There is unrest in Asgard, but rumors of war don't prevent the Ten Realms Challenge, where disgraced Freya is allowed to compete in only two events. In the Three-Strike Sword Challenge, Freya is matched against a Dark Searcher with a grudge, but she acquits herself well spite dying d Odin restores her to full battle status. In return, he asks her to revisit Midgard (Earth) to retrieve a banished Valkyrie before the imminent war begins, and the trip opens Freya's eyes to secrets about family and the capriciousness of gods. This sequel to Valkyrie (2016) returns familiar characters and introduces one or two more from Norse mythology, while also creating a compelling fictional story about connections between the generally white-winged Valkyries, who essentially deliver Odin's reward for valor, and his dark-winged Dark Searchers henchmen, who apprehend immortal troublemakers. O'Hearn is at her best when advancing the plot through action and narrative, as opposed to dialogue that overtells and can be didactic. An author's note gives background about Norse mythology and her few changes to it.

Back in Asgard, unhappy Freya (Valkyrie) jumps at Odin's mission to return to Earth to retrieve banished Valkyrie Br|nnhilde. On her journey, Freya uncovers her family's history and tries to stop an oncoming war. Fans of Norse mythology may find some redeeming qualities in this second installment, but its clunky dialogue, slow pace, and often illogical action leave much to be desired.

When war threatens the nine realms, Odin sends Freya, a young Valkyrie, and Archie, her human friend, to Midgard to rescue Brünnhilde, a runaway hero of legend. Freya is determined not to fail, but when Azrael, the Angel of Death, reveals the true nature of their mission, she must decide whether to follow orders or fight for what is right. She knows that exposing Odin's dark secret would reunite families, but it could also weaken Midgard against an attack by the allied fire and frost giants. Humans, Valkyries, Dark Searchers, and even the gods themselves must find a way to work together if they are to thwart the traitorous plot and preserve peace in the realms. Uneven pacing and unsubstantiated plot moves hamper this twist on Norse mythology, sequel to Valkyrie (2016). However, Freya's focus on family and desire to do the right thing against the odds and tradition will resonate with readers. Fans of the Marvel Comics retellings will enjoy both the new look at familiar characters as well as the accompanying notes that reveal the myths behind the stories. (Notably absent from this section is the Hebraic Azrael.) Though far from perfect, an improvement over the first outing. (Fantasy. 8-12)

Gr 5-8In this second installment of the series, Freya and Archie have been put on probation by Odin for traveling to Midgard (Earth) without permission. Their punishment includes cleaning the Reaping Mares' stalls each morning, and Freya is allowed only marginal participation in Asgard's 12-day Nine Realms Challenge, in which the kingdom's finest athletes compete. Observant Odin, sensing that war is about to break out in the realm, sends Freya and Archie to Midgard to find Brunnhildea legendary Valkyrie whom he severely punished and banished to Earth long agoand bring her home to Asgard. But Freya discovers that "Brundi" has a family; some deep, dark secrets; and a large parcel of land that must be protected from poachers. Again, O'Hearn blends Norse mythology and contemporary American life, albeit sometimes awkwardly. She addresses xenophobia, cultural diversity, and interracial marriage. As in the first volume, some Norse mythology has been embellished or invented (her addition of Dark Searchers, for example) and some major plot issues are tied up too neatly. VERDICT The clash of two very different and strong cultures and a busy, fast-moving plot will attract devotees of mythological fiction despite the book's minor flaws.Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH