Valkyrie

Freya has just sworn her oath as a Valkyrie, but she isn’t looking forward to the duties that come with the role. Disgusted by war and disenchanted by humanity, Freya brings back a reluctant war hero from her first “reaping,” and breaks her oath when she visits his family on Earth to ensure their safety. On Earth, Freya meets many people who need her help, and she finds a way to channel her restless energy into good as she works to address gentrification, school bullying, and child neglect in present-day Chicago. Trading the Greek myths of her Pegasus series for Norse themes, O’Hearn offers a strong balance of action-packed fantasy and contemporary realism that doesn’t shy from real issues. The stakes are always high— capture and death stalk Freya and those she grows to care for, making for an engrossing, fast-paced read. Whether on the battlefield or city streets, Freya confronts what it means to do one’s duty and be a true hero, in a smart, sharply written, and empathic story. Ages 9–13. (Feb.)