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Shieldmaiden Squadron #3
Silent Shield
Shieldmaiden Ingrid Tirsdatter is in the final leg of her very first mission. After chasing a dark mage one thousand years into the future, she and her team have spent the past two months trying to stop him from doing the unthinkable—enacting a magical spell that’s certain to destroy their world. But when a collection of crystals goes missing, it’s clear their enemy is making his final play. And when Axel starts acting peculiar, Ingrid realizes that more than just their home is on the line. If she and her team can’t stop the dark mage, her past—and her future—may disappear forever.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2021
About the author
S.T. Bende
55 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 20, 2021
Silent Shield was a little bit different than the first two. All the books have a lot of action and suspense, but Shieldmaiden Squadron and Sorority Subterfuge had a little bit more humor. While I missed “fun Axel,” Silent Shield had enough other stuff to make up for it.
Plot:
The dark mage has most of the ingredients for the spell to destroy Valkyris, Ingrid and Axel and team lay their lives on the line to prevent him from using them.
Characters:
Ingrid’s squad was everything you hoped they’d be … caring, selfless, and incredibly brave. I had been leery of Torstein, but he turned out to be one of the good guys. The supporting characters were great, too, and it was nice to find out why the dark mage had become so evil.
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. She also makes you feel everything the characters are feeling, especially the team’s desperation to save their world and their frustration when things don’t go as planned. 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, and there are a couple of deaths in this one.
Bottom Line:
Silent Shield is an excellent conclusion to the Shieldmaiden Squadron series. The book wrapped up everything nicely and even gave us a bonus gift in the form of a long-awaited reunion. Can’t wait to see what Bende has in store for us next.
Plot:
The dark mage has most of the ingredients for the spell to destroy Valkyris, Ingrid and Axel and team lay their lives on the line to prevent him from using them.
Characters:
Ingrid’s squad was everything you hoped they’d be … caring, selfless, and incredibly brave. I had been leery of Torstein, but he turned out to be one of the good guys. The supporting characters were great, too, and it was nice to find out why the dark mage had become so evil.
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. She also makes you feel everything the characters are feeling, especially the team’s desperation to save their world and their frustration when things don’t go as planned. 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, and there are a couple of deaths in this one.
Bottom Line:
Silent Shield is an excellent conclusion to the Shieldmaiden Squadron series. The book wrapped up everything nicely and even gave us a bonus gift in the form of a long-awaited reunion. Can’t wait to see what Bende has in store for us next.
January 16, 2022
I was really excited to see how this was going to end, Ingrid has really come into herself and sees who she wants to be, not just in the the team but also with herself.
I love too how we see more of Brigga as well, she really comes to her own, would be great to have a book for her as well. It was interesting how the story flowed in this one and where this went, it was cool seeing more magic and how this world connects with their original world.
The only thing that did get me was the relationship with Axel, I really like him as a character but some of his interactions with Ingrid did bother me at times, it was almost him saying just trust me but he didn't always seem like he gave a reason too. I enjoyed the way his story did develop though and that ending Girl!
Overall the story was very enjoyable and a very easy read as always, that is something I enjoy about S.T Bende's writing for sure.
I love too how we see more of Brigga as well, she really comes to her own, would be great to have a book for her as well. It was interesting how the story flowed in this one and where this went, it was cool seeing more magic and how this world connects with their original world.
The only thing that did get me was the relationship with Axel, I really like him as a character but some of his interactions with Ingrid did bother me at times, it was almost him saying just trust me but he didn't always seem like he gave a reason too. I enjoyed the way his story did develop though and that ending Girl!
Overall the story was very enjoyable and a very easy read as always, that is something I enjoy about S.T Bende's writing for sure.
December 14, 2021
This series gets better and better. As the stakes get higher on the whole saving-the-world (past and future) thing, so too does the drama in the sorority and the romance between Ingrid and Axel. This book picks up right where 2 left off with lots of danger and fight scenes as well as mystery-solving tasks, relationship-building tension, and team-protecting bravery. And it leaves things in a very satisfying place (no big cliffhangers). I love the cast of characters, the warrior women and their partners (who challenge and balance them but respect their abilities), the friends they made with magical abilities, and the fantastical pets they acquired. This series is 100% for you if you like strong female protagonists, Norse/Viking culture, light Greek-life/University drama, partnership-style romance, and/or Marvel-esque Universe-saving quests. Another great S.T. Bende read.
March 4, 2024
Plenty of action, and the ending was way better than I predicted. I had expected a love conquers all type scenario, but I’ve very happy to say that this book utilises all the swords and punches and magic instead. Because Shieldmaidens don’t back down.
It’s got a nice blending of cultures by this point, and our intrepid explorers have learned a lot about the future. Though Axel really can’t be as clueless as he pretends to be.
Like the last book, everything moves at a speedy pace of constant action and reaction. It’s not always logical though. There were a few moments (like seriously, the dagger and plant) where a better way was pointed out that removed plot holes, and they still didn’t do it, and it's blaringly obvious that what they’re doing is not the best way to do things.
But beyond that, it’s a good conclusion to the series.
It’s got a nice blending of cultures by this point, and our intrepid explorers have learned a lot about the future. Though Axel really can’t be as clueless as he pretends to be.
Like the last book, everything moves at a speedy pace of constant action and reaction. It’s not always logical though. There were a few moments (like seriously, the dagger and plant) where a better way was pointed out that removed plot holes, and they still didn’t do it, and it's blaringly obvious that what they’re doing is not the best way to do things.
But beyond that, it’s a good conclusion to the series.
December 13, 2021
The last book in this trilogy.
Just as good as the other two books in this series. Maybe even better because I finally got to know if they could win from the evil witch. But I am also sad because this great series is over.
Ingrid and her friends are now two months in the USA and time is ticking. They are working hard, but the evil witch is a smart one. But on their quest they got a surprise which I can't say much about, because I don't want to give away a spoiler.
Just like the other books, the normal life at the frat house and the friends they made there is going on. Fun to read about that, still in the style of legally blonde meets viking.
And I love the last chapter of the book
Just as good as the other two books in this series. Maybe even better because I finally got to know if they could win from the evil witch. But I am also sad because this great series is over.
Ingrid and her friends are now two months in the USA and time is ticking. They are working hard, but the evil witch is a smart one. But on their quest they got a surprise which I can't say much about, because I don't want to give away a spoiler.
Just like the other books, the normal life at the frat house and the friends they made there is going on. Fun to read about that, still in the style of legally blonde meets viking.
And I love the last chapter of the book
December 15, 2021
When I reviewed Sorority Subterfuge I closed by saying “Bring on Silent Shield - I can’t wait!!” - I read Silent Shield with my heart in my mouth, some of me wanting desperately for Ingrid, Axel and the team to make it home, some of me wanting them to stay so they could learn a whole new way of living. Without any spoilers, I can say that I loved the ending and really hope it brings more books!
As I always say S.T pulls you brilliantly into her stories, whether you’re starting a whole new series or reading the next book you get to know and love the characters, and the places so much that you don’t want the series to end. Please S.T. can we have more from the Shieldmaidens soon? Oh, and I can’t wait to try the recipe!
As I always say S.T pulls you brilliantly into her stories, whether you’re starting a whole new series or reading the next book you get to know and love the characters, and the places so much that you don’t want the series to end. Please S.T. can we have more from the Shieldmaidens soon? Oh, and I can’t wait to try the recipe!
May 27, 2023
It was a good read . Honestly I was debating between giving it 3 stars or 4 stars. Times like this I really wish there were half stars.
Anyhow; I found the recap of what happened on the first three books a bit rushed and like an exposition dump. But I suppose that can be forgiven since the entire book series is rather fast paced.
I as always enjoy the characters but without going into much detail the conclusion and how the dark wizard is defeated left something to be desired. Thou I for sure wouldn’t have minded an epilogue of 2 years later to see how the characters are adjusting being back home and what they brought back from our modern world with them. Other than that a pretty solid book.
Anyhow; I found the recap of what happened on the first three books a bit rushed and like an exposition dump. But I suppose that can be forgiven since the entire book series is rather fast paced.
I as always enjoy the characters but without going into much detail the conclusion and how the dark wizard is defeated left something to be desired. Thou I for sure wouldn’t have minded an epilogue of 2 years later to see how the characters are adjusting being back home and what they brought back from our modern world with them. Other than that a pretty solid book.
January 5, 2022
“Silent Shield” by author S.T. Bende concludes the ending of the mission to save the world. Ingrid and her team with the help of their ally, Torstein continue their fight evil. I love the scenes with Ingrid and Axel. Oh Axel, so many face palms with some of his behavior. Out of the three books I found this book to be more emotional. Emotions that tugged my heart and brought happy and sad tears to my eyes. The ending was such an amazing surprise and so heartwarming. This concluding story was well developed, written, and had me biting my fingers on the final battle. I was on pins and needles throughout the final ending of their mission. Don’t miss out on this incredible series.
December 20, 2021
Great ending, love it!!! 💖
The final installment of this amazing series doesn't disappoint with a plot full of action, friendship, loyalty, romance, hope and resilence!!! 🤗🥰
Even when the circumstances were the worst, our crew never lost hope and kept fighting to save the world 💪👊💪👊
And that final chapter made me cry, happy tears, for Axel!!! 💕
So sad this series is over, I really have enjoyed all these viking books, S.T. Bende is amazing and I hope we will see more of this fantastic world!!! 😍❤
The final installment of this amazing series doesn't disappoint with a plot full of action, friendship, loyalty, romance, hope and resilence!!! 🤗🥰
Even when the circumstances were the worst, our crew never lost hope and kept fighting to save the world 💪👊💪👊
And that final chapter made me cry, happy tears, for Axel!!! 💕
So sad this series is over, I really have enjoyed all these viking books, S.T. Bende is amazing and I hope we will see more of this fantastic world!!! 😍❤
December 14, 2021
I loved every moment with these characters and I'm sad to see it end but it did so beautifully!
The characters are well crafted and funny, the plot keeps you hooked, and we want what's best for all of them (let's not kid ourselves- even the villain!) and though it has its sad moments it doesn't let you down.
This book was a great conclusion to the series and I'll be waiting excitedly for the possible books that could come from where the story has been left.
The characters are well crafted and funny, the plot keeps you hooked, and we want what's best for all of them (let's not kid ourselves- even the villain!) and though it has its sad moments it doesn't let you down.
This book was a great conclusion to the series and I'll be waiting excitedly for the possible books that could come from where the story has been left.
December 16, 2021
This book was so hard to put down the character's are amazing and the way S.t. Bende writes it all comes together magically and leaves you wanting more this is an amazing conclusion to a epic series
Ingrid and Axel and the rest of the Valkyris crew have everything to fight for their home and their future with A Dark Mage hell bent on destroying the past and the future the team must pull together for one final show down because the Fate of the world as we know rest on the most unlikely hero's
Ingrid and Axel and the rest of the Valkyris crew have everything to fight for their home and their future with A Dark Mage hell bent on destroying the past and the future the team must pull together for one final show down because the Fate of the world as we know rest on the most unlikely hero's
January 8, 2022
Loved how this story wrapped up. I loved getting to see the different sides of our many characters. While I enjoyed them getting their bearings in the modern world, I miss Valkyris. I loved how this story wrapped up and I can't wait to see what new adventures await our crew. As always S.T has written a captivating story full of characters you can't help but love and relate too.
December 15, 2021
Shieldmaiden Ingrid Tirsdatter is almost finished with her first mission in tracking a mage to the future but when the mage enacts a spell with missing crystals that can and will destroy her home it is up to her and her friends to save the day. As always a great series by a great author
December 20, 2021
Ingrid and her team have limited time to save their past and possible future from a dark mage in this final book. They are also battling through college, classes, and snotty sorority sisters. This book has tons of action and all the feels.
January 23, 2023
Outstanding read.
This is an amazing book. It's hard to put down. Keeps you on the edge of your seat from one battle to the next. Great book for good verses, evil, and good winning the war even when evil won the battle.
This is an amazing book. It's hard to put down. Keeps you on the edge of your seat from one battle to the next. Great book for good verses, evil, and good winning the war even when evil won the battle.
December 14, 2021
You better buckle up on your dragon because the conclusion, to this part of the story, is full of action and laughs!
December 14, 2021
Such an amazing conclusion to Ingrid’s story! Could not put this book down! Definitely recommend this series, but you have to start at book 1- Shieldmaiden Squadron. Must read!
December 27, 2021
Loved the book and the series! The last book of the series felt fast-paced for me with the characters facing struggle after struggle. It felt a bit rushed at the end, but I love happy endings.
January 14, 2022
S.T. Bende why do you keep playing with my feelings like this?! I demand compensation
March 30, 2026
Luv, luv, luv this Author xxc
I have read each set of stories twice & have also told my daughter & daughter-in-law about them, thanks for your imagination xxx
I have read each set of stories twice & have also told my daughter & daughter-in-law about them, thanks for your imagination xxx
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews