The Last Valkyrie: The Last Valkyrie Trilogy, Book 1

This is a new to me author, but I've read a couple of great fantasies based off Norse mythology recently, so when I saw the blurb for this, I jumped on it. My understanding is this new series is related to the author's Mackenzie Grey series, but I never got the feeling I might be missing some background as I sometimes do with a spinoff.The story started off with a film noir kind of vibe that I enjoyed: a dark, seedy bar and a cynical, world-weary Raven (who has been wasting her immoral life on liquor, drugs and sex) getting framed for murder. I wasn't sure I was going to like Raven at first, but I came to love her intelligence, sass and kicka$$ attitude, especially as her character grew over the course of the story and more of her background is revealed. Loved too that Raven had a Hispanic appearance, it made a nice twist to the usual.So many great secondary characters, as well, and I loved the spin the author put on Norse mythology. The world-building is excellent--her style reminded me a little of Robin McKinley or Patricia Briggs, two of my all-time favorite fantasy writers, dropping information in when it's needed rather than doing an info dump. While I'm normally not a fan of flashbacks, they worked perfectly here, never interrupting the flow of the story, yet still giving us the information we need. The author makes great use of foreshadowing to build the tension; that plus plenty of action and plot twist after plot twist just kept me turning those pages.A superbly crafted urban fantasy with romantic undertones, from characters to world building to plot, this is a can't put down read. I can't wait to get more of Raven's story (this one ends on what I'd call a pause in the action rather than a cliffhanger), and in the meantime I'll be reading other books by this author. 5++ starsB2B Kelly

The Last Valkyrie by Karina Espinosa is a great tale where the use of Norse mythology isn't the foundation of the story but the evolution of one lone Valkyrie (Raven) who sought to go against the masses and fight for the underdog—humanity. Unfortunately, humanity's appeal after the centuries never seem to be redeemable, and this Last Valkyrie spends her immortality being bitter and angry and numbing her disappointment.Reader Warning: This story isn't for those looking for the automatic hero, but for those who are seeking an authentic portrayal of a character who is realizing, even in her abundant need to disconnect with reality, she must accept her fate. Especially after Raven's forced into the mayhem by making her the center of a murder investigation, she knows she can longer avoid life.The secondary characters are unique in their own elements and act in surprising ways. Through these unexpected budding friendships, readers are able to see the depth inside our Valkyrie and her redeemable qualities. For the true Urban Fantasy fan, the plot twists and flashbacks give readers a connection to the past with the excitement and suspense in the present. The Last Valkyrie gives the healthy dose of action-packed scenes, and if anyone is looking to start a new series, this is a great story to leap into.

The first book in this series is a good start, it offers a nice foundation to the world building and an interesting introduction to the characters!!I quite liked Raven because she is unlikable. She's an addict and generally acts like it, which isn't usual in most UF stories. She has her problems and she tries to overcome them, but the road to sobriety/getting your life together when you are accused of murder isn't an easy one.Charlie is an interesting character; she offers a nice foil to Raven's...everything.Will and Fen are both interesting main male leads, but I think Fen might be a little more interesting.The flashbacks that occur every so often give nice background into Raven's life as a valkyrie. They were little slices into her previous life and helped illustrate how she came to be stuck on Earth.I'd recommend this for anyone who likes McKenzie Hunter or Deborah Wilde.

I probably should've seen that coming, but it was hidden in plain sight. My only "issue" with the book is what I thought was an important detail in these beginning didn't turn out to be as important as I thought because Raven completely ignored/forgot about it. This didn't detract from my overall love of the book, at all, and I'm off to go find the next one in the series 💜

I devoured this book, from page one to the end nothing could stop me from reading this through the night. It had intrigue, mystery, everything to make you fall in love with Urban Fantasy once again. Raven was such an amazingly well-developed character along with all the side characters including one of my favorites, Charlie.I am thrilled for the next in the series and will be stalking the author until it's released <3

I was worried that i wouldn’t be able to get Mackenzie’s (Mackenzie Grey series) voice out of my head while reading this, but Raven definitely has a voice that is completely her own. I love the stragglers she picks up along the way, and i can’t wait to see where her story goes from here, as her humanity develops. Loved it!

Overall, I did enjoy this book but there are some rough spots, stilted characters, and unsatisfying plot points.There is a lot to work with here, the full pantheon of Norse mythology, banshees, vampires, and werewolves, drug lords and corrupt cops. I'm interested in seeing how the rest of the series progresses and hoping that the characters will become more fleshed out and deeper.

I brought this book the day it came out and could not put it down. The characters are coming together very well and this has the makings of being a very good series. I give a book the first 5 pages to grab my attention and keep it and this book had no trouble keeping entertained and waiting for the next thing to happen. I have devoured the book in less than a day because I was unable to put it down. I look forward to the next in this series eagerly!!!!!

Loved it!

The Last Valkyrie is a dark and gritty Urban Fantasy seeped in Norse Mythology. Now if all you know about Norse Mythology is that Thor wields a hammer and Loki is a major mischief maker, then I’m sorry to disappoint. Neither Thor or Loki are in this book (except by name) - which I’m actually glad for as Thor is one of my least favourite gods from the original myths. However, we do get a plethora of awesome supernatural and mythological creatures, both from Norse and not.Raven has given up on her past, her future and mankind. She’s a drunk, a druggie and a user, but she’s also a Valkyrie and no matter how much she tries to obliterate the past, the past refuses to stay behind her. I both liked and disliked Raven. I don’t mind a heroine who has their darker side and who pushes people away (I wouldn’t be a fan of UF if I did), but I actually had a bit of trouble liking any part of her. I think that it might be because she’s given up on everything and spends most of the book doing her best to close herself off from the world.This was my first read by Espinosa and it won’t be my last. Espinosa has certainly done her research in regards to both the Norse Mythology and the other supernatural aspects of the book. I liked that our heroine lives life on the edge, and that she is an equal opportunist when it comes to partners. No cliffhanger with this first book in the series but there’s plenty to keep you keen for the next book.

When I first read the snippet of Raven from the Mackenzie Grey series, I didn't really like her character.... Then when Karina Espinosa announced "The Last Valkyrie", I was skeptical.... I was so incredibly wrong!I ABSOLUTELY ADORE RAVEN!She is so flawed and raw that you can't help sympathising with her.... She has lived for a long time, yet in some ways she behaves quite naive and gullible.....Who is the enemy? The big question in this book..... I'm actually in love with all these characters.... I can't wait to see Charlie's back story, that will be awesome and of course Will, steadfast and wise, more so than Raven who prefers escapism.This series is DEFINITELY on my re-read list and I can't wait to see what direction Karina Espinosa will go in next.I have purchased my copy on Amazon AU.