Elsker by ST Bende

Title: Elsker (Elsker Saga, #1)
Author: ST Bende
Published: April 22, 2013
Publisher:  Entranced Publishing



From Goodreads:


You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr.  Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting.  He’s an honest to goodness Norse God - an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth.  Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms.  Her orderly life just got very messy.



My Thoughts:


Not too long ago, my friend, Lolita (Lola‘s Reviews), recommended Elsker to me. I had been looking for a different kind of New Adult book, and this is a modern story that had Norse Mythology tied in to it. I had never read any books about Norse Mythology, so I was very intrigued. The other day, I decided to read it, and I am SO glad that I did! I was hooked from the very first page. Everything seemed to flow and I could not wait to see what was going to happen next.

The story begins with twenty-year-old, Kristia Tostenson, who comes from a small town in Oregon. It’s one of those communities where everyone knows everyone, and one eventually marries someone he or she grew up with. The kids grow up and take over the businesses or occupations held by their parents. Kristia is seen as somewhat of an outcast for her ‘gift‘, something she has little control over. She was raised by her late grandmother who taught her to be polite and respectful, but she also told Kristia tales of Norse myths. One day Kristia, a college senior, decides that she wants to have one more adventure before she settles down into life in her small town, so she decides to finish her education in Cardiff, Wales. Once her plane touches down in Britain, her life will never be the same.

I really liked Kristia’s character. She is a bit OCD, but she is also kind, thoughtful, and loyal. Ull is tall, blond, handsome, and mysterious. It wasn’t long before I was rooting for the two of them. They both have some secrets though, and they will have to learn to trust one another with them. I also grew to love the other minor characters in Elsker- Emma, Victoria, Gunnar, and Inga. They added some humor and other fun elements to the story.

I really enjoyed the Norwegian culture in Elsker, such as the food and the language. I hope we get to experience even more of that in the next book, Endre. I am really looking forward to the continuation of Kristia and Ull’s story, as they are about to encounter even more trials and problems. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but lets just say I loved this and I’ve been recommending Elsker to my friends!


*There is a recipe at the end of the book for Olaug’s waffles, and I am definitely going to try it out!

Rated: 5 Stars