters really bring it to life, although I'm afraid my favourites are Miko the squirrel - I wish my garden squirrels would talk to me! - and the mad friends Rose (human) and Amber (fae); a girl always needs a mad friend to keep her sane! Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely like to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next. And if you like stories with a magical vibe, a mythical twist, and just a sprinkling of romance, this could be just the book for you.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Want to read
May 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2019)! 🎁
April 12, 2020
I did not expect much from this book and don't know how long I have had it on my Kindle. But it was interesting from the start and I really like the squirrel. The series have good potential and I will definitely continue reading them and any other book from this author.
March 21, 2017
Enjoyable
I find stories with different takes on fables, myths, history, heroes, legends, etc. fascinating. This one did not disappoint. I would highly recommend to friends.
I find stories with different takes on fables, myths, history, heroes, legends, etc. fascinating. This one did not disappoint. I would highly recommend to friends.
December 30, 2017
Exciting
Characters in the story did evolve & keep you wanting to go deeper within the story. I would say anyone over the age of 17 to the age of a 100 would enjoy this story.
Characters in the story did evolve & keep you wanting to go deeper within the story. I would say anyone over the age of 17 to the age of a 100 would enjoy this story.
May 7, 2018
Loved it so much, I immediately ordered the boxed set!
October 9, 2016
I always feel sorry for 1star ratings, but the moment I discontinue reading a book I simply cannot give anything better than that. All I can do is explain my reasons for disliking it.
The first half is basically a cute high school story with paranormal elements, in this case visions. I did enjoy the ride until the female lead switched love interests.
How do I put it without spoilers...the first love interest turned out to sway towards the 'bad guys'. Well, that happens - I was waiting for them to struggle and for their love to overcome the hurdles, but instead the love-line was abruptly ended in such a ridiculous and immature way that it put me off to an extend that made me abandon the book.
Therefore, this 1 star rating does not reflect upon the work's quality, but is based on personal preference.
-I did not finish this book and will not continue the series, I'm sorry.
The first half is basically a cute high school story with paranormal elements, in this case visions. I did enjoy the ride until the female lead switched love interests.
How do I put it without spoilers...the first love interest turned out to sway towards the 'bad guys'. Well, that happens - I was waiting for them to struggle and for their love to overcome the hurdles, but instead the love-line was abruptly ended in such a ridiculous and immature way that it put me off to an extend that made me abandon the book.
Therefore, this 1 star rating does not reflect upon the work's quality, but is based on personal preference.
-I did not finish this book and will not continue the series, I'm sorry.
June 16, 2016
Got this for free on B&N last week and loved it, had to buy the follow-up the next day. Couldn't put it down -- my favorite kind of book! The action and love interests are super hot, there's a lot of humor in the book along with some more intense scenes, and I loved loved loved all the mystical knowledge that gets woven throughout the story. Great story, can't wait for book three to come out! I'm in my mid-twenties, I'd say it's a perfect read for anyone over anyone over 13, adults included.
October 12, 2019
This book took me a little bit to get into. But as I read on it just kept getting better. It took a good part of the book to get super into it but that was a good thing, we weren't just thrown into it.
Overall I'm excited to pick up the 2nd one and learn about these characters
Overall I'm excited to pick up the 2nd one and learn about these characters
March 16, 2016
Amazing read, love the action and characters. Tons of great folklore, love interest, and plain old fun. Kept my attention the whole time, can't wait for the next one!
July 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. it was nicely descriptive and the story was smooth
December 9, 2016
this book was great
June 29, 2021
So, I feel like it started off a little slow. It seemed to take a good minute to get into anything but once it did, I knew I was hooked. Each chapter definitely got better and more exciting and the pace started to pick up once we hit about halfway. But then I felt like the ending was too soon. As I was reading and saw it getting to 90%, 94%, 97%, 99%... I was just expecting a little more. But it was still great! Definitely an exciting read.
Siri was alright. I don't love her but I don't dislike her either. Although she's strong willed and I know she'll do anything for the people she loves and cares about. She thinks for her own (not being swayed on her thoughts of Rowan for one). So I reckon she'll definitely grow on me.
Rowan I am not a fan of at all. Red flags from almost the beginning of their relationship... I mean, you'd barely been with the girl and you're getting way too jealous and your moods with her switch so quickly. You don't own her, she can be friends with other guys and she doesn't have to tell you everything either. Add to that he's a darkling (I'm sorry, but I didn't buy his bullshit of choosing the light once he's 18, and I just know he won't now they've broke up).
Alec, I like. I'm team Alec 100%! He just seems like better fit for her... From what we've seen so far anyway.
I love Amber and Vala so much! I definitely need more of them both in the next book.
So overall, I'm really enjoying this and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of them. I loved the slight Norse influence too and how it's been added onto the story with the fae. I think it's been done really well.
Loved it and excited to see where it goes. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Siri was alright. I don't love her but I don't dislike her either. Although she's strong willed and I know she'll do anything for the people she loves and cares about. She thinks for her own (not being swayed on her thoughts of Rowan for one). So I reckon she'll definitely grow on me.
Rowan I am not a fan of at all. Red flags from almost the beginning of their relationship... I mean, you'd barely been with the girl and you're getting way too jealous and your moods with her switch so quickly. You don't own her, she can be friends with other guys and she doesn't have to tell you everything either. Add to that he's a darkling (I'm sorry, but I didn't buy his bullshit of choosing the light once he's 18, and I just know he won't now they've broke up).
Alec, I like. I'm team Alec 100%! He just seems like better fit for her... From what we've seen so far anyway.
I love Amber and Vala so much! I definitely need more of them both in the next book.
So overall, I'm really enjoying this and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of them. I loved the slight Norse influence too and how it's been added onto the story with the fae. I think it's been done really well.
Loved it and excited to see where it goes. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
June 29, 2021
Exciting read!
Started off a little slow. It seemed to take a good minute to get into anything but once it did, I knew I was hooked. Each chapter definitely got better and more exciting and the pace started to pick up once we hit about halfway, but thnm I felt the end was too soon. As I was reading and saw it getting to 90%, 94%, 97%, 99%... I was just expecting a little more. But it was still great! Definitely an exciting read.
Siri was alright. I don't love her but I don't dislike her either. Although she's strong willed and I know she'll do anything for the people she loves and cares about. She thinks for her own (not being swayed on her thoughts of Rowan for one). So I reckon she'll definitely grow on me.
Rowan I am not a fan of at all. Red flags from almost the beginning of their relationship... I mean, you'd barely been with the girl and you're getting way too jealous and your moods with her switch so quickly. You don't own her, she can be friends with other guys and she doesn't have to tell you everything either. Add to that he's a darkling (I'm sorry, but I didn't buy his bullshit of choosing the light once he's 18, and I just know he won't now they've broke up).
Alec, I like. I'm team Alec 100%! He just seems like better fit for her... From what we've seen so far anyway.
I love Amber and Vala so much! I definitely need more of them both in the next book.
So overall, I'm really enjoying this and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of them. I loved the slight Norse influence too and how it's been added onto the story with the fae. I think it's been done really well.
Loved it and excited to see where it goes. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Started off a little slow. It seemed to take a good minute to get into anything but once it did, I knew I was hooked. Each chapter definitely got better and more exciting and the pace started to pick up once we hit about halfway, but thnm I felt the end was too soon. As I was reading and saw it getting to 90%, 94%, 97%, 99%... I was just expecting a little more. But it was still great! Definitely an exciting read.
Siri was alright. I don't love her but I don't dislike her either. Although she's strong willed and I know she'll do anything for the people she loves and cares about. She thinks for her own (not being swayed on her thoughts of Rowan for one). So I reckon she'll definitely grow on me.
Rowan I am not a fan of at all. Red flags from almost the beginning of their relationship... I mean, you'd barely been with the girl and you're getting way too jealous and your moods with her switch so quickly. You don't own her, she can be friends with other guys and she doesn't have to tell you everything either. Add to that he's a darkling (I'm sorry, but I didn't buy his bullshit of choosing the light once he's 18, and I just know he won't now they've broke up).
Alec, I like. I'm team Alec 100%! He just seems like better fit for her... From what we've seen so far anyway.
I love Amber and Vala so much! I definitely need more of them both in the next book.
So overall, I'm really enjoying this and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of them. I loved the slight Norse influence too and how it's been added onto the story with the fae. I think it's been done really well.
Loved it and excited to see where it goes. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
September 30, 2019
Audio version review:
Teenage Siri has spent her life moving from place to place all over the world. When her mom and her settle in Vermont, she finally feels like she found a place to call home. It doesn't hurt that she meets a cute guy right off the bat that likes her just as much as she likes him. But shortly after her arrival she starts having visions of catastrophic disasters around the world. When she confesses this to her mom, she learns that she is descended from fae warriors - which explains why her mom has been teaching her various forms of martial arts since she was little. Before she really has a chance to find her feet in this new world, a family dinner at her boyfriend's house leads to her mother being kidnapped by the dark fae and puts her on the run. Despite being from a dark family, Rowan, her boyfriend, helps her escape and find someone that can help her. This leads to her discovering more about her heritage and meeting up with a light warrior, Alec, who will take her to Valhalla where she gets to meet her father. I loved how the author mixed in bits of history and mythology into the story. This is a coming of age story with a love triangle that is good for all ages.
The narrator is great to listen to and does a great job with the voices, especially of Miko, the talking squirrel. My only complaint is there are quite a few times where parts of sentences are repeated or cut off at the end of the sentence. But this bad editing doesn't detract from the overall story.
Teenage Siri has spent her life moving from place to place all over the world. When her mom and her settle in Vermont, she finally feels like she found a place to call home. It doesn't hurt that she meets a cute guy right off the bat that likes her just as much as she likes him. But shortly after her arrival she starts having visions of catastrophic disasters around the world. When she confesses this to her mom, she learns that she is descended from fae warriors - which explains why her mom has been teaching her various forms of martial arts since she was little. Before she really has a chance to find her feet in this new world, a family dinner at her boyfriend's house leads to her mother being kidnapped by the dark fae and puts her on the run. Despite being from a dark family, Rowan, her boyfriend, helps her escape and find someone that can help her. This leads to her discovering more about her heritage and meeting up with a light warrior, Alec, who will take her to Valhalla where she gets to meet her father. I loved how the author mixed in bits of history and mythology into the story. This is a coming of age story with a love triangle that is good for all ages.
The narrator is great to listen to and does a great job with the voices, especially of Miko, the talking squirrel. My only complaint is there are quite a few times where parts of sentences are repeated or cut off at the end of the sentence. But this bad editing doesn't detract from the overall story.
March 24, 2018
After Suri moves to Vermont from Arizona, its not just the weather she will need to get used to. Just a typical high school with her everyday teen problems, Oh and lets not forget about the visions she's having. Dark, light, fae? And she thought dealing with two handsome boys were here biggest problems. Little does she know of the war and she must ultimately take.
I totally loved the old legends in this story. But not something too heavy, but a wonderful change from what I normally read. Yes, its a young adult book with teen drama, but enough that it's a great read for any adult. I did like how the author wrote the book. She grabbed me enough to hold on and keep them pages turning. The book definitely intrigued me and I am looking forward to reading more. I gave this a four star read and looking up the next in the series.
Reviewer For Romance Authors That Rock
I totally loved the old legends in this story. But not something too heavy, but a wonderful change from what I normally read. Yes, its a young adult book with teen drama, but enough that it's a great read for any adult. I did like how the author wrote the book. She grabbed me enough to hold on and keep them pages turning. The book definitely intrigued me and I am looking forward to reading more. I gave this a four star read and looking up the next in the series.
Reviewer For Romance Authors That Rock
October 8, 2019
Shades of Valhalla (Inner Origins, #1). My first WOW read/listen from author Ellis Logan. I got this book back in November of 2017 and somehow never got around to reading it until I was given an Audible copy of the book & now I’m voluntarily reviewing it & since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Maya Cointreau’s narration added to the well-written book's enjoyment. A well written, interesting read, with intriguing, well-developed characters. I need to get Fates of Midgard (Inner Origins, #2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 13, 2021
This book was amazing! Wow! The romance was truly intoxicating... you couldn't help but wonder about think about your own love life in the process!
I would definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the second book in this series!
I would definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the second book in this series!
September 26, 2019
a girl learns she is a fae and on top of that has to choose between light or dark. To further complicated things there is a prophecy.
August 5, 2020
This book is thriller and is amazing
June 17, 2021
Gréât read
Fabulous book. Really keeps you on edge. Action packed but it’s great and I love it. Can’t wait to continue
Fabulous book. Really keeps you on edge. Action packed but it’s great and I love it. Can’t wait to continue
September 11, 2021
🔸 4 stars🔸
December 29, 2020
Great start. Didn't like how it went with Rowan but thats fine. The story is good.
January 27, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
***may contain spoilers***
I went into this book not sure I would like it. I read the synopsis about the worlds between two different fae's and thought I might DNF. But, I was intrigued about the fight between good and bad, the light fae and the dark fae, and the one girl who would have to make a choice.
Siri was a bad ass, martial arts, ass kicking character and I often found myself wishing I had her kind of stamina, her kind of way about life, and the way about her that made her not give a crap about anything that didn't really concern her. In the beginning, I often kept asking myself why her mother started teaching her these skills when she was barely 1 year old. She was learning different fighting techniques even I have never heard of. Then the visions started. I was like great, the girl is gonna go nuts lol.
Siri seemed to flow through the new changes in her life. With moving....again....to even making friends seemed to come so natural to her. The only thing I really kinda screamed "really??" About was how on her first date with Rowan, it was a full out make out session. Psh, even as an adult, if I went out on a first date, I'd be so shy that that kind of makeout session wouldn't happen haha. Even as a teenager though, I don't think I've ever done that. But I digress lol
Siri soon found out she was a light fae, the good guys, and the visions she was having were premonitions of the future and the leader of the dark fae, the bad guys, was speaking to her through them. She and her mom were soon captured but Siri escaped thanks to Rowan. She met up with two other light fae and travelled to see her father, the head of the light fae....all the in the meantime, falling for one of her new companions.
I must say, I really did get into this book. I read it quickly and kept page turning to find out what was going to happen next. I have already purchased the next book and plan to finish the series out by the end of the weekend. The author did really well with getting me into the story and the character development. A big thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review this!!
***may contain spoilers***
I went into this book not sure I would like it. I read the synopsis about the worlds between two different fae's and thought I might DNF. But, I was intrigued about the fight between good and bad, the light fae and the dark fae, and the one girl who would have to make a choice.
Siri was a bad ass, martial arts, ass kicking character and I often found myself wishing I had her kind of stamina, her kind of way about life, and the way about her that made her not give a crap about anything that didn't really concern her. In the beginning, I often kept asking myself why her mother started teaching her these skills when she was barely 1 year old. She was learning different fighting techniques even I have never heard of. Then the visions started. I was like great, the girl is gonna go nuts lol.
Siri seemed to flow through the new changes in her life. With moving....again....to even making friends seemed to come so natural to her. The only thing I really kinda screamed "really??" About was how on her first date with Rowan, it was a full out make out session. Psh, even as an adult, if I went out on a first date, I'd be so shy that that kind of makeout session wouldn't happen haha. Even as a teenager though, I don't think I've ever done that. But I digress lol
Siri soon found out she was a light fae, the good guys, and the visions she was having were premonitions of the future and the leader of the dark fae, the bad guys, was speaking to her through them. She and her mom were soon captured but Siri escaped thanks to Rowan. She met up with two other light fae and travelled to see her father, the head of the light fae....all the in the meantime, falling for one of her new companions.
I must say, I really did get into this book. I read it quickly and kept page turning to find out what was going to happen next. I have already purchased the next book and plan to finish the series out by the end of the weekend. The author did really well with getting me into the story and the character development. A big thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews