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The Viking Assassin #2
City of Vikings
Nora Hunt is the last of her kind from an aristocratic bloodline of Viking assassins. She is chosen by the Norse gods, to carry the map of nine Viking worlds, Yggdrasil, which is tattooed on her back. Nora was blessed by the gods with rare gifts and will become powerful when she finds the assassin weapons. With her unique gifts, she must serve and protect the Goth Empire – the oldest standing Viking monarchy, from its enemy – Verans. Her mission as assassin is to get to City of Vikings, where her father is in exile and discover the powerful Viking weapons before the enemy. The Goth Empire is in danger from Verans – who hold possession of the artifacts that call for Yggdrasil and are getting closer in finding the cryptic symbols that will open the gates to the nine worlds. The battle for Yggdrasil is about to begin. Who will rule the nine worlds of the Vikings? With a confined monarchy and weak senate trusting her to liberate them, and a heart devoted to her sworn enemy, which side will Nora chose? And will she discover the assassin weapons and win the perilous battle for the worlds of the Vikings?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2017
70 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Farah Cook
5 books444 followersHello Goodreaders.
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Here's my official bio:
"Farah Cook was born in Denmark, in the land of the Vikings. She grew up in Copenhagen, and had a rich and highly imaginary childhood spending most of her time outdoors. At the age of twelve, she began writing several short stories to fuel her passion for storytelling. Farah graduated with a BA in Political Science from Lund University in Sweden and MA in Arts from London Metropolitan University. She has lived in many countries, including Germany and New Zealand, but settled in London where she worked as a marketing manager for large financial conglomerates.
Her passion for storytelling remained, and at night she started to write all the things she’d imagine, and her novel City of Skies is the first book in the Viking Assassin Series. Farah lives in Guildford, just outside London with her husband Christopher, and their two sons Benjamin and Noah. She speaks six languages fluently including Danish, Swedish and German and writes full-time while doing a course in Creative Writing at the University of Surrey."
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Please sign up for my newsletter to hear the latest news about my upcoming books:
http://eepurl.com/csUdoj
You can sign up for my newsletter to hear the latest news about my upcoming books:
http://eepurl.com/csUdoj
www.farahcook.com
Here's my official bio:
"Farah Cook was born in Denmark, in the land of the Vikings. She grew up in Copenhagen, and had a rich and highly imaginary childhood spending most of her time outdoors. At the age of twelve, she began writing several short stories to fuel her passion for storytelling. Farah graduated with a BA in Political Science from Lund University in Sweden and MA in Arts from London Metropolitan University. She has lived in many countries, including Germany and New Zealand, but settled in London where she worked as a marketing manager for large financial conglomerates.
Her passion for storytelling remained, and at night she started to write all the things she’d imagine, and her novel City of Skies is the first book in the Viking Assassin Series. Farah lives in Guildford, just outside London with her husband Christopher, and their two sons Benjamin and Noah. She speaks six languages fluently including Danish, Swedish and German and writes full-time while doing a course in Creative Writing at the University of Surrey."
Book blog:
www.shadowislands.com
I have a blog:
http://www.shadowislands.com/ya-ficti...
and a Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Farah-Cook-A...
and a Twitter:
www.twitter.com/authorfarah
Please sign up for my newsletter to hear the latest news about my upcoming books:
http://eepurl.com/csUdoj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 21, 2017
City of Vikings had me hooked from the start, the world Farah Cook have created is a perfect blend of fantasy and dystopia.
The colorful descriptions are breathtaking and makes the story come alive, the plot is fast-paced and intriguing, (especially for those who love Norse mythology) and leaves you wanting to know even more about Norse mythology, Nora Hunt, and the world she lives in.
My favourite thing about this book has to be the characters. Nora is fearless, loyal, and down to earth. Frederick is kinda arrogant, and cocky, I can't help but love him. I totally ship them. 💙Fredora 💙
This story have everything I look for in a book, and I can't wait to see what will happen next!
The colorful descriptions are breathtaking and makes the story come alive, the plot is fast-paced and intriguing, (especially for those who love Norse mythology) and leaves you wanting to know even more about Norse mythology, Nora Hunt, and the world she lives in.
My favourite thing about this book has to be the characters. Nora is fearless, loyal, and down to earth. Frederick is kinda arrogant, and cocky, I can't help but love him. I totally ship them. 💙Fredora 💙
This story have everything I look for in a book, and I can't wait to see what will happen next!
August 28, 2017
Wow, I have no words, the sequel was so much better than the first, and that is rare to find!
Farah Cook has done it again with her character development. In the first book we see Nora being stubborn and strong willed, she obviously doesn't need no hero to save her, there are also times where she saves Fredrick! But in this sequel, we see a more soft side to Nora, her love for Fredrick, her admiration for Magnus, her protectiveness for Helena and even her complex relationship with her mother Karen. Nora as a character has grown so much and it's something that I loved about this book.
Fredrick, oh I'll always love him, even if he lies and doesn't tell Nora what he knows or secrets, he is frustrating and stubborn just like the first book, but he has also grown mature, less arrogant and that's nice, we still see glimpse but I like this new Fredrick and it's wonderful
The plot was divine, perfect balance between giving us details and action, we see how Nora goes on her journey of self-discovery and seeking the ancient Viking assassin weapons, now that she has found out her true purpose in life, we see how much she accepts this fate but also how she questions it as times too. But before she can seek the weapons she must first find the place where it is hidden, the City of Vikings, where apparently is where her father is exiled. Nora must fearless go through many dangers, face unlikely creatures, and seek help from her friends, and sometimes her enemies to get what she wants.
How it all turned out in the end was amazing, it's not fully resolved, which I can't wait to read the next one, but what we do experience is breath-taking and keeps you on the edge of your seat at every turn. Every secret, every kiss, every confession of love, every betrayal was beautifully written and set at a perfect pace. We even experience a love square at one point, which was definitely unexpected but not unlike.
So, definitely happy how it turned out, and the revelation we get at the very last page and I can see more action and drama in the following part, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Received an ebook copy of the book from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you heaps Farah!
Farah Cook has done it again with her character development. In the first book we see Nora being stubborn and strong willed, she obviously doesn't need no hero to save her, there are also times where she saves Fredrick! But in this sequel, we see a more soft side to Nora, her love for Fredrick, her admiration for Magnus, her protectiveness for Helena and even her complex relationship with her mother Karen. Nora as a character has grown so much and it's something that I loved about this book.
Fredrick, oh I'll always love him, even if he lies and doesn't tell Nora what he knows or secrets, he is frustrating and stubborn just like the first book, but he has also grown mature, less arrogant and that's nice, we still see glimpse but I like this new Fredrick and it's wonderful
The plot was divine, perfect balance between giving us details and action, we see how Nora goes on her journey of self-discovery and seeking the ancient Viking assassin weapons, now that she has found out her true purpose in life, we see how much she accepts this fate but also how she questions it as times too. But before she can seek the weapons she must first find the place where it is hidden, the City of Vikings, where apparently is where her father is exiled. Nora must fearless go through many dangers, face unlikely creatures, and seek help from her friends, and sometimes her enemies to get what she wants.
How it all turned out in the end was amazing, it's not fully resolved, which I can't wait to read the next one, but what we do experience is breath-taking and keeps you on the edge of your seat at every turn. Every secret, every kiss, every confession of love, every betrayal was beautifully written and set at a perfect pace. We even experience a love square at one point, which was definitely unexpected but not unlike.
So, definitely happy how it turned out, and the revelation we get at the very last page and I can see more action and drama in the following part, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Received an ebook copy of the book from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you heaps Farah!
July 3, 2017
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Farah Cook. Thank you!!
This book was a great follow-up to the previous novel, City of Skies, where the characters are introduced and what their purposes are. In this novel, things take a darker turn, and nothing is as it seems. Betrayals and secrets are around every corner and the main character, Nora Hunt, cannot trust anyone. Everyone has their own agenda and Nora is at the center of all this. Nora is conflicted over many things, especially her feelings for, Fredrick, a Veran and the enemy of the Goths.
Nora has been selected into the Elite Raiders, more specifically, the Jarl Raiders lead by Marcus. Nora begins to discover many things hidden to her, like the fact that she is actually a Viking assassin, destined to protect the king. She has the tree, Yggdrasil, tattooed onto her back which is a map to the artifacts and can release evil onto the nine world. However, it is encrypted to keep the locations a secret. She needs to find the artifacts that will help her defeat the darkness from the Verans.
However, she cannot stop her feelings for Fredrick, who no matter how hard she tries to deny her feelings of love, cannot. Fredrick has his own battles to fight and puts his family above everything else, which hurts Nora because she knows he loves her. Fredrick keeps secrets from Nora and she knows she cannot trust him.
Everyone wants to use Nora is someway, which makes her angry as well as the secrets they keep. She needs to find the City of Vikings and speak with her father to discover the truth about her gifts and destiny. Nora’s journey through the novel takes her to discovering various plots, even one with intent to kill her as well as trying to find the location of the City of Vikings. Eventually, Nora travels to the City of Vikings and Fredrick follows her. Together, they face many obstacles and dangers, but they reignite the love they both feel for each other and eventually reach the city. However, nothing is as it seems and Nora finds herself with more questions rather than answers. The novel ends on a bit of cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!!
This book was a great follow-up to the previous novel, City of Skies, where the characters are introduced and what their purposes are. In this novel, things take a darker turn, and nothing is as it seems. Betrayals and secrets are around every corner and the main character, Nora Hunt, cannot trust anyone. Everyone has their own agenda and Nora is at the center of all this. Nora is conflicted over many things, especially her feelings for, Fredrick, a Veran and the enemy of the Goths.
Nora has been selected into the Elite Raiders, more specifically, the Jarl Raiders lead by Marcus. Nora begins to discover many things hidden to her, like the fact that she is actually a Viking assassin, destined to protect the king. She has the tree, Yggdrasil, tattooed onto her back which is a map to the artifacts and can release evil onto the nine world. However, it is encrypted to keep the locations a secret. She needs to find the artifacts that will help her defeat the darkness from the Verans.
However, she cannot stop her feelings for Fredrick, who no matter how hard she tries to deny her feelings of love, cannot. Fredrick has his own battles to fight and puts his family above everything else, which hurts Nora because she knows he loves her. Fredrick keeps secrets from Nora and she knows she cannot trust him.
Everyone wants to use Nora is someway, which makes her angry as well as the secrets they keep. She needs to find the City of Vikings and speak with her father to discover the truth about her gifts and destiny. Nora’s journey through the novel takes her to discovering various plots, even one with intent to kill her as well as trying to find the location of the City of Vikings. Eventually, Nora travels to the City of Vikings and Fredrick follows her. Together, they face many obstacles and dangers, but they reignite the love they both feel for each other and eventually reach the city. However, nothing is as it seems and Nora finds herself with more questions rather than answers. The novel ends on a bit of cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!!
July 3, 2017
The first book as good this one was amazing!!! I can't wait for more !
November 2, 2017
Delighted to have been offered a copy of the first book. I immediately purchased book 2 after reading book 1 and It was unputdownable. Read both books back to back and they are just a rollercoaster of a ride.
I'm not that up on Norse mythology or vikings so found the book intriguing. The setting and world building were spot on. There were curveballs and love triangles, and epic adventures. The female protagonist is likeable, the antagonist is likeable but I've got a feeling that may change. The other love interest seems nice. And the antagonists dad reminds me of Draco malfoys dad in Harry Potter, he just oozes evil.
Would highly recommend this to YA readers and fans of dystopian and fantasy novels.
Can't wait for book 3. Had an adventurous evening in an amazing fantasy land. Pity I had to leave
I'm not that up on Norse mythology or vikings so found the book intriguing. The setting and world building were spot on. There were curveballs and love triangles, and epic adventures. The female protagonist is likeable, the antagonist is likeable but I've got a feeling that may change. The other love interest seems nice. And the antagonists dad reminds me of Draco malfoys dad in Harry Potter, he just oozes evil.
