Ednah Walters

4.5 stars
I’m already a fan of this creative YA series where Norse mythology, the magic of runes, and teen romance have been carefully crafted into a fantastical plot of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. The series does need to be read from the beginning in order to understand and follow the continuous storyline. While the first two books have featured Raine and Torin, in Grimnirs, the focus shifts to Raine’s best friend, Cora.

Since I enjoyed the romance between Raine and Torin so much, I show more wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Cora, who until this point didn’t really interest me as much as some of the other main characters. Although Cora has stood by and supported Raine in difficult times, she still seemed a bit shallow and superficial. Unlike Raine, Cora has always been more of a social butterfly, concerned with fashion, boys, and the latest high school gossip. In all fairness, though, her character has always been in the periphery and under-developed. Now, readers get to know the real Cora, a loving, compassionate young woman who is unwavering in her loyalty to her family, friends, and especially to one exceptional Grimnir who is in servitude to Hel, goddess of the Underworld.

Cora’s life has drastically changed six weeks after the tragic swim meet where she witnessed a horrific scene of death and destruction. The emotional trauma she experienced led to a brief stint in a mental institute where she could recover. Now, she’s back at home feeling alone and abandoned by her closest friends, Raine and Eirik. To make matters worse, she has an unexplainable ability to see ghosts or souls who haven’t departed from Earth yet. Her newfound gift or curse, as she sees it, gradually pulls her into the world of Echo, a Grimnir whose purpose on Earth is to escort the souls of the recently departed to Hel, underworld of the dead.

Through a case of mistaken identity, Cora literally falls into Echo’s arms and is shocked to discover she doesn’t want to let him go despite the fact they come from two different worlds where Mortals and Immortals just don’t mix. Echo is a refreshing addition to the plot, and just as Torin did with Raine, he tries to fight his growing but forbidden attraction to this feisty, stubborn blonde who becomes a target of goddess Hel. When Hel begins to send Grimnirs to fetch Cora, Echo’s loyalties become split over his need to protect Cora and still follow his goddess’s directives.

Cora and Echo’s love story is beautiful, and I was touched by the depth of their feelings for each other and the sacrifices they are willing to make to stay together. Cora is the light that brightens Echo’s dark heart and tortured soul. Her loyalty and belief in him is amazing and inspiring. Even though this is a YA novel, the love scenes between the two do become intimate but are tastefully written.

Raine, Torin and the rest of the Valkyries continue to play major roles in the story and the overall plot becomes much more elaborate. I’m impressed with how Walters is able to keep all of the ongoing story threads unified as the series progresses. I also like that she creates characters whose motives aren’t always clear. Just when I think I know how a character will respond, she creates complications that make me uncertain of just what that character will actually do. In this book, Eirik is a prime example. He has been making plans to be with Cora unaware of her involvement with Echo. When their worlds collide toward the end of the book, I really don’t know how Eirik will direct his anger. The climax is suspenseful and the conclusion left me satisfied for now. I can’t wait to see whose story will be featured next. All of the main characters have interesting stories just waiting to be told.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. show less

In Hunted, we again join Lil and Bran, as well as the other Guardians. They have defeated one major evil threat, are recovering Bran's soul contracts with the help of the other Guardians, and now find themselves faced with an even greater threat, one that they never saw coming. The battle with this new enemy is one of the most intense the Guardians have ever fought, and results in the loss of many lives. Faced with evil both physically and mentally, Lil must pull upon a strength and resolve show more from deep within in order to overcome, but who and what will she lose in the process, and how great a sacrifice is she willing to make in order to protect those she loves?

I loved Hunted. It was great getting back into the world of the Guardians with Lil, Bran, Sykes (yum, yum), Remy, Izzy, and Kim, as well as the other characters we came to know and love in Betrayed. We also get to meet some really interesting new characters as well. Bran is a total badass and plays a major role in this installment. He is now a Senior Cardinal and one of the best there is. Being one of the few winged Cardinals, in combination with his skills, take charge attitude, hottness, and love for Lil, makes Bran a force to be reckoned with in Hunted, and I just loved him. I also really enjoyed watching Lil's character develop into an even greater heroine in this book. The relationship between Bran is Lil is solid, intense, romantic, sexy, and best of all, there is no love triangle. Sykes is his usual sexy self, and I could just eat him up, and Remy to. The book is action-packed and kept my attention from beginning to end. There are some really intense moments, as well as funny ones, romantic ones, and heartbreaking ones. Ednah Walters throws in a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and I am dying to know what happens in the next installment. Overall, this was a great read, and if you are a fan of stories about angels and demons and/or just love a good action-packed paranormal romance, then this is one series you will want to check out. I totally enjoyed Hunted and definitely recommend it. show less

Walters has done it again by releasing another captivating installment in her imaginative Runes series that brings Norse Mythology to life and takes readers into a world where Valkyries, Immortals, and Grimnirs hide in plain sight unbeknownst to mortals around them as they carry out the bidding of their gods and goddesses. Because of her supernatural lineage the young heroine of the series, Raine Cooper, has now become part of this paranormal world, learning to create magical runes and show more discovering her powers as a Seeress.

I recommend readers new to this series read the books in sequential order to fully understand and appreciate the comprehensive plot that expands in each installment. However, Walters does an excellent job of providing ample exposition throughout the novel to explain and remind readers of important events that occurred in the previous books that remain relevant to this novel’s storyline. She also includes a glossary at the beginning of each installment to help readers become familiar with the Norse terminology frequently used in the narration and dialogue.

Since Raine has learned that she is an extremely powerful Seeress, the one destined to foresee the start of “Ragnarok” or the war leading to the end of the world, her elevated status has made her a target in the Immortal world for those seeking to use her gifts for their own agendas. The Norns continue to antagonize Raine in their efforts to get her to join them, and now a new threat has emerged, one connected to Torin’s past that will test the solidarity of Raine and Torin’s relationship. Finally, I was so glad to learn more about Torin’s family and some painful moments of his past that continue to haunt him.

The attraction and chemistry between Raine and Torin is still as strong as ever, and although they have some intense make out sessions, I admire the restraint they show before letting things go too far. I can appreciate that they are taking their relationship slowly, especially since Raine has experienced so much change in her life in such a short amount of time. Raine isn’t as snarky as when she was first introduced; she’s more serious but still has the feisty streak in her that I like. She also still does a lot of drooling over Torin, which at times was a bit much for me, but I guess it’s typical for a seventeen-year-old who’s in love.

I was glad that many of the supporting characters I’ve grown fond of and have become invested in, such as Andris, Cora, Echo, and Eirik play active roles in this story, and many of these characters continue to grow and change, so they don’t become static and predictable. Andris is still the flamboyant Valkyrie who is endearing one minute and infuriating the next, but in this novel he seems more subdued. Ingrid is becoming stronger and more expressive than she has before. And Eirik’s behavior is becoming more erratic. His attitude hints that he has experienced some traumatic events during his stay in Hel. I hope he will be featured more prominently in the near future.

Walters kept me engaged the entire time as I followed Raine’s journey in learning to discern and control the premonitions she begins to have when she touches people or objects. Her visions are confusing and disturbing and call into question whom Raine can trust. Just as in the previous books, not all is as it seems, and Walters continued to surprise me all the way to the end. I look forward to what’s next for Raine and the gang.

Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author to provide an honest review. show less

While this is a PNR, I really enjoyed the Norse mythology spin introduced into the story. Now I'm biased here. Ednah Walters hasn't written a book that I haven't loved to pieces, and Runes shaped up to be a new favorite.

Characters: I really loved Raine even before Torin comes onto the scene. To me she was perhaps one of the most believable teenage characters I'd read(exception: Walter's Guardian Legacy Series). I think that is what draws me into her stories. Even in these fantasy settings, show more the reader can ground themselves with the characters and really connect. Torin, ah my favorite broody bad boy. I love this type of character, so I won't go into detail, but he was executed perfectly. The vision of him remains in my brain, and again, I felt that Walters had him written down to a T.

Plot: The plot is thick with mythology, but the real sense here isn't so much an end goal, but discovery and action. We learn the world, the players, and what's at stake but in an enjoyable, romantic setting. The pacing worked, and if there were holes, I couldn't find them. The ending through me for a loop, but with serial stories, it's expected. Still, there were no loose ends and that's what I look for.

* I did receive a copy in exchange for my review, but have since purchased and gifted copies. That alone should speak for the author as well as the book. If you enjoy mysterious, mythological based stories then pick up this one. show less