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The Shadows of Valhalla #3
Shield-Maiden: Gambit of Swords
A broken prince.
A shield-maiden bent on vengeance.
A Viking world set on fire.
With the war against the Gauls over and Angantyr crowned king, everything should have been peaceful. But the arrival of Prince Hlod and its devastating consequences have brought nothing but heartache and darkness.
Determined to avenge their losses, Ervie and Loptr will unite the Scandinavian world, including King Ormar of the Myrkviðr, against the Huns. Such an alliance does not come without complications. The war on the battlefield will rival the war in Ervie’s heart as she struggles to find a way forward with Dag and Ormar. But in the shadows, Loki is scheming. The Norns' loom has been rewoven with unforeseen consequences.
Join Ervie and Loptr, as well as our other beloved heroes, in this epic conclusion to the Shadows of Valhalla series.
A shield-maiden bent on vengeance.
A Viking world set on fire.
With the war against the Gauls over and Angantyr crowned king, everything should have been peaceful. But the arrival of Prince Hlod and its devastating consequences have brought nothing but heartache and darkness.
Determined to avenge their losses, Ervie and Loptr will unite the Scandinavian world, including King Ormar of the Myrkviðr, against the Huns. Such an alliance does not come without complications. The war on the battlefield will rival the war in Ervie’s heart as she struggles to find a way forward with Dag and Ormar. But in the shadows, Loki is scheming. The Norns' loom has been rewoven with unforeseen consequences.
Join Ervie and Loptr, as well as our other beloved heroes, in this epic conclusion to the Shadows of Valhalla series.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2023
104 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,714 followersNew 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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Join my newsletter and get Under the Strawberry Moon for FREE: https://bit.ly/37y35RS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 20, 2023
what is it about this series?
I l o v e this series of books and was eagerly awaiting the release of this Gambit of Swords. Now that I have finished it though I am sad…..because I SO want to red more! This was a ‘two kleenex’ read … please Melanie Karsak, hurry up and write more!
The series always gets me and I am not one to go “ga-ga” over historical fiction ever though it is a favorite genre.
I l o v e this series of books and was eagerly awaiting the release of this Gambit of Swords. Now that I have finished it though I am sad…..because I SO want to red more! This was a ‘two kleenex’ read … please Melanie Karsak, hurry up and write more!
The series always gets me and I am not one to go “ga-ga” over historical fiction ever though it is a favorite genre.
February 21, 2023
I. Am. Gutted. Completely and absolutely. Another tale masterfully woven in blood, pain, love, and fate. I am so fully enthralled with each story written by Melanie Karsak. I always have such a hard time leaving the worlds she writes, I linger and reminisce about the story I just experienced, the characters I have fallen in love with, the world I long to explore. I loved this book and this series so much.
March 19, 2023
A Poignant Saga
This book actually had me in tears! Melanie Karsak is an amazing weaver of tales, just like the Norns she features in this story, you can hear her needles clicking as she weaves together magic! Love this series and can’t wait for the next saga!
This book actually had me in tears! Melanie Karsak is an amazing weaver of tales, just like the Norns she features in this story, you can hear her needles clicking as she weaves together magic! Love this series and can’t wait for the next saga!
February 21, 2023
What an adventurous, amazing, and definite Viking saga! Ervie's not so boring life continues with the Norns weaving the most complex webs yet. Without giving anything away, if you have read any of the previous books in this series you can't stop there, this is the best of the lot and Melanie's storytelling will have you standing next to your favorite character feeling the emotions and watching things unfold.
February 20, 2023
Well all good things must come to an end. That is the case with this series and all the books of Valhalla. Melanie goes out with a bang in this book. I did find most of this book predictable but it was still very enjoyable. You will cry when you read this book especially if you are as invested in the characters as I am. Melanie did a great job bringing all this series to an end. As always I look forward to her next book. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
February 17, 2023
Once again
Once again my heart is full of love for this series but I am sad that this is the last book but this story has an amazing plot and character. It will take you bring the beginning to show the miss deeds of other and how life will come full circle and we all have the ending we need. Skol my friends for we will all meet in Valhalla in the end
Once again my heart is full of love for this series but I am sad that this is the last book but this story has an amazing plot and character. It will take you bring the beginning to show the miss deeds of other and how life will come full circle and we all have the ending we need. Skol my friends for we will all meet in Valhalla in the end
February 19, 2023
Excellent writing to cap off the series. I was relieved the author didn't rush any of the storylines. I'm bittersweet that this ends the saga. I highly recommend the series.
