It is said that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. In this case, we most definitely should. Let me explain why.

If you’re a mythology nerd like me, especially into Norse mythology, Freya Finch’s debut is going to be a blast to read. Rise is imaginative, funny, action-packed, engaging, and surprisingly wholesome at times. Bryn’s voice alone makes the plot so engaging that I found myself grinning in anticipation of her response to the situations she finds herself in. She’s the type of friend I had back in school who, if they called in sick, I knew the day would pass by a lot slower. She is funny, fierce, rebellious, loyal, messy, and just like anyone her age, wants to prove herself and find her place in the world... or Realms, in her case. But it’s not just Bryn. This novel is filled with an incredible cast of characters. So much so, in fact, that there isn’t a single character who failed to leave an impression on me. From Prima and Reagan to Juniper, Wyatt, and James, and many other characters that I can’t mention to avoid spoilers. My point being, I find it difficult to remember names in real life, let alone fictional characters, so the fact that I can remember the names of each single character in Rise says a lot about how real and impactful they all felt.

There was also the mystery aspect of the story. Kara, Bryn’s mother and the captain of the Valkyries, is missing, and Ragnarök is approaching. To make things worse, a half-giant, and a mysterious boy, are added to the mix, and Loki is apparently up to his usual mischief again. Joining in on the detective work to try and figure out how all of these components fit together was surprisingly one of the most fun aspects in a novel that features Valkyries and Ragnarök.

One of the aspects of Rise that I enjoyed the most was how imaginative Finch’s use of Norse mythology was. The Norse tales have been told and retold so many times in the past decade specifically, that I honestly wasn’t sure how Rise would be able to stand out. But it was such a pleasant surprise when it did, for the reasons I mentioned so far, from the characters to the mystery, but also the very imaginative utilization of the different aspects of Norse mythology. Each time Finch introduces a name or a word I think I’m familiar with, and therefore expect that I can foresee what is going to happen, I can’t do anything but watch how Finch takes something I thought I knew and transforms it into something that is unique to her story.

Overall, Rise is an incredibly fun debut by Freya Finch, and if you’re a mythology nerd and a Rick Riordan fan (both usually go hand in hand), you will absolutely fall in love with this story.

Cover. 5 out of 5 stars. Juniper. 8 out of 5 stars. Love a secret sister. Charmed is boss. Reagan. 11 out of 5 stars. Perfect in every way. A book about Valkeries hiding on Earth. One of them is trans but was accepted by Odin as a woman because, you know she is a woman. Amazing. Their mom goes missing and there is a secret half sister who is an elf. Sweet. Then…a boy shows up and is a bezerker who turns into a bear. Ok. Then the Main Character falls in love with him instantly, breaks her training, dreams of kissing him and fails the Bechdal test for the rest of the book. Grrr

This book was so fantastic! Fast-paced, voicey, and inspired by Norse mythology, RISE has a wonderfully fleshed out cast of characters. Bryn, the protagonist is relatably messy and the complex sisterly dynamic between Prima, Regan and Bryn is extremely well depicted. Wyatt is a sweet cinnamon roll of a love interest and of course who can forget Juniper? I will protect Juniper with my whole heart as she's just the greatest. Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!

Thank you to Disney Hyperion for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel via NetGalley. Seventeen-year-old Bryn is the rebellious younger sister of a family of valkyries. Their home is inside a Renaissance faire, and they suddenly find themselves fighting to stop Ragnarök. This is a standalone young adult fantasy novel, which I LOVE because not every fantasy needs to be a series! It nicely incorporates Norse mythology into a modern settings. The book is fast-paced and reminiscent of Rick Riordan's books. This action-packed and often humorous debut novel will appeal to upper middle and high school students who don't want super dark fantasy or spicy romance novels.

Fairly formulaic in characterization yet action-packed, I think this will appeal to fans of Lore by Alexandra Bracken.

Finch’s YA debut is a rich, contemporary romp through Norse mythology with elevated Rick Riordan vibes!

Bryn is a young Valkyrie who feels as if she pales in comparison to her mother and sisters, but her fierce loyalty and determination are exactly what the world might need.

I loved this story. The characters and the twists. The old lore intertwining with fresh action. The Ren Faire setting is a character in its own right. All of it together? 100% chef’s kiss. If you're looking for a fun adventure, start here! Also!! This book is FANTASTIC for readers who are reading at a level well beyond middle grade (Harry Potter age-range) but don't love/need/want super dark fantasy or spicy romance arcs! There aren't a ton of YA fantasies that check this box!

It was soooo fun! I love the lively energy and all the jokes (Bryn is such mood, I would love her as a bestie). The writing style is immaculate and the world building is immersive, I had a great reading experience! I always love Norse myth, and RISE did rise to the occasion to bring me such great story with that myth as a base (pun intended, Bryn is getting into my head). Love all the other characters too especially sweet Juniper and Wyatt and Reagan, Prima, James... all of them!

Freya Finch knocked her debut novel out of the park. "Rise" brought my inner mythology nerd so much joy! The novel uses the hero's journey formula but with surprising plot twists. We meet our leading lady, Bryn, when she is escorted by the police to the Renaissance Faire where she lives with her mom and two older sisters. The fun trials of Bryn and her friends get started when we learn that Byrn's mother Kara is missing. Why is Kara missing a problem? Well, she is the head Valkyrie in charge of Midgard. Bryn's journey is action-packed and full of Chicago references. One of the things I enjoyed about "Rise" is Finch's flawless explanation of the Norse mythology references. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes adventure and Norse mythology. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Rise; it truly Ragnorocked.