From the Earth to the Shadows (Valkyrie, #2)
Amanda Hocking
Malin’s mission to avenge her mother's murder has uncovered dangerous secrets. As a Valkyrie-in-training, Malin must slay immortals who’ve had their time, to maintain balance between humans and immortals. But her quest could destroy earth’s stability – and unleash chaos. Just when she needs to focus, her friend Asher is in grave danger. He’s been dragged into the underworld, where vengeful immortals plot revolution. Malin believes her feelings mustn’t distract from her goal – but is desperate to rescue him. So she ventures into the darkest of realms, knowing she may not survive. With new allies at her side and new enemies ahead, Malin will face terrible choices. She’ll have to keep her head – or be ruled by her heart.
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3.5 Stars
Firstly, I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
I expected so much more from this story. After the first book, I was hoping that this conclusion would step up and wow me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I have loved Amanda's works in the past and this just wasn't up to par with what I'm used to from her.
I honestly felt like this was just a really good second or third draft. If it was just fleshed out, with more to the plot and world building this book could have been absolutely amazing!
Here's the bad: first 25% of the book had little to no explanation of creatures they were facing. The only death in this book Atlas happened off page. MOST ANTI-CLIMACTIC FINAL BATTLE EVER!!!! They kill not only one, but BOTH of the main bad guys with a swift poke of a stick?!?!?!? COME ON!!!!! It is utterly ridiculous and made me lose a little faith in the author. Very little action. And for the love of GODS, I had to read the Glossary at the back of the book to FINALLY get the answer of when this damn book takes place. It's 2137 CE if you're interested.
The good: Despite the above, the thought behind the plot was inventive. The characters were so much more likable this time around. I enjoyed the addition of Valeska and found both Quinn and Malin to be more relatable. The mythology definitely showed up this time around and I loved every second of it. It was not predictable. I often wrote "what the heck is happening right now!??!?!" in my notes. The ending was conclusive, it answered my burning questions and I enjoyed it.
That's right, all of those issues and I STILL ENJOYED IT. I read this whole book in 24 hours.
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