Loki Ascending

Viking Warriors #3

by Asa Maria Bradley

LOKI WANTS TO END THE WORLD
Only they can stop him—but at what cost?

Although Scott Brisbane is human, he's developed an inner warrior—a berserker that wants to claim Irja Vainio as his own.

Irja is an immortal Viking healer, but she hasn't used her true powers for centuries. The last time she did, someone close to her ended up dead. So instead she relies on medicine and science to protect her tribe while denying her feelings for Scott.

But the Viking warriors are falling mysteriously ill, and without magic, Irja's knowledge of healing isn't enough. When the trickster god Loki offers her a cure, it comes with a steep price that could cost Irja everything. She needs Scott's help, the man whose loyalty to the Vikings is unmatched, whose love for Irja cannot be broken—and whose inner fury has yet to be unleashed.

Viking Warriors Series:
Viking Warrior Rising (Book 1)
Viking Warrior Rebel (Book 2)
Loki Ascending (Book 3)

Readers love Asa Maria Bradley's Viking Warriors!
"Bradley is a new force to be reckoned with!"—REBECCA ZANETTI, New York Times bestseller
"The romance is sizzling, the battle scenes top-notch, and the characters intriguing."—Booklist for Viking Warrior Rebel

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Asa Maria Bradley grew up in Sweden surrounded by archaeology and history steeped in Norse mythology, which inspired her sexy paranormal romance and urban fantasy series.

Subscribe to her newsletter at www.asamariabradley.com/newsletter.

Booklist attributes Asa's writing with “nonstop action, satisfying romantic encounters, and intriguing world building” and Entertainment Weekly says “when it comes to paranormal romance with explosive action scenes, Bradley has that nailed.” Her work has received the honors of a double nomination for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest, a Reviewers’ Choice Award nomination, a Holt Medallion win, and a Booksellers’ Best Award win.

Asa came to the United States as a high school exchange student and quickly fell in love with ranch dressing and crime TV dramas of all flavors, two addictions she unfortunately still struggles with. Currently, she lives on a lake deep in the forest of the Pacific Northwest with a British husband and a rescue dog of indeterminate breed. Sadly, neither of them obeys any of her commands.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beserker Vengeance by Asa Maria Bradley
Part of the Norse Warrior Protector and Viking Warrior series. Paranormal romance, mythology based. Can be read as a stand-alone bit better as part of the series. Originally published as Loki Ascending and since then, edited to more closely fit in the Norse Warrior world.
Irja Vainio is called by the Norse King to Arizona to find out why warriors are mysteriously ill. She’s a successful valued healer and nurse who uses research to figure out and heal the Vikings. She has magical abilities as well, but doesn’t use that in her healing. When she arrives at the King’s estate, she finds Scott Brisbane there as well. She’s been in love with Scott for years but hasn’t acknowledged it. She’s knows she can’t stay in their world. She’s being threatened by Loki and her days may be limited.

Immortal Warriors of the Gods - these men and women fight underworld threats on behalf of the gods to protect Midland.

Irja has dedicated her life to healing. Falling in love with Scott wasn’t something she wanted and she’s tired of running away from him. I fell in love with Scott too. He’s determined to keep up with the warriors and he’s madly in love with Irja. He will do anything to help save the warriors and Irja. A hero.

Great world building, heroes you can fall for, deep feelings, loyalty and passion. A wonderful story to get lost in.
I purchased this new version before realizing I had an original paperback. There are changes between the two but the romance and basic story is the same.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Viking Warriors series and I read the first book but not the second but that didn't stop me from diving right into this one.

Irja is a Viking healer that has magical powers she hasn't used for centuries because she's afraid she'll hurt or kill someone if she does. But when the Vikings start to fall ill to a mysterious illness that she can't cure with traditional medicine she wants to tap into her magical abilities but she soon realizes that they're gone.

Scott is a human who has feelings for Irja and doesn't know she has feelings for him too. Scott suddenly finds himself with an inner warrior *beserker* just like the immortal Vikings that he's been fighting alongside. But when he learns why he suddenly has a beserker warrior inside himself, he's shocked and so is Irja.

Loki is a demi god who wants more power and keeps sending his minions to fight and try to kill the Viking warriors because he wants to come to Earth and take over. Loki threatens Irja and she thinks he'll kill her if she doesn't give him what he wants but her connection to Scott keeps her safe time after time.

Along with fighting Loki and his wolverine minions, Irja has to find a way to save her Viking warriors who have fallen ill. Her king is off his game because his wife, their queen also falls ill but for different reasons. Poor Irja is so tired but she has so much work to do to try and find out what's wrong with the ill.

The action/battle scenes were great. It was exciting to read the battle scenes and see how well they worked together in battle. The romance between Irja and Scott and slow going because Irja didn't want to accept the fact that they were meant for each other. But I like a slow burn romance that ends with them heating up the pages.

This book was so good! I loved the first book and now need to go back and read the second book since I liked this one so much. I read out of order all the time and I really didn't feel too confused or lost while reading this book. There were a couple of really good twists with this book that I didn't see coming before they happened. I really like when something unexpected happens and it just slaps you in the face because you should have seen it but didn't.

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the series (I don’t think I missed too much in the other books, this is billed as a stand-alone) but I did feel there were a few things that I was missing ....

Scott is a human that has been adopted by the Vikings his sister has married into (Book 1 Viking Warrior Rising) he doesn’t want to be a burden so he trains hard with the warriors, he also has an inner warning system (think this developed over the last two books) so if trouble is near, Scott gets a warning and can act. After recovering from a coma (not sure how and why) Scott thinks he has to prove himself and to a certain Viking healer.....

Irja is a Viking healer, but going to a human medical school was unheard of, but she uses it well. She does have magic, but she rarely uses it (for her the price is too high) she’s a pretty powerful being, she just keeps it locked down.

Wolverines are modified creatures made by Loki (our baddie in this series) and this is what the vampire warriors are fighting. Yes Loki is the Viking God of Chaos, and apparently a really nasty piece of work. (He might be in the other books, but in this one, he just comes across as annoying!!)

The main characters have known each other for a while, Scott has deeper feelings for Irja (well he thinks he does) he’s loved her for ages, he thinks she only sees him as a former patient. When in fact Irja has liked him for a while, she just can’t show it. They have to work together when a mysterious virus attacks their King and then starts to attack the rest of the Vikings and Valkyrie. And when they find out Loki is behind it, and he offers them a cure (but at a big price) will they take it? And is Scott turning into something more? Are the premonitions the start of something? Rumours have started, could they be true?

I really liked this story. I’m definitely going back to book one. I did feel I was missing certain facts that maybe the other books would supply.
It was really well written. I liked the interaction between the main characters, I liked the fact Irja wasn’t sure, and in fact kept her but also the banter between the warriors and Scott.
The descriptions were done really well, I could picture scenes really easy. The story flowed really well

You definitely need to read this one.

🦋

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

The interesting world that Asa Maria Bradley sets her Viking Warriors series in is one of Vikings and Valkyries, all of whom serve Odin & Freya & battle against the nefarious machinations of Loki. I jumped into the middle of the series with Loki Ascending, but Bradley smoothly provides the background info that I was lacking, making it a fairly easy transition for the uninitiated.

This book focuses on Scott & Irja and tells the story of their reluctant (at least from Irja’s end) coupling.

Scott, the brother of the Viking queen, isn’t a Viking, but he is one of their fellow warriors against Loki’s minions, the wolverines. His fringe position is something that he has in common with the heroine Irja: as half Sami, half Finnish, she’s sometimes been treated in the past as inferior by other Vikings & Valkyries, even though she’s the most respected medical officer (healer) in the game.

Irja’s services are needed more than ever when something mysteriously causes her brother, a Viking, & a Valkyrie to fall ill. Does it have something to do with Loki, and will she able to figure it out in time, before others are stricken as well?

Irja’s got a lot of baggage & she keeps a pretty tight grip on it for nearly all of the book. In addition to the medical skills she’s developed over time, she also has magic, which she forbids herself from using out of a sense of guilt over something that happened in her past. Whereas Scott’s attraction for her is pretty straightforward—& he’s ready to move full steam ahead once it becomes clear that they’re meant for each other—she fights it every step of the way. In fact, she maintains her distance so much that their love story isn’t quite as convincing for me as it could have been.

Like Irja, the book itself runs a little flat, a little too somber for me, until about the mid-way mark when it starts to pick up the pace & everything feels livelier. That’s also when the attraction between Scott and Irja starts to make more headway—probably not a coincidence 😉.

Bradley’s doing something cool with this book—she’s creating a world that feels unique, a band of warriors whose personalities feel nuanced, and a sensual romance that’s exciting in the moments when Irja lays down her baggage—but overall, the writing style wasn’t something that I felt like I really connected with.

[Didi]

I don’t want to be spoilery - I just want to point out: the title is a dead giveaway. It’s just a matter (for reader) to figure when and where. I have been following Bradley’s “Viking Warriors” series have waited a while for the third entry to come and was ecstatic when this book announced. The simmering attraction between Irja and Scott had been hinted ever since the two met. Heck yeah, I so wanted to dig right into their story! Only it wasn’t as exciting as I expected it to be.

There was too many telling not showing way of delivery of the story. Big portion of the story laid on the mysterious illness that befell the Vikings/Valkyries, yet interesting bits such as group mental battle was described as Irja reviewing what others told her after the event instead of showing that battle itself. Even with alternate dual voices, the tale felt very one-sided from Irja’s POV; practically portraying the band of warriors as scattered and shiftless in their dealing with such crucial issue.

The way they were dealing with Loki felt anticlimactic after such a built-up, not only from this book but also the previous entries. Not only that, with the bait thrown for the two characters, Irja and Scott’s supposed romance struck me as flat and unromantic. Which is such a let down. Contrary to what I hoped to be ultimate battle - I mean, look at that title! - LOKI ASCENDING served only as another ordinary chapter in the “Viking Warriors” tale and not necessarily tying-up loose ends for the series. At least this reader was left still parched for more.


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is well worth the wait and more than lived up to my expectations. If you read the first two books, you may want to refresh your memory so all the characters and the overall plots are in your mind since this book carries on the overall plot while adding plenty of new additions that will make it interesting. Having fully recovered from his imprisonment, Scott is at full fighting strength, but felt the need to find his place in this new world he finds himself in by going to a different tribe of warriors. While there, his unique abilities allow him to see what others can't, and just may be the key to discovering what Loki and his minions are up to now. Irja is the healer of her tribe and uses the medical skills she's developed over the years instead of the magic she was born with. But when a mysterious illness begins effecting warriors and her medical skills aren't enough, she has to turn to the magic that she fears to use. It will take Scott, Irja, and all of the warriors working together to prevent Loki from doing what he plans. And along the way Scott and Irja realize that they are better together than apart and that their love makes them stronger. There is plenty of action and suspense and twists that you won't see coming that will keep you glued to the pages to see how it all unfolds. I love this world the author has created and can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. An interesting premise. This is the third book in the series and the first I've read, but that wasn't an issue. The world-building was good, the characters were pretty standard urban fantasy/paranormal romance fare. Scott was fine, Irja was fine. Neither character was a standout to me in a positive or negative way. I liked that it wasn't instalove, but an attraction that had been building over the series. I just wish there had been an actual conflict keeping them apart.

I also wish Loki was a better fleshed out villain. He just appeared to be annoying, but he didn't have much motivation. He was bad for bad's sake. He wants to come to Earth, cause. Something that annoyed me, and you may think it's petty, but the condoms. The author made a point for condom use to be a thing. Cool. But why would an immortal who can't get sick and a human who can not procreate with and immortal need to use condoms? That was my issue with this book. Things were there because they "should" be to fit the genre, but not because they needed to be woven into the story.

That being said I would read the next in the series. It was fun and I do want to see where the overall story goes.

[Nextbookaroundthecorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since it was years ago that I read the first two parts of the Viking Warriors series, it took me some time to get back into the story. But once I remembered Naya and her brother Scott and how they were kept prison for years, the story became more clear. Scott has been living with the Viking Warriors ever since his sister married King Leif. And he had developed a crush on Irja, the doctor who nursed him back from his coma months ago.
When the warriors start to fall sick and go into coma, Irja feels helpless to save them. Especially when it turns out that Loki is behind this. He wants to use Irja's magical powers for his own gain, but Irja hasn't used magic for years, because it always came with a price. Struggling to outsmart Loki, she gets help from an unexpected man: the one she couldn't forget: Scott. And when suddenly Scott seems to be developing a berserker, some are convinced that Scott and Irja are mates. But they can't be, can they?
Twists, turns, tension and totally hilarious scenes. I love it! Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

[romancebookjunkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first two books I was so ready for this book especially after a 3 year gap (I read the author’s note and cried a little). And the book did not disappoint in bring the amazing Norse mythology and world building to life but there felt like more of that than the romance.

Our hero finds himself as a human amongst Vikings and Valkyries fighting to stop Loki and his minions. Our heroine is an immortal Valkyrie healer (also doctor) who has had the hots for the hero ever since she treated him but he kept her emotions firmly under wrap. What she doesn’t know is that our hero totally fees the same. A mysterious illness that threatens some of the Warriors throws them together and they are forced to finally accept their feelings for one and other.

Now I’m going to make the recommendation that this be read not as a stand-alone but in order after the first 2 books because I think there would be more appreciation, because the romance definitely felt secondary to the rest of the story. I’m not necessarily complaining though because I love the world that AMB has created and I’m totally on board for book 4!

[Ami Hoe]

I found this a bit tedious and I was looking patience with Inja. In the first two books of the series she had a frank talk with the main characters when they were resisting the idea that they had a soul mate and she forced them to look at reality and face facts. Now in her case there is no real surprise as it's happened twice already and all so her extreme resistance is just silly and she seems more pig-headed for pig-headedness sake than anything else. For someone who is supposed to be so level headed and pragmatic, she really isn't.

I really feel that the romance was flat because she was so invested in it not going anywhere. And he logic is so flawed as to make it hard to believe in why she has decided she can't care about anyone or use her abilities to their full potential. I feel that the main conflict affecting the relationship was so manufactured that it wasn't engaging. Rather than rooting for the couple to overcome their challenges I was just frustrated with Inja as she spends her time inner monologging about how she can't love people or they will die, etc. Get on with it already.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This book is steeped in Norse mythology. There is action, suspense, mystery, humor, and romance. The main characters are fully developed and the secondary characters help draw you further into the world of the Viking Warriors. I love this series, but I'm not a fan of the title of this one, because it really isn't all about Loki. I thought the first two books in the series were amazing and I couldn't wait for this book. In preparation for this book coming out, I reread the first two books. When I read this one, there were so many recaps, backstory, and detailed world building, that it seemed the story got bogged down by making sure this could be read as a stand-alone. I still am thrilled to have read this story and I will read it again, but I'm really hoping that the next one in the series isn't so weighted down by extensive descriptions and recaps.
*I voluntarily reviewed through NetGalley*

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did receive an ARC for an honest review from NetGalley.

This was my first book that I have read by Asa Maria Bradley and I really enjoyed her writing style and the characters she developed. I love all things Norse, so that was also a big plus. The way she played into key aspects of the mythology, while still breathing life into original characters was refreshing.

All that being said, it was hard for me to get into this book. I felt very lost during the first part of the book and felt like I was constantly playing catch up. That isn't any fault of the writers. So I am going to try not to let that affect my rating, because I did enjoy the book despite that.

I am hooked into this universe and plan to go back and read the other books that came before this one, though I am spoiled to a certain degree. I would recommend this book to those that love a strong female lead, a dominant male dynamic, and a bit of mythology.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loki, the half god of tricks, is trying to destroy the world. Irja is an immortal Viking but also a doctor, she is helping another tribe because one of their warriors has fallen into a coma. Scott is mortal but his sister Naya, married a king and is now a queen and immortal. Together with the other Viking Warriors, they try to stop Loki. Scott has been attracted to Irja since he first saw her. When strange things start happening to him, Scott just thinks he’s been around the Vikings too long but it’s more than that. Irja’s brother falls into a coma and it’s up to Irja to heal both Vikings. Will she open her heart to Scott or ignore the signs before her?
A little confusing in the beginning but once I got into it, it really grabs you. Action, mystery and hot sex. I loved the Vikings, some of them cracked me up.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the author's Viking Warriors series. I read book number two and felt like it could have been a stand-alone. There was some discussion about what happened in book 1, but I did not feel lost. I couldn't really say the same for this one. It relied heavily on what happened in book 1, so I would strongly advise reading that one first.

This is Scott and Irja's story. The whole series is about Vikings and Valkyries coming back to fight against Loki on earth. They all have beserkers inside of them that also recognize soulmates. The couples so far have been between an immortal warrior and a mortal. As with the other books, the male lead seems to get on board with the soulmate things much easier and quicker than the female leads.

Loki is a menace, battles ensue, and we get a happy ending.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loki is a fucking coward and asshole!! After everything Scott has been through he deserves happiness. Loki had no ft 2 tell her 2 choose between others. she has always had issues with herself and her magic cause of her past but her twin convinces her sum things she didn't know about and how she was treated in their pasts. But when things get dicey with this mysterious thing that put 2 people in a coma and then the queen having sum issues all bets r off. I soooooo hope there will b more of this series!! Its awesome!!

[NWH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This my first Asa Maria Bradley book and I'm now a fan. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed Loki Ascending as a standalone even though it is book three in the Viking Warriors series. I plan to read books one and two asap. Bradley's world-building is skills are fantastic and the romance is off the charts hot! If you like characters who put everything on the line to save the world and still wish for their own hea, you'll love this book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was so much fun! It was kind of like a Nordic Black Dagger Brotherhood, but I think one of the things I liked was that the Viking Warriors had women, too. The series was full of adventure and romance.
Each book featured a different couple. I wouldn’t have guessed each character would end up with the love interest they ended up with and it was different for all of them, so I loved that aspect as well.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the first book I read in this series and found it gripping and entertaining.
I liked the well thought cast of characters, the world building and the well crafted plot.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Lovely Loveday]

Loki Ascending is the third book in the Viking Warriors series by Asa Maria Bradley. A captivating romance that draws you in and holds your attention until the very end. The characters are well-written with intriguing backstories. While this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

[Rebecca Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book! It took a bit to get into it because I didn't read the first 2 books but once I did, I really enjoyed it. The world is great and very descriptive. The h/h are interesting and likeable. Some parts were a little slow but it picked up. I definitely want to go back and read the first 2 books because then it will probably make more sense to me.

[Auburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the first two books in the series. That does not take away anything from this one.
The story is obvious, the characters sexy, and the tension hot. Even though you kind of know what is going to happen it doesn't make you enjoy this book any less. In fact I am more than likely to go back and read the first two books now.

Highly recommend if you love a good romantic tension!

[Nightwitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book, but to be blunt found it kind of a letdown. There was so much telling, rather than showing, and it often felt somewhat stilted. The plot was zooming around all over the place and it felt like the romance never really built up speed - we're told that Irja and Scott are in love with each other but never really experienced the emotions.

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irja had no redeemable qualities about her. I hated the way she treated Scott and the woe is me attitude. I fell in love with Scott though. Normally in a story it's the man I hope has to grovel but in this case I wish Scott had made Irja grovel, a lot.
Would i recommend this book? Yes,Only because it's part of a good series. Otherwise I'd have to say no.

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is so Interesting. There are Andi a warriors & Valkyries. There are humans being experimented on to become indestructible soldiers. There are mating bonds, Gods not allowed to “interfere”, demigods trying to interfere, and signs of impending doom.
I am enjoying these books. They are quick reads and easy to get through.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The creation of a beserker was unique and thrilling. Irja and her magic was a good twist. Loki is portrayed as the villain and it certainly fits. I wouldn't want to walk a dream fantasy with him.

[Sheila Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This my first Asa Maria Bradley book and I'm now a fan. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed Loki Ascending as a standalone even though it is book three in the Viking Warriors series. I plan to read books one and two asap. Bradley's world-building is skills are fantastic and the romance is off the charts hot! If you like characters who put everything on the line to save the world and still wish for their own hea, you'll love this book.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to get the next one in the series. Irja’s denial was hard to take at times, but I really like Scott and it was good to see them get their happy ending. I would have loved to get more of the happy ever after part to balance some of the darkness that went before.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried reading this book, but had a hard time getting into it. I don’t know if there were other books I missed, making it hard to get into or what. Wasn’t for me. DNF
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭 it's over. Noooooo! I need more! I really enjoyed these three books. Can't wait for the new series that Asa Maria Bradley is coming out with. Very excited to see what it's about and how it ties into this world.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I wanted from this third book. I saw some of the "twists" coming but since I love them, I can't complain. I really hope the next one comes out soon and is focused on Pekka and Kari...I love all the characters and the interweaving of lore and present day is well constructed.