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The Lone Valkyrie #1
Shield Maiden
Every time a shot rings out a Valkyrie earns her wings. Mila is earning hers the hard way hunting down the monsters that have taken her sister.
It was supposed to be a simple scouting mission.
But the trail is leading her to an unexpected discovery. What if the things that go bump in the night start to slither out into the light?
An ancient horror, full of malice and nightmares, is coming to the Idaho Wilderness.
She should probably run, but Valkyries don't back down from a fight, no matter the risk.
Besides, there are lives at stake, and it’s a Valkyries job to choose the dead. The Dwarf King would be proud.
Join Mila in Shield Maiden and continue the story that Finnegan started.
It was supposed to be a simple scouting mission.
But the trail is leading her to an unexpected discovery. What if the things that go bump in the night start to slither out into the light?
An ancient horror, full of malice and nightmares, is coming to the Idaho Wilderness.
She should probably run, but Valkyries don't back down from a fight, no matter the risk.
Besides, there are lives at stake, and it’s a Valkyries job to choose the dead. The Dwarf King would be proud.
Join Mila in Shield Maiden and continue the story that Finnegan started.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2020
578 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Charley Case
10 books19 followersCharles is a writer
He writes books
He once ate an entire pizza then ran through the streets shouting to anyone that would listen that he was full.
Satisfaction comes easy for those who find satisfaction satisfying.
Charles really doesn't know what to write here... He made up that part about running through the streets and yelling. He has done that, but not after eating an entire pizza; though he has done that as well. Actually, everything so far is true, just not in the right order... That happens a lot.
If you're still reading this, Charles feels like you might be going through a tremendously boring time in your life, and recommends picking up a book. He just so happens to have a few you can choose from. If you don't like his books, then there are a few million on Amazon you can peruse at your own leisure. Though, if you don't like his books, why are you here? Why are any of us here? Is the universe just a simulation that will be reset when we die, like the restarting of the worst/best game in history?
Sorry, Charles may have gone down a Wikipedia rabbit hole last night, starting with 'Brown Bananas' and ending up with 'The Heat Death of the Universe'. it was a long night...
If you have any questions feel free to reach out and ask Charles, he might even show you how to make pancakes.
He writes books
He once ate an entire pizza then ran through the streets shouting to anyone that would listen that he was full.
Satisfaction comes easy for those who find satisfaction satisfying.
Charles really doesn't know what to write here... He made up that part about running through the streets and yelling. He has done that, but not after eating an entire pizza; though he has done that as well. Actually, everything so far is true, just not in the right order... That happens a lot.
If you're still reading this, Charles feels like you might be going through a tremendously boring time in your life, and recommends picking up a book. He just so happens to have a few you can choose from. If you don't like his books, then there are a few million on Amazon you can peruse at your own leisure. Though, if you don't like his books, why are you here? Why are any of us here? Is the universe just a simulation that will be reset when we die, like the restarting of the worst/best game in history?
Sorry, Charles may have gone down a Wikipedia rabbit hole last night, starting with 'Brown Bananas' and ending up with 'The Heat Death of the Universe'. it was a long night...
If you have any questions feel free to reach out and ask Charles, he might even show you how to make pancakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 27, 2020
This was an impulse download using Kindle Unlimited as the short blurb on Amazon looked interesting, however it didn't take long to have some doubts.
To start with I get irritated with books that start by introducing a character, getting you interested in them, then they are killed. It doesn’t matter what happens next or that they aren't the main character I still find it annoying.
Second I didn't research the book carefully enough before downloading, I didn't realise this was an offshoot of a different series, had I done so, I would never have started the book. This is my own fault so I shouldn't blame the book, but there was nothing on Amazon that indicated you had to have read the Dragonbender books.
To start with I get irritated with books that start by introducing a character, getting you interested in them, then they are killed. It doesn’t matter what happens next or that they aren't the main character I still find it annoying.
Second I didn't research the book carefully enough before downloading, I didn't realise this was an offshoot of a different series, had I done so, I would never have started the book. This is my own fault so I shouldn't blame the book, but there was nothing on Amazon that indicated you had to have read the Dragonbender books.
Want to read
November 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/23/2020)! 🎁
February 19, 2021
Sci-Fi Infused Fantasy At Its Best!
A very interesting technique of introducing the World Order of universe, and the second book in as many weeks where Sci-Fi is used with expertise to enrich a storyline in new fantastical ways. With the magic system being introduced as a distinct evolutionary vantage point from humans per se (or Peabrains as they are less than affectionally referred to herein), it works awesomely in new and interesting ways. It is surprisingly intuitive when it is explained as well as it is herein.
Got to say without reservation that the topic matter isn’t one found frequently throughout fantasy lit so it is rewarding in and itself, a brings a new understanding to the fantasy history of old. A story adding so many new and captivating ways, is an attraction of its own, let alone one done so well. Great story, history, plot, series interest, characters: the list doth go on where the story can be described by many positive more adjectives to boot.
The spell-work benefits from these same aforementioned qualities as they encase how the spells play out too. A lot of thought and what I’m sure would’ve been a lot of shifts and changes before being settled upon. Furthermore, the introduction of well-placed and suitably timed/designed runic magic extends these same adjectives yet again.
A branching away from what is becoming a semi-norm in the contemporary spell-work that occurs abroad as those being more elemental in nature, a back to beneficial fruit standards of the epic- and high-fantasies of old, sees the usual places you could mostly only find them in therein and before. With an ever-increasing shift from grassroots, the new big sellers can often be found to come from the more contemporary sub-genres, these elements have suffered at the hands of the enormous influx of PNRs: which in my mind should often be listed as RPNs instead.
This compounds in saying nothing of the bad boy shifter erotica and menage, and you have mostly contemporary sub-genres that chop and change inexorably, making it hard for great authors to be hear. Martha Carr is a great example of authors blending barriers that once constrained storylines to be developed in set ways. A branch from the PNR tree that is now flooding the market too, is the good old (or should I say new) Reverse Harem. Together these three or four contexts are those that are being read in droves.
Shield Maiden is an awesome read and a great exemplar of being “unable to put it down.” With other online activities taking up a considerable portion of time spent for me, it (still) only took nearly three days to knock it over, and I reiterate this was slotted in around other media device attention. Definitely invest in Shield Maiden, I’m going with five stars, not something I often do with openers, as this has no ability to well reflect improvements from the first to the second, the second to the third, and so on and so forth. I’m unable to go with anything else though, as I seriously cannot think of an aspect that I didn’t like and enjoy.
* To read another example of exemptional Sci-Fi infusions in a fantasy universe is found in Libra Ascending. I’ll leave it up to you to work out the gaps in that title, as this review rightly conceives the book herein, and not a comparison that’d be unfair and undesirable in passing on the exceptional ingenuity found herein.
A very interesting technique of introducing the World Order of universe, and the second book in as many weeks where Sci-Fi is used with expertise to enrich a storyline in new fantastical ways. With the magic system being introduced as a distinct evolutionary vantage point from humans per se (or Peabrains as they are less than affectionally referred to herein), it works awesomely in new and interesting ways. It is surprisingly intuitive when it is explained as well as it is herein.
Got to say without reservation that the topic matter isn’t one found frequently throughout fantasy lit so it is rewarding in and itself, a brings a new understanding to the fantasy history of old. A story adding so many new and captivating ways, is an attraction of its own, let alone one done so well. Great story, history, plot, series interest, characters: the list doth go on where the story can be described by many positive more adjectives to boot.
The spell-work benefits from these same aforementioned qualities as they encase how the spells play out too. A lot of thought and what I’m sure would’ve been a lot of shifts and changes before being settled upon. Furthermore, the introduction of well-placed and suitably timed/designed runic magic extends these same adjectives yet again.
A branching away from what is becoming a semi-norm in the contemporary spell-work that occurs abroad as those being more elemental in nature, a back to beneficial fruit standards of the epic- and high-fantasies of old, sees the usual places you could mostly only find them in therein and before. With an ever-increasing shift from grassroots, the new big sellers can often be found to come from the more contemporary sub-genres, these elements have suffered at the hands of the enormous influx of PNRs: which in my mind should often be listed as RPNs instead.
This compounds in saying nothing of the bad boy shifter erotica and menage, and you have mostly contemporary sub-genres that chop and change inexorably, making it hard for great authors to be hear. Martha Carr is a great example of authors blending barriers that once constrained storylines to be developed in set ways. A branch from the PNR tree that is now flooding the market too, is the good old (or should I say new) Reverse Harem. Together these three or four contexts are those that are being read in droves.
Shield Maiden is an awesome read and a great exemplar of being “unable to put it down.” With other online activities taking up a considerable portion of time spent for me, it (still) only took nearly three days to knock it over, and I reiterate this was slotted in around other media device attention. Definitely invest in Shield Maiden, I’m going with five stars, not something I often do with openers, as this has no ability to well reflect improvements from the first to the second, the second to the third, and so on and so forth. I’m unable to go with anything else though, as I seriously cannot think of an aspect that I didn’t like and enjoy.
* To read another example of exemptional Sci-Fi infusions in a fantasy universe is found in Libra Ascending. I’ll leave it up to you to work out the gaps in that title, as this review rightly conceives the book herein, and not a comparison that’d be unfair and undesirable in passing on the exceptional ingenuity found herein.
June 23, 2024
Oh Wow!
Shield Maiden is even better than the Finnegan Dragonbender books, and I honestly hadn't thought that was possible!
Mila is really coming into her Powers as a Valkyrie in this story, helped by Finn's total confidence in her, and in who she really is.
This confidence will be needed by her, as Preston sends her to investigate the silence coming from an Elf Community, and Mila, Danica, and Penny, end up fighting off the kind of evil she has never experienced before!
When she finds out that one of her Sister Valkyries, Heather, has also been taken, she appeals to her contact, Victoria, who doesn't believe her, when she tells her, that she had encountered a creature, that Victoria thought impossible.
This costs Heather's life, and the anger that this causes Mila, gives her the strength of conviction, and the confidence that she needs, to help in the rescue of the Elf Community.
But trouble follows her back to Denver, and Mila must face that evil once again!
This was an amazing story, with non-stop action, as both Mila, and Finn, spend the day apart, each fighting different battles.
Finn has gone searching for a Hoard, so that Penny can lay her eggs, at last, now that she's surrounded by her chosen family, and he, too, ends up having crazy adventures, as he searches for Montezuma's famous hidden treasure!
I love, love, love this story, and want to get a few hours sleep (it's 4.15am right now because, as usual, I couldn't put the book down!), before going straight on to Book Two: 'Choose the Slain'.
Once I've read this I will, of course, catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
Shield Maiden is even better than the Finnegan Dragonbender books, and I honestly hadn't thought that was possible!
Mila is really coming into her Powers as a Valkyrie in this story, helped by Finn's total confidence in her, and in who she really is.
This confidence will be needed by her, as Preston sends her to investigate the silence coming from an Elf Community, and Mila, Danica, and Penny, end up fighting off the kind of evil she has never experienced before!
When she finds out that one of her Sister Valkyries, Heather, has also been taken, she appeals to her contact, Victoria, who doesn't believe her, when she tells her, that she had encountered a creature, that Victoria thought impossible.
This costs Heather's life, and the anger that this causes Mila, gives her the strength of conviction, and the confidence that she needs, to help in the rescue of the Elf Community.
But trouble follows her back to Denver, and Mila must face that evil once again!
This was an amazing story, with non-stop action, as both Mila, and Finn, spend the day apart, each fighting different battles.
Finn has gone searching for a Hoard, so that Penny can lay her eggs, at last, now that she's surrounded by her chosen family, and he, too, ends up having crazy adventures, as he searches for Montezuma's famous hidden treasure!
I love, love, love this story, and want to get a few hours sleep (it's 4.15am right now because, as usual, I couldn't put the book down!), before going straight on to Book Two: 'Choose the Slain'.
Once I've read this I will, of course, catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it!
March 18, 2020
Excellent
Absolutely love these books. And I don't say that often, I'm fair, but my bar is pretty high. I also say what I don't like, like the 3 witch sister books, for lack of plot movement and mean less irritating dialog. I do feel bad for it though. I like good reviews Totally jumping subjects, the story you told about you wife and cat is a wonderful lesson that so many people can relate to. And never see or empathise with were you are coming from. I do completely. You told it such a clear way, practical, logical it's message really hit home hard. Thinking back when I didn't take those 5mins or time with my kids or my dog or cat. How important it is during certain times in your life were your crazy life is at odds with another's not crazy in the same way life, to really devote that time and energy to be sure to validate the needs in the lives of those around us. I'm going to send it to my daughter as a lesson. Your one smart guy. There are two smarty pants in your house.
Absolutely love these books. And I don't say that often, I'm fair, but my bar is pretty high. I also say what I don't like, like the 3 witch sister books, for lack of plot movement and mean less irritating dialog. I do feel bad for it though. I like good reviews Totally jumping subjects, the story you told about you wife and cat is a wonderful lesson that so many people can relate to. And never see or empathise with were you are coming from. I do completely. You told it such a clear way, practical, logical it's message really hit home hard. Thinking back when I didn't take those 5mins or time with my kids or my dog or cat. How important it is during certain times in your life were your crazy life is at odds with another's not crazy in the same way life, to really devote that time and energy to be sure to validate the needs in the lives of those around us. I'm going to send it to my daughter as a lesson. Your one smart guy. There are two smarty pants in your house.
April 13, 2020
The main character is somewhat interesting, but nothing to write home about. The dragon seems okay.
I have no doubt this will be a series with at least five or ten books. I say that because the story arc accomplished about one quarter of a typical book's objectives. I have to say it. If the author is padding the book this early in the series, maybe a better plot line and story would be a better idea?
We have the girl power club, plus one Dwarf prince. We have a bad girl, working for a bad guy, who probably is working for a worse guy... The book made be think Dragon lance series on training wheels and tricycles.
Maybe this whole flu pandemic thing is getting on my nerves, but I don't believe that is the case. The book was NOT horrible, but it was not all that good.
I have no doubt this will be a series with at least five or ten books. I say that because the story arc accomplished about one quarter of a typical book's objectives. I have to say it. If the author is padding the book this early in the series, maybe a better plot line and story would be a better idea?
We have the girl power club, plus one Dwarf prince. We have a bad girl, working for a bad guy, who probably is working for a worse guy... The book made be think Dragon lance series on training wheels and tricycles.
Maybe this whole flu pandemic thing is getting on my nerves, but I don't believe that is the case. The book was NOT horrible, but it was not all that good.
December 24, 2020
Mila
This KU library selection is the first book in a continuation of the Finnegan Dragonbender series, which I unfortunately haven't yet read. Mila is a young peabrain Valkyrie who is mated(?) to the Dwarf King, Finn. She is assigned to a scouting mission by the eldest Valkyrie, Victoria, while simultaneously accepting a similar assignment from a clandestine group. What she finds in northern Idaho is totally different from what any of them expect, however, and many times worse. Fortunately, book two is also available in the KU library.
This KU library selection is the first book in a continuation of the Finnegan Dragonbender series, which I unfortunately haven't yet read. Mila is a young peabrain Valkyrie who is mated(?) to the Dwarf King, Finn. She is assigned to a scouting mission by the eldest Valkyrie, Victoria, while simultaneously accepting a similar assignment from a clandestine group. What she finds in northern Idaho is totally different from what any of them expect, however, and many times worse. Fortunately, book two is also available in the KU library.
March 15, 2020
Another awesome story. For some reason when I give it 5 stars Amazon resets it with an error message
I was expecting a great story, I got just what I wanted! Mila really comes into her own in this book, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but this series I just flat out cool. Glad I purchased it, I will read it again in a year and it will be like greeting an old friend. Thanks for the fun!
I was expecting a great story, I got just what I wanted! Mila really comes into her own in this book, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but this series I just flat out cool. Glad I purchased it, I will read it again in a year and it will be like greeting an old friend. Thanks for the fun!
February 13, 2021
Okay, so I actually really like this book but there was just so much going on.
1. The story started up as a sequel to something but I just didn’t know what. It was terribly annoying.
2. It was too much for me, too disjointed. There are two separate stories than just run on parallel in the two first books. And the third was a race to catch all up.
As stated I liked the characters and plot, but the storyline and and information I feel I’m lacking is just too annoying for me.
1. The story started up as a sequel to something but I just didn’t know what. It was terribly annoying.
2. It was too much for me, too disjointed. There are two separate stories than just run on parallel in the two first books. And the third was a race to catch all up.
As stated I liked the characters and plot, but the storyline and and information I feel I’m lacking is just too annoying for me.
March 17, 2020
A fun read
Fun characters, plenty of interpersonal dynamics, and increasing stakes are the backbone of this story. All the other well-crafted details - including magic and other races - layer over it seamlessly, producing a story and world that it’s easy to lose yourself in.
“Shield Maiden” picks up where The Adventures of Finnegan Dragonbender left off, but this book also stands separately. Readers can enter the world from here with no trouble, although knowing about our intrepid quarter’s precious adventures will enrich the reading experience.
Fun characters, plenty of interpersonal dynamics, and increasing stakes are the backbone of this story. All the other well-crafted details - including magic and other races - layer over it seamlessly, producing a story and world that it’s easy to lose yourself in.
“Shield Maiden” picks up where The Adventures of Finnegan Dragonbender left off, but this book also stands separately. Readers can enter the world from here with no trouble, although knowing about our intrepid quarter’s precious adventures will enrich the reading experience.
March 16, 2020
Wow, just wow
Mila and Finn just can’t get a break. Taking time off just isn’t in the cards as the Dark
Star just can’t let go. The dark magic has taken over and Finn, Mila, and Penny have to find her before her plans to set the magical and mundane factions of the Earth ship into a war a great read.
Mila and Finn just can’t get a break. Taking time off just isn’t in the cards as the Dark
Star just can’t let go. The dark magic has taken over and Finn, Mila, and Penny have to find her before her plans to set the magical and mundane factions of the Earth ship into a war a great read.
February 8, 2021
So much included
Couldn't put this one down! Another cracking tale from a brilliant set of authors. An interesting set of heroes (Valkyrie, dwarf, dragon) go against an enemy thought long dead...and boy is this an adventure you can get your teeth into. A series that will be added to my TBR list...
Couldn't put this one down! Another cracking tale from a brilliant set of authors. An interesting set of heroes (Valkyrie, dwarf, dragon) go against an enemy thought long dead...and boy is this an adventure you can get your teeth into. A series that will be added to my TBR list...
March 23, 2020
Level UP! Sweet!
Indiana Jones was NOT like this!
Mila and Finnegan are so great together!
This series has to go on for at LEAST 50 books!
And I NEED them all NOW!!!!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
Indiana Jones was NOT like this!
Mila and Finnegan are so great together!
This series has to go on for at LEAST 50 books!
And I NEED them all NOW!!!!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
March 24, 2020
Wonderful, exciting story
Love the exciting adventures in this stories. Lots of danger involved and an enemy made. Excited about the future of this story. Really. Really great reading!!!!!
Love the exciting adventures in this stories. Lots of danger involved and an enemy made. Excited about the future of this story. Really. Really great reading!!!!!
March 28, 2020
Spaceship earth
I loved reading this story about a young Valkyrie and a Dwarf King as they battle evil on the planet we know as earth but is actually a spaceship caught in the gravity well of the sun.
I loved reading this story about a young Valkyrie and a Dwarf King as they battle evil on the planet we know as earth but is actually a spaceship caught in the gravity well of the sun.
May 7, 2020
Love Mila
This is an awesome start to a new series about Mila, Finn and Penny. They're a great group with cool adventures. Can't wait to see what they come up against in the next book.
This is an awesome start to a new series about Mila, Finn and Penny. They're a great group with cool adventures. Can't wait to see what they come up against in the next book.
October 16, 2021
Shield Maiden
Really enjoyed reading this book. Full of action and suspense. Keeps your interest to the ending. Highly recommend reading. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Really enjoyed reading this book. Full of action and suspense. Keeps your interest to the ending. Highly recommend reading. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Read
September 5, 2022Just started and so far I'm disappointed Abt having another weak azz main character. Who I'd like to see power up and gain more knowledge and power and experience. Instead of standing around watching people get merk'd . So far, all they've been is a day late dollar short as usual. Sad
March 29, 2020
Very well written. Good characters and interesting plot. Look forward to reading #2 of the series.
April 30, 2020
Great read
I truly enjoyed the characters. Their banter is great. The plot was great. I can’t wait to read the others in the series.
I truly enjoyed the characters. Their banter is great. The plot was great. I can’t wait to read the others in the series.
May 15, 2020
More than expected
Adventure and magic who could ask for more add in Austria bingo a saga. Awaiting the awaken secret that has not been revised.
Adventure and magic who could ask for more add in Austria bingo a saga. Awaiting the awaken secret that has not been revised.
June 13, 2020
Good start
Not bad but I struggled with some of the plot line. I’ll give the next book a go to see how the story develops.
Not bad but I struggled with some of the plot line. I’ll give the next book a go to see how the story develops.
August 23, 2020
Good but too short.
Enjoyable but it of fluff. Too short though felt like a weekly episode on TV that was part of a larger arc.
Enjoyable but it of fluff. Too short though felt like a weekly episode on TV that was part of a larger arc.
December 3, 2020
Wonderful story
I have enjoyed this story of the Mila, Finn and Penny who are a unusual family that in for the battle of their lives.
I have enjoyed this story of the Mila, Finn and Penny who are a unusual family that in for the battle of their lives.
July 20, 2021
Omg
This book was so good.I couldn't put it down.You will want to get all of the different books from these author's.they are so good.
This book was so good.I couldn't put it down.You will want to get all of the different books from these author's.they are so good.
January 10, 2023
DNF
Stilted dialogue. Unbelievable.
Stilted dialogue. Unbelievable.
January 10, 2023
Not continuing this series, not my fave
December 9, 2023
Good fun
Simple rollicking fun. Fights and dragons enough for all fiery ladies. Return to quests and indifferent superiors to rebellion against.
Simple rollicking fun. Fights and dragons enough for all fiery ladies. Return to quests and indifferent superiors to rebellion against.
April 19, 2020
Fun
I really enjoyed this book and the series altogether. Such a fun ride. Just starting next book in this series
I really enjoyed this book and the series altogether. Such a fun ride. Just starting next book in this series
April 8, 2021
Fantastic start
Great start to new series within this universe and this builds on nicely to the Dragonbender books.
In this series it’s about Finn’s girlfriend Mia. In this book Finn goes on his own adventure for treasure while Mia goes on to find out what has happened to a missing Valkyrie.
What Mia and her friends find out is a great evil her senior Valkyrie boss doesn’t believe in her and thinks that she is confused as she’s so young.
Great start to new series within this universe and this builds on nicely to the Dragonbender books.
In this series it’s about Finn’s girlfriend Mia. In this book Finn goes on his own adventure for treasure while Mia goes on to find out what has happened to a missing Valkyrie.
What Mia and her friends find out is a great evil her senior Valkyrie boss doesn’t believe in her and thinks that she is confused as she’s so young.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews