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NuLife #1
Valhalla
As the top detective in her small Alaskan town, Claire Darrow has seen her fair share of cases. But when a distraught widow comes to Claire with the suspicious details of her husband’s death, Claire is forced into new territory—virtual reality gaming territory.
Following the trail set for her by billionaire playboy, Seth Channing (the owner of NuLife, an exclusive VR gaming company), Claire goes on the adventure of a lifetime into the Viking world of Valhalla.
Caught in a web of secrets, lies, and skeletons from her own closet, Claire heads into a world she never knew existed. Braving treacherous quests and dangerous computer-generated characters is only half the battle as she sets out to collect the details of the case to decipher whether NuLife is behind not one, but three murders.
The line between what's real and what's simulated starts to blur once Claire meets the Viking King, Thorsten, a man so real she has to remind herself he's nothing more than programmed code. And yet Thorsten's emotional compass is so vast, she can't deny her attraction to him. Pretty soon, Claire starts to wonder if she’s playing the game… or if she’s the one being played.
Following the trail set for her by billionaire playboy, Seth Channing (the owner of NuLife, an exclusive VR gaming company), Claire goes on the adventure of a lifetime into the Viking world of Valhalla.
Caught in a web of secrets, lies, and skeletons from her own closet, Claire heads into a world she never knew existed. Braving treacherous quests and dangerous computer-generated characters is only half the battle as she sets out to collect the details of the case to decipher whether NuLife is behind not one, but three murders.
The line between what's real and what's simulated starts to blur once Claire meets the Viking King, Thorsten, a man so real she has to remind herself he's nothing more than programmed code. And yet Thorsten's emotional compass is so vast, she can't deny her attraction to him. Pretty soon, Claire starts to wonder if she’s playing the game… or if she’s the one being played.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
About the author
H.P. Mallory
961 books2,834 followersI’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 11, 2018
LIKE I needed another HP series to obsess over. This book is different from her other books but it is really really good. This one has a mystery element to it... and possibility of a big bad corporation... I mean maybe???? We don't know. This is a very fun book that will have you questioning a lot of things. I just adore anything HP puts out... and I tend to always devour in one setting. Such a great book! read this one now !
October 15, 2018
Despite the stormy weather coming toward them, Philip Tatenbaum was eager to get to his vacation destination, a remote island off the coast of Alaska three-hours away. It was snowing heavily when they finally arrived, and it was bitter cold. But his focus was on NuLife Enterprises, a virtual reality gaming company – it had become an obsession to him and he yearned for morning when he would finally reach what he came for.
Detective Claire Darrow watched the red-eyed woman head toward her. The woman assumed Claire was a receptionist or secretary and would not tell her what brought her there. So Claire pushed her nameplate toward her, identifying her as a Detective. The woman asked for someone more senior, but the other detective – male – was digging in his trashcan for the bobble-head figures he knocked off his desk when he spilled his coffee. So no, there was no one else. The woman then told her that her husband was murdered. Whenever he came back from NuLife, he was changed, losing weight, missing work, distant, exhausted, and wanting to return to NuLife as soon as possible. He died the day after he returned from his last trip. It sounded like coincidence until you realized his best friend Tony died that way too -- along with another colleague, Peter Cohen. Claire promised she would find out what she could.
Claire went to the Captain’s office to discuss the case and was surprised he knew of the company. Grant told her it was a gaming company but they added augmented reality simulations to the virtual reality which made gaming now attractive to business execs. He doubted she would find anything about the deaths, but told her to check it out and they would see where that led. Little did she know that the billionaire would lead her into the adventure of a lifetime – if she survived!
This author is amazing. Although the book is definitely not like any of her many other books I have read, it spins the reader into the world of virtual reality. The main character, Claire, is a detective hired to determine whether a virtual reality gaming company has something to do with the death of her widow client’s husband as well as two other similar and suspicious deaths. The story line is great, keeping tension and suspense pulling at the reader as it moves along at a brisk pace. This looks like an excellent start to a new series that I believe will be every bit as good as the author’s previous books! Get in on the series now and enjoy this great read!
Detective Claire Darrow watched the red-eyed woman head toward her. The woman assumed Claire was a receptionist or secretary and would not tell her what brought her there. So Claire pushed her nameplate toward her, identifying her as a Detective. The woman asked for someone more senior, but the other detective – male – was digging in his trashcan for the bobble-head figures he knocked off his desk when he spilled his coffee. So no, there was no one else. The woman then told her that her husband was murdered. Whenever he came back from NuLife, he was changed, losing weight, missing work, distant, exhausted, and wanting to return to NuLife as soon as possible. He died the day after he returned from his last trip. It sounded like coincidence until you realized his best friend Tony died that way too -- along with another colleague, Peter Cohen. Claire promised she would find out what she could.
Claire went to the Captain’s office to discuss the case and was surprised he knew of the company. Grant told her it was a gaming company but they added augmented reality simulations to the virtual reality which made gaming now attractive to business execs. He doubted she would find anything about the deaths, but told her to check it out and they would see where that led. Little did she know that the billionaire would lead her into the adventure of a lifetime – if she survived!
This author is amazing. Although the book is definitely not like any of her many other books I have read, it spins the reader into the world of virtual reality. The main character, Claire, is a detective hired to determine whether a virtual reality gaming company has something to do with the death of her widow client’s husband as well as two other similar and suspicious deaths. The story line is great, keeping tension and suspense pulling at the reader as it moves along at a brisk pace. This looks like an excellent start to a new series that I believe will be every bit as good as the author’s previous books! Get in on the series now and enjoy this great read!
October 25, 2019
NuLife is an up-and-coming virtual reality (VR) company on an island in Alaska. After one of their prestigious clients, Philip Tatenbaum, dies shortly after his latest trip to the isolated and secretive island, his widow turns up at the police station crying foul play. Detective Claire Darrow is wary at first about NuLife being responsible for her husband’s death. To appease Mrs. Tatenbaum, Claire takes a crack at investigating the company. She soon learns that there have been several deaths of NuLife’s customers.
One of her investigative methods takes her to the island where NuLife is headquarter only to learn nothing. Stonewalled at every turn, Claire is all but sure something funny is going on and is determined to figure it out. In trying to learn more about NuLife, and its illusive owner, Seth Channing, Claire realizes that both the company and Seth are not on anyone’s radar. There aren’t articles, news stories, interviews, or a social media. Somehow, Seth discovers Claire is searching for him, contacts her, and offers her a tour of the facility. That is how Claire eventually ends up at NuLife, a willing but hesitant participant in a VR trip to the Viking town of Valhalla.
NuLife: Valhalla is my first experience with a LitRPG book. I have a few on my TBR list but I’ve only read Valhalla so far – and loved the book. The concept and ideas brought forth by the author into Valhalla kept me engaged and interested. Claire her boss, Grant’s characters are fantastic. They have comfortable banter between them and a delicious, low-key tension that culminates into a powerful kiss only, both continue to pretend it didn’t happen.
The book ends without satisfying the main storyline, or any storyline yet, but not on such a cliffhanger that frustrates the reader. I’m anxious to read Gangland, book 2 and see what progress Claire makes in the case and whether the author brings Claire and Grant together.
One of her investigative methods takes her to the island where NuLife is headquarter only to learn nothing. Stonewalled at every turn, Claire is all but sure something funny is going on and is determined to figure it out. In trying to learn more about NuLife, and its illusive owner, Seth Channing, Claire realizes that both the company and Seth are not on anyone’s radar. There aren’t articles, news stories, interviews, or a social media. Somehow, Seth discovers Claire is searching for him, contacts her, and offers her a tour of the facility. That is how Claire eventually ends up at NuLife, a willing but hesitant participant in a VR trip to the Viking town of Valhalla.
NuLife: Valhalla is my first experience with a LitRPG book. I have a few on my TBR list but I’ve only read Valhalla so far – and loved the book. The concept and ideas brought forth by the author into Valhalla kept me engaged and interested. Claire her boss, Grant’s characters are fantastic. They have comfortable banter between them and a delicious, low-key tension that culminates into a powerful kiss only, both continue to pretend it didn’t happen.
The book ends without satisfying the main storyline, or any storyline yet, but not on such a cliffhanger that frustrates the reader. I’m anxious to read Gangland, book 2 and see what progress Claire makes in the case and whether the author brings Claire and Grant together.
September 3, 2019
Detective Claire Darrow's latest case involves a widow who suspects a virtual reality gaming company, NuLife, killed her husband. As Claire begins her investigation, it becomes pretty clear something fishy is going on with NuLife. She meets with the elusive company owner, Seth Channing, in the hopes of getting some questions answered.