Would highly recommend this to YA readers and fans of dystopian and fantasy novels.
Can't wait for book 3. Had an adventurous evening in an amazing fantasy land. Pity I had to leave
July 24, 2017
This book is absolutely amazing!! As soon as I got this ARC copy from the author, I emediately started devouring it! I had been highly anticipating it. I quickly put aside any other book(s) I had been reading. When I got to the end I couldn't believe what happened! I did not want it to end! Now I will be on pins and needles until I can read the next one! Farah Cook's writing is very descriptive. I can easily imagine the characters and scenery. I can put myself in the shoes of the protagonist and feel what she was feeling as described. Ms Cook's imagination seems limitless. I'm completely blown away!
July 29, 2017
I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
This book took me forever to read. There were times where I would get really into it, but then they would taper off into kind of boring parts. The writing is kind of choppy and doesn't flow. It feels like the author really thought out the plot but the actual writing is hard to read. She constantly contradicts herself. Something will be happening across the room and then it will suddenly be happening somewhere else. Overall it was good, but it could be better.
This book took me forever to read. There were times where I would get really into it, but then they would taper off into kind of boring parts. The writing is kind of choppy and doesn't flow. It feels like the author really thought out the plot but the actual writing is hard to read. She constantly contradicts herself. Something will be happening across the room and then it will suddenly be happening somewhere else. Overall it was good, but it could be better.
August 1, 2017
Another fantastic book in the Viking assassin series. I was hooked from the start! It builds upon the story in the first book and delves deeper into Nora’s abilities. It feels as though you are learning with Nora about what she is capable of achieving - it's very exciting! The descriptions in the book are engrossing with a fast paced story. Can't wait for the next book.
July 26, 2017
This is the second book in The Viking Assassin. It starts where we left off from book 1 and gives a brief overview. Nora takes us on another action packed adventure and we learn more about Nora and what her purpose is. Look forward to the next instalment.
July 9, 2017
This is an ARC book I am doing an honest review on for the author Farah Cook.
I really liked the brief first section of the book; which covers a brief reminder of the first book in the series, CITY OF SKIES. I have a slightly irritating memory problem and therefore this brief review on the first book is a total Godsend.
Ok, onto the book itself.
Expect to be impressed! This book flows seamlessley straight on from book 1. We learn the reason why the main character, Nora Hunt, has a back with an amazing and strange tattoo on it (a tattoo which communicates with Nora - yes, that is what I said! It really messes with her head). We learn why her life has been turned upside down, with a change of address and a serious change in status. We learn about her sudden need for super secrets; super dangerous secrets. And we find out why her skills set has dramatically increased. All this and more is in store for us lucky readers. Gosh I sound like a TV advert! :)
Seriously tho, this book's plot gathers pace from the first page, scooping you up, and not letting you go till your eyes are popping out!
I really liked the brief first section of the book; which covers a brief reminder of the first book in the series, CITY OF SKIES. I have a slightly irritating memory problem and therefore this brief review on the first book is a total Godsend.
Ok, onto the book itself.
Expect to be impressed! This book flows seamlessley straight on from book 1. We learn the reason why the main character, Nora Hunt, has a back with an amazing and strange tattoo on it (a tattoo which communicates with Nora - yes, that is what I said! It really messes with her head). We learn why her life has been turned upside down, with a change of address and a serious change in status. We learn about her sudden need for super secrets; super dangerous secrets. And we find out why her skills set has dramatically increased. All this and more is in store for us lucky readers. Gosh I sound like a TV advert! :)
Seriously tho, this book's plot gathers pace from the first page, scooping you up, and not letting you go till your eyes are popping out!
September 29, 2017
I loved this book. It’s a great tale and very entertaining. Hope there is a third book in the works as the characters are developing so much.
July 20, 2017
We join Nora Hunt following the events in City of Skies. She is about to join the Jarl raiders after discovering she is an assassin who is fated to protect and serve the monarchy. In order for her to truly know her role she has to seek her father, Robert Hunt who is located in the City of Vikings. This book is action packed and very engaging. I loved the Norse mythology that is employed in the book. I am excited for the next book so that I can see what is next.
July 8, 2017
*I received this book as an ARC copy*
This book reminded me why I love to read books so much. It had a great mixture of hero, love, and plot. Nora Hunt is now one of my favorite hero's because as the story progressed there was so much emotion and so much action that I couldn't help but wish this book never ended. I recommend this book for people who liked The Immortal Instruments series and the Percy Jackson series as it has some of the same elements.
This book reminded me why I love to read books so much. It had a great mixture of hero, love, and plot. Nora Hunt is now one of my favorite hero's because as the story progressed there was so much emotion and so much action that I couldn't help but wish this book never ended. I recommend this book for people who liked The Immortal Instruments series and the Percy Jackson series as it has some of the same elements.
July 8, 2017
really like this series. It's different then most of the stories out there. With a mix of the future and the past. Fantastic characters. Very fast paced. Even a few twist here and there. I definitely recommend this book and series. I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you Farah for another great read.
July 9, 2017
Nora Hunt continues her destiny, this book swept me away with the intrigue, warring, secrets, and one true love or ... Read and find out what happens next. I know I fell in love with Nora and others in the book also. Farah has out did herself on this next chapter in Nora Hunts life. Norse vikings rock.
October 4, 2017
Wish i could give this more than five stars it was amazing . Imagine that you are the last of your line but its a fantastic heritage with endless possibilities , stronger , faster & with powers yet undiscovered. From outsider & mocked to elite warrior & feared , the only cloud on the horizon is the boy you love but aren't sure of his motives . They say opposites attract & they don't get more opposite than Nora & Frederick , a plot that keeps you wanting more & an ending that makes you beg for the next book , brilliant series from Farah Cook .
December 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book for a honest review.
Wow just wow. This book was amazing. Nora still had to go through so much in her young life. She is brave and a badass. I love her love for Fredrick. The end left me shocked and wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Wow just wow. This book was amazing. Nora still had to go through so much in her young life. She is brave and a badass. I love her love for Fredrick. The end left me shocked and wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 23, 2017
totally loved this book I love the way it ties in nicely from the 1st book and it has left me biting my nails waiting for the 3rd installment
September 17, 2017
This is the second book and having read the first I was keen to read it. It certainly didn't disappoint with new characters being introduced and surprises all the way.
August 31, 2017
MA CHRONIQUE
I just finished reading the final version of City of Vikings, and I got to say I liked it so much more than the ARC. The love triangle, which I didn't really like, has been erased a bit, the repetitive mention of Nora's identity has also been removed, and I really appreciated that. As these details were the parts that really bothered me, I found I enjoyed this book so much more.
I was really surprised by the cliffhanger at the end, and I really can't wait to read the third book in the series!
REVIEW OF THE ARC
I rated this book 3/5 stars and I feel terrible about it because I truly wanted to give it more. I loved City of Skies so much, and had so many expectations for City of Vikings but it unfortunately didn't meet them...
It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I genuinely did, but there were just so many things that I annoyed me throughout the entire book. One of them is the fact that Nora is a Viking Assassin, member of the Goth clan, bearer of the map of Yggdrasil etc... is repeated TOO MANY TIMES. I mean, I get it that she's special, but at some point it felt too much. I've never been the kind of person to notice this sort of things, but I did here.
My other problem was the love triangle and the romance in general throughout the book. I saw the love triangle coming. I hoped it wouldn't come to that, but it did.. and I'm honestly getting tired of this trope. And I didn't see the point in adding one to this series, because it is just fine without it! The romance also became way too important in this book. It's not really the dynamic between Nora and Frederik that bothered me, because it was really amazing, but more the fact that she just couldn't stop thinking about him and her feelings and how to deal with all of this. I really liked the fact that she (finally) acknowledged her love for him, but at some point in the book it felt like it was the most important thing in the series when it's not...
