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Chooser of the Slain #1
Valkyrie
What would happen if Odin decided to get involved in Midgard again?
Our world is tearing itself apart. The evil among us are ripping apart the very seams of today’s society, using terrorism and blackmail to create chaos.
Valerie Kearie, mead lover and history major, joins the mercenary company Viking, Inc. as a prospective business analyst.
Her first mission is supposed to be a cakewalk.
Tracking down a digital terrorist known as CLEOPATRA, Valerie and her partner Jacob Pinkerton need to figure out the identity of the elusive mastermind and stop the attacks before they are killed for their efforts.
Moving from one dangerous case to another, Valerie can’t understand why she is loving the running and gunning aspect of her new job way more than any sane person should.
Then there is the obscure historical knowledge that she shouldn’t know…and yet.
Valerie isn’t a wallflower, but she is having difficulties coming to grips with the new abilities and odd thoughts that emerge as she is drawn deeper into her new reality.
Can Valerie figure out why she is changing before she lands herself and Jacob in trouble too deep to escape?
Our world is tearing itself apart. The evil among us are ripping apart the very seams of today’s society, using terrorism and blackmail to create chaos.
Valerie Kearie, mead lover and history major, joins the mercenary company Viking, Inc. as a prospective business analyst.
Her first mission is supposed to be a cakewalk.
Tracking down a digital terrorist known as CLEOPATRA, Valerie and her partner Jacob Pinkerton need to figure out the identity of the elusive mastermind and stop the attacks before they are killed for their efforts.
Moving from one dangerous case to another, Valerie can’t understand why she is loving the running and gunning aspect of her new job way more than any sane person should.
Then there is the obscure historical knowledge that she shouldn’t know…and yet.
Valerie isn’t a wallflower, but she is having difficulties coming to grips with the new abilities and odd thoughts that emerge as she is drawn deeper into her new reality.
Can Valerie figure out why she is changing before she lands herself and Jacob in trouble too deep to escape?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
488 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 20, 2023
Yet another Michael Anderle book with a badass female as the main character... Okay, now what? The main character is focused and tough. She has a military family, so of course, she is the one to kick ass hen it is needed. He sets the mood quickly and beautifully. the writing starts off wonderfully.
I will admit that the love of mead is a cute touch. Having drank some mead when I was in college, I say that the drink, sometimes referred to as the nectar of the Gods, helps one understand why those Gods have passed into history...
The bad guys are part of a group of bad people. The good guys are hiding things. Personal hand-to-hand fights are described. The description of hand-to-hand fights is really interesting... Yes, I am not telling the truth about those INCREDIBLY LONG WINDED FIGHT DESCRIPTIONS.
Sometime Anderle gets it right, sometimes not so much. He does character dialog perfectly. He ties things together in a professional manner. He goes with plots that have the potential of many many twists which means while he is thinking about the next fifty books in the series that he wants to write, his basic storyline gets weaker as he goes along. He should be shamed into writing single books that do NOT form a series. He would produce much better books. He might want to also look into creating characters that are not flawless badasses who can solve any problem.
Having never written a book myself, I am sure that he will immediately follow my suggestions.
Worth a read, but it won't require many brain cells.
I will admit that the love of mead is a cute touch. Having drank some mead when I was in college, I say that the drink, sometimes referred to as the nectar of the Gods, helps one understand why those Gods have passed into history...
The bad guys are part of a group of bad people. The good guys are hiding things. Personal hand-to-hand fights are described. The description of hand-to-hand fights is really interesting... Yes, I am not telling the truth about those INCREDIBLY LONG WINDED FIGHT DESCRIPTIONS.
Sometime Anderle gets it right, sometimes not so much. He does character dialog perfectly. He ties things together in a professional manner. He goes with plots that have the potential of many many twists which means while he is thinking about the next fifty books in the series that he wants to write, his basic storyline gets weaker as he goes along. He should be shamed into writing single books that do NOT form a series. He would produce much better books. He might want to also look into creating characters that are not flawless badasses who can solve any problem.
Having never written a book myself, I am sure that he will immediately follow my suggestions.
Worth a read, but it won't require many brain cells.
September 6, 2023
Awesome
I'm definitely no stranger to Michael Anderle. I have read a majority of his books so it's no surprise that I stumbled across another series. He was recommended to me by one of my author acquaintances and I've been hooked every since. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to finish the series
I'm definitely no stranger to Michael Anderle. I have read a majority of his books so it's no surprise that I stumbled across another series. He was recommended to me by one of my author acquaintances and I've been hooked every since. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to finish the series
October 27, 2022
2 1/2 stars. There was a lot of action but there the blurb indicate there was a Norse aspect to this. It really doesn't show up. There a few hints at something but I wouldn't really call this an Urban Fantasy. But don't get me wrong, the MC kicks a**. She's an interesting character. Though I'm not sure if the veterans in this company would be that so shocked by her performance. Maybe surprised she is this good without any real training and experiences but some of the things said about her at the end seems too much inflation for just one mission.
November 8, 2022
Oops already into book 3! Should have done this 3 days ago.
Brilliant - Michael Anderle keeps taking us to new and exciting places. I'm really enjoying this series, new plot, new character types and styles.
Did Michael suggest maybe 12 books for this series? I certainly hope so. Sadly I'm off to work, I'd rather finish book 3 then get into book 4 ;-)
Brilliant - Michael Anderle keeps taking us to new and exciting places. I'm really enjoying this series, new plot, new character types and styles.
Did Michael suggest maybe 12 books for this series? I certainly hope so. Sadly I'm off to work, I'd rather finish book 3 then get into book 4 ;-)
January 28, 2023
4 A World Of Howling Winds And Light As Sweet As Honey Stars
Valkyrie is the first book in the Chooser of the Slain series by Michael Anderle.
I feel as if this work of fiction was just one long ploy to designed to tease and cajole into blind want for more. Perhaps, a goal authors strive for? Sounds reasonable to consider they might..
I love how Anderle builds suspense and mystery into these works of science fiction and fantasy. He has become one of my all time favorite authors because of the myriad of series writ from his mind that singularly captured my interest and refused to release me.
Pulling Norse mythology into modern day feminist @$$-kicking is not something I knew I needed in my life. But it's here to stay, engraved on my creativity driven heart. Val Kearie alone captivated me with her personal growth and the way in which she seemed to waver between two sides of herself without any real dissonance or recognition on her part. These simple one liners about "finding her wings", or "raiding and pillaging" that seemed to be pulled from the depths of her being into reality.
I'm excited to witness how far into the Valkyrie haze we will be drawn. If we can expect some spec ops style Viking armor in her future, with actual flying, and wings? Or will her connection to a past life, a being of justice, will simply be something hinted at but never fully realized?
I do expect we will see this hidden Cleopatra again... I wonder what other vagaries of evil she will come to face or conquer within her new place as an analyst...
Valkyrie is the first book in the Chooser of the Slain series by Michael Anderle.
I feel as if this work of fiction was just one long ploy to designed to tease and cajole into blind want for more. Perhaps, a goal authors strive for? Sounds reasonable to consider they might..
I love how Anderle builds suspense and mystery into these works of science fiction and fantasy. He has become one of my all time favorite authors because of the myriad of series writ from his mind that singularly captured my interest and refused to release me.
Pulling Norse mythology into modern day feminist @$$-kicking is not something I knew I needed in my life. But it's here to stay, engraved on my creativity driven heart. Val Kearie alone captivated me with her personal growth and the way in which she seemed to waver between two sides of herself without any real dissonance or recognition on her part. These simple one liners about "finding her wings", or "raiding and pillaging" that seemed to be pulled from the depths of her being into reality.
I'm excited to witness how far into the Valkyrie haze we will be drawn. If we can expect some spec ops style Viking armor in her future, with actual flying, and wings? Or will her connection to a past life, a being of justice, will simply be something hinted at but never fully realized?
I do expect we will see this hidden Cleopatra again... I wonder what other vagaries of evil she will come to face or conquer within her new place as an analyst...
September 20, 2022
I'm old and don't hand out 5 stars willy nilly. I gave this 4 stars in my review which means I think it's a really good book. I've already downloaded the 2nd one and looking forward to it. It was a good story. There's a lot of character and world building with the hint of many mysteries to be resolved.
The main character is a smart woman who was raised in a military family. Her brothers have taught her the basics of defensive fighting. She is sent overseas on two different assignments. One is to try and contain a computer virus. Her skill is not programming. One of her skills is identifying the bad guys. Her second assignment has her rescuing a scientist who has been kidnapped. The scientist is a badass female too. I like seeing strong female characters.
The main character is a smart woman who was raised in a military family. Her brothers have taught her the basics of defensive fighting. She is sent overseas on two different assignments. One is to try and contain a computer virus. Her skill is not programming. One of her skills is identifying the bad guys. Her second assignment has her rescuing a scientist who has been kidnapped. The scientist is a badass female too. I like seeing strong female characters.
May 29, 2023
This series shows promise. It feels like Anderle actually wrote this one – we'll see how long that continues.
I'm not a fan of nominative determinism in fiction but it seemed there may be a legitimate reason for it in this case. Val Kearie is a bit of a one-note bad-ass character whose obsession with mead is somewhat amusing. My feeling is that her character will grow in complexity as more of her divine origins come to light. If I know Anderle, having supernatural talents on just one side of the battle won't last for long.
While I wasn't blown away by this series' start, I'm keen to read book two in the hopes it develops in a more nuanced direction.
I'm not a fan of nominative determinism in fiction but it seemed there may be a legitimate reason for it in this case. Val Kearie is a bit of a one-note bad-ass character whose obsession with mead is somewhat amusing. My feeling is that her character will grow in complexity as more of her divine origins come to light. If I know Anderle, having supernatural talents on just one side of the battle won't last for long.
While I wasn't blown away by this series' start, I'm keen to read book two in the hopes it develops in a more nuanced direction.
April 4, 2023
Liked this one
Except the fact that no-one seems to know what a Valkyrie is! It’s a fun ride and the main character, Val(erie) Kearie is a hoot. Be warned, she is of Irish descent, loves mead and is on-trial for a new job at a company called Viking. Oh, the bosses are called jarl by the underlings.
It takes a bit to suspend belief with all that telegraphing, but I enjoyed the ride.
Except the fact that no-one seems to know what a Valkyrie is! It’s a fun ride and the main character, Val(erie) Kearie is a hoot. Be warned, she is of Irish descent, loves mead and is on-trial for a new job at a company called Viking. Oh, the bosses are called jarl by the underlings.
It takes a bit to suspend belief with all that telegraphing, but I enjoyed the ride.
October 13, 2023
Decent Action Tale
Alternate universe, female MC, high tech, para-military
The scene is already set with the protagonist, Valerie Kearie, an exceptional woman in an exceptional military family; this is her transition from study and systems analysis to field work, and the prologue implies she will become a formidable warrior. Well edited with only a handful of mistakes slipping by. I will pick up the next book in the series. Rather fond of Valkyries myself. Enjoyed.
Alternate universe, female MC, high tech, para-military
The scene is already set with the protagonist, Valerie Kearie, an exceptional woman in an exceptional military family; this is her transition from study and systems analysis to field work, and the prologue implies she will become a formidable warrior. Well edited with only a handful of mistakes slipping by. I will pick up the next book in the series. Rather fond of Valkyries myself. Enjoyed.
December 14, 2023
This is not an Urban Fantasy. Special Ops, Mercenary operations sure. In that regards it’s a decent book. But it’s labeled as an urban fantasy and it fails to meet that distinction horribly. The entire book description leads you to expect an interesting urban fantasy story, but doesn’t deliver that. I double checked twice to make sure this was supposed to be an urban fantasy after I started reading it. Nothing suggested that at all except the very beginning paragraphs. False advertising.
September 28, 2022
What a Great premise!
Only you you think of putting a valkyrie in a symbiotic relationship with a modern day woman (who isn't really a warrior) ,team them up with a company named Viking &make it all work !! When you find that really good mead please let me know!apparently I've only found the bargain bin stuff!
Only you you think of putting a valkyrie in a symbiotic relationship with a modern day woman (who isn't really a warrior) ,team them up with a company named Viking &make it all work !! When you find that really good mead please let me know!apparently I've only found the bargain bin stuff!
June 6, 2023
Fantastic, another awesome,exciting and enjoyable series from Michael!!!!
Congratulations to Michael Anderle for another amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Michael Anderle for another amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
June 19, 2023
This is impossible to put down stayed up late reading this (4 in the morning)
The story is not what you expect. You have the obvious plot, look at the clues for the hidden plot. Val is a strong intelligent woman but is more than she seems.
Jacob is an enigma as is the company, just what is Viking Inc
The story is not what you expect. You have the obvious plot, look at the clues for the hidden plot. Val is a strong intelligent woman but is more than she seems.
Jacob is an enigma as is the company, just what is Viking Inc
July 12, 2023
Val Kearie
This is one of the more interesting books that I have read in quite a while. The action, the drama, the emotions! The storyline is great and leaves you on the edge of your seat. I've been reading two in the morning just to finish this first book and can't wait to start reading the second one tomorrow.
This is one of the more interesting books that I have read in quite a while. The action, the drama, the emotions! The storyline is great and leaves you on the edge of your seat. I've been reading two in the morning just to finish this first book and can't wait to start reading the second one tomorrow.
September 29, 2023
Terrific!
This was a truly terrific new series starter! Val is well written and engages your interest completely! I think Michael must be a genius to create such a character! Can't wait to read the rest of the series! If you like the way Michael writes and the characters he creates, this is a great start to another enjoyable series to read!! On to book 2!
This was a truly terrific new series starter! Val is well written and engages your interest completely! I think Michael must be a genius to create such a character! Can't wait to read the rest of the series! If you like the way Michael writes and the characters he creates, this is a great start to another enjoyable series to read!! On to book 2!
January 17, 2024
A spectacular adventure
The book was awesome in every aspect. The main character Valerie is captivating and well thought out. I can wait to read all of the books in the series to see just how things play out for her. Grab a copy for yourself and come along for what I think will be quite a ride.
The book was awesome in every aspect. The main character Valerie is captivating and well thought out. I can wait to read all of the books in the series to see just how things play out for her. Grab a copy for yourself and come along for what I think will be quite a ride.
August 16, 2022
I like almost all of Michael A. s books. Some of them I really love, but this book really got to me on a really deep level. Ive only read the first one, but can hardly wait for the second one. Ive never responded to a review request before however I had to respond to this series. Many more please !
September 11, 2022
really like the characters and story so far
I really like the characters and story so far. There is a lot of action, fun characters, interesting locations and details, and overall a lot of fun to read. I recommend this book.
I really like the characters and story so far. There is a lot of action, fun characters, interesting locations and details, and overall a lot of fun to read. I recommend this book.
September 23, 2022
Interesting mix of Black ops and Norse mythology. This consists of a number of stories linked together as the heroine accepts the mythological aspects. Found it a nice light read although it does contain violence. Immediatl went for the 2nd in the series.
November 12, 2022
Yeah I like it
There, MA the Yoda. I said it. I like this book, it's fast pacing while slowly burning down the curtains of paranormal mystery. Now will you get on writing and publishing the next books? Preferably all of them? 😁
There, MA the Yoda. I said it. I like this book, it's fast pacing while slowly burning down the curtains of paranormal mystery. Now will you get on writing and publishing the next books? Preferably all of them? 😁
November 20, 2022
Excellent start to new series
The first book in a new series is generally slow, while we learn about the characters and their place in the world. Nope, Val captures you from the start. Lots of action keeps the pages turning.
The first book in a new series is generally slow, while we learn about the characters and their place in the world. Nope, Val captures you from the start. Lots of action keeps the pages turning.
December 27, 2022
Interesting Characters- CHECK
Gripping Story telling - CHECK
Action- CHECK
Character development - CHECK
Mr Anderle - you single handedly have changed the way I read:) From the moment I picked up the first Kutherian book. I live your vivid stories- I like the way you weave genres... THANK YOU!
No I gotta go book 5 of Valkyrie is a calling. Sleep is for sissies!!
Gripping Story telling - CHECK
Action- CHECK
Character development - CHECK
Mr Anderle - you single handedly have changed the way I read:) From the moment I picked up the first Kutherian book. I live your vivid stories- I like the way you weave genres... THANK YOU!
No I gotta go book 5 of Valkyrie is a calling. Sleep is for sissies!!
January 15, 2023
Start of an interesting new series.
Plenty of action with a timely subject matter. I would have given it five stars except it did not really address the Valkyrie alluded to in the title. Will definitely be getting the next book.
Plenty of action with a timely subject matter. I would have given it five stars except it did not really address the Valkyrie alluded to in the title. Will definitely be getting the next book.
April 9, 2023
Enjoyed much!
Nice little mysteries about Val Kearie and Viking Inc. remain at the end of the book. I enjoyed the main and supporting characters and look forward to watching
MA unwind this story--I have so many questions I can't wait to see answered!
Nice little mysteries about Val Kearie and Viking Inc. remain at the end of the book. I enjoyed the main and supporting characters and look forward to watching
MA unwind this story--I have so many questions I can't wait to see answered!
April 18, 2023
Box set required!!!!!
A great opener to what could be a v addictive series. Interesting characters with lots of opportunity...and knowing MA's other tales this one will probably be as epic!! Over too soon but a lots of promise.....BOX SET PLEASE!!!!
A great opener to what could be a v addictive series. Interesting characters with lots of opportunity...and knowing MA's other tales this one will probably be as epic!! Over too soon but a lots of promise.....BOX SET PLEASE!!!!
May 1, 2023
A very good story
I wasn't sure when I picked this one up, mainly because I like Michael's other series. I was surprised to get hooked into the story so quickly. Lots of intrigue, cloak and dagger. Highly recommended.
I wasn't sure when I picked this one up, mainly because I like Michael's other series. I was surprised to get hooked into the story so quickly. Lots of intrigue, cloak and dagger. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2024
Takes A Bit to Get Going
This book is over the top. It’s as if James Bond, Indiana Jones, and JonClaude van Damme had a love child and her name was Val. And yet it works. The books starts a little slow, but once it gets going, it is non-stop fun and excitement.
This book is over the top. It’s as if James Bond, Indiana Jones, and JonClaude van Damme had a love child and her name was Val. And yet it works. The books starts a little slow, but once it gets going, it is non-stop fun and excitement.
August 17, 2022
Where's the next book???
You NEED to write FASTER!!!!
This has all the ear marks of another Anderle awesome adventure!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
You NEED to write FASTER!!!!
This has all the ear marks of another Anderle awesome adventure!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
September 26, 2022
Good story line. Loved the lead female character.
November 3, 2022
Wasn't sure what to expect, but picked it up since I love this author and was happily impressed that I really like it. Can't wait to see where it goes from here... heading to read book 2! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews