The Rise of House Valdis is the first book in the House Valdis series. It’s an exciting urban fantasy featuring plenty of action and romance! I’ve enjoyed other books by this author so I knew I was in for a treat with some fascinating characters and LGBT+ romance.
After getting to know Xenobia in the prequel, it was fun to see how her life on earth had developed and learn what she can do with her powers. There are also plenty of new characters to meet – I particularly liked Matthew who we learn a lot about as the story progresses.
There are plenty of threats as Xenobia tries to protect the various characters who’ve ended up under her care. She has some difficult decisions to make as she works out how to keep everyone safe, including deciding who she can trust to help her.
I’d recommend this series to readers who are fans of the author, and anyone who’s looking to get into an urban fantasy with superb world building. This book gets five stars from me!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2024-02-21 21:32:152024-03-20 10:42:44The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is the prequel to the House Valdis urban fantasy series. It is a short story that introduces Xenobia, one of the main characters in the series, and gives some of her backstory. I would say it’s not essential reading to enjoy House Valdis but it has been helping me to understand Xenobia’s motivations and behaviour.
This is quite a dark story as Xenobia and her friend Urd are subjected to slavery and violent treatment. It’s fast paced and there is plenty of action as Xenobia tries to find a way out for herself and Urd. There are moments of hope and lightness – one of my favourites sees Xenobia and Urd dancing around their room. This helps keep the story balanced.
This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend reading it if you plan on reading the House Valdis series although it has quite a different feel in terms of pacing and genre. It really is a short read and will get you ready to delve into the series!
It’s been seven years since Xenobias best friend, Urd, was murdered right in front of her. In a rage, Xenobia ended up killing everyone involved. She has tried to move on not wanting to be a killer but when she sees women being mistreated, she can’t control her rage. Xenobia is not human. She is an alien from another world. Her true form being blue hair with black hair and black eyes. She also has powers. She can tap into people’s emotions.
When Xenobia witnesses a young woman being abused by two men, Xen loses control and pours guilt into them causing them to end each other’s lives. The woman being in rough shape and unconscious, Xen decides to bring her back home to heal her.
A police officer, named Matthew, shows up with questions for Xenobia. He knows she isn’t what she appears to be and she knows more about the case than she lets on. Xenobia has taken it upon herself to be a healer and mentor to all kinds of different women but only her closest friend knows what she truly is. It may be time that Xenobia shows her true self to save these women once and for all but at what risk?
I loved the prequel that was a novella of Xenobia’s Origin. You do not need to read it to follow along with this book but if you want to know more about Urd and Xenobia’s life, I recommend reading it! Meanwhile, this book was even better. Naomi Valkyrie is an amazing writer. They know how to hook you right from the beginning and keep you hooked throughout the book. This author is quickly raising themselves up to one of my top 3 authors I love!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2024-02-20 19:53:392024-03-20 10:33:09The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Santana Hicks
Xenobia refuses to have a serious relationship with She found Javier beating Maggie five years ago, and Xenobia attacked him. Only Maggie knew that she wasn’t human. Maggie and the girls who were “employed” by Javier left as well. Xenobia had also borrowed some of his money. Despite this being a past issue, Javier has sent Mr. Smith to insist she return the women. Mr. Smith claims Javier has his daughter because of a debt of $100,000. Javier told him that if the girls were returned, then his debt would be excused and his daughter would not be harmed. Xenobia gave Mr. Smith the money, and he set up an exchange. Before he left for the exchange, Mr. Smith told Xenobia that his daughter’s name was Mercy. Something told Xenobia he didn’t think he would survive the exchange.
Xenobia receives a phone call: “Save Mercy.” Xenobia uses her power to keep him alive so he can learn where she is. She felt him die. Xenobia has to hurry to save Mercy. She arrives to find two men raping Mercy, and she intervenes by using her power to make the men commit suicide. Mercy is wounded, and Xenobia takes her back to the brothel house. She realizes that Mercy isn’t going to survive. Xenobia realizes Mercy needs blood. She uses her own to rescue Mercy, despite not knowing if there will be any unintended side effects.
The following day, Detective Matthew Winters questions Xenobia about a body that had her business card. Xenobia denied knowledge of the body. Matthew questions her about Mercy. Xenobia denied knowing her.
Matthew knew that Xenobia was lying. He could smell Mercy and sense Xenobia’s distress when he questioned her. As a wolf shifter, his senses were heightened. There was more about Xenobia that intrigued him as well. Later that evening, Matt falls asleep, and his dream shows Xenobia at the crime scene. Matthew returns to the brothel. He has one question for Xenobia.
“What are you?”
The Rise of House Valdis is a unique fantasy romance story involving Xenobia Valdis, Matthew Winters, and the women they have taken a vow to protect. The vivid details given to the characters display their strengths and insecurities as they face danger from humans and other supernatural creatures. The attraction between Xenobia and Matt is palpable, but they both carry baggage from the past that they have to face before diving into a relationship. The alternating perspectives of the characters made it easy to relate to the inner turmoil they faced. The plot is unpredictable, and the multiple twists kept me fully invested in the book. Readers who enjoy romance novels with magical creatures will enjoy Naomi Valkyrie’s The Rise of House Valdis. This series shows amazing promise to become a favorite for me.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Runyonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Runyon2024-02-20 16:33:252024-03-20 10:35:54The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Stephanie Runyon
Having read and enjoyed the prequel to this series and been introduced to Xenobia I was looking forward to reading this novel, and I was not disappointed. This was a real page turner with an original and intriguing storyline and great characters all of whom are a bit quirky. Xenobia arrived on Earth seven years ago and was given a new start with only her best friend Maggie knowing who she really is. However, when Maggie is beaten Xen reacts and her split-second decision leads to her true nature being exposed. Xen must choose whether to keep her secrets or decide that her chosen family is worth exposing her secrets for. I liked the multiple POV’s as it meant I felt engaged with all the main characters. I also liked how the story includes LGBTQ relationship dynamics. Whilst the setting is brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative making me feel fully immersed in the story. Can’t wait for book two!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-02-20 10:48:342024-03-20 10:34:25The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I have read shorter novellas from the author and so I was excited to read her debut novel. I was able to read the prequel first, and while it’s not necessary to enjoy this book, I highly recommend it to give you a better understanding of Xen and why her second chance is so important to her. I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s, it gave a lot of insight into what the other characters were thinking and feeling. Xen continues to be dynamic and intriguing heroine who you want to see succeed in everything she does. The author did a great job of combining fantasy, sci-fi, and romance into a storyline that you won’t want to stop reading until the end. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2024-02-18 20:25:242024-03-20 10:28:52The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
What a great book! Xenobia (aka Xen) has moves to earth about 7 years ago to escape her past and start over. She however has many secrets and skills that the people on earth do nor have and would be either scared of or try to take advantage her powers so she keeps them her most guarded secret except from her “family” on earth. Unfortunately one decision may change everything and she may find she has to expose her special powers to save her family. This book is multi pov and the chapters are quick and the POV changes regularly. Lots of Paranormal activity including wolf vampire and much more and so much attention to detail and character building made this story shine. Well done
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2024-02-18 20:04:422024-03-20 10:28:46The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Melissa Saxton
What an interesting starter to this series. I enjoyed the story and multiple POV’s. Xen makes the story quite interesting. The author did a really good job of keeping the writing creative and interesting. Once I was in, I was all in until the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-02-17 06:52:052024-03-18 17:41:42The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shelly Kittell
Xenobia is a young woman who is expected to live a life of servitude and as such, she has been enrolled into an academy to train her in everything she needs to know and all she wants to do is stay hidden in plain sight and not get into trouble. The only problem is that she cannot risk getting to know the girl who she shares her room with, not because of worry for her safety, but because of her reaction if they leave.
One day, a girl moves into her room called Urd and she immediately feels like she wants to get to know her, even though it is a terrible idea, but she does anyway and it all goes well until a person with extremely high privilege and abhorrent tasted arrived to take Xenobia and Urd away. This spurs the two on to escape, but will they be able to, it will trouble find them anyway and to what lengths will Xenobia go to to protect her friend?
This is a short story with plenty of action and emotional turmoil packed into it’s pages and is a brilliant novella by this author.
A short story that packs a lot into just a few pages. The intensity and the dialogue kept up the whole time but there’s still a lot of emotional pull throughout. This is a great opening into the first book of the series and I can’t wait to read more in this series.
There is a lot going on in this very short read. The author does pull you in from the get go. It does set the reader up for knowing the history behind the main character. I don’t typically read these types of books, however, it was very unexpected how everything turned out and the author’s descriptions and events kept me intrigued. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
This really wasn’t I expecting but I was pleasantly surprised, in a good way. it was a very short read but so worth it in every way. This book is a paranormal story, its like a pre book to the series, and I will be definitely reading the next book. So I’m very happy to read this one first. This book has some interesting things in it thou, living in a house for slaves, never making friends for they could leave, until one day two girls Xenobia and Urd are sold. This book really packs a punch from sadness, sorrow, to happy and exciting, to suspense, to fighting, love, and so much more, this book might be a fast read but it is so worth every bit of it.
