"A compelling dark fantasy"

In VALHALLA, Mandy Roth has written a compelling fantasy that shows the world of Valhalla in a wonderful light. She also goes back in time, a little, to tell the beginning of the story introduced in THE VALKYRIE, about Valerie, showing why she is the person she has become.

Linnea is a Valkyrie whose whole purpose is to go out into the world of mortals and bring back those warriors most deserving of immortality. The world of Valhalla is in existence to fight the world of evil, and Linnea is one of the most powerful Valkyries, with powers not gifted to the others.

The greatest battle of good vs. evil is imminent and Linnea's mission is more important than ever. As she leaps through time and space to find those warriors they need, she finds love with different men in different times, only to seemingly lose them to her greater fate, the evil she is bound to fight. Circumstances are dire and Linnea is in danger of losing her very life and soul. Will the Valkyries win the battle or will evil take hold forever?

This is another compelling story by Ms. Roth. She creates a vivid world for her readers, making the land of Valhalla vivid and beautiful. She also is talented in showing the different time periods and countries visited by her characters, making them come alive. Her characters are so skillfully rendered, that one can imagine seeing them walking down the street and knowing them.

Linnea is a strong heroine, unique in her world, and that of mortals, and trying to find where she belongs. Also, what woman wouldn't love to be in her shoes, having so many men desiring her and wanting to make a difference in her life and destiny? The men in her life are powerful, mortal or immortal, and they are perfect matches for Linnea's spirit.

However, it does get confusing in many parts. So many characters are introduced and play key roles in the drama unfolding, that sometimes readers may have a hard time following and keeping them all straight. However, this reviewer read this book before THE VALKYRIE, so hopefully reading that book will help clear up some of the confusion.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2004. All rights reserved.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted November 22, 2004

Summary

Valhalla, the heavenly oasis that the Valkyries call home is scrambling to prepare for the Apocalypse. Evil has stopped playing by the rules and started recruiting from a supernatural gene pool. The Elder Valkyries are left no alternative but to send their strongest warrior in search of brave male souls that possess supernatural powers. Linnea isn't happy with the Elders' decision, but she's always done what was expected of her, and this is no expectation. Leaping through the waterfalls and into legendary battles to collect warrior souls has never scared her before, but now she's in a race against time to gather the men before the vampires get to them. Can she find the brave warriors Valhalla needs in time? Is love inevitable? Will it last? Follow Linnea on the journey that led her to become Valerie.