Valkyrie Lost

Valkyries Rising #2

by Shannon Pemrick, legacy world

As the god of war and bringer of order and justice I can have anything. Except one mortal woman.

I came to Astrid’s prayer for justice. Why, I didn’t know. I should have left after that, but I didn’t. Something about the mortal woman lured me like no other had. It was wrong, I knew that. I should have allowed her to live out her short years as they were intended.

Yet, not even I am a match for a yearning heart.

From shared drinking horns to unforgettable nights, I am determined to bring her the honor she deserves, just as she has sworn to shield me from the horrors of the world. But when trouble amongst the gods stirs, Astrid may just pay the price for my transgressions.

And the price for spilling the blood of my valkyrie, is one too steep for any god.

Valkyrie Lost is book 1 of a trilogy within the Valkyries Rising series. While an MF fantasy romance, it is only the beginning of a slow-build, reverse harem story, told through paranormal romances Valkyrie Renewed and Valkyrie Freed. Valkyrie Lost takes place before any events in the Legacy world (Valkyrie’s Legacy, Neon, Valkyries Rising).

Valkyries Rising is a #WhyChoose series where the heroine doesn't have to pick just one mate. In these pages you'll find strong heroines who don't back down, and the shifters, gods, dragons, and other immortals who love them and fight by their sides.

Genres: Amazon, Ebooks

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

Shannon Pemrick is a full-time USA Today bestselling author of slow-burn romantic fantasy, fuller-time geek, and dragon obsessed. She also has too many novelty mugs, not enough chocolate, and a forbidden love-affair with all things shiny. When she's not burning her fingers across a keyboard handing out adventures and HEAs, she's rolling dice and getting lost in RPGs or searching for brides for her dragon overlords.

Learn more about Shannon by visiting her website.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norse mythology mixed with magic = *chefs kiss* I wanted a bit more when it came to the world building, and more about Astrid and Tyr! On to the next book(:

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read and I enjoyed it but I think it could of benefited from not rushing through large chunks of time.

The magical elements mixed with Norse mythology and the love story were excellent.

I think this story could be improved by adding more detail and spending more time focusing on building the scenes more thoroughly. I especially would have loved more focus on the home and life Astrid and Tyr built together!

If you like books that contain magic & Norse Gods… definitely give this a try!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fab romance that had a great mix of Norse mythology, magic and power struggles for both the mortal and immortal planes. In this chapter, which is a slow burn romance between Tyr, god of war, and Astrid, a human gal that's more than she seems, we get the world building and scene setting for this duet. Their path was a rough one and it's not finished in this book. Visions, danger and steam swirl around these two as they head into the next book...which is set in more modern times. I love this change in time idea. This is a multi author series, though, so I'll be checking them out as well ;D

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love it The viking element The gods and a beautiful love story Very curious and impatient to read the next book. I received an advance review copy for free and I leave this review voluntary

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norse mythology in all its glory.

I must say I loved the sweet slow burn between the main characters. A god of war, Tyr, could have easily claimed Astrid at any time but instead he chose friendship. The friendship evolves to include his cute and awkward courting.

Astrid is a woman with incredible power and an alpha personality. She is a healer but in no way will she back down when challenged. Especially when her family is at risk.

A m/f Norse mythology romantic fantasy. Norse gods, friends, found family, tragedy, friends to lover’s relationship and reincarnation.

The book’s epilogue has the next book taking us to a modern world and it looks like it may evolve into a rh. I can’t wait to see the group of gods together again.

Dual povs told in 1st person
Main characters-
-Tyr- Norse god of war and justice
-Astrid- human with powers to heal and lots lots more
Steam- slow burn, scorching

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man…so not my cuppa tea. The storyline was headache material, the characters annoying as all get out; and so if goes. The HEA appeared lost in the battle somewhere… and happiness was not present. I can’t recommend this book—you need to check it out yourself and decide. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and wish I had returned it because it just wasn’t a good fit!)

[Sophia McGonigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite engaging. The gamet of emotions ranged from joy to sorrow to giggling and so many more.
This book follows a young woman named Astrid who lives in the time of the vikings. After praying to Tyr the god of war to help her family, he comes to her village and ultimately ends up staying. She doesn't understand why but it eventually becomes apparent. They end up getting married and go through ups and downs, all culminating in a battle that destroys Tyr emotionally and leaves him wrestling with feelings for someone he's very close to.
I really enjoyed the way Pemrick incorporated Norse mythology in this book. It was very similar to the mythology we've heard or read about. I also enjoyed the interplay between Astrid and Tyr but also the other characters. There were definitely some spicy scenes in this book but they were strategically used and really only seemed to coordinate with special moments in which that action would be natural. They were semi graphic but that was probably warranted given what I believe Pemrick was trying to elicit in her readers.
I very much enjoyed the fight scenes in this book, except for the last one which made me very sad. I thought they were written very well and you felt like you were there taking part in the battle as well. This book did delve into some difficult topics, mainly the infertility of Astrid and the depression she spiraled into after learning that. However, I loved how Tyr was portrayed throughout her struggles and what he said to her once she recovered from the depression as well as what he said to her towards the end of the book. I found Tyr and Astrid to be an amazing couple and their love for and dedication towards each other reminded me of my own relationship with my husband.
The pacing of this book was very good. I thought it moved along quite well and there weren't many slow times. Yes there were some less tense moments or less invigorating moments but they felt necessarily to the moving along of the plot and story. Without those slower moments, the story I felt would have gotten boring and the reader wouldn't have been able to learn about or appreciate especially the relationship between Astrid and Tyr but also Astrid and the other characters, Tyr and the other characters and even the other characters amongst themselves.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about Norse mythology especially, but also books that portray true love between spouses, strong headed female main characters, protective male main characters and side characters, books that handle infertility and depression head on but with sensitivity, somewhat spicy scenes and books that have battles, friendships and some heartache. I can't wait to start the second!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valkyrie Lost is the story about the Norse god Tyr falling in love with a mortal witch. Chaos from the rest of the gods ensues, and the result is a gripping, steamy, very real-feeling story. I had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC, and I did really enjoy it! Pemrick's dialogue flows really well, and all her transitions are smooth, and her descriptions of all the characters were incredibly precise. My only hold ups about this book was that some of the things the characters say are extremely modern, but as someone getting a degree in history, that could just be the history part of me being nitpicky. lol. But Pemrick obviously did her research on not only Norse mythology, but also Viking culture, which was so awesome to see an author care to put in that much research. The theme of this book is a fantasty romance, so she didn't necessarily have to make it historically accurate, and yet, she did, and I loved that about this book. The ending was a little out of left field for me, however, this is part one in a series, so, again, take this with a grain of salt. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Norse mythology, Vikings and steamy historical romances.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norse mythology full of magic and tradition always provides wonderful context for interesting stories! With struggles for power both in the immortal and mortal world, Astrid and Tyr each walk very different paths in their lives. I really enjoyed the magical powers that Astrid and her mother Randi possessed as it provided so many different possibilities for actions and foreshadowing within such a turbulent world. Tyr in his position opposing Oden continues to be drawn into battle. The visions Randi had throughout the story really put me on edge, not knowing exactly who they were about and what this would mean for our main characters. In the end, I was surprised and yet not to see how things came to be. Although, the time period for the next story may be somewhat unique, I can’t wait to see the result of the visions to manifest.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thankful I found book sirens somewhere because I've found many new author that write amazing stories like this one.

I like mythology, gods and goddesses and their fascination with humans. Like this god for instance and the woman he falls in love with. He sees her as beautiful and worthy of his love. She feels she is not because she feels she is cursed and just his because their family is indebted to him.

He doesn't know what draws him and the fellow lesser gods he cherishes as friends. He only knows he is. She is drawn to him and his beautiful looks and wonders why he comes so often and helps her gather herbs.

Now this is a convoluted romance due to all the ups and downs. But it drew me in like no other. I'm hoping my poor memory for both names and stories that I haven't confused them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[A_dreamer_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 stars

Genre: Fantasy romance
................................................
Tropes: *Norse mythology

*Friends to lovers

*Slow burn

*Magic /Witches

*Dual Pov
............................

Angst: 4/5 stars

Smut: 3/5 stars
...........................
Such an interesting and quick read. Tyr, God-of-War falls in love with a mortal woman, Astrid, who is a healer with amazing powers. I loved the characters, their chemistry, the passion, the slow build between frindship and love, the cute god and the forbidden love.

I looking forward to reading the next book in the series Valkyries Rising!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a really quick read, the dual aspects of the story add to the book definitely but I felt a little more Tyr's story needed to be told, it's seemingly set very much in Astrid's life rather than his.
Honestly I found some of the dialogue cringe, and yes I am aware what genre I was reading, but it was a bit too immature at times.
The addition of other Gods/Goddesses was interesting, I don't know how much attention so many of them would pay to a mortal woman but that's irrelevant to the book itself.
I'm not sure i'll read the rest of the series, this is Book 2 I think, but if you're looking for a quick read and some burly Gods then this is the book for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book jumps around a lot so you have to pay attention or you will not know where you are on the time-line. Astrid is the girl with the facial scar and the curse that has kept her from marrying - until the day she sends a prayer to Týr asking for justice. That day she becomes the girl whose magic saves her father from a possessed man's attack and the woman who has attracted a god. As her magic grows, so does Týr's admiration and desire for her. Will she accept his favor knowing that he is immortal and she is not?

This book sets you up to understand the people and events in the next book "Valkyrie Renewed." You don't have to read it first, but I'm glad I did. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Abbey Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars rounded up to 4)
Im a sucker for anything Viking and Norse related so this piqued my interest straight away.
This was a quick read with a gorgeous slow burn and I adored Tyr and Astrid as characters.
Friendship, family, action, romance and spice - this had a good mix of everything.

I’m not sure how I feel about the magical elements in this, I didn’t love them but on the other hand it didn’t deter me from enjoying the story.
I will happily read the next instalment of this series as I am intrigued as to where the story is headed next.


* I received an ARC of this story to review and all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this book took us back, closer to the beginning of all the issues that this world faces in the modern day. And it was interesting, too, to see some of what was going on from a different perspective than what I’d witnessed in other books from this world. I loved Astrid. She’s so fierce and also incredibly caring. I loved that the relationship with Tyr was such a slow burn because we got to understand what was so special about her that caught (and held) the attention of a god. That ending has me rabidly curious to learn what will happen next.

[Sharon Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mortal v immortal fighting-for-justice, fantasy romance. Tyr, God-of-War and his human love, Astrid battles the horrors of the world. But who will pay the price for transgressions? Read the second of this series following Valkyrie's Rising series.
Norse mythology takes us through tragedy, family and relationships.
Thank you Book Sirens and Shannon Pemrick for this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.

[tre.wandereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins with Tyr answering the call of Astrid to help with the injustice her family is facing. Slowly, these two become entangled in each other as desire keeps drawing them close. I love how their story unfolds and promises of a future that is complicated but seems to stand the test of time (and many lifetimes after, it seems). The story is a bit confusing to follow if you don't focus much so pay attention to the flow. I am excited to see how the pair will grow in the coming books!

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was really good and funny in alot of spots!! I didn't care 4 the ending cause it was a little confusing 2 me!! I don't get why everyone called her a valkyrie when she wasn't one. I loved it until close 2 the very end then I didn't care 4 it 2 much cause I don't understand who a few of them r compared 2 who everyone was b4.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story that kept me reading. Astrid is a God of War, he can have anything but not a Mortal Woman. Will this turn into a romance, will he have the chance to be with the one he loves. A book worth reading more than once.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting take on Norse mythology. I liked it and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I would've liked a little more details and world building, but overall, it was a decent read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Chelsea Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author. I didn’t hate it but I also wasn’t in love with it. I did want more world building because the sound of it was really interesting the little bits we get. I will definitely be reading the next one to see how that one goes and decide from there if I will continue

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a Norse mythology buff since a young age, so loved this idea of the Gods interacting with their people. Decent characters, but so drawn out. Not sure I could handle another one in this mode.

[Melanie Gawel]

A steamy paranormal romance including mythology. Definitely pick up if you're looking for magic and spice. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but not really that engaging. Though with the epilogue I might give the next book a try.

[Nicola Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I really enjoyed this book, Astrid was such a likeable character, and The was an excellent match for her, I am looking forward to reading more of their further adventures!

[Ophélie Roux · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was so happy to have a boom with Norse mythology, the beginning was amazing. Tyr and Astrid's relationship was great. But then.... a lot went fast, maybe to fast for me?

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, steamy love story
Pemrick brings the Norse immortals to life in this sweet yet steamy love story. Have already recommended to several friends and re-read since first picking it up a couple of weeks ago. Will be staying near the top of my Kindle library for some time...

[Destinee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of this story but it definitely felt rushed especially toward the end. Also, there seems to be a lot of plot holes that make certain events in the book confusing. I was looking forward to reading this book but it fell short of expectations.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol 27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to this author’s trilogy within the Valkyries Rising series…

I enjoyed this MF fantasy tale depicting how Astrid (a mortal witch), and Týr, (a Norse god of war and judgement) met, courted, and married. I liked the slow burn of their budding romance and the steamy, explicit encounters that followed. There was plenty of action & adventure, some conflict, drama, humour, magic and mythology. I look forward to reading Valkyrie Renewed after this entertaining prequel novella.