Seth can't provide much in the way of info since he's just a figurehead. However, he does let Claire talk to the people at NuLife. Seth even let's Claire join in the game for herself. While in the VR game world, Valhalla, Claire has the opportunity to visit with the other players.
Entering Valhalla is unlike anything Claire has experienced. The characters seem so real and the game seems to know such much about her. Unfortunately, after coming back to reality, Claire is no closer to solving the mystery of her case.
I am absolutely ecstatic about H.P. Mallory's NuLife series. It is so different than anything she's written and so far from the realm of what I generally read. I decided to take a chance on it because H.P. Mallory is one of my favorite authors, and I'm so glad I did. The first book, VALHALLA, had me hooked from page one.
Claire is tough as nails and is a slave to her job. She gives 100% to everything she does, even if it involves going out of her comfort zone. NuLife is a challenge unlike any other, but Claire will get to the bottom of things. I truly admire her determination. Gamers unite and grab a copy of H.P. Mallory's spellbinding new novel, VALHALLA. It's an adventure you simply must witness for yourself.
Seth can't provide much in the way of info since he's just a figurehead. However, he does let Claire talk to the people at NuLife. Seth even let's Claire join in the game for herself. While in the VR game world, Valhalla, Claire has the opportunity to visit with the other players.
Entering Valhalla is unlike anything Claire has experienced. The characters seem so real and the game seems to know such much about her. Unfortunately, after coming back to reality, Claire is no closer to solving the mystery of her case.
I am absolutely ecstatic about H.P. Mallory's NuLife series. It is so different than anything she's written and so far from the realm of what I generally read. I decided to take a chance on it because H.P. Mallory is one of my favorite authors, and I'm so glad I did. The first book, VALHALLA, had me hooked from page one.
Claire is tough as nails and is a slave to her job. She gives 100% to everything she does, even if it involves going out of her comfort zone. NuLife is a challenge unlike any other, but Claire will get to the bottom of things. I truly admire her determination. Gamers unite and grab a copy of H.P. Mallory's spellbinding new novel, VALHALLA. It's an adventure you simply must witness for yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2018
This is a departure for the author . The story is a fun little read that will keep you trying to figure out how the heck people are dying in a virtual reality game . Lets head Valhalla and see if we can survive .
The characters in the story are well developed and Claire is a really strong woman who has had some bad experiences in her past but she has come out the other side . She is a police detective and is on the case . She really gets along with the secondary characters and we see her grow through out the book . There are so many characters to talk about them individually but they are all so well written.
I must say I was wondering where the author was going to take us . The story has so many twists and turns and yes there is some romance but not like in her other books . It is subtle , the mystery is the top priority in this book . Who knew how much fun it would be reading about virtual reality and all it entails . I will warn you there is a cliff hanger at the end of the book . Over all it is a really good story with a Westworld feel to it so check it out\
The characters in the story are well developed and Claire is a really strong woman who has had some bad experiences in her past but she has come out the other side . She is a police detective and is on the case . She really gets along with the secondary characters and we see her grow through out the book . There are so many characters to talk about them individually but they are all so well written.
I must say I was wondering where the author was going to take us . The story has so many twists and turns and yes there is some romance but not like in her other books . It is subtle , the mystery is the top priority in this book . Who knew how much fun it would be reading about virtual reality and all it entails . I will warn you there is a cliff hanger at the end of the book . Over all it is a really good story with a Westworld feel to it so check it out\
November 27, 2019
Good start, but....
I always enjoy the start of a new series, especially by an author I have previously read and liked. This book looked very promising; a mix of AI, virtual reality, cop investigation, murder mystery and romance. I wasn't disappointed until I was left with everything unresolved at the supposed "end" of "Book 1" .Every single plot point was still up in the air! I am a fan of series that have an overarching plot which takes several books to resolve, as long as there is some resolution of individual plot points in each book! In this case, however, it seemed as if the author or publisher simply split the book into halves and sold them separately. It is very frustrating and unfulfilling as a reader to realize that one is at 95% of a story and there are only more questions, and to get any answers, one will have to fork over more money. As I said, I like series, and don't mind following a plot, but please , authors, don't play us for fools.
I always enjoy the start of a new series, especially by an author I have previously read and liked. This book looked very promising; a mix of AI, virtual reality, cop investigation, murder mystery and romance. I wasn't disappointed until I was left with everything unresolved at the supposed "end" of "Book 1" .Every single plot point was still up in the air! I am a fan of series that have an overarching plot which takes several books to resolve, as long as there is some resolution of individual plot points in each book! In this case, however, it seemed as if the author or publisher simply split the book into halves and sold them separately. It is very frustrating and unfulfilling as a reader to realize that one is at 95% of a story and there are only more questions, and to get any answers, one will have to fork over more money. As I said, I like series, and don't mind following a plot, but please , authors, don't play us for fools.
November 2, 2018
Can’t wait......
I can’t wait for the next book!! Talk about a mix of avatar, outlander, and a mystery all in one. It for you hooked from the first chapter. Claire a detective in lonely Alaska, finds a chance to join a virtual reality game while investigating a murder of 3 victims who died after the game. She gets sucked into a game which feels real. She explore new lands and meets a king which she feels attraction towards, in which reminds her of her boss at the station. When she returns from the game her attraction towards her boss intensifies to the point they have a heated kiss, and jealously occurs when the game’s owner takes her in a date. But at the end one more victim she became close to turns into a investigation as well.........
I can’t wait for the next book!! Talk about a mix of avatar, outlander, and a mystery all in one. It for you hooked from the first chapter. Claire a detective in lonely Alaska, finds a chance to join a virtual reality game while investigating a murder of 3 victims who died after the game. She gets sucked into a game which feels real. She explore new lands and meets a king which she feels attraction towards, in which reminds her of her boss at the station. When she returns from the game her attraction towards her boss intensifies to the point they have a heated kiss, and jealously occurs when the game’s owner takes her in a date. But at the end one more victim she became close to turns into a investigation as well.........
October 15, 2018
I started reading NuLife with a little hesitance. I'm a huge HP Mallory fan, and this seemed to stretch away from her normal writing. Let me tell you, I was sucked in and couldn't stop reading. The new twist on Virtual Reality holds an amazing lead character, Claire, who I immediately connected. Claire's adventures throughout NuLife are intriguing. The settings, stories, characters, plot twists, all kept me captivated. Shoot, part of the time I had to remind myself that Claire's adventures were not part of her "real life" story. I cannot wait to read the second installment to this amazing new series.
November 7, 2018
A detective investigates a series of deaths that occur after participates engage in a virtual reality vacation. The mind goes to various places like a video game and becomes an active participant in the virtual world. I’m a fan of this author’s paranormal romance books. This world was new and totally intriguing to me. While I am not a gamer, I can appreciate the need to escape from reality and how the gamers become addicted to the adventures and characters. Claire is a strong female lead, which is not uncommon with this author. I’m excited to read future books in this series and enjoyed this book immensely.
November 22, 2019
Female detective investigates a virtual gaming murder mystery
I loved this book and especially the female lead - smart but flawed cop Claire who ends up investigating three suspicious deaths of millionaire frequent flyer virtual reality gamers. I loved the description of the gaming world Valhalla and the tech! The love triangle with Claire’s boss and the millionaire playboy whom she is investigating was also delicious. Intrigued if the AI acquired self-consciousness and if my hunch was right about what happened to the people who died, I purchased the 2nd book - so, I:’m truly hooked to know how the story ends. Keep’em coming.
I loved this book and especially the female lead - smart but flawed cop Claire who ends up investigating three suspicious deaths of millionaire frequent flyer virtual reality gamers. I loved the description of the gaming world Valhalla and the tech! The love triangle with Claire’s boss and the millionaire playboy whom she is investigating was also delicious. Intrigued if the AI acquired self-consciousness and if my hunch was right about what happened to the people who died, I purchased the 2nd book - so, I:’m truly hooked to know how the story ends. Keep’em coming.
November 12, 2018
This was a very interesting story and while I have no experience with VR, I was totally drawn into the story. I found myself thinking the same as Claire during her time in Valhalla; this is too real but it cannot be real. I found that Claire’s relationship with Grant very interesting and found Channing to be a big mystery but I just have this underlying feeling that there is a lot more to those two men and we are purposely being kept in the dark. Cannot wait to see if some of my hunches are correct about where this story is going to go.
February 8, 2019
Unexpected
I have to I didn't really think I'd like it that much after reading the 1st few chapters but I stuck with it and it got better and better and now after I finally finished reading I'm hungry for more. My mind is trying to figure out what's going on, what's going to happen, will Claire and Grant be more than just coworkers or will the playboy get the girl....or will the computer get the girl. That's so freaky I can see how it would appeal to rich people to have these virtual worlds.....I can't wait for the next book I know who did it....or do I????
I have to I didn't really think I'd like it that much after reading the 1st few chapters but I stuck with it and it got better and better and now after I finally finished reading I'm hungry for more. My mind is trying to figure out what's going on, what's going to happen, will Claire and Grant be more than just coworkers or will the playboy get the girl....or will the computer get the girl. That's so freaky I can see how it would appeal to rich people to have these virtual worlds.....I can't wait for the next book I know who did it....or do I????
November 12, 2018
So many questions
I love all of this author's books and this new series did not disappoint. Despite the few typos, and inconsistencies in some areas, this was a great book. There are some points where you don't know who is "real", who is good or bad,or who to believe, but, wow ,what a ride this story takes you on. Can't wait for book two.
I love all of this author's books and this new series did not disappoint. Despite the few typos, and inconsistencies in some areas, this was a great book. There are some points where you don't know who is "real", who is good or bad,or who to believe, but, wow ,what a ride this story takes you on. Can't wait for book two.
September 6, 2019
Most Excellent
The story line is a little cliche but entertaining nonetheless. If you love the series West World, you will enjoy this adventure. Wish it didn't have a cliffhanger ending as I am on board for more. Excited to read the next installment. Considering bingeing on West World while I'm waiting.
The story line is a little cliche but entertaining nonetheless. If you love the series West World, you will enjoy this adventure. Wish it didn't have a cliffhanger ending as I am on board for more. Excited to read the next installment. Considering bingeing on West World while I'm waiting.
October 11, 2019
Virtual.Reality.Gaming Company just off Alaska . One is never the same they say after having been there. It is more than an addiction, A woman is telling the detective her husband was never the same after being there. It caters to business men, and soon they are finding bodies. Good woman lead as the main character, and good plot.
October 22, 2019
Amazing!
I !I've HP Mallory's books, but this one is a departure from her usual stuff, so I was a little apprehensive. It was really good!!! Even with all the techie speak, it flowed so well! Claire is a great character, I can't wait to see where this mystery takes her. I have so many questions and theories rattling around in my brain right now!
I !I've HP Mallory's books, but this one is a departure from her usual stuff, so I was a little apprehensive. It was really good!!! Even with all the techie speak, it flowed so well! Claire is a great character, I can't wait to see where this mystery takes her. I have so many questions and theories rattling around in my brain right now!
October 9, 2018
This was definitely not like other H.P. Mallory books. This one takes you on a virtual reality ride that you won't forget. It took me a little bit to get into it, but when it ended I was so hooked I almost cried for it to go on. Read it, you won't regret it!!
January 13, 2022
Enjoyed this book. Yet another series to read. I enjoy the other series she has written. This one is very different from what I’m use to but I did enjoy it and look forward to reading the next book.
October 20, 2018
I was stressed with work nd school. Needed an escape. This book was it. Very interesting premise. Can't wait for the next book!
October 21, 2018
I need more!
As a gamer i loved the idea of this book. And it did not disappoint! I can not wait for the next book xo
As a gamer i loved the idea of this book. And it did not disappoint! I can not wait for the next book xo
July 5, 2019
Great!
I really enjoyed this book as I do all H.P. Mallory books. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I really enjoyed this book as I do all H.P. Mallory books. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
November 11, 2019
Loved this new series and can’t wait to read the next book
dnf-not-for-me
April 13, 20201/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
July 1, 2021
Virtual Reality Score!
I've never really been interested in VR..until NuLife!
Mallory scored a home run with this one!
No it's not anything like her other work but that doesn't mean it's not as amazing. Really this is probably my all time favorite piece of her work! I'm addicted now!
I've never really been interested in VR..until NuLife!
Mallory scored a home run with this one!
No it's not anything like her other work but that doesn't mean it's not as amazing. Really this is probably my all time favorite piece of her work! I'm addicted now!
July 9, 2024
It took awhile to really get into this book. I was more interested towards the end than the beginning. I’m hoping the next book will grab my attention sooner than this one did.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews