NORAM OVERLAND EXPRESS--a mode of transportation that runs from Canada down to Honduras. The Overland is neither a train nor a bus but rather an odd hybrid that makes travel much faster and easier. The double-decker carriage straddles several lanes of the highway with a three-meter gap beneath large enough to accommodate the average hovercraft. It runs on rails located on either side of the highway, with a fixed route similar to a train, and it can reach speeds as high as 125 miles per hour.
NORNEWSNOW--a twenty-four-hour news network, with the main station based in Chicago. Ellery Park is one of their lead reporters.
OKROSHKA--a Russian soup that's essentially a salad of diced boiled eggs, horseradish, scallions, and potatoes covered in a broth made of kvas (a fermented cola-like beverage without carbonation) and served with a dollop of sour cream on top.
OLITAU--large demonic immortal bats, with a twelve-foot wingspan, black fur, and red wings. Though they are originally from Cameroon, the Gates of Kurnugia has a very large population, with many immortals breeding and raising them. The olitau have excretions that can be turned into expensive black-market wares.
OLRUN--one of the original nine Valkyries created by Odin; also the name of her emerald sword. Name roughly translates to "secret" or "rune."
ORESA OZIEN INCANTATION--the name itself means "owned by darkness" in Enochian, and it is used in cases of possession. It only works when spoken by an Eralim or Seraph. It is important to physically touch the suspected possessed person while saying, "Bolape voresa, oresa noco! Elasa biab ge de oi goaanu!" Which means "Get out, dark servant! You are not of this creation!" in Enochian.
ORICHALCUM--a metallic substance found only in the Lost City of Atlantis. It is considered to be unbreakable. It is brassy with a red hue.
ORISHA--helpful immortal spirits that guide lost souls around Zianna.
PALMITO FRESCO ASSADO--fresh-baked palm heart. It has a mild flavor with a nutty, creamy center.
PERENELLE'S CHILDREN--a street gang named after Perenelle and Nicolas Flamel, famous alchemists from the 1300s. The gang is known for their neon colors and cyberpunk style, and their emblem is the Flamel symbol. They are all Cambions or lower-level demons, and generally pretend to be interested in alchemy but usually just cause minor trouble. The gang is from New Edgewater.
PETRO LOA--an immortal being that exists in an ageless human form. Loas are considered benign spirits, while Petro indicates a type of loa renowned for being fiery, passionate, and strong-willed.
PINK TOURMALINE--a crystal that is used to connect others with love.
PISHACHA--flesh-eating demonic immortals with a mostly humanoid form, but they also have bulging red eyes and rows of pointed teeth. They struggle to survive in the United States, which bans the consumption of sentient flesh under the Every Feeling Act, and they often rely on black markets and "vegetarian" substitutions.
A PLACE FOR DREAMING--a mossy overgrown gazebo on an outcropping of large rocks in the center of Skarpaker Park in Chicago.
PONTIANAK--female vampiric immortal ghouls that usually take a beautiful human female form. They are tormented and carnivorous, and they lure their victims by imitating the sound of an infant crying. There is a large population of Indonesian emigrated Pontianaks in the New Edgewater district of Chicago, and despite the fact that they do not kill or hunt because of the Every Feeling Act, they still often call and cry out in the night.
PUDLA--an Indian crepe/pancake-like food made with chickpeas. It can be sweet or savory, and it is often served with chutney.
RA--an immortal god with a human body and a falcon head worshipped in Egypt.
RAMEN--Japanese deep-fried noodles that are inexpensive and easy to make.
RASSOLNIK--a Russian hot soup in a salty-sour cucumber base. Typical rassolnik is made with kidneys, brine, root vegetables, and barley.
RAVENSWOOD ACADEMY--a well-respected post-secondary educational institution. It is operated in conjunction with the Evig Riksdag, and it specializes in training for supernatural and supernatural-adjacent careers for those who lack any abilities themselves, particularly humans and the mortal offspring from mixed parentage.
THE RED RAVEN--a vibrant nightclub where demons hang out located in the Aizsaule District and owned by the demon Velnias.
RHUBARB CHUTNEY--a spicy condiment made of rhubarb with vinegar, spices, and sugar.
ROTA--one of the original nine Valkyries created by Odin; also the name of her dark indigo sword. Name roughly translates to "sleet and storm."
SACRORUM WING--a wing in Ravenswood Academy filled with important and sacred books. Its creation and maintenance is a joint effort on the part of the elite board of education and the Evig Riksdag, who both believe that some texts contain information too valuable and dangerous to be distributed en masse, and they fear that digital media is vulnerable to piracy. Many historical texts have been transferred onto digital formats, but the Sacrorum is dedicated to preserving and sharing texts that aren't permitted to ever be digitized. As an added level of security, the ever watchful Sinaa protect the knowledge and contents of the wing fiercely.
SALVARI BALM--an antibiotic and antidemonic supernaturally infused bacitracin. It is bubbly and blue in appearance. The name comes from the Old French word salvari, which means to "save" or "defend."
SAMBUSA--a popular Somalian baked dish, it is a fried triangular pastry filled with seasoned lentils and potatoes.
SERAPHIM--the divine immortal beings that work in the highest levels of the Evig Riksdag. While they have a humanoid form, they are difficult for mortals and most immortals to look at. They are described as possessing an ethereal beauty and glowing brightly. Singular is "seraph."
SHARUR--an ancient flail mace, created thousands of years ago in Sumeria. It has a long bronze staff with a gruesome spiked head made of iron attached to it by a chain. Most notably, it has the power to fly to its owner when called.
SHE'OL--a city in Kurnugia controlled by the god of destruction, Abaddon. The nearest city to Zianna, and also one of the largest in Kurnugia. It is surrounded by jagged rocks and a magma moat. It's a very dark city, but large, with lots of noise and red light.
SHUNKA WARAKIN--large hyena-dire wolf carnivorous immortals. They have mottled orange and black fur, sloping backs, stubby tails, and short hind legs, giving them a hunchbacked appearance. Their heads are similar to that of wolves, though much larger and broader.
SIBUDU KEY--an ancient crescent-shaped stone made of sandstone and quartz that allows entrance into Kurnugia. It was discovered with other ancient artifacts in the Sibudu Cave of South Africa. The key was created 60,000 to 65,000 years ago, but the creator is unknown.
SIGRUN--one of Odin's original nine Valkyries; also the name of her purple sword. Name roughly translates to "victory rune" in old Norse.
SIMURGH--a massive feathered immortal beast with the body of a white lion, the crimson head of dog, two gigantic brightly colored wings of emerald and violet, and a tail made of long, vibrant peacock-esque plumages. Most commonly found in Persia.
SINAA--knowledge-obsessed immortals. They have the appearance of jaguars, with many eyes hidden in their spots. They are most known for guarding the Sacrorum Wing in Ravenswood Academy, although they are originally from Brazil.
SIRRUSH--a scaly immortal dragon with hind legs resembling the talons of an eagle, feline forelegs, a long neck and tail, a horned head, a snake-like tongue, and a crest.
SKARPAKER PARK--a twenty-five-acre park in Chicago on the edge of the LaBagh Woods. In the very center of the park is its namesake--a large stone inscribed with an eschatological verse in the old language of the gods. It was unearthed in a freak earthquake centuries ago, with jagged edges poking out from the middle of the empty field, which was how it had earned its name--Skarpaker means "sharp field." Also in the park: A Place for Dreaming gazebo, Dene rock outcropping, Window to Forever art installation, Portello Pavilion over the Great Lawn, Emmanuel Wooded Garden, Fountain of Fates, and a playground.
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p; SKOGUL--one of the original nine Valkyries created by Odin; also the name of her honey-colored sword. Name roughly translates to "high-towering."
SOLAMENTUM--ochre-colored crystals made with ginger, angelic toadstool, and codeine to help with pain and inflammation.
SOLARSTEINN--a sun stone used like a compass. Whoever is holding must focus on what they want most, and the stone uses light to guide them to it. Created by Vikings in the early 1000s BCE.
SORCELLERIE GRIMOIRE--a book of magic and history that has been in the Warren family for generations. Sorcellerie roughly translates to "sorcery or witchcraft" in French, and grimoire means "spell book or magic text book" from French derivation, so it roughly means "sorcery spell book." It is a thick, heavy book that smells of dust and sage. The cover is leathery black with a lustrous sheen, and an iridescent bornite (Peacock Ore) crystal is inlaid in its cover. It is approximately 9.5 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 2 inches thick.
SOURSOP WINE--white wine made from the soursop plant in Belize. Tart but sweet.
SUGARLAND--a midsized city in Texas, it's the halfway point between Chicago and the Gates of Kurnugia. It's also the final NorAm Overland Express stop in the United States before Mexico.
SUP D'YAVOLA--a Russian restaurant in the Aizsaule District that only serves soup and alcohol. The name literally translates to "The Devil's Soup."
TARTARUS--a city in Kurnugia controlled by Perses. A cliff-face town, across from the Acheron Gorge.
TELL BRAK--a site in Syria where mass graves dating from 3800 to 3600 BCE have been unearthed, suggesting advanced warfare around this period.
THAUMATURGY--the study of magic, and one of the more popular majors at Ravenswood Academy. Twentieth-century Druid Isaac Bonewits defined it as "the art and science of 'wonder working,' using magic to actually change things in the physical world."
THRUD--one of the original nine Valkyries created by Odin; also the name of her pink sword. Name roughly translates to "strength."
TRASGU--impish humanoid immortals with horns and a tail. They often walk bowlegged with a limp.
TYRFING--a magical Norse sword that never misses a strike. It's a two-handed long sword, approximately forty-three inches in length, and it has a golden hilt.
UNSEEN ENCHANTMENT--a spell of concealment. "Omnium visibilium et invisibilium omnium manemus" means "all things visible and invisible, to all we remain unseen" in Latin. Used in conjunction with the smoke from a Valerian root candle.
USW--stands for "ultrasonic weapon." USWs are considered a nonlethal weapon, using high-powered sound waves to incapacitate opponents.
VALHALLAN CLOAK--a hooded cloak created by Odin that protects the wearer from most physical or magical attacks. It has a very distinct appearance, looking as if the night sky had somehow been turned into a fabric.
VANAHEIMR--the plane beyond earth where the Vanir gods live. Not much is known about it, since the Vanir gods are very private, having retreated from interactions with humans several millennia ago.
VANIR--the highest immortal beings of creation; the ones that create all the laws that govern how life exists on earth. The Vanir gods include: Odin (Norse), Zeus (Greek), Hunab-Ku (Mayan), Jupiter (Roman), Ra (Egyptian), Bondye (Voodoo), and Buga (Slavic), among many others.
VEGVISIR--an old Norse sigil meant to help those who are lost or need protection.
VORDR--the Evig Riksdag's elite security team. Its officers are entirely mortal, as the Evig Riksdag needs protection from immortals almost exclusively. The Vordr officers use specialized military equipment and tactics to enforce the laws of Evig Riksdag and to protect the Seraphim, Eralim, and Valkyries who work within it. Their insignia is the three horns of Odin on an eagle.
WAGYL--a rainbow serpent.
WENDIGO--a humanoid immortal being with antlers and skin falling off its bones. Wendigos are known to be cannibalistic and do not adhere to the Every Feeling Act. Because of that, there are very few known to be living outside of prison in the United States, despite the fact that they are native to North America.
WINDOW TO FOREVER--an art installation in Skarpaker Park. It is a large, curved, concave circle of polished stainless steel located next to the lake and near the Dene.
WOLF RIVER DISTRICT--a former warehouse district in Chicago. As industry and manufacturing moved out of the city, the warehouses were vacant and soon converted to a residential neighborhood. It is also home to a large population of Fallen angels and demons.
WOLPERTINGER--a mortal domesticated lagomorph; closely related to rabbits and jackelopes. It has two small fanged teeth, plush fur, feathered wings, two tiny antlers, and two large ears. They make good house pets.
ZALTYS--mortal grass snakes. Their blood has been found to be helpful in fertility potions, and their meat is considered a delicacy in Lithuania.
ZIANNA--a peaceful enchanted city in Kurnugia where divine immortals reside. It is surrounded by seven gates.
ALSO BY AMANDA HOCKING
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Wake
Lullaby
Tidal
Elegy
Frostfire
Ice Kissed
Crystal Kingdom
Freeks
Between the Blade and the Heart
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Hocking is the author of more than twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influences her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book. You can sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
The Valkyrie Proclamation
Note on Letter
Epigraph
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter
Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Chapter Sixty
Chapter Sixty-One
Chapter Sixty-Two
Chapter Sixty-Three
Chapter Sixty-Four
Chapter Sixty-Five
Chapter Sixty-Six
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Chapter Seventy
Chapter Seventy-One
Chapter Seventy-Two
Chapter Seventy-Three
Chapter Seventy-Four
Chapter Seventy-Five
Chapter Seventy-Six
Chapter Seventy-Seven
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Chapter Seventy-Nine
Chapter Eighty
Chapter Eighty-One
Chapter Eighty-Two
Chapter Eighty-Three
Chapter Eighty-Four
Chapter Eighty-Five
Chapter Eighty-Six
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Chapter Eighty-Eight
Chapter Eighty-Nine
Chapter Ninety
Chapter Ninety-One
Epilogue
Glossary
Also by Amanda Hocking
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
FROM THE EARTH TO THE SHADOWS. Copyright (c) 2018 by Amanda Hocking. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.wednesdaybooks.com
www.stmartins.com
Cover design by Kerri Resnick Cover photo illustration by Peter Bollinger/Shannon Associates Library of Congress Control Number for print edition: 2018931152
ISBN 978-1-250-08480-4 (trade paperback) ISBN 978-1-25008483-5 (ebook) eISBN 9781250084835
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First Edition: April 2018
1 Vanaheimr is the location of the gods; it is generally considered to exist on a plane beyond ours.
2 The battle here is believed to be in the former city of Nawar, now known as the burial site in Tell Brak. This is one of only two written accounts referencing this particular battle, so not much is known, but thousands of bodies have been unearthed in recent history, concurring with Odin's story of a bloody fight. Some historians think this might be the first ever recorded war, but more evidence is needed for this author to confidently state that.