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rgag86's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one! Fast-paced and action packed with great characters! The Nytte aspect is really interesting as well.
owlyreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
When I read the synopsis to Berserker, I knew I was reading this novel; when I started reading it and found out it was based in an older era, that I'm not usually interested in, I thought well that's the end of that. I'm glad to say that I was sorely mistaken. That's definitely a good thing because I was left wanting more of this world and to see more characters who have the "Nytte" gene. That was compelled me to keep going on and really made this story unique.
It's such an interesting concept that involves Odin, the ancient blood gift Nytte (as mentioned above), Vikings, the berserker gene that makes Hanne have a violent, warrior side to her persona. It's one of the gifts that moves down lineages (especially if both parents are descendants), berserker being the most gruesome of them all. There are others, more for creating/crafting or for venturing purposes, but you'll have to read it yourself to hear more about those.
I'm taken from viewing a form of pig slaughter Hanne's father has perfected by taking advantage of her gift, to an almost ruined special meal prepared for her oldest brother who's leaving home, to the main thing that sets the rest of this story in motion and it is an absolute doozy. There is a never-ending amount of close calls and dangerously motivated characters set on using the Nytte abilities for their own selfish purposes.
More than all of that, is where it leads Hanne and her siblings, what befalls them after using their abilities on a constant basis (because yes, it's seem to be more of a curse than an actual gift). There is so much that goes on in this book that doesn't disappoint, and even though it wasn't in a setting I very much enjoy, everything pertaining to their Nytte gift and what they have to go through to reach their destination in this novel, makes that part only a minor issue in my rating of Berserker. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
***I received this copy from Feiwel & Friends via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
It's such an interesting concept that involves Odin, the ancient blood gift Nytte (as mentioned above), Vikings, the berserker gene that makes Hanne have a violent, warrior side to her persona. It's one of the gifts that moves down lineages (especially if both parents are descendants), berserker being the most gruesome of them all. There are others, more for creating/crafting or for venturing purposes, but you'll have to read it yourself to hear more about those.
I'm taken from viewing a form of pig slaughter Hanne's father has perfected by taking advantage of her gift, to an almost ruined special meal prepared for her oldest brother who's leaving home, to the main thing that sets the rest of this story in motion and it is an absolute doozy. There is a never-ending amount of close calls and dangerously motivated characters set on using the Nytte abilities for their own selfish purposes.
More than all of that, is where it leads Hanne and her siblings, what befalls them after using their abilities on a constant basis (because yes, it's seem to be more of a curse than an actual gift). There is so much that goes on in this book that doesn't disappoint, and even though it wasn't in a setting I very much enjoy, everything pertaining to their Nytte gift and what they have to go through to reach their destination in this novel, makes that part only a minor issue in my rating of Berserker. Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
***I received this copy from Feiwel & Friends via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
alongreader's review against another edition
4.0
I adored Emmy's Monument 14 series. Berserker hews closer to historical, but it still has the speculative edge that set Monument apart. It's fascinating watching the different characters interact and seeing the very slight differences between our world and theirs.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the chance to read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the chance to read.
saskiarodenburg's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent read with some surprising elements.
The characters and the setting were well-developed and I eagerly await the second book! My favourite relationship was Hanne and Owen and I can't wait to read the continuation of their story.
The characters and the setting were well-developed and I eagerly await the second book! My favourite relationship was Hanne and Owen and I can't wait to read the continuation of their story.
saffersjayne104's review against another edition
3.0
I will first like to say that this book has words that were difficult to understand or simply not have enough understanding to help me (a novice) understand the old western world spiced up with north mythology. This is a character driven story that uses elements of the plot to further develop the characters. By no means is this a bad thing as we were well introduced to the Nytte family as well as Owen.
