What do you think?
Rate this book
Shieldmaiden #1
Shieldmaiden
"Just a girl," they said.
"Not a warrior," they laughed.
"Never a Viking," they mocked.
They were wrong.
I was raised by a shieldmaiden who taught me to wield a sword and stand my ground. Every step of the way, I had to prove I belonged—whether in the sparring circle or on the deck of Håkon Jarl's ship as we set sail for Denmark. But nothing could prepare me for the chaos of Hedeby, where foreign warriors and local thugs seemed determined to knock me down.
Now, on the brink of my first real battle, I’m facing more than just steel and shields. Betrayal and bloodshed threaten not only my life but everything I’ve fought to protect. The path ahead is brutal, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But I won’t back down.
Defy the odds. Witness my rise. Step into the saga of a shieldmaiden today.
"Not a warrior," they laughed.
"Never a Viking," they mocked.
They were wrong.
I was raised by a shieldmaiden who taught me to wield a sword and stand my ground. Every step of the way, I had to prove I belonged—whether in the sparring circle or on the deck of Håkon Jarl's ship as we set sail for Denmark. But nothing could prepare me for the chaos of Hedeby, where foreign warriors and local thugs seemed determined to knock me down.
Now, on the brink of my first real battle, I’m facing more than just steel and shields. Betrayal and bloodshed threaten not only my life but everything I’ve fought to protect. The path ahead is brutal, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But I won’t back down.
Defy the odds. Witness my rise. Step into the saga of a shieldmaiden today.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
149 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 28, 2024
Great Story
It’s been decades since I picked up a book in this genre, so I wasn’t sure if it would hold my interest or end up as a DNF. To my surprise, I was enthralled from the very first page. Every chapter brims with adventure and intrigue, pulling you deeper into the story. The plot unfolds naturally, and within just a few pages, I was hooked all the way to the final sentence. This is the kind of book that leaves you buzzing with excitement, your endorphins surging as you think, Wow, that was an amazing story. Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a free ARC version.
It’s been decades since I picked up a book in this genre, so I wasn’t sure if it would hold my interest or end up as a DNF. To my surprise, I was enthralled from the very first page. Every chapter brims with adventure and intrigue, pulling you deeper into the story. The plot unfolds naturally, and within just a few pages, I was hooked all the way to the final sentence. This is the kind of book that leaves you buzzing with excitement, your endorphins surging as you think, Wow, that was an amazing story. Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a free ARC version.
July 2, 2025
Great pacing, makes more sense to me now that it is book 2! I read out of order, but I was impressed by how well established characters were … loved the drama and intrigue, and the female protagonist but side characters as well. Cant wait to read the next one!
December 27, 2024
Watching this story continue was very enjoyable. It felt to be mostly about the end of one generation with the next emerging to take over. Hearing more about the history of Bethany and Ulv partnered with the growing pains experienced by Torra and friends reflected issues faced by young adults and power struggles of this time. The divisions between Christians and the Old Norse faith along with the vivid fights and battle scenes added to the realistic feel of the story. As a change brings sadness, another opportunity emerged that looks so promising for so many characters! I am looking forward to see what happens next!
January 25, 2025
What can I say? Another fantastic read by the team of Asli & Bakkejord!
This isn’t the first story I’ve read by this writing duo and it sure won’t be the last! They bring the age of the Vikings to vivid life in their tales. In this story, we have a trio of friends who go through their first battle together as they grow from children to warriors. I’ll warn you though, the ending of this story is not only very sad but also has a bit of a shock included. I can’t wait to see where these two take Eirik, Ullserk and Tora next.
This isn’t the first story I’ve read by this writing duo and it sure won’t be the last! They bring the age of the Vikings to vivid life in their tales. In this story, we have a trio of friends who go through their first battle together as they grow from children to warriors. I’ll warn you though, the ending of this story is not only very sad but also has a bit of a shock included. I can’t wait to see where these two take Eirik, Ullserk and Tora next.
April 10, 2025
I enjoyed Shieldmaiden even more than the first book, The Shieldmaiden's Daughter. It's fast-paced with a variety of interesting characters. I love how Tora is a warrior but makes mistakes as she's young and still learning about the world around her. She has quality friends and a bit of a love interest on the side. I enjoyed the addition of Two-Axed. And that ending! It makes me want to read the next book as soon as possible! I received an ARC, and my review is voluntary.
October 20, 2025
Second book did not disappoint!
Another fantastic book.
I follow the old ways and honour my ancestors, God's and Goddesses.
My heritage is British (Scottish, Irish, English) and french.
So, I was worried about the Christian element, but, as a pagan/heathen raised by a Christian mum who was my hero and died suddenly in her 50s, I connected so deeply with this book.
Looking forward to the next one! Thank you.
Another fantastic book.
I follow the old ways and honour my ancestors, God's and Goddesses.
My heritage is British (Scottish, Irish, English) and french.
So, I was worried about the Christian element, but, as a pagan/heathen raised by a Christian mum who was my hero and died suddenly in her 50s, I connected so deeply with this book.
Looking forward to the next one! Thank you.
December 28, 2024
Keep the tissues handy
Watching the Terrifying Trio of Tora, Ullserk, and Eirich Raude grow from cocky adolescents to battle hardened warriors hits all the emotions. A must read if you enjoy Norse history combined with coming of age drama.
Watching the Terrifying Trio of Tora, Ullserk, and Eirich Raude grow from cocky adolescents to battle hardened warriors hits all the emotions. A must read if you enjoy Norse history combined with coming of age drama.
January 7, 2025
Knowing how to fight is important especially for a Viking, but for a girl , impossible! But she proves her worth when a battle starts. Absolutely intriguing and full of danger. Not to be missed once again. Fantastic.
May 10, 2025
Shieldmaiden was an interesting read. Science fiction and mythical ancient history are not my favorite subjects. To others more in tune with those genres, this novel may well be a five star book. I enjoyed it and read it in two days.
May 12, 2025
Brilliant
What a great. Read, the characters were thrilling and believable. The story was full of twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed book book! Well done for creating believable characters!
What a great. Read, the characters were thrilling and believable. The story was full of twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed book book! Well done for creating believable characters!
May 29, 2025
easy & enjoyable read
Good alternative take from a female warriors POV . Looking forward to the next chapters , which hopefully won’t be too far away .
Well worth the time to read !
Good alternative take from a female warriors POV . Looking forward to the next chapters , which hopefully won’t be too far away .
Well worth the time to read !
May 11, 2025
Great advenrure
Well written engaging tale of Viking times full of adventure and to me realistic battles.
It keeps you wanting more .
Well written engaging tale of Viking times full of adventure and to me realistic battles.
It keeps you wanting more .
April 21, 2025
❤️❤️An exceptional adventure!!
Tora finally went to the big party which ended the fighting.
She had to congratulate her friend and brother Ullserk who had won.
Their friend Eirik Raude had joined them and the beer was flowing...
******
An exceptional adventure to read, immersing yourself in a dangerous and exotic ancient world, with a mysterious background plot, successful characters and a super endearing main character.
The ending of the novel is incredible!
I hope there will be a sequel!
Tora finally went to the big party which ended the fighting.
She had to congratulate her friend and brother Ullserk who had won.
Their friend Eirik Raude had joined them and the beer was flowing...
******
An exceptional adventure to read, immersing yourself in a dangerous and exotic ancient world, with a mysterious background plot, successful characters and a super endearing main character.
The ending of the novel is incredible!
I hope there will be a sequel!
December 22, 2024
The story of Tora, the daughter of a Viking king who was raised by a shieldmaiden. Trained in the ways of battle, Tora is chosen to join Håkon Jarl's warband on a perilous journey to Denmark. In the bustling trade city of Hedeby, she faces challenges from foreign warriors and local thugs even before the battle begins. As war looms, Tora must navigate betrayals and doubts within her own ranks, proving her strength and courage in a world where survival is the ultimate challenge.
June 9, 2025
Shieldmaiden book 2
This book kept me enthralled from start to finish. It carried on from the first book seamlessly equally tantalising to the other events and stories still to be told.
This book kept me enthralled from start to finish. It carried on from the first book seamlessly equally tantalising to the other events and stories still to be told.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews