Amanda Hocking is an author I've had a lot of trouble getting into. I'm not completely sure why, but it never seems to catch my attention for long periods of time! It may be the style of writing, or maybe my mind just automatically assumes, but this book didn't hold my attention much either. I didn't downright hate it - I just couldn't get into it. Nevertheless, this book will be on my mind whenver somebody wants a book based on mythology that isn't Greek or Roman. At least there is that!

Between the Blade and the Heart is a story about nineteen year-old Malin who is training to be a Valkyrie. In the first book of the series Malin is coming to terms with finding out that what she was raised to believe about Valkyries may not be as it seems. This was a quick read for me. I loved the mythology aspect of the story and thought some of the characters were interesting, but the overall story and Malin's behavior were predictable at times. It's a good book but it just fell somewhat flat for me and I found myself skimming more than reading towards the end.

This book is PERFECT FOR FANS of nordse mythology, kick ass female characters, and a little bit of LOVE!

I was really excited for this one. I’d read Amanda Hocking’s Freeks and enjoyed it, but Between the Blade and the Heart just sort of… didn’t work for me.

Like, look at that description. That sounds awesome! A girl who can kill immortals? How cool is that? I’m choosing to ignore that tropey gorgeous new guy competing with the main character’s ex romance sub-plot. That had nothing to do with the fact that I had to DNF this one.

I like Hocking’s writing in Freeks. It was punctual and flowed well. But something about Between the Blade and the Heart‘s writing just felt so damn boring that I couldn’t get back the 15% mark.

I’m not sure what it was. It was an interesting premise and a cool world, a little sci-fi, a little urban fantasy, and I liked the idea of it.

But liking the idea of something isn’t the same as liking the actual thing itself.

I was bored and annoyed with Malin, I didn’t care what happened to her and I just wasn’t connecting to the story. Not to mention how often I found myself rolling my eyes at every single page.

I couldn’t connect to the story; it happens. This one wasn’t for me.

Review to come at end of dec with cross posted link

Pulling together characters both familiar and horrifying, the plot races ahead in this world ruled by gods. Valkyries are compelled to kill (or “return”) immortal beings under the instructions of social order, blind duty, and population control, but what happens when one Valkyrie refuses her call? When one immortal slips free from his fate, will that be the first piece pulled from a precarious house of cards?

BETWEEN THE BLADE AND THE HEART is a mash-up of fantasy, mythology, and paranormal genres and it spins together a gripping tale full of action, romance, and deadly conspiracies. Definitely check this one out if you’re into complex worlds, terrifying monsters, myths, and powerful beings, and a protagonist who is fierce.
-pooled ink

2.5*
It's been a couple years since I read something by Amanda Hocking, I've read two of her other series in the past, and I've heard great things about some of her other books. When I read the premise for this book I was super intrigued by it, I was so happy when I received an e-arc of this, but I think I was disappointed by this book.
There writing was fine, and there was great world building in this story but I feel like the story itself fell a little flat for me. I don't feel like there really was anything new with this one, I feel like I can read many other books that were more interesting and also includes similar content. This was a quick read and I do feel that this was decently paced, and I followed along well enough, I also was really a fan of this story putting into question of pre-determined fate versus free choice, and if one choice can alter an entire course of events.
There was somewhat of a love triangle which I feel was completely unnecessary, I feel like the relationship between Malin & Quinn didn't need to be something that took place in the present and could have stayed in the past. Other than that I think that the relationship between Malin and Asher was great, and the characters were overall pretty solid. I don't think that this is a book series for me, I don't know if I will continue it, that's based on personal preference but I'm not closed off to giving it another shot in the future.

I won't say much because this is a book that I think will be 100% your own personal opinion. I had a hard time really connecting to the book. While the writing was interesting and the concept was cool I found myself not really liking anyone, which made it difficult for me to read. I definitely think it's more of a me problem than a problem with the book, and I honestly hope that others read it and love it

"Between the Blade and the Heart" is a YA fantasy about Malin, a Valkyrie in training. Here, Valkyries kill (they call it "return" as they go to an afterlife of sorts) immortals at a time destined by the gods but are themselves mortals (albeit with immense strength and some immunity to the powers of the immortals). Valkyries run in families and the ability is passed from mother to daughter. Malin is in training with her mother, Marlow, who is pretty cold and distant (asking her daughter to call her by her first name and telling her Valkyries couldn't love/have feelings). Despite this, Malin still cares for her mother. Malin lives with Oona, a witch in training, and by far my favorite character.

The real story begins when Asher shows up and threatens Malin for the death of his Valkyrie mother. After the initial threat, Asher reveals that his mother was killed by an immortal that Malin's mother had been supposed to kill the year before. Indeed, as Malin investigates, she learns that her mother spared his life because he seemed to make the world a better place (took care of his wife and kids and helped out at an orphanage). However, this goes against the master equation which Valkyries are not supposed to question, and his living after this time has lead to first Asher's mother's death and soon other Valkyrie's deaths and even bigger problems to come.

Malin and Asher set out on a quest to return this immortal before its too late and the balance of the world gets too out of hand. They are accompanied by Oona and Quinn, Malin's Valkyrie ex-girlfriend. A lot of the story is spent on a love triangle for Malin with Quinn and Asher, and I found it was unnecessary with all the action/adventure going on. There are a lot of supernatural creatures revealed in the story, and I actually wish more time had been spent on these creatures as they were fascinating but I felt only surface level explanations were given. There were a lot of new names and creatures that made the story hard to follow at times, as they are quite complex.

The overall storyline of the immortal who should have died and the search for him was interesting but it was overshadowed by a lot of the smaller plots. I actually would have enjoyed a book exploring what it was like to become a Valkyrie, with more information about the school and creatures, etc. The school Malin goes to was really interesting but only showed up in bits and pieces at the beginning and then slowly fades out (although it was supposed to be important to getting her license/final job as a Valkyrie). I ended up having some mixed feelings about the book for these reasons. That being said, I think it's an interesting start to a new series and a fascinating new world with a lot of potential.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I'm a big fan of Amanda Hocking and have been for year. This new book was ok for me but not as good as some of the ones I have read in the past and I don't know if it was the subject matter or characters that didn't grab me as much as they usually do. Some great information on Norse mythology and a decent storyline, just not my favorite by her.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with this ARC.

Between the Blade and the Heart was a fairly quick and easy read. More lusty than emotionally poignant. The mythology was two-dimensionally there. The world building was so-so. The vibe was a fairly flat, demonhorns-sexy incu/succu-bi-love triangle occulty. I know. But remember the word flat.

It is absolutely NOT "Game of Thrones meets Blade Runner." ( Who comes up with these?)

So what do we have? Valkyrie Malin is daughter to all-business bad ass Marlow. Mommy (misses) her mark one time and that sets about the events that potentially lead to the end of the world. There's handsome Asher, who was originally out for revenge because of this missed mark, but who is now out for love. There's super hot Quinn, who is out for both closure and love. There's the cutie sorcerous-in-training bestie Oona, who really holds it down on the "support" front. They plan a bit. Three of the four kiss each other a bunch. There's some tears. Some interesting supernatural creatures come and go. There's some info-dump. Something, something, and then there's the very easy-to-handle cliff hanger.

Honestly, it wasn't bad. It wasn't the greatest...but it wasn't bad. I mean, I didn't dnf so that in itself is 2 stars right there. I am certain that if you don't take this particular supernatural arcane fantasy in any way other than a light hearted, let's-throw-some-stuff-together-and-see-what-emerges read, you'll be fine. Satisfied even. Me? Valkerie #2? Meh. I think I'm okay for now.

4/5
I received an e-galley from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I first requested this book, I expected it to be in a completely different setting, instead the setting reminded me of the comic and movie Hellboy. It's more of an urban fantasy and at first I was a little disappointed, but I still ended up enjoying it.

I liked Malin most of the time. Lately all of our YA heroes have been super badass, never get hurt, always win kind of women and she has some of that at times. Malin is hesitant, she's indecisive, she doesn't know exactly what she wants, and she's confused. She's still badass and can kick ass, but he personality was a bit more human and less stereotypical YA hero which was refreshing.
Keeping up with her multiple love interests was a tad bit much for one book though. I didn't like the relationship she had with her mother and I'm not going to elaborate more because spoilers. Hopefully as the series progresses we'lllearn more about why their relationship was the way it is. Maybe it's just me being overly annoyed since I grew up without a mom and just wanting to read about a happy family once in a while.

The setting is interesting it almost feels like an alternate and possibly future universe where demons, humans, and valkyries walk the Earth with different gods and other mythical creatures you rarely hear about involved. I really enjoyed the setting and can't wait to see where that goes in the future.

My main problem was that some of the plot was very predictable and the foreshadowing was less of a hint and more of a flashing billboard shaped like an arrow pointing to the outcome. Fortunately these were smaller and less important parts of the plot.

Overall I enjoyed this book and will continue the series.

The main problem I had with this book was that I felt like I had read it before. It reminded me of Percy Jackson, The Mortal Instruments, and many other fantastical teen books; there was nothing that really popped and got me excited about this story and these characters. While I liked the use of Norse mythology, I feel like a lot of things were just mentioned at a glance and never really delved into which I would have liked (more info on the Valkyries and all these creature they are fighting would have been great!). I was also never really rooting for any of the romances in the book which was disappointing.

That being said, it was fast paced and easy to read and I can see fans of an author like Cassandra Clare really enjoying this.

*Note: I would say this is for older readers, probably 14+, since there is a lot of suggested sexual activity going on.

As a fan of Amanda Hocking, I was very excited to get an advanced copy of her new book. I love the Trylle, Kanin, and Watersong series, so I had high hopes for this new series too. Unfortunately, Between the Blade and the Heart, the first novel in her new Valkyrie series left me empty.

It was incredibly hard to connect to the protagonist, Malin. She is a kickass Valkyrie with a heart of gold. She is loyal and fiercely determined, but yet her plight to find the truth was lacking. There were so many unanswered questions and the climax fell kind of flat.

I will probably continue with the series, because I such a fan of Hocking’s work. Hopefully the next effort will have more of an emotional impact on this reader.

Thank you for the advanced copy.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for providing a digital copy to read and review.

Unfortunately, this book just didn't connect with me on many levels.
The writing style was decent and many chapters had cliffhangers that kept me reading, but then left me disappointed.

She left a good cliffhanger that I want to see play out.

If you are a fan of Amanda Hocking you will love this! This book comes out January 2, 2018.

Such an interesting concept. I love Norse mythology! Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

I was given a copy through NetGalley.
I love Amanda Hocking's books. So I was very excited to receive an early copy of Between the Blade and the Heart. But this one just didn't have the same draw you in sort of lush magic her other series have. I'd have to give it a 3.5.
We meet Malin, a dedicated Valkyrie in training, under the supervision of her mother Marlow. Their relationship strained and complicated, Marlow isn't the warm and fuzzy type. But Malin understands the importance of the job they both will give their lived to do. Return immortals, when their time is up to the underworld, Kurnugia.
Although the world built is just as complicated and well thought out as Hocking's other worlds, this just feel as a first dive into this world that it's missing some heart.
This whole book is just sort of a pre-requisite to set up a really big event, tying everything Malin thinks she knows and understands about her world and being a Valkyrie to this big huge point. Which is revealed in the last chapter and page really.
I'm not saying not to take a chance on this new series, but if you've read her other stuff, it's not going to be comparable in feel. But I will see where Malin goes in the next one, I'm not ready to give up on this one yet.

Malin seems like a typical girl late for class, having love interest issues, and of course, mom issues but she's not. She's a Valkyrie, goes to a supernatural school, and her love interests are a girl Valkyrie and a boy Valkyrie. Her mom is known to be a bad ass and not very mom-like. The story moved at a steady pace and the characters we meet are interesting. Near the end there was a lot of scenery info all at once and it was a bit hard for me to picture. It did end on a cliffhanger and I will be picking up the next book. Received an ARC for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.

The author tries to remake Norse mythology to add several major difference. In some instances they work, in others they don't. The protagonist, nineteen year old Valkyrie-in-training Malin is somewhat likable, however her ambivalent feelings towards ex-girlfriend Quinn, sometimes one-night-stand Jude, and possibly present boyfriend Asher makes it hard for me to like Malin. I understand that she's somewhat emotionally stunted from her mother Marlow teaching her incorrectly that Valkyries can't love, but she knows this is false since she loved her mother even though she was a bad parent. The ending left enough of a cliffhanger that (though I probably won't read the rest of the series) left me somewhat interested in knowing what happens next. I also felt that the mystery of who Malin's father is should've been addressed, which might have to do with another point that should've been addressed but wasn't, why Malin didn't have all her Valkyrie strength and poison immunity when fighting the spider demon. And though we find out who sent the huge raven (not much of a shocker) we don't know why Malin was the Valkyrie singled out to help with the new fight against the demon queen.

Book: Between the Blade and the Heart
Author: Amanda Hocking
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with this ARC.

I have loved Amanda Hocking’s work for a number of years. I love the easy flow that she has with her writing and how easy it is to read her books. I love all of her characters and worlds. I have not read an Amanda Hocking book that I haven’t liked and this one is no different.

I found Between the Blade and the Heart to be a quick and pleasant read. I loved the steampunk and fantasy feel that the world had. It had almost a more northern feel to it, with all of the Norse gods and whatnot. I don’t know I could be completely missing the point here. Anyway, I loved the world. I think that this is my favourite Amanda Hocking world so far. It was dark, but in that darkness, there was a since of hope.

We have a really great cast of characters. Though these are not my favourite Amanda Hocking characters, I still found them to be rather likable. Malin is a bisexual character. I am not going to lie, I have not read a book where the main character is bisexual, so I don’t know how well Amanda did on that end. However, I did like Malin. She’s strong and loyal, but real at the same time. She is a Valkyrie, which means that she “returns” immortals, aka she kills them. She has grown up with being told that it is not okay to fall in love, which causes her to put almost a buffer between herself and those who she cares about. She has a loyal best friend. As the story goes, she also picks up a group of friends.


Now, there is a love triangle. Quinn is Malin’s ex-girlfriend and Asher is the new boyfriend. Let me just say that I found it rather difficult to pick a team, because I found them both to be really likable characters. I don’t know…I would be happy with either one of them.

Again, if you are a fan of Amanda Hocking you will love this! This book comes out January 2, 2018.