Heart & Shadow

Valkyrie #1-2

by Amanda Hocking

GAME OF THRONES MEETS BLADE RUNNER IN THIS YA FANTASY DUOLOGY INSPIRED BY NORSE MYTHOLOGY FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AMANDA HOCKING.

Between the Blade and the Heart

WHEN THE FATE OF THE WORLD IS AT STAKE, LOYALTIES WILL BE TESTED. As one of Odin's Valkyries, Malin's greatest responsibility is to slay immortals and return them to the underworld. But when she unearths a secret that could unravel the balance of all she knows, Malin along with her best friend and her ex-girlfriend must decide where their loyalties lie. And if helping the blue-eyed boy Asher enact his revenge is worth the risk―to the world and her heart.

From the Earth to the Shadows

SHE WILL SAVE THE WORLD OR DIE TRYING. While dealing with dark revelations about her life and her world, Malin Krigarie finds herself with new allies--and new enemies. Her quest for the truth leads her to places she never thought possible, and she's never been one to shy away from a fight. But for all her strength and determination, will it be enough to rescue the people she cares about and save the world before it's too late?

Genres: Fantasy, LGBT, Young Adult, Mythology

768 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2019

About the author

AMANDA HOCKING is the author of over twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle Trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influence her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book.

Several of her books have made the New York Times Bestsellers list. Her zombie series, The Hollows, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dynamite. She has published over twenty novels, including The Kanin Chronicles, the Watersong quartet, My Blood Approves series, the Valkyrie duology, and Freeks .
For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her:

Website: www.hockingbooks.com
Amazon Author Page: Amanda Hocking
Patreon: Amanda Hocking
Instagram: @amanda_hocking
BlueSky: AmandaHocking.bsky.social
Threads: @amanda_hocking
YouTube: aehocking
Facebook: Amanda Hocking Fans
Etsy: Hocking Books by Amanda
TikTok: @amanda_hocking
Goodreads: Amanda Hocking
Spotify : Amanda Hocking

Reviews

[Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book. There was a large cast of characters, most of whom had complex emotional struggles/situations. I liked how different gods and mythological creatures and spells from all over the world are incorporated. It was a cool adventure.

The plot was a little bit predictable and the discussion on "free will" vs "fate" was a bit overdone but I'm not upset about it. It feels epic and wide-reaching.

[Kate’s Book Spot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually fly through books by this author but this one sadly didn’t grab my attention like the others did.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with them back to back it was hard for me to go on to the second one. Still enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Ginna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think each book individually I would give a 3.5 but as a series and bind up, I’ll give this a 4.

I liked this mix of fantasy and a modern world ish. While I was a bit annoyed with the insta-love, the romance was kind of my favorite thing??? That sounds ridiculous. Anyways, plot wise this was good. I think the biggest reason I struggled was that it all felt so rushed. The romance (literally just mentioned insta-love cause I’m a redundant gal who just loves to talk about books), the Norse mythical elements, magic, world etc. I just wished it had all been more flushed out. Maybe that’s just me. That all being said, when I did pick it up to read, I couldn’t put it down. It was easy to digest, fun and enjoyable.

Overall, this was a swell time.

[Caitlin Mcnamee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Hocking has outdone herself. I picked this up after seeing the two books as separate, and having already read a series by her, thought it might be worth it. Glad I did, too. I liked the tension between Malin and Asher. I liked Samael. I liked the Valkyrie mythology references. I liked Odin, even when he was a total douche. I liked Kurnugia, the immortals dwelling within. I liked the ending, and how the concept of free will became a thing, rather than let it be the will of the Gods. The Vanir gods are interesting, Frigg being the writer of all things in the world. Interesting about the Drawing of the Nine. I definitely find this book well worth the five stars.

[Jennifer Brands · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this but found the second to be dragging. Also, I feel that the battle that was building throughout the entire book was ended badly. I wish that there was more closure for Malin in regards to Marlow as well but I do understand the choice for the ending. Overall, I did enjoy it but would not read it again.

[Fatima. B · Rating 2 out of 5]

70% percent of the book was the description of different creatures and 30% was the story. If she had stuck to a certain amount of creatures it would have been easier to follow. Also the story was just plain and frankly quite pointless.

[Many books Little time · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. I couldn't put it down, and when I had too I couldn't wait to get back to it

[mackenzie m · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just remembered that I read this like 3 years ago

[Valerie Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 because the ending felt a tiny bit abrupt, but I enjoyed it!

[Heer Odedara · Rating 2 out of 5]

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