I enjoyed the multiple of POV's as it helped to flesh out the story. Starting with Hanne she struggled with killing, she isn't like the other berserkers told through history nor the other one we are introduced to, in fact that she refuses to or tries to stop herself from killing. I think while this is highlighted that she is different from the normal killing induced berserker, I think it's a trope that's been overworked. Girl/Boy with shiny powers doesn't want to do what they are intended to do, tries to fight it, overcomes it by accepting it. Boring. Nothing new was done.
I really had some hopes about this book, the action and gore was very refreshing, many books shy away from showing too much or the one's that I have read anyway. Ketil and Rolf were a breath of fresh air especially when you see how a berserker becomes such a feral creature that it tries to cement down how different Hanne is. There were times when I was questioning the end, I was rooting for the Nytte family to come out on top but the ending that I got was quite... disappointing.
Feeling almost lied to, I wanted gore, I wanted fighting for your family. Maybe Hanne fighting Ketil to save her loved ones, the townsfolk getting between them. Not whatever this ending was. Anti-climatic drivel. I wasn't attached to this book as I hoped, I put off reading my other books because I heard great things about this one. I only stuck out reading this book not because it was a hate read but because there were still parts that I enjoyed but overall I didn't really care for the characters or the story.
I enjoyed the parts where action was occurring, or when Hanne and Owen had a moment or however brief it was Knut stepping up. Knut is the real MVP in this story. However, this book was boring especially the ending. I wanted Hanne to go feral and whatever that ending was wasn't it.
The writing was hard to come to terms with, it was written like it was meant to for anyone around 1883 or has prior knowledge on cowboy western books. It was difficult for me as a novice to get emotionally attached to this book because of it. It was definitely a read outside my comfort zone but I don't think I will be buying the next instalment 'Ransacker' especially when that book is centred around Sissel, my least favourite character.
I enjoyed the multiple of POV's as it helped to flesh out the story. Starting with Hanne she struggled with killing, she isn't like the other berserkers told through history nor the other one we are introduced to, in fact that she refuses to or tries to stop herself from killing. I think while this is highlighted that she is different from the normal killing induced berserker, I think it's a trope that's been overworked. Girl/Boy with shiny powers doesn't want to do what they are intended to do, tries to fight it, overcomes it by accepting it. Boring. Nothing new was done.
I really had some hopes about this book, the action and gore was very refreshing, many books shy away from showing too much or the one's that I have read anyway. Ketil and Rolf were a breath of fresh air especially when you see how a berserker becomes such a feral creature that it tries to cement down how different Hanne is. There were times when I was questioning the end, I was rooting for the Nytte family to come out on top but the ending that I got was quite... disappointing.
Feeling almost lied to, I wanted gore, I wanted fighting for your family. Maybe Hanne fighting Ketil to save her loved ones, the townsfolk getting between them. Not whatever this ending was. Anti-climatic drivel. I wasn't attached to this book as I hoped, I put off reading my other books because I heard great things about this one. I only stuck out reading this book not because it was a hate read but because there were still parts that I enjoyed but overall I didn't really care for the characters or the story.
I enjoyed the parts where action was occurring, or when Hanne and Owen had a moment or however brief it was Knut stepping up. Knut is the real MVP in this story. However, this book was boring especially the ending. I wanted Hanne to go feral and whatever that ending was wasn't it.
The writing was hard to come to terms with, it was written like it was meant to for anyone around 1883 or has prior knowledge on cowboy western books. It was difficult for me as a novice to get emotionally attached to this book because of it. It was definitely a read outside my comfort zone but I don't think I will be buying the next instalment 'Ransacker' especially when that book is centred around Sissel, my least favourite character.
crikeycrawfish's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
This book really surprised me! It's been on my to-buy-list for a long time but I always hesitated. Then I saw it at Dollar Tree for only $1 and of course couldn't pass that up and man was I so glad I got it!
I normally don't really care for historical fiction, even with fantasy aspects but this one wasn't too bad! One of my favorite parts surprisingly was a lot of the cowboy stuff. I do't know why I found those parts so interesting but I did.
