Review: Valkyrie Rising

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. 

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors.

 Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them. Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

Oooh, I really enjoyed this book! And after that synopsis how could you not expect to love it? Valkyrie Rising is an action packed novel that sucked me in and kept me in Norway until I finished the book... amazing! I am so excited to tell everyone about this book...

The characters were nothing short of amazing. Ellie was a great and relatable (and sarcastic) character. I enjoyed reading the story from her perspective. Also, her brother, Graham was a vivid character who learns the some valuable lessons about being a big brother. Tuck, Graham's friend, was also pretty great. Astrid, an evil valkyrie in the beginning, was also fun to read about because her personality and traits were unique and vivid. I hope we see more of all these characters in the second book.

Okay, Norse mythology. Kidnappings. Valkyries. What could be cooler? This novel definitely had a plot to die for. The audience will never be bored, or at least I never was, with all the end-of-your-seat action. I think I read this in half the airplane ride. (P.S This is fun to read on a plane because then you can pretend to be going to Norway!)

There were several "plots" (I may be using this term loosely.) One was about the kidnapping of young men in the Norwedgian fishing village. Another one was the war including the gods. There was the part where Ellie tries to figure out some family secrets, and what she is. And finally, there was the romance between Ellie and Tuck, plus the relationship between Ellie and Graham. All these "plots" joined together to make an awesome story!

The conclusion solves most everything and there was no cliff-hanger, which I liked. However, there is definitely room for more books in the series. And I hope the second one comes out soon! I want more gods, goddesses, valkyries, and action! What will happen next in the war of the gods?

Overall, Valkyrie Rising was an epic read. Fans of mythology, action, and romance will love whipping through the novel like I did.

4.5/5 bookcases

Notes on what is currently happening on the blog:

1. I have changed the title. Counting in Bookcases is now Reader Rising. What are your thoughts?
2. My blog will be custom designed by a design site during late summer. This as left me short of money so there will be less giveaways than I wanted, but there will still be some! Don't worry :)
3. Google Reader is closing down in two weeks, so take this opportunity to follow via blogovin!
4. I have reached 150 bloglovin' followers!
5. It is Summer Break for me! Let's celebrate!
6. I am constantly amazed by how many awesome book blogs are out there, just thought I should mention it! If you want to, leave a link to your blog so I can visit :)

Wow, there is a lot happening!

-Emily

Newbie Blogger Diaries #9

So, I was trying to write a review, and well, let's just say it didn't work. I spaced out and started thinking about the age old ebook vs print book phenomenon. So I opened up a new post to start a Newbie Blogger Diaries Debate...

Ebook or Print?

As a newbie(ish) blogger I have learned that a lot of review copies or requests I receive are for ebooks. And it makes sense. The author/publisher doesn't have to pay for shipping, plus it is an instant download. Also, I read print ARCs cost 15 dollars to print a piece! So here are some pros and cons for ebooks:

Ebooks Pros: 

1. As afore mentioned, they download instantly! 
2. You can highlight, add notes, and other stuff (How cool are those things?!?!)
3. Often you can read with your e-reader in just one hand instead of wasting your energy turning those pages!
4. You can adjust font, size, and color.

Print Pros:

1. Your eyes don't get tired as quick.
2. It is easier to flip through the book. This can also eliminate confusion about the story if you can go back and check your facts.
3. You can touch the cover image sand they are never in weird format.
4. You can keep them as trophies on your shelf. (I love me some pretty books to hoard!)

So, what do you think? I am more fond of print, but I still love ebooks! Any more Pros to add to the list? Remember this is a debate so argue your side! 

-Emily :)

Stacking the Shelves #15

                                                                           Well, this week was a good week! I can't wait to dig in...  I have been hearing such good things about all of these reads! 

Stacking the Shelves is a showcase meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

So, let the haul begin...

The Total Haul...

 Wow, I have a lot of black book spines!

Bought

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Born of Illusion by Teri Brown

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

For Review (Print)

Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan (Thanks to ARCycling!)

Ethereal Fury by Jessica O'Gorek (Thank you Jessica!)

For Review (Ebook) 

+ iBook Freebie

The Athena Effect (Thank you Derrolyn Anderson!)

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn  (currently free)

How was your book haul this week?

-Emily :)

Feature and Follow #14

Q: Activity: Spine Poetry. Create a line of poetry with your book spines (take a picture). Not feeling creative? Tell us about your favorite poem.

So, I had fun with this especially the last one. Sorry if nothing makes sense :) My poetry is kind of random (but not quite, just think really hard)!

Little Note: Summer Break has begun! Woohoo. Also, if you want to, follow via email as I don't have many followers in that area. I am not very picky though so don't follow if you are not interested!

Prophecy:

Ruby Red Dragon Slippers

Just Listen Wildwood Dancing

Awakening Another Little Piece

Crewel Undeadly Sirens

Poison Beauty Queens

Happy Friday! Show me your spine poetry now :)

-Emily

It is June 12th...

Good News

I hate giving out negative reviews (and I just did) so I thought I should share some good news... School's out today! Classes were a breeze, I spent the whole time signing yearbooks, and now it is officially summer! This also means I will be spending more time on the blog (which may be renamed and redesigned soon!) 

So, Happy Summer everyone!

Review: Delusion

Delusion by Laura Sullivan

When two beautiful teenage stage magicians in World War II England meet a pair of handsome men who can do real magic, sparks fly. But is it illusion, or delusion? Opening-night jitters are nothing new for Phil and Fee Albion, who come from a long line of stage illusionists. The girls love to dazzle London audiences, but in the aftermath of the Blitz they're bundled off to the countryside, where they're safe from bombs and Nazis--and bored to pieces. 

Phil, always the passionate one, discovers a hidden college of real magicians led by the devastatingly handsome Arden. If only Phil can persuade these unworldly magicians to help England win the war! Daredevil that she is, she'll risk anything to give her country a fighting chance, even if it means losing her heart . . . or her life.

So, I thought this book sounded pretty awesome, with it's pretty cover and cool synopsis. Unfortunately, I ended up not enjoying the book. The dull characters and slow pace made Delusion a disappointment.

Part of the reason I did not like the book is that most of the time the writing was in 3rd person, but could switch to first. And since I have an uncorrected ARC, when the view points switched,  thewordsshoweduplikethiswhichisreallyannoying. No spaces. I got kinda annoyed at that, which is no fault of the actual story but still made Delusion harder to read.

Okay, the characters. They were either dull, or mean. I did not find it in me to root for any of them, especially Fee. And when you don't care what happens to the characters, there is normally not a point to the book unless there is a specific moral. Also, the pacing was terrible, and I found my self only scanning some pages. Plus, some forced dialogue ruined any realistic characters Sullivan could have created.

I just felt really disconnected to the story. That is not a good feeling.

Overall, I am sorry for the short review, but I could not find many redeeming qualities and I don't want to bash the book. I am sure other people could enjoy this book, but I was definitely not one of them. Thank you ARCycling for giving me the chance to read Delusion.

1.8/5 bookcases

Waiting on Wednesday #14

This week was an easy pick, a beautiful cover, synopsis, and top notch authors! Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This Week I am Waiting On...




  Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending...