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The Shieldmaiden Trilogy #1
Shieldmaiden
A young Viking woman picks up her sword and goes in search of retribution and justice.
In 934 the English are fighting the Norse for supremacy over the North. Worship of the old Norse gods is challenged by Christianity. Traditional loyalties are tested and revenge can be swift and violent.
In Cumbria a man is outlawed and killed. Faced with a life of destitution and servitude, his daughter Sigrid's only option is to appeal to the King of Norway to reverse his judgement on her father and allow her to inherit the family farm. But Norway is far away and Sigrid has only her wits and her skill with the sword to help her cause.
Sigrid sets out to regain her birthright, encountering kings, warriors and villains on her quest. While her fighting skills earn her admiration, she must also learn about duty, honour and loyalty if she is to grow from a headstrong teenager into a woman and a respected warrior.
In 934 the English are fighting the Norse for supremacy over the North. Worship of the old Norse gods is challenged by Christianity. Traditional loyalties are tested and revenge can be swift and violent.
In Cumbria a man is outlawed and killed. Faced with a life of destitution and servitude, his daughter Sigrid's only option is to appeal to the King of Norway to reverse his judgement on her father and allow her to inherit the family farm. But Norway is far away and Sigrid has only her wits and her skill with the sword to help her cause.
Sigrid sets out to regain her birthright, encountering kings, warriors and villains on her quest. While her fighting skills earn her admiration, she must also learn about duty, honour and loyalty if she is to grow from a headstrong teenager into a woman and a respected warrior.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 29, 2014
As a storyteller, I have always been fascinated by ancient legends. On a visit to Iceland some years ago, I stocked up on some wonderful Viking Sagas, packed with passionate characters rooted in real landscapes. My holiday reading this Easter shares a good deal of this territory. The heroine of Marianne Whiting's 'Shieldmaiden' is a contemporary of poet-warrior Egil Skallagrimsson and also fights at the battle of Brunnanburgh, though on the opposing side. Like Egil's Saga, this tale is unflinching in its depiction of war's chaos and the cruelty of kings. But Whiting's novel has a modern story arc charting the psychological development of its young protagonist Sigrid from her childhood through a bloody and difficult adulthood. The pacing of the narrative is astonishing; in just a few chapters we rush headlong from Sigrid's first crush, through an unhappy marriage, the violent dispersal of her family into exile and her experience of battle and its bitter aftermath. Fans of a rattling good story not short on gory detail, sparky dialogue and strong characters, will be as delighted as I was.
On her website Whiting reveals her excitement at realising that Viking history was one of the few periods when women could arm themselves and play a full part in adventures. Her heroine Sigrid is a gifted warrior, one of the fabled 'shield-maidens' modelled on Thor's own Valkrye daughters. Yet she is much more than a swashbuckling, sword-wielding protagonist. Whiting conveys the full range of Sigrid's experience as a Viking woman living in the Danelaw of Cumbria in 936. She 'knows only too well that look of a man who has seen a woman he wants'. At any time her family or king may decide to use her as a 'peace-weaver' - to forge a politically advantageous marriage. Sigrid negotiates her options as a woman sometimes clumsily, sometimes with a hard-learned dexterity as the vulnerable daughter of a declared traitor. But Whiting also explores her joy in being a lover and mother as well as an increasingly assured leader of men, a 'ring-giver' in her own right. She grows into a legend to match Egil Skallagrimsson, even if she is sceptical about how the reputation of warriors is exaggerated by the bards.
Equally I was impressed by Whiting's subtle but compelling handling of historical detail and landscape. I never once felt the author was 'showing' me some carefully researched detail of Viking lives. Rather we breathe the story through Sigrid's viewpoint and learn to take for granted as she does the Viking system of thralls and karls or bloody sacrifices to the gods, whilst 'discovering' the peculiar practices of Christians now challenging the 'old religion' of the Danelaw. This is what historical fiction can offer beyond the veracity of museums and textbooks - we step into the hand-stitched boots and turbulent emotions of a tenth century Viking woman. I think Whiting's novel benefits too from its vividly-drawn Cumbrian landscapes and recognisable place-names. You feel you could step off a twenty-first century train and hike your way back into Sigrid's world. The novel's sense of place is no less precise or rich in emotional context than the farmsteads and courts of the Icelandic sagas which in part inspired this Swedish author. Her blog makes clear that a sequel is in the offing and also reveals the original impetus for the novel was a vivid dream about her heroine that demanded to be written down. I for one am looking forward to joining Sigrid Kveldulfsdaughter on another Viking quest across the rugged crags of Cumbria or Norway.
On her website Whiting reveals her excitement at realising that Viking history was one of the few periods when women could arm themselves and play a full part in adventures. Her heroine Sigrid is a gifted warrior, one of the fabled 'shield-maidens' modelled on Thor's own Valkrye daughters. Yet she is much more than a swashbuckling, sword-wielding protagonist. Whiting conveys the full range of Sigrid's experience as a Viking woman living in the Danelaw of Cumbria in 936. She 'knows only too well that look of a man who has seen a woman he wants'. At any time her family or king may decide to use her as a 'peace-weaver' - to forge a politically advantageous marriage. Sigrid negotiates her options as a woman sometimes clumsily, sometimes with a hard-learned dexterity as the vulnerable daughter of a declared traitor. But Whiting also explores her joy in being a lover and mother as well as an increasingly assured leader of men, a 'ring-giver' in her own right. She grows into a legend to match Egil Skallagrimsson, even if she is sceptical about how the reputation of warriors is exaggerated by the bards.
