Flight of the Valkyrie
Book I of the Asatru Saga
by Curtis G. Smith
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Pub Date Feb 28 2026 | Archive Date Mar 25 2026
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Description
Onboard the International Space Station, Naval Astronaut Claire McFadden is enjoying another routine mission in space when an unexpected explosion cripples the station. With one of her crewmates dead and the station quickly losing altitude, she struggles to bring it under control and buy the crew time until rescue hopefully can come. Unfortunately, NASA does not have a manned spacecraft to reach them, and the other international space agencies cannot or will not help, leaving the crew stranded.
With the station coming dangerously close to a fiery reentry, her old love and fellow former Navy pilot, Steve Paige, offers a radical and risky solution. The company he works for as a test pilot is developing a next-generation spacecraft, the Valkyrie. However, Steve is conflicted about his motive for volunteering for the mission. Is it duty to fellow astronauts or lingering emotions for Claire?
As NASA and the U.S. State Department scramble for a solution, Claire investigates what caused the improbable accident. She learns of a sinister plot to use the ISS as a retaliatory weapon aimed at Washington, D.C. This compels her to try to piece together who and how the station was sabotaged before it is too late.
The people behind the attack will stop at nothing to keep the identity of the culprit a secret. Even if someone can save her and the crew, Claire is the only one who knows what really happened, making her the target of an international assassin. The stakes are high as all parties understand that the incident could spark World War III.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798271565076 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 6 members
Featured Reviews
Educator 2030162
Valkyrie Rising delivers an electrifying blend of science, suspense, and human drama that makes it nearly impossible to put down. From the opening catastrophe aboard the International Space Station to the high-stakes race against time on Earth, the story captures the tension and wonder of space exploration while weaving in a gripping geopolitical thriller.
At the heart of the story is Claire McFadden, a Naval astronaut whose courage, intelligence, and resilience make her an instantly compelling protagonist. Trapped on a crippled space station after a devastating explosion, Claire’s determination to save her crew—while unraveling the mystery behind the disaster—creates a powerful emotional core. Her perspective from orbit, facing the very real threat of reentry and destruction, brings a visceral sense of urgency that keeps the reader fully immersed.
Equally engaging is the dynamic between Claire and Steve Paige, her former love and fellow Navy pilot. Steve’s decision to risk everything by piloting the experimental Valkyrie spacecraft adds another layer of suspense and emotional complexity. The question of whether he’s motivated by duty, lingering love, or both gives their storyline genuine depth and authenticity.
What truly elevates this story is its masterful escalation of stakes. What begins as a desperate survival situation quickly unfolds into a chilling conspiracy involving international sabotage, political brinkmanship, and the terrifying possibility of global war. The revelation that the ISS itself could be turned into a weapon aimed at Washington, D.C. is both shocking and brilliantly conceived, transforming the narrative from a survival drama into a full-scale techno-thriller.
The pacing is relentless, the science feels grounded and believable, and the global implications keep the tension high throughout. Readers who enjoy stories about space exploration, cutting-edge aerospace technology, and high-stakes international intrigue will find this book especially satisfying.
Overall, this is a thrilling, intelligent, and emotionally engaging story that combines the wonder of space with the pulse-pounding intensity of a political thriller. With unforgettable characters, a gripping mystery, and stakes that quite literally span the planet, it’s a must-read for fans of suspense and science fiction alike. 🚀📚
Flight of the Valkyrie is a fast paced space technothriller that quickly pulls readers into a terrifying crisis aboard the International Space Station. When an explosion cripples the station and sends it falling toward Earth, astronaut Claire McFadden must stabilize the situation while uncovering a sinister plot behind the disaster. The combination of realistic space science, political tension, and nonstop action makes this a gripping read that kept me turning the pages.