flamingo2023's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
salinabear's review against another edition
3.0
DNF at 65%. I love this premise but the writing is poor.
scrollsofdragons's review
3.0
I liked the secondary characters more then I liked the protagonist and their love interest, plot and world was interesting, I will finish it out but over all just an okay read I won't think about after it's all done.
illidia316's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book in a day. I absolutely love it! The characters are great, and the plot is very interesting. I can’t wait for the next one!
weaverl13's review
4.0
"That's the funny thing about love. It doesn't wait for perfection."
This is some of the best world-building I have ever seen. For me, the setting isn't usually that important, plot and characters are more likley to make me love a book but this was something else, the world drew me in before anything else had been set up. A modern, sci-fi/dystopian type city but still traditional fantasy in such that the demons are fought with blades. The world was so thought out with specific things like lufts (hover-motorbikes) and Malin's pet wolpertinger ( a type of dragon, rabbit pet). I felt truly immersed in the world from the first page. The way the small links to the current climate and environmental crisis we are in were made too was brilliant.
The plot was great, there was never a dull moment, everything flowed and there was all the elements of a good fantasy: secrets, battles, demons, death and training. I would have liked a little more action in the final battle if I'm honest though. Also, be warned this ends on a real cliffhanger, you'll want book 2 on hand like I have here!
There are a lot of supernatural creatures mentioned and I didn't know what all of them were, and they weren't explained unless it was a character of significance. Whilst this didn't detract from reading it, it is worth mentioning. The Valkyrie in this book are different to the usual kind. Whilst they are still strong and all-female, their main job is to kill immortals under instructions of Vanir, to maintain order. This was an interesting concept, and again shows how well-developed the world was.
The characters are all interesting. Marlow isn't the usual mother-figure, nor is Samael the typical mentor. There is a love triangle, but it's more of Malin dealing with feelings for her ex-girlfriend, but also a new guy being on the scene. Yes - we have a bisexual fantasy heroine! Oona is such a cool friend too. I want to know more about Jude, hoping he features more in the next book.
Overall, this is a very fresh feeling fantasy read. All the usual ingredients, but presented in a unique way. I would highly recommend it!
This is some of the best world-building I have ever seen. For me, the setting isn't usually that important, plot and characters are more likley to make me love a book but this was something else, the world drew me in before anything else had been set up. A modern, sci-fi/dystopian type city but still traditional fantasy in such that the demons are fought with blades. The world was so thought out with specific things like lufts (hover-motorbikes) and Malin's pet wolpertinger ( a type of dragon, rabbit pet). I felt truly immersed in the world from the first page. The way the small links to the current climate and environmental crisis we are in were made too was brilliant.
The plot was great, there was never a dull moment, everything flowed and there was all the elements of a good fantasy: secrets, battles, demons, death and training. I would have liked a little more action in the final battle if I'm honest though. Also, be warned this ends on a real cliffhanger, you'll want book 2 on hand like I have here!
There are a lot of supernatural creatures mentioned and I didn't know what all of them were, and they weren't explained unless it was a character of significance. Whilst this didn't detract from reading it, it is worth mentioning. The Valkyrie in this book are different to the usual kind. Whilst they are still strong and all-female, their main job is to kill immortals under instructions of Vanir, to maintain order. This was an interesting concept, and again shows how well-developed the world was.
The characters are all interesting. Marlow isn't the usual mother-figure, nor is Samael the typical mentor. There is a love triangle, but it's more of Malin dealing with feelings for her ex-girlfriend, but also a new guy being on the scene. Yes - we have a bisexual fantasy heroine! Oona is such a cool friend too. I want to know more about Jude, hoping he features more in the next book.
Overall, this is a very fresh feeling fantasy read. All the usual ingredients, but presented in a unique way. I would highly recommend it!
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
I received a review copy from Edelweiss.
In a world where mortals and immortals must coexist, valkyries are the women tasked with keeping the balance. This race of semi-mortals is given the task of ending the lives of immortals chosen by higher beings. Malin is training with her mother to become a full-fledged valkyrie and will soon be able to complete missions on her own. When a mysterious, yet hot guy, explains that Malin's mother did not fulfill all of her duties and now people are dying as a result. Malin and a few others come together to set things right again, but there may be more at play.
