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Shieldmaiden Squadron #1
Shieldmaiden Squadron
Eighteen-year-old Ingrid Tirsdatter is a shieldmaiden—a Viking warrior tasked with protecting her clan while upholding their virtues of honor, valor, and total domination. She’s one-hundred-percent focused on climbing the shieldmaiden ranks, and not at all focused on Axel Andersson—the overly confident and unnaturally good-looking warrior who saved her life exactly one time . . . and hasn’t let her forget it.
When an unparalleled enemy threatens Ingrid’s clan, she vows to do everything in her power to protect her home. But saving Valkyris will require her to travel one thousand years into the future, join an elite Southern California sorority, capture a magic-wielding psychopath . . . and not fall for the one warrior in all the realms who could be her undoing. Ingrid’s new assignment is a nightmare in the making, but she’s determined to do her clan proud. After all, she’s a shieldmaiden.
And shieldmaidens never back down.
This is a full length, young adult fantasy for readers who love action, adventure, subterfuge and romance.
When an unparalleled enemy threatens Ingrid’s clan, she vows to do everything in her power to protect her home. But saving Valkyris will require her to travel one thousand years into the future, join an elite Southern California sorority, capture a magic-wielding psychopath . . . and not fall for the one warrior in all the realms who could be her undoing. Ingrid’s new assignment is a nightmare in the making, but she’s determined to do her clan proud. After all, she’s a shieldmaiden.
And shieldmaidens never back down.
This is a full length, young adult fantasy for readers who love action, adventure, subterfuge and romance.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2021
20 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
S.T. Bende
54 books564 followersBefore finding domestic bliss in suburbia, S.T. Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (where she became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and studied Shakespeare in Europe… where she became overly fond of McVitie's cookies.
Her Scandinavian heritage and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired her YA Norse fantasy series' (Viking Academy, Ære Saga, Elsker Saga, and Alfheim Academy). And her deep love of a galaxy far, far away led to her writing children's books for the Star Wars franchise. As an experienced IP writer, she's written multiple books published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press and its licensees, and looks to expand into additional beloved IP projects.
When she's not creating stories, S.T. dreams of skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth.
Find S.T. on her website (www.stbende.com), her newsletter (http://smarturl.it/BendeNewsletter), or on Twitter @stbende.
Her Scandinavian heritage and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired her YA Norse fantasy series' (Viking Academy, Ære Saga, Elsker Saga, and Alfheim Academy). And her deep love of a galaxy far, far away led to her writing children's books for the Star Wars franchise. As an experienced IP writer, she's written multiple books published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press and its licensees, and looks to expand into additional beloved IP projects.
When she's not creating stories, S.T. dreams of skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth.
Find S.T. on her website (www.stbende.com), her newsletter (http://smarturl.it/BendeNewsletter), or on Twitter @stbende.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 25, 2021
5 stars! Marvel-like danger mixed with bad@$$ Vikings in an American college Greek-life setting and wrapped up with a cute, funny, and powerful clean YA romance bow!
A high energy story where ancient Vikings are dropped into the Greek life of a present-day southern California university in search of a dark mage up to no good, this first book in the series is abound with humor, sweet romance, (female) empowerment, strong ethics, and brave heroics, as well as strong moral support of teamwork and sisterhood. A gripping start to a fantastic YA urban fantasy series that I can’t wait to read more of.
A high energy story where ancient Vikings are dropped into the Greek life of a present-day southern California university in search of a dark mage up to no good, this first book in the series is abound with humor, sweet romance, (female) empowerment, strong ethics, and brave heroics, as well as strong moral support of teamwork and sisterhood. A gripping start to a fantastic YA urban fantasy series that I can’t wait to read more of.
April 28, 2023
A lovely read. I thought the characters were fun and well developed. The writing reminded me of the young adult novels I remember growing up and loving. A strong female lead trying so hard not to fall for the player boy
I actually wish the book had been longer, I wish we had gotten to see more of the world of the shield maidens before we were taken to modern day Los Angeles.
Seeing the squad struggle with modern day changes was certainly fun. I enjoyed the the writer really captured the confusion one would feel when coming to the modern world from the Viking era. I will be certainly checking out the rest of the series!
I actually wish the book had been longer, I wish we had gotten to see more of the world of the shield maidens before we were taken to modern day Los Angeles.
Seeing the squad struggle with modern day changes was certainly fun. I enjoyed the the writer really captured the confusion one would feel when coming to the modern world from the Viking era. I will be certainly checking out the rest of the series!
August 25, 2021
4.5. This book has action, suspense, humor, and a hint of romance. If you liked Viking Academy, you’ll love Shieldmaiden Squadron. That said, you don’t have to read Viking Academy before starting, but I would recommend it. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of Valkyris and of the characters’ motivations.
Plot:
In one of her first big assignments as a Shieldmaiden, Ingrid travels into the future to stop an evil mage from destroying Valkyris. The mission gets a little more complicated when she realizes that Axel is part of her hunt team.
Characters:
Since the first Viking Academy book, Axel has been one of my favorite characters because he often provides the comic relief. This book solidified my opinion and even showed us a different side of him by giving us a tiny glimpse of his vulnerability. At first, I found it a little hard to root for Ingrid because she was so cold to Axel. As she slowly warmed up, and as I remembered everything she had gone through and everything she was working for, she became much more of a heroine to me.
The supporting characters are awesome. Raynor was my favorite character from the last book, and I loved seeing him as a fish out of water. It was also nice to see that Brigga had changed for the better. Janna, the leader of the Shieldmaiden Squadron. is a great addition to the group.
Writing:
When it comes to world building, Bende is one of the best authors around. She always manages to squeeze in a lot of background explanation without things becoming boring. When I read that the gang would going into the future, I was worried about how Bende would make that happen, but the transition was pretty seamless. And the foreign exchange student angle really not only adds to the humor, but also introduces us to several new characters. If I had to rate the book on movie terms, I would give it a PG. There’s little to no cussing, but there are some violent scenes that are pretty intense.
Bottom Line:
Shieldmaiden Squadron is super fun and very fast-paced. It’s such a great read that it just flies by. Now, I find myself getting excited about reading it each evening, only to remember that I’ve already finished. Fortunately, Sorority Subterfuge is right around the corner, so I have something to look forward to.
Plot:
In one of her first big assignments as a Shieldmaiden, Ingrid travels into the future to stop an evil mage from destroying Valkyris. The mission gets a little more complicated when she realizes that Axel is part of her hunt team.
Characters:
Since the first Viking Academy book, Axel has been one of my favorite characters because he often provides the comic relief. This book solidified my opinion and even showed us a different side of him by giving us a tiny glimpse of his vulnerability. At first, I found it a little hard to root for Ingrid because she was so cold to Axel. As she slowly warmed up, and as I remembered everything she had gone through and everything she was working for, she became much more of a heroine to me.
The supporting characters are awesome. Raynor was my favorite character from the last book, and I loved seeing him as a fish out of water. It was also nice to see that Brigga had changed for the better. Janna, the leader of the Shieldmaiden Squadron. is a great addition to the group.
Writing:
When it comes to world building, Bende is one of the best authors around. She always manages to squeeze in a lot of background explanation without things becoming boring. When I read that the gang would going into the future, I was worried about how Bende would make that happen, but the transition was pretty seamless. And the foreign exchange student angle really not only adds to the humor, but also introduces us to several new characters. If I had to rate the book on movie terms, I would give it a PG. There’s little to no cussing, but there are some violent scenes that are pretty intense.
Bottom Line:
Shieldmaiden Squadron is super fun and very fast-paced. It’s such a great read that it just flies by. Now, I find myself getting excited about reading it each evening, only to remember that I’ve already finished. Fortunately, Sorority Subterfuge is right around the corner, so I have something to look forward to.
August 22, 2021
What do you get when you transport 5 vikings on a quest to catch the evil mage through time into the Los Angeles from now?
A wonderful read. While being on this search for the evil mage they get to know all about cars and technology, which causes funny moments to cover up their slip ups.
Ingrid, Janna, Brigga, Raynor and Axel all have their qualities to be chosen to go on this mission into the future.
They pretend to be Norwegian exchange students and the ladies are in the sorority housing and the lads in the frats house.
And there is enough action because they have to fight the mage more than once.
Also not to forget is the pull between Ingrid and Axel. Although Ingrid tries to talk herself out of it, but sparks fly and it is funny to see it all happening.
This seems like another amazing series and I can't wait to read the next book in it to find out what is going to happen next.
A wonderful read. While being on this search for the evil mage they get to know all about cars and technology, which causes funny moments to cover up their slip ups.
Ingrid, Janna, Brigga, Raynor and Axel all have their qualities to be chosen to go on this mission into the future.
They pretend to be Norwegian exchange students and the ladies are in the sorority housing and the lads in the frats house.
And there is enough action because they have to fight the mage more than once.
Also not to forget is the pull between Ingrid and Axel. Although Ingrid tries to talk herself out of it, but sparks fly and it is funny to see it all happening.
This seems like another amazing series and I can't wait to read the next book in it to find out what is going to happen next.
August 26, 2021
Oh my word, do you remember the Viking Academy series and meeting Ingrid. Yep, we get to go on a journey with Ingrid this time and I am so excited. So we know that Ingrid was wanting to join the shieldmaiden squad and she does it. She works hard and it pays off. She is asked by her commanding officer to go on a special mission one that will take her to another time. So who all is going on this mission. Well Axel is one of them. OH!! Yeah when I saw that I was like this is going to be interesting. So we see this group try and acclimate to where they are. It is quite funny at times but they roll with it. Ingrid is staying on task and is always on the lookout for clues and such. At the same time though the chemistry with her and Axel is ramping up. She fights the attraction until she can't anymore. However, she also does not want to lose focus on her mission. There are some intense moments but it is what made the story so good. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
August 24, 2021
Our beloved vikings are back! 🥰
OMG, I'm so happy to be back to Valkirys, I loved Viking Academy so much, so reading about this amazing world again is fantastic 🤩
How time travel, a dark mage on the loose and romance with a hot viking sounds?... yeah, it’s pretty awesome!!!... 🤗
Ingrid is an amazing shieldmaiden, she has worked so hard to gain her placed among her new people on Valkirys, so when Janna, her captain, asked her to go with her on this special and secret mission, she doesn’t think it twice, the safety of their people is their top priority but... how will she do in an unfamiliar place and time and, worse, in the company of the infuriating (and hot) Alex Andersson?... 🤨🤔
Oh boy, prepare yourself for a fun and action-packed ride, so enjoyable, you won't be able to put it down; can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! 😍❤
OMG, I'm so happy to be back to Valkirys, I loved Viking Academy so much, so reading about this amazing world again is fantastic 🤩
How time travel, a dark mage on the loose and romance with a hot viking sounds?... yeah, it’s pretty awesome!!!... 🤗
Ingrid is an amazing shieldmaiden, she has worked so hard to gain her placed among her new people on Valkirys, so when Janna, her captain, asked her to go with her on this special and secret mission, she doesn’t think it twice, the safety of their people is their top priority but... how will she do in an unfamiliar place and time and, worse, in the company of the infuriating (and hot) Alex Andersson?... 🤨🤔
Oh boy, prepare yourself for a fun and action-packed ride, so enjoyable, you won't be able to put it down; can't wait to read the rest of the series!!! 😍❤
August 25, 2021
This is an fun, easy read YA story that brings us back into the world of the Viking Academy crew. Ingrid is an 18 year old Sheildmaiden warrior who, along with her 4 friends, is transported into the future, in order to defeat a threat to their Viking clan. Pretending to be Norwegian exchange students the gang has to immerse themselves in college life while trying to search for and defeat the dark mage that is a treat to their home. I enjoyed the humorous cover-ups as the Vikings discovered the modern world, the repartee between the characters and the chemistry between Axel and Ingrid is delightful. This story has action, romance, humour, great characters and an entertaining plot. I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 31, 2021
Welcome to The Row
Ok first off, while not required it would help set the landscape if you have read Viking Academy Series
Welcome to the future, Ingrid and crew must not only find a dark mage, bring him to justice but doing it all totally out of their element. Thrust 1000 years in the future in LA no less. The on page chemistry between characters is awesome. The love, hate, but really love between Ingrid and Axel very cute. When love finds you and you try and run will never work out.
Really enjoyed the fish out of water the team was feeling. Seeing things of everyday use to someone that would have no clue is great.
Very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Ok first off, while not required it would help set the landscape if you have read Viking Academy Series
Welcome to the future, Ingrid and crew must not only find a dark mage, bring him to justice but doing it all totally out of their element. Thrust 1000 years in the future in LA no less. The on page chemistry between characters is awesome. The love, hate, but really love between Ingrid and Axel very cute. When love finds you and you try and run will never work out.
Really enjoyed the fish out of water the team was feeling. Seeing things of everyday use to someone that would have no clue is great.
Very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
March 4, 2024
I actually couldn’t tell which time period this started in. I assumed it was the past, but then she’s talking about representing Norway and competing, which doesn’t sound very thousand years ago, but it turned out it was.
It becomes a fish out of water story as the group are in present day Los Angeles, looking to track down the dark mage. They infiltrate sororities as exchange students and have to navigate the modern world.
I didn’t like the switch to modern as much as I enjoyed the original series, and most of it seems too convenient. It didn’t bother me as much in a small village looking for someone, but to come across them in L.A.? Not particularly believable.
But the squad is good, and it has all the awkward you could need.
It becomes a fish out of water story as the group are in present day Los Angeles, looking to track down the dark mage. They infiltrate sororities as exchange students and have to navigate the modern world.
I didn’t like the switch to modern as much as I enjoyed the original series, and most of it seems too convenient. It didn’t bother me as much in a small village looking for someone, but to come across them in L.A.? Not particularly believable.
But the squad is good, and it has all the awkward you could need.
August 25, 2021
Really 4.5. I really liked Shieldmaiden Squadron. This was a fun book and the premise pulled me right in. Vikings. And time travel. What could be better? Then throw in a hot, cocky assassin with a heart of gold and what’s a girl to do? Ingrid from Viking Academy is back along with Axel. Yay! I haven’t found any of ST Bende’s books that I haven’t liked. There is romance, but it’s PG. The best part was how five Vikings travel a thousand years into the future and have to fit in. In L.A. and in a sorority and fraternity no less. Naturally, I would have loved for this book to be longer. Thankfully, book two comes out soon. I can’t wait to find out what happens next for the Squad.
August 25, 2021
Following on from the brilliant Viking Academy series we find ourselves travelling with Ingrid & Axel as they leave their clan far behind in order to try to save Valkyris from a dangerous enemy. This mission will push them beyond their comfort zone and test their skills in ways they could never have predicted. Thank goodness for a skilled assassin and a determined Shieldmaiden!
Once again S.T. Bende pulls you brilliantly into the familiar feeling of Norse myth & legend with an original and engaging story. I loved meeting Ingrid & Axel in the Viking Academy series and I can’t wait to see where Shieldmaiden Squadron takes them.
Once again S.T. Bende pulls you brilliantly into the familiar feeling of Norse myth & legend with an original and engaging story. I loved meeting Ingrid & Axel in the Viking Academy series and I can’t wait to see where Shieldmaiden Squadron takes them.
August 26, 2021
This was a wonderful beginning to a new spin-off series to the Viking Academy! I had enjoyed the characters from the original books, and still enjoyed them in this new series! I also loved that they're in "present" time aka 2021 (ish) with technology. Being able to see their reactions to all the new and crazy things was fun.
While this is a standalone story, I would recommend reading Viking Academy first this way you’ll have a better understanding of Valkyris and of the characters’ motivations. This story has action, suspense, humor, and a touch of romance to keep my happy.
All in all, I can't wait to see what happens next in book 2!
While this is a standalone story, I would recommend reading Viking Academy first this way you’ll have a better understanding of Valkyris and of the characters’ motivations. This story has action, suspense, humor, and a touch of romance to keep my happy.
All in all, I can't wait to see what happens next in book 2!
September 1, 2021
“Shieldmaiden Squadron” is a fun and exciting book by S.T. Bende. I really enjoyed the dynamic the group of characters had throughout the book. Love the scenes between lead character Ingrid and Axel. S.T. Bende created a great mission for the characters that takes place one thousand years in the future (our modern time) and was great in writing the Viking groups reaction to all things that are life in the future. I am excited for the next book and the next step in their mission of finding the evil mage that is trying to ruin the world.
