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City of Skies
(The Viking Assassin #1)
by
ONE GIRL. A DEADLY QUEST. AN EPIC JOURNEY.
Nora Hunt has just joined the deadly quest to discover the ancient legend of the nine worlds of the Vikings. Her post-apocalyptic dystopian world, Triangle of Peace, is the only home she’s ever known. But at sixteen years old, the skilled young warrior joins an elite band of raiders called Jarls. Her mission? Merely to win the peri ...more
Nora Hunt has just joined the deadly quest to discover the ancient legend of the nine worlds of the Vikings. Her post-apocalyptic dystopian world, Triangle of Peace, is the only home she’s ever known. But at sixteen years old, the skilled young warrior joins an elite band of raiders called Jarls. Her mission? Merely to win the peri ...more
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Kindle Edition, 264 pages
Published
March 3rd 2017
by Lindhart Publishing Ltd
(first published February 27th 2017)
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Lee
Free at the Kobo ebook shop today (13/12/17). Glad I saw it and will look forward to reading it given the reviews.
What to read after George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire)?
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Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of City of Skies (The Viking Assassin, #1)

Im not that familiar with Norse mythology (besides the Movie Thor) and Vikings so I thought that aspect was compelling. The raider school was fascinating and I loved all the training quests Nora had to go on. I thought the training was really exciting. I liked how the contrast in beliefs between the east and the west affected Nora. Her mysterious past and abilities intrigued me. The explanation for her abilities was interesting. I enjoyed her relationship with Helena but was kind of sad with how
...more

okay, hold on to your chair, get your drink of choice, and if no where near a toilet then you better grab an adult diaper, cause when you start this you will not be able to put it down. I loved divergent and I cannot rave enough about this book!!! I know I am posting reviews at breakneck speed these days, I am posting reviews even from books I read, starting in around 1976, when I was 6 and yes, I still remember them! Giving props for those who deserve it, and between posting my reviews for book
...more

OMG, I love this book so freaking much! It reminds me a bit of the Divergent series because of the different "factions". Can't go into detail, since I don't want to ruin the book for anyone, but trust me when I say there's lots of action, interesting "friendships" etc... This is a book you wanna read!!!
...more

At 29% I'm throwing in the towel.
It's not terrible, but it's not that good either. Reading this is a chore.
I couldn't tell up to the point I stopped if this book better fits as Sci-Fi or Fantasy. There are some hints that make me think probably Fantasy. I do know it's not Epic Fantasy and it's not Urban Fantasy. Dystopian, maybe. Post-Apocalyptic - no. Post-Apocalyptic suggests to me a society that has devolved into a state without advanced technology, at the very least. That is not the case he ...more
It's not terrible, but it's not that good either. Reading this is a chore.
I couldn't tell up to the point I stopped if this book better fits as Sci-Fi or Fantasy. There are some hints that make me think probably Fantasy. I do know it's not Epic Fantasy and it's not Urban Fantasy. Dystopian, maybe. Post-Apocalyptic - no. Post-Apocalyptic suggests to me a society that has devolved into a state without advanced technology, at the very least. That is not the case he ...more

I loved the story so much I read it nonstop till done. Farah's descriptions of the scenes and characters are so clear it is easy to imagine oneself there. Also, I found it very endearing the way some of the characters would call each other by their full name rather than just their first name only. This book had exciting competitions where I was rooting for the good guys and highly disappointed for the losers. Also, a lot of angst in the unrequited romantic feelings between some of the characters
...more

Great Read. I love anything Vikings anyway, due to my heritage. Great book for teens and older to read. This book brought me on a journey with Nora to become a Elite Raider like her dad and find her true identity. Suspense and action it keeps you wanting to know what happens next. What all magic does she hold? Is Frederick really her enemy or is he really her friend? What Lies ahead for Nora? Will she find her father? Will all her questions be answered? Will she learn how to use all her magic?

City of Skies follows Nora hunt as she trains to be a Raider and discover the truth about her father and her identity.
The author creates a vast and and vivid fantasy world, where much of the land is still a mystery and exploration is a deadly undertaking. That's where the Raiders come in, braving the unknown to uncover Viking secrets from ages past.
The characters are interesting and the story is quick paced, keeping you interested until the astonishing climax. A definite read for any fans of H ...more
The author creates a vast and and vivid fantasy world, where much of the land is still a mystery and exploration is a deadly undertaking. That's where the Raiders come in, braving the unknown to uncover Viking secrets from ages past.
The characters are interesting and the story is quick paced, keeping you interested until the astonishing climax. A definite read for any fans of H ...more

This is an amazing book - a real page turner. The excitement builds throughout with great, unexpected turns. Nora Hunt is a strong character with such determination. Her skills continue to develop as she becomes an excellent warrior. The book is well written, with vivid descriptions that immerse you into the story. I can’t wait for the second book.

This review containers slight spoilers.
This is an excellent book with excellent characters and plot development. Farah Cook has taken the Norse mythology and planted it in a future that we can all find ourselves a part of if we look in her books.
It did take me a Chapter or two to get used to the view point being used. I'm not used to so much emotions in my main characters (but when you mainly read books like Dresden Files or Star Trek/Wars, it happens). However, once I got used to that I really ...more
This is an excellent book with excellent characters and plot development. Farah Cook has taken the Norse mythology and planted it in a future that we can all find ourselves a part of if we look in her books.
It did take me a Chapter or two to get used to the view point being used. I'm not used to so much emotions in my main characters (but when you mainly read books like Dresden Files or Star Trek/Wars, it happens). However, once I got used to that I really ...more

Real Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5.
I'm not going to go into much detail since it hasn't come out yet, but I loved it!
You'll love this book if you loved the Hunger Games and Throne of Glass.
This book just flies by. I was late to picking it up, but when I did, amazing! The characters are thought out and the plot line is original despite being like the other stories.
I hope to see a physical copy and I'll be recommending this to everyone! Can't wait for the next book! ...more
I'm not going to go into much detail since it hasn't come out yet, but I loved it!
You'll love this book if you loved the Hunger Games and Throne of Glass.
This book just flies by. I was late to picking it up, but when I did, amazing! The characters are thought out and the plot line is original despite being like the other stories.
I hope to see a physical copy and I'll be recommending this to everyone! Can't wait for the next book! ...more

I finished this book in one sitting, it was a great story that follows Nora Hunt as she is picked to become a raider, a group selected to locate artifacts. These artifacts are the keys to unlock the nine Norse worlds. In this story we see that trials Nora has to overcome to become a raider or will she not? I encourage you to dive in and find out for yourself.

Wow this book was refreshing!! With all the YA fantasy books out there this one was something new. I enjoyed reading about norse mythology a lot and there was never a dull moment. It's filled with action and I can't wait to read City of Vikings and to see what happens with Nora and Frederick.
...more

ent from other. Her 'mother' is keeping secrets from her but knows that she cannot ask because of the laws she lives by. One day all the 16 year old teens in her village has to take a test. She's whisked off to another place. She has to make friends, pass unusual test and still try to figure out who she is. Mystery, history, discovery, and myth. This is a book that keeps your attention and wanting more.
...more

Aug 25, 2017
Rick Yvanovich
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
relaxation,
author-book-review
It's fast paced and there are multiple twists and turns. Like a rollercoaster you can get hooked and either want to cling on tightly to see what happens as well as wanting to race ahead to see what happens. What a great ride!
Love it
Already bought the sequel and can't wait to start that too
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. ...more
Love it
Already bought the sequel and can't wait to start that too
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. ...more

City of Skies (The Shadowislands Saga #1), Farah Cook

4.75/5
This is a novel based on Norse Mythology, which is part of why I ultimately decided to give it a try. Most authors focus solely on Egyptian/Greek Mythology when they write stories like this. I was not disappointed in this novel.
We follow Nora Hunt as she navigates her trials in the world of the Raiders. She has no idea who or what she is, but over time she finds out.
There was so much I loved about this book. The characters were all interesting, and even though it occasionally felt like the ...more
This is a novel based on Norse Mythology, which is part of why I ultimately decided to give it a try. Most authors focus solely on Egyptian/Greek Mythology when they write stories like this. I was not disappointed in this novel.
We follow Nora Hunt as she navigates her trials in the world of the Raiders. She has no idea who or what she is, but over time she finds out.
There was so much I loved about this book. The characters were all interesting, and even though it occasionally felt like the ...more

I really liked the complexity of the main character. She goes through many different changes, and the reader gets to follow her thoughts, which are wild, and untamed, and I found that really cool. I also like the way she handles the changes she’s confronted with – she’s balancing her ethos as a “Judith” that are deeply rooted in her identity, and equally she wants to break free, but doesn’t when to moves to the “West” and realizes that her virtues are better. That makes her in my opinion a stron
...more

Nora is 16 and is the race to become an Elite Raider from the Jarl Dynasty. There are so many dangers ahead of her, and secrets to discover. She also has to decide who to trust, and even who to love.
I really enjoyed this book and the world it is set in. Nora and Frederick work so well together through out the academy. Frederick and Nora are both hiding secrets but them seem willing to trust one another for the time being. However, that may all chance once they graduate and settle into their dif ...more
I really enjoyed this book and the world it is set in. Nora and Frederick work so well together through out the academy. Frederick and Nora are both hiding secrets but them seem willing to trust one another for the time being. However, that may all chance once they graduate and settle into their dif ...more

Nov 01, 2017
Karla
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
a-favorite-fantasy-dystopian-sci-fi
Delighted to have been offered a copy of this book. It was unputdownable.
I had a dry spell for the last couple of months, unable to get interested in an books I picked up. However this book had me hooked from page one.
I'm not that up on Norse mythology or vikings so found the book intriguing. The setting and world building was perfect. The characters were likeable and interesting. I wanted to know where the book was going, I wasn't able to predict the outcome. After the cliff hanger ending I im ...more
I had a dry spell for the last couple of months, unable to get interested in an books I picked up. However this book had me hooked from page one.
I'm not that up on Norse mythology or vikings so found the book intriguing. The setting and world building was perfect. The characters were likeable and interesting. I wanted to know where the book was going, I wasn't able to predict the outcome. After the cliff hanger ending I im ...more

*I was sent this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I would actually rate this book 1.5/5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow half stars
I went into this book not having very high expectations, but I was excited, it was a debut author and the book included Norse mythology, which I find fascinating. Not to mention it was branded as an epic fantasy, totally my kind of thing. I was left a little bit disappointed from this book, even with my lower expectations, I didn't enjoy it as ...more
I would actually rate this book 1.5/5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow half stars
I went into this book not having very high expectations, but I was excited, it was a debut author and the book included Norse mythology, which I find fascinating. Not to mention it was branded as an epic fantasy, totally my kind of thing. I was left a little bit disappointed from this book, even with my lower expectations, I didn't enjoy it as ...more

Disappointing
This is a book I would love to give 4 stars to, but I can't because of reasons I'll go into later. No real spoilers, just vague references.
WHAT I LIKED:
The story, characters, and world have so much potential. I was really intrigued from the beginning - it's a pretty unique (in my opinion) take on topics that other popular books touch on. It also successfully combines elements from several genres, which is difficult to do well. The training was cool to read about. Overall the plot, ...more
This is a book I would love to give 4 stars to, but I can't because of reasons I'll go into later. No real spoilers, just vague references.
WHAT I LIKED:
The story, characters, and world have so much potential. I was really intrigued from the beginning - it's a pretty unique (in my opinion) take on topics that other popular books touch on. It also successfully combines elements from several genres, which is difficult to do well. The training was cool to read about. Overall the plot, ...more

Amazing!
I love quests and mysteries and other worlds!! Everyone is doing their best to unlock the Shadowlands and when Nora Hunt is forced to leave the East and join the Raider program in the West, she has that ultimate goal too. The program is brutal and only five people end up making it through. Towards the end of this novel, Nora can finally set out to do what she originally was supposed to do....find her father.
I love quests and mysteries and other worlds!! Everyone is doing their best to unlock the Shadowlands and when Nora Hunt is forced to leave the East and join the Raider program in the West, she has that ultimate goal too. The program is brutal and only five people end up making it through. Towards the end of this novel, Nora can finally set out to do what she originally was supposed to do....find her father.

I really enjoyed this book. Nora is a strong smart girl who lives to win. There are quite a few revelations that I wasn't expecting but I won't spoil the story. There was lots of adventure and excitement. I'm not quite Sure how I feel about the maybe love interest though. I can't wait for the second book and anything else this talented author writes.
...more

I really enjoyed this. It was a slightly new take on the Dystopian Genre. Nora is very self-aware which is different and she has a lot of caution, which is not something you see in a female main character often. I think people will really enjoy this book. Hope to find out what happens in the second book.

A-MAZ-ING!!!!!! I highly recommend this book if you're fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopia!!! After reading the first few chapters I was hooked and the the excitement builds throughout!! Nora is a badass heroine, can’t wait for the second book in the series!
...more

Mar 23, 2017
Aviar Savijon
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
instafreebe-books,
fbreader-books
A dazzle filed journey into fantasy in this book. Outstanding first in the series of the Shadowislands Saga. A must read. I loved it!

This book, holy goodness was it a-m-a-z-i-n-g. This story had me on the edge of my seat from the start. It did not take long to finish since I flew through it. Farah wrote in a way that you just can't help but love this world and the characters. You sit there and you can really imagine yourself in this world. With that being said, the character and plot development was unreal. These characters were so interesting and nothing like I expected. The main character was so complex as well. She was one
...more

This is a fresh and interesting read with links to Norse mythology and history long lost and forgotten. Nora - the main character - has always been out of place, hidden in a district she didn't fit in with, but never knew why.
She is selected to train as a Raider - if she doesn't succeed only death or exile are the answer. We start to discover more about her as the book develops with descriptions of times past and powers of the ancients.
I would have finished this earlier - but trying to read from ...more
She is selected to train as a Raider - if she doesn't succeed only death or exile are the answer. We start to discover more about her as the book develops with descriptions of times past and powers of the ancients.
I would have finished this earlier - but trying to read from ...more
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YA Buddy Readers'...: The Viking Assassin #1: City of Skies by Farah Cook --> Starting 27th January | 7 | 14 | Jan 30, 2018 06:57PM |
Hello Goodreaders.
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Here's my official bio:
"Farah Cook was born in Denmark, in the land of the Vikings. She grew up in Copenhagen, and had a rich and highly imaginary childhood spending most of her time outdoors. At the age of twelve, she began writing several short stories to ...more
You can sign up for my newsletter to hear the latest news about my upcoming books:
http://eepurl.com/csUdoj
www.farahcook.com
Here's my official bio:
"Farah Cook was born in Denmark, in the land of the Vikings. She grew up in Copenhagen, and had a rich and highly imaginary childhood spending most of her time outdoors. At the age of twelve, she began writing several short stories to ...more
Other books in the series
The Viking Assassin
(3 books)
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