Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon

The Road to Valhalla, Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Chosen by Odin. Destined for Valhalla.

In my dreams, Odin whispers to me.
He tells me I'm destined to wield a legendary sword.
He tells me my road will bring me to Valhalla.

But when I wake, I'm only Hervor. Fatherless. Unloved. Unwanted. Jarl Bjartmar, my grandfather, calls me cursed. My mother, her memories stolen by the gods, has forgotten me. Everyone tells me I should have been left to the wolves, but no one will tell me why.

None but Eydis, a thrall with völva magic, believes I'm meant for a greater destiny. Yet who can believe a devotee of Loki?

When the king and his son arrive for the holy blót, the runes begin to fall in my favor. A way forward may lie in the handsome Viking set on winning my heart, but only if I unravel the mystery hanging over me first.

Fans of Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and The Mists of Avalon will relish Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon. This sweeping Viking Historical Fantasy retells the Norse Hervarar Saga, depicting the life of the shieldmaiden Hervor, the inspiration for J. R. R. Tolkien's Éowyn.

©2020 Clockpunk Press (P)2020 Clockpunk Press

Engaging storyline and narrative

This is the first one an engaging series. performance is good, though I'd always prefer avoiding squeaky high voiced female characters. There are so many realistic options and less irritating.

This Series Is Phenomenal!

I love the imagery, the history, the rich world building! This series is rich in mythology and human emotion. This is a sweeping saga that will intrigue and captivate you. This narrator brings these characters to life and you won't want to set this aside.

Great start to series

This book slowly builds the anticipation for the next in the series. This may be hard for those who hate slow starts but I promise it is well worth it! Wonderfully crafted world and excellent character descriptions!

Intriguing tale!

This isn’t my usual story type of choice but it drew me in instantly! I love all the description and characters, and the story line is amazing! Highly recommend!

Amazing

Loved the book and the performance. Loved every second of the book can’t wait to continue the story

A Great Mix Of Action, Mythology, and Romance!

I loved the mythology that was mixed into the book, a book that is already rife with action, humor, friendships, mystery, romance, and violence. I easily got lost within the unfolding of the story as well as the rich and imaginative world-building and fantastic characters (good and bad). It's definitely worth listening/reading. The narrator was also great at bringing to life the characters, as well as, the characters. I can't wait to listen to book 2!

Amazing

Great story and told amazingly
I can’t wait for the next book in the series

Gods and Warrior Women

Hervor is unwanted in her home under the lordship of her grandfather, Jarl Bjartmar. She is the daughter of a mother who has lost her memories and a father no one will speak of. Hervor wants nothing more than to be a shield-maiden, a female viking warrior, but her Jarl will hear none of it.

Hervor's only friend is her thrall, Eydis, an owned girl of sorts, who is beloved by the god Loki who occasionally grants her visions and knowledge that help both her and Hervor.

The gods presence is heavy throughout this story. They are a clear and ever-present aspect of the people's live. Odin himself sometimes speaks to Hervor.

But in order to become the shield-maiden she hopes to be she may have to leave behind everything she knows

Shield-Maiden

Really enjoyed story and wished Audible had the following books. Was bummed they weren't available!

Great Story Line

loved every minute of it! excellent read. couldn't stop listening to it, finished it the first day.