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Shieldmaiden #0.5
The Shieldmaiden's Daughter
Begin your journey with this gripping novella prequel to the Shieldmaiden series.
Daughter of a king, raised by a shieldmaiden—life should be simple, right?
But in the wake of Haakon's fall, danger lurks around every corner for Bethany and Tora.
Determined to honor Haakon’s memory, Bethany strives to provide Tora with a life of peace and safety. But Tora craves more than tranquility—she longs for glory and battle.
Becoming a shieldmaiden is harder than Tora could ever have imagined. As a young woman in a man's world, she must use every resource at her disposal to survive, but it never seems enough.
Can Tora live up to her legacy and claim her place in the Viking world, or will the pursuit of honor cost too much?
Daughter of a king, raised by a shieldmaiden—life should be simple, right?
But in the wake of Haakon's fall, danger lurks around every corner for Bethany and Tora.
Determined to honor Haakon’s memory, Bethany strives to provide Tora with a life of peace and safety. But Tora craves more than tranquility—she longs for glory and battle.
Becoming a shieldmaiden is harder than Tora could ever have imagined. As a young woman in a man's world, she must use every resource at her disposal to survive, but it never seems enough.
Can Tora live up to her legacy and claim her place in the Viking world, or will the pursuit of honor cost too much?
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2024
378 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 18, 2025
Historical Viking fiction
Swords and axes
Battles
Norse mythology
No romance
The cover is what drew me into reading this Viking fiction book. Stunning. Fierce.
A quick, compelling story of a shieldmaiden’s daughter. Tora’s mom was a shieldmaiden who taught her to wield a sword and stand her ground. Every step of the way, Tora had to prove she belonged and could become a shieldmaiden. I enjoyed her close relationship with her two close male friends who supported her. Literally my only grumble is that there was no romance or budding romance, not even as a subplot. Even with no romance, the short story was great, and I enjoyed reading this Viking adventure. I love a good Viking saga!
Swords and axes
Battles
Norse mythology
No romance
The cover is what drew me into reading this Viking fiction book. Stunning. Fierce.
A quick, compelling story of a shieldmaiden’s daughter. Tora’s mom was a shieldmaiden who taught her to wield a sword and stand her ground. Every step of the way, Tora had to prove she belonged and could become a shieldmaiden. I enjoyed her close relationship with her two close male friends who supported her. Literally my only grumble is that there was no romance or budding romance, not even as a subplot. Even with no romance, the short story was great, and I enjoyed reading this Viking adventure. I love a good Viking saga!
October 6, 2024
‘Every fight is a game of strategy’
It’s a balancing act (or perhaps more of a juggling act) when determining the focal point of one’s training. Whether it’s for the battleground or the boardroom, don’t focus entirely on your weaknesses. Yes, know you’re weaknesses and learn to compensate for them in other areas. ’Cause your opponent will definitely be aware of how to exploit your limitations.
‘I’m saying that you can get stronger, but you’ll never be the strongest, so you’ll need to work on your other attributes as well. You need to work on those even more.’
Some sage advice from the authors:
Go with your gut.
Always train as if it were a battle…
‘A bit of fresh air and hard work will do you good.’
Fave lines:
*‘Busted his nose, I did!’
I can TOTALLY visualize the defiance on her face as she lifts her chin and squares her shoulders.
*‘Young people… stupid enough to make the same mistakes over and over, but young enough to stomach the consequences.’
Is there truly a difference between these two?
‘Find a battle worthy of your death’ OR ‘Find a battle worthy of your life’
How would you want to be remembered? Which legacy will leave behind – someone who stood up for the greater good, was kind, helped make peace between people/teams/organizations/countries, educated others in important causes, was generous with time or money, went out of your way to assist people…?
May we all lead a life helping others in their time of need and making the world a better place.
I’ve already started the next in series – ‘The Shieldmaiden’. And boy…is Tora something else!
It’s a balancing act (or perhaps more of a juggling act) when determining the focal point of one’s training. Whether it’s for the battleground or the boardroom, don’t focus entirely on your weaknesses. Yes, know you’re weaknesses and learn to compensate for them in other areas. ’Cause your opponent will definitely be aware of how to exploit your limitations.
‘I’m saying that you can get stronger, but you’ll never be the strongest, so you’ll need to work on your other attributes as well. You need to work on those even more.’
Some sage advice from the authors:
Go with your gut.
Always train as if it were a battle…
‘A bit of fresh air and hard work will do you good.’
Fave lines:
*‘Busted his nose, I did!’
I can TOTALLY visualize the defiance on her face as she lifts her chin and squares her shoulders.
*‘Young people… stupid enough to make the same mistakes over and over, but young enough to stomach the consequences.’
Is there truly a difference between these two?
‘Find a battle worthy of your death’ OR ‘Find a battle worthy of your life’
How would you want to be remembered? Which legacy will leave behind – someone who stood up for the greater good, was kind, helped make peace between people/teams/organizations/countries, educated others in important causes, was generous with time or money, went out of your way to assist people…?
May we all lead a life helping others in their time of need and making the world a better place.
I’ve already started the next in series – ‘The Shieldmaiden’. And boy…is Tora something else!
December 27, 2024
As a way to bing Tora, Ullserk and friends to the forefront, it was interesting to learn about them as children and again as young adults. Hearing some of the history and conflict between leaders over “power” revealed much about allegiances and future plans to rule more land. Get togethers with a purpose-such as friendly competitions to showcase fighting abilities was also interesting and revealing at the same time. I enjoyed seeing the close connection between Tora and Ullserk with support of Bethany as skill and strategy develop. A bit of foreshadowing shows that there is more action to come!
June 26, 2025
Great Viking story
Tora, the shieldmaiden's daughter is a fascinating young woman. I really liked this story. It has all the elements of heroic sagas. Bethany, the shield maiden is Tora's mother. She is a seasoned warrior herself and teaches Tora and her foster brother Ullserk the basics assisted by Sinley, the training master for their Jarl. The story has great characters and great action writing, as well as good descriptions of the landscape and culture of the Viking world. I am hooked on these young people and want to read the next books from Asli and Bakkejord in the Shieldmaiden series.
Tora, the shieldmaiden's daughter is a fascinating young woman. I really liked this story. It has all the elements of heroic sagas. Bethany, the shield maiden is Tora's mother. She is a seasoned warrior herself and teaches Tora and her foster brother Ullserk the basics assisted by Sinley, the training master for their Jarl. The story has great characters and great action writing, as well as good descriptions of the landscape and culture of the Viking world. I am hooked on these young people and want to read the next books from Asli and Bakkejord in the Shieldmaiden series.
October 26, 2025
It says a lot about a book when your biggest gripe is that it's not long enough. I felt like the story was just starting and then it stopped - so the next book in the series 'The Shieldmaiden's daughter' is already on my wish list because this little book is good. Great characters, sword fights and it has a sense of humour too. I've been wanting to read this for a while now and it didn't disappoint. I absolutely love the cover art and the historical notes at the back of the book were really interesting too.
December 3, 2024
This is the story of how Tora becomes a shieldmaiden, learning from her mother and others. It's fast-paced with descriptive worldbuilding and dynamic characters. I always love a good underdog story and Tora, Ullserk, and Eirik Raude remain strong against stronger opponents. It's a prequel that will leave you wanting to learn what happens in the next book, Shieldmaiden. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
March 14, 2025
Vikings? War? Empowered, strong women? Sign me up!
This author does an excellent job of world building, making it vibrant, exciting and totally like a movie in the mind's eye! And the characters? I loved the character development, plot and action of this book. This is a very fast paced book meant to set up a series that will undoubtedly be extra-ordinary. I really enjoyed this start to the series and honestly hope to finish it in the future!
This author does an excellent job of world building, making it vibrant, exciting and totally like a movie in the mind's eye! And the characters? I loved the character development, plot and action of this book. This is a very fast paced book meant to set up a series that will undoubtedly be extra-ordinary. I really enjoyed this start to the series and honestly hope to finish it in the future!
October 2, 2025
Well written but predictable.
The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue (she is beautiful, an expert with a sword, incredibly brave, better than most men in fighting etc.)
The writing is mostly good, the only problem I had was the frequent use of modern phrasing(e.g., "he's a dick"), which took me out of the story.
There is a great deal of build up here for later books.
I can see some people truly enjoying the series, but I do not think I will continue with it.
The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue (she is beautiful, an expert with a sword, incredibly brave, better than most men in fighting etc.)
The writing is mostly good, the only problem I had was the frequent use of modern phrasing(e.g., "he's a dick"), which took me out of the story.
There is a great deal of build up here for later books.
I can see some people truly enjoying the series, but I do not think I will continue with it.
October 10, 2024
A fantastic start for a new series. Asli and Bakkon never disappoint. Their Viking world building is extremely skilled. The characters Bethany,Tora, Ullserk,and even Eirik Raude are well developed, engaging, and very likable. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next book. I absolutely recommend reading this book.
January 6, 2025
Tora, a young woman determined to become a shieldmaiden despite societal expectations. With vivid world-building, strong characters, and themes of honour and legacy, the story captures the struggles and triumphs of forging one’s destiny.
A perfect read for fans of historical fiction and Viking lore.
A perfect read for fans of historical fiction and Viking lore.
August 3, 2025
The Shieldmaiden's Daughter captured my attention from the start. Authors Àsli & Bakkejord write in a style that makes you feel the emotions of the charaters and visualize the setting as if you are there. I seldom feel compelled to immediately continue a saga, this is the exception, as I dive into Shieldmaiden Book 2.
December 6, 2025
Enjoyable
This was a fun quick read. It follows Tora as she trains to become a shieldmaiden and her competing in a tournament for a chance to join the war band. It was fun to see a glimpse into Viking life through the eyes of a girl and seeing historical figures from someone else’s perspective.
This was a fun quick read. It follows Tora as she trains to become a shieldmaiden and her competing in a tournament for a chance to join the war band. It was fun to see a glimpse into Viking life through the eyes of a girl and seeing historical figures from someone else’s perspective.
October 5, 2024
This one you won't want to end. It is action packed throughout. Two heroines are here, the Shieldmaiden and her daughter who appears to have inherited the traits of both her parents. A very engaging read completed in one sitting.
December 26, 2024
Well done, Tora
Watching Tora grow from a disgruntled young girl tired of being taunted by the boys around her into a skilled Shieldmaiden was a joy. To see her achieve her deepest wish keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.
Watching Tora grow from a disgruntled young girl tired of being taunted by the boys around her into a skilled Shieldmaiden was a joy. To see her achieve her deepest wish keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.
January 7, 2025
Tora’s life isn’t as easy as it seems. She’s a King’s daughter, raised by a Shieldmaiden. She wants to fight like a Viking but how will this turn out for her. Full of danger and intrigue to make this another outstanding book. Well written by a talented author.
April 13, 2025
Good
An interesting Viking story. I like the Strong and capable female characters.
The foster brother is well done. He has skills he has been hiding. It's a well done Viking tale that encourages you to keep reading the next one.
An interesting Viking story. I like the Strong and capable female characters.
The foster brother is well done. He has skills he has been hiding. It's a well done Viking tale that encourages you to keep reading the next one.
April 24, 2025
Strong and true
A great read and the story doesn't drag on. The characters are wonderful and brought to life without a load of unneeded explaining. I am looking forward to the next chapter.
A great read and the story doesn't drag on. The characters are wonderful and brought to life without a load of unneeded explaining. I am looking forward to the next chapter.
July 1, 2025
The shield Maiden's daughter
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this story I know there's more books to follow and I'll be looking forward to getting my hands on them as well so far it's been really intriguing
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this story I know there's more books to follow and I'll be looking forward to getting my hands on them as well so far it's been really intriguing
July 15, 2025
This is a good story that begins a series. The author is using historical names and places and these were unfamiliar to me so took a while to come up with pronunciations for them. I would have liked a pronunciation guide. I may buy the next book.
October 19, 2025
Youth Read
A book for very youthful readers.
Simple, short and descriptive.
Names may be troublesome to English readers, however the annotations at the read’s end provide good historical reference.
A book for very youthful readers.
Simple, short and descriptive.
Names may be troublesome to English readers, however the annotations at the read’s end provide good historical reference.
December 12, 2024
Great reading in one form
After reading this book piece by piece as a volunteer it was rewarding to have the book in a more complete form. It was great both ways!
After reading this book piece by piece as a volunteer it was rewarding to have the book in a more complete form. It was great both ways!
March 18, 2025
First time read
I was caught up with the characters quite early on in this story, I look forward to reading about their adventures along the way.
I was caught up with the characters quite early on in this story, I look forward to reading about their adventures along the way.
May 20, 2025
Brilliant book we'll worth the reading
Best book I have read of lately I have read them all so far in the series and look forward to the next two coming out soon 10 stars from me.
Best book I have read of lately I have read them all so far in the series and look forward to the next two coming out soon 10 stars from me.
June 27, 2025
A Viking era story about a princess who fights like a man to win a special honor.
June 29, 2025
Readable, well researched - more descriptions of fighting than actual plot.
December 7, 2024
Great Story!
"Women should stick to sewing, not training with swords"... That one sentence got my blood pressure up immediately!
As a young girl, that was what Tora was told, and what she told her Mother, Bethany, The Shieldmaiden, later. Bethany was an Amazing parent, and her skills in getting the information out of Tora were the best they could be! The full explanation of what had happened After that sentence, well, that was something that a mother of a daughter like Tora kind of expected, I think.
This was a story that I am so glad I had the chance to read.
Thank you, Ole Åsli & Tony Bakkejord, for a Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
"Women should stick to sewing, not training with swords"... That one sentence got my blood pressure up immediately!
As a young girl, that was what Tora was told, and what she told her Mother, Bethany, The Shieldmaiden, later. Bethany was an Amazing parent, and her skills in getting the information out of Tora were the best they could be! The full explanation of what had happened After that sentence, well, that was something that a mother of a daughter like Tora kind of expected, I think.
This was a story that I am so glad I had the chance to read.
Thank you, Ole Åsli & Tony Bakkejord, for a Great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
April 21, 2025
❤️⚔️ Totally captivating!
Gjotgard Hakonsson had come to make a pact with King Harald Greycloak Eiriksson.
Against all expectations, the latter accepted...
Elsewhere, shieldmaiden Bethany saw her little daughter Tora come home in a pitiful state...
^^^^^^^^
A nice surprise, this totally captivating prequel, with well-chosen characters and full of surprises.
The main character of Tora is exceptional.
The story is fantastic and enriching: a real change of scenery!
I highly recommend!
Gjotgard Hakonsson had come to make a pact with King Harald Greycloak Eiriksson.
Against all expectations, the latter accepted...
Elsewhere, shieldmaiden Bethany saw her little daughter Tora come home in a pitiful state...
^^^^^^^^
A nice surprise, this totally captivating prequel, with well-chosen characters and full of surprises.
The main character of Tora is exceptional.
The story is fantastic and enriching: a real change of scenery!
I highly recommend!
December 7, 2024
The book follows the journey of a young shieldmaiden navigating the challenges of Viking life, including battles, sieges, and personal trials. If you enjoy stories with strong characters, intense action, and a touch of historical realism, this is a great book to read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews