“You know, even though I'm not a huge fan of either Cullen or Grey, I'd still put Heathcliff on my kill list. I know Wuthering Heights is supposed to be a great love story--if tragic--but Heathcliff and Catherine both seem so selfish and self-destructive that I have no sympathy for either of them. They'll be happier together in the afterlife anyway.
I don't mind making kissy face with Edward, but I was more team Jacob so I may be looking over his shoulder to see if a certain wolf will be dropping by.
And the reason Mr. Grey and I would be taking vows at the altar has more to do with my crush on Jamie Dornan than what goes on in the red room. And maybe it also has a little bit to do with Mr. Grey's bank account. ;-)”
Series: Viking Warriors #1
Author: Asa Maria Bradley
Publication Date: November 3/15 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Length: 352pgs
Genre: paranormal romance
Shelf: review
Rating: ★★★★
Back Cover Blurb:
Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki.
Under attack from Loki’s minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif’s warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn’t find her fast, he’s going to lose himself to permanent battle fury.
But Naya doesn’t want to be found...and he’ll do anything to find her. Because they’re both running out of time.
Excerpt:
“Yeah,” she croaked. The air between them crackled, making the hairs on her arms stand up. Was she the only one feeling this?
He took a step closer and cupped her cheek in his palm. “Are you sure? You look a little pale.”
She resisted the urge to rest her head in his hand. “No, I’m fine.” She took a step back.
He frowned.
“We found one more bug in the game room.” Her voice sounded rough.
“Ulf told me.” He stepped toward her, eyes blazing.
“We’re working on the computers tomorrow,” she whispered, taking another step back. He crowded her. His body heat confused her, making her want impossible things. She cleared her throat. “It shouldn’t take us long to improve your firewall and install a few security checks.”
Leif watched her silently.
“You want to sit down?” She gestured toward the arm chairs.
“Sure,” he said, but didn’t move.
Naya had to step around him. Her skin sizzled when her arm accidently brushed against his. Relieved, she sank down in one of the blue chairs. A small table created a barrier between her and Leif. “So,” she said. “You were going to explain what makes you different from regular humans.”
He sat down in the empty chair, elbows on knees, studying his clasped hands. After a few moments he tilted his head and looked at her. “I’ll try to answer all of your questions, but some of this may sound a little crazy.”
“I’ll keep an open mind.”
Leif’s eyes met hers. Whatever he saw in them seemed to satisfy him. “I died in 1050.” He paused, watching her reaction.
Naya kept her gasp from escaping and instead nodded encouragingly.
“In the Norse culture, warriors who die in battle or die a heroic violent death are sent to live with the gods in Asgard. The men spend their time training in Valhalla with Odin. The women are schooled by Freya.”
Naya’s mind reeled. What he described didn’t seem possible, but he was so sincere. Obviously he believed his story to be true. “I thought there were only male warriors in the Nordic tradition.”
“Most stories are based on the old Icelandic sagas. They describe Valkyries as leading the men to Valhalla.”
“And that’s not the way it is?”
Leif smiled. “The sagas were all written by men long after the Viking age ended. They didn’t know what happened in Freya’s meadow and took some poetic license.”
“So, typically male, instead of just saying ‘I don’t know,’ you make up shit instead.”
He smiled, his dimples stealing her breath. Again.
She looked away. “So, this place where the gods live, this is the Nordic heaven?”
“Not exactly. It’s the warriors’ reward for dying an honorable death. They are allowed to live on, to fight again.” He studied his hands. “I don’t remember much of Valhalla. Time flows differently there. All my memories run together as if they happened the same week.”
She looked up to find him watching her. “I’m sorry, I’m trying to follow what you’re saying. But—”
“It is a little crazy?” He smiled.
“A little.” A lot.
“Is it any crazier than being abducted and kept in a camp? Any crazier than enhancement injections?”
“Touché.”
My Review:
Bradley seamlessly melds Norse legends with modern day life to create a fantastic backdrop for her new series. The intricate development of the world, history, and current developments enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the interesting plot that Bradley has created. I enjoyed the combination of mythology and science throughout. The natural flow to the writing and dialogue added a great deal of realism to the novel, in all its supernatural glory. The action interspersed with romance and a bit of a clash of cultures was a lot of fun.
Getting to know the warriors in this close knit band really made the story for me. I enjoyed getting to know them all, in different ways and in varying degrees of development. Topped off by Leif, the warrior to do all warriors proud, and one with a heart of gold, this band of brothers is one that I definitely can’t wait to get more of. And let’s not forget the fantastic women in this story as well. Naya’s strength is echoed in the Valkyries around her, rounding out the cast nicely.
This was a great start to a new series and an intriguing introduction for me into this author’s work.
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My favorite kind of romance hero is an Alpha Male, strong, sexy and loving ♡ Thank you
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