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Shadows of a Queen
They call him Bone-Drinker, the most feared raider in the North. And he has his sights set on the daughters of Kaldvik.
A new husband. A new village. A new life. Brynja thinks she’s found peace—until an old blood feud awakens, and she's torn from everything she knows. Subject to Bone-Drinker’s twisted games, she will face her darkest test yet.
But Brynja refuses to break.
As Kaldvik's new jarl, Svanhild must lead a desperate rescue into enemy territory—aided by the warrior who's stolen her heart, haunted by the man she betrayed. Haldis, with her völva magic, flies ahead with the help of a lost boy whose forbidden powers may be key to bringing Brynja home.
As the sisters race toward a brutal confrontation, each must duty or desire, vengeance or mercy, survival or sacrifice.
But in Bone-Drinker’s hall, the bravest choices carry consequences even a völva cannot foresee.
And when the battle is over, nothing will ever be the same.
Some queens are forged in shadows… and not all of them wear crowns.
Perfect for fans of The Last Kingdom, Vikings, and historical fantasy with strong female leads and complex family dynamics, SHADOWS OF A QUEEN delivers the shieldmaidens, völva magic, and fierce sisterhood that will leave you breathless.
Viking historical fantasy • Multiple POV • Found family • Forbidden romance • Enemies to lovers • Magic and prophecy
Book 3 in the Daughters of Valhalla series
A new husband. A new village. A new life. Brynja thinks she’s found peace—until an old blood feud awakens, and she's torn from everything she knows. Subject to Bone-Drinker’s twisted games, she will face her darkest test yet.
But Brynja refuses to break.
As Kaldvik's new jarl, Svanhild must lead a desperate rescue into enemy territory—aided by the warrior who's stolen her heart, haunted by the man she betrayed. Haldis, with her völva magic, flies ahead with the help of a lost boy whose forbidden powers may be key to bringing Brynja home.
As the sisters race toward a brutal confrontation, each must duty or desire, vengeance or mercy, survival or sacrifice.
But in Bone-Drinker’s hall, the bravest choices carry consequences even a völva cannot foresee.
And when the battle is over, nothing will ever be the same.
Some queens are forged in shadows… and not all of them wear crowns.
Perfect for fans of The Last Kingdom, Vikings, and historical fantasy with strong female leads and complex family dynamics, SHADOWS OF A QUEEN delivers the shieldmaidens, völva magic, and fierce sisterhood that will leave you breathless.
Viking historical fantasy • Multiple POV • Found family • Forbidden romance • Enemies to lovers • Magic and prophecy
Book 3 in the Daughters of Valhalla series
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
3 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ashley Hagood
7 books16 followersAshley Hagood crafts mythic fantasy brimming with action, magic, and heart. She especially loves writing complex, compassionate female characters whose convictions are as strong as their swords. A history major turned web designer, she swapped a career in video games for the adventure of being a full-time author.
Off the page, Ashley embarks on imaginary quests with her son, levels up in role-playing games like Dragon Age, and devours books. She lives in California with her husband, son, and a cat who’s convinced she’s a Valkyrie.
Off the page, Ashley embarks on imaginary quests with her son, levels up in role-playing games like Dragon Age, and devours books. She lives in California with her husband, son, and a cat who’s convinced she’s a Valkyrie.
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