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Viking Lore #2
Shieldmaiden's Revenge
Step into the lush, sensual world of the Vikings with Shieldmaiden’s Revenge (Viking Lore, Book 2):
Madrena burns hot for revenge against the man who attacked her village and shattered her life five years ago. When a dark-haired stranger named Rúnin washes ashore in her village, he promises to be her guide in exchange for his freedom. Though Rúnin knows the man Madrena seeks, his life depends on keeping her at a distance, lest her sharp gray eyes discover the secret he must protect at all costs.
Despite the danger, Madrena risks trusting Rúnin. The two travel deep into the Northland wilds, only to be entangled in a world of secrets and peril. Even as they resist the heat that crackles between them, the fires of desire rival those for vengeance. But when Madrena’s plans are threatened, will the fierce shieldmaiden choose love over war? And can Rúnin save them both from their pasts?
Madrena burns hot for revenge against the man who attacked her village and shattered her life five years ago. When a dark-haired stranger named Rúnin washes ashore in her village, he promises to be her guide in exchange for his freedom. Though Rúnin knows the man Madrena seeks, his life depends on keeping her at a distance, lest her sharp gray eyes discover the secret he must protect at all costs.
Despite the danger, Madrena risks trusting Rúnin. The two travel deep into the Northland wilds, only to be entangled in a world of secrets and peril. Even as they resist the heat that crackles between them, the fires of desire rival those for vengeance. But when Madrena’s plans are threatened, will the fierce shieldmaiden choose love over war? And can Rúnin save them both from their pasts?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2015
206 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Emma Prince
54 books273 followersUSA Today bestselling author Emma Prince whisks readers away to another time and place with her steamy historical romances—where the passion is legendary, the adventure never ends, and the happily ever afters are guaranteed!
After several years as a college English instructor (where she savored her “fun books”—usually historical romances—on the side), Emma turned her love of page-turning, richly historical stories into a career. She lives in drizzly Seattle with her husband, their daughter (the wee lass) and a crazy cat named Oban (after the town in Scotland or the whisky made there, depending on who you ask).
Emma loves connecting with readers! Sign up for her newsletter at www.EmmaPrinceBooks.com and be the first to hear about the latest book news, flash sales, giveaways, and more. Plus, receive a free historical romance story when you join.
Follow Emma on Amazon and BookBub for alerts on sales and new releases. Or join her on Facebook for loads of fun at: www.facebook.com/EmmaPrinceBooks.
After several years as a college English instructor (where she savored her “fun books”—usually historical romances—on the side), Emma turned her love of page-turning, richly historical stories into a career. She lives in drizzly Seattle with her husband, their daughter (the wee lass) and a crazy cat named Oban (after the town in Scotland or the whisky made there, depending on who you ask).
Emma loves connecting with readers! Sign up for her newsletter at www.EmmaPrinceBooks.com and be the first to hear about the latest book news, flash sales, giveaways, and more. Plus, receive a free historical romance story when you join.
Follow Emma on Amazon and BookBub for alerts on sales and new releases. Or join her on Facebook for loads of fun at: www.facebook.com/EmmaPrinceBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 8, 2018
Another in a Fantastic Series
4.5 Stars
Another good one from Prince. This one wasn’t my favorite and that was mostly because of heroine Madrena. It was hard for me to like her. I understand her and why she is the way she is, I like the tough lady warrior, but she is so stubborn to the point of being stupid!
She was so focused on her revenge plot that she nearly destroyed several innocent lives.? I can’t sympathize.
I did like how her journey ended. I wasn’t sure where it was going but it wrapped itself up nicely. Runin was the typical bulking, sexy, and strong hero. Nothing wrong with that! I liked their relationship and how even after they slept together they still had so far to go in their relationship. Runin & Madrena both definitely had their own self journeys to go on while still managing to come together as a couple and I thought that was written really well.
The long drawn out scene with the hunter/trapper was way too long and also made no sense. It didn’t make sense to me that two accomplished warriors were afraid of a hunter. Why? They should have just waited for him at his camp and killed him in the first place. It was two against one and Madrena had spent the whole book talking about what a great warrior she was.
I have read every book published by Emma Prince, she is one of my favorite authors. She is consistent in her writing ability, usually earning 4-5 stars from me. This is my 3rd favorite of the Viking Lore Trilogy. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
4.5 Stars
Another good one from Prince. This one wasn’t my favorite and that was mostly because of heroine Madrena. It was hard for me to like her. I understand her and why she is the way she is, I like the tough lady warrior, but she is so stubborn to the point of being stupid!
She was so focused on her revenge plot that she nearly destroyed several innocent lives.? I can’t sympathize.
I did like how her journey ended. I wasn’t sure where it was going but it wrapped itself up nicely. Runin was the typical bulking, sexy, and strong hero. Nothing wrong with that! I liked their relationship and how even after they slept together they still had so far to go in their relationship. Runin & Madrena both definitely had their own self journeys to go on while still managing to come together as a couple and I thought that was written really well.
The long drawn out scene with the hunter/trapper was way too long and also made no sense. It didn’t make sense to me that two accomplished warriors were afraid of a hunter. Why? They should have just waited for him at his camp and killed him in the first place. It was two against one and Madrena had spent the whole book talking about what a great warrior she was.
I have read every book published by Emma Prince, she is one of my favorite authors. She is consistent in her writing ability, usually earning 4-5 stars from me. This is my 3rd favorite of the Viking Lore Trilogy. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
April 12, 2024
Madrena’s story
Madrena had been training as a warrior for the past 5 years, ever since their village was raided and she was raped. She feels she is ready to take her voyage to the northeast where she feels this man is from. She wants revenge but Eirik the jarl feels she is not ready and denies her once again.
Runin was tied to the mask of the boat, he was to be taken to Rutland and sold as a slave, there was a bad storm and the ship was veering toward a large rock which it hits and splinters the boat, the mask breaking and goes overboard. He is able to slip off the splintered mask and cuts the rope on a sharp piece of the mask. He crawls onto a piece of the boat. He and a few of the boats crew wash up on Dalgaard and Eirik the Jarl takes them in and after questioning them he feels they are hiding something. He locks them away with guards watching over them until he can get answers. Madrena is upset with Eirik for not letting her go and ends up fighting him, if she wins she can go. She loses all the while runin is watching her.
She takes up guarding the men and takes up a conversation with Runin and decides to escape with him and he will take her to the man she wants to have revenge on.
Madrena had been training as a warrior for the past 5 years, ever since their village was raided and she was raped. She feels she is ready to take her voyage to the northeast where she feels this man is from. She wants revenge but Eirik the jarl feels she is not ready and denies her once again.
Runin was tied to the mask of the boat, he was to be taken to Rutland and sold as a slave, there was a bad storm and the ship was veering toward a large rock which it hits and splinters the boat, the mask breaking and goes overboard. He is able to slip off the splintered mask and cuts the rope on a sharp piece of the mask. He crawls onto a piece of the boat. He and a few of the boats crew wash up on Dalgaard and Eirik the Jarl takes them in and after questioning them he feels they are hiding something. He locks them away with guards watching over them until he can get answers. Madrena is upset with Eirik for not letting her go and ends up fighting him, if she wins she can go. She loses all the while runin is watching her.
She takes up guarding the men and takes up a conversation with Runin and decides to escape with him and he will take her to the man she wants to have revenge on.
November 25, 2016
Of this series of books, Runin is probably my favorite character of all time (in a romance novel, to be clear). He's dark. He's complicated. He's skillful. He's not just Mr. Nice Guy. I like that.
I don't really like Madrena, because I think her revenge plot is both far-fetched and completely unnecessary. She knows she's being unreasonable, but she still goes along with it. Based on the code of ethics and religion of vikings, I really believe she would know that revenge, in her life, would be worthless because it would diminish her own honor. But whatever.
Ultimately, in the end, I found the plot of this book my least favorite. Runin is almost a wasted character--I feel like another plot, with Runin and his sorta-dad at the center, would be possible. Madrena did not have to figure into it. It was very anticlimactic at the end.
But Runin, man. Read it for Runin.
I don't really like Madrena, because I think her revenge plot is both far-fetched and completely unnecessary. She knows she's being unreasonable, but she still goes along with it. Based on the code of ethics and religion of vikings, I really believe she would know that revenge, in her life, would be worthless because it would diminish her own honor. But whatever.
Ultimately, in the end, I found the plot of this book my least favorite. Runin is almost a wasted character--I feel like another plot, with Runin and his sorta-dad at the center, would be possible. Madrena did not have to figure into it. It was very anticlimactic at the end.
But Runin, man. Read it for Runin.
September 7, 2021
Madrena wants to prove herself, not only as a shieldmaiden, but as a defender of her own sanity, seeking revenge on the animal who violated her five years ago.
When she saves the life of a handsome, strong stranger, she is immediately drawn to him and he to her.
Runin has never met anyone like the beautiful honour-bound young woman who is stealing his heart.
Together with their pasts haunting them, they must learn to save each other and themselves if they are ever to find peace and happiness in a future together.
As usual, Emma Prince works her magic on this deliciously passionate and emotional book. With historical accuracy she creates the perfect atmosphere, re-introducing the great characters from previous books in this series, while cleverly weaving this adventure that is sure to pull at your emotions and heart-strings.
When she saves the life of a handsome, strong stranger, she is immediately drawn to him and he to her.
Runin has never met anyone like the beautiful honour-bound young woman who is stealing his heart.
Together with their pasts haunting them, they must learn to save each other and themselves if they are ever to find peace and happiness in a future together.
As usual, Emma Prince works her magic on this deliciously passionate and emotional book. With historical accuracy she creates the perfect atmosphere, re-introducing the great characters from previous books in this series, while cleverly weaving this adventure that is sure to pull at your emotions and heart-strings.
September 14, 2020
This was really an amazing book and once I started to read this story, I was hooked and it was hard to put it down. I love how the main character was a strong and determined female and of course I love the romance. I always enjoy very strong family ties in a book. It was very well written as usual. Emma Prince is an awesome writer and brings a lot of enjoyment to readers of her books. I can’t wait to read the next one!
August 14, 2019
Incredibly captivating...
‘Shieldmaiden’s Revenge,’ is the second book in the Viking Lore series, and was utterly captivating! The strength, honor, and courage displayed by Rúnin and Madrena on their voyage east was incredibly. As was the story that unfolded, both of acceptance and love. Their journey brought both these fierce characters back to life! I loved it.
‘Shieldmaiden’s Revenge,’ is the second book in the Viking Lore series, and was utterly captivating! The strength, honor, and courage displayed by Rúnin and Madrena on their voyage east was incredibly. As was the story that unfolded, both of acceptance and love. Their journey brought both these fierce characters back to life! I loved it.
August 8, 2017
Page turner
This book has so much sadness, grief, and pain that needs to be overcome. Together Ruinin and Madrena are able to find love and move past their pain. Great series. I am looking forward to book 3.
This book has so much sadness, grief, and pain that needs to be overcome. Together Ruinin and Madrena are able to find love and move past their pain. Great series. I am looking forward to book 3.
February 22, 2020
Keeps getting better!
Book 2 for me was a more detailed more suspenseful than book 1. I find the author even expanded the intimate relationship with more hot sex, if that is possible. She also brought a completion to this part of the story but not necessarily the end.
Book 2 for me was a more detailed more suspenseful than book 1. I find the author even expanded the intimate relationship with more hot sex, if that is possible. She also brought a completion to this part of the story but not necessarily the end.
November 25, 2025
Just Okay
Just okay…some parts were better than others…but not terrible. I don’t believe I will continue the series as I had hoed with the first book. I left off reading this one for far too long.
Just okay…some parts were better than others…but not terrible. I don’t believe I will continue the series as I had hoed with the first book. I left off reading this one for far too long.
August 19, 2017
It seems like I write the same review but I don't mean to but this author gets better each novel she writes. Thank you Ms Prince.
July 2, 2018
Shieldmaiden's Revenge
An excellent story with plenty of danger and unexpented drama and a truly happy ending. I really loved it from beginning to ending.
An excellent story with plenty of danger and unexpented drama and a truly happy ending. I really loved it from beginning to ending.
March 17, 2020
A book about mistrust , doubt, lust, revenge, family ties, and peace .
July 30, 2021
Good but slow
It was a little slow going about 2/3's of the way, then it picked up. It was a good book.
It was a little slow going about 2/3's of the way, then it picked up. It was a good book.
August 6, 2021
Interesting love story
I enjoyed this book. I like the way you bring the other people into the story. I know rape is bad no matter what century it happened.
I enjoyed this book. I like the way you bring the other people into the story. I know rape is bad no matter what century it happened.
January 5, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
January 17, 2025
I liked the reversal of the damsel-in-distress motif at the start of the story. The themes of honor and sacrifice were drawn well throughout.
August 14, 2018
Emma Prince did a great job in this one of giving us a fiercely independent, strong heroine and hero who is even stronger, but without detracting from his heroine. Runin has spent the past 14 years of his life as an outlaw, completely devoid of any human contact. Madrena needs him as her guide and throughout their journey he grows into the man he truly is as he learns to stop hiding from people. Madrena's independence and thirst for vengeance got a bit old for me at some parts because she became so reckless and unreasonable, but it was nice that it was Runin who was able to calm her and make her see sense. I was definitely cheering for their happy ending and would recommend this book to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2016
This is book two of Viking Lore series and it is magnificent! Well who doesnt love a warrior women who is tough as nails. A sexy secretive outlaw heroe who thinks the heroine is Freyja at first glance! I read the first book of this series "Enthralled" met Madriana and her twin brother Alarec. He is the hero in book #3, Desire's Hostage. Just have your hankies ready for this one: had me sobbing throughout the book! That is actually is a good thing if I get that emotional over a story as Emma Prince is one grand extraordinary storyteller!
807 A.D.
Five years prior Madrena was brutally attacked in a raid has been dreaming of the day she can get revenge on her enemies! That attack took something precious from her which forever altered her and made her the strong shieldmaiden she became! The sole reason she became a trained woman warrior and shieldmaiden. So no man could ever hurt her ever again!
A man Rúnin is shipwrecked and promises to help her find her enemy in exchange for his freedom. When he realizes who she is looking for he knows he must keep it from her if he values his life. As Rúnin is running from his own demons and nightmares as something happened to him fourteen years prior that changed him forever! They both go on a treacherous journey and confront their demons of the past, but when things don't go as planned for Madrena will Rúnin be able to save them both in time?
As the attraction and love starts to grow will these two even be able to put their demons aside and forgive and forget and move forward? Will Rúnin ever confess the truth about what he has been hiding? How will this betrayal effect Madrena? Will she forgive and forget and move on? Or shall she be broken hearted and only see red wanting blood? Yet whose blood exactly? What is Rúnin hiding from? Will Madrena feel the sting of betrayal, a broken heart or understanding, or just stupid for starting to trust and believe in another? Will she put love aside just for the sake of war and revenge? So many unanswered questions in this emotional action packed fast paced riveting adventure! A remarkable tale filled with betrayal, hatred, revenge, vengeance heartache, hope, forgiveness, healing and love. Will Rúnin be the savior Madrena needs?
Another heart tugger then made me weepy and wondering if these two ever had chance. Another fast paced page turner that had me holding to my seat with anticipation and wondering what could possibly happen next! So many twists and turns, plus ups and downs, with characters that glide right off the pages and right into your heart. Plus I love all the Viking folklore and legend with all the amazing depth and research this wonderful author, Emma Prince did. I love true factual history in my fictional books. This author never fails to fill readers with accurate Viking history in her fictional romance tales! Overall a spectacular read with non stop action and I am looking forward to read Alarics story next. I just loved Shieldmaiden's Revenge!
I highly recommend Shieldmaiden's Revenge and the entire Viking Lore Trilogy, as it is absolutely totally exhilerating, full of Viking history, lore, legend and of course love! Happy Reading!
Viking Lore Trilogy Series by Emma Prince
1) Enthralled
2) Shieldmaiden's Revenge
2.5) The Bride Prize - novella
3) Desires's Hostage
March 1, 2016
#2 in the much anticipated "Viking Lore" series, but can be read as a stand alone. #1 "Enthralled". A fast paced tale of Vikings, legends, secrets, revenge, passion, mystery, romance and healing. The H/H was intriguing, challenging, and interesting. The storyline is filled with, on your seat action, danger, regrets, the need for revenge no matter the circumstances, finding healing, redemption, and forgiveness. While, I hated the sorrows the heroine faced, I think they made her stronger and more determined not to be a victim ever again. Of course, she wanted her revenge no matter the cost, even love. The hero, a prisoner, determined to find his freedom, agrees to help our heroine, but can the secrets they each have, condemn their blossoming romance. Or can they overcome revenge, and hatred, to find their HEA?
A must read for Historical Fiction fans, Viking Romance, fans of lore, and anyone who enjoys extensive research into Viking history, Lore and legends.
Ms. Prince is a passionate storyteller of Viking history and romance. I absolutely love this series and look forward to the next installment. What an adventure!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
A must read for Historical Fiction fans, Viking Romance, fans of lore, and anyone who enjoys extensive research into Viking history, Lore and legends.
Ms. Prince is a passionate storyteller of Viking history and romance. I absolutely love this series and look forward to the next installment. What an adventure!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 21, 2016
I have read and loved all of Emma Prince's books, but this one might just be my favorite. Both the hero and the heroine have secrets, and they both have dark pasts. They are guarded with each other at first, but their desire and love for each other blooms over the course of the story. This book swept me away to the Viking era with just the right amount of historical details without either hitting me over the head with it or being overly simplified. The emotions were rich and gave the characters depth. The side characters were engaging as well (I can't wait to read the next book in the series, which is Alaric's story!). I definitely teared up at several places, and by the end I was so happy for Runin and Madrena's happily ever after. This story is such a winner--fantastic historical romance!
March 27, 2016
This second book in the Viking Lore trilogy was action packed and thoroughly entertaining. This is Madrena's story who we are introduced to in the first book. As she struggles with her past and seeks revenge on who wronged her, she becomes involved with an outlaw who is also struggling with issues from his past. The two of them set out on a perilous journey and face their demons in the process. I found these characters totally engaging and was emotionally involved with them right from the start. The story was gripping in its intensity, and the non-stop action kept me turning the pages. I am eager to move on to the third book in this enjoyable series.
May 2, 2016
Madrena and Runin's story was very interesting and there was a lot to of depth to the story. It keeps your interest.
An event that happened 5 years ago had turned Madrena into a woman who trained to became a Shieldmaiden in order to one day seek revenge. A scream of someone alerting the villagers there has been a shipwreck, has Madrena running to help.
An event which occurred 14 years prior changed Runin to his core. Now he believes the Gods are smiling upon him because he has s about to face death in a storm, but upon his awakening he thinks he sees Freyja.
Also, the case ver matched the story perfectly.
An event that happened 5 years ago had turned Madrena into a woman who trained to became a Shieldmaiden in order to one day seek revenge. A scream of someone alerting the villagers there has been a shipwreck, has Madrena running to help.
An event which occurred 14 years prior changed Runin to his core. Now he believes the Gods are smiling upon him because he has s about to face death in a storm, but upon his awakening he thinks he sees Freyja.
Also, the case ver matched the story perfectly.
March 12, 2016
When bad things happen to good people
I am truly enjoying this author. She writes spicy romance in trying historical settings. In this book in particular she devolves into the concept of living an honorable life. The Vikings had very particular ideas of honor. How do a rape victim and an outcast live honorable lives?
I am truly enjoying this author. She writes spicy romance in trying historical settings. In this book in particular she devolves into the concept of living an honorable life. The Vikings had very particular ideas of honor. How do a rape victim and an outcast live honorable lives?
September 14, 2016
Exciting
What a fantastic book! I so enjoyed reading about the shoemaker! Who . Would have thought there would have been any kind of woman's lib back then! But it was such a compelling tale, and so true to life. So often we are bent on revenge and lose ourselves in the process! Kudos on a great read!
What a fantastic book! I so enjoyed reading about the shoemaker! Who . Would have thought there would have been any kind of woman's lib back then! But it was such a compelling tale, and so true to life. So often we are bent on revenge and lose ourselves in the process! Kudos on a great read!
March 8, 2016
I love Emma's books. this one was just as good as the first one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews