Valkyrie #2: The Runaway by Kate O'Hearn

My name is Archie, and I'm thankful that Gee reaped my soul as I was dying. However, she always seems to find a way to get herself into trouble. I mean, Chicago was almost destroyed because of what she did, so she's on probation with Odin. Odin is now offering her a chance to get back her position as a Valkyrie if she completes an urgent quest. Gee needs to find a banished Valkyrie in Midgard and return her to Valhalla. Odin's given Gee two days to finish the mission, since a war among the realms might erupt at any moment. A couple of problems. The Valkyrie has established a life in Midgard and doesn't want to leave. Secondly, we've discovered a huge secret about the Dark Searchers that has Gee confused and angry. Odin will be furious if he discovers what's happening down here, but Gee doesn't seem to care. That can only spell disaster.

This book has a lot going on, and you need to read Valkyrie first. The series is based on Norse mythology, and Odin isn't known for being understanding, cooperative, or compassionate. Gee, or Frieda as she's known in Valhalla, is the main character, and her empathy for others has a tendency to get her into trouble. She's strong, independent, and doesn't always like to follow the rules. An interesting part of this book is the revelation of how Dark Searchers are chosen, something they don't know about themselves. They are Odin's special force and are feared because of their relentless pursuit of anyone leaving Valhalla without his permission. One of them has a violent vendetta against Gee due to her actions in the first book. The story also reveals unknown siblings that will take over the plot and potentially trigger the war between the realms. Consequently, this book includes a higher level of danger and creates more tension than the prior one. An added level of concern arises from the fact that the touch of a Valkyrie is deadly to humans. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend you give it a shot. I'm looking forward to the sequel, War of the Realms, and I assume it will end the series.