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Valkyrie #1
Valkyrie
“Why are you doing this?” “Doing what?” “Helping these people. Non-citizens. You don’t owe them anything. You had a life back in the Dome you could’ve escaped back to, been protected by your uncle. Why do any of this?” “None of this would’ve happened if it wasn’t for my mother, right? I can’t just walk away from it, can I?” Life is a paradise for the privileged on Odin Prime. Dr. Shea Tristan, a loyal Statesman and Chancellor’s niece, learns firsthand how broken the state is when she falls into the hands of Shadow- the station’s most dangerous criminal organization. A disgraced Valkyrie named Victoria Hammond and an emerging threat among the station’s most vulnerable force Shea to confront her mother’s shameful past. Shea will question everything she knows about herself, her notorious family, and the state that once protected her.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
34 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Meg Ludwa
1 book31 followersMeg Ludwa knew she wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote fanfiction in her middle school notebooks. She has spent the last twenty years daydreaming and writing bits of fiction until deciding to write her first novel, Valkyrie, in 2015.
Meg is from Cleveland, Ohio and majored in History with a minor in Asian Studies at Bowling Green State University. She studied Japanese and spent one glorious year abroad in Hiroshima, Japan in 2007. She also earned a MA in History from Texas A&M- Central Texas and a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus Europe. All this means is that Meg is a huge history and computer nerd with a few expensive pieces of paper.
Meg currently lives with her wife, Rachel, and their two cats- Anakin and Padme.
Meg is from Cleveland, Ohio and majored in History with a minor in Asian Studies at Bowling Green State University. She studied Japanese and spent one glorious year abroad in Hiroshima, Japan in 2007. She also earned a MA in History from Texas A&M- Central Texas and a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus Europe. All this means is that Meg is a huge history and computer nerd with a few expensive pieces of paper.
Meg currently lives with her wife, Rachel, and their two cats- Anakin and Padme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 8, 2021
Read on Scribd.
An epic and enthralling sci-fi read. I enjoyed how it was both similar and yet unique to many Sci-Fi and Space Dystopian storylines. We have disparity across a classist system, and a far over-reaching political leadership that controls everything. But just how corrupt things are, might depend on your own position inside the space station. Lines begin to blur when various factions you wouldn't expect are working together, while others are working against.
I really enjoyed getting to know this 'world' and how it all works, and trying to figure out the shades of gray permeating the morality, and the double and even triple agent scenarios that went on. It left you guessing but intrigued.
Mostly you just end up invested in all the characters, particular our Dr Shea and Victoria, and their past hurts, and the connection that comes from an initial antagonism and misunderstanding.
I really hope we haven't seen the last of these characters, there's so much more to explore and I hope we get to see more of sweet Theresa, too, and also Simon.
If you're into SciFi, I can imagine this would satisfy!
An epic and enthralling sci-fi read. I enjoyed how it was both similar and yet unique to many Sci-Fi and Space Dystopian storylines. We have disparity across a classist system, and a far over-reaching political leadership that controls everything. But just how corrupt things are, might depend on your own position inside the space station. Lines begin to blur when various factions you wouldn't expect are working together, while others are working against.
I really enjoyed getting to know this 'world' and how it all works, and trying to figure out the shades of gray permeating the morality, and the double and even triple agent scenarios that went on. It left you guessing but intrigued.
Mostly you just end up invested in all the characters, particular our Dr Shea and Victoria, and their past hurts, and the connection that comes from an initial antagonism and misunderstanding.
I really hope we haven't seen the last of these characters, there's so much more to explore and I hope we get to see more of sweet Theresa, too, and also Simon.
If you're into SciFi, I can imagine this would satisfy!
April 22, 2022
Valkyrie by Meg Ludwa is a dystopian sci-fi debut novel set on a space station. It was a tad on the long side (print length 538 pages) but I broke it up a bit by reading other material in between. I liked some of the world building and over all it was entertaining enough, although the plot suffers from the usual beginners issues. A good editor could have made a difference here.
I’ve read the author put 5 years of work into this and I commend her for her efforts. I have a soft spot for Indies anyway. Having said that, I’ve been spoiled with some exceptionally good (and queer) sci-fi coming out in these last few years (it’s a very competitive market) so I wasn’t particularly blown away by this offering. But you might not be as picky. Give it a try. There is also an audio book version available.
You can read (or listen to it) on Scribd.
3.7 Stars
I’ve read the author put 5 years of work into this and I commend her for her efforts. I have a soft spot for Indies anyway. Having said that, I’ve been spoiled with some exceptionally good (and queer) sci-fi coming out in these last few years (it’s a very competitive market) so I wasn’t particularly blown away by this offering. But you might not be as picky. Give it a try. There is also an audio book version available.
You can read (or listen to it) on Scribd.
3.7 Stars
January 30, 2021
What a ride! I didn't want it to end and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
September 10, 2021
Waoh!
This held me from the first page to the last. Great job by the author. Futuristic history of sort and so well done.
With 5yrs of the author's creative investment read by me within 48hrs...I had to reflect on that and be truly grateful to the works of creative minds and the utility they provide.
This held me from the first page to the last. Great job by the author. Futuristic history of sort and so well done.
With 5yrs of the author's creative investment read by me within 48hrs...I had to reflect on that and be truly grateful to the works of creative minds and the utility they provide.
November 1, 2020
love being surprised by trans rep even if it's not important and just in the background
6/5 good book
6/5 good book
August 23, 2023
Rep: lesbian mcs
CWs: torture, human experimentation
CWs: torture, human experimentation
February 20, 2023
Strikingly good, wish there was more
It's not often that I get embroiled in a sci fi plot. Sure, I love the genre and sure, there are good stories out there, but stories that keep my attention for hours on end? Rare as ever they come. I'm just easily distracted, but not with this lovely book.
No. Valkyrie caught my attention and kept it. I couldn't stop reading, needing to know what happened to Shea and Victoria next. It's great science fiction and awesome character work. I look forward to the sequel.
It's not often that I get embroiled in a sci fi plot. Sure, I love the genre and sure, there are good stories out there, but stories that keep my attention for hours on end? Rare as ever they come. I'm just easily distracted, but not with this lovely book.
No. Valkyrie caught my attention and kept it. I couldn't stop reading, needing to know what happened to Shea and Victoria next. It's great science fiction and awesome character work. I look forward to the sequel.
October 22, 2020
A decent book with an enjoyable story and good main characters. There was a bit of an abundance of characters explaining plans and ideas, some more show don't tell would have done good here.
Similarly, feelings and connections in topics didnt need to be pointed out.
I liked the main relationship, and they had some antagonism in the beginning that was not resolved too quickly.
The book was left open for a sequel, and I think I'll check it out when that comes.
Similarly, feelings and connections in topics didnt need to be pointed out.
I liked the main relationship, and they had some antagonism in the beginning that was not resolved too quickly.
The book was left open for a sequel, and I think I'll check it out when that comes.
February 11, 2021
What a ride. This never got boring and I couldn’t stop thinking about the book whenever I wasn’t reading. My heart hurts for both Shea, Victoria (mostly her) and Simon for everything that happened. And with that ending? I desperately need the next book. Loved it.
June 5, 2021
I'm going to need a sequel
A good dystopian story, but very little wlw content and the book ends at a cliffhanger.
Shea's struggle to come out started off really well but then it just went away during a fade to black sex scene where she's with one person but is fantasizing about one, if not two, others.
I wanted to see more development between Shea and Vic. I think there was a connection between the two but it's never really discussed.
I hate cliffhangers but honestly, if I didn't like the book, they wouldn't bother me and I hated this one. I'm left with so many questions. I hope there will be more to this story in the (very near) future.
A good dystopian story, but very little wlw content and the book ends at a cliffhanger.
Shea's struggle to come out started off really well but then it just went away during a fade to black sex scene where she's with one person but is fantasizing about one, if not two, others.
I wanted to see more development between Shea and Vic. I think there was a connection between the two but it's never really discussed.
I hate cliffhangers but honestly, if I didn't like the book, they wouldn't bother me and I hated this one. I'm left with so many questions. I hope there will be more to this story in the (very near) future.
December 25, 2020
A fast paced sci fi which packs in a whole lot of plot, as well as a bunch of interesting and complex characters.
As well as the detailed socio-political worlds we are introduced to, there's a lot of character development throughout. Noone is two-dimensional, even the most evil people we meet in the book, and queer characters are represented without their sexuality being the whole of their identity,
As well as the detailed socio-political worlds we are introduced to, there's a lot of character development throughout. Noone is two-dimensional, even the most evil people we meet in the book, and queer characters are represented without their sexuality being the whole of their identity,
September 16, 2020
Good book! Very fast moving story, gritty action, intriguing characters - keeps you interest and draws you in. So much happening, so no surprise that there is more to come, but a little disappointing to have to wait to find out what happens next!
October 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi debut novel. It had a fast moving plot, with plenty of action and interesting characters. The author described a dystopian space colony with enough complexity and realism to keep me intrigued.
August 28, 2021
Amazing
I loved loved loved this book. Can't wait for the next one in the series. Part of what made it so enjoyable was the descriptive writing. I felt like I was in the room with the characters.
I loved loved loved this book. Can't wait for the next one in the series. Part of what made it so enjoyable was the descriptive writing. I felt like I was in the room with the characters.
December 24, 2025
I just finished Valkyrie and wow, it really makes you think about who you are and what the world tells you to be. Shea Tristan starts out living a perfect, safe life on Odin Prime. She trusts the State, follows the rules, and believes everything she’s been taught. But then everything falls apart. She’s forced to face dangerous people, hidden secrets about her family, and truths about herself she never wanted to see.
The story is full of surprises, action, and even tough questions about morality, loyalty, and identity. I loved how Shea’s journey made me question what’s right and wrong, and how Victoria Hammond and the other characters show that people aren’t just black or white, they’re complicated.
I also liked that the book touches on sexuality and transgender issues in a way that feels natural and part of the story, not just added on. It makes the world of Odin Prime feel real and layered. The politics, the state’s control, and the way people react to power all make you really think about freedom, choices, and personal responsibility.
Valkyrie isn’t just a space adventure, it’s about discovering yourself when everything you thought was true turns out to be a lie. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and definitely keeps you turning pages. If you like science fiction that mixes action, moral questions, and complex characters, this book is for you.
The story is full of surprises, action, and even tough questions about morality, loyalty, and identity. I loved how Shea’s journey made me question what’s right and wrong, and how Victoria Hammond and the other characters show that people aren’t just black or white, they’re complicated.
I also liked that the book touches on sexuality and transgender issues in a way that feels natural and part of the story, not just added on. It makes the world of Odin Prime feel real and layered. The politics, the state’s control, and the way people react to power all make you really think about freedom, choices, and personal responsibility.
Valkyrie isn’t just a space adventure, it’s about discovering yourself when everything you thought was true turns out to be a lie. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and definitely keeps you turning pages. If you like science fiction that mixes action, moral questions, and complex characters, this book is for you.
April 9, 2022
If I’m being honest, I passed by this book plenty of times when trying to find something new to read. One day, I decided to read the sample and enjoyed it! I bought a physical copy and read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down.
This story was perfect in a lot of ways. The world-building was absolutely amazing and I loved the main character, Shea, and also Victoria’s story. There’s hardly any good f/f stories. I can’t wait for the second book and hopes that it explores the relationship between Shea and Victoria.
This story was perfect in a lot of ways. The world-building was absolutely amazing and I loved the main character, Shea, and also Victoria’s story. There’s hardly any good f/f stories. I can’t wait for the second book and hopes that it explores the relationship between Shea and Victoria.
November 12, 2021
Good Sci-Fi!
The science is good, the world building not so much, case in point, rickshaws in space? The Anchor, as ghettoish as it was depicted I couldn't see it in space, however, I did liked the plot enough to keep me intrigued to to the end. I found the twists and turns rather clever, I would give it more than three stars had the world building been kept up with the time and place.
The science is good, the world building not so much, case in point, rickshaws in space? The Anchor, as ghettoish as it was depicted I couldn't see it in space, however, I did liked the plot enough to keep me intrigued to to the end. I found the twists and turns rather clever, I would give it more than three stars had the world building been kept up with the time and place.
November 28, 2022
To be completely honest I was not vibing with the beginning, however because I already bought it I was determined to finish it. I'm extremely surprised how into it I was by the middle and I was actually invested by the end. The story isn't super complex but actually manages to have depth and I like it. I wish there was a prequel to explain the power change and how we ended up where we are. If anything there needs to be a sequel of some sort.
February 10, 2024
Excellent writing. Interesting plot. Plenty of action. Would have liked more from the relationship between the two MCs-I'm a sucker for a good wlw love story-and there is so much to explore here. Ended on a cliffhanger and I'm DYING to know what happens. Please, please write the sequel🙏 listened to the audiobook, was well performed.
June 12, 2025
So good! This society that Meg Ludwa builds is both familiar and frightening. The upper class living a good life and those with less living a hard life. The characters are so defined they're in 4k in my mind. I've got to know what happens to Victoria and Shea so I'm going to patiently wait over here in my corner for Valkyrie #2.
did-not-finish
March 3, 2021I tried, but I was struggling with it as early as 25% in. I could not get into the writing and I had some issues with the setting as well. (Bricks, concrete and wood as building materials in a spacestation?)
June 4, 2021
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. Good, but not great, for a debut novel in terms of plot, action and politics - but I felt all the characters lacked depth and I couldnt really engage with any of them. Left open-ended for a sequel, but I don't think I will bother.
September 19, 2021
Interesting. The worldbuilding is confusing, though.
Also, could we all just agree to stop introducing trans characters as trans by mentioning their deadname? I think that's just unnecessary. Other than that, this was pretty interesting.
I'm terrible at writing reviews, I know.
Also, could we all just agree to stop introducing trans characters as trans by mentioning their deadname? I think that's just unnecessary. Other than that, this was pretty interesting.
I'm terrible at writing reviews, I know.
October 2, 2023
One of the best dystopian sci-fi books that i’ve read, simply amazing, just pick it up and read it you’ll have lots of fun with a really intriguing plot, amazing and complex characters and a nice built world. Really excited for the sequel, it can't come soon enough.
January 20, 2021
Relatable characters and believable representation in a well-written story that feels far too reflective of modern times, despite its futuristic, deep space setting.
April 9, 2021
Gays in space
what else do you need?
what else do you need?
May 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this one. Lots of action and I liked the characters too.
Read
December 1, 2021It's so boring. Long long pages of nothingness, boring dialogs, boring flashbacks, bering events. Nothing has happened by page 150 out of 450. I gave up.
December 11, 2021
Not the black woman leader being called Mama Harriet…Also bricks and rikshaws in space?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews