Viking Warrior Rising by Åsa Maria Bradley

Amazon/Barnes & Noble
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Review by: Dani Hoots

*This novel contains adult situations. Rating: 18+*

Immortal Vikings are among us

Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki.

Under attack from Loki’s minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif’s warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn’t find her fast, he’s going to lose himself to permanent battle fury.

But Naya doesn’t want to be found…and he’ll do anything to find her. Because they’re both running out of time.

*Back cover taken from Amazon*

A romance story inspired by Norse Mythology, Bradley does a great job connecting readers to her Swedish homeland. You can tell how much it inspired her to write this story and how much love she has for Nordic myths.

I found the main character Naya to be quite interesting and Leif to be sort of a typical alpha male. I wished we got to know a little more about the characters and had them connect more than just sexually. I thought Leif also shouldn’t have assumed so much of Naya and actually explained things. I don’t want to give away the plot, but I think he should have been a little more relatable instead of all high and mighty and thinking he would get everything he wanted without explaining the situation. Naya, on the other hand, could have waited and listened a bit more and I wished we got to know a little bit more of her back story.

The plot itself was mostly romance-based (duh, it’s a romance novel) so if you are looking for a good romance with Norse Mythology and Vikings, this is your novel. Although Leif wasn’t the type of male I would go after, I found it to be quite enjoyable and read it all in one sitting. Bradley is a great writer leaving me wanting more.

I give this book a 4/5, as it was a really good story, but I felt the characters could have been a little more detailed and diverse. If you love Nordic myths, alpha males, and great writing, pick this book up. You will not regret it.