The Unyielding (Call Of Crows)

I loved, loved, loved this book. It was my favorite of the "Call of Crows" series. Erin and Stieg were a delight. However my favorite part of the book was definitely the quest. Erin and Nidhogg were hysterical. Even though Nidhogg has a disgusting diet I would love to read more about him. Great job Ms. Laurenston. I cannot wait until the next one.

Love everything she writes. Her books are laugh out loud funny and the stories always interesting. Her female characters are kick ass and the men always drool worthy. I'm also a huge fan of her dragon series. Keep em coming

Eric and Steig are my new favorite couple. I love the way their relationship developed. Respect and trust grew in an impossible situation. Combing Clans and shifters and dragons was a great next move. I cannot wait for the next book!!!!

Shelly Laurenston is one of the best authors now she never fails to deliver a highly entertaining book that you can't stop reading until the end,, which is enjoyable no matter how many times you read it

This book is one hilarious book, that had me trying to be quiet as possible when I was reading it at work. Erin is a one of a kind character, and will keep you very much amuse and cracking up laughing. The way she decides to handle things is too funny, that I can understand why the crows gave her a hard time for “taking advantage of Steig”

But Steig is no innocent little virgin Viking boy, who needs savings from the bad crow. In fact he can handle her just fine, and despite the fact that in the previous books, he couldn’t exactly stand her along with everyone else. He finds himself deeply involve with her and very much in love.

What I find very amusing about this book is that it’s usually the guy who doesn’t want to admit that they’re in love. But it’s really Erin who doesn’t want to admit, but despite not saying it Steig knows she loves him as much as he loves her.

There a couple of things that caught me by surprise but good surprise. For one is the fact that the dragon talks. Yeah I know that shouldn’t be so surprising but it really is, or at least to me it was. And he’s not a rude dragon at all, he very polite and as funny as Erin. He is one dragon I would love to read about. And I’m very much surprise when it comes to Erin, and himself, when they arguing among one another.

Then they’re the new twin crows; Ailey and Aisling O’Reily, and these two are hilarious. Even though they don’t speak much, what they do in the book is funny as heck. I’m very much curious about their background story, and why they’re so angry. So they get added to the list of people that I would love to read about in the near future.

I also love Steig goat Hilda, at first I was confuse how he even got the goat from the crows, and why he has a goat in general. Then you find out that the goat is very loveable, and kind of want one. I know for a fact that it’s very much loyal to Steig, and Erin, and apperantly can go on walks and knows not to stray far. That is one handy goat to have, who says you need a normal pet like a dog and cat.

Overall I really enjoy this book, and look forward to more books to come for this series. I also hope that one day Shelly Laurenston decides to go and make a movie out of her books, that is one movie I would love to see. Especially if it’s Erin’s and Steig book, lol I would love to see who would play as her. And say her famous words “She/He started it.” But then again movies tend to not follow the books, and ruin it.

One can be a fan of Shelly Laurenston because she's a REAL author. I read her stories and feel like hey, if I had supernatural powers and my friends did, too, sure I could be in this or any of her books.

This is a continuation of her Call of Crows series, but if you read it as a stand alone, you wouldn't exactly be lost. Erin is the a$$hole of the Crows,she knows it and she revels in it. As a fan of mythology, but only knowing as far as Odin and Thor---from the movies---Shelly is able to weave in norse mythology in a real world setting. It's cool how she includes Christianity and a few of the characters in it throughout this series. Sure, the Four Horsemen hang out at a Crow's grandmother's house and one of the God's is book nerd with a love for trashy novels on the dl, THIS IS SO RELATABLE! This is allegedly Steig's book, but it's really Erin AND Steig's book.

In this tale, an enemy of the previous books is let loose and Erin, of ALL Crows, ERIN, is the one who will be the one to save them all. When she travels through the lands and meets the interesting characters, you really feel like you're there. Poor Steig would rather be with anyone but Erin, but hey, you like what you like. I like that Erin gets her solo in this series, but you never feel like the story drags. As in all of Shelly's books, the Crows all have real jobs, Erin, too, but are willing to throw it all down to help a Sister Crow at a moment's notice.

The blockbuster ending of explosions would make Michael Bay proud. The final few chapters just had my jaw on the ground. Spoiler: bets were made and of course, the winner was not who you would expect, but the players were. It mystifies me with the caliber of "adult" books that are made into movies and books like this are overlooked. Erin and Steig's oil and water relationship keeps this book going because she's such an unapologetic smart alec. I reread all of Shelly's books on my Kindle all the time and each time is like the first time I read it, but hey, decided to actually start reviewing these books on here.

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Third in the Call of Crows mythic fantasy series revolving around the Crow girls and based in Los Angeles. The couple focus is on Erin Amsel, a snarky Crow, and Stieg Engstrom, the Always Angry Raven.

My Take
Laurenston’s characters are brash and full of piss and vinegar. I haven’t yet read a series of hers that isn’t, lol. And The Unyielding is probably the most cocksure and RUDE of all of ‘em. All thanks to Erin Amsel.

I started out disliking her intensely and Laurenston sucked me in. The more you get to know Erin, the more you love her and wish you [I] could be more like her. That girl is so not afraid to call a spade a spade.

It is too, too funny how Laurenston turns the tables on the men with Erin doing what men usually do. Take it, then leave it, with the most cocksure attitude.

"Gods. Petty is what they do."

Between the Clans and the gods, there is more than enough snark for anyone — especially with Erin putting in her five bucks. Trust me, she “contributes” way more than 2¢.

It’s third-person subjective point-of-view, so we know what a number of characters are thinking, saying, and doing. Gotta spread that love around, LMAO.

Laurenston uses a comic the-good-guys-always-win scenario of irreverent one-liners with a good dose of give-and-take. It’s a case of turning the usual totally upside-down. I’m already wanting to re-read it!

Besides the rude humor, there is plenty of battling — verbal and action — along with adventure, kidnapping, imprisonment, “fight club”, and Erin and Stieg’s quest for what may be their only chance to stave off Ragnarök.

The Story
That’s it. The world is dead. If Midgard’s only hope is that super annoying Crow…

What’s worse is Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever, can’t decide if he really can’t stand Erin Amsel or if he needs to kiss the smirk right off Erin’s face. Wait. What? He didn’t mean that — did he? No!

As for Erin, she doesn’t intend to let the world end. She’s having way too much fun taking the mickey out of every Viking Clan, including her own. She just didn’t expect to be shoulder-to-shoulder in battle with Stieg. Then again, he’s so easy to torment — and also kind of cute.

And don’t forget…they started it.

The Characters
Erin “I’m a Pain in Everyone’s Ass” Amsel is a Crow with the power of flame and cannot be touched by fire. She earns a living as a famous tattoo artist. And most everyone is afraid of her. Her parents are just like Erin, and you'll be LYAO.

The Bird House is…
…in disguise as a rehab clinic for all kinds of addictions and is home headquarters for the Crows who are led by Chloe Wong, a writer. The Crows serve Skuld, one of the Fates, and are feared by everyone, for they were originally a band of former slaves with a desire for vengeance.

Kera Watson, a former U.S. Marine, has only been a Crow for some few months and has been named War General (The Unleashing, 1). Brodie Hawaii is her pit bull, a Crow-Dog. She is part of Erin’s Strike Team, which also includes the hypochondriacal Maeve Gadjavo; the sociopathic Dr. Annalisa Dinapoli, a forensic psychologist; Jacinda “Jace” Berisha, who is a berserker, and Lev, who is Jace's giant puppy; Leigh; and, Alessandra.

Betty Lieberman is an Elder Crow and a vicious Hollywood agent. Yardley King is an über movie star. Tessa Kelly had been a nurse and is now second-in-command. Ailey and Ashley O’Reily are identical twins who hate, loathe, and despise each other. Their hatred is why they’re dead.

Candy Yun is a former coworker of Tessa’s. Nëna, a.k.a., Mrs. Bashir and Mother Berisha, is Jace’s grandmother who’s on visiting terms with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Death, Pestilence, War, and Famine.

The rude, cranky, and short-tempered Stieg Engstrom, a former street kid, is a Raven with a goat, Hilda. Karen is a shapeshifter who turns into a panther and has been best friends with Stieg for years. Agnarr Engstrom had been Stieg’s abusive father. Siggy Kaspersen is Stieg’s best friend and drinking buddy. Rolf Landvik is the brains of their team. Ludvig “Vig” Rundstöm is a Raven brother, a friend (The Unleashing), and one of the most dangerous Ravens. Josef Alexandersen is their leader. Vestarr Claesson is one of the oldest local Elders. Kafli and Old Finni are also good fighters. The Ravens believe in real estate.

Mr. Matucka runs the general store near Stieg’s place.

The Protectors are…
…the Keepers of the Word and hold books precious. The Protectors are owl-like and serve Tyr, a very moral and upstanding god of war and justice...who’s got a craving for crap fiction. They are led by Ormi Bentsen. Danski “Ski” Eriksen is with Jace now (The Undoing, 2). Bear Ingolfsson is the most book-obsessed Raven of them all. Ingjard Ingolfsson is one of Bear’s ancestors. Haldor makes a good stew. Borgsten. Gundo.

The L.A. Holde’s Maids are…
…the best healers, and their Head Priestess is Inka Solberg-Bentsen.

The L.A. Giant Killers are…
…the human warriors of Thor and led by Freida.

The Valkyries have…
…the favor of all the gods and take the souls of warriors to Valhalla. Their leader in L.A. is Sefa Hakonardottir. Katja "Kat" Rundstöm is Vig's sister.

The Claws of Ran are…
…a Clan of surfers and fishermen on the Pacific Coast led by Rada Virtanen.

The Silent are…
…politicians (and only basic fighters) beholding to the god Vidar and are led by that jerk, Brandt Lindgren. Notto had been one of theirs.

The Isa serve…
…Skadi and are led by Mist Falker.

The Vatican keeps…
…an eye on the Nine. Gabriel, Raphael, Khamael, and Michael are archangels. Rabbi Tavvi Mankiewicz.

The Sisters of St. Mary Magdalene Convent of all Saints, a.k.a., the Chosen Warriors of God, had been battling the Crows for centuries. Sister Theresa Marie Rutkowski and Sister Mary Marie are part of the sisterhood.

Jourdan Ambrosio is one of the “it” girls, a do-nothing megastar. Her father is a famous Italian director.

Tommy and Tesco “Big Tessy” are a couple of thugs. Craig owns a bar where Stieg used to work. There's a whacko religious cult from Riverside. Junior runs an outdoor taco stand that is the best in L.A. Sadie Monroe has the worst boss ever.

Davis Henry Braddock is/was the Great Prophet and a total nutjob — a cult leader and murderer — now living at The Pacific Mental and Rehabilitation Center. He’s also Jace’s former husband. Billy and Scott are corrupt guards who’ll wish they hadn’t.

Back in the day
Thirteen-year-old Harvold must rescue his siblings. Villagers included Einddride the Patient.

Holfi Rundstöm is one of Odin’s, a Raven. Alvilda is a Holde’s Maid. Eerika leads the Claws of Ran.

The gods are…
…split into two groups: the Æsir and the Vanir. Hel, Loki’s daughter, is the goddess of the Underworld with her Clan known as the Carrion. The Key is one of Hel’s Carrion. Narfi was her half-brother. Sigyn is Loki’s wife. Heimdall guards the Bifrost Bridge, a.k.a., the Rainbow Bridge. Frigg is Odin’s wife. Forseti is the god of justice and reconciliation. Fulla is the sweet and caring goddess of fertility. Idunn is a goddess with a basket of golden apples. Freyja.

Gullveig is Vanir and has entered into an alliance with Hel. Önd is an assassin assigned by Hel to aid Gullveig. Ratatosk is an annoying and immortal squirrel as well as a Messenger for the gods. A real pain.

The Nine are…
…Viking warrior clans beholden to a god, and they represent their god on Midgard. Loki’s Wolves are no longer a part of the Nine.

Another Nine are the Nine Worlds that include: Jotunheim, the land of giants, where they run into Old Boy; Swartalfheim is Dark Elf territory; Nidavellir is the land of dwarves where they meet Báraldur and his wife, Arnóra as well as Torfinna who runs the docks in Jórunn; and, Alfheim are the Light Elves, but don’t let the “light” fool ya! Princess Uathach is a ruler in Swartalfheim; her brother, is Prince Uinseann. Dualtach the Witch is both Light and Dark who belongs nowhere. Princess Seanait is a prisoner going mad. Seanait’s father is the King Tiarnach.

The fire giant, Surtr, has a sword that can start Raganarök. Nidhogg, a.k.a., Malice Striker, is a dragon who lives near the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, in Náströnd, a.k.a., the incredibly stanky Corpse Shore. Midgard is earth. The Unknowing are humans who know nothing about the Nine. A Mara is a nightmare.

The Cover and Title
The cover is quite peaceful — for such a violent book, lol. Stieg looks calm, sitting forward with his elbows on his knees, that gorgeous blond hair sticking out with a face that is so intent on looking out at us. He’s wearing a grey V-neck T and in the background is a tangle of roots, which I suspect belong to the World Tree. The title and author’s name are in a serif white with the former left justified at the top and the latter centered at the bottom. The series information is in a small yellow green oval just below the title with informational bits in white.

The title is Erin, for she is The Unyielding one.

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy:

THE UNYIELDING is a fun romp through both the Norse underworld and the modern world, with a good dose of mischief and sexy romance. The characters are fun, the monsters are properly horrific and the stakes are high enough to matter. Although Ragnarok is no laughing matter, THE UNYIELDING makes it fun.

Erin takes nothing seriously, made enemies in nearly all the Clans, and has pissed off most of the Norse pantheon (and a few extra gods just for fun). She’d rather solve problems with fists (and her fire powers) than with talking. Steig, on the other hand, is good with numbers and property management. Although he’ll gladly punch someone, he likes to think about it first. Together they are explosive and fun. I enjoyed that the other characters in the book kept trying to protect Steig from Erin, because he was “such a nice boy, for a Viking.”

My favourite part of the novel was when Erin and Stieg are forced to travel to the underworlds (there are a few different lands they need to travel through) in order to get a magical sword. Oftentimes these other worlds are dream-like or undefined, but whether they were in the land of giants, of the elves or of the dwarves, these worlds were incredibly well described and iconic. For every two days in the underworld, one passed on Earth, and as the final battle gets closer and closer, Erin’s time to get the sword starts running out. It was a fun race with giant puppies, gladiator battles and shores filled with still-screaming sinners.

I recommend reading the first books before this one, as there are quite a few characters to keep track of, but having characters sorted by which god they serve really helped. THE UNYIELDING is a fun, sexy book with kickass action and even a goat. I really hope there are other books planned, as the world is large enough to accommodate more stories.

I would highly suggest reading this series in order but not necessary. When I first started reading this story I had to put it down, I just couldn’t get into the story. I gave it some time and the second time I picked it up I could not put it down. For some reason the story clicked and I was enjoying the story to its full craziness! You’ve got Gods and Goddesses’ both trouble in their own ways. Our heroine is Erin, she’s a Crow, as heroines go Erin is crazy… and I love her for it. In ways she reminds me of well me. Erin is a pot stirrer in epic proportions, the trouble she causes, the people and Gods she can piss off is just too funny. Stieg is a loner who hates everyone and a Viking, so when these two are together sparks fly. This book has humor, action, love, did I say humor? (the humor just won’t stop), plot twists of plenty! If your thing is PNR then this is a great story to read. Characters are well written and even though I had not read the first and second book in this series I still enjoyed the story. I give this book 4.5 star.

***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.***

OMG. This book is hella funny. Typical Shelly, the story had me laughing out loud so many times, the folks on my train think I'm crazy...all I can say is "she started it." Book 3 of Call of Crows is a must read!

Erin Amsel, a super pain-in-the-ass Crow and Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever reluctantly team up to help save the world. Erin who thrives on causing chaos then sits back to enjoy the fruits of her labor has no liking for Stieg. But when he is tasked to follow her to make sure she stays out of trouble, he unwittingly helps her out of a sticky situation. Erin is doing some things she doesn’t want her sister Crows to know about, so she invites herself to stay with Stieg for the night. During her uninvited stay at his apartment, she meets his best friend, Karen and his pet goat, Hilda. Outside of all this, they entire cadre of the Nine Clans are tasked to find a way to stop Gullveig from coming forth to bring about Ragnarok (the end of the world). It becomes clear that the only person who can help them stop this is Erin. Now let the adventure begin.

In typical Shelly Laurenston fashion, this book is full of snarky dialogue, funny and harsh banter between everyone and strategic chaos that will have you laughing out loud, cheering for the Crows and cursing all the gods that appears to watch humanity suffer while offering minimal help to stop it. I really enjoy how Shelly linked the Viking Gods, Christian demi-gods and angels in this book. She gives them characteristics outside the doom and gloom you typically associate with these figures when they are mentioned…I mean The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse being cool and the archangels fighting about how Gabriel shouldn’t be the one to blow the horn signaling the end of days because he sucks at it…I mean seriously, how cool is that?

Also, she kinda tied her worlds together by bringing in the shifters and the dragon together. I totally loved the fact that she brought in the shifters on the sneak and the dragon Nidhogg (note...I see a BFF for Erin here). As this series progress, I can help but wonder, will we see an alliance of the Nine Clans and Queen Annwyl the Bloody..ummm?! Can't wait to get my fingers on the next book. Keep ‘em coming Shelly.

The Unyielding by Shelly Laurenston is the 3rd book in her Call of Crows series. This is a different type of series then Laurenston’s other two series that I read, but this one is equally as fun and wild crazy. I love Shelly Laurenston; she is one author I can’t get enough of, as her humor has you laughing so often, even if it’s totally crazy. Well in this case, I guess its fun to be crazy. LOL

The Call of the Crows series takes place in a modern day Nordic world with Gods, Goddesses, Vikings, Crows, Ravens, and Protectors. As I have said before, every character is wild, vicious, and crazy; but so much fun. This was an exciting action filled story about the world possibly coming to end with Ragnarok near. Whereas, much of this series is centered around the Crows, in this story, all the clans,and their gods play big parts.

The Unyielding belongs to Erin Amsel, one of the Crows we know so well. Erin is not liked by many, but she loves it that way; she is tough, obnoxious at times, enjoys being bitchy, but she is a great hardnosed warrior. Kera and Jace have been working long hours to find a way to kill the evil Goddess Gullveig, who is indestructible, before she causes the Ragnarok that will kill all humans and destroy the world. When all the clans meet, the conclusion is that Erin is the only one who can possible go into other realms and try to steal Sutr’s sword,which can kill Gullveig. The only problem, the chance of survival is slim, especially since she has to steal it from a mighty Dragon.

Erin is determined to save the world, even if she knows the odds are against her. Steig Engstrom is our hero, and a Raven, who also hates Crows, and Erin. But in a short time, Steig has been told to keep an eye on Erin, and keep her safe until she can go on the mission. Along the way, he slowly begins to respect and fall for her. It will be Steig, who will go with her to the forbidden lands, and they will help each other try to survive.

The first half of the book, is about Erin and Steig getting into all kinds of situations, but it also is about all the clans trying to come up with a plan. The last half is when everything is falling apart, for both the clans and Erin & Steig. The fighting on both sides were amazing well done, really violent, but hysterical at times, which relieves the tension. I can’t really tell too much more, since this is a difficult review to do, as despite all the tense action, great characters, bantering, and deathly situations, Laurenston has us laughing in between. Now how can I write about those crazy people? LOL You really have to read it to fully understand.

Laurenston has created a fantastic paranormal fantasy world, with her leading characters totally nasty or wacky, and we love it all. I will say the last third of the book had us unable to put the book down, and I loved the romance between two unlikely people, such as Erin and Stieg. They were great together. But then again, I loved Kera and Jace too, in the previous books. If you like fantasy, in a Norse mythology setting, filled with action, dangerous and crazy warriors or gods, and Laurenston’s unbelievable humor , then you need to start this series.

Favorite Quote: “I can’t believe I’m about to walk a goat. Is this my life now? Goat walking?”

The Unyielding opens up in the past, giving readers an unfiltered history lesson on the sheer hatred the Crows have for all the other clans. We then flash forward into the present and learn that the world is still coming to an end if all the clans don’t start working together and stop Loki from getting free and therefore starting Ragnarök. And it all rests on the back of a single Crow. The most annoying, irritating, pain the arse woman to ever be brought back to life to walk the earth as a Crow.

Erin Amsel.

Helping her is the most unlikely of people-Stieg Engstrom. Steig is a Viking and part of the Raven clan. He’s also an exceptionally angry, anti-social man who avoids most people because they annoy him. And Erin REALLY annoys him.

When Steig happens upon Erin getting shot in the head yet again, he takes her home to recover and ends up getting caught up in the never-ending circus that is Erin’s life. As Erin and Stieg fight, fuss, and eventually snuggle their way towards their destiny, the rest of the world waits in awe and horror. Because if this odd couple fails…everyone’s a goner.

Shelly Laurenston is once again leading her readers happily back into the fray of gods, goddesses, warriors, and the occasional pet with the latest installment in her Call of Crows series. Jam-packed with humor, sex, action, snark, outrageous characters, and sheer insanity, Laurenston has created another paranormal world that just screams F.U.N.

Set in present day L.A., this rather complex world is easy to navigate once you learn the basics. Almost every mythology and religion is represented in here, each with its own group of obnoxious, arrogant, loud, petty, narcissistic, men and women who like to bash, stab, beat, and smash their way to victory against their enemies. And none of them get along. Especially with the Crows. The Crows dislike just about everyone and with good reason. Hundreds of years ago the other nine Norse clans kept them enslaved and they haven’t gotten over it yet.

Erin Amsel is probably one of Laurenston’s best characters to date. She is a delightful combination of every strong, loyal, intelligent, rude, and annoying female Laurenston has ever written. She was killed by an ex and offered a second life by Skuld. In return, all she has to do is fight with the Crows in Skuld’s honor. No problem. Her general unapologetic attitude towards everyone keeps you in stitches. There is a delightful sense of truthfulness and honor in her as she plows through the world, leaving chaos and mayhem in her wake. And the beauty of it is…she knows how annoying she is. She just doesn’t care. Yet for all her issues, you will never have to fear anything when she has your back. She will fight to the death beside you and die to protect you. And she has a very special gift that can do just that.

I loved Erin and Steig. From Steig’s general grumpiness to Erin’s constant irritation of…well everyone, these two will keep you howling as Steig is co-opted into the partnership from hell to help Erin with her mission while trying not to kill her or fall too hard for her. All the while they are both trying to avoid their fellow clan members who attempt to interfere with unwanted advice and their normal general craziness. Watching Steig and Erin try to understand each other is like piecing together a 5000 piece puzzle while blindfolded. They are so obviously wrong for one another that they’re perfect together.

What I truly enjoy about this series and Laurenston’s writing is her skills in creating unforgettable characters and such incredibly off the wall plotlines that you can’t help but get sucked into whatever she has in store for her readers. I love the strong inclusion of multiple personalities who merge seamlessly into the storyline with fantastic results. I’ve noticed and appreciated that each new installment seems to be getting stronger in detail; with more humor, deeper elements, and a better balance between the arc and the subplots.

All the clans are featured heavily in here and are as unpredictable as usual. The snippets of violence between the various clans and each other only add to the overall appeal. They are predestined to mess with each other and it only continues to get worse the more they interact.

Some may complain that the romance isn’t as prevalent as in most PNRs but I find it balances perfectly with the characterization in general. We get some delightful smexy times but aren’t forced to deal with any heavy emotional angst or work through past traumas. That alone keeps this series delightfully fresh in a sub-genre that tends to take itself a little too seriously at times.

The ending is an explosive finale that shows us Laurenston always has a few tricks up her sleeve. The main conflict is resolved while advancing the arc in a way that guarantees no one will want to miss book four. Some loose ends are tied up, new characters are introduced, and we are given a few clues to who may be the next heroine and hero of the series. The shifter storyline is an interesting development and I look forward to seeing where that goes.

If you enjoy outrageous storylines, no holds barred characters, and comedic narrative then Shelly Laurenston’s Call of Crows series is definitely for you. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Word of warning, the series is ongoing arc wise and not meant to read out-of-order.

When my bookish Facebook friends ask the question of which “book world” I’d like to live in, Call of Crows immediately comes to mind. These women are snarky, mean, and completely crazy, and they know how to have fun. It’s all about living, fighting, and enjoying life for them with their sisterhood as their constant anchor, knowing that no matter what they face, they will always have each other’s back. I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning, that way you won’t miss any of the fun.

The Crows are known to be the craziest and most unpredictable of the Nine Human Viking Clans. Unfortunately for all, they just figured out that the fate of the world rests on the most insane crow’s shoulders, Erin Amsel. I cannot tell you how excited the geek side of me was when I realized that the craziest most unpredictable Crow of them all was being sent on a quest to prevent Ragnarok (the end of the world) from coming.

I freaking adored Erin. She was so annoying, it was almost endearing. You never knew what she was going to say or do, you just knew it was going to be the worst thing possible. Her favorite thing was to torment people, even those she loved. It sounds horrid, but let me tell you I found myself laughing my head off. Underneath all the sarcasm and lack of filters, though, was a loyal woman willing to do or risk anything to save the world, even if the task given was a long shot that was bound to end in failure and a probably horrific death.The Unyielding

Stieg Engstrom, aka the angriest Viking ever, suddenly finds himself stalking protecting the Crow that drives him absolutely up the wall, but someone has to keep her in one piece so she can save the world. He’s rude, stubborn, short-tempered, and has no use for stupid people. He also has a strange attachment to a goat named Hilda (not a pervy one… it just seems that way at first). He’s clueless as to why he feels the need to protect Erin so it was fun to watch him fumble his way through.

The romance between Stieg and Erin is the underpinning of the story, a slow burn type deal more than insta-love. But the true meat of the story is found in the quest. Erin is the only one among all nine clans who has a snowball’s chance of obtaining the item needed to permanently take care of Gullvieg, the goddess who wants to usher in the apocalypse. We not only get to spend time with beloved characters from the first two books, we get to meet all sorts of different characters, including various gods, dark elves, giants, dwarves, a dragon, but the weirdest of all were the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse!

The Unyielding was my dream fantasy book—a Lord of the Rings-type book with lots of snark, laughter, gratuitous violence and sexy shenanigans. I was in my mythological fantasy happy place. I only had two complaints, the first being it got a bit slow in the middle before Erin set out on her quest. The second one was the last paragraph of the epilogue. That was just plain cruel on Ms. Laurenston’s part. I was on such a book high, I decided to forgive her for that and bask in the glory of a spectacular and unexpected ending to a rollicking good quest. The fact that I’m already jonesing for the next book now has nothing to do with that last paragraph at all.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Those crazy Crows are back! Humans are in danger of being wiped out of existence and Erin Amsel is going to have to work with Stieg Engstrom, aka the Angriest Viking Ever to stop that from happening. Soon the feathers start to fly and what follows is another outrageous, non-stop rollercoaster of a story that can tickle almost anyone’s funny bone.

I love Laurenston’s style of creating a serious backdrop and inserting crazy, cantankerous, snarky characters into it and basically letting them run wild until a solution to the conflict is stumbled upon. Erin is known as the insane Crow and that’s saying a lot because these females give the word a new definition. Anyway, Erin shows no fear when faced with dangerous situations and has ADHD tendencies which naturally makes her perfect *sarcasm* for Stieg, a really adorable, grumpy Raven. These two bickered so much it would have been annoying if they weren’t so funny together. I found myself having a soft spot for Stieg because he had a soft spot for animals and I just can’t resist a big, strong guy who could be so sweet to an animal. Erin had the stronger personality between them though and because of that Stieg seemed a bit more shy and reserved to me but hey, SOMEONE had to balance out that woman’s special brand of crazy!

There’s a lot going on in The Unyielding and a lot is connected to the previous books so while each book can technically be read as a standalone I would recommend reading them in order. The action and butt kicking scenes are superb and as I’ve come to expect from Laurenston, they’re addictive and really give her books that “Epic Adventures Ahead” kind of feel that I keep coming back for. I will say that if you’re looking for a more romance based book then this is not it. None of the books in the series are heavy on the romance, they focus more on the bigger plot connecting them but that’s okay, I actually don’t mind that because the writing is just so fun and well paced that I don’t really feel the absence of a heavy romance plot.

Laurenston’s style isn’t for everyone. Sometimes the female characters can and do get annoying but it’s not enough to deter me from enjoying them because while they can get a bit aggravating, these women are never weak, and they are never unable to fight their own fights. For that, I can overlook a bit of the crazy that surrounds them.

* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.