Equally I was impressed by Whiting's subtle but compelling handling of historical detail and landscape. I never once felt the author was 'showing' me some carefully researched detail of Viking lives. Rather we breathe the story through Sigrid's viewpoint and learn to take for granted as she does the Viking system of thralls and karls or bloody sacrifices to the gods, whilst 'discovering' the peculiar practices of Christians now challenging the 'old religion' of the Danelaw. This is what historical fiction can offer beyond the veracity of museums and textbooks - we step into the hand-stitched boots and turbulent emotions of a tenth century Viking woman. I think Whiting's novel benefits too from its vividly-drawn Cumbrian landscapes and recognisable place-names. You feel you could step off a twenty-first century train and hike your way back into Sigrid's world. The novel's sense of place is no less precise or rich in emotional context than the farmsteads and courts of the Icelandic sagas which in part inspired this Swedish author. Her blog makes clear that a sequel is in the offing and also reveals the original impetus for the novel was a vivid dream about her heroine that demanded to be written down. I for one am looking forward to joining Sigrid Kveldulfsdaughter on another Viking quest across the rugged crags of Cumbria or Norway.
February 17, 2016
Shieldmaiden is set in 10th century Norway. The heroine, Sigrid, is caught in an abundance of turmoil when her father is named an outlaw and killed, her home is destroyed, and her family has fled and disappeared. Her only hope is to present herself to the King of Norway, a relative through marriage, to reverse the judgement against her family and restore her family 19s lands to her. Sigrid is no ordinary young woman, however. From the time she was young, she was trained in the skills of a warrior and learned to wield sword and shield as good as any man. On her journey to clear her father 19s name, she uses her skills and gains respect and loyalty of the people she encounters along the way especially that of Ragnar, a strong man whom she soon falls in love with.
There is much to keep readers entertained with this adventure story. A courageous, strong heroine, a valiant hero, and plenty of romance and conflict. The 10th century England and Viking setting is unique and interesting. The plot is realistic and believable, drawing on historical detail and the political rise of Christianity against Norse paganism to really make the story come alive. I especially enjoyed the intriguing characters who never do what one expects them to do. A good tale with plenty of twists and troubles.
There is much to keep readers entertained with this adventure story. A courageous, strong heroine, a valiant hero, and plenty of romance and conflict. The 10th century England and Viking setting is unique and interesting. The plot is realistic and believable, drawing on historical detail and the political rise of Christianity against Norse paganism to really make the story come alive. I especially enjoyed the intriguing characters who never do what one expects them to do. A good tale with plenty of twists and troubles.
January 7, 2013
It held my attention from start to finish, wanting to know how the lady's journey would end. interesting to see a woman's perspective on challenging the uber-sexist mentality of the times. I could feel the emotions. Good read!
May 25, 2013
I was more than happy to lose myself in this Viking world with female heroine Sigrid at the helm. Filmic imagery, gripping plot from beginning to end, where this slow reader found herself all too soon.
October 28, 2017
This was an enjoyable novel. It has similarities to other Viking novels I’ve read (very reasonable due to the scant historical detail available) but there is freshness to ‘Shieldmaiden’ that keeps the interest high. It was a little bit confusing though, to find things about Cumbria that made me think twice about what I was reading, though I would have to do a lot of Viking Britain research to know what are the best know facts about Viking invasion and when.
Vikings are so well known for their pillaging and plundering strategies but the fact that they left their own lands to find foreign land to farm was an essential part of their domination of parts of the UK. Heroine, Sigrid, has interesting links to Norwegian nobility that elevates her status but in essence the tribulations of surviving a harsh winter at a more, or less, subsistence level means she comes across as a very practical and hard working individual- if a little bit arrogant and naive at the beginning of the story. Ragnar, the love of her life, plays a less strong role in the novel but that emphasises Sigrid’s many strengths. She wields a mean sword but the tale is not overly gory!
The duality of Viking pagan worship and new found Christianity comes across in the book as very realistic- I'm sure it was expedient to profess to of one faith or another depending on the life and death situation a person found themselves in at this time many hundreds of years ago. A wavering faith also seems realistic when one faith is almost forcibly supplanted with another.
I found the ending a bit abrupt but I’m thinking a read of Book 2 will no doubt solve that problem.
Vikings are so well known for their pillaging and plundering strategies but the fact that they left their own lands to find foreign land to farm was an essential part of their domination of parts of the UK. Heroine, Sigrid, has interesting links to Norwegian nobility that elevates her status but in essence the tribulations of surviving a harsh winter at a more, or less, subsistence level means she comes across as a very practical and hard working individual- if a little bit arrogant and naive at the beginning of the story. Ragnar, the love of her life, plays a less strong role in the novel but that emphasises Sigrid’s many strengths. She wields a mean sword but the tale is not overly gory!
The duality of Viking pagan worship and new found Christianity comes across in the book as very realistic- I'm sure it was expedient to profess to of one faith or another depending on the life and death situation a person found themselves in at this time many hundreds of years ago. A wavering faith also seems realistic when one faith is almost forcibly supplanted with another.
I found the ending a bit abrupt but I’m thinking a read of Book 2 will no doubt solve that problem.
March 28, 2018
Excellent start to this series
This is an excellent start to this series, well written full of quality characters especially the Shield maiden herself, brave clever fearless warrior and protective mother, quite a Woman. Gripping from first to last page, I look forward to the next installment. Descriptive full of the sights and sounds of the period, as a big fan of Bernard Cornwell, Robert Low and Giles Kristian outstanding Viking series of books this deserves to be ranked among them.
Heartily recommended.
This is an excellent start to this series, well written full of quality characters especially the Shield maiden herself, brave clever fearless warrior and protective mother, quite a Woman. Gripping from first to last page, I look forward to the next installment. Descriptive full of the sights and sounds of the period, as a big fan of Bernard Cornwell, Robert Low and Giles Kristian outstanding Viking series of books this deserves to be ranked among them.
Heartily recommended.
May 31, 2019
An awesome compelling read
Being a fan of the viking era and fantasy in general I loved this. For me a book has to have most of the following. Good character description and developement. An interesting and engaging story. And kickass characters who are both male and femele. Romance is important without being cheesy and over the top. This book ticks all these boxes. A great Read.
Being a fan of the viking era and fantasy in general I loved this. For me a book has to have most of the following. Good character description and developement. An interesting and engaging story. And kickass characters who are both male and femele. Romance is important without being cheesy and over the top. This book ticks all these boxes. A great Read.
October 26, 2017
Good read
This is a good read. If you like the t.v. series Vikings you should like this. Not as exciting as some but a good easy read.
This is a good read. If you like the t.v. series Vikings you should like this. Not as exciting as some but a good easy read.
May 6, 2021
I love it!! So much that I am soon about to do a third visit :D
I love the characters, the surroundings and well, everything about it.
I love the characters, the surroundings and well, everything about it.
June 29, 2021
CW: RAPE. When an author imagines that when a woman is raped she then wants more and "better" she's lost the fucking plot, and also my readership. That is TOXIC, PATHETIC writing.
June 20, 2013
I enjoyed the writing and the story, but I was let down by the author placing me in Cumbria long after the period the author had set the tale.
I so wanted to read about the richness of Viking Cumbria, the setting for this rousing viking tale. The Cumbria as the vikings had settled it, not a Cumbria lifted from a modern travel guide of the Lake District. using names of places and towns that were alien to tenth century vikings.
Too many silly research mistakes marred my enjoyment. Example; a mention of Cockermouth which did not exist as a market town for hundreds of years after the story (when the Normans built the Castle, and its subsequent service town that sprung up). Picking cranberies, an imported plant into the UK from North America some several hundred years after the story.
Small details perhaps, in the telling of a good tale, but enough to marr my pleasure, and prejudice my reading. I liked the story of a woman in a viking society, her tale, but the setting was poorly crafted (My mind kept drifting, as I read the places, to see Beatrix Potter walking the Hills talking to old Wainwright).
I so wanted to read about the richness of Viking Cumbria, the setting for this rousing viking tale. The Cumbria as the vikings had settled it, not a Cumbria lifted from a modern travel guide of the Lake District. using names of places and towns that were alien to tenth century vikings.
Too many silly research mistakes marred my enjoyment. Example; a mention of Cockermouth which did not exist as a market town for hundreds of years after the story (when the Normans built the Castle, and its subsequent service town that sprung up). Picking cranberies, an imported plant into the UK from North America some several hundred years after the story.
Small details perhaps, in the telling of a good tale, but enough to marr my pleasure, and prejudice my reading. I liked the story of a woman in a viking society, her tale, but the setting was poorly crafted (My mind kept drifting, as I read the places, to see Beatrix Potter walking the Hills talking to old Wainwright).
June 17, 2018
Historical novels are my favourite genre but I've never had a foray into Viking territory before so this was a treat! The eponymous Shieldmaiden is the feisty Sigrid who lives in Cumbria in the C10th and whose adventurous story we follow from girlhood to mother and wife. She has more than her fair share of trials and tribulations but triumphs too. This is a harsh and alien era and the author's done an excellent job in setting the scene in a rich and convincing way with well drawn characters and an engaging plot. It was a time when Christianity and Norse paganism were in turbulent conflict and I thought this was depicted particularly well.
November 3, 2017
Along with Octavia Randolph, Marianne Whiting has become one of my favorite authors. Her ability to not only deeply involve you with the characters but as well to transport you back in time is faultless. Too often I'll start a book of this time period only to conclude it is another Viking romance with little depth. Not so with this trilogy. I would not list her books as romance novels but rather as historical fiction, my favorite category. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews