Song of the Shieldmaiden

Daughters of Valhalla #1

by Ashley Hagood

Three Viking sisters. Three different fates. One epic quest for revenge.

In a quiet Norse village, three Viking sisters follow the destinies woven for them by the Norse gods. Svanhild, the eldest, dreams of becoming a shieldmaiden. Haldis, her face marked by scars, trains as a Viking seer yet doubts her own abilities. And young Brynja seeks solace in the quiet companionship of her childhood friend Erik, a bond that transcends blood ties.

But their tranquil life is shattered when a raider invades their village and steals their father’s throne.

Bound by blood, the sisters unite in a vow of revenge.

Yet as they live like captives in their own home, Svanhild is forced into a betrothal with the enemy’s son, Haldis toils with visions of a dark future, and Brynja struggles against the new jarl’s righthand man.

Do these sisters have what it takes to save their family and their village, or will their plans end in heartbreak?

Genres: Historical Fiction

392 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2022

About the author

Ashley Hagood crafts mythic fantasy brimming with action, magic, and heart. She especially loves writing complex, compassionate female characters whose convictions are as strong as their swords. A history major turned web designer, she swapped a career in video games for the adventure of being a full-time author.

Off the page, Ashley embarks on imaginary quests with her son, levels up in role-playing games like Dragon Age, and devours books. She lives in California with her husband, son, and a cat who’s convinced she’s a Valkyrie.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Ashley Hagood did her research and was able to deliver a good Viking book with as much historical accuracy as possible. The story is so captivating and builds up such anticipation for the next novel(s) in this series. I honestly cannot wait for the next book. The characters were so well written and some of the character development was beautiful, such as that of Haldis. This book had me hooked from the very beginning, the way Ashley Hagood built the story so exciting and constantly has you wondering what will happen next and how they are going to do this. I loved that this book didn’t just feature one strong female protagonist but several. The three sisters show their bravery and strength in such different ways that they all compliment each other. Along with their mother, they are all strong, badass women. I cannot wait to see how this story continues. The ending leaves you craving more. Viking/Norse history is very special and important to my family, so I was incredibly excited to read this and more so that it was as good as it was.

CW: violence, abuse, attempted sexual assault

Thank you to Book Sirens and Ashley Hagood for this ARC in exchange my honest review.

[Kathrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of the Shieldmaiden is a historical novel that tells the story of three sisters. The girls' lives change dramatically after a fate stroke at the book's beginning.

Based on the book's title, I assumed that the first volume only referred to the eldest sister, Svanhild. But the book also tells the story from the perspective of the other two sisters. Overall, much attention is paid to each character, and essential foundations are laid for the other books in the series.

I was very fond of both Svanhild and Haldis, the middle sister. I mistakenly assumed that there would be more fantastical elements in the novel. Not so - it is a well-written historical novel. The supernatural element is Haldis' connection to the gods and the influence the gods have on events.
I also liked the author's approach to romance. Not too cheesy; entirely believable.

I enjoyed this book and am excited to see what happens next. I need to read historical novels more often anyway.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Song of the Shieldmaiden by Ashley Hagood and found it quite good reading. So good that I'm waiting for her next installment to be done to end-up seeing what I thought should be done. Svanhild is our shieldmaiden but her father Jarl Tove is training her for battle but her mother Helga is also a shieldmaiden or was before she married Savnhild's father. She has two sisters which were born after her and they are Haldis who's younger and her youngest sister who is Brynja the beautiful. Unknown an other Jarl (Ulrik) was sneaking around after everyone was full of drink and food and ended up killing Jarl Tove. Svanhild pledges herself to Jarl Ulrik's son to keep them from killing all her sisters and mother. Ashley has other scenarios to bring things to a head which you may read for yourself. Things change drastically and Svanhild is off to find her fathers brother.

[Charl (thinkingbookishthoughts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Blog | Storygraph

Plot
When a surprise attack befalls beloved Jarl Tove’s longhouse, Svanhild quickly accepts a marriage proposal to the son of the usurping Jarl to save the lives of her family. All her short life she has dreamed of becoming a shieldmaiden that the skalds will write songs about but it looks like her dream will be cut short before she has time to make it reality. She might be engaged but all she really seeks is revenge. Between Svanhild, her sisters and her mother, they hatch a plan to take back what is rightfully theirs.

Characters
Song of the Shieldmaiden is told from the perspectives of the three sisters, Svanhild, Haldis and Brynja.

Svanhild – There may be three perspectives told but Svanhild is at the heart of the story. She is a headstrong young warrior in the making with little tact when it comes to holding her temper. Svanhild lets her deep faith in the gods influence every decision she makes, especially looking to Odin to guide her. Her character development throughout the book was great. I can’t wait to see what will happen with her storyline in the next book.

Haldis – Haldis has always been invisible to those around her due to her one blind eye. She has been brought up to be trained as a seer, studying runes and trying to communicate with the gods. Unfortunately Haldis has little faith in herself and her abilities but she continues to try nonetheless. I’m surprised at how much I really loved Haldis and how much I valued seeing things from her perspective.

Brynja – The beautiful youngest sister doesn’t like that men are beginning to notice her, especially when some of those men won’t take no for an answer. All she wants is to spend her time with her best friend Erik, the brother she never had. The most sensitive of the three, Brynja just wants to keep busy and out of the way of Jarl Ulrik and his warriors.

Thoughts
I adored this book. I’m absolutely gutted that there’s no mention of when the next one is out as I need to know what happens next! I’m not surprised by how much I enjoyed this story as I always like books about Vikings but seeing the story be told from the perspectives of three young female characters was different to anything I’ve read before.

I assumed the entire book would be told from Svanhild’s perspective but was pleasantly surprised to see that it also included the perspectives of Haldis and Brynja. Each of the sisters have their own unique voices that really add to the authenticity of the storytelling. I liked that all three sisters have their own problems and lives outside of the main plot but that it didn’t get complicated with too many things happening at once. Svanhild and Haldis were my favourites but I adore Helga too. I also have a real soft spot for Erik, I thought he was the biggest sweetie pie! Ashley Hagood knows how to write strong female characters that are both flawed and likeable.

I was hooked from the very first page. The story is gripping throughout with a well-researched setting and plot. The ending had me shook even though I saw pretty much all of it coming. This book gave me huge Assassins Creed Valhalla vibes. I have no idea if the author has ever played the video game but it really reminded me of it in the best way! Absolutely loved this book, I can’t wait to continue this series.

Recommended For
- Fans of Viking stories
- Fans of books with a lot of violence
- Fans of strong, well-written female characters

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received an advance review copy of this book for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]

I was pleasently surprised by this book!
The world and culture were crafted very well, especially for a viking story ( where so much of what we think we know about them are usually errors portrayed by hollywood!). It showed a beautiful and down-to-earth perspective of living a viking life, and the many trials that came with it. It may not *all* be historicaly accurate, but it was a nice change to the blood and guts raids that most people think of when they want to write viking stories, and I felt it did the viking culture justice.

Story wise, it was enjoyable. I think it was well written, and I appreciated the characters and setting. I felt it needed a bit of a pickup around the midpoint, and could have improved with some more present-time stakes, instead of a vague and far away revenge. Maybe something to do with Andor, or perhaps expanding on the unknown loyalties of the people, and the trials and error that may have ensued with trusting them too quickly.
But overall, I did enjoy this book, and the writing and the characters were very good.

Cheers!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of this book, and while Ashley Hagood is a family member, I can honestly say I absolutely loved this book! I enjoy historical fiction and am excited to add the Daughters of Valhalla series to my must-read list, thanks to this incredibly well-written book! Hagood’s character development draws you in and you’ll find yourself truly caring about Svanhild and her family. The well-paced story line carries you along like a river — I couldn’t wait to turn the page and watch the journey, with all its surprising twists and turns, unfold. Hagood takes you right into the lives of these characters, painting an intriguing picture of life in a Viking-age village, and stirring your emotions as they deal with greed, cruelty, Norse beliefs, and family loyalty. I love how she sprinkles mythology and just enough Old Norse vocabulary to place you in the scenes. She is a talented wordsmith and storyteller, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this start to the Daughters of Valhalla series, it had a great opening and I enjoyed the plot of the book. The characters were really well done and I enjoyed reading this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rob Cataneo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The world building transports you to the time of the Vikings offering lots of details that feel authentic. A lot of Norse mythology tidbits in there. This book is the first in a series that tells the story of Svanhild and her sisters. I like Svanhild’s strong personality in particular, as she has to face her destiny. I can’t wait to read the next one! Totally recommend this book!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!! Loved this book from start to finish!! An addictive story with lovable characters you just want to spend time with!
A great romp in the Viking world!!!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pros:
Norse based story!
Strong sister relationships
Strong independent women
Norse mythology

Cons:

Ehhhh I am not enthused by the potential enemies to lovers trope in this one. It’s not working for me yet!

The biggest compliment (in my opinion) I can give an author and the story/world they have created is to put it on my “too good to finish until the sequel is published stack” this book would have made the stack if I didn’t HAVE to finish it. I knew going in that the book would be a test of how annoyed I would get at it being a cliffhanger and the author has made me annoyed. This doesn't sound like a good thing BUT IT IS!

The author has not only managed to create an authentic atmosphere of a norse world in Kaldvik she has managed to create an entire world around the village that feels real when you read the book. The sisters at the heart of this book are written in a way that feels real and tangible. Svanhild’s faith never wavers as she doubts herself and tries to push at the boundaries Ulrik places on her family. Her reluctant attachment and its growth to Andor doesn’t always hit the right points for me but that could be a result of my redline on “enemy” and what can actually be redeemed. Brynja, the youngest sister comes across as the weakest, but she is letting her fears of loss colour her perceptions of other peoples actions and express doubts to them rather than support them. Haldis, her storyline is the hardest to read in many ways, physically and emotionally different to her sisters; she is the outcast that her sisters love but do not understand. Her relationship with her father in particular gives a colour to her storyline that is very different to her sisters.

At the heart of this story is 3 sisters and their mother, women in a man's world, using what skills and knowledge they have to fight back against the usurper of their hall and people. The author has managed to create a real and dynamic family that doesn't always react the way you want, but keeps you hooked into continuing to read the story. Eagerly awaiting book 2!

[VickiTori · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Ashley Hagood book experience, and I am so pleased that BookSirens recommended Song of the Shieldmaden for me. And I’m so excited this is the first book of a series, Daughters of Valhalla. I am on the newer side to reading books based on Norse mythology and Viking history. And I’m so thankful I was able to find this gem. I couldn’t put the book down!

Shieldmaden is centered around three sisters: Svanhild, Hilda, and Brynja. When an unexpected event turns their lives upside down, we get to follow along as each sister tries to find their place in life, in the midst of chaos and upheaval. Meanwhile they are also trying to plan how to take back their village and throne.

The author did an amazing job of creating detailed images of the characters and their personalities. I felt connected to each character, which is a difficult feat when having chapters based on multiple characters’ POV. Even secondary characters came to life. Ms. Hagood paid special attention not only in describing and laying the foundation of each character, but she created such a richly mapped out world as well. I loved her descriptive writing and how much care/ love she clearly poured into this book.

Thank you BookSirens & Arrow Heart Press for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily and composed of my on thoughts, experience and feelings of this book.

[Julia Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a sitting. "Song of the Shieldmaiden" is a wonderful, evocative look at medieval Scandinavian life. While I don't know enough about this period to say whether all of the details are right, they *feel* right, and the description of events is so evocative that it's easy to picture myself there. I am guessing this would appeal to any lover of the time period, or any reader who loves immersing themselves in a world far distant in time and place.

The only thing that, for me, wasn't quite perfect is that the plotting sometimes felt less than sharp. (e.g. sometimes the story meandered a bit, which I don't think is bad, just made it perhaps less gripping than some more strongly plotted stories I've read). Still, in such a lush, detailed world, this is not so much a complaint as a thing to note.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of the Shieldmaiden is a poignant look at three very different sisters prepared to fight seemingly insurmountable odds for each other and their home.
Svanhild really shined to me; I found her more and more interesting and compelling than her sisters, and I'm the most interested in how her story will continue in Book 2. I found myself wishing against all common sense that she can have her revenge and love. Her last chapter in particular sets up a lot of really interesting things going forward, so I'm excited to see how her story develops and how she'll interact with the new characters going forward. My strongest criticism is that I wished there was a bit more from her sisters, so I'm equally hoping that they get the interesting plotlines they deserve in subsequent books and more page time.
The author clearly did her research, so all the rich historical details about Viking culture create such an immersive experience. The high tension toward the end made me wishing the rest of the series was already out or that I had another Viking book on my TBR.

[Chandaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of a shieldmaiden follows the story of three Viking sisters and is the first volume of the Daughters of the Valhalla series. This first volume introduces all three sisters but focuses on the oldest as she swears revenge for the murder of their father.

I really liked this book. I found that is was beautifully written. The plot was pretty good and there was a good pace. None of it felt too rushed or too slow, there was a good character and world-building. It really left me hanging for more.

I loved how complex all the characters were and it was pretty easy to hate the villains and to have favorite characters.

While some of the developments were obvious, it did not spoil the fun at all. That's just how well it was written.

If you like a good fantasy and Viking culture, you should definitely try this novel.

I am eagerly waiting for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start this by saying I'm a sucker for historical fantasy, and anything with Vikings immediately gets my attention. Hagood obviously did her due diligence with research of the time period. We don't know much about the day-to-day lives of the Norse people, but I loved seeing the details we do know sprinkled throughout the story. It definitely has that 'feel' I've come to expect and crave from Viking stories, and that alone led to a great deal of enjoyment.

The three POVs (Svanhild, Brynja, and Haldis) were all enjoyable, though they weren't very distinct from one another. Haldis was probably my favorite, and I'm curious to see more of her story. The plot kept me engaged and entertained, and the ending made me want to pick up the next book.

I do wish there had been a bit more depth to the characters. But considering this is Hagood's first book, I'm curious to see if their arcs will be expanded upon in the the next.

3.5 rounded to 4/5 stars

[Vel's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great way to end my reading year! This is the first book in the Daughters of Valhalla series and as the name says it's focused on the female part of the norse inspired world the author created.
After a usurper takes the throne of their family, three sisters have to navigate their new life under a new leader, which of course comes with a lot of problems.
I enjoyed the three sisters and the world. If you're familiar with norse mythology or have watched 'Vikings' it was very easy to get into the story and you will find similarities to other norse inspired worlds.
You also get some romance which is done very well in my opinion. There is angst and struggles and I'm excited to continue the series and I can't wait to see what the author has planned for the sisters.

Read if you like:
• norse gods
• scandinavian small town
• vikings
• shieldmaiden
• seer
• enemies to lovers
• blood and vengeance

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the very beginning! A historical fiction book related to Norse Vikings is not my usual genre. However, Ashley Hagood has written a captivating story with many interesting characters. What I liked most is how you can feel the characters changing throughout the story. You can sense the push and pull the characters feel from who they were to whom they are destined to become due to the circumstances in their lives. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Onika Howdyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect combination vikings and the bond between three sisters. I loved how the author weaved the mythology into the story without it bogging down the material. Hagood is an expert at pacing and knowing when to turn the page on which POV at the right moment. I am truly invested in what happens to this group of characters, especially Haldis. I cannot wait to dive into the second installment of this series.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Song of the Shieldmaiden and could not put it down! Ashley set up the story so well without ever making me feel like I was drowning in details and ready to move on. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kritika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so good,.I regret a bit reading it not as soon as I recieved it. The details were good, they felt right and the writing style was appealing too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story and the character perspectives. The lore woven into the story was fantastic. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.