Battlestorm: Midgard #3    by Susan Krinard Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2016 (2016) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Battlestorm follows Mist and Black Ice as the third in Susan Krinard's Midgard series. I'd read Mist but missed the second episode, causing me a little confusion as there are many interconnected plot threads to follow, as well as a large cast of characters and races. Our heroine Mist (once one of Odin's Valkyries) has lived long centuries aiding humanity. In the first Midgard episode, Mist learned that her boyfriend was the trickster god Loki. He stole from her Gungnir, the great Treasure she was tasked with guarding. She also encountered Dainn, an elf of Alfheim, who tutored her in magic. Though Dainn had been sent by Mist's mother, goddess Freya, to prepare her for Freya's takeover of body and soul, he was very attracted to her and reluctant to do his duty. And Mist drew to herself human allies with strong talents of their own. Conflict and betrayals continued in the second episode, with the opposing forces each growing their train of followers. As Battlestorm opens, Mist is working alongside her mother Freya, though she still doesn't trust her. Dainn reluctantly follows Loki, desperate to protect his small son Danny, who is kept close by Loki (Danny has erratic but very strong powers, making him hard to control). And an old god waits in the wings, marshaling his forces and preparing to strike. Throughout, Mist is intent on protecting those close to her heart, and humanity in general. Though she feels betrayed by Dainn, and has a new lover (Japanese Koji, who has secrets of his own) she is still protective of the elf and also very concerned for Danny's safety. Though the overall plot develops slowly in Battlestorm (with the expected violent physical and magical encounters and betrayals at every turn), it builds to a crescendo of an ending in which the good guys must fight darkness within and without. And even death won't stop them. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews