Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Valkyrie by Kate Heartfield is a lyrical retelling of one of Norse mythology’s greatest epics, the story of Brynhild and Sigurd. The tale weaves between the perspective of Brynhild, a disillusioned Valkyrie stripped of her powers, and Gudrun, a princess of Burgundy, destined to be betrothed to a vicious invading king.
“We each made a separate peace. And we both broke the one promise we’d made to each other: we had not been honest. Sometimes I think love is the worst trickster of all.”
I wasn’t familiar with the legend, which inspired this retelling, and I think this played in my favour. The Valkyrie is full of twists and turns from the very beginning. It’s a fast-paced story that features corrupt gods, mythical beasts, forbidden love, and betrayal. Each chapter reads like a beautifully written love letter. I was completely immersed in the world Heartfield created. The romance was wonderfully dreamy and sincere.
Both Brynhild and Gudrun are unapologetically fearless and loyal. It was refreshing to read a book that featured not one but two determined and powerful women. Brynhild definitely joins the ranks of Amina Al-Sirafi and Kissen when it comes to strong FMCs. This was a breathtaking story that intertwines both history and fantasy perfectly.
The Valkyrie by Kate Heartfield will be released on March 30, 2023 and is available to pre-order HERE.
