Dead Embers is the second book in the Valkyrie series.
If you are new to this series, check out my review of the first book
Dead Radiance HERE
Dead Embers by T.G. Ayer
Paperback, 398 pages
Published August 31st 2012 by Infinite Ink Books
Age Group: YA
Series: Valkyrie #2
Source: ecopy from Author
Summary:
Valkyrie-in-training Bryn Halbrook just can’t catch a break. With her boyfriend stuck in Hel and the taunting laughter of Loki still ringing in her ears, she struggles to concentrate on her training and duties in Odin’s realm. The last thing she expects or wants is more adventure—but then treachery, a shocking abduction and a chilling discovery send her forth on another perilous, globe-hopping mission.
As the ultimate battle, Ragnarok, draws closer, it’s a race against time for Bryn, Fenrir and their team to discover who kidnapped her foster brother from the halls of Asgard and what’s causing the mysterious deaths of so many of Odin’s chosen warriors.
In the exciting sequel to DEAD RADIANCE, Bryn encounters dwarfs and dragons, new friends and old foes—but worst enemy of all may be the person she trusts most!
Dead Radiance was one of my favorite books a few years ago when it first came out and since then I have been so excited to continue the series. Dead Embers picks up right where Dead Radiance leaves off. Since the first three books are all out now, I would recommend reading series one right after another because TG Ayer has a super talent for crazy cliffhangers that leave you wishing for the next book to be in your hands ASAP. (Just a warning) This is going to be a really hard review for me to write without spoilers, because there are lots of the story that are based on twists and turns and crazy surprises. I will leave it at this- I am obsessed with Ayer’s plot writing abilities. I love how she tells a story. She incorporated all sorts of Norse gods and creatures and really lets them shine in the story. And through all of their parts we learn all about Morse mythology, but none of it feels like an information dump. It just feels like we are immersed in Norse mythology and culture and I loved that.
Bryn really starts to grow and come into her own in this book. She still struggles with feeling different than the other Valkyries. She is more human in a way than them and it shows. She is a little too trusting and more open than the others, but I don’t think those things are necessarily faults. I thought they were endearing qualities. And I loved the flying lesson scene with Fen. It was exciting and funny as heck! And this book would not be complete without Bryn’s signature snark that I adore. She is a tad stubborn and hard headed but she loyal to a fault. I just really like Bryn. And in Dead Embers she has so much resting on her shoulders. She has a war to prepare for, and she has to go to Hel to rescue Aiden- her budding romantic interest from the first book, and to make everything even more interesting all of the Valkyrie warriors are coming back to Asgard with this mysterious black tar/goo substance that is bad news bears for them. Holy cow, there is a lot going on in this book! I ate it all up! I was just as engaged in this book as I was in the first. And you better believe I will be reading Dead Chaos right after this one! I need to know how what is going to happen next!
A bunch of the characters from the first book are back in the fray, including Bryn’s human friend Brody. Plus some more Norse gods show up to make things interesting, like Thor. I will admit that I just saw the second Thor movie two weeks ago so I kept picturing Chris Hemsworth as this Thor. 😉 (I’m sure everyone else did as well.) TG Ayer has done a fantastic job detailing the Norse gods and telling a riveting story. War is brewing and I just know that the next book will be EPIC!
I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each others loves – it works wonderfully…
My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain crosseyed.
I love talking to my readers so email me if you have any questions or even if you just want to chat…
Email: tgayer@xtra.co.nz or tgayerauthor@gmail.com or check out her website
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
I haven’t seen this series before but your gushing review has me convinced that I need to read it. It is a good things the books are out as I despise cliffhangers!
kimbacaffeinate
This is new to me, and I am so delighted you are enjoying them! Thanks for the cliffy warning, while I cannot read books back to back, I would read one a month, but those year waits on cliffhangers make me pull my hair out!