February 16, 2023
So so good
It has been a long while since I have cried reading a book! I am so attached to this storyline and characters that this book broke me. I am so sad it’s over but I am looking forward to what this author releases next
It has been a long while since I have cried reading a book! I am so attached to this storyline and characters that this book broke me. I am so sad it’s over but I am looking forward to what this author releases next
February 17, 2023
A rare find.
I've read many books over the decades of my life. I cried as I read this. Well done Melanie Karsak!
I've read many books over the decades of my life. I cried as I read this. Well done Melanie Karsak!
February 15, 2023
Great ending to the series. It is action filled until the very end and wrapped the story up nicely.
October 1, 2023
4.5 stars
This was an incredibly epic conclusion to Ervies story. I loved this entire series! I'm so glad I read Melanie's first series - The Road to Valhalla - before this one because it made the final battle SO much more impactful. It genuinely HURT seeing important characters from the first series die.
****SPOILERS (ish)*****
The one thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars is ORMAR 😭 (Iykyk). I don't have anything against Dag, but....but...I'm a little salty over how that love triangle concluded 💔
This was an incredibly epic conclusion to Ervies story. I loved this entire series! I'm so glad I read Melanie's first series - The Road to Valhalla - before this one because it made the final battle SO much more impactful. It genuinely HURT seeing important characters from the first series die.
****SPOILERS (ish)*****
The one thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars is ORMAR 😭 (Iykyk). I don't have anything against Dag, but....but...I'm a little salty over how that love triangle concluded 💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
Well holy *&%$ that was an epic journey! Ervie and her family, her friends, the Gods and fellow Vikings make the story come alive.
The story picks up where Gambit of Shadows ends, with a new King, a continuing war, losses that add fire to an already brittle situation and so much more. Ervie now has her eyes firmly set on vengeance and the Gods will be in her favor (or will they).
I really enjoyed the ups and downs, the moments when I was yelling at Ervie and other characters, the moments when my heart was in my throat. I loved the feeling of being on the battlefield with these brave and strong people and most of all, it was a pleasure to see, to feel the ending of this epic story.
Karsak has a way of making the reader a part of the story. She really knows how to make an epic odyssey feel like an afternoon delight. I try every time to make these stories last but the writing always devours me and before I know it, I am done, LOL, and always wanting more.
Gambit of Swords is a wonderful ending to a wonderful series and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. I can’t wait to read these again, in one massive binge!
*Just FYI this is a tearjerker for those who become family with the characters!
The story picks up where Gambit of Shadows ends, with a new King, a continuing war, losses that add fire to an already brittle situation and so much more. Ervie now has her eyes firmly set on vengeance and the Gods will be in her favor (or will they).
I really enjoyed the ups and downs, the moments when I was yelling at Ervie and other characters, the moments when my heart was in my throat. I loved the feeling of being on the battlefield with these brave and strong people and most of all, it was a pleasure to see, to feel the ending of this epic story.
Karsak has a way of making the reader a part of the story. She really knows how to make an epic odyssey feel like an afternoon delight. I try every time to make these stories last but the writing always devours me and before I know it, I am done, LOL, and always wanting more.
Gambit of Swords is a wonderful ending to a wonderful series and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. I can’t wait to read these again, in one massive binge!
*Just FYI this is a tearjerker for those who become family with the characters!
April 20, 2023
A painful, but fitting, end...
As always, Melanie Karsak delivers the goods! This is a painful, bittersweet, but truly fitting, and proper end to this trilogy and to the other two connected series of books. Ervie finally manages to fulfill her entire potential and rises to the many challenges that the Norns have decreed for her.
Karsak has become one of my all-time favorite authors. I find that many other great authors have a difficult time in writing a proper conclusion to their series, whether it's because they don't wish to lay their characters or their stories to rest, or because they're afraid of their audience's/publisher's reaction, or they don't want to put a stop to the paycheck that their bestsellers are bringing in, or they simply don't know how to end it while doing justice to their characters & storyline. But Ms. Karsak seems to know when/how to end her series, keeping the readers' attention the entire time and giving proper respect to her characters and storyline. Then, she comes out with the next amazing story/series!
As always, Melanie Karsak delivers the goods! This is a painful, bittersweet, but truly fitting, and proper end to this trilogy and to the other two connected series of books. Ervie finally manages to fulfill her entire potential and rises to the many challenges that the Norns have decreed for her.
Karsak has become one of my all-time favorite authors. I find that many other great authors have a difficult time in writing a proper conclusion to their series, whether it's because they don't wish to lay their characters or their stories to rest, or because they're afraid of their audience's/publisher's reaction, or they don't want to put a stop to the paycheck that their bestsellers are bringing in, or they simply don't know how to end it while doing justice to their characters & storyline. But Ms. Karsak seems to know when/how to end her series, keeping the readers' attention the entire time and giving proper respect to her characters and storyline. Then, she comes out with the next amazing story/series!
August 22, 2024
The best book series
I had never read a book series before because I hate waiting until the next one comes. I read this one because it was already complete. I have thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish. The characters are brought to life and the talented author paints the scenes so well you can see everything come alive as if you are watching it on the TV. The story is riveting, sad, happy, exciting, dramatic, passionate and even some comical parts. Once you start reading it is hard to stop reading. For me the sad parts had me crying so hard I had no choice but to take a break to gain my composure anticipating when I can get back to reading.
I had never read a book series before because I hate waiting until the next one comes. I read this one because it was already complete. I have thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish. The characters are brought to life and the talented author paints the scenes so well you can see everything come alive as if you are watching it on the TV. The story is riveting, sad, happy, exciting, dramatic, passionate and even some comical parts. Once you start reading it is hard to stop reading. For me the sad parts had me crying so hard I had no choice but to take a break to gain my composure anticipating when I can get back to reading.
February 20, 2023
This is an outstandingly amazing conclusion to Ervie's story that deserves so much more than 5 stars!!
A book that I could not wait to read and am now regrettably sad that it's over. And just a warning to fellow readers, this book will make you cry. Melanie has brilliantly and beautifully woven such a memorable tale and characters that they stay with you long after the story ends. Both the Road to Vahalla and Shadows of Vahalla sagas are by far my favorite Viking tales I have ever read. I highly recommend them!!
A book that I could not wait to read and am now regrettably sad that it's over. And just a warning to fellow readers, this book will make you cry. Melanie has brilliantly and beautifully woven such a memorable tale and characters that they stay with you long after the story ends. Both the Road to Vahalla and Shadows of Vahalla sagas are by far my favorite Viking tales I have ever read. I highly recommend them!!
May 3, 2023
Holy moly batman. What an unbelievable journey. I want to cry happy tears. This book tore me apart and then built me back up. The tale that has been woven is unlike any other that I have read in that it was PERFECTLY delivered. The fear, the war, the anticipation, the love, the death, the hurt, the happiness, every.single.ounce I felt in my heart and gut.
I absolutely adored this trilogy and I already want to re-read it because these characters have become a part of my heart. Thank you Melanie Karsak - how beautiful you write...
I absolutely adored this trilogy and I already want to re-read it because these characters have become a part of my heart. Thank you Melanie Karsak - how beautiful you write...
July 9, 2023
The Spoils of War……
War was inevitable and they all knew it. Soon the Huns would be upon them and they must learn to be ready. Huld was a formidable enemy and Ervie knew he was coming to massacre all of her family and friends.
Ervie and her uncles must recruit more warriors. Implements of war had to be made ready for a fight.
With all this happening Ervie brings a beautiful baby girl into this world thst she can raise with her husband Ormand. This story is full of love, revenge, deceit but most of all about family.
War was inevitable and they all knew it. Soon the Huns would be upon them and they must learn to be ready. Huld was a formidable enemy and Ervie knew he was coming to massacre all of her family and friends.
Ervie and her uncles must recruit more warriors. Implements of war had to be made ready for a fight.
With all this happening Ervie brings a beautiful baby girl into this world thst she can raise with her husband Ormand. This story is full of love, revenge, deceit but most of all about family.
February 27, 2023
Great story ruined by love triangle.
The conclusion to the Shadows of Valhalla series had many great moments, epic even. I read it through in one day. It was interesting & bittersweet to read the endings of some well-known characters while seeing the family lines continue on with the new generation. Unfortunately, I dislike love triangles & the ending was pretty predictable & disappointing as far as the romance goes. Everything else is tied up satisfactorily.
The conclusion to the Shadows of Valhalla series had many great moments, epic even. I read it through in one day. It was interesting & bittersweet to read the endings of some well-known characters while seeing the family lines continue on with the new generation. Unfortunately, I dislike love triangles & the ending was pretty predictable & disappointing as far as the romance goes. Everything else is tied up satisfactorily.
August 25, 2023
Loved this book/series/world. I will definitely read this again.
A few notes:
- this is a sister series! Read the other one first!
- this book was mostly clean with no sex scenes, limited gory violence, and overall felt clean
- there was one scene towards the end of this book (80ish% in) that was pretty gruesome and gross. I skipped past it because I didn’t was to read that. Other than that, the violence wasn’t gory.
A few notes:
- this is a sister series! Read the other one first!
- this book was mostly clean with no sex scenes, limited gory violence, and overall felt clean
- there was one scene towards the end of this book (80ish% in) that was pretty gruesome and gross. I skipped past it because I didn’t was to read that. Other than that, the violence wasn’t gory.
February 11, 2023
This story ripped my heart out but it still had a happy ever after ending. I love Ervie, she's a very special character and deserved the ending she received. A lot of things happen in this book and it is action packed from beginning to end.
Melanie Karsak's world is so well written. Her character descriptions are by far some of the best out there. I highly recommend reading this series.
Melanie Karsak's world is so well written. Her character descriptions are by far some of the best out there. I highly recommend reading this series.
February 23, 2023
outstanding book
Erive is on the move to beat Hlod, a man who killed her best friend and the woman her twin loves. She trains hard, to a point of having to stop for a bit. This book flows beautifully, kept me on the edge of my seat, Melanie wraps Shield Maiden up in a wonderful way, it’s my favorite yet.
Erive is on the move to beat Hlod, a man who killed her best friend and the woman her twin loves. She trains hard, to a point of having to stop for a bit. This book flows beautifully, kept me on the edge of my seat, Melanie wraps Shield Maiden up in a wonderful way, it’s my favorite yet.
March 16, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, as I did the previous series, its not walk about the heroine or the heroine saving the day or the world but also about the journey and the trials of various characters which it doesn't sugar coat.
I feel that there is more to come with some of the old characters and the new, well I certainly hope so 😊
I feel that there is more to come with some of the old characters and the new, well I certainly hope so 😊
August 23, 2024
A Fitting End
With the focus on the next generation, they were to undergo much of the same as their elders , much sorrow, war, betrayal and finally peace. Ervie grows so much in her stories as well as Loptr. Again, a culture is faithfully represented throughout the emotion of the book.
With the focus on the next generation, they were to undergo much of the same as their elders , much sorrow, war, betrayal and finally peace. Ervie grows so much in her stories as well as Loptr. Again, a culture is faithfully represented throughout the emotion of the book.
January 20, 2025
This series! Kept me wanting more the whole way through. To be honest I was worried about how the last book was going to wrap up all that had happened over the 9 books. It was perfectly written and ended just as I hoped it would. Absolutely love the strong lead role that Ervie is and is so much like Hervor, more than she knows or cares to admit. My favorite series to date.
February 23, 2023
With every saga, heroes
And this series has many heroes. And villains. But what a beautiful tale. Love the Saga of the Second Hervor told in such a brilliant way. Highly recommend this 5 star read.
And this series has many heroes. And villains. But what a beautiful tale. Love the Saga of the Second Hervor told in such a brilliant way. Highly recommend this 5 star read.
March 8, 2023
A fitting conclusion to this great series.
I loved this series! Sorry to see it end. Great characters and storyline. This author is a great storyteller and I am glad that I found her. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Get her books and leave your reviews.
I loved this series! Sorry to see it end. Great characters and storyline. This author is a great storyteller and I am glad that I found her. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Get her books and leave your reviews.
March 13, 2023
Good book. 3rd generation of shield maidens. Middle Ages warrior women. All skilled fighters and lived hard tragic lives fighting for their beliefs and families. Trained killers. Very good. Plenty of action
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March 27, 2023While I have loved every one of the series this one was my favorite. My heart broke along with Ervies and was so, so happy with the ending I so enjoy my journey’s to these far away and wondrous places. Thank you Melaine for providing the means to do so!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
Such a beautiful series! Ervie *is* me-I love that she has both warrior and Volva powers. This series, along with the Hervor series, even helped me get deeper into my practices with Odin, Freya, and Freyr. Highly recommended! Thanks, Melanie Karsak!
April 28, 2023
Searching for something?
To my surprise I find something in each one of these books. Something about myself. Something about love. Something about grief. Something about healing and moving forward. It’s a profound experience.
To my surprise I find something in each one of these books. Something about myself. Something about love. Something about grief. Something about healing and moving forward. It’s a profound experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews