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The Valkyrie Covenant #1
The Valkyrie Covenant
In a realm where the strongest Valkyrie rules, can Lena claim her throne?
Lena grapples with the absence of her parents and a mystery they left behind. But just as she’s beginning to unravel their secret and envision a ‘happily ever after’ with the man of her dreams, she’s unexpectedly propelled into an entirely new realm, Idirhalla.
Once a paradise for Odin’s immortal warriors, Idirhalla, is ruled by the Valkyrie queen. But the land is plagued by ominous catastrophes that threaten to destroy all realms, human and magical. Lena must rely on her newfound friends to embrace her birthright while developing her powers.
As tensions escalate, Lena finds herself leading a rebellion against the very people who forced her into power. In a world where the strongest Valkyrie rules, Lena must discover her inner power to claim her throne or the world she’s come to love will cease to exist
This is the first book of the Eternal Skies series and is inspired by Norse and Celtic mythology. It is a romantasy that features a slow-burn romance amidst a found family trope on a 'chosen one's' epic journey. Sprinkled with some Arthurian elements, Shakespeare, and Swan Lake vibes this book is a riveting tale of female empowerment.
Lena grapples with the absence of her parents and a mystery they left behind. But just as she’s beginning to unravel their secret and envision a ‘happily ever after’ with the man of her dreams, she’s unexpectedly propelled into an entirely new realm, Idirhalla.
Once a paradise for Odin’s immortal warriors, Idirhalla, is ruled by the Valkyrie queen. But the land is plagued by ominous catastrophes that threaten to destroy all realms, human and magical. Lena must rely on her newfound friends to embrace her birthright while developing her powers.
As tensions escalate, Lena finds herself leading a rebellion against the very people who forced her into power. In a world where the strongest Valkyrie rules, Lena must discover her inner power to claim her throne or the world she’s come to love will cease to exist
This is the first book of the Eternal Skies series and is inspired by Norse and Celtic mythology. It is a romantasy that features a slow-burn romance amidst a found family trope on a 'chosen one's' epic journey. Sprinkled with some Arthurian elements, Shakespeare, and Swan Lake vibes this book is a riveting tale of female empowerment.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
50 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 15, 2024
Loved this from the very first second! This book keeps you interested and has very well developed characters. The twists and turns are so well done. Lena is such a great character and her development is wonderful! I cannot wait to continue this series!!
February 17, 2025
4.5 rounded up to a 5!
I really really enjoyed this!! I would’ve finished it within a day had the weekend not got in my way lol. I loved the unique mix of Norse and Celtic Mythology!
“I’m perfectly capable of getting off this horse on my own.” “Oh, I’m aware,” he grins down at me, but leans in close to whisper in my ear, “I just wanted an excuse to touch ye.”
The first half was slower with the necessary world building, but still held my attention. It was beautiful and descriptive! The second half really takes off though.
“From here on out no one is allowed to lay a hand on ye and if I find out they ha’ I will personally remove it from their body. I don’t give a fuck who they are.”
I loved Lena’s character growth and I can’t wait to see her get vengeance in The Valkyrie Prophecy.
Lachlan, my boyyy. I love him sm. Giving him a Scottish accent was THE MOVE. 🥵
There’s no spice in this book, but the tension is 👩🍳💋
Running to sign up for an ARC of book 2, cause I can’t deal with the cliffhanger.
Read if you Enjoy:
❤️🔥 Fantasy Romance
⚔️ Norse Mythology x Celtic
❤️🔥 Found Family
⚔️ Slow Burn (like actually)
❤️🔥 One Horse 😮💨
⚔️ Shifters
❤️🔥 Demons 👀
I really really enjoyed this!! I would’ve finished it within a day had the weekend not got in my way lol. I loved the unique mix of Norse and Celtic Mythology!
“I’m perfectly capable of getting off this horse on my own.” “Oh, I’m aware,” he grins down at me, but leans in close to whisper in my ear, “I just wanted an excuse to touch ye.”
The first half was slower with the necessary world building, but still held my attention. It was beautiful and descriptive! The second half really takes off though.
“From here on out no one is allowed to lay a hand on ye and if I find out they ha’ I will personally remove it from their body. I don’t give a fuck who they are.”
I loved Lena’s character growth and I can’t wait to see her get vengeance in The Valkyrie Prophecy.
Lachlan, my boyyy. I love him sm. Giving him a Scottish accent was THE MOVE. 🥵
There’s no spice in this book, but the tension is 👩🍳💋
Running to sign up for an ARC of book 2, cause I can’t deal with the cliffhanger.
Read if you Enjoy:
❤️🔥 Fantasy Romance
⚔️ Norse Mythology x Celtic
❤️🔥 Found Family
⚔️ Slow Burn (like actually)
❤️🔥 One Horse 😮💨
⚔️ Shifters
❤️🔥 Demons 👀
February 11, 2025
Quite a few typos but I easily looked over them as this was such a phenomenal read. It immediately sucked me in. Great world building. Awesome characters and character building. Love the unique magic systems. Loved this read!
September 16, 2024
That last chapter should be illegal 😭
Overall review: a really good book that pulls you into its world, gives you all the cozy, Outlander, vibes. An excitingly different plot/world that I haven’t had a chance to read much of yet
I’m not very good at writing a serious or professional review so I’m going to do my best. I received an arc and I’m very grateful and excited to read the rest of this series as the books come out!
I would rate the first half probably 3 stars but the second half really had me hooked. I think what the first half was lacking for me was that tension and high stakes that came in the second half. I liked that there was some subtle foreshadowing and hints that, as a reader, I love to guess and theorize what could happen and how everything is tied together. I absolutely could not have guessed the ending though. I was crying and scared for the characters and rooting for them, basically everything you want at the end of a book.
I think the author did a great job of describing all of the places and smells and colors, really giving you everything you need to imagine yourself there. And I thought that the world building was really fun. I don’t typically read modern fantasy but it was really interesting to see how everything flowed so well together from our world to iridhalla.
I love the little found family she finds. Each side character feels like they should be there and really add so much to the book imo.
Lastly, I do wish there was a touch more romance. It is a slow burn romance, which I love, but I wish there were more lingering looks and things like that. I would have gladly read another 50 pages if it meant a little bit more romance and more scenes like the one we get of them all going out together.
Overall review: a really good book that pulls you into its world, gives you all the cozy, Outlander, vibes. An excitingly different plot/world that I haven’t had a chance to read much of yet
I’m not very good at writing a serious or professional review so I’m going to do my best. I received an arc and I’m very grateful and excited to read the rest of this series as the books come out!
I would rate the first half probably 3 stars but the second half really had me hooked. I think what the first half was lacking for me was that tension and high stakes that came in the second half. I liked that there was some subtle foreshadowing and hints that, as a reader, I love to guess and theorize what could happen and how everything is tied together. I absolutely could not have guessed the ending though. I was crying and scared for the characters and rooting for them, basically everything you want at the end of a book.
I think the author did a great job of describing all of the places and smells and colors, really giving you everything you need to imagine yourself there. And I thought that the world building was really fun. I don’t typically read modern fantasy but it was really interesting to see how everything flowed so well together from our world to iridhalla.
I love the little found family she finds. Each side character feels like they should be there and really add so much to the book imo.
Lastly, I do wish there was a touch more romance. It is a slow burn romance, which I love, but I wish there were more lingering looks and things like that. I would have gladly read another 50 pages if it meant a little bit more romance and more scenes like the one we get of them all going out together.
September 19, 2024
For a debut author/novel I was impressed! I personally felt it started a tad bit slow, but the second half really pulls you in. I got ACOTAR/Fourth Wing vibes. Overall it was a good read and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the second book!
Thank you JA Townsend for the ARC, I’m very grateful and think your readers will love this novel!
Thank you JA Townsend for the ARC, I’m very grateful and think your readers will love this novel!
March 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 stars
A really good time 🤌🏼 The pace of this is FAST so it makes it extremely easy to get into. The Norse/Celtic mythological elements are super interesting and I loved the world-building/magic system in this.
Looking forward to Lena and Lach's relationship growing and us getting even more depth from all characters in the next book!
A really good time 🤌🏼 The pace of this is FAST so it makes it extremely easy to get into. The Norse/Celtic mythological elements are super interesting and I loved the world-building/magic system in this.
Looking forward to Lena and Lach's relationship growing and us getting even more depth from all characters in the next book!
March 6, 2025
Wow this book went from 0-100 real quick! I will admit the book started off very slowly for me but towards the middle of the book it definitely turned up! I loved how Lena almost had an overnight transformation from being a meek, people-pleaser to a badass. I started by liking Odessa and then really really not liking her and Julius.
I liked the fact that J. A. Townsend included other cultures warriors in this book. I picked up on her use of Joan of Arc which made me very happy. I also loved the fighting/training scenes because I love when books have action. I was kind of annoyed that it took as long as it did for her and Lachland to kiss or admit they had feelings for each other since it was pretty blatant from the start but I can somewhat understand the need to do that since it built up suspense.
I thought Townsend built up the characters and the world nicely. While it was hard for me to visualize what the towns and characters looked like, I was glad she gave us some backstory on the main six characters. I thought the book flowed really well too and didn't jump around between different points of view all that much. My heart definitely broke for the main characters and their history but it made me very happy that they used what they went through as driving factors and didn't just play the victims.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books with awesome fight/battle scenes, mythology (mainly Norse but mentions of other mythologies), books with really bad ass main female characters, people who like incredibly mild spice in books and anyone who likes fast paced books. I will admit I found some grammatical errors but they were so few and far between that it didn't detract from the book all that much. Can't wait for the next book!
I liked the fact that J. A. Townsend included other cultures warriors in this book. I picked up on her use of Joan of Arc which made me very happy. I also loved the fighting/training scenes because I love when books have action. I was kind of annoyed that it took as long as it did for her and Lachland to kiss or admit they had feelings for each other since it was pretty blatant from the start but I can somewhat understand the need to do that since it built up suspense.
I thought Townsend built up the characters and the world nicely. While it was hard for me to visualize what the towns and characters looked like, I was glad she gave us some backstory on the main six characters. I thought the book flowed really well too and didn't jump around between different points of view all that much. My heart definitely broke for the main characters and their history but it made me very happy that they used what they went through as driving factors and didn't just play the victims.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books with awesome fight/battle scenes, mythology (mainly Norse but mentions of other mythologies), books with really bad ass main female characters, people who like incredibly mild spice in books and anyone who likes fast paced books. I will admit I found some grammatical errors but they were so few and far between that it didn't detract from the book all that much. Can't wait for the next book!
January 7, 2025
Overall I really love this book! I wasn’t too sure at first but now I can’t wait for book 2! Definitely 5 stars
The beginning was a little slow for me, but I think it was done really well to help develop Lena and Lachlan into the characters they are come the end of the book. The second half of the book has me absolutely hooked.
The amount of development from the characters is amazing and I think the pacing of the book is absolutely perfect. It’s not very often that I can actually get a good picture in my head about what’s happening or who the characters really are and the amount of description in the book really puts you into the space and you can almost see yourself there.
I also think the book represents the Norse mythology and culture very well, and for some of the creatures, realms, and the gods are explained very well for the readers who do not have that background information prior to reading.
November 13, 2024
From start to finish, I could not put this book down. J.A Townsend spends the first half of the book setting the scene and tapping into all your senses. There were several scenes where I felt like I was a fly on the watch watching everything happen in real time (even down to specific smells) because of her incredible talent of including intricate details.
While the first half of the book had a slower start, it built the story of what was to come and I appreciated all the minute details that would present themselves much bigger later on.
But, oh my goodness that ending!! What a twisty/turny/curvy/upside-down ride that was. All I can say is I hope book 2 is in the works. Great job!!! This book was so well-done.
While the first half of the book had a slower start, it built the story of what was to come and I appreciated all the minute details that would present themselves much bigger later on.
But, oh my goodness that ending!! What a twisty/turny/curvy/upside-down ride that was. All I can say is I hope book 2 is in the works. Great job!!! This book was so well-done.
September 17, 2024
Wow!! Amazing debut novel!!
I love the writing style in this book. J.A. Townsend does an amazing job of letting the reader make their own assumptions of the characters. Doesn't tell us so-and-so is this way. We learn each character through their conversations.
I loved the world building. She sets the scene and builds a vivid world for the reader to experience while keeping the story moving.
I was interested the entire way through the book, but the last 3rd... Oh. My. Goodness! That was a wild ending. So much happened. I loved the Valkyrie Covenant and can't wait to see what else Townsend has in store moving forward
I love the writing style in this book. J.A. Townsend does an amazing job of letting the reader make their own assumptions of the characters. Doesn't tell us so-and-so is this way. We learn each character through their conversations.
I loved the world building. She sets the scene and builds a vivid world for the reader to experience while keeping the story moving.
I was interested the entire way through the book, but the last 3rd... Oh. My. Goodness! That was a wild ending. So much happened. I loved the Valkyrie Covenant and can't wait to see what else Townsend has in store moving forward
September 22, 2024
I can’t say anything bad about this book!!!
This is outlander, Thor, and Percy Jackson all blended together for me! As a fan of Norse mythology and fantasy this book delivered on all my expectations mixed in bada$$ women doing bada$$ women things it will be more than worth your read! Yes you can say it starts off slow but as an advent fantasy reader I expect nothing less when you are creating a world! Gran is my absolute favorite and I hope to see more of her and her wisdom and maybe some badassery from her! That’s where I will stop cause I don’t want to spoil any part of this!!! Moral of the STORY GET THIS BOOK!!!!
This is outlander, Thor, and Percy Jackson all blended together for me! As a fan of Norse mythology and fantasy this book delivered on all my expectations mixed in bada$$ women doing bada$$ women things it will be more than worth your read! Yes you can say it starts off slow but as an advent fantasy reader I expect nothing less when you are creating a world! Gran is my absolute favorite and I hope to see more of her and her wisdom and maybe some badassery from her! That’s where I will stop cause I don’t want to spoil any part of this!!! Moral of the STORY GET THIS BOOK!!!!
September 24, 2024
I was honored to be selected as an ARC reader for this debut novel, and it certainly did not disappoint.
Townsend’s descriptive world building and conversational way of describing characters and their interpersonal relationships had me completely immersed in the halls of Lena’s family estate and the land of Idirhalla.
I’m not usually one to pick up a romantasy, but this slow burn had all of the action and suspense anyone can appreciate, and was a great tastebreaker that has me on the edge of my seat to see what happens next in both the land of Idirhalla and in the imagination of the clearly talented J.A. Townsend.
Townsend’s descriptive world building and conversational way of describing characters and their interpersonal relationships had me completely immersed in the halls of Lena’s family estate and the land of Idirhalla.
I’m not usually one to pick up a romantasy, but this slow burn had all of the action and suspense anyone can appreciate, and was a great tastebreaker that has me on the edge of my seat to see what happens next in both the land of Idirhalla and in the imagination of the clearly talented J.A. Townsend.
November 19, 2024
This book—whew! It’s so good. The vivid descriptions and storytelling completely captivated me. Out of the 10 books I’ve read this year, this one is my absolute favorite! I couldn’t put it down and often tore through 100 pages at a time. It was refreshing, entertaining, and scratched that mental itch in the best way.
Now I’m itching for the next book! Do yourself a favor and support this amazing new author. If you love fantasy, this is a must-read—especially during the cozy, cool months!The Valkyrie Covenant
Now I’m itching for the next book! Do yourself a favor and support this amazing new author. If you love fantasy, this is a must-read—especially during the cozy, cool months!The Valkyrie Covenant
April 22, 2025
I cannot believe that I know the person who wrote this book! And I cannot believe how amazing her writing is!
I absolutely love the world that Townsend has sucked me into, and I love all the lore that this book contains. I really liked how relatable Lena was, her panic/anxiety attacks are kind of refreshing to see in an MFC. I also just really loved how sweet Lachlan was, Lack and Key fit perfectly together!
There were a few slow points in this book, but it was able to pick up pretty quickly. I really liked that in this series the FMC didn’t seem totally lost as she entered a New World! I feel like a lot of writers will write the FMC off as kind of clueless when it comes to discovering a new world. All the characters around Lena did not treat her any less than them and did not treat her like an idiot. She was very knowledgeable, Thanks to her parents, about the new world she got dragged into. She seems totally capable of becoming the queen that she is.
I really do love a found family trope, and this one was so sweet! Lena really found her people. I just wish her family had been a bit more truthful to her.
I can’t wait to read the second one! Townsend is an amazing writer and everyone needs to read this book immediately.
I absolutely love the world that Townsend has sucked me into, and I love all the lore that this book contains. I really liked how relatable Lena was, her panic/anxiety attacks are kind of refreshing to see in an MFC. I also just really loved how sweet Lachlan was, Lack and Key fit perfectly together!
There were a few slow points in this book, but it was able to pick up pretty quickly. I really liked that in this series the FMC didn’t seem totally lost as she entered a New World! I feel like a lot of writers will write the FMC off as kind of clueless when it comes to discovering a new world. All the characters around Lena did not treat her any less than them and did not treat her like an idiot. She was very knowledgeable, Thanks to her parents, about the new world she got dragged into. She seems totally capable of becoming the queen that she is.
I really do love a found family trope, and this one was so sweet! Lena really found her people. I just wish her family had been a bit more truthful to her.
I can’t wait to read the second one! Townsend is an amazing writer and everyone needs to read this book immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Such a good read! She knows how to draw you into the world she’s created as well adore the characters. There’s action, romance & a lot that will keep you guessing/anticipating what’s coming next. I like how descriptive it is and how she’s set up a great foundation for a story I can’t wait to keep reading about. I enjoyed the slow and fast moving parts of this book and she’s earned a day 1 fan right here. For a first book, this is really impressive. I will continue to read & support J.A. Townsend through this journey & any others she creates!
November 10, 2024
As someone who is a huge fan of mythology, history, and romance, J.A Townsend did an incredible job of blending all three genres into a story that combines some of our favorite shows like Outlander and Vikings. I loved the book's fast pace and watching our FMC grow into the badass she is; this first book has fantasy and world-building at the forefront, the romance taking a backseat. There is no 🌶️ but the tension between our love interests keeps you wanting more. The cliffhanger was 👩🍳💋 can’t wait for book 2.
January 12, 2025
Oh My God 😮. How lucky am I that my very first book of 2025 ended up being a 5-star read. This book was so easy to get lost into, and I'm genuinely impressed by the world building and how beautifully written all the characters are.
And oh boy, that twist in the end; I can't. WoW. I can't wait for the sequel.
I would definitely, DEFINITELY recommend this book. Fantasy with a blend of Irish and Norse Mythology along with a sweet and satisfying romance; I'm so satisfied.
And oh boy, that twist in the end; I can't. WoW. I can't wait for the sequel.
I would definitely, DEFINITELY recommend this book. Fantasy with a blend of Irish and Norse Mythology along with a sweet and satisfying romance; I'm so satisfied.
March 13, 2025
This is a promising start to a new series. Interesting characters, a strong throughline, and an ending that is only partly resolved, signals a second volume in the offing.
I would have given this five stars but for the clear lack of proofreading. Tripping over poor grammar and typos is offputting, throwing the reader out of the fictive dream. I'd strongly recommend that the author invests in these services.
Nevertheless, I've preordered the next volume.
I would have given this five stars but for the clear lack of proofreading. Tripping over poor grammar and typos is offputting, throwing the reader out of the fictive dream. I'd strongly recommend that the author invests in these services.
Nevertheless, I've preordered the next volume.
December 30, 2024
This is an INCREDIBLE debut novel. It is a gripping book that will have you turning the page well into the night. The pace is fast but has fully fleshed out characters and development.
This was not rushed to publish, no shortcuts were taken & every detail is a clue as to what will come.
Read this book, I beg of you.
This was not rushed to publish, no shortcuts were taken & every detail is a clue as to what will come.
Read this book, I beg of you.
December 30, 2024
Picked this up on its debut after following the author on tiktok for quite some time.
Interesting concept and story as a first entry. If you like valkyries or portal fantasy this would be a good read for you!
I believe if I was rating this only as a debut novel it would be 5 stars. I see so much potential in this author and look forward to seeing their growth.
Interesting concept and story as a first entry. If you like valkyries or portal fantasy this would be a good read for you!
I believe if I was rating this only as a debut novel it would be 5 stars. I see so much potential in this author and look forward to seeing their growth.
January 10, 2025
Intriguing
It's a slow burn, to be sure, but it certainly builds on the drama before the end. Also, an interesting mingling of different mythologies (primarily Norse and Irish) in a way that I haven't seen done before. Definitely feels like a part one of two, so we shall have to see what the second part brings!
It's a slow burn, to be sure, but it certainly builds on the drama before the end. Also, an interesting mingling of different mythologies (primarily Norse and Irish) in a way that I haven't seen done before. Definitely feels like a part one of two, so we shall have to see what the second part brings!
did-not-finish
April 4, 2025DNF after 14%
The reason is simple: As a non native speaker I just can't deal with the written Scottish (?) accent. Ye, ken, ha', dinna, e.g "I ken what your Gran is trying to say is, ha’ ye given any thoughts on your future?" I just can't read it, every time I read one of those words it completely throws me off. The story might be good but I can't deal with this 🫠
The reason is simple: As a non native speaker I just can't deal with the written Scottish (?) accent. Ye, ken, ha', dinna, e.g "I ken what your Gran is trying to say is, ha’ ye given any thoughts on your future?" I just can't read it, every time I read one of those words it completely throws me off. The story might be good but I can't deal with this 🫠
October 14, 2025
5 ⭐️
Omg I love finding new authors and absolutely loving their work. This book had me so invested in the story and the ending is one thing I did not see coming and I’m so mad I don’t have the second book on hand. This is a book I think everyone needs to read it’s so good.
To J.A. Townsend I don’t know what you put in this book but I love it and I can’t wait to read the second book
Omg I love finding new authors and absolutely loving their work. This book had me so invested in the story and the ending is one thing I did not see coming and I’m so mad I don’t have the second book on hand. This is a book I think everyone needs to read it’s so good.
To J.A. Townsend I don’t know what you put in this book but I love it and I can’t wait to read the second book
September 22, 2024
Amazing read! The story was truly captivating. The author has an amazing ability of bringing the characters to life and putting you right in the action. This author has something cooking! I cannot wait for the next book!
November 8, 2024
Really good story
From not knowing who she really was to returning home and becoming a warrior Lena fights for her people to protect the realms. Lots of action and a great story people are going to enjoy this book.
From not knowing who she really was to returning home and becoming a warrior Lena fights for her people to protect the realms. Lots of action and a great story people are going to enjoy this book.
October 1, 2024
As soon as I started this book I did not want to put it down. I absolutely consumed it as fast as possible and I couldn’t be happier how the book ended! I can’t wait for book #2!!
October 5, 2024
Fantastic! Can’t wait to read more.
October 7, 2024
What a good read! A slower start, but picked up towards the middle of the book! Easy to follow and a great plot!
October 9, 2024
Absolutely loved this 🩷🩷🩷 Seriously could not put it down!
January 6, 2025
If you like a story about strong female find her family and her original origin definitely check this out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews