Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Blood

The Shadows of Valhalla #1

by Melanie Karsak

An orphaned descendant of Loki.
A princess without a kingdom.
A shield-maiden plagued by the shadows of Valhalla

Born to rule two jarldoms, Ervie should of had a life of ease. But fate has not been kind. Her parents’ jarldoms destroyed in the wars of a previous generation, Ervie is set adrift in the world. Taking refuge in the lands of the famed King Gizer, Ervie finds a temporary retreat from her aching sense of loss. But when Gizer’s warband is summoned to defend one of his staunchest allies, the journey promises more than just battle for Ervie.

As it turns out, the Norns have been weaving.

Once, Ervie’s parents were considered the most powerful practitioners of Norse magic in all of Scandinavia. That same magic has been sleeping under the shield-maiden’s skin. Soon, this descendant of the trickster god will find herself on a path to reclaim what was lost…and follow her destiny.

Fans of Vikings and The Last Kingdom 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, Ebooks, Romance, Historical, Fantasy Romance

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 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

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gambit of Blood is the first book in a new series that follows the next generation of Shield Maiden, (Blomma's daughter/Hervor's granddaughter) the Second Hervor, or Ervie as she prefers to be called (the Princess of Ash). This story and series follow Ervie as she struggles with her life of uncertainty. She has no place in either of her rightful worlds (or so she thinks) and, well, we all know that is not the case. The Gods are always at work/play.

As we follow along with Ervie on this adventure, her life and her magic unfold in bold and adventures and surprising ways. I held my breath and devoured this story in mere hours (I really did try to make it last; I swear).

There are a lot of familiar characters; ones we got to meet in past books and explore more in this one and mention past characters that might no longer be with us but with whom we carry in our hearts. There are also amazing animals to enhance the story's humor and enjoyment.

As epic as the first series is this is an amazingly wonderful start to a new one. If you love the first series, you will without a doubt love this one. The action, the characters, the emotional depth, the worlds, the characters, the grand scale of it all will leave you breathless. It reads like an extension of Viking lore.

This historical fiction fantasy is a read for all to enjoy and get lost in. It has a bit of everything: love, action, violence, passion, humor and so much heart.

*If you haven't, I highly suggest you read Shield-Maiden: Winternights Gambit if you are looking for a tiny glimpse into more of Erive (after the ending of the first series and a bit before the start of this one, it makes a fun exciting read).

**Also, those of you who are new to this series you do not have to have read the first series before starting this one, as this one hold its own but if you want a great adventure and more time and explanation for past characters history check it out. I promise you will love it!

Now only 6/8/12 more months to wait for the next book... LOL

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah!! While this isn't the worst cliffhanger it does squeeze the heart. How I loved Ervie! This new series is unputdownable with a plot that keeps your mind and heart engaged. This brings all the lore, mystery, love and manipulative Gods back to life from the first series and this one is even more intriguing.

I immediately liked Ervie and wanted to travel along with her. She's had a difficult path and finding where she's meant to be has been her goal. Feeling displaced she journeys to a forbidden land and meets her destiny.

Could the guys in this be anymore delicious?! You've got two that would walk to the end of the earth for Ervie but only one who owns her heart. I'm foreseeing a lot of heartbreaking scenes in the next book and that both fascinates and makes me weary.

War has come to call upon Ervie’s family and she's selflessly joining their fight. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Hannah Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars

What an awesome start to the series!

Highlights:
🌟I loved getting back into the world that Melanie Karsak created in her Road to Valhalla series and seeing the next generation of characters.
🌟 Like the previous serious, this book offered plenty of intrigue and action to keep me curious about where the story will go next.
🌟 Loveable side characters and I’m especially wanting to know more about Angantyr and Elan and how their part of the story will develop.
🌟 Ervie took some time to really grow on my as a heroine, but by the end of the book I was so rooting for her and enjoyed watching her character develop and grow.
🌟 Ormar definitely made this book for me. Such a well done “enemies to lovers” between him and Ervie, totally rooting for them to be together.
🌟 Loved the twists in the action packed ending and very much left me wanting the next book!

[Hailey Stalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Melanie writes a compelling, beautifully woven tale set within the world of her Shield Maiden series. For this to be a continuation of the series and grab me so wholly is impressive - a lot of the books I read that are set in the same world as their predecessors fall flat for me, and I think it's due largely to the fact there's these preconceived notions that these characters will do X, Y, or Z.

I really love the way she led Ervie on her own quest for self discovery. I love the way Ervie began to realize that, too. I enjoyed the reunion with characters that featured in Hervor's saga, or even just the mention of them.

Karsak is truly one of my new favorite authors these days and I can't wait to see what she wrote for Ervie in the future!

[Jennifer Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I needed after my latest reads.

Ervie is a drifter just trying to find where she can fit in. “An orphaned descendant of Loki. A princess without a kingdom.” Come on! Of course I was going to have to read this.

The pacing was excellent. It started off strong with battles, drinking, & some night time rendezvous. Then Ervie is drawn some place, alone, to have questions answer and discover herself. I really enjoyed this aspect. And the little romance that was placed in this was interesting to follow and didn’t take too much from the main storyline.

[Kaysea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Erivie, it's so wonderful getting to know you, Reindeer Princess.

In this follow up series from Melanie Karsak, we now go through life with Erivie, or Hervor as she's named after, Blomma's daughter with the Reindeer King.

Eervie is slowly learning she's more than just a princess of two kingdoms that are now ash. Listening to the voices that call her; The Gods, The Norns, and a new voice from a rarely seen or visited realm. But there's trouble brewing for what family she has left.

I'm so glad Melanie is following up her first Shield Maiden series with this one. If you enjoy her other works, you'll be sure to enjoy this one as well.

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back in this world, I can’t even explain it. Melanie Karsak can do no wrong.

I love Ervie as much as I loved Hervor, maybe even more. She is just as badass as Hervor was, but she also has magic. Her story starts off in heartbreak, not unlike Hervor’s, but I just hope that it doesn't end the same way.

It is so hard for me to go through these books and not google the history of the characters to find out how everyone dies.

I love watching Erive blossom and the budding romance between her and Ormar. It’s so sweet, and so well done that I couldn't but smile at their altercations.

And that stinking cliffhanger, oh my gosh. All of the bloodlines coming together. The way my heart sank into my stomach and my heart beat faster. I cannot wait to get into book 2, and I know that I’ll probably finish it in one sitting.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear I double checked that the other book was out in this series. I swear I DID! The problem is that it IS AVAILABLE for PRE ORDER!!!! Ugh, I have to wait until December for the next one.

Again, I will learn from this because what a journey I went on with Ervie.

This book is big y'all. Long. Tons of pages. BUTTTT, you don't feel it. It is full of so many things and I loved every single page and word. I am always impressed with Melanie Karsak's story telling. Just when I think it can't get any better... I am proven wrong.

I am so grateful that she is on Kindle Unlimited so I could discover her. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a good Viking story.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Come visit the World of Vikings & Gods⭐️

Melanie Karsak is one of those authors that does a fantastic job of world & character development. You don’t simply “read” her books - you “live” them as she brings stories alive!

I am loving this series just as much as her “Scottish” series about the King we don’t name … Highland Raven is the first book in that series and I highly recommend it!


I am heading into the next “Shadows of Valhalla” book now - time to see what happens between Ervie, Omar, and Dag!

[John Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely immersed in the story of the fierce shield-maiden Lagertha and her quest for vengeance. Karsak's writing is vivid and engaging, drawing the reader into a world of Viking battles, political intrigue, and personal struggles. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The action scenes are well-paced and intense, making it impossible to put the book down. The attention to historical detail is also impressive, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and epic adventures.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I was pleasantly surprised at how much more I liked Ervie's first adventure than First Hervor's stories. I felt the relationships more, especially between Ervie and Angantyr, and Ervie and Dag. I was thrilled to be reading about other cultures as well throughout Gambit of Blood, it made the story feel even more historical. Melanie's stories are always full of adventure, drama, humor, even some romance, and even though Ervie's adventures of discovery have just begun, I am looking forward to the release of Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Shadows.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the world of the Vikings. Such a fun, magical, violent time to be in. We follow Ervie as she comes into her own. It was very frustrating at times to read when Ervie kept saying how she was robbed of the life she was supposed to have. By the end of the book Ervie finally starts to see her own self worth. I think it will be interesting to read what happens next with Ervie and the ones we have come to love in Hervor's story. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.

[AT · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Road to Valhalla 2 times I decided to start with this sequel. But what a start it is, beautifully written, with great character evolution through the book. I was reluctant at first to start with this series, beacuse I believed that it will pale in comparison to the previous series and that I will be missing original Hervor. In short, I was wrong. I am writing this review as a thank you to the author Melanie Karsak for sharing her imaginary world with me.

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ervie The Reindeer Princess is on a quest into the kingdom of Myrkvior,an enchanted kingdom ruled by king Ormar. It is in this mystical land she discovers her true magical powers and self.She has learned not to try to live up to her ancestors of lore and legend, but to be at peace with herself. A major battle is on the horizon as she prepares to join the battle. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!

[the red stockings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible world building and story-telling, it’s hard to understand how this author is not more known.
My issue lies with the romance part, I think that this book could have done without it because it has a very shaky build and is unconvincing. It feels more like the author added romance to the book because she had to than because it was an intrinsic part of it.
So 1/5 for the romance, 5/5 world building and story-telling.

[silktrees · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ another banger. completely ate this book up in less than 24 hours. ervie’s character growth was intriguing to watch and omar stole the show for me here, i enjoyed this and i’m a sucker for the enemies to lovers and paired with a Viking romance, i will always eat this up. what i love about karsak is that she has a beautiful way of storytelling that makes one feel as if we’re not just viewers reading a story but rather were characters immersed into the plot.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story, the emotions, everything in this book has such power. Magic. Sweeping the reader into the story and tumbling them along with the whims of the currents of the tale. Only for the reader to come up at the end gasping for air. I didn’t want to put it down and when I had to all I could think of was Ervie and this story. Egads, Melanie, you are truly a masterful storyteller!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good Norse mythology based story, I feel as though I am there with the characters watching what goes on while I am reading this story. I Loved this story and I am very excited to follow these characters and story where ever it leads!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and think that this is a Wonderful Story!!!

[Kay Tarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was terrific. I'm a fast reader, but I tried to take stretching breaks to reflect on how good the writing was and how much I loved the witty remarks the characters made. The humor was organic - nothing forced. I truly can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Karsak, please write faster!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was off put by how Ervie spoke of and viewed her namesake but it actually turned out to be a great start to this series. Glad she toned down the Hervor hate lol and glad she’s coming into her own. I loved the Road to Valhalla/Shield Maiden series and this series is exactly what I needed after finishing that one. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Amber K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely a 5 star, must read Viking tale!!
This is the first book in this series and the author has woven together a story that is so addictive, you feel like your apart of it as your reading along. With amazing characters, vivid detail and just perfectly written - I could not put this down!!!

[Leanne F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

So descriptive, so much attention to detail and historical references. Another brilliantly written story from Melanie Karsak to rival Octavia Randolph and Bernard Cornwall. Loving this side of Scandinavian Viking history less well known, that of the Huns. Highly recommended. Solid 5 star read.

[Paula Horning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story

As always, Melanie writes a story that pulls you in so you become a part of it. Ervie (not Hervor) is seeking herself outside of her legendary parents. She needs to learn her power within and the Norns guide her steps. But war is coming, along with an unexpected nemesis. On to the next episode!

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Generation, Old Times

This is the story if Ervie , daughter of Blomma and the Reindeer King. Blomma has passed and Ervie is at a loss as to where she belongs, who she is. This is the story of her journey to becoming her own. Strength is replacing confusion, and she is pulled into the thick of it all. Surprises ? Yes! And a final chapter that sets the tone for book eight.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fantasy based on Norse mythology with a lead character who is not afraid to express herself. Ervie may be adrift in many aspects of her life, but as the descendent of Loki she has more up her sleeve than can be expected. Action packed, drama with myth, magic and romance as undertones.

[Karyn Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Another book that draws me in. Melanie’s style of writing is A+ to me. The character development, action, romance are so well thought out… and all relate to each other too👏🏼❤️👏🏼

[Gail L · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing adventure!

I absolutely love this book! Kept my interest all the way through. I’m excited for the next installment. I have read many of this authors series and they’re good enough to reread again!!

[marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

A simply wonderful book. Engaging and entertaining, well written. Great world building with full and rich characters. The MC in everything a female hero should be.will definitely buy the next one!

[Hanau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This book is journey of Ervie the Shield Maiden finding her destiny. What a brilliant book. I could not put it down. Now I am really looking forward to the next in series.

[Carole S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Just as exciting a life as the first Hervor! Seems like Evie is trying to find her place in the world and learning things her mother was not able to help with before her death.