The Runaway

October 15, 2016
When war threatens the nine realms, Odin sends Freya, a young Valkyrie, and Archie, her human friend, to Midgard to rescue Brunnhilde, a runaway hero of legend. Freya is determined not to fail, but when Azrael, the Angel of Death, reveals the true nature of their mission, she must decide whether to follow orders or fight for what is right. She knows that exposing Odin's dark secret would reunite families, but it could also weaken Midgard against an attack by the allied fire and frost giants. Humans, Valkyries, Dark Searchers, and even the gods themselves must find a way to work together if they are to thwart the traitorous plot and preserve peace in the realms. Uneven pacing and unsubstantiated plot moves hamper this twist on Norse mythology, sequel to Valkyrie (2016). However, Freya's focus on family and desire to do the right thing against the odds and tradition will resonate with readers. Fans of the Marvel Comics retellings will enjoy both the new look at familiar characters as well as the accompanying notes that reveal the myths behind the stories. (Notably absent from this section is the Hebraic Azrael.) Though far from perfect, an improvement over the first outing. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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April 1, 2017

Gr 5-8-In this second installment of the series, Freya and Archie have been put on probation by Odin for traveling to Midgard (Earth) without permission. Their punishment includes cleaning the Reaping Mares' stalls each morning, and Freya is allowed only marginal participation in Asgard's 12-day Nine Realms Challenge, in which the kingdom's finest athletes compete. Observant Odin, sensing that war is about to break out in the realm, sends Freya and Archie to Midgard to find Brunnhilde-a legendary Valkyrie whom he severely punished and banished to Earth long ago-and bring her home to Asgard. But Freya discovers that "Brundi" has a family; some deep, dark secrets; and a large parcel of land that must be protected from poachers. Again, O'Hearn blends Norse mythology and contemporary American life, albeit sometimes awkwardly. She addresses xenophobia, cultural diversity, and interracial marriage. As in the first volume, some Norse mythology has been embellished or invented (her addition of Dark Searchers, for example) and some major plot issues are tied up too neatly. VERDICT The clash of two very different and strong cultures and a busy, fast-moving plot will attract devotees of mythological fiction despite the book's minor flaws.-Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH

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