The Serpent and the Dead is a fun and fast paced fantasy tale that follows Lady Sif and the Valkyrie Brunnhilde as they embark on a quest to discover why some souls on the battlefield are disappearing before they can be escorted to Valhalla. When they two arrive at a small town they hear about attacks taking place from fearsome creatures that cannot be killed. Determined to uncover what is going on and rescue the missing souls, Lady Sif and Brunnhilde must use every ounce of their strength to uncover this evil enemy.

I must preface this review by saying I know next to nothing about the Marvel universe. I’ve seen the movies and that’s about as far as my knowledge goes. I picked this one up because Anna Stephens is one of my favourite authors and I will read anything she writes. For me, I was able to enjoy the story and get to know the characters without having much prior knowledge. This feels so different to the books I have come to expect from Stephens, but I nonetheless had an excellent time reading it. The book is well plotted, full of action with a really engaging story.

One of the things I enjoyed most about The Serpent and the Dead is the relationships. Lady Sif and Brunnhilde are really strong, complex characters and I loved seeing their friendship continue to grow even under such difficult circumstances, and when there were times they weren’t sure they could trust each other. There’s also an established couple in the story – Brunnhilde and Inge and it was interesting to see them attempt to protect and look after each other on such a perilous journey.

Overall The Serpent and the Dead is an engaging, action-packed read. Anna Stephens writes incredible battle scenes and there are lots of really epic moments in this story. If you’re a Marvel fan or you’re looking for a gripping fantasy tale steeped in Norse mythology, definitely check this one out.

This was a fantastic read. From the very start I just knew I was going to love it. It was such an thrilling story that I was right. As soon as sif appeared it was like yes finally a character I know lol. I just love these female power marvel stories and sif and her girlfriend certainly pack a punch. There is no messing with this pair of Asgardian warriors. This was a brilliant action packed story. I was so engrossed I lost tract of time and nearly forgot to make tea lol. It was so well wrote and flowed so well. I really got into this story and despite its fast pace I really kept track of everything. Which is sometimes difficult as I have ever read any comics and rubbish with remembering names especially if they are unusual like those Asgardian characters. I became emotionally invested in the characters and love the fact there were characters I loved to hate. I got over excited at one point and was shouting die die at looking and snake lol. Sad I know! I accidentally read the books out of order no wonder I didn't fully understand three swords. It actually makes more sense now. You can read this book as a standalone but this story does follow on into three swords. I really can't recommend this book and series enough. If you love marvel and Asgardians then this series is a perfect fit. I really feel like I am starting to know the Asgardians so much better now. It had a fantastic pace keeping the action coming, building up a wonderful sense of atmosphere and tension. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns and some shocking events. You will definitely be in for a roller coaster ride if you read this book. 

Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such an amazing and so very interesting story that I couldn't put down. I will definitely looking for more books in this series and also other books this amazing author has wrote. 

The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/the-serpent-and-the-dead-by-anna-stephens-aconyte-5-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

A delightful blend of Norse and comic books, this tale will be of interest to anyone who enjoys Marvel comics or its cinematic universe, or the Norse pantheon of gods and goddesses and the mythology that goes with them. A nice, fast-paced read.

I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review
Lady Sif was always my favorite in Norse mythology and of course the MCU, so it was obviously going to be a great book, not to mention that Valkyrie's are kickass women and I adore the whole lot of them in any format!

The Serpent and the Dead is one of the newest Marvel novels and part of the Legends of Asgard series. Written by Anna Stephens, this novel follows Brunnhilde and Lady Sif – two of my favorites.

The warriors of Asgard are always attending to one battle or another. That is not unusual. However, when Lady Sif witnessed a friend's death, she knew something was wrong. A Valkyrie did not escort her friend's soul to her eternal resting place.

This sets both Brunnhilde and Lady Sif on a quest to discover what is happening to the missing spirits of the dead, a pursuit that will inevitably get darker before they put an end to this horror. The real question is, will they be able to save the souls of those who have already been lost?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love the Marvel: Legends of Asgard series. This series gives my favorite Asgardians a chance to shine in their own novels, and I couldn't be happier for it. Now it's time for The Serpent and the Dead, highlighting Brunnhilde and Lady Sif – two unforgettable heroines that deserve the attention.

The Serpent and the Dead was a blast and a half to read, but it was also a surprisingly emotional read. I suppose the latter shouldn't be that much of a surprise since we're talking about lost spirits and Sif/Brunnhilde's need to recover them.

The early parts of this book hit hard, giving readers all the reason in the world(s) to care about the success of this mission. To be fair, it isn't hard to convince me to root for these ladies, because duh. But I still appreciated the effort.

All things said and done, The Serpent and the Dead was a well-written story, one that I didn't want to end. I would love to see this story take place in the MCU, even if realistically, I know that this will never happen (hey, a girl can hope!).

The Serpent and the Dead is Aconyte's latest book in their Legends of Asgard series, taking place in the Marvel universe. Lady Sif and the original Valkyrie, Brunnhilde, take center stage as they work to uncover a mystery of what's happening to Asgardian souls when they die. Normally the Valkyries escort warrior souls to Valhalla, but lately some have just disappeared. Thor sends to two on a quest to find out what is happening and where these lost souls are going.
Accompanying the two is Brunnhilde's girlfriend, Inge, another shield maiden. This is a very LGBTQ+ story, as their relationship is on full display.

The book is packed with action. It's the most action packed of any of the Marvel Aconyte books I've read yet. I liked where this story led and who the villain was. Stephens is a quite capable writer. I'll be checking out some more of her books.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Aconyte Books via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Someone is stealing the souls of dying Asgardian warriors before the Valkyries can escort them to Valhalla, and using them to power undead bodies in attacks against Asgard’s citizens. With Odin away on a peace mission, Thor assigns his friend Lady Sif and Brunnhilde, leader of the Valkyries, to find out who is responsible and stop them.


As the pair gets closer to finding the answers they seek, their feelings and fears are used against them, and they begin to doubt not only themselves, but each other as well. At times, this grew a little tedious due to the repetitious self-doubt and seemingly unending battles with the undead.

I gave The Serpent and the Dead five stars. It features three strong women characters and deepened my knowledge of Norse mythology.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
© 2020 MARVEL

I picked up The Serpent & The Dead because of the synopsis. Valkyrie and Lady Sif on an adventure together? Totally here for it.

This book is a knockout punch. It is full of action and showcases the best of each character. It is contained in a rich narrative with complex characters and development. Almost to the point where it felt like too much to be contained in one book. And, admittedly, I had times where I wanted the plot to move faster.

The best part of the book, in my opinion, was Valkyrie's relationship with Inge, who I loved as a character. She was the perfect balance between Valkyrie and Sif. And the relationship was done without fanfare, just here it is. But it added this dimension of softness to Valkyrie that was wonderful to witness in writing.

I highly recommend this book. I personally plan on checking out some of the other books in this Legends of Asgard series as well as other books by Stephens.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and Aconyte Books in exchange for this review.

This is a fantastic story that gives the women warriors of Asgard a chance to shine in an adventure that pushes them to their limits. Lady Sif is familiar if you've watched any of the first two MCU Thor movies and the Valkyrie Brunhilde is a staple of the Thor comics, both are great warriors with strong personalities that will do anything to fulfill their mission, bring honor to Asgard, and make their loved ones proud. That's basically all you need to know to enjoy this great adventure into the forests of Asgard and the frozen mountains of Jotunheim.
My one complaint would be that Stephens tends to get wordy in her explanations and descriptions. A great thing when describing battles because you can practically feel the hits of steel on steel and the movements of the characters. A bit of a slog when it's just the characters traveling along a road. Not a major dealbreaker, but it makes the pacing feel like it slows down way too much in between the action.
On an important side note, it could honestly work as something completely unrelated to Marvel and just a good story based on Nordic mythology that has two very powerful goddess warriors in the lead. Don't let a lack of comic book or superhero movie knowledge keep you away from this one, it's definitely worth delving into.

Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for the early read!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping book

this was my first foray into this genre and author and i have to say it wont be the last...i was hooked and loved every minute i spent reading this one...

i am a big fan of the marvel films and never thought that they would bring books out but i am glad that i have now found out and will be keeping an eye out for more...

this one doesnt disappoint with the fighting and magic and everything that we know and love from this series whether it is a film or a book...plenty for everyone to get their teeth into and to be entertained...

A book about Lady Sif and Brunnhilde the Valkyrie? I'm in! I eagerly looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. If anything, it's even better than I'd hoped.

Lady Sif sees her friend fall in battle and is shocked to discover that someone, or something, has stolen her soul. Sif's grief has to be put on hold while she and Brunhilde work to find an explanation. Sif strongly suspects Loki of being behind the nefarious plot, so she, Brunhilde and Inge travel to the portal to Jotunheim. Along the way, they run into battle and find themselves faced with undying foes as well as giants and elves.

Once they make it to Jotunheim they are in for tests they can't imagine and must trust each other implicitly if they want to survive!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Serpent and The Dead: A Marvel: Legends of Asgard Novel by Anna Stephens. I've voluntarily read and reviewed this copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In The Serpent and The Dead we follow Lady Sif and Brunnhilde the Valkyrie on their quest to find the missing souls of warriors from the battlefield. Their journey starts when Sif watches a close friend die in battle but their soul is not taken to Vanhalla. To uncover who's behind this heinous crime, Sif and Brunnhilde travel to Jotunheim for answers.

The Serpent and The Dead is an action-packed novel told from the perspective of two amazing fierce female warriors. Lady Sif is a strong-willed and brave warrior who will to anything to find out who's behind this crime. Brunnhilde feels incredibly responsible for the souls that are taken without the Valkyries notice and will do anything to return the stolen souls to Valhalla. An epic team-up and adventure that deals with fear, trust and perseverance.

This is the second Legends of Asgard novel that I've read and I must say that it's amazing to discover these adventurous stories and lesser known heroes. I can't wait to read more novels in this universe. Anna Stephens has crafted an amazing tale of bravery and has definitely compelled me to read more of her work.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL

Lady Sif watches a close friend die in battle, but their soul doesn't go to Valhalla. This runs counter to everything she ever knew about the afterlife for Asgardians, and enlists the help of the Valkyrie Brunnhilde to discover why this is happening. As they scour Asgard, they hear rumors of warriors that can't be killed and souls that are stolen. This is a mystery worthy of these two valiant warriors.

The Serpent & The Dead follows the Sif and Brunnhilde of the comics, not Jamie Alexander's Sif or Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie. Sif still automatically assumes the worst of Loki, that he would cast some kind of spell to steal souls and plague Asgardia. Sif is a hothead, and Brunnhilde's girlfriend Inge is a good balance between her and Brunnhilde's stoic nature. I liked the look into the workings of the Valkyrior, how they sense the deaths, and their relationship with the rest of Asgard. As much as Brunnhilde is calm, she still has great understanding of other's feelings, as well as really fun conversations with her girlfriend. It makes for great quiet moments in between battles.

I was fully drawn into the story, especially when the trio of warriors found the deathless and had to battle for the souls. The trust between them and their friendship is well written and had me rooting for them until the very last page. A great and exciting read.

Please note this is my first experience with a Marvel novel, and I don't have any comic experience with these two particular characters. So yes, I'm picturing Brunnehilde as Tessa Thompson the whole time, no matter how often you tell me she's blonde....
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's very heavy on the action scenes, which are well written and easy to follow. The dialog flows smoothly, and the characters are fleshed out. It was refreshing to hear so much frank discussion about emotions (and how said discussions might go if certain male characters were involved instead), and Brunnehilde's girlfriend is adorable and terrifying.
If you're looking to get a head start on your spooky reading, I can definitely rec this for all your undead warrior needs.
This ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL

I absolutely love Thor and the people of Asgard, so this book was a must read for me!

Focusing on the Valkyries and Lady Sif, it’s great to see more of the ladies of Asgard and how much they kick butt and don’t need Thor to save the day.

These aren’t from the MCU, but this book is fantastic for any Marvel fan who wants more!

I have been provided with an advance copy of the new Legends of Asgard book The Serpent and The Dead by Anna Stephens, published by Aconyte Books, so here is the honest review I promised in exchange for the book.

So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.

I am going to try my best to not let that cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.

Also I won’t lie, I have looked at other reviews to see what others think, so there may be some influences from them in this book review. If I am going to quote them, I will attribute them. But if I forget to, or something is highly influenced by them, and you think I ought to attribute someone, let me know so that I can.

What is Marvel
Look at this point I would bore you with a bit of background to the game/universe, but lets not, you all know the Marvel Universe, if you don’t have you been living under a rock!

The Legends of Asgard novels specially focus on the Norse mythology influenced Asgard with characters like Thor, Odin and Loki.

The Story
This story focuses on Lady Sif and the Valkyrie Brunnhilde as they investigate why the souls of slain warriors, including Sifs friend Gyda.

Travelling across Asgard, to try and get to the bottom of why worthy warriors are not reaching the promised afterlife and confront the dark forces behind this.

While they say its a story with a team of two, Brunnhildes girlfriend, Inge, also plays a pivotal part. And this story is a story of friendship and trust, with the relationship between the three protagonists being deep and very interesting, as the three characters all have their own distinct personality and role. Sif is the warrior, bold and brash, Brunnhilde is more thoughtful and wants a plan rather than rushing in, and then Inge is the diplomat who bridges the gulf between these two.

Of course Sif is convinced that Loki, the Trickster god, is behind the horror, and so they start a journey to find him and confront him.

Conclusion
This is a really good story, it is, at its heart an action book that quickly moves from battle to battle with little time in between, and the action itself is very well written.

That said the moments of the book I enjoyed the most, were the quieter more insightful moments in which we got a better idea of the motivations behind why the characters have chosen to undertake this quest.

There is a deep appreciation for Norse mythology in this book and it feels very well researched and whilst its identifiable a Marvel book, its not so deeply Marvel, that you need to be too familiar with that fandom to appreciate this book.

Its an interesting mixture of action adventure, epic quest, Norse mythology and a little bit of superhero mixed together, which means I think it will really appeal to a lot of people.

The thing I really loved about this book though is the characters, they were at once very identifiable as the characters from the comics, with a nice twist from the author to make them her own, and the comradery and relationships, both platonic and romantic, between these three strong female characters made this a real joy to read.

The only thing I would have liked different, would be more of those quiet character building moments, but I hope to see Anna write more Legends of Asgard novels.

4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you Aconyte Books and Netgalley for a free ebook copy in exchange for a review!

"The Serpent and the Dead" had me hooked from start to finish! I loved getting to dive into the mystery and to learn more of the lore behind the Valkyrie. The characters had great depth and we're very well-written, and jumping from action scene to action scene one after another really kept me on my toes. I loved this book and would recommend it to fans of Marvel and Norse Mythology.


#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL

💛✌️BOOK REVIEW TIME✌️💛

Thank you so much to the publisher and author for this gifted copy of the book via NetGalley.

What a delightful, quick paced and exciting read. I enjoyed diving into this world and getting to know these characters. The writing is fluid, flowing and easy to read without being simple and I will certainly be looking out for more by the author.

Recommend to all.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Aconyte Books for an advanced copy of this superhero fantasy novel.

Anna Stephens in The Serpent & The Dead: A Marvel: Legends of Asgard Novel has written a tale of Asgard, as set in the Marvel Universe, that is less superhero more supernatural fantasy. Featuring the Lady Sif Companion of the Warriors Three and the God of Thunder Thor, and Brunnhilde, the Valkyrie. These two are characters unite to stop a horrible theft, the souls of Asgardians who have passed in battle are not being taken to Valhalla as promised, but torn away, stolen by and unknown force. Together they must fight giants, and dark elves and their own dark thoughts as the future of their world is in the balance.

As stated the story is more fantasy than superhero, but it is one rollicking adventure. There is so much fighting, so much swordplay so much derring-do that the book screams for a tv or animation treatment. And not too much Thor, which was good. The story moves well, and you can tell Ms. Stephens knows her fighting, tactics and Asgardian Mythos well. I think Lady Sif is far more developed here than in the comics, probably since Walter Simonson was writing her. The Valkyrie I know from her old and new Defenders run, but I never really has a sense of who she was. Here her character is given a lot to do, and a lot more development than I expected.

A really good fantasy story, perfect for comic fans, but also for fans of really good stories featuring female empowerment and representation. I look forward to more books in the Marvel series and even more books by Anna Stephens.

The Serpent & The Dead is the latest addition in Aconite’s Legends of Asgard series set in the Marvel Universe written by Anna Stephens.
I have to say that prior to this, I had read Anna Stephen’s The Stone Knife, and with this book she had firmly cemented herself as one of my favourite authors who writes complex and rich narratives, so I was immediately drawn to this book to see what she could produce in the Marvel Universe.
And boy, was I not disappointed!
I am so glad that I read this book as it showcases Anna Stephen’s versatility as a writer and perfectly compounded why I have so much admiration for her writing.
The Serpent and the Dead is a pacey Action/Adventure story featuring Lady Sif and the Valkyrie Brunnhilde in a tale of friendship, mystery, and action.
From the very beginning we are thrown headlong into the story as we join Lady Sif in the middle of a battle sequence. When the book initially opens Lady Sif is engaged with giants in a skirmish in another part of Asgard. However, the giants are not behaving as they normally would and seem to be targeting certain individuals, one of these being Lady Sif’s friend, Gyda. Ultimately, Lady Sif’s comrade and friend is killed. But, for some inexplicable reason, her soul is stolen from her body at the point of death, and is whisked away to somewhere that is not Valhalla.
Obviously, this leaves Lady Sif pretty distressed, as all souls who die in battle are promised eternity in Valhalla and her mate did not transcend to the Hall of the Gods. In a bit of a state, she asks Brunnhilde, the leader of the Valkyries to check out whether her friend is where she should be.
When Brunnhilde discovers that Gyda is not sitting in the halls of Valhalla quaffing ale and mead, she investigate the reasons for this and also finds a deeper mystery. This is not the first time that this has happened, and it seems to be occurring undetected with alarming frequency. As a result, Lady Sif and Brunnhilde are thrown together to unravel the mystery of the missing souls, and the main culprit is obviously our friendly neighbourhood trickster, Loki.
What follows is a journey through Asgard, and subsequently to Jotenheim, to discover who is responsible for stealing the souls of the Asgardians before they die.
Whilst this is set in the Marvel Universe, the settings of the book feel like classical Norse Mythology. We get to see what is outside of Asgard and how the people of that realm live as Sif and Brunnhilde, along with Brunnhilde’s partner Inge follow the breadcrumbs to solve the mystery.
As I said earlier, the book shows Anna Stephen’s versatility as a writer as she comprehensively builds the world outside of Asgard and adds her own flourishes, for instance when the party go to Meadowfall or to the jump gates.
Be prepared, this is an action book, and it never lets up from the beginning, swiftly moving from one battle scene to another without giving you pause for breath. And this is one of the things that stands out in the book. Anna Stephens writes blood pumpingly good action sequences. I had seen many examples of it in previous books, but The Serpent & The Dead shows her skill at this magnificently. There were many a time that I was reading I found that I was holding my breath till I got to the end of the sequence that she was writing.
Add to this her skill of writing characters and relationships with such depth and clarity they virtually walk off the page, everything just clicks together.
And somehow, whilst the book is nonstop action, Anna Stephens manages to fashion a relationship between the three women, getting across the deeply loving relationship between Brunnhilde and Inge and form lasting relationships with the characters without it being contrived or mawkish is absolutely stunning. Throughout the book, the relationship between Sif and Brunnhilde grows and is central to the plot. And let’s not forget, they are all badass.
As the book reaches its climactic plot, you do get some inkling of the fact that things are not what they seem, as Anna Stephen’s does give some hints.
However, I am not one of those people who sit there being all smug, saying that I had figured it out. I didn’t! And I am glad I didn’t as it would have spoilt the cracking ending.
If you want supersonic action and adventure, you won’t go far wrong picking up this little number.