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jessicah95's review
3.0
Some things about me that could be considered as interesting, and relate to this book and my review of it:
- I love me some Mythology, especially Norse Mythology.
- Scandinavian guys, especially of the blonde variety, happen to be my favourite kind (I’m looking at you, Skarsgård family)
- Thor is my favourite Norse God/Marvel Superhero (Technically he’s tied with Black Widow – but don’t you make me pick!)
- Vikings happens to be my favourite tv show right now. Going slightly off topic but, it IS fantastic, and you should watch it. Yes, you.
- The above facts about me, combined with my growing interest in the new adult genre, and the additional facts that this cover is pretty, and it was cheap on Kindle, convinced me I needed to read this book. It must have been the will of the Gods, what else can I tell you?
This trilogy starter follows a girl called Kristia Tostenson. She’s a quiet , but not entirely normal girl (she has visions) and is growing up in the relatively small, and arguably dull, American city of Nehalem, Oregon. Although bored of her life, she isn’t really the adventurous sort. Enrolled at a college she’s not really feeling, she’s simply going through the motions, as it’s likely she will just end up working for her parents in their antique store. Despite this, she’s not very close to her parents and was far closer to her Mormor (her grandmother), who has passed before the novel starts. Best friend Ardis (great name!), helps to convince her to get out of her comfort zone and transfer to Cardiff University in Wales to carry out the rest of her studies. It’s all very sudden, you just have to go with it.
A couple months later Kristia finds herself in London on a pit stop, sightseeing and visiting a couple museums, before travelling to her new life in Wales. At the British Museum, she’s looking at a display about Odin and Norse Mythology when she becomes aware of a dashing blonde stranger staring daggers at her. He’s very rude and she tries to forget about him. Imagine her surprise a week or so later at seeing him turn up in her Mythology class.
I’ll be honest – at this point, it starts to feel very Twilighty up in here. Gorgeous and brooding Ull Myhr, who at first tries to avoid Kristia, and has a deep dark secret, realises he can’t keep away as he is inexplicably drawn to her. Kristia is confused by his inital behaviour around her, but doesn’t want him to stay away, as she too is drawn to him, and long story short – they end up falling head over heels in love with each other.
Kristia seems to accept very quickly *SPOILER ALERT*… that Ull Mhyr is an actual Norse God, and stepson of the mighty Thor none the less.
I can’t say that this book was a poignant or life changing read. But it was an easy read, it was light, fun, and who can resist a little fantasy driven romance from time to time? The characters were mostly likeable, and I feel that it was a good series starter because there was a lot of foundation story to prepare for the more action driven plots of the following novels (at least that’s how I’m hoping they will be!) I will be continuing on with the series, at least for the second book, and I hope its even more jam packed with mythical Nordic goodness.
- I love me some Mythology, especially Norse Mythology.
- Scandinavian guys, especially of the blonde variety, happen to be my favourite kind (I’m looking at you, Skarsgård family)
- Thor is my favourite Norse God/Marvel Superhero (Technically he’s tied with Black Widow – but don’t you make me pick!)
- Vikings happens to be my favourite tv show right now. Going slightly off topic but, it IS fantastic, and you should watch it. Yes, you.
- The above facts about me, combined with my growing interest in the new adult genre, and the additional facts that this cover is pretty, and it was cheap on Kindle, convinced me I needed to read this book. It must have been the will of the Gods, what else can I tell you?
This trilogy starter follows a girl called Kristia Tostenson. She’s a quiet , but not entirely normal girl (she has visions) and is growing up in the relatively small, and arguably dull, American city of Nehalem, Oregon. Although bored of her life, she isn’t really the adventurous sort. Enrolled at a college she’s not really feeling, she’s simply going through the motions, as it’s likely she will just end up working for her parents in their antique store. Despite this, she’s not very close to her parents and was far closer to her Mormor (her grandmother), who has passed before the novel starts. Best friend Ardis (great name!), helps to convince her to get out of her comfort zone and transfer to Cardiff University in Wales to carry out the rest of her studies. It’s all very sudden, you just have to go with it.
A couple months later Kristia finds herself in London on a pit stop, sightseeing and visiting a couple museums, before travelling to her new life in Wales. At the British Museum, she’s looking at a display about Odin and Norse Mythology when she becomes aware of a dashing blonde stranger staring daggers at her. He’s very rude and she tries to forget about him. Imagine her surprise a week or so later at seeing him turn up in her Mythology class.
