I expected so much more from this story. After the first book, I was hoping that this conclusion would step up and wow me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I have loved Amanda's works in the past and this just wasn't up to par with what I'm used to from her.

I honestly felt like this was just a really good second or third draft. If it was just fleshed out, with more to the plot and world building this book could have been absolutely amazing!

Firstly, I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

I expected so much more from this story. After the first book, I was hoping that this conclusion would step up and wow me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I have loved Amanda's works in the past and this just wasn't up to par with what I'm used to from her.

I honestly felt like this was just a really good second or third draft. If it was just fleshed out, with more to the plot and world building this book could have been absolutely amazing!

Here's the bad: first 25% of the book had little to no explanation of creatures they were facing. The only death in this book (view spoiler) happened off page. MOST ANTI-CLIMACTIC FINAL BATTLE EVER!!!! (view spoiler) It is utterly ridiculous and made me lose a little faith in the author. Very little action. And for the love of GODS, I had to read the Glossary at the back of the book to FINALLY get the answer of when this damn book takes place. It's (view spoiler) if you're interested.

The good: Despite the above, the thought behind the plot was inventive. The characters were so much more likable this time around. I enjoyed the addition of Valeska and found both Quinn and Malin to be more relatable. The mythology definitely showed up this time around and I loved every second of it. It was not predictable. I often wrote "what the heck is happening right now!??!?!" in my notes. The ending was conclusive, it answered my burning questions and I enjoyed it.

That's right, all of those issues and I STILL ENJOYED IT. I read this whole book in 24 hours.

Book: From the Earth to the Shadows
Author: Amanda Hocking
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with this ARC.

This is probably the lowest rating I have even given an Amanda Hocking book. I loved the first book, but I did find this one to be lacking. I don’t know what it was, but there was a lot missing. I thought the plot was slow to build up with a rather rushed ending. Don’t get me wrong, I still love this world, but this one was just not up to Amanda’s normal standards.

I view this book as being kind of messy and not in a good way. The writing and plot just seemed really, really forced. I don’t know if there was pressure to meet a due date or what, but it just wasn’t up to Amanda’s normal standards. Whereas the first book seemed to be a bit more complex in terms of writing and plot, From the Earth to the Shadows just did not have that magic touch.

The plot was very simple and by simple, I mean simple. The situations the characters found themselves in were just convenient with very convenient outcomes. Nothing was ever very urgent because there was always a solution and one that was reached very carefully. Nothing felt like it was ever urgent. I guess to put it simply: there was really no extension to the world.

With all of this messiness, I found it really hard to connect with Malin. I loved her and the rest of the gang, but in this second book, I really did find myself not caring about them. I did find Asher’s story to be interesting, but even it kind of fell flat at the end. Like the world building, there was just really not character growth here either.

I did expect more from this book than what I got. While it is not a bad book, I do think there is still some work to be done before publication day, which is April 24, 2018. I do feel that my three star rating is fitting.

(Review is also on Goodreads. Will be posted on Amazon on April 24.)

The first book was such a great read and I love everything from Amanda Hocking. I own all of her books and this will definitely be an added addition. This was, surprisingly, even better than the first. I loved it.

Between the Blade and the Heart was not what I had been expecting, so I was really hoping I would like From the Earth to the Shadows better since I was already prepared for the setting and world. Unfortunately, some of the issues from the first book were not improved upon and the story continued to fall flat for me. 

From the Earth to the Shadows picks up right where the first book ends. One of the things I did enjoy was that there was a lot more action and fight scenes. I continued to struggle to connect with Malin and the story. I felt myself skimming some portions of the book. I was hoping for more development in regards to her relationship with Asher, but it still felt shallow and undeveloped. There was also no character growth; the characters continued to be flat and one-dimensional. A lot of the tension and obstacles Malin and the other characters faced were resolved too conveniently to be believable, and the ending was very anti-climatic. I really wanted to love this series, because - hello, valkyries - but it just wasn't the series for me.

I read and wrote a review on the first book, Between the Blade and the Heart, back in December, so it hasn’t been a super long time between books which was good. This book pretty much picks up right where the last one left off without a lot of rehashing. If you hadn’t read the first for a long time, you might be a little lost. I had a little trouble connecting to this book and the characters again, but I don’t think it was the book’s fault, this one was totally on me. I don’t think I was in the right mind set as I was reading it. But it was still a good read and a satisfying ending to the story.

Malin is still an interesting character, who really struggles with believing in herself and trusting others. She does get a bit better as this story goes on, but it is still a struggle for her. She goes through a lot in this part of the story, but she manages it for the most part with the help of her friends and others.

All of the characters from the first book are back, at least the ones who didn’t die. I still really like Malin’s roommate Oona, she is just so amazing and friendly but doesn’t let anyone get away with anything. I love her simple magic as well, with a nice mixture of potions and spells. Asher, Malin’s sort of boyfriend (her words not mine) is also here, and even though he has some issues that are hard to take, you still have to love how he stands by Malin even when she is being difficult. A new member joins the group, Valeska, an Alkonost, which means she had wings, basically and could fly. I found her to be a bit prickly at first, but she does grow on you.

The plot is well done, although there are some slow spots that are hard to get past because they also end up being important parts. Mal and her friends travel to the underworld which was fascinating and dangerous. But that was a small part of the story. Things really start to pick up towards the end when the immortals from the underworld start to break through to the world. The story really starts to get interesting and all of the bits and pieces of the story start to come together which becomes somewhat complicated, but it all works out. The central theme of the story continues to be about free-will and whether or not there is someone determining the choices we make in our lives. The ending was not what I was expecting at all, but made a lot of sense in the grand scheme of things.

I still really enjoyed the world created here, with a mixture of mythical, immortal creatures, their mixed blood offsprings and humans. I really want a pet wolpertinger, a rabbit with little antlers basically, he just sounds so cute and a fun pet. The urban Chicago setting was great as well as the South American cities and jungles they visited. A solid vision of the norse and other mythologies in a human setting.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 in the Valkyrie duology and a continuation from Between the Blade and the Heart. Malin is tasked by Odin to return to the underworld to retrieve his sword in order to restore balance between humans and the immortals. She is also on a personal task to rescue Asher from the underworld from the immortals who are plotting to take over the world.

I really liked this book for several reasons. I thought that Malin was more likable in this book and had really matured since book 1. There was less time spent on her personal relationships or her feelings toward her ex, mother and Asher. It seemed like she could move forward once she could see where they fit in her life. I liked that there was a lot more action in this book than the first. The plot moved pretty quickly and kept you wanting to know what would happen next. I think what I liked the most is that she was able to overcome her struggle of not knowing if she had free will or was predestined to the life she was given. In the end that choice ended up being hers, which weighed heavily on Malin. That choice would change the future of all immortals.

I would recommend this book to those that like urban fantasy. If you are a fan of Amanda Hocking you will enjoy this.

I received copy through NetGalley for review.

When I had read the first book in this series, Between The Blade and The Heart, I struggled. It felt slow and messy and so unbelievably heavy on the info dumping, I forgave it thinking it would get better because it felt like it was all a set up for the next book, and I thought the next one would get lighter and easier to get though.
It didn't. It suffered from the same issues as the first. It's going to be a series problem, since this second book set up almost exactly the same way.
It's not that I didn't like the storyline or the characters or even where they story when itself. But it's just the slough to get to where I was going, it took me a week! A week to read this. It should have taken 3 days maximum.
I love Amanda Hocking's other books. But the lightness, the flow is simply not present in this series, it has none of the lightness or hook. It's descriptive styling just does not work for me. And I really, truly wish it did.
I can already tell there's going to be a third book or possibly a spin off, into the altered world and meddling gods, but honestly I don't think I want to stay for the rest of the ride.
I'm so disappointed.
I just can't override my enjoyment of the story for the styling of this one. This is such a miss.

"From the Earth to the Shadows" is the final book in the Valkyrie duology. Here, valkyries are mortal humans that are somewhat stronger and more durable than typical so that they can accomplish the task set for them by the gods- return immortals to Kurnugia/the underworld. They never know why an immortal is chosen, but if they are not returned as tasked, there can be terrible consequences (as we learned in the first book).

Here, Malin, a young valkyrie, receives special orders from Odin to retrieve objects of importance in order to prepare for the upcoming battle. Erishkigal is set on breaking out of Kurnugia with other bad immortals and wreaking havoc on earth. Malin and her friends may be the only ones capable of stopping this apocalypse.

Although I had some mixed feelings about the first book and was considering skipping this second, I found it to be so much better than the first! The story is really fleshed out here- we spend more time on the different creatures, places, and people that were skimmed over (and made it hard to follow) in the first book. This was quite the journey, and it really captured my attention as we journey with Malin and her group of friends to save the world. I also really enjoyed some of the new characters who show up in this book plus got to know/like some of the old characters even better.

I highly recommend this second book, especially if you were on the fence about it after reading the first- it's a really fun adventure into this interesting alternate reality. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

To be honest, this is not my favorite series of hers. There was a disconnect here. I had a hard time not skimming. It felt like things were being added at the last minute, instead of being planned.

The relationship aspect felt forced and was uninteresting. I could’ve cared less who she picked. She was so wishy washy and immature.

I admit, I got excited for about two chapters. That’s it. I really wish I could love this series, but I just can’t.

To be honest, this is not my favorite series of hers. There was a disconnect here. I had a hard time not skimming. It felt like things were being added at the last minute, instead of being planned.

The relationship aspect felt forced and was uninteresting. I could’ve cared less who she picked. She was so wishy washy and immature.

I admit, I got excited for about two chapters. That’s it.

So bummed. I really wanted to love this series.

Super excited to grab a copy of this book. I love anything Asguard and the Valkyries in this series are awesome. The pace was fast and furious, with a lot of action to give you the chills. At time, the story did feel a little hectic, but it was easy enough to get through. I really enjoyed this read and diving into the world of the Valkyries again. I would recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy and Thor.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you Netgalley for the free E-ARC
This was a great sequel, and a fantastic way to wrap up a Duo-logy. I am a huge fan of Amanda Hocking, and I have enjoyed all of her books. If you haven't read anything by her, you definitely should. Not to mention she has the most stunning book covers! She is a very creative writer, with well thought out plots, and fantastic world building. This book was so much fun to read! A nice break to read after all the heavy thrillers I frequently read.

This one takes place just about right where book one Between the Blade and the Heart left off. Malin and her friends take off to the Underworld. Not only do they battle in the Underworld but the world itself is in chaos. Saving the world, working for the Gods and few major events all take place (I want to go on about it but you'll have to read about it) Oh did I mention finding that you can choose to love not just free will. Overall I've really enjoyed this series. I love the take on the Immortals and Mortal worlds. You are in for a ride and root for Malin, Asher, Quinn from the very start. I couldn't put this one down. I love the worlds Amanda Hocking takes us and can't wait to see what she will come up with next.

I received a copy via NetGalley and publisher St. Martin's Press for an unbiased review. I am not one to give in detail description of what happens in the book but I really enjoyed the direction the book took and found it a good wrap up to the duology. The only thing I'm sad about... is that it's over. I like how Malin is more comfortable with herself than the previous book and more aware of how her actions can affect others. I think her choosing the direction of her love life grounded her nervous energy and allowed us to focus on other things but it was slow in coming. She had a lot of unresolved issues that took precedence over other things in the plot line but it wasn't as bad as the first book and didn't have this doom day feeling to it if she ever did fall in love. Overall I have to say I'm not impressed with this duology and felt it could have been a pretty impressive series. The plot did move quickly but that was because there is so much information you need to know and the action has to move forward in order to reach any kind of climax. I think it has some really good qualities but it's not something I will re-read and that to me is disappointing.

Great sequel, great characters. This book wraps up things nicely, but I still want more.

Malin is tasked by Odin to retrieve items critical in the battle against Ereshkigal and her army as they attempt to free themselves from Kurnugia, the underworld where they are trapped, and launch hell on Earth. Barely surviving the last battle at the Gates of Kurnugia, Malin's task will take her past the gates and deep into the underworld and back to where Asher has been taken captive. Malin finds herself once again endangering the lives of those she cares about most in order to stop the uprising and save the world. She recruits the help of her closest friends as well as some new allies...but who can really be trusted.

I am a huge fan of Amanda Hocking and have read almost every novel she has written. I was so excited to get the change to read and review one of her books. From the Earth to the Shadows is the second novel in the Valkyrie duology. This book begins right where the other novel left off with the remaining team recovering from battle and coming up with a new plan. This novel introduces a few new characters as Malin prepares to enter the underworld on Odin's mission. I felt that this novel had a lot more action and battle sequences opposed to the character building and romantic tension of the first book. Malin is still struggling with her feelings towards her X, her mom, and Asher which kind of felt like it dragged on a bit too long and part of the reason I dropped my rating. Overall I enjoyed the second novel more than the first as it focused more on the trip to the underworld and upcoming battle and less on Malin's "inability to love anyone" drama. Although this series is not my personal favorite, I would definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves strong female protagonists with a notably large cast of fantasy/mythological based creatures.