The characters were great even though i wanted to punt the little sister for over half the book. I felt they were all well developed and had their own distinct voices that worked really well.
I didn't know before I read this that essentially it was a standalone with a continuation that is more of a spin off so I was pleasantly surprised by the clean wrap up of everything! It made for a very satisfying ending that concluded well but left it open for more.
Overall a pretty fast and fun historical fiction with some fun norse mythology! I don't know when I'll get to the second one but I'm definitely interested!
This book really surprised me! It's been on my to-buy-list for a long time but I always hesitated. Then I saw it at Dollar Tree for only $1 and of course couldn't pass that up and man was I so glad I got it!
I normally don't really care for historical fiction, even with fantasy aspects but this one wasn't too bad! One of my favorite parts surprisingly was a lot of the cowboy stuff. I do't know why I found those parts so interesting but I did.
The characters were great even though i wanted to punt the little sister for over half the book. I felt they were all well developed and had their own distinct voices that worked really well.
I didn't know before I read this that essentially it was a standalone with a continuation that is more of a spin off so I was pleasantly surprised by the clean wrap up of everything! It made for a very satisfying ending that concluded well but left it open for more.
Overall a pretty fast and fun historical fiction with some fun norse mythology! I don't know when I'll get to the second one but I'm definitely interested!
bookish_whispers's review against another edition
5.0
I was really lucky to receive an Advance Reader's Copy from Fierce Reads for my honest review of the book. So a huge thank you to them for that!
While there was a lot about Berserker that called to my from the synopsis, I wasn't sure how I was going to like it. I haven't had the best like with books best in the "Old West" the last couple of years, but I wanted to to like it so much. But, I wasn't going to let that put me off, there was so much more that sounded up my alley: Norse mythology, badass female characters, adorable cowboy and his dog.
I'm glad I gave it a chance.
Emmy Laybourne's writing style pulled me in write from the start. I loved the introduction to Hanne and Knut. Even more, I adore when writers just throw the reader into the heart of the story. However it never felt like I was playing catch up to learn about the character's past. Through their interchanging point of views (Hanne and Owen) you learn about their past as the story slides along. Little bits of flashbacks here and there.
Right from the start we're shown the exactly what both our main characters are capable of, seen their hearts and their problems. For me it was a nice way to quickly start to bond with characters. Though, I have to say I was much more a fan of Owen through most of the book. A lot of times Hanne grated on my nerves. I just wanted to shake her because the answer to her problem was right in front of her, but she refused to listen.
Seriously?!
That being said, I loved that Emmy Laybourne could pull that kind of emotion out of me as I read. She created some amazing, and well rounded, characters that fall in love and hate with every fiber of your being. Characters that you just can't wait to see die, and other's you can't help but root for.
Her plot moved wonderfully as well, and showed the vast amount of research that went into the story. Not just with the Norse mythology, but into the "wild west" of Montana. She paints a beautifully, and terrifying, picture of life back in the late 1800's.
I could not put this book down, and had a hard time finding places to stop so I could sleep. Every turn was something else to uncover and what is going to happen next. Even when I realized what was set up to happen, I couldn't stop. I needed to know how it was all going to go down.
Absolutely devoured this book, and I hope there is another to come!
Buy, borrow, or skip: BUY IT! Berserker hits shelves October 10 (yup tomorrow!) and I suggest running, not walking, to get a copy! Do it!!
This review and other bookish goodies can be found on my blog, Bookish Whispers!
While there was a lot about Berserker that called to my from the synopsis, I wasn't sure how I was going to like it. I haven't had the best like with books best in the "Old West" the last couple of years, but I wanted to to like it so much. But, I wasn't going to let that put me off, there was so much more that sounded up my alley: Norse mythology, badass female characters, adorable cowboy and his dog.
I'm glad I gave it a chance.
Emmy Laybourne's writing style pulled me in write from the start. I loved the introduction to Hanne and Knut. Even more, I adore when writers just throw the reader into the heart of the story. However it never felt like I was playing catch up to learn about the character's past. Through their interchanging point of views (Hanne and Owen) you learn about their past as the story slides along. Little bits of flashbacks here and there.
Right from the start we're shown the exactly what both our main characters are capable of, seen their hearts and their problems. For me it was a nice way to quickly start to bond with characters. Though, I have to say I was much more a fan of Owen through most of the book. A lot of times Hanne grated on my nerves. I just wanted to shake her because the answer to her problem was right in front of her, but she refused to listen.
Seriously?!
That being said, I loved that Emmy Laybourne could pull that kind of emotion out of me as I read. She created some amazing, and well rounded, characters that fall in love and hate with every fiber of your being. Characters that you just can't wait to see die, and other's you can't help but root for.
Her plot moved wonderfully as well, and showed the vast amount of research that went into the story. Not just with the Norse mythology, but into the "wild west" of Montana. She paints a beautifully, and terrifying, picture of life back in the late 1800's.
I could not put this book down, and had a hard time finding places to stop so I could sleep. Every turn was something else to uncover and what is going to happen next. Even when I realized what was set up to happen, I couldn't stop. I needed to know how it was all going to go down.
Absolutely devoured this book, and I hope there is another to come!
Buy, borrow, or skip: BUY IT! Berserker hits shelves October 10 (yup tomorrow!) and I suggest running, not walking, to get a copy! Do it!!
This review and other bookish goodies can be found on my blog, Bookish Whispers!
smkean's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars - With an awesome concept, this book had such potential for an epic read blending fantasy and mythology but it somehow just didn't bother to get there, until maybe it was too late. It felt like I was missing half the story and the middle just dragged on. I wanted to love this but it just didn't do it for me.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
I received this through NetGalley.
This fantasy western is set in (I am guessing) late 1800s, early 1900s. Hanne comes from a bloodline of people who have been gifted by the Norse gods. Hanne and her siblings have all been taught that their gifts are shameful and should be hidden, her gift most of all. Hanne is a Berseker, or a person who flies into a killing rage when someone she loves is threatened. It is this power that leads to the death of three men and her father. Hanne and her three siblings flee to the American west, where they hope to find family members who will help them control their powers. The family hires American cowboy Owen who will guide them to their destination. While the family becomes close with Owen, they must also continue to hide their secrets.
This book would be perfect for readers who enjoy action and don't mind gory violence. I had trouble getting in to the novel at first, but once Hanne's story intersected with Owen's, I became engrossed. I enjoyed all of the characters and felt that they each had a well developed personality. I even liked Owen's dog Daisy. I thought it was an interesting integration of fantasy and western.
This fantasy western is set in (I am guessing) late 1800s, early 1900s. Hanne comes from a bloodline of people who have been gifted by the Norse gods. Hanne and her siblings have all been taught that their gifts are shameful and should be hidden, her gift most of all. Hanne is a Berseker, or a person who flies into a killing rage when someone she loves is threatened. It is this power that leads to the death of three men and her father. Hanne and her three siblings flee to the American west, where they hope to find family members who will help them control their powers. The family hires American cowboy Owen who will guide them to their destination. While the family becomes close with Owen, they must also continue to hide their secrets.
This book would be perfect for readers who enjoy action and don't mind gory violence. I had trouble getting in to the novel at first, but once Hanne's story intersected with Owen's, I became engrossed. I enjoyed all of the characters and felt that they each had a well developed personality. I even liked Owen's dog Daisy. I thought it was an interesting integration of fantasy and western.
ericadeb's review against another edition
3.0
I'm on the fence about this one. It was a good book, but it was about Norse god given abilities and escaping through the Wild West to Montana. Plot wise, it was weird. It was well written, the characters were engaging, the pacing was good and I did want to know what would happen.... but Vikings. And the Wild West. Weird. I don't know who would see this cover, read the flap and think yes. I must read that. This one would be a tough sell for sure. And is the pay out enough? I just don't know.