Criticism of the Valhalla series

== Rating Averages ==
As of July 20th, 2015, Valhalla maintains a 4.7/5 rating on Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Valhalla-Ari-Bach-ebook/dp/B00IFCP7Y4/ and a 4.35/5 rating on Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20587108-valhalla, with 46 ratings on Amazon 176 ratings on Goodreads. Ragnarök holds a 4.9/5 rating on Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Ragnarok-Valhalla-Book-Ari-Bach-ebook/dp/B00Q57M1SQ/ and a 4.47/5 rating on Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23442068-ragnar-k, with 10 ratings on Amazon and 51 ratings on Goodreads. Response is generally positive, as seen by the Charts:
Ratings continued a positive trend after the release of Book 3:
== Criticism ==
Despite this generally positive reception, Valhalla and Ragnarök have their share of detractors. Reasons given include the writing style, the violent content, the inclusion of homosexual characters, and the anti-religious views of some characters.
=== Writing Style ===
Bach has been heavily criticized by some readers (About 1/25 by the author's observation) who simply cannot stand the writing style. Reasons cited have included the snarky voice, bizarre word choice, overt narration of events and what some reviewers have called "unreadable prose." Others seem to enjoy these same characteristics and find the style fun and unique, but it remains what Bach considers the most legitimate criticism of his work.
=== Violent Content ===
Valhalla, and even more so Ragnarök, are extremely violent novels. Reviewers with negative reactions often cite the main character's "sociopathy" or lack of feeling, or her violent actions throughout the novel.
=== Homosexual Characters ===
Three of the main characters in Valhalla are lesbians, and this has inevitably drawn criticism from homophobic readers. Bach has been outspoken against such readers in contrast to the usual civil manner with which complaints are usually handled on The Walrus Squad blog.
=== Anti-Religious Sentiment ===
Balder's speech against religion has been cited as a clear author-insert of anti-religious sentiment. Bach has maintained that this is not the case, and that the religious views of the author cannot be guessed by the first two books alone, stating specifically that Balder's views are not exactly those of the author. Bach has implied Book 3 will reveal the authors attitude toward religion more clearly.
The Missionary nature of the antagonist military in Valhalla has also been cited as an example of anti-religion.
== References ==
Category:Real World Articles