Shield-Maiden: Under the Hunter's Moon

The Road to Valhalla #2

by Melanie Karsak

When the gods play in mortals’ lives, the only certain outcome is uncertainty. Especially when that god is Loki.

In the course of a night, I found out my entire life was a lie. Now, Yrsa, Eydis, and I will set off to recover Tyrfing. I must leave Dalr—and the dream I’d shared with Hofund—behind. Eydis is sure the gods have plans for me. I hope she’s right. For on the distant island of Bolmsö, the last of my father’s line is besieged by enemies, and only the blood of a berserker can make things right again.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Audiobook, Historical

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2020

About the author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This series is amazing and I am completely hooked! As soon as I start reading the first page, I'm swept away I to this world of gods, vikings, and so much more!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE NON-STOP ADVENTURE!!!
Leaping lizards! Melanie brought it with this skillfully composed treat, laying out one hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, wrapping this bad boy up sleek, shiny and tight. Quirky mishaps and unsettling happenstance, thrusts those churning emotions into play, rocking this baby from start to finish. A whirlwind of horrendous trials and arduous tribulations, exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. Sparks fly as perilous drama, mystifying intrigue, chilling danger and electrifying suspense along with nerve racking situations and a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one block busting experience. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Awesome job Melanie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.

[brii | brii (four months behind...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me go through all of the feels. Man. Goosebumps. Tears. (I cried twice!). I smiled and laughed so many times. Hervor’s relationship with Yrsa and Edyis is so heartwarming, and their banter and interactions with each other was phenomenal. All the feels.

I was just so happy to see Hervor finally loved and accepted and finding her place and I swear my heart grew.

This book was full of clan wars and (broken) alliances, and of course Norse gods, and it couldn’t get any better. It’s action packed with political aspects and I loved everything about it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m quite enjoying this series. The gods and the Vikings I like. I’ve found the battle/fighting scenes a little clumsy and lacking in detail but they picked up a bit in this text. The story is slow in parts but overall I find it interesting and I’m still loving Hervor (even if it is a little unbelievable how good she is at everything) and all the side characters.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great followup to the first book. Perfectly builds on the characters and world in a fast paced adventure. I was surprised and happy to start to see more mythological and fantasy based characters and scenes sprinkled in. Excited for the next book in the series.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Warning: Slavery, blood/gore, violence, murder, abuse, assault, loss, and death [human and animal].

So I definitely started reading this thinking I’d read a few chapters, watch some TV, and then head to bed. I was not anticipating how much of a chokehold this story would have on me that had me reading it in one sitting. Before I started I was pretty confident that I would enjoy this book, even more than book one, since Hervor would now have a better sense of self.

How is this book 460 pages?! This story is so well written and written in a way that I felt like it flew by. One of those rare books, at least for me, that I could see as a movie playing in my head. I’m not familiar with the Norse saga of Hervarar so I’m enjoying not knowing exactly where we’re going as we continue on the different paths Hervor takes in her journey.

This book has me desperately hoping someone picks up the rights to create a Norse/Viking show that centers on a woman. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE The Last Kingdom and Vikings for the strong and badass Viking women they portray but we’re still following a man as the main character…please someone give us a show following the journey of a Viking woman.

If you’re looking for a historical fantasy that features some badass women, a journey of self-discovery, and Norse lore…I highly encourage you to dive into this well-crafted series!

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viking Fan-Lore-Tastic!

I love Viking historical fantasies. There is nothing like myths and legends to keep the wondering mind entertained.

I knew I loved the first book, but this second installment - WOWZER!

Hervor’s road to her Destiny is a ride that will take your mind out of it boundaries and beyond any fantasy. Get ready to feel like the tale is reality because the author’s writing is so smooth that I felt as if I was right there next to Hervor living every moment of heartache, pain, joy, humor, and the blood rage through the magical dwarfvin sword Tyrfing.

Definitely a page turner, I want more more more my mind screams.

The ending was perfect, I love it when an author gives you a positive ending but yet leaves you questioning what will happen next. I can hardly wait for the next installment. Already got the book preordered.

Excellent Read!

[Hannah Carey]

What a fun continuation of the series! I love the trio of Hervor, Yrsa, and Edyis and the emphasis on string, close-knit female friendships. It was such a fun adventure seeing Hervor learn more about his father and his family. I really enjoyed the emphasis on family ties in this book. There’s plenty of action and battle scenes, as well as some political intrigue. And I was very glad that Hofund finally returned, hoping to see more of him and Hervor in the next book!


CW: Violence/Assault

[TreeFlower · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the 2nd book in a series. Start with “Under the howling moon” first. 😊

Banished from her home in Dalr, Hervor sets out to find her father’s side of the family. She disguises herself as a boy, Hervarth, to hide her true identity while she sizes up the island of Bolmsö. She finds a lot in the hall of her father, mystery, love, acceptance, war, responsibility. Hervor is aware that her actions affect everyone in her life and she has to be wise enough to make the right choices. For Leif & Svafa who are stuck in Dalr, for Yrsa & Eydis who are in tow, and Hofund who is on her mind and in her heart.

This was great! I read the second half in one sitting. From the first page to the last these books entertain. I love the action, I love the story but most of all I love the relationships between all of the characters.

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much, but I loved book 1 much more. As much as I do enjoy the setting, the characters, and the story, I won't continue this saga. Nine books to find out what happens is just too long for me.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. This series has been so action-packed and hard to put down!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. I've seen criticism because it's simply written, but that's clearly with purpose. It's as you might expect a viking warrior to tell a tale.

[Ashleigh Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

chefs kiss 😚

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still enjoying this series. On to book 3.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I love fantasy tales and mythology, and love when the latter brings in cultures not commonly covered, be they Indian, Japanese, Russian or anything else - and Norse myths? Totally yummy. No surprise then that when I read the blurb for the first book in Melanie Karsak’s The Road to Valhalla I jumped at it. I’ve loved other books by this author so equally no surprise that she handled this new loon at Norse myth perfectly and I loved that book (separately reviewed). Surprise that I jumped at Shield-Maiden: Under the Hunter's Moon (Book 2) as well. Viking historical fantasy? I’m so there. A retelling if the Norse Hervarar Saga, about the life of the shield-maiden, Hervor, who the inspiration for Tolkien's Éowyn? Even better. (I’m a lifelong LoTR fan.) Of course that only works if the story is well told. No surprise (again) that this one far exceeds that text. Totally superb. Totally wonderful. And, no surprise, totally recommended.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

One unputdownable adventure that will fully engage your heart!! This is an action packed edition with twists and turns that keep you upon your toes! There were so many tenderly sweet moments and I absolutely felt joy when Hervor found herself and a place that she could call home. I love how the gods and spirits interact with these characters. I liked the predictions and insights and the overall feel of death not being such a sorrowful event. Those deserving drink and feast with the gods. I'm excited to see what choices are placed before our heroine, the threads are still being spun for her. I find that these are characters that I've come to love! This series is just phenomenal and a must read!!! I absolutely adore this author!!

[CuriousRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second instalment of The Road to Valhalla series, which takes place directly after the first book. This book is beautifully written, though that is not surprising since Melanie Karsak has a wonderful gift for creating a rich and dynamic world, and populating it with realistic and interesting characters. As in the previous book, there is much action and turmoil in Hervor's world, but she tackles it as best she can, with the help of her friends and companions, and she learns much on her journey. I do not want to spoil anything for anyone who has not read the book yet, but I highly recommend this series.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel! The narration paired with a story of a strong female sold it for me.
I love Norse mythology and I loved listening to the character's story colored by it. The narration is perfection. Lesley Parkin has such a great accent and gives each character their own unique voice.
Author Melanie Karsak continues to build a beautiful world. I enjoyed the action and fight scenes in this installment. The love story isn't overbearing and complements the lead's character.
Once again, I look forward to the next book.
I received an audio copy for review; all opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a quote right at the beginning that sets up the entire story: "When the god's play in mortals' lives, the only certain outcome is uncertainty. Especially when that god is Loki." A plethora of trouble, a windy road full of trials, and a crazy amount of tribulations.... and this is only in the first couple of chapters. Norse mythology at it's finest in a romance/fantasy drama. Book 2 in the series - I definitely recommend reading Under the Howling Moon first.

[KatsCauldron R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hervor most blessed & cursed finds she had a berserker father, Angantyr, of great renown. Oldest of a dozen brothers, married to her mother. Dead because of his brothers arrogance & imo treachery of a king & her father. Lokki came down in dead of winter & supped with them in previous book &opened her mothers mind giving her not only clarity but added information. Lokki's the epidemy of my favorite expression I added on one sm profile because fit so well "there's truth in lies & lies in truth and so I ask you true, is now what I speak solid fact or indeed would I lie to you?" {such a drama queen}.
With dreams of blood poppies & crabs, nightmares, previously of gorgeous man hanging upside down with beautiful long red braid no more, now herself hanging & being told to save herself. Now she needs to go to the island Samso & find her father & his brothers mound, to talk to him & gain his cursed sword. Tyrfing, crafted by dwarves against their will for a king, but added a curse upon their release that three times they would kill the wielder at the end of their use to him then two more. Her father was the second after the king who originally had it. Hervor, like another brilliant young woman thinks they have it, as she is no man so maybe she will not die by its blade. Now is the time, to quest & fight for what is hers & find it & win renown. To be her fathers daughter & with sword in hand to prove lineage, go to his home island Bolmso to meet her grandfather Arngrim & claim her birthright. The wolves blood flows strong in her heart it is now time for her to continue to her destiny. When the boat reached Samso the Bi-frost in multi colors flamed bright in the sky, a sign of spirits or Gods traveling from Asgard. The people of the town said the barrow was awake & Hervor needed to talk to the volva as she is the daughter of a berserker in the mound. So, she went to the haunted barrow & called to her father to cease the blue flames guarding the entrance & allow her in to see him & claim her birthright. Such was a reunion they both needed & parting he proclaimed “Cursed thing. Twice it shall kill Angantyr.” why neither knew, but he wanted to take curse from any descendants. She is on to her destiny & now dressed as a boy to see her grandfather to help him in times of strife. So many battles to come. She asks Gods again what to expect. Excerpt: "Hervor. Hervor. Hang from the tree and see. The world is upside down."
Filled with unbridled need & ambition of the Gods she will find need, gain, loss, love, hate, friendship, betrayal & herself & future fortune fair or foul. This is such a good series & good way of telling her tales.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much, don't get me wrong it's good but I was a bit frustrated.

The heroine goes to seek out the sword and with it her identity.
She ends up going to see her grandfather, who is not far off death any day yet doesn't reveal her identity.
The book has chapters starting with several weeks went by, which is fine but she wants to be somebody before she tells him.
He is mournful as he has no living relatives left.
I suppose it was good I cared enough to get frustrated.
There is an interesting few twists in the plot, including a possible second love interest.
After reading the author's other work you are never sure if the heroine will end up with who you think could be the Hero.
No intimate scenes.
There is quite a bit of violence, not gratuitous but fighting scenes.
Some humour and more is revealed about the past.

It does end on a cliffhanger of sorts as there is trouble to be sorted elsewhere which they will be involved in but it also does have a satisfying ending.

[†⋆CokeySmurf⋆♍️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hervor. One day, you will guide the dead. Hervor. One day, you will ride a steed made of starlight and be my Valkyrie.
 
THIS. This is where I want this series to go! This second book did not disappoint, my girl Hervor slays!
 
Things I loved:
✨ Rok 🖤
✨ Bolmsö
 
Things I loathed:
✨ Prince Hofund - If he ruins this I will riot.
 
This second book is a bit thicker at 500 pages but I tore through this so quickly!
 
🚫🚫🚫Spoilers Ahead🚫🚫🚫
 
Hervor has freed herself from Dalr and has discovered who her father was. Our shield maiden is on a quest with her seer bestie, Eydis & her foster mother Yrsa. I love these three together, their dynamic is both powerful and hilarious. Travelling across Scandinavia to unravel the mystery of her past, we meet a whole warband of new characters from the past and present.

Legends are revealed, family is found and an ancestral home hard won in true Viking fashion (finally). I love Bolmsö, the spirits that protect it and Utr. I hope he comes back! The way MK weaves this tale is truly beautiful. The dreams, visions and prophecies are obscure enough to keep you guessing but also hint and some truly horrifying (I can’t wait) times to come.

Hofund turning up at the end to save the day makes me doubt the FMC having her boss girl era last for much longer but 🤞

[Andrea Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I got so sucked in to this story and these characters that I was surprised that I was at the end of the book! It needs to be mentioned that, even though I know next to nothing about Norse mythology, I am not at all lost like I have been in other mythological novels. Karsak seamlessly weaves need-to-know information into the story without making it feel like a history lesson which is a magical feat unto itself.

*Slight spoilers ahead*

I loved going on this adventure with Hervor, or should I say Hervarth? The prophecies throughout the novel are just enough. They suit the story and allow room for readers to guess what's happening without feeling like an unsolvable riddle. Utr is, by far, one of my favorite characters, and I want to be his friend.

*End of spoilers*

Overall, Karsak makes me want to live in this world with Hervor, as ancient as it may be. It makes me crave a simpler life that revolves around nature, community, and spirituality - which is never a bad thing if you ask me!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hervor has been treated poorly by her grandfather the jarl her entire life. Now she has finally learned the truth of her parentage and sets off to seek Tyrfing, a dwarven blade that will prove her lineage. Masquerading as Hervarth, a young male, she and Yrsa her mother-not-mother travel to the island of Bolmso.

The first 1/4 or so of this book was pretty slow for me. I had a hard time staying focused on the story. Around the 30% mark things picked up, but there was still a lot of unnecessary filler in the novel. As a whole, I enjoyed the story and I really like Hervor. I did have a hard time with how she was determined to find the sword no matter what. Even when warned against it, she was set on her course and that was that. Still, I like her and I am enjoying her journey.

3.75 out of 5

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent the vast majority of this book thinking that Hervor was the stupidest, most selfish, arrogant, hard headed, short sighted bitch in the universe.

She never really got better.

Every single person who has ever spoken to her: Tell your grandfather who you are!
Hervor: No! I know better! He can not know until I want to tell him! Now begone! I must pine for my true love, who I have known for an entirety of two days but will love me forever!
Arngrim: If I only had a daughter! Or a grand daughter! Or anyone that was still alive to pass my kingdom on to I could die happy!
Hervor: I WILL NOT SPEAK! Die pining jerkwad! It is not yet the arbitrary, undefined, irrationally decided time to reveal myself!

To be honest I hope that Hofund escapes her universe and finds a rational reasonable woman to love.

I am not optimistic.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys. This book was awesome. This SERIES has been great and I can NOT wait until September for the next one to come out. I have read Melanie Karsak before and I am super glad I have so that this popped up on my "suggested for you" reads.

If you like a strong female character, this is the book for you. Hervor is awesome and her journey has been by far one of my favorite journey's. Vikings, Valkyrie, Shield-Maidens, Seers, this book has it ALL. I am concerned that I am going to be in a reading funk after this because this book was so good.

When an author can weave a story with many different characters, history, an awesome plot and great character development, I have to tell the world.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book in this series. Hervor is finding her own way. After leaving the her terrible grandfather to find a sword she encounters many things. She finds her father, her uncles and her grandfather. When every I read a book by Melanie Karsak I am so drawn into the story I feel like I am there. I love all the Norse Gods making an appearance and adding more to the story. You truly believe what is being told. Great was comes in this book. Also happiness, laughter and some tears. I already want the next book to be out so I can read it.

*I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*

[DeborahB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for all 9 books

I waited until I finished all night books before writing this. I thoroughly enjoyed these books because of the strength of the characters, Hervor and Ervie are very strong women whose emotional physical and intellectual strength are on display. Their internal struggles, balancing love loyalty and vengeance are influenced by their beliefs in their Norse Gods. The relationships are multilayered and mature. The tension between love, duty and the changing political landscapes kept me hooked through all 9 books. If you're a fan of The Vikings tv series, you will enjoy these books

[Mariko L. Odhner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly complete story

I enjoyed this self-contained book where Hervor rescues her grandfather from enemies on all sides. The characterization of side-characters like Eydis and Ysir is excellent. Her grandfather’s rich history and courage in the face of tragedy is remarkable. Asger’s treacherous nature is characterized well. Hervor’s father is also well-remembered. I couldn’t find the definition of Voeght (sp?) for Utr in the dictionary if terms. One can infer, but I couldn’t find it.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation of Hervor’s journey.

I devoured this so quickly. It picks up right where it left off in book one, and although I’m a little iffy on historical fiction set back this far, the author did a great job with atmosphere and before long I had been swept away in the story, feeling like I was a bystander watching this unfold. There are a lot of ups and downs as H navigates this new leg of her journey, and by the end of it I had to grab the tissues 😭. Definitely moving on to book three.