Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Shadows

The Shadows of Valhalla #2

by Melanie Karsak

A kingdom at war.
A conflict forged in the tragedies of the past.
A shield-maiden thrust into the heart of all.
Just when Ervie was beginning to break free of the shadows that plagued her, the Gauls set fire to her world. With King Harald murdered, the warhorn calls for revenge. From Skagen to Grund, the Vikings will rally to avenge the heinous attack. Ervie will soon find herself in the middle of it all—even if her heart is still in the Myrkviðr.

As war with the Gauls flashes to an inferno, the embers of a more serious problem smolder to life. Prince Hlod of the Huns is making plans of his own. Ervie and Loptr will soon find themselves on a collision course with destiny as they race to save the ones they love.

Continue Ervie’s tale in Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Shadows.

Fans of Viking tales will relish The Shadows of Valhalla series. This sweeping Viking historical fantasy retells the story of the second legendary heroine named Hervor—called Ervie by those who know her well—the inspiring shield-maiden from the Norse Hervarar Saga.

Readers of The Road to Valhalla series will love this next-generation tale in a beloved Viking world.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

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

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Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by the author I get transported to another time and place. The books capture you like none other. We are brought back to the world of the Vikings in this book. Like all the books in this series you have to read it as a series book not a stand alone. The books always have a lot of twists and turns, you never know where the author is going to lead you, which is why reading this book is so much fun. I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next book in the series. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAD! The ending killed me! So much is up in the air and so much happens in the last few chapters 😵‍💫 I need the next book, like yesterday ⚖️🗡️🪓🔪⚔️🛡️ Lives & Fates hang in the balance, the battle of a lifetime is coming, hearts are torn, death surrounds everything, and the Norns are weaving and unraveling everyone’s fate!

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many books by Melanie Karak and she never ever disappoints! Her books are entertaining and action-packed I always look forward to her next release.
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Melanie Karsak stopped my heart and restarted it again and again. With her words of exquisite emotion and haunted despair, I was left with empathetic feelings for our circle of beloved characters. She has yet again sealed her fate as a passionate fantasy wordsmith.
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This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official Book Blog! #theNerdGirlOfficial #NerdyBookServices

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need More!!

I love these books so much. I devoured this in one sitting. I need more. I cannot wait for book 3!

[Christine H Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like the Hervor series

This was better than the first book and eventually we find out who Narfi is. But this book has many of the same weaknesses as the first- suffering from mundane romance writing flaws. This book contains the back and forth between who do you love more? The Prince or the King? Ervie isn’t really thinking straight most of the time and she doesn’t listen to advice, instead rushing headlong into things. Now everything is a mess. It’s a good cliffhanger, and very poignant - I nearly cried- but really she doesn’t think things through and everyone pays the price. Good read though.

[Hannah Carey]

Rating: 4 Stars

⭐️ I am very much enjoying Ervie’s story and this next installment brought plenty of action, adventure, and all the magical Viking vibes.
⭐️ Having read the previous Sheild-Maiden serious, I’ve been loving all the return of beloved characters and all the ties into the first series, really makes for an enjoyable read.
⭐️ Trying not to give away spoilers here, but this book is action packed (and heart-breaking at times as well). The ending in particular was a roller coaster of a ride and I am very much eager to see how Erivie’s story develops and what will become of the threat of Hlod.
⭐️ The only thing I wasn’t keen on was the love triangle. I’m not someone who dislikes them, but I just wasn’t wild about it and how it played out in this book (I am very much still Team Ormar 😆). That being said, I am absolutely going to be reading the next installment!

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andddddd…. I am now an emotional blubbering mess. LOL. *Spouts ALL the adjectives.*

Karsak wields her magic once again in Gambit of Shadows; and let me tell you it is beyond an adventure; my heart, people. MY HEART!

I want to just spew and rant about every inch of this book, but I am not going to. I am going to let you read it and experience it and let it destroy you just like it did me! LOL

Seriously though, getting back into the Shield Maiden world and following along again with Erive just want I needed/wanted, emotional and realistic. I found I was still in love with these characters, their lives and adventures and enjoyed every moment of love, friendship, battle, life, death, and growth. I laughed, I sighed, and I spent a lot of time crying (mostly in the best of ways).

Gambit of Shadows is another excellent story and one I will enjoy many more times. If you have enjoyed any of this author’s works, this series or are just looking for an amazing adventure, this is the story and series for you! Highly recommended.

[TreeFlower · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ervie expected confusion and confrontation upon her return to Grund but she thought it would be over battles on the field, not battles of the heart. The Reindeer princess who has never belonged anywhere now finds herself nestled into the hearts of 2 men, men who both mean the world to her. As she’s trying to navigate the maze of her feelings she has to remain strong. For herself, for Angantyr and the inevitable crushing blow that’s coming his way, for her twin Loptr and his path in life, for Dag & Ormar…will Ervie remain resilient or will she take flight and leave all this mess behind?

*Sigh* I do like Ervie, she just makes me miss Hervor so badly. 😩 I’m genuinely impressed how intricately the author has woven this story. It spans generations of family lines, years old grudges, curses, and so much more. I feel like there’s things just now coming home to roost that start in the 1st or 2nd book and I am 8 books in. I never thought I’d like this series the way I do or feel as close to these characters as I am. I definitely recommend this series!

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered, weeping and in desperate need of the next book. How can a book utterly destroy one?! I shouldn't be surprised because Melanie Karsak's sagas always leave huge holes in my heart. They carry me off along adventures that are absolutely unputdownable. They're angsty and brutal and stunningly captivating. Her words are so easy to become lost in. And her world building is spectacular.

Ervie is pulling my poor heart in every direction as she's filled with intense longing and plagued by indecision. She's torn between two worlds and loves and duty. She's this wild force that feels things deeply and she's such a justice seeker. I honestly can't pick a path or guy I'd rather see her choose. No matter what, people will be hurt.

I'm on pointy pins and uncomfy needles as I await the next book. The Norns are ever weaving and the plot thickens.

[Sandra Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

I love Ervie's tale but my heart is broken. Ervie's life has never been easy but this book changes so much for her. She is a great character, strong, resilient, and wise beyond her years. She reminds me of her namesake. And she also has so many trials to endure. Will she live a peaceful life? Will she get her revenge? I can't wait to see what happens next.

I love this world. There are so many great people and the world building is magnificent. Melanie Karsak delivers again and again. She brings you into a world and makes you feel real emotions for her characters.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never, ever, ever, ever, EVER disappointed when I read a book by Melanie Karsak. Seriously. I swear the research is top-notch.

And I have to add that forthefirsttimeever... I finished book #2 to realize that book #3 was released and ready for me to read. Bless.

Ervie is such an excellent character. I mean her world is so easy to immerse yourself and learn all you can learn. The character development, relationship growth, personal growth and world building is so dang well written that I am blown away.

I highly recommend reading this series. On to book #3! Here I come Ervie and Omar!

[DeborahB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for all 9 books

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

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ervie's emotional adventures continue in Gambit of Shadows! I had to take a moment to gather my thoughts as the ending was a duzy. The thing I most like about Melanie Karsak's writing is that it's authentic in its delivery. The emotions, the conflicts, the historical association, it all together delivers a story I would read over and again. The characters are rich, the magic of the time that is shown is breathtaking, and even the wee bit of romance woven in amongst the adventure is heartfelt. This series keeps getting better!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in tears. I love these characters that Melanie Karsak has created. When I read her books I live amongst them, sharing their pain, their joys, their anger. Their world becomes as real as my own. I really loved this book and can only hope that Loptr and Ervie can take down that unmitigated bastard, Hlod. Such an evil, disgusting excuse for a human being. I loathe him. I am looking forward to the next book to find out what happens! Melanie Karsak writes such compelling masterpieces and I eagerly await each one.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Karsak is back with a new addition to her Shield Maiden universe, Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Shadows (The Shadows of Valhalla Book 2) and welcome back indeed for this book is pure fun. I am still amazed by how wonderful the world-building is here with Norse mythology (orphaned descendant of Loki, a shield-maiden and those “shadows of Valhalla” - just yum. Just the perfect setting for this exciting take that’s so wonderfully crafted. Ervie is back, along with Vikings, Gauls, Huns and excitement galore. Wonderful fun and very highly recommended.

[Vicktoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m enjoying the story but this book was pretty much filler half way through. Much of it was preparing for a battle that only lasted 5 pages. Sad to see some loved ones go, though. And the love triangle is meaningless because I do not care about the romance with Dag at all. I swear, every time Ervie had struggling thoughts, “But I loved him too”, (which was every. single. chapter) my eyes would roll to the back of my head.

But anyways, the next book comes out soon and I’m hopeful it will be more eventful and less meandering than this one.

3.5

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indescribable Sadness!

The Hunnish son of Heidrick has taken evil to the utmost level here , all other villains pale in comparison. Ervie and Loptr must face what is coming. That tiny little bird baby boy is now King with the weight of it all on his shoulders. We know that these times were difficult and filled with much violence and sorrow. Melanie's words treat this with the utmost respect and care.

[Leanne F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant 5 star read

Book 2 in the series is as gripping as the first. Melanie doesn’t shy away from the beauty nor the brutality of the Viking era, with both given equal standing in this series. Her attention to detail is excellent. In this book, Ervie transitions from a girl full of anger to a woman of understanding. Enjoy this read. Highly recommend.

[Erica F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I read it in less than a day (19 hours to be exact - only getting 2 hours of sleep overnight). So many twists and turns, but they’re woven with absolute precision resulting in insatiable intrigue.

I am ignited by this tale, and while I can’t wait to begin book 3, I don’t want there to be an end to this series.

[John Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute masterpiece of a book. The way Karsak weaves together elements of Norse mythology, magic, and strong female characters is truly impressive. The protagonist, Brynja, is a fierce shield-maiden who is both brave and vulnerable, making her a truly relatable and compelling character. The plot is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

[Kaysea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my honest review.

Oh, Ervie. Life just does not ease up for you, does it? To be fair, she should have listened to the Norns, but did not, and now they weave a new fate for many; abruptly so.

Battles, love, loss. The on going saga for Shield Maiden Ervie.

[Maurice Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous...and sad! I delightfully drown in the many characters and impressive world building that author KARSAK presents, and am a shameless fan of this series..Such literary hard work deserves applause, and I urge you to join me! (after reading, of course)

[Lily Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

She always does this to me makes me hooked on a series and ugh this plot let me say I will always need more. I can't describe to you the heart felt and feeling that I had reading this. In parting words skol my friends till we meet again in Valhalla

[Amber K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this series enough!!

Gambit of Shadows is the second book in this series and what an emotional, edge of your seat ride!!
I devoured this one in one sitting and WOW, that ending!! I was completely gutted and speechless.
I am now desperately waiting for the next book!!!

[Hayley camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed!

Ervie is learning in ways to accept things she has never did. By the gods I’m happy she did, she’s growing in ways Hervor did too.

This book is amazing, it had me crying, smiling, and shaking my head like a fool. I’m just hoping the next one comes out quickly.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

Melanie Karsak you’ve done it again. February can’t come soon enough for book 3. I was moved to tears and can not wait for the next book. Thank you for your wonderful storytelling.

[MARY L. HOLDEN-HALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

It is a.very interesting story with much history wrapped around the plot. Some magic, shape shifting and so much more. I am looking forward to the continuation of the story

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always.......WONDERFUL

I don't want to spend too much time typing because I have to get to reading book 3 but her books are simply the best and have become some of my absolute favorites!!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way Ervie, despite everything, keeps going. Emotional baggage, ravaged heart, damaged courage, she just forges ahead.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the story. The characters are complex and well done and you are left on the edge of your seat until the last page and then eagerly awaiting the next book.