I found that I never connected with the main character and had trouble getting on board with the romance. The concept and story was interesting, but I found myself wanting more.
In a world where mortals and immortals must coexist, valkyries are the women tasked with keeping the balance. This race of semi-mortals is given the task of ending the lives of immortals chosen by higher beings. Malin is training with her mother to become a full-fledged valkyrie and will soon be able to complete missions on her own. When a mysterious, yet hot guy, explains that Malin's mother did not fulfill all of her duties and now people are dying as a result. Malin and a few others come together to set things right again, but there may be more at play.
I found that I never connected with the main character and had trouble getting on board with the romance. The concept and story was interesting, but I found myself wanting more.
meganmreads's review against another edition
4.0
Between the Blade and the Heart was a fun read. I loved the setting! It was sort of like an urban fantasy set in an alternate world where immortals roamed and gods existed. The valkyries were human women that were chosen to dispose of immortals, as choosing other immortals would provide a conflict of interest. The main character, Malin, was a valkyrie in training and a student when she wasn’t out trying to take down the next immortals on the list.
I wouldn’t consider Between the Blade and the Heart anything like Game of Thrones or Blade Runner, so the synopsis is a bit misleading in that regard. I’d categorize it with other urban fantasies blended with a bit of Norse mythology. I think the comparison in the synopsis is trying to allude to the fact that there are gods and it’s futuristic in a way. It was more in the same vein of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both fun and adventurous.
Malin was a character I couldn’t help but want to root for. She went against the grain, cared about her friends, felt sort of unloved, and pushed people away who cared too much about her. She was interesting and I wanted to sort of figure her out, while also following her on this epic adventure where things went drastically wrong. Everything she thought she believed was basically wrong and her world was upside down. She had to form some alliances that weren’t comfortable, like teaming up with a guy who tried to kill her and teaming up with her ex girlfriend. Awkward, right?
The personalities of the characters were what made this book shine. None of your typical tropes were present (aside from girl suddenly possesses the qualities to save the world).The main character was sarcastic, a bit rough around the edges, and yet soft and vulnerable in different ways.
I definitely recommend the book if you’re looking for a fast paced, fun, and entertaining urban fantasy. I loved the attitude and sass of the characters, the relationship drama, and the serious fate-of-the-world drama. It was enjoyable to read!
I wouldn’t consider Between the Blade and the Heart anything like Game of Thrones or Blade Runner, so the synopsis is a bit misleading in that regard. I’d categorize it with other urban fantasies blended with a bit of Norse mythology. I think the comparison in the synopsis is trying to allude to the fact that there are gods and it’s futuristic in a way. It was more in the same vein of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both fun and adventurous.
Malin was a character I couldn’t help but want to root for. She went against the grain, cared about her friends, felt sort of unloved, and pushed people away who cared too much about her. She was interesting and I wanted to sort of figure her out, while also following her on this epic adventure where things went drastically wrong. Everything she thought she believed was basically wrong and her world was upside down. She had to form some alliances that weren’t comfortable, like teaming up with a guy who tried to kill her and teaming up with her ex girlfriend. Awkward, right?
The personalities of the characters were what made this book shine. None of your typical tropes were present (aside from girl suddenly possesses the qualities to save the world).The main character was sarcastic, a bit rough around the edges, and yet soft and vulnerable in different ways.
I definitely recommend the book if you’re looking for a fast paced, fun, and entertaining urban fantasy. I loved the attitude and sass of the characters, the relationship drama, and the serious fate-of-the-world drama. It was enjoyable to read!
kai_downcloud's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
iggyebab's review against another edition
3.0
Quick read. I’m fascinated by the lack re surrounding Valkyries so this book was an easy choice. I liked the characters, although a few felt a bit underdeveloped. There is good use of Norse mythology and an interesting storyline. There were a few plot points that were muddy.
I will read the next book.
I will read the next book.