Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking Book Review

Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking is an engaging urban fantasy novel that blends Norse mythology with a modern-day setting. As the first book in the Valkyrie duology, it introduces readers to a world of gods, monsters, and powerful female warriors tasked with enforcing the balance between life and death. The novel follows Malin, a young Valkyrie-in-training, whose discovery of a long-buried family secret forces her to question everything she knows about duty, destiny, and her own identity. Packed with action, mythology, and emotional depth, Between the Blade and the Heart is a fast-paced adventure that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy.

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As one of Odin’s Valkyries, Malin’s greatest responsibility is to slay immortals and return them to the underworld. The balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.

As Malin wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought, she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue-eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. Malin, along with her best friend and her ex-girlfriend, must decide where her loyalties lie…and whether helping Asher enact his revenge is worth the risk—to the world and to her heart.

Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking is an engaging urban fantasy novel that draws readers into a world where Norse mythology meets a modern-day setting. As the first book in the Valkyrie duology, it introduces readers to a universe filled with gods, monsters, and powerful female warriors who walk the line between life and death.

The story follows Malin, a young Valkyrie-in-training whose duty is to slay immortals when their time on Earth is up. Malin has been raised to believe in the strict code of the Valkyries, taught by her mother to do her job without question. However, Malin’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that her mother broke this code by sparing the life of an immortal. This revelation sets off a chain of events that forces Malin to question everything she thought she knew about her role, her family, and her place in the world.

Malin is a compelling protagonist, struggling with the weight of her responsibilities and the moral ambiguities that come with her role as a Valkyrie. She’s torn between the expectations placed upon her and her own desires and fears. Hocking does a good job of fleshing out Malin’s character, showing her growth as she grapples with difficult choices and the implications of her mother’s actions. The internal conflict Malin experiences as she navigates her dual roles as both a dutiful Valkyrie and a young woman seeking her own identity is central to the novel’s emotional depth.

The world-building in Between the Blade and the Heart is one of its highlights. Hocking draws from Norse mythology but infuses it with a fresh, modern twist, creating a vibrant and dangerous world where gods and mythical creatures coexist with humans. The setting, a gritty urban environment where danger lurks around every corner, complements the dark and mystical elements of the story. Hocking’s descriptions of the city’s underworld, populated by all manner of supernatural beings, add a rich layer of atmosphere to the novel.

The supporting cast of characters adds complexity and diversity to the story. Malin’s relationships with other characters, including her best friend Oona, her love interest Asher, and her complicated relationship with her mother, are well-developed and add emotional stakes to the narrative. Asher, in particular, brings a sense of mystery and tension to the story, as his own quest for vengeance intertwines with Malin’s journey, leading to a partnership that is both intense and fraught with conflict.

The novel’s pacing is generally brisk, with a mix of action-packed sequences and moments of introspection. Hocking balances the adrenaline of fight scenes with the quieter, more emotional moments that allow readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The plot is filled with twists and turns, some of which are predictable, but others that keep readers guessing and engaged.

One of the novel’s key themes is the exploration of free will versus destiny, as Malin confronts the question of whether she is bound by the strict codes of the Valkyries or if she can forge her own path. This theme is woven throughout the story, giving it a philosophical edge that elevates it beyond a simple action-adventure tale.

While Between the Blade and the Heart has many strengths, it does follow some familiar tropes of the urban fantasy genre, including the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and the forbidden romance. However, Hocking’s engaging writing style, strong character development, and unique mythological elements help the novel stand out.

Overall, Between the Blade and the Heart is a fast-paced, entertaining read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and mythology. Amanda Hocking has crafted a story that combines action, romance, and a touch of the supernatural into a compelling narrative that sets the stage for an exciting continuation in the series. With its intriguing world and relatable heroine, the novel offers a fresh take on the Valkyrie myth and leaves readers eager to see what happens next in Malin’s journey.

Positives of Between the Blade and the Heart

Compelling Protagonist – Malin is a well-developed character, torn between her responsibilities as a Valkyrie and her own desires, making her an engaging and relatable heroine.
Rich World-Building – The novel’s blend of Norse mythology and a modern urban setting creates a fresh and immersive world filled with supernatural beings and dark intrigue.
Diverse and Complex Cast – Supporting characters like Oona, Asher, and Malin’s mother add layers of emotional depth and complexity to the story.
Balanced Action and Emotion – Hocking maintains a brisk pace, blending thrilling fight scenes with introspective moments that allow for character growth.
Themes of Free Will vs. Destiny – The novel explores whether Malin is bound by the strict codes of the Valkyries or if she can forge her own path, adding a philosophical element to the narrative.

Negatives of Between the Blade and the Heart

Some Predictable Plot Elements – While the novel includes exciting twists, certain story beats follow familiar urban fantasy tropes.
Typical Forbidden Romance Arc – The romance, while engaging, follows a somewhat predictable path within the genre.
Familiar Hero’s Journey – Malin’s story of self-discovery, while well-executed, doesn’t stray far from the established formula of many urban fantasy protagonists.

Between the Blade and the Heart is an exciting and fast-paced novel that successfully merges action, romance, and mythology into a gripping narrative. Amanda Hocking’s strong world-building and character-driven storytelling make for an engaging read, despite some familiar urban fantasy tropes. With its compelling protagonist and rich mythology, the novel offers a fresh take on the Valkyrie legend and sets the stage for an intriguing sequel. Fans of urban fantasy and Norse mythology will find plenty to enjoy, and Malin’s journey is one that leaves readers eager to see what happens next.

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