Amanda Hocking

While dealing with dark revelations about her life and her world, Valkyrie Malin finds herself with new allies, and her quest for the truth leads her to places she never thought possible.

Valkyrie Book Two

From the Earth to the Shadows

From the Earth to the Shadows is the epic sequel to Between the Blade and the Heart, a gripping adventure of duty versus romance from Amanda Hocking, author of the Trylle trilogy and the Kanin Chronicles.Malin's mission to avenge her mother's murder has uncovered dangerous secrets. As a Valkyrie-in-training, Malin must slay immortals who've had their time, to maintain balance between humans and immortals. But her quest could destroy earth's stability - and unleash chaos.Just when she needs to focus, her friend Asher is in grave danger. He's been dragged into the underworld, where vengeful immortals plot revolution. Malin believes her feelings mustn't distract from her goal - but is desperate to rescue him. So she ventures into the darkest of realms, knowing she may not survive. With new allies at her side and new enemies ahead, Malin will face terrible choices. She'll have to keep her head - or be ruled by her heart.

Alexis Schwulst 

The sqeual to Between the Heart and the Blade kept the same pace and was well written. The journey you take with Malin is one that I enjoyed and I enjoyed learning about Norse mythology.

Jessica Williamson

3.5 Stars

Firstly, I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

I expected so much more from this story. After the first book, I was hoping that this conclusion would step up and wow me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I have loved Amanda's works in the past and this just wasn't up to par with what I'm used to from her.

I honestly felt like this was just a really good second or third draft. If it was just fleshed out, with more to the plot and world building this book could have been absolutely amazing!

Here's the bad: first 25% of the book had little to no explanation of creatures they were facing. The only death in this book (view spoiler)[ Atlas  (hide spoiler)] happened off page. MOST ANTI-CLIMACTIC FINAL BATTLE EVER!!!! (view spoiler)[ They kill not only one, but BOTH of the main bad guys with a swift poke of a stick?!?!?!? COME ON!!!!!  (hide spoiler)] It is utterly ridiculous and made me lose a little faith in the author. Very little action. And for the love of GODS, I had to read the Glossary at the back of the book to FINALLY get the answer of when this damn book takes place. It's (view spoiler)[ 2137 CE  (hide spoiler)] if you're interested.

The good: Despite the above, the thought behind the plot was inventive. The characters were so much more likable this time around. I enjoyed the addition of Valeska and found both Quinn and Malin to be more relatable. The mythology definitely showed up this time around and I loved every second of it. It was not predictable. I often wrote "what the heck is happening right now!??!?!" in my notes. The ending was conclusive, it answered my burning questions and I enjoyed it.

That's right, all of those issues and I STILL ENJOYED IT. I read this whole book in 24 hours.

laura

*I got this book for review and I would give it 3.5 stars*

I was super impressed by the world that Hocking cont. to expand in this series. I loved the various myths we were introduced to. I loved how we experiences both the "normal" world and also the supernatural world in this book. It was a super fast pace read. I was never super invested in the main romance but I really love Ash IN general. I also loved the supporting characters and their expanded role in book two. I would highly rec. reading these two books back to back because book 1 and book 2 are two parts of the same story. I grew to enjoy the lead throughout this series and she reminds me alot of faith from buffy and her morality choices. I would def read more by this author in the future. The highlights of this book is the world building and the supporting characters and the fast pace adventure. The parts I struggled with at points was the romance but I still really enjoyed this read.

Beth Benbow

I didn’t think it was as good as the first. Meh

From the Earth to the Shadows Valkyrie Book Two

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