Arc Review – Between the blade and the heart by Amanda Hocking

Synopsis

Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.

Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart.

Review

Malin is an apprentice Valkyrie, she knows she was born for this job, she doesn’t question anything at least for now. Her guardian, Marlow, is also her mother, we cannot really say that she behaves like a mother, but genetically speaking it is the case. When she discovers that her mother has spared an immortal and the consequences are disastrous, she will do everything to repair the harm caused by her mother.

Malin is a young girl who begins to doubt her free will, she asks herself many questions, especially since her mother always told her that valkyries could not love. Malin is not afraid of danger, she is reckless, stubborn and a little daredevil. It is a character that I appreciate, the fact that she is a valkyrie helps a little.

Asher lost his mother because of Marlow and he asks Malin for help, he is also attracted to her. Together with the help of Oona, Malin’s best friend and Malin’s ex-Quinn, they will hunt down the immortal and kill him.

Oona is adorable, I think she’s my favorite character, she’s an apprentice witch and she’s always there for Malin. She is funny and charming, intelligent and sensitive and good advice.

I liked the story and I love Valkyries, they are strong women. I cannot tell you that there is no love triangle because as you can guess between Malin, Quinn and Asher there is tension. There were some typing errors but other than that I like the style of Amanda Hocking.

Quick word: If you want an original story with Valkyries and all kinds of creatures, do not hesitate.

About Amanda Hocking

Amanda Hocking is a lifelong Minnesotan obsessed with Batman and Jim Henson. In between watching cooking shows, taking care of her menagerie of pets, and drinking too much Red Bull Zero, she writes young adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Several of her books have made the New York Times Bestsellers list, including the Trylle trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her zombie series, The Hollows, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dynamite. She has published over fifteen novels, including the Watersong quartet and My Blood Approves series. Frostfire, Ice Kissed, and Crystal Kingdom– all three books in her bestselling trilogy, The Kanin Chronicles – are out now.

Her latest book is Freeks – a standalone YA paranormal romance novel set in the 1980s that follows a travelling sideshow, and it is a available now. Her next books will be a duology about Valkyries. The first book Between the Blade and the Heart will be out January 2, 2018, and the the sequel From the Earth to the Shadows will be out March 27, 2018.

For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her:

Website: www.hockingbooks.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandahockingfans

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/amandahocking

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/aehocking/

Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/AmandaHocking

Tumblr: amandahocking.tumblr.com/

Publisher Website: www.worldofamandahocking.com

Instagram: instagram.com/amanda_hocking/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/aehocking