Waiting on Wednesday (#3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights some of the books whose releases bloggers are most anticipating this year.

The book whose release I am most excited for this week is...

Title: Valkyrie Rising 

Author: Ingrid Paulson

Release Date: October 9th, 2012

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.

I'll admit it - the first thing that drew me into this novel was its cover. Nope, not the girl (it's not like a girl on the cover of a YA Novel is a new feature), but the beautiful background, eerie mist, swirling border, and gorgeous font. When I read the synopsis of this novel though, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I love mythology and although I am most familiar with Greek and Roman mythology, I think learning more about mythological Norse warriors would be amazing - especially since they were such strong and brutal people. Furthermore, Ellie seems to be an extremely interesting protagonist. She's obviously kick-ass if she's a warrior and she doesn't fall for her brother's hot best friend...not immediately anyway! I think the plot line of having a sister find/rescue/save her brother has definitely been done before, but Paulson introduces a new mix of unique mythology into this, making it unique. In addition, the setting of Norway is original and I am a sucker for a romance like the one that is sure to emerge between Ellie and Tuck. In other words, I can't wait till this novel releases so I can sink my teeth into its mythological - and deadly - goodness! :D