September 9, 2021
was really excited to go into this story blind and see where it would take me.
I do like Ingrid as a character and interested to see how she is taking this new world she finds herself in, the twist of coming to Earth is great and adds a nice dimension to the story.
I like the addition of the side characters as well, seeing the different personalities mix together is great. I like the idea that we don't know if everyone can be trusted.
I'm excited to see where the story goes next as there is a lot on the line, overall enjoyable.
I do like Ingrid as a character and interested to see how she is taking this new world she finds herself in, the twist of coming to Earth is great and adds a nice dimension to the story.
I like the addition of the side characters as well, seeing the different personalities mix together is great. I like the idea that we don't know if everyone can be trusted.
I'm excited to see where the story goes next as there is a lot on the line, overall enjoyable.
September 16, 2021
This book is amazing. Being thrown into the future. Axel and Ingrid and the rest of their team have to adapt to a new way of life.
On a mission to save the future and the past. sparks fly between a hard headed assassin and a very stubborn shieldmaiden
When things take a turn for the worst as the Dark mage gets closer to completing his mission. The team learns his true intentions and the fate of both the past and present world depends on them.
On a mission to save the future and the past. sparks fly between a hard headed assassin and a very stubborn shieldmaiden
When things take a turn for the worst as the Dark mage gets closer to completing his mission. The team learns his true intentions and the fate of both the past and present world depends on them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
Bringing the Norse crew to the 22nd Century
Such an awesome book, I loved Ingrid in the Viking Academy Series and she does not disappoint! Imagine bringing a Norse crew thousands of years in the future, the confusion feels real. The story is believable and it pulls you in! I can’t wait for book 2
Such an awesome book, I loved Ingrid in the Viking Academy Series and she does not disappoint! Imagine bringing a Norse crew thousands of years in the future, the confusion feels real. The story is believable and it pulls you in! I can’t wait for book 2
August 24, 2021
I finished this in one sitting. That's how good it is.
I really enjoyed journeying back into the world of our Viking Academy crew. I love the spin of hoping to the future. I loved getting to spend more time with Ingrid and Axel, not to mention a few surprise characters. The story was enjoyable and I look forward to seeing where it goes in book 2 because I can't even guess where that will be.
I really enjoyed journeying back into the world of our Viking Academy crew. I love the spin of hoping to the future. I loved getting to spend more time with Ingrid and Axel, not to mention a few surprise characters. The story was enjoyable and I look forward to seeing where it goes in book 2 because I can't even guess where that will be.
August 24, 2021
So much fun to be back in the Viking Aacademy world again. Ingrid was by far one of my favorite characters and now it’s her turn to share her story. I loved seeing her confidence in her mission and her adaptation to the modern world. Can’t wait for the next part!
August 26, 2021
I have read many stories from this author and this one is great also. She writes clean stories for all ages with lots of adventure. The stories keep you engaged throughout with the characters and complicated plots. You never know where the story is going to take you. Great job St. Bende!
August 31, 2021
All I have to say is if you loved Viking Academy you will love this series!! I couldn’t get enough of the all the characters!! The story was amazing. Action, a little love interest, funny moments as always!! Loved this book! Of course I do love anything this author writes!
September 4, 2021
I have fallen in love again. When ever ST writes a book I always get excited and forward to reading it. And ShieldMaiden didn't disappoint. It draws you in with the visuals and characters. The plot is amazing and there's drama and twists. I can't wait for the next book.
August 14, 2021
Absolutely loved this first book in the new series so good 💕😍
August 27, 2021
Ingrid, Janna, Brigga, Raynor, and Axel are sent on an important mission for all of Valkyris. Unfortunately for them, they must travel to Los Angeles of the future. Ingrid must also confront her feelings for Axel the arrogant. Plenty of action and lots of fun with them dropped in the future. I love this story!
August 30, 2021
It's over and now I'm sad but it's good be back to this world, S.T. Bende always keeps me on my toes when it comes to her books
October 31, 2024
This was pretty good, a lot more YA than I expected though! I also listened to this book which I haven’t tried in a long time and definitely think I missed a few details because of it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews