Review: Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Valkyrie Rising
by Ingrid Paulson 

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them. Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age. {GOODREADS}

I was really excited to read this book. I remember watching an episode of Charmed with Valkyries, which I really loved. So when I saw this book, I was immediately drawn in.
Unfortunately it didn't add up to what I was hoping for. I don't think it was because I had high expectations, though. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. At times I felt there was to much description. Then when it came to the world, I would have liked to see more. I didn't get a feel for the world. The plot, to me, felt very predictable and a little dull.

The characters I found a bit under developed. They just didn't do it for me. I found myself not caring what happened to them. Ellie, was not a character I enjoyed reading about. It seemed she didn't really know who she was, therefore I didn't know who she was. Needless to say I found all the characters a bit two-dimensional.

Another thing I didn't like was, one minute Ellie doesn't know what's going on, then all of a sudden, she had all this knowledge. I didn't get to go through that learning curve, sort of speak, with her. She just all of a sudden just knew. Which is why I say I didn't like the writing style, because it was like that through the entire book.

The romance, I didn't like either, lol. I liked Tuck & Ellie as friends, but I didn't think they worked as a couple. There wasn't any chemistry between them. But as friends, they had that back and forth batter that I like. But as a couple, they were sweet, yes, but it was also boring. And VERY cheesy. lol
I found myself rolling my eyes many times, every time Ellie mentioned Tuck. I swear her stomach flipped every time he looked at her. lol.

Overall, this book just wasn't for me. I think part of that is because Ellie spends most of the book looking for her brother. I'm just not a fan of books where the character spends the entire book searching for someone. I liked the idea of Valkyrie Rising, but I didn't like the plot, writing or characters much.