Xenobia has the sixth sense to avoid falling victim to betrayal. At a young age, she knew not to trust anyone. That is, until Urd became her new roommate at the training center. Headmistress Xiomara assigns Xenobia to make sure that Urd learns the rules; she would be responsible for anything Urd failed. Somehow, Xenobia lets down her guard with Urd, and they become best friends. Unfortunately, every slave’s happiness comes to an end when the Chief Slave Traders arrive. Headmistress Xiomara takes Urd early in the morning. Xenobia worries throughout the day, and Urd enters the room after the night is half over. Xenobia notices a red welt on Urd’s back. The following morning, Urd doesn’t eat with Xenobia but goes to kneel before the Chief. Later that evening, Xenobia sees the man strike Urd. Xenobia attacks him and is thrown into an outbuilding in chains. The girls are sent to their new master together when they learn that Xenobia can heal Urd’s wounds. One evening, they learn that Prince Xavion is coming, and Xenobia knows they have to escape because Xavion’s reputation for his treatment of slaves is dire. Xenobia had hoped to find the rumored Underground so they could be freed from slavery. Now, they don’t have time and must escape before the prince arrives.
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia makes a solid foundation for the series by featuring Xenobia’s early life. Xenobia’s attachment to Urd becomes almost as though they are sisters. It becomes evident that Xenobia isn’t human since she has blue skin, can heal wounds, and has a feral anger that causes fangs to appear. The detail is excellent and doesn’t overwhelm the unpredictable plot. The novella is a quick read but is full of emotion and action that held my interest and left me eager to read the sequel.
This was a super quick 30 page read. But did those 30 pages pack a freaking emotional punch. I can’t say too much without spoiling however, I loved that we were shown Xenobia and given the small inkling that she is something more.
This book was so good. The author has created a very vibrant and engaging story that really captured my interest. I enjoyed the story and found myself vested in the future of Xenobia and Urd. I was so hoping that everything would work out for them in some way. This was a great start to the series and I really look forward to the next chapter.
I am utterly amazed at how well the author can craft a story in such a short amount of time! This was a very quick read that took me less than 30 minutes to get through, and I absolutely cannot wait to pick up the other books in the House Valdis series. I was gripped from the very first page as the author paints a vivid setting where women are mistreated and abused. Xenobia tries not to form relationships with anyone because people tend to go missing. When she meets Urd, her rules go out the window and they try to find a way through this awful life together. I don’t want to give anything away, but trust me, you’ll hang on to every last word through this short book. I highly recommend picking it up as you’ll probably find yourself reaching for the rest of the series as well!
House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie is a short prequel to The Rise of House Valdis and gives the reader a close look at the reality Xenobia faces as a slave. Held captive under many rules, the slaves have to be extremely careful what they do or say, otherwise they face severe punishments. Xenobia does not trust anyone or being close to people, except for her roommate, Urd. When they are sold to a new master, things really take a turn for them both and not in the best of ways.
Although a very fast read, this story was well-written and packed with a lot of details to give a good look into Xenobia’s earlier life. If you like tension and adventure, I highly recommend taking time to read this quick prequel!
This is a short story that progresses quickly but it is a really good story. It did leave me with a lot of questions and wanting more. The writer did a great job capturing my attention and since it was a short read I was able to read it quickly. I hope to see a continuation of the story and with more information about the main character and the underground.
A short paranormal story which takes place before the first ‘House of Valdis’ novel, and which I read in one sitting as it had me hooked. Once again the authors wonderful descriptive narrative brought both the intriguing characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The original storyline kept me happily turning the pages, and I loved the main character’s Xenobia and Urd. Xenobia has been raised in a society where women are treated like cattle and so she obeys the rules and tries not to draw attention to herself. The only person she is friendly with is her best friend Urd, and so when they are both bought by a man with extreme sadistic tendencies she plots their escape. However, when Urd overhears their Master’s ultimate plan for them the girls have no option but to run even though they are not prepared. They hope to find the underground movement and get to safety, but whilst on the run and with their lives in danger Xen learns that the price of rebellion is high. I loved the relationship between Xen and Urd and I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-02-15 17:07:262024-02-16 09:22:52House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is the prequel to the House of Valdis series. It is a quick read but packed with action, danger, suspense, emotions, and tension. The book gives Xenobia’s backstory and explains where she came from, the abuse her and her friend Urd endured, and the trauma they suffered. Xen is a strong character that I instantly felt my heart go out to for the life she had led, and all the horrors inflicted on her. Despite all that she persevered and never gave up hope. Xenobia is strong, resilient, smart, feisty, and determined. A great read with a riveting and heart-wrenching story that hooked me immediately and was impossible to put down. I look forward to the next book in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2024-02-15 17:05:532024-02-16 09:22:44House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Xenobia is a slave. She lives in a home of women who are sold off to the highest bidder. She knows not to get close to anyone since it’s only a matter of time before one of them goes missing. That is until her new roommate worms her way into Xen’s heart. Urd gets through Xen’s defences and an unbreakable friendship is created.
Xen’s friendship with Urd was going to be her downfall but she didn’t know just how bad it was going to get. Once the masters found out that if they torture Urd it also affects Xenobia, they started abusing Urd on the daily. Xenobia spent her evenings trying to find a way for the two of them to escape this hell. The question is, will they make it?
I love Naomi Valkyrie, their writing is so unique and every story is chalk full of excitement, action, angst and with a paranormal element. I honestly have not read something from this author I disliked. This was the prequel to ‘The Rise of House Valdis’ which I will be sure to read in the very near future!
In a society where being invisible is your best asset, Xenobia excels and thrives under her tendencies to blend. That is, until she meets Urd, and the two become fast friends. Suddenly, survival becomes a two-person necessity and Xenobia can’t just look out for herself. Unfortunately, Urd captures the attention of a rather sadistic Master and Xenobia overhears the plans he has for her. Xenobia knows the struggle is futile, but how can you abandon someone you care for? A storm brews on the horizon, and Xenobia knows things will never be same. This was an emotional and powerful prequel that left me wanting to dive deeper into the rest of the story!
The first book in this series and WOW! This was a very quick read but it really packed a punch. It was stuffed with a LOT in a little bit. It was intense and emotional. It kept me hooked the entire story and I flew through the pages. The author is an amazing story teller. I cannot wait to read more in the series!
When Xenobia arrived on Earth seven years ago she was given an opportunity to start over. Maggie, her best friend, is the only one who knows what she really is. Walking in on Maggie being beaten, Xen makes a split-second decision that begins a series of events which threaten to expose her true nature, and her heart.
With danger looming, Xen is required to face her trust issues and self-doubt in order to traverse the unexpected world she finds herself mixed up in. She must decide whether the lives of her chosen family are worth exposing her secret, and whether she is willing to accept her new role and the responsibility that comes with it.
Naomi Valkyrie, often called a Firebrand Provocateur, brings her unique Autistic perspectives and curiosities to life by weaving tales of deep connection, mystery, and romance. She is inspired by being able to spontaneously create a thought that takes on a life of its own, opening up new adventures for her readers.
The Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy realms are particular areas of interest for Naomi as they allow for the vast exploration of magic, adventure, and the impossible while creating diverse characters that her readers connect with on an emotional level.
When she isn’t attending to familial connections, Naomi loves a dark, comfy reading space surrounded by the symbolism of her spiritual archetypes and her daemon/familiars, while she sips her tea and immerses herself in imagination.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-02-15 00:04:432024-02-29 09:20:08The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie
Xenobia and Urd are slaves of a system that does not value women or girls. They are constantly assaulted and abused. Once they are bought by a master the things only turn to worse.
This horrific story is short and easy to read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2024-02-13 18:23:422024-02-16 09:06:06House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Paloma Fierro 2/13/24
House Valdis Origins: Xenobia By Naomi Valkyrie Review by: Susan Ratchford 5 Stars
Wow, I never thought a novella of 29 pages would elicit so much emotion from me. The relationship between Xen and Urd grabs you by the heart and won’t let go. Naomi Valkyrie creates a hard but interesting world that I can’t wait to read more about. This is a great introduction to her House Valdis series and I will be looking for my copy of The Rise Of House Valdis (her first book in the official series) very soon!
This is a quick but enjoyable read. I read this book in about half an hour and thoroughly enjoyed every page. It’s the beginning and lets you know where it all started. This book makes you very excited to read the series. Xenobia and Urd are treated badly. Xenobia steps in to help Urd and there may be consequences for her actions. This author always does a good job pulling me into any story I have read by her. I look forward to reading more by this author because I know it will be a good read. I recommend this short story.
What a way to jump into this world! This is a very short novella, but boy, does it pack a punch! I am looking forward to diving further into this world.
This brief origin story was genuinely dark and mysterious.
We follow Xenobia in this story as she attempts to be smart and safe in a dangerous environment, especially if you were female. Xenobia preferred to be by herself so no one paid too much attention to her. Head down and continue moving was a great motto to live by. However one day a young lady named Urd arrives and although she tries not to get close to her, Xenobia soon finds that they have an instant connection. A new friendship blossoms and soon Xenobia finds herself wanting to protect Urd.
Upon learning that a horrific gentleman bought them both, they wonder what they can do to save themselves from this horrific ordeal.
Xenobia soon learns things about herself that she could not imagine. This story had twists and turns that you will not expect. I think it is a great origin story to help explain a number of things about the characters.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.
This was a very short and easy read. It gave a great preview into the series following Xenobia discovering her powers and struggling to help others escape from slavery. It will pull you in and get you wanting to read more. Great writing by this author.
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