Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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

28 comments:

  1. I love the Norse mythology angle of this too! I can't even remember if I've read a YA set in Norway, it sounds like it could be so interesting and of course, the kickass MC is a given plus. :) October isn't too far off...right? lol

    Great pick!!

    My WoW

    (I'm so sorry I missed catching you back last week, I got overwhelmed with a book read-a-thon and totally blew by the whole day) :(

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    1. Thanks Barbara!(: I'm afraid October is very far off, so we'll just have to wait and hope for an influx of ARCs sometime soon! ;) Don't worry about not catching me last week - I'm just glad you stopped by my blog! :D

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  2. Thanks for intro'ing me to a new book! I like that you described the rest of the cover, usually I'd let the stereotypical girl on the front put me off but I like that you looked past her :)

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    1. Thanks Vegan YA Nerds! :D I haven't seen too much of this book around, so I figured it would make an interesting WoW pick!(:

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  3. Ooh i've never heard of this one before, sounds great and a bit different!

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    1. Thanks Michelle! I can't wait to see how original this book is - hopefully it'll live up to my expectations! :D

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  4. Great pick Keertana, this book sounds awesome right? I love the cover too, they're usually my biggest downfall, so I'm hoping this will be a decent read too, and this Tuck dude I definitely got to meet! :)

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    1. Thanks Jasprit!(: I'm hoping this will be a good read as well! Usually the summaries wind up sounding better than the books, so I hope this isn't the case this time! Plus, Tuck sounds awesome! ;)

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  5. Great books! Also just letting you know I tagged you for the Liebster award if you hav'nt done this already! Go to my blog for more info :)

    http://youonlywritesomuch.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks Josie! I've just recently completed a post on the Liebster Award, but thank you for tagging me all the same! :)

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  6. :) I also really like the sound of this book and adore the cover Keertana!!!!! I love any stories set in foreign countries! Thanks for introducing me to this one! Looking forward to it now!

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    1. Thanks Rachel!(: I can't wait till October finally rolls around! I'm glad this is coming out in the beginning of the month so the wait won't be as painful! ;)

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  7. I have to admit, I had not read about this book BECAUSE of the cover- why that outfit out in a field?! but the summary sounds really appealing. Thanks for sharing as your WoW, otherwise I would have missed out.

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    1. I agree Grad Student - why is she wearing such a pretty outfit in a random misty field? I loved the title and the font and the border by the side caught my eye at first, but the synopsis totally sold me. I can't wait to read it!(:

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  8. Hey thanks for stopping by the blog :) I want to read this book too!

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    1. No problem Cassy! Thanks for stopping by mine!(:

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  9. Great choice! I am looking forward to this book and yes the background of the cover is lovely! I also had no idea this book has to do with mythology...and romance! Too bad the release date is so far away...I am seriously looking forward to reading it!


    Following your blog! Feel free to visit my blog!
    SeeitORreadit

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    1. I'm very much looking forward to read it as well Jaskirat! I haven't read a good mythological book since Percy Jackson, so I think this will be great! Thanks for stopping by my blog!(:

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  10. this sounds like such an amazing read! can't wait!
    new follower!

    http://thecrossbreeds.blogspot.com/

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    1. I can't wait either ShadyLane! Thanks for stopping by my blog! :D

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  11. Ooh, I agree! I have never read any Norse mythology inspired reads, so I would say that's my biggest draw to this one. Besides the pretty cover :)

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    1. I absolutely agree!(: Thanks for stopping by my blog Aylee! :D

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  12. I am also really excited about this novel! Great pick this week =D

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  13. This books sounds pretty great. Thanks for stopping by my WoW.

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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    1. No problem Teresa! Thanks for stopping by mine as well! :D

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  14. Wow, this sounds really good. Thanks for stopping by!

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