I’ll be honest – at this point, it starts to feel very Twilighty up in here. Gorgeous and brooding Ull Myhr, who at first tries to avoid Kristia, and has a deep dark secret, realises he can’t keep away as he is inexplicably drawn to her. Kristia is confused by his inital behaviour around her, but doesn’t want him to stay away, as she too is drawn to him, and long story short – they end up falling head over heels in love with each other.
Kristia seems to accept very quickly *SPOILER ALERT*… that Ull Mhyr is an actual Norse God, and stepson of the mighty Thor none the less.
I can’t say that this book was a poignant or life changing read. But it was an easy read, it was light, fun, and who can resist a little fantasy driven romance from time to time? The characters were mostly likeable, and I feel that it was a good series starter because there was a lot of foundation story to prepare for the more action driven plots of the following novels (at least that’s how I’m hoping they will be!) I will be continuing on with the series, at least for the second book, and I hope its even more jam packed with mythical Nordic goodness.
m3l89's review
4.0
The Elsker Saga came as part of a 14-book set featuring urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Not usually my kind of thing, but thought I would give it a try as it was free on kindle (was free at time of purchase, may not be now).
Whilst away from home and internet-less, this was a book that had been on my kindle for a long time, and that I decided to read without access to the blurb. I found this to be an interesting approach to reading, as I never knew what I would get and I probably read a few titles that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
The first book in the series; The Elsker Saga centres around small town girl Kristia, who, encouraged by her best friend decides to spend a year away from the local university and study in Cardiff, Wales. We are quickly introduced to the fact that one of her Grandmothers was Norse and told Kristia about the myths and legends of the Norse Gods from a young age. These myths and legends seem to have something to do with visions that Kristia has always been privy to, and which continue once she reaches Cardiff.
Nice mix of Norse Gods and modern life, which seems to be a very popular theme at the moment with the likes of Rick Riordan etc. This did work well, and although the main theme was the relationship between Kristia and Ull, it wasn’t too dominant. All of the characters were written well, especially Kristia who’s point of view the plot was from.
Good use of real places including Cardiff Castle and Castle Coch which made the book relatable and grounded in its setting.
A good introduction to the series. Whilst I enjoyed this as a standalone novel I don’t think I will reads the rest of the series.
Whilst away from home and internet-less, this was a book that had been on my kindle for a long time, and that I decided to read without access to the blurb. I found this to be an interesting approach to reading, as I never knew what I would get and I probably read a few titles that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
The first book in the series; The Elsker Saga centres around small town girl Kristia, who, encouraged by her best friend decides to spend a year away from the local university and study in Cardiff, Wales. We are quickly introduced to the fact that one of her Grandmothers was Norse and told Kristia about the myths and legends of the Norse Gods from a young age. These myths and legends seem to have something to do with visions that Kristia has always been privy to, and which continue once she reaches Cardiff.
Nice mix of Norse Gods and modern life, which seems to be a very popular theme at the moment with the likes of Rick Riordan etc. This did work well, and although the main theme was the relationship between Kristia and Ull, it wasn’t too dominant. All of the characters were written well, especially Kristia who’s point of view the plot was from.
Good use of real places including Cardiff Castle and Castle Coch which made the book relatable and grounded in its setting.
A good introduction to the series. Whilst I enjoyed this as a standalone novel I don’t think I will reads the rest of the series.
annag77's review
5.0
Not too long ago, my friend, Lolita (Lola‘s Reviews), recommended Elsker to me. I had been looking for a different kind of New Adult book, and this is a modern story that had Norse Mythology tied in to it. I had never read any books about Norse Mythology, so I was very intrigued. The other day, I decided to read it, and I am SO glad that I did! I was hooked from the very first page. Everything seemed to flow and I could not wait to see what was going to happen next.
The story begins with twenty-year-old, Kristia Tostenson, who comes from a small town in Oregon. It’s one of those communities where everyone knows everyone, and one eventually marries someone he or she grew up with. The kids grow up and take over the businesses or occupations held by their parents. Kristia is seen as somewhat of an outcast for her ‘gift‘, something she has little control over. She was raised by her late grandmother who taught her to be polite and respectful, but she also told Kristia tales of Norse myths. One day Kristia, a college senior, decides that she wants to have one more adventure before she settles down into life in her small town, so she decides to finish her education in Cardiff, Wales. Once her plane touches down in Britain, her life will never be the same.
I really liked Kristia’s character. She is a bit OCD, but she is also kind, thoughtful, and loyal. Ull is tall, blond, handsome, and mysterious. It wasn’t long before I was rooting for the two of them. They both have some secrets though, and they will have to learn to trust one another with them. I also grew to love the other minor characters in Elsker- Emma, Victoria, Gunnar, and Inga. They added some humor and other fun elements to the story.
I really enjoyed the Norwegian culture in Elsker, such as the food and the language. I hope we get to experience even more of that in the next book, Endre. I am really looking forward to the continuation of Kristia and Ull’s story, as they are about to encounter even more trials and problems. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but lets just say I loved this and I’ve been recommending Elsker to my friends!
*There is a recipe at the end of the book for Grandma Olaug’s waffles, and I am definitely going to try it out!
The story begins with twenty-year-old, Kristia Tostenson, who comes from a small town in Oregon. It’s one of those communities where everyone knows everyone, and one eventually marries someone he or she grew up with. The kids grow up and take over the businesses or occupations held by their parents. Kristia is seen as somewhat of an outcast for her ‘gift‘, something she has little control over. She was raised by her late grandmother who taught her to be polite and respectful, but she also told Kristia tales of Norse myths. One day Kristia, a college senior, decides that she wants to have one more adventure before she settles down into life in her small town, so she decides to finish her education in Cardiff, Wales. Once her plane touches down in Britain, her life will never be the same.
I really liked Kristia’s character. She is a bit OCD, but she is also kind, thoughtful, and loyal. Ull is tall, blond, handsome, and mysterious. It wasn’t long before I was rooting for the two of them. They both have some secrets though, and they will have to learn to trust one another with them. I also grew to love the other minor characters in Elsker- Emma, Victoria, Gunnar, and Inga. They added some humor and other fun elements to the story.
I really enjoyed the Norwegian culture in Elsker, such as the food and the language. I hope we get to experience even more of that in the next book, Endre. I am really looking forward to the continuation of Kristia and Ull’s story, as they are about to encounter even more trials and problems. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but lets just say I loved this and I’ve been recommending Elsker to my friends!
*There is a recipe at the end of the book for Grandma Olaug’s waffles, and I am definitely going to try it out!
ashleynestlermsw's review
4.0
Norse Mythology is a section of literature that is most often neglected, or only present in historical fiction. But S.T. Bende took Norse Mythology to the next level and introduced it to the younger generations by incorporating the legends into an older young adult novel that connects the mythologies to today's world. As someone who is very passionate about Norse Mythology, I was very impressed with S.T. Bende's novel, and how she was able to take the myths of Norse Mythology and translate them to reality.
Elsker is written from the perspective of our heroine, Kristia, a girl from a small town who has decided to attend Cardiff University in Wales. Kristia is catapulted from a simple small town life into the world of the Norse gods and quickly becomes involved in an ancient battle that has come back to the surface. This novel is not just a novel about a young girl finding herself and expanding her horizons, but about the power that mythology has on our contemporary lives and how those we meet may not be exactly who we think they are.
S.T. Bende's novel is not just a novel for older young adults, but for people of all ages to learn about Norse Mythology and the origins of its age old concepts. I have not found an older young adult novel as original as Elsker in quite some time, and I now know why this indie novel is an international bestseller.
Elsker is written from the perspective of our heroine, Kristia, a girl from a small town who has decided to attend Cardiff University in Wales. Kristia is catapulted from a simple small town life into the world of the Norse gods and quickly becomes involved in an ancient battle that has come back to the surface. This novel is not just a novel about a young girl finding herself and expanding her horizons, but about the power that mythology has on our contemporary lives and how those we meet may not be exactly who we think they are.
S.T. Bende's novel is not just a novel for older young adults, but for people of all ages to learn about Norse Mythology and the origins of its age old concepts. I have not found an older young adult novel as original as Elsker in quite some time, and I now know why this indie novel is an international bestseller.
alexlcriddle's review
4.0
This novel had a cool concept and relatable characters. I find myself growing increasingly fascinated with Norse mythology the more I read about it. The romance was cute, and Ull was definitely a gentleman, though at times the progression of his relationship with Kristia (love the name by the way) seemed glossed over and wasn't explored in as much depth as other parts (I think the beginning of their relationship was well documented, but later it just seemed to blossom overnight without much explanation). I really did enjoy this novel though.
melodicfate's review
4.0
*I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.*
First, I'd like to point out that mythology is my weakness. And I don't just mean Greek or Roman mythology, I just love it in general. This is especially true with Norse mythology, so you can imagine how I felt when I heard of a book where a human girl meets and falls in love with a Norse god. Obviously, I had to read it. Second, it was set in Wales at a college, and I love New Adult and other countries. When you put all those elements together, you can imagine how excited I was when the author provided me a copy of this book to review, and I am happy to say that all the excitement was well worth it.
The main character of this story was Kristia. I liked how honest and kind she was to everyone. She was very strong and stubborn, and I liked that this was especially true when dealing with Ull. However, I also felt a lot of sympathy for her, since everyone in her hometown considered her crazy because of her visions. I definitely think she made a great character to follow throughout this story, and after the ending of this book, I can't wait to see where she goes next and how she gets there.
Then, there was Ull. God of winter, warrior, stubborn, sweet, and protective. Ull manages to be all of these things, and make it work. I really liked him, but I also felt really bad for him, since he felt he was doomed to die and never be happy. I think that he and Kristia made a good couple, though their dialog was a bit over-the-top sometimes, and they did progress from like to love a bit too swiftly for my taste. However, their relationship was vfunctional and healthy, which I found very refreshing.
As for the side characters, there were a few that I really liked. I thought that Kristia's roommates were interesting, though not too much is known about them. I thought the grandmotherly figure of Olaug was nicely done, and gave a bit more insight to Ull's childhood. By far, however, my favorite was Inga. I have a feeling she and Kristia are going to make quite the team in the following books, and I'm very excited to see that.
The plot of this novel was about Kristia's moving to Wales and falling in love with Ull. I thought the romance was nicely done, though a bit fast in the like-to-love department, but this can be forgiven as there was a prophecy made about them. I also liked the American moving to Wales part of the story too, since that kind of thing always interests me. There was a lot of mythology in this book as well, considering who Ull is. I thought that that element was very well-done, and I never once got bored with those parts. All in all, the plot was definitely enjoyable, and I found the story to be a quick and easy read.
This was an interesting romance story that incorporated lots of mythology. It was definitely perfect for me as a reader, since I've always loved mythology and stories where a human has a relationship with something other. My only complaints were that some of the dialog between Ull and Kristia felt forced and overdone, and that their relationship moved from like to love too fast. However, those were small problems, and I ended up really enjoying this book. Now I just need the sequel, since it promises lots of excitement and interesting changes.
First, I'd like to point out that mythology is my weakness. And I don't just mean Greek or Roman mythology, I just love it in general. This is especially true with Norse mythology, so you can imagine how I felt when I heard of a book where a human girl meets and falls in love with a Norse god. Obviously, I had to read it. Second, it was set in Wales at a college, and I love New Adult and other countries. When you put all those elements together, you can imagine how excited I was when the author provided me a copy of this book to review, and I am happy to say that all the excitement was well worth it.
The main character of this story was Kristia. I liked how honest and kind she was to everyone. She was very strong and stubborn, and I liked that this was especially true when dealing with Ull. However, I also felt a lot of sympathy for her, since everyone in her hometown considered her crazy because of her visions. I definitely think she made a great character to follow throughout this story, and after the ending of this book, I can't wait to see where she goes next and how she gets there.
Then, there was Ull. God of winter, warrior, stubborn, sweet, and protective. Ull manages to be all of these things, and make it work. I really liked him, but I also felt really bad for him, since he felt he was doomed to die and never be happy. I think that he and Kristia made a good couple, though their dialog was a bit over-the-top sometimes, and they did progress from like to love a bit too swiftly for my taste. However, their relationship was vfunctional and healthy, which I found very refreshing.
As for the side characters, there were a few that I really liked. I thought that Kristia's roommates were interesting, though not too much is known about them. I thought the grandmotherly figure of Olaug was nicely done, and gave a bit more insight to Ull's childhood. By far, however, my favorite was Inga. I have a feeling she and Kristia are going to make quite the team in the following books, and I'm very excited to see that.
The plot of this novel was about Kristia's moving to Wales and falling in love with Ull. I thought the romance was nicely done, though a bit fast in the like-to-love department, but this can be forgiven as there was a prophecy made about them. I also liked the American moving to Wales part of the story too, since that kind of thing always interests me. There was a lot of mythology in this book as well, considering who Ull is. I thought that that element was very well-done, and I never once got bored with those parts. All in all, the plot was definitely enjoyable, and I found the story to be a quick and easy read.
This was an interesting romance story that incorporated lots of mythology. It was definitely perfect for me as a reader, since I've always loved mythology and stories where a human has a relationship with something other. My only complaints were that some of the dialog between Ull and Kristia felt forced and overdone, and that their relationship moved from like to love too fast. However, those were small problems, and I ended up really enjoying this book. Now I just need the sequel, since it promises lots of excitement and interesting changes.
diandra24's review
4.0
Our main character only sees what is wrong with herself and luckily makes great friends who make her see the truth. She also meets Ull, this perfect guy that is moody, but is interested in her when he has never been interested in anyone before. What Kristia doesn't know, is that she is about to be a part of Norse Mythology and change everyone's fate. It is up to her to basically save all of the worlds by saving one, Asgard.
I liked the development of the plot and characters. It was a bit predictable, but while the reader guesses it early on, so does Kristia. She is smart and we see that, not only because of how she does in school, but because she figures everything out before it is spelled out for her.
Any fan of mythological based books will enjoy this one.
I liked the development of the plot and characters. It was a bit predictable, but while the reader guesses it early on, so does Kristia. She is smart and we see that, not only because of how she does in school, but because she figures everything out before it is spelled out for her.
Any fan of mythological based books will enjoy this one.
gingerblack's review against another edition
5.0
I have no clue which character I am more in love with. I just wish that the story was longer and not so fast paced.
krispyxx's review
4.0
i read this book a few years ago and now i have the last two books so i had to reread it to remember what was going on. i really like this book, and yes i do have to say it does sound a little like twilight but im sorry its better than twilight. Ull is dark and mysterious and no one knows anything about him and then magically hes like "let me tell you my whole life cause i already love you" oh its so cheesey but thats the best part about these books. i also love mythology, greek and norse gods. its not a long book so its not like you have 50 chapters to bring them together, like i like the chase but thats alot of reading. quick to the dating and now lets go save asgard.
chelsea_not_chels's review
2.0
More reviews available at my blog, Beauty and the Bookworm.
Did you like Twilight, but maybe wish that Edward wasn't quite so psycho? Or did you want writing of an ever-so-slightly higher caliber? Or a college setting rather than a high school one? But still with "powerful immortal spends all of his time going to school over and over again and then falls in love with teenage girl"? Well then do I have the book for you.
I read this for a category in the Unapologetic Romance Readers group, that of a virgin hero, because I already had it on my Kindle and it appeared on a list that fit that category--unfortunately, the matter of either character's virginity never really comes up, though it's kind of implied the heroine is (go figure). So I'm going to have to ditch it for that and pick another one. But at least I can take it off my Kindle now!
The plot follows Kristia, an eighteen-year-old college student from Oregon who gets visions, though normally boring ones, and nightmares of Ragnarok that she blames on her grandmother telling her too many stories of Norse mythology when she was younger. Wanting a change of pace, she applies for a study abroad at Cardiff University in Wales, where she meets Ull, the hottest guy on campus who also happens to be a Norse god in disguise. Of course it's love at first sight, and Kristia figures out who Ull really is in pretty quick succession because of two conversational slip-ups he makes and her mythology class. Because, you know, a centuries-old god would totally just let it slip in casual conversation that his stepfather is Thor and he's known his best friend for eight hundred years. And when hearing that his stepfather's name is Thor, Kristia would totally automatically assume that his family is comprised of gods instead of thinking, you know, maybe they're just really into mythology, hence the reason Ull is studying it.
The romance here is kind of flat, because the two are in love and all gushy over each other pretty much right away. And because they're in love right away, there's need for another conflict--aka the "We can't be together because of Ragnarok!!!" plotline. The problem with all of this is that the entire story is full of holes that you could sail the Titanic through. Let's examine a few, shall we?
For example, why is Ull so concerned about Kristia not getting wrapped up in Ragnarok? It shouldn't matter; the story of Ragnarok involves the destruction of the human world, as well, with only two people surviving to restart the human race...and if one of those was Kristia, she'd be hooking up with another guy, so I'm not sure that's something he'd be psyched about either. Ull says that Kristia is in control of her own fate--but also has a Norn that has decided the two of them are supposed to be together, which doesn't seem like Kristia has a lot of say in the matter. And they're fated to be together, but apparently no one knows if that will actually happen. And apparently being a seer will allow Kristia to travel through the various worlds without being detected? What kind of logic is that?
The actual writing here is okay. It was nice to see some female friendships, and the girls do discuss things other than guys, though Ull is still a central topic of conversation. Bende seems to have a shaky grasp on how grammar with dialogue works, and she also has a few words that are misused in the place of homophones. Additionally, the cover is a little weird because it says "You don't win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way," which has nothing to do with the story, because Ull is not an assassin (he mentions he was a warrior in the past, but not really an assassin) and Kristia doesn't make any enemies except one person in her dreams, who I am betting is Loki because Loki is suspiciously absent here, but that doesn't even really affect the story at all.
Overall, this was kind of meh, and I don't really see myself reading the future books. But it wasn't terrible, so I'll give it...
2 stars out of 5.
Did you like Twilight, but maybe wish that Edward wasn't quite so psycho? Or did you want writing of an ever-so-slightly higher caliber? Or a college setting rather than a high school one? But still with "powerful immortal spends all of his time going to school over and over again and then falls in love with teenage girl"? Well then do I have the book for you.
I read this for a category in the Unapologetic Romance Readers group, that of a virgin hero, because I already had it on my Kindle and it appeared on a list that fit that category--unfortunately, the matter of either character's virginity never really comes up, though it's kind of implied the heroine is (go figure). So I'm going to have to ditch it for that and pick another one. But at least I can take it off my Kindle now!
The plot follows Kristia, an eighteen-year-old college student from Oregon who gets visions, though normally boring ones, and nightmares of Ragnarok that she blames on her grandmother telling her too many stories of Norse mythology when she was younger. Wanting a change of pace, she applies for a study abroad at Cardiff University in Wales, where she meets Ull, the hottest guy on campus who also happens to be a Norse god in disguise. Of course it's love at first sight, and Kristia figures out who Ull really is in pretty quick succession because of two conversational slip-ups he makes and her mythology class. Because, you know, a centuries-old god would totally just let it slip in casual conversation that his stepfather is Thor and he's known his best friend for eight hundred years. And when hearing that his stepfather's name is Thor, Kristia would totally automatically assume that his family is comprised of gods instead of thinking, you know, maybe they're just really into mythology, hence the reason Ull is studying it.
The romance here is kind of flat, because the two are in love and all gushy over each other pretty much right away. And because they're in love right away, there's need for another conflict--aka the "We can't be together because of Ragnarok!!!" plotline. The problem with all of this is that the entire story is full of holes that you could sail the Titanic through. Let's examine a few, shall we?
For example, why is Ull so concerned about Kristia not getting wrapped up in Ragnarok? It shouldn't matter; the story of Ragnarok involves the destruction of the human world, as well, with only two people surviving to restart the human race...and if one of those was Kristia, she'd be hooking up with another guy, so I'm not sure that's something he'd be psyched about either. Ull says that Kristia is in control of her own fate--but also has a Norn that has decided the two of them are supposed to be together, which doesn't seem like Kristia has a lot of say in the matter. And they're fated to be together, but apparently no one knows if that will actually happen. And apparently being a seer will allow Kristia to travel through the various worlds without being detected? What kind of logic is that?
The actual writing here is okay. It was nice to see some female friendships, and the girls do discuss things other than guys, though Ull is still a central topic of conversation. Bende seems to have a shaky grasp on how grammar with dialogue works, and she also has a few words that are misused in the place of homophones. Additionally, the cover is a little weird because it says "You don't win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way," which has nothing to do with the story, because Ull is not an assassin (he mentions he was a warrior in the past, but not really an assassin) and Kristia doesn't make any enemies except one person in her dreams, who I am betting is Loki because Loki is suspiciously absent here, but that doesn't even really affect the story at all.
Overall, this was kind of meh, and I don't really see myself reading the future books. But it wasn't terrible, so I'll give it...
2 stars out of 5.