Jorunn, Shieldmaiden of Hárfell

by Edale Lane

Honor, oaths, and dark omens.

Jorunn, a mighty shieldmaiden, values honor and keeps her vows. Overwhelmed by a superior force, Jorunn’s side loses a battle, and she becomes a prisoner. What good will her virtues serve if her conquering foe executes the captives?

Despite her firm objections, Yngvi’s father, the ruler who has taken Jorunn, has decreed she must marry a much older jarl to seal an alliance. Yngvi, feeling powerless over her own life, insists on keeping Jorunn as her thrall.

While Yngvi tries to regain some control by ordering Jorunn around, the land and its people receive an ominous threat. Enter the alluring and mystical Madlen, a member of an order of holy women that protects the realm against the fiery Jötnar of Muspelheim. Despite Yngvi’s suspicions, Jorunn finds herself captivated by the beautiful sister of the Eldríss Hringr.

Could undead monsters and years of looming darkness be just around the corner? Nothing is as it seems when these three pledge to do their parts to save Miðgarðr from certain destruction.

Jorunn, Shieldmaiden of Hárfell is the novella prequel to the novel, The Long Winter of Miðgarðr, A Tale of Norvegr. Look for it on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

114 pages, ebook

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Edale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.

Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.

Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95

Reviews

[Annotations&Air · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOWZA! This was a free book I picked up for Pride and I am super impressed! I am not usually drawn to Norse mythology or history, but this was so well done I was drawn in immediately. Great world-building, authentic language and cultural references, and nice even pacing with exciting action and just a touch of sapphic romance. I am definitely reading the next one!

[Wes McGie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Edale Lane has written a wonderful historical novella that is a prequel to The Long Winter of Miðgarðr. I will definitely get the new book, along with the other books in the Tales from Norvergr series, after reading this book. Jorunn is a terrific, kick-ass woman and I can’t wait to see what happens to her. I love the historical details. I learned a lot about Viking life and their lore. Being a novella prequel, this book gave us just a taste of what is to come, and it left me wanting more.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the spring of the year 531 CE. Jorunn is a shieldmaiden, a highly trained and skilled warrior, used to victory and the high honor that accompanies it. But this time her band of warriors is handed a crushing defeat and she is taken hostage.

Yngvi is the adult daughter of the Fylkir of the town where Jorunn has been taken. Yngvi, at the age of 16, is set to be married off to a neighboring Jarl, which would benefit the future and security of both communities. Yngvi is not in the least happy with the plan. She decides she might at least gain some control over her situation, if her father would allow her to keep the shieldmaiden as a thrall to be her servant and protector.

For Jorunn, it was not the perfect arrangement, but it was better than death.

It is here that the adventures begin. A message of concern is delivered. A mysterious Holy woman pays a visit and catches Jorunn’s eye (which does bother Yngvi). Madlen (the holy woman) is intriguing and may have some secrets.

The three ladies are vital to the story and all play important parts in this prequel and in the upcoming novel. Jorunn is much more than a shieldmaiden, Yngvi eventually shows her true potential, and Madlen will keep you guessing.

I recommend grabbing this quick read novella, then you’ll find yourself anticipating the continuation of the story in The Long Winter of Midgardr. You’ll not be disappointed!

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually not a historic romance fan, but this book is well written, the story grabs me until the last page. I am so glad that I didn't live in the dark age when women were mere birth machines and housekeepers, with very little power at all. I admire Jorunn, the brave young shieldmaiden with extraordinary strength and fighting skill, who also is kind and loyal. I feel very sorry for the teenager bride, even though she is the daughter of the mighty warlord, she has no free will of deciding who to marry and has to marry some stranger twice her age and treat women horribly. This is the beginning of Jorunn's adventure and I am very excited for what will happen next. The author's masterful description teleported us to the ancient world, it is like watching an epic saga unfolding in a wide movie screen.

[Minishca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been following Edale’s Norvegr world then add this to the top of your TBR pile because you will not be disappointed. It is an appetising introduction to the upcoming novel ‘The long winter of Midgard, A tale from Norvegr’ and a continuation of our exploration of her detailed Norvegr world building. The writing flows really well and the protagonists are described in such a way that we are easily drawn into the storyline and propelled to continue reading if only to see more of themselves revealed. It is definitely worthy of a 5 star review!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella quickly provides a look into the era and lives of the Vikings, and introduces readers to Jorunn, a shieldmaiden whose band of warriors was defeated. She ends up as a thrall to a younger woman soon to be married off to a stranger. There’s also a nun of sorts who intrigues Jorunn. This is a strong introduction to this new world, which is developed well enough to give readers a sense of what might come next. I’m impatiently awaiting the book to come.

[Sallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella. I have not read the previous books in the series, but this did leave me wanting to know more of what happens to Jorunn and Yngvi. It was interesting to be given a window into another time and culture, and I will be exploring this series more.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The MC was well drawn and I rooted for her throughout. I love this author's tales of Novegr. A lot of detail to keep you engrossed in the world and enough action to keep you focused on the story. Such a winning combination. Can't wait for the next book.