'The Unleashing' by Shelly Laurenston follows the story of Kera Watson, a former US Marine, who is attacked and given a second chance at life by a viking goddess. Transformed into a Crow, Kera enters a world of clans, gods, and myths, accompanied by her loyal pit bull, Brodie. As she navigates her new life, Kera must adjust to serving Odin and work alongside Viking gods while unraveling a complex web of relationships and mysteries. blends urban fantasy elements with humor, romance, and intricate worldbuilding, offering a fast-paced plot with a rich mythology backdrop.

The writing style of 'The Unleashing' is praised for its humor, fast-paced plot, and intricate worldbuilding. The story kicks off with action, introducing a confused Kera and readers to a world filled with gods, beings, and alliances. Despite the initial confusion, the book is engaging and enjoyable, with humorous moments that lighten the narrative and keep readers invested in Kera's journey of self-discovery and survival in a new supernatural realm.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic and diverse, led by the determined Kera and her quirky fellow Crows, each with unique traits, especially the protective and endearing Vig.

Writing/Prose:

The prose blends humor and wit with a dense introduction of characters and mythology, creating a dynamic but sometimes chaotic reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Kera, a Marine turned Crow after her death, detailing her adjustment to a chaotic life as a warrior for the Norse goddess Skuld, alongside diverse characters and a brewing dark threat.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes modern California with Norse mythology, enhancing the narrative through a mix of contemporary elements and supernatural lore.

Pacing:

Pacing is slow at first due to extensive world-building and character introductions, but it accelerates mid-story with rising action and plot development.

The lightning and thunder crashing outside the bedroom window? A rare thing in the beginning of an L.A. summer; so maybe. Or the fact that she was in a strange bed? Or the fact that she was naked in a...

Notes:

Kera is a former Marine who is given a second chance at life by the Norse goddess Skuld.

The story features a unique group of female warriors known as the Crows, who are the harbingers of death.

Kera has a pit bull named Brodie who becomes part of her new life as a Crow.

There are multiple points of view in the story, making it somewhat confusing for listeners or readers.

The book blends humor with supernatural elements and Norse mythology.

Kera has a quick romantic connection with a character named Vig, a raven warrior.

The story involves themes of loyalty, sisterhood, and vengeance against oppressive forces.

Various Norse mythology elements are integrated into the plot, including clans serving different gods.

The Crows have a reputation that complicates their relationships with other clans like the Ravens and Valkyries.

The book has been compared to an R-rated version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, particularly in terms of humor and action.

Some readers found the first part of the book confusing due to the high number of characters introduced.

Laurenston is known for writing strong, humorous female characters in her works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, death, and some references to past trauma.

Has Romance?

The romance is present and significant but not the central focus of the plot.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Winging It

Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn't for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig "Vig" Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life-but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can't give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera's discipline, Vig's loyalty... and the Crows' sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

Ratings (12)

Loved It (5)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (23):

Read It (12)
Want To Read (8)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

funrex232

Loved It

9 months

[a:Shelly Laurenston|65137|Shelly Laurenston|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] writes great stories. Like every story I've read, I have yet to rate anything of hers beneath 4 stars and most of them are sorted straight into my favourites shelf. There's always a kickass heroine, snarky humour and interesting action filled plots with a decently written romance. The Unleashing is no different. Kera is wickedly awesome. Vig was adorable. And the world building is incredible. It's so utterly different from the usual run of the mill shapeshifter, paranormal type plots. It could be because this is one of the first lot of Norse inspired novels I've read - it's still utterly new and fascinating to me. I guess when you've read so many of the same plot, it takes a lot to stand out and I guess all readers have varying opinions depending on where in their reading history the book stands. I enjoy the fact there is more to her books than just the romance aspect - there's an actual story with a mystery and intrigue and action - and it's good.

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About the Author:

Shelly Laurenston is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Pride, Call of Crows, and The Honey Badger Chronicles, as well as winner of the RT Book Reviews Readers' Choice Award for her 2016 novel, The Undoing. When she's not writing about sexy wolf, honey badger, lion, and other fang-filled predators, she's writing about sexy dragons as G.A. Aiken, the acclaimed and bestselling author of the Dragon Kin series. Originally from Long Island, she now lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pit bull doesn't love everyone into a coma. Please visit her online at www.ShellyLaurenston.com.

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The Unleashing

Shelly Laurenston

Book 1 in the series:Call of Crows