Elsker (Elsker Saga Book 1)

S.T. Bende’s spin on the often-overlooked Norse Mythology genre was sweet and quick to read. As an English teacher, I’ve spent years teaching the Greek traditions and was not as familiar with Norse until S.T. Bende came along. That said, the Avengers and of course—Thor, have quickly become regulars on movie night in my house.As Elsker begins, we’re introduced to college student Kristia Tostenson. With her psychic visions of a not so exciting future, she dreams of a new start. Not interested in becoming a crazy cat lady, she decides at the urging of her best friend Ardis to apply for a study abroad program, choosing Cardiff University in Whales. This begins her journey to the U.K. where she immediately comes face to face with her destiny. And let me say, what a lucky girl she is!Her first day in England she meets Ull Myhr, a beautifully mysterious man everyone wants to get to know better including Kristia (did I mention he’s H.O.T.?). After a few weeks of Ull trying to resist getting involved (mostly to avoid involving her in his fate—isn’t he sweet?), he eventually caves thus beginning their whirlwind romance.Things develop quickly for the two. While attending a mythology class together the pieces to his identity puzzle unravel. Despite the fact that their romance is short and sweet, it works well enough mostly because as Tur alludes, they were destined for each other. Ultimately, Ull accepts his fate; that he is meant to be with Kristia just as he accepts the prophecy that he is destined to die in the Ragnarok battle that has been hanging over his head for eternity.Though not as much action as Tur, Elsker moved along quickly. The relationship between Kristia and Ull wasn’t instant love, but sparks flew from the beginning. I wasn’t as put off with how quickly the relationship moved either. Kristia’s lack of experience in relationships explained this, as did their prophesied destiny. The only thing that was a bit too rushed for me was her acceptance of his identity. She didn’t seem to struggle long, accepting Ull as a god from Asgard but considering Ull, who cares, right?! I LOVED him.Although not considered a steamy romance, there was still plenty of steamy anticipation in Elsker to keep me turning pages. Though most new adult readers have certain ‘sexpectations’ in the genre, I don’t feel there is a need in every story and that is certainly the case for Elsker. The vivid scenes were hopelessly romantic between Kristia and Ull, making them totally swoon-worthy. Just check out the teaser on my website, [...] of their sexy make-out session in the castle!Overall, Elsker was an adorably sweet romance that had me blushing from page one. The boys are hot, the girls are fun and even without sex, it was steamy in it’s own right as the anticipation kept me turning pages. And like a fairytale, Ull Myhr had me believing again in the possibility of happily ever after.

Kristia is an awkward, small-town girl from Nehalem, Oregon. With encouragement from her sassy friend Ardis, she attempts her first adventure away from home: study abroad at Cardiff University in Wales, where no one knows about her crazy visions. What starts out being a big step for her soon turns into one of her typical stumbles at the unexpected romance with the hot, detached Norse, Ull Myhr. It is a surprise for both of them when she stumbles straight into his heart. The surprise for Kristia? Her mythology class isn't so mythical. And for Ull? He's surprised to find himself allowing (wanting) someone else in his complicated life.This first book in the Elsker Saga is a whirlwind introduction to Norse mythology, which I always enjoy, with little bits of Norwegian adding some authenticity to the tales. Although their interactions were sweet, I had a bit of a hard time accepting the rapid tumble the main characters take into each other's lives (instalove); it was a little jarring how quickly an awkward, small-town girl with no ambitions or expectations to meet any guy (let alone the local hunk who is actively hostile towards her at first) jumps into Ull's life. Besides this, the main characters are well-developed. Written from Kristia's point of view, it's quite easy to share her sudden, overwhelming emotions and to empathize with her decision-making struggles, whereas Ull retains a mysterious quality that intrigues.S.T. Bende writes with vivid, clear descriptions and a dramatic, fluid plot that alternates between very rapid and a bit slow but nonetheless kept me engaged throughout. But be warned! Have the second book ready, because with such a cliffhanger, you'll be wishing you had Kristia's visions to know what the fate of the couple and their worlds will be...

Drop everything and get this book now! I was completely blown away by this novel, and it is a definite must read for any fan of mythology of any kind. It is no secret among people who know me that I am a huge Norse mythology fan, especially Thor. Suffice to say, this book was right up my alley. However, the beauty of this book is that you don't need to know any Norse mythology prior to reading because the stories are woven into the novel so intricately that you don't even realize you're learning. S.T. Bende's writing is incredible, and I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this novel. There is the perfect amount of description and detail to make you feel like the scenes are playing out right in front of you, and enough mystery to keep you reading.The characters were fantastic. Kristia was a wonderful lead character. She is extremely relatable, and she experiences a significant growth over the course of the novel. We see Kristia go from a shy, introverted girl who never experiences adventure to a girl that is independent, strong, and brave. She never backs down, and rises to the challenge when it is called for. Kristia is seriously one of the best female leads I have read about in awhile. Ull was HOT, HOT, HOT! I mean who can resist a guy that is polite, opens doors for a girl, takes her on picnics and other Über romantic dates, and makes a girl breakfast. Oh, and one other thing, is hell-bent on saving the world from destruction. Definite win in my book ;) Ull was a very nice balance for Kristia, and I loved watching their relationship grow and blossom over the course of the novel. I can't wait to see how everything plays out in the rest of the series between them because I can already tell there will be some steamy moments. The side characters were just as wonderful, and all had great personality and wit. They didn't fade into the background. Instead, they all play a good role in the story, and for me, this is something that is much appreciated.As I said before, the mythology in this novel is expertly done. Ms. Bende works the Norse mythology into the story in intervals, and doesn't just throw it at the reader. We learn the information along with Kristia, and because of this, we are treated to a better flowing, more interactive story in a way. It makes you feel as if you are truly apart of the story, rather than just sitting there reading. I loved learning everything, and what better way to learn more about Norse myths? You can easily tell that Ms. Bende put a great deal of effort into her research for this novel.I am extremely excited for the release of the second book, Endre, and can't wait to see what happens next! I highly recommend checking this book out because it will sweep you off your feet into the world of Thor, Odin, and the Norse gods. This will definitely be going on my re-read list. Happy reading :)

Absolutely loved this book!Another twist, for myself, with the Gods of Asgard.Which I thoroughly enjoyed.Kristia Tostenson is 'special' she has a gift that sometimes shows her the past, present and future. She's always thought of herself as 'different', in her one stoplight town in Oregon.She takes a jump and decides to go to transfer to Uni in Wales.Then she meets Ull the man of her dreams, who in turn ends up as the God of her dream, both figuratively and literally.I loved everything about the courtship, Ull being overprotective, meeting the father in law to be and way more!

I do think this series is my favorite by S.T. Bende, as much as I love ÆRE saga, Elsker’s as my first read by this author has a special room in my heart.I do not like my books not being standalone stories, nor ending with cliffhangers but this trilogy was fully available when I read it last year, so I adored following Ull and Kristia’s journey to their HEA.And Ull, wow, he is the perfect gentleman, a dream comes true for any woman. Once he has accepted his fate, he stands for his woman, always by her side, even when she makes decisions to the opposite of his own choice. He is so adorable with her, the picture of romantisme.Kristia at first can appear rather weak compared to her god boyfriend, but she soon will show she is more than meet the eyes and is able to stand for herself even if it means going against Ull. I loved to see her grew up, all along their story they change and evolve but always side by side.Plus the other protagonists were also very interesting, from Thor to Inca and Gunnar.A very lovely introduction in the Norse mythology via this sweet romance.

It has a lot of adrenaline and is funny plus I love how it has some romance and Norweigan mythology to it.

Die "Elsker Saga" ist eine gut lesbare Trilogie rund um einen recht traditionellen "Aschenputtel-findet-Prinz"-Plot. Nur das der Prinz ein Gott aus der nordischen Mythologie und die Prinzessin eine etwas vernachlässigte, amerikanische Studentin aus einer Kleinstadt in Oregon ist. Kristia ist etwas seltsam. Sie hat Tagträume, Visionen, und driftet ab und an etwas weg, weshalb sie in ihrer Kleinstadt als Freak gilt. Ihr Leben ist mehr oder minder vorherbestimmt. Sie soll den Antiquitätenladen ihrer Eltern übernehmen, die sich ihrerseits aber nicht besonders um sie kümmern. Einmal in ihrem Leben will sie etwas machen, was anders ist. Also beschließt sie, ein Auslandsjahr in Wales zu machen. Warum gerade Wales ist unklar. Es ist wohl mehr eine spontane Entscheidung. Dort angekommen, schließt sie sofort Freundschaft mit ihren neuen Mitbewohnerinnen - und - Überraschung - keiner findet sie seltsam, sie integriert sich schnell. In der Uni trifft sie auf Ull Myrr, bei dem sich nach kurzer Zeit herausstellt, dass er ein nordischer Gott ist, der Gott des Winters. Diese Offenbarung geschieht ziemlich schnell und wird auch nicht besonders vorbereitet. Beide verlieben sich episch ineinander, allerdings wird ihr Glück mal abgesehen von der Götttlichkeit vor allem vom Ende der Welt, der nordischen Apokalypse, bedroht. Doch es stellt sich heraus, dass Kristia hier eine weit wichtigere Rolle spielt, als sich die Götter vorstellen können...Der Roman lässt sich wirklich nett lesen, er ist nicht langweilig und man wird ergriffen von der Liebesgeschichte. Alles in allem sind der Aufbau und die Zeichnung der Figuren aber etwas dünn. Es läuft alles etwas zu reibungslos. Daher nur drei Sterne.

Kept thinking about the movie Thor during the whole book. Nice read if you like that kind of thing.