From the Earth to the Shadows Review – Blog Tour & Giveaway

Hi Everyone! I am super excited to host from the earth to the shadows’ Blog Tour & giveaway today. Thank you so much st. martin’s press for inviting me to take part in Valkyrie book 2 by Amanda hocking’s blog tour! I appreciate the opportunity to read, review, and host a blog tour with a giveaway!

Giveaway: 1 usa winner only, finished paperback copy.

RULES:
1) You MUST BE following my blog.
2) Optional to follow my Twitter. Link.
3) Optional to follow my Instagram. Link.
4) Optional to friend with me on Goodreads. Link.
5) Comment below and share with me your number one read so far this year.
Giveaway ends 5/11/18 at midnight central time. One winner will be chosen.

Synopsis from St. Martins Press:

The epic conclusion to the thrilling Valkyrie duology by New York Times bestselling YA author Amanda Hocking, From the Earth to the Shadows.

While dealing with dark revelations about her life and her world, Malin finds herself with new allies–and new enemies. Her quest for the truth leads her to places she never thought possible, and she’s never been one to shy away from a fight. But for all her strength and determination, will it be enough to save the world before it’s too late?

About: From the Earth to the Shadows is a young adult fantasy written by Amanda Hocking. It was recently published on 4/24/18 by Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, 336 pages. The genres are young adult, fantasy, mythology, and fiction. This book is intended for readers ages 12 to 18. There are 2 books to this duology: book 1 is Between the Blade and the Heart and book 2 is From the Earth to the Shadows. According to St. Martin’s website, “Wednesday Books is a crossover, coming-of-age imprint for readers looking for books in and beyond the YA category.” Please see below for more information about the author and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading From the Earth to the Shadows on 4/15/18 and finished it on 4/28/18. This book is a great read! I like how it makes me think about being pawns in a chess game and doing what has been set by others. It reminds me about real life, we are to follow the rules set by lawmakers and if we don’t follow, we risk breaking rules. If the lawmakers coming up with the laws in favor of people, it’s excellent, but if the lawmakers making laws in favors of what’s benefiting themselves personally, it can be unfavorable to the general citizens requiring to follow those set of rules. The citizens are in this case helpless, and just pawns in a chess game. I like the plot setting of above ground and below ground and both are a vast space of cities of its own. I like how this book continues where book one left off. I especially love the descriptions of Gods, locations, characters, and weapons when they are brought into the story because it makes the reading easier to understand.

This book continues with Malin (Mal) Krigare, told in the first person point of view, as she works on finding a way to rescue Asher who is currently being held captive by the underworld goddess Ereshkigal. Malin is a Valkyrie in training whose main job is to kill/send immortals to the underworld with her Sigrun, a blade made of dark purple crystal. In book one, Malin’s mom was murdered by a fellow Valkyrie, a rare occurrence. Malin wanted to avenge her mother’s death. The adventures led Malin to the entrance of the underworld called Kurnugia and where she went face off with her mother’s murderer. She learned that her mother’s murderer was only a pawn used by the immortals in the underworld to set the motions going because they are planning an uprising. Now, in book two, with Valeska, a new character and tasks set by Odin, Vanir God and Valkyries’ highest authority, once again Mal finds herself planning a trip to the underworld to find a spear that might be able to prevent the uprising. The problem is that there aren’t enough space above ground for everyone and the immortals that were sent to live underground want to have the freedom to decide where they want to live. It’s a wonder if Malin’s mom has anything to do with everything because she is mysterious and secretive.

A well written story, From the Earth to the Shadows is a read filled with actions and adventures that will leave readers breathless. I like that this book involve more of Odin and why he creates Valkyries. I like the girls adventures. The romance in this book is a bit lacking, but definitely good if you enjoy less romance reads. I like how this book talks about life. I don’t read too many mother daughter relationship so this one is one to caught me off guard. I like the sort of puzzle solving, how Malin go from one task after another to solve a problem. This duology is an excellent read and I highly recommend everyone to read it!

Pro: actions and adventures, fast paced, mythology,

Con: none

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or St. Martin’s Press

About the Author:

Amanda Hocking is the author of over twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle Trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influence her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book. http://www.worldofamandahocking.com, twitter @Amanda_Hocking(Info & photo are provided by St. Martin’s).

More Information about Wednesday Books

Website: http://wednesdaybooks.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WednesdayBooks | Twitter: https://twitter.com/WednesdayBooks

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Amanda Hocking, publisher St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. I appreciate the invitation to host a blog tour with a giveaway for this book! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine