One More Wilde Chase: The Valhalla Prophecy Book Review

The Valhalla Prophecy
By Andy McDermott
7/10

The Valhalla Prophecy treats readers to the fast paced, explosive writing they’ve come to expect from McDermott, who handles the tropes of the genre with genuine reverence but also a hint of parody. It is the ninth instalment in the series that began with The Hunt for Atlantis in 2009.

Two years after saving the world from impending doom in Temple of the Gods, Dr. Nina Wilde and her husband/ ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase find themselves embroiled in another explosive globe-trotting search for a dangerous historical artefact, this time a Viking runestone said to reveal the location of Valhalla. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that a darker and more dangerous plot is afoot.

The plot starts slowly, with a somewhat awkward and delectably unnecessary set up, before unfolding into an action-packed story full of mystery, suspense and betrayal. Returning McDermott readers will feel at home with Nina’s love of history and Eddie’s corny one-liners as they accompany Nina and Eddie on their journey, whether it be an escape from a Russian nuclear facility, or a high speed chase across Swedish icefields.

Some aspects of the novel drag. The strained relationship between the couple was heavily tested in the previous book and begins to feel dry this time around. The repetitive flashbacks to a mission in Eddie’s past, meant to serve as exposition, do little to advance the plot.

Despite these issues, when all the chips are counted The Valhalla Prophecy is another fun-filled McDermott adventure that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Paul Van Rens