Again, I got frustrated by how short the book is. The story is honestly amazing, has been since the first book, but I feel like we need more. I always get the feeling that we rush through things too fact, and we don't even have time to realize what's going on that the book is over... sigh
Despite all that, I really enjoyed reading City of Vikings. We got so many answers and the story is still as amazing and addictive as it was in the first book, but I guess it wasn't enough for me to enjoy it as much.
Nonetheless, I am truly excited to find out what happens in the third book, which I will definitely be reading when it comes out (or as an ARC if I still get the chance).
I just finished reading the final version of City of Vikings, and I got to say I liked it so much more than the ARC. The love triangle, which I didn't really like, has been erased a bit, the repetitive mention of Nora's identity has also been removed, and I really appreciated that. As these details were the parts that really bothered me, I found I enjoyed this book so much more.
I was really surprised by the cliffhanger at the end, and I really can't wait to read the third book in the series!
REVIEW OF THE ARC
I rated this book 3/5 stars and I feel terrible about it because I truly wanted to give it more. I loved City of Skies so much, and had so many expectations for City of Vikings but it unfortunately didn't meet them...
It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I genuinely did, but there were just so many things that I annoyed me throughout the entire book. One of them is the fact that Nora is a Viking Assassin, member of the Goth clan, bearer of the map of Yggdrasil etc... is repeated TOO MANY TIMES. I mean, I get it that she's special, but at some point it felt too much. I've never been the kind of person to notice this sort of things, but I did here.
My other problem was the love triangle and the romance in general throughout the book. I saw the love triangle coming. I hoped it wouldn't come to that, but it did.. and I'm honestly getting tired of this trope. And I didn't see the point in adding one to this series, because it is just fine without it! The romance also became way too important in this book. It's not really the dynamic between Nora and Frederik that bothered me, because it was really amazing, but more the fact that she just couldn't stop thinking about him and her feelings and how to deal with all of this. I really liked the fact that she (finally) acknowledged her love for him, but at some point in the book it felt like it was the most important thing in the series when it's not...
Again, I got frustrated by how short the book is. The story is honestly amazing, has been since the first book, but I feel like we need more. I always get the feeling that we rush through things too fact, and we don't even have time to realize what's going on that the book is over... sigh
Despite all that, I really enjoyed reading City of Vikings. We got so many answers and the story is still as amazing and addictive as it was in the first book, but I guess it wasn't enough for me to enjoy it as much.
Nonetheless, I am truly excited to find out what happens in the third book, which I will definitely be reading when it comes out (or as an ARC if I still get the chance).
September 11, 2017
Good read, following the story of Nora Hunt. The author again brings you on an adventurous journey. fast moving,twists and turns. The ending shocks. Can't wait to see what happens.
August 31, 2017
It was a great book! The author held my interest and the mix of the emotions that happened in the first book continued in the 2nd book. You go from frustrated to loving them to happiness. I read the first half in a few hours and had to stop because I needed sleep! I can't wait for the 3rd book :)
August 31, 2017
This viking assassin it's just to good to put down get this one
September 1, 2017
AWESOME READ. LOVED THE BOOK
August 31, 2017
Great second book so many will they, won't they! And beasts and elves and trolls! and that ending my heart can't take it!!!!
August 2, 2017
4.5/5 Stars
Wow. Just.... Wow.
I thought that the first book was awesome. And then I read this continuation and I am floored by how intriguing it is!
In this novel, Farah focuses on the politics of the Elite Raiders and the two Viking clans-the Goths and the Verans. These two clans seem destined to always be enemies, and yet Nora (a Goth) has fallen for a Veran. But ultimately this is not a Romeo and Juliet story. Oh no, it is about Nora finding her place in this world as a Goth, an Elite Raider, and as a descendant of Viking Assassins.
There were many layers to these politics, and Nora tries to peel back all the layers. Especially when most of those politics seem to center around her. I am very happy that the love story subplot did not invade and take over the story. Instead, it wound itself through like a snake and it takes hold when needed.
Readers also finally get to experience a wide variety of the mystical creatures that Raiders deal with in their pursuit of Viking artifacts. I loved that Farah brought so much mythology to this novel and that she explained the creatures in a way that someone unfamiliar with Norse mythology would be able to comprehend.
And now with that ending, I really need more!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the autho in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just.... Wow.
I thought that the first book was awesome. And then I read this continuation and I am floored by how intriguing it is!
In this novel, Farah focuses on the politics of the Elite Raiders and the two Viking clans-the Goths and the Verans. These two clans seem destined to always be enemies, and yet Nora (a Goth) has fallen for a Veran. But ultimately this is not a Romeo and Juliet story. Oh no, it is about Nora finding her place in this world as a Goth, an Elite Raider, and as a descendant of Viking Assassins.
There were many layers to these politics, and Nora tries to peel back all the layers. Especially when most of those politics seem to center around her. I am very happy that the love story subplot did not invade and take over the story. Instead, it wound itself through like a snake and it takes hold when needed.
Readers also finally get to experience a wide variety of the mystical creatures that Raiders deal with in their pursuit of Viking artifacts. I loved that Farah brought so much mythology to this novel and that she explained the creatures in a way that someone unfamiliar with Norse mythology would be able to comprehend.
And now with that ending, I really need more!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the autho in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2017
The fast ride from book 1 continues in this book 2 and with even more twists and turns. It ended all too quickly and can't wait for more books in the series!
July 6, 2017
*** I received an ARC from the author for an honest review***
I gave this book 4 stars. This book is an odd mix of dystopian and fantasy, I can't decide if I like that or not. It's definitely different and I commend the author for this world she has created.
After reading the first book I thought that Frederick was a very polarizing character, he was hot one minute and instantly cold the next and I did still see evidence of that in this book. I liked Frederick a lot more in this book, the relationship between him and Nora was more in depth and we got to see more dies of him and I could actually see why she liked him so much.
What I didn't like was the love triangle that tried to sneak it's way into the story. Every time it came up I just wanted it to stop. This is probably no surprise considering how much I hate love triangles. It wasn't too present or else I would have had to give it a lower rating.
I've noticed that not a lot of relationship development happens between Nora and her friends. They weren't friends and suddenly they were and we don't really know much about her friends other than what clan they're in or other small bits of information.
As of now, I still haven't decided how I feel about Nora. She isn't awful, I don't hate her or even dislike her, but I'm not quite sure that I love her either. I'll have to keep reading the series and see how I feel about her as we go. I feel like she hasn't gone through much character development, she's discovered a lot of new information about herself but that didn't change her very much.
It was also a pretty predictable read, there was a bit of a plot twist/cliffhanger at the end that I guessed beforehand. Overall, it was still something i really enjoyed reading. There was no dragging on my feet while I was reading and I can honestly say that I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I gave this book 4 stars. This book is an odd mix of dystopian and fantasy, I can't decide if I like that or not. It's definitely different and I commend the author for this world she has created.
After reading the first book I thought that Frederick was a very polarizing character, he was hot one minute and instantly cold the next and I did still see evidence of that in this book. I liked Frederick a lot more in this book, the relationship between him and Nora was more in depth and we got to see more dies of him and I could actually see why she liked him so much.
What I didn't like was the love triangle that tried to sneak it's way into the story. Every time it came up I just wanted it to stop. This is probably no surprise considering how much I hate love triangles. It wasn't too present or else I would have had to give it a lower rating.
I've noticed that not a lot of relationship development happens between Nora and her friends. They weren't friends and suddenly they were and we don't really know much about her friends other than what clan they're in or other small bits of information.
As of now, I still haven't decided how I feel about Nora. She isn't awful, I don't hate her or even dislike her, but I'm not quite sure that I love her either. I'll have to keep reading the series and see how I feel about her as we go. I feel like she hasn't gone through much character development, she's discovered a lot of new information about herself but that didn't change her very much.
It was also a pretty predictable read, there was a bit of a plot twist/cliffhanger at the end that I guessed beforehand. Overall, it was still something i really enjoyed reading. There was no dragging on my feet while I was reading and I can honestly say that I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 27, 2018
After finally meeting Karen, her birth mother, at the end of City of Skies, Nora is still reeling from Karen's arrest just after their meeting. Nora is still able to find out more about her heritage before leaving Chelsea and heading back to school.
Becoming part of Jarl of course was her only real choice despite her feelings for Frederick. Nora's morals and duty have always come first and personal desires placed below that even though she now questions things differently the more truths she learns hidden in the layers of politics surrounding her. If there is a final decision to make love or duty, what will Nora ultimately choose?
Her new alegience has its own perils and politics. Who in Jarl can truly be trusted? Marcus for one, Nora is sure. She is truly sure of no one else. She is sure there is someone in Jarl who means her harm. Her only trusted peer, Helena, has gone elsewhere.
One thing Nora does know, some way she must make it back to the Forbidden Zone. She has to continue the search for her father. In the one place she knows in her heart she will find him and the key to the Viking artifacts, the City of Vikings!
This second book in the series flows seamlessly from the first, fills in more gaps in Nora's history, is filled with danger, political intrigue, plot twists, action, magic, Mythology and angst. Ms Cook builds on her dystopian fantasy futureworld, giving us vivid enough decriptions that we can see, touch, scent and step in to it any time we choose. Even if you predict the end you will smile with it and grab the next to discover, as Nora does, where her tale leads from here!
Becoming part of Jarl of course was her only real choice despite her feelings for Frederick. Nora's morals and duty have always come first and personal desires placed below that even though she now questions things differently the more truths she learns hidden in the layers of politics surrounding her. If there is a final decision to make love or duty, what will Nora ultimately choose?
Her new alegience has its own perils and politics. Who in Jarl can truly be trusted? Marcus for one, Nora is sure. She is truly sure of no one else. She is sure there is someone in Jarl who means her harm. Her only trusted peer, Helena, has gone elsewhere.
One thing Nora does know, some way she must make it back to the Forbidden Zone. She has to continue the search for her father. In the one place she knows in her heart she will find him and the key to the Viking artifacts, the City of Vikings!
This second book in the series flows seamlessly from the first, fills in more gaps in Nora's history, is filled with danger, political intrigue, plot twists, action, magic, Mythology and angst. Ms Cook builds on her dystopian fantasy futureworld, giving us vivid enough decriptions that we can see, touch, scent and step in to it any time we choose. Even if you predict the end you will smile with it and grab the next to discover, as Nora does, where her tale leads from here!
July 22, 2017
City of Vikings is a beautifully written sequel to City of Skies. I enjoyed how well this second book dove into the action and detail to Nora’s new life as a Viking Assassin. Full of twists and turns, this story will surely have you eagerly awaiting more. This book has a dystopian feel set in a fantasy world. I would recommend this to teens and adults alike.
Nora has a lot of secrets and revelations she must take in. She has a hard time trying to figure out who she is among all the things people are telling her she must be. I really came to care for Nora is this book. It seems as though no one cares for who she is inside. She has no real friends, beside Helena, and it starts to make her question everything she does. The romance is a big part of the story. Nora and Frederick are back and forth between believing and trusting in one another. Their romance is one of my favorite parts of the story. I wish they could set aside their differences and believe they can make a new future with each other.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story. I will be happily awaiting book three!
I would like to thank the author for granting me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Nora has a lot of secrets and revelations she must take in. She has a hard time trying to figure out who she is among all the things people are telling her she must be. I really came to care for Nora is this book. It seems as though no one cares for who she is inside. She has no real friends, beside Helena, and it starts to make her question everything she does. The romance is a big part of the story. Nora and Frederick are back and forth between believing and trusting in one another. Their romance is one of my favorite parts of the story. I wish they could set aside their differences and believe they can make a new future with each other.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story. I will be happily awaiting book three!
I would like to thank the author for granting me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
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