THE UNLEASHING is the beginning of a new series from Shelly Laurenston. It gives us the story of Kera and Vig. As a big fan of this author I grabbed this read as soon as I could. This is a great story about finding love and more. Kera is a strong woman. She fights for those that need her help and in doing so it just may have cost Kera her own life. That is until Vig steps in. Will he be able to help Kera and just what will be the consequences of his actions? Life does not always turn out the way you want it or how you think it should. Kera learns this lesson the hard way.

THE UNLEASHING is a fast paced read that pulls you in right from the start. Like many of this authors other works this book is full of action, romance and of course humor. I enjoyed the use of Mythology in this story. Laurenston weaves a wondrous world of magic and legend in this book. Although I have to say that many from the band of women that Kera must become one of are not amongst my favorite characters where personalities come in. They do not seem to truly want to help each other. Bonding is not a major thought for them.

I really liked Kera. She is a character and a good match for Vig. The two work together well and watching their relationship take shape made for a nice read. As this is the first book in the new series we are introduced to a number of new people and ideas. Some stick around while others are only quick looks. I am sure with more books coming in the future we will see the significance of many things and people that are in this story. THE UNLEASHING introduces readers to a new world and its inhabitants and I cannot wait to see what more will happen in this world.

Book Summary

Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn't for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig "Vig" Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life - but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can't give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera's discipline, Vig's loyalty...and the Crows' sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.