Between the Blade and the Heart

Malin Krigare has always known that she will become a Valkyrie, just like her mother. She knows she’ll be returning immortals to their afterlife and enjoys the rush of the hunt. She knows she’ll have to follow orders regarding each target. Her mother is her mentor and a role model to follow, even if her parenting methods are rather cold. When it comes to light that her mother chose to decline a kill because the target was good and that the target has gone rogue, she learns there is more to the business of being a Valkyrie than she ever believed.

Hocking has released a story perfectly in time with the release of the newest Thor movie, which introduced the Valkryie force. Hocking has been able to zone in on the interest in Norse mythology and has done for the Valkryie what Bardugo did for Wonder Woman after the release of that same-named movie. Mal’s confusion between her ex-girlfriend and her new love interest, Asher, is artfully woven, and her juggle to balance the two is often humorous yet touching. This duology is set to be complete before the end of April 2018, answering readers’ questions quickly, as is Hocking’s style. Good thing, because waiting would be excruciating.