This is the first book I’ve read by Tiana Warner. I was expecting an epic fantasy just by the description. What I did not expect was how The Valkyrie’s Daughter grabbed me right from the beginning. This story took off running and didn’t stop till the last page. I’m so happy I got to read this ARC from Entangled Teen and Netgalley!

I am not very familiar with Norse mythology but lately, I’ve been reading books with their stories based on these mythologies. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying them!

If you’ve been with me for any time at all, you know I love stories with a journey at its crux. I just love to see a character move from point A to point B, and beyond, and to witness all the changes and growth that happens. It’s very satisfying to see someone who starts out in negative circumstances (whether real or perceived) to become someone who thrives in spite of –more likely because of–the challenges they’ve come through. I absolutely love Sigrid’s journey. She feels abandoned, is bullied, and sees herself as less than others around her. Her biggest dream is to be a Valkyrie, but all she’ll ever be is a stable hand–to hear her tell it. But even though it seems unlikely she’ll ever get her dream, she works toward it (in secret) anyway, hoping that someday she’ll get the chance to prove her worth. I just wanted Sigrid to be able to rise up and become all that she ever wanted to be, even if that particular dream changes and grows as she travels on her path.

There were points I had to stop reading for a bit. Every time we turn around there is another betrayal or lie or abandonment. I wanted to throw my book at a few of the narrow-minded, haughty, unwavering characters. Sometimes, though, those horrible people are the very ones that bring the others up and out. If Sigrid wasn’t treated as she was, would she have set out to make her vision come true? It’s hard but the Universe has her plans.

Then there’s Mariam. I love her character too. She has so much to offer but is blinded by her past and her thirst for revenge. There are so many lessons to learn in this story. Everyone is having an awakening of their own. Whether it’s their strength, their worth, or their love, eyes are being opened anew. The relationship between Sigrid and Mariam is a slow burn and it is written perfectly. You can’t help but hope for their happily-ever-after.

There is one villain but several who are villainous. The villain comes off as a narcissist, making everyone believe their agenda is for the best of all when things aren’t what they seem at all. You just really want them to get what they’ve got coming to them.

This book has non-stop action. The battle scenes are intense. And the world building is very well done. The characters feel like real people and I have come to care about them and their futures. The ending is satisfying and leaves you wanting the next book. I cannot wait for book 2!

I highly recommend The Valkyrie’s Daughter to fans of epic fantasy, Norse mythology, romantic fantasy, Sapphic romantic fantasy, forbidden love, found family, and enemies-to-lovers.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to read and review. This was okay for me. I thought getting into it was really slow and drawn out and it didn't fully pull me in like I hoped it would. I loved the adventure and the combination of the Norse mythology, but it fell flat at a lot of points. I thought Sigrid was such a hard main character to like. She seemed selfish and I would have loved to see narration in other points of view. I liked the side characters and thought they brought much more to the story. I also didn't see a ton of character development and after a book with mostly no action, the end felt really sped up and overdone to me. This is the first in the series and I think for right now I won't continue reading the other installments.

Two words that I would use to describe this book are EMPOWERED WOMEN! Practically every single one of these people in the book is a badass! So jealous of them, they have all these awesome abilities and they have PEGASI too so yup I am definitely jealous! Also, if you loved the Magnus Chase series by the amazing Rick Riordan definitely check this book out you won't regret it! Ok now back to the review writing😂! This is a thrilling story about a girl who is trying to figure out where she belongs in the world (or should I say worlds) and meets a badass woman who happens to also be the enemy but as they spend more time together traveling the nine worlds something starts to bloom between them but it might be the thing that changes everything...

Thank You Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the eARC!!!!

This was a wonderful world full of adventure. I loved exploring with our main characters. If you are a fan of fantasy then this is the book for you!

It is a thrilling, intricate, and romantic #OwnVoices LGBTQ fantasy that builds on Norse mythology into a beautiful story all its own.

We follow Sigrid , who for as long as she could remember, she’s wanted to become a mighty, fearless valkyrie. But without a winged mare, she’s a mere stable hand, left wondering who her parents were and why she’s so different. So when the Eye shows her a vision where she's leading a valkyrie charge on the legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir, she grabs the possibility of this greater destiny with both hands, refusing to let go.
Too bad that the only one who can help her get there is Mariam, an enemy valkyrie who begrudgingly agrees to lead her to Helheim but who certainly can’t be trusted―even if she does make Sigrid more than a little flustered. As they cross the nine worlds, battling night elves, riding sea serpents, and hurtling into fire to learn the truth about Sigrid’s birthright, an unexpected but powerful bond forms.
As her feelings for Mariam deepen into something fiery and undeniable, Fate has other plans for Sigrid. What happens when the one thing you think you were meant to do might end the nine worlds?

Lately I really enjoy reading Viking / Norse mythology inspired books and this one was no exception.
I liked the writing style and I loved the story. There is an LGBTQ+ slow burn romance in the book that was perfectly done. I also really liked how the relationship between Sigrid and Mariam evolved as well as the friendship dynamics between Sigrid, Mariam and Fisk.
The world is inspired by Norse Mythology and it is done beautifully despite the liberties that the author took. I loved the part where they travelled through the nine worlds to Helheim where Sigrid would fulfill her destiny.
It has a satisfying ending and I am really excited to read the next book with new adventures for Sigrid.

The Valkyie’s daughter is about Sigrid, a young woman of mysterious origins who longs to be a Valkyrie. She sees a vision of herself leading the Valkyrie’s into battle riding Odin’s horse, and sets off on an adventure to see the vision through.
This book was set in the world of Norse mythology, but is not an actual horse myth. I enjoyed that it has such a strong world built, but felt that overall the characters struggled to keep my attention.

I know very little about Norse mythology, I'm deathly allergic to horses, and I am very over YA fantasy. And yet this book was pretty charming. I started out skeptical, and wondered exactly where the story was going to go. But by the end I was enthralled! I liked the adventure, I liked the characters, I thought the romance was fairly well done (though very young adult, I can forgive that as just being not really meant for me in the first place). The rocky start led to a much more interesting later section, and I liked the afterward just as much in exploring how Warner came to write this and where she drew from myth and where she inflected it with her own voice. In fact I really loved the ideas woven through this of being allowed to feel out of place and that one wants to pursue a greater goal- while validating that others can have it harder, and system prejudice/racism/assumptions mean that every person is fighting for different stakes. Honestly, I think that brief sidebar was the best part of the book, and really made it step up from a 3.5 star read to a 4 star read. If you enjoy horses, myth, romance, great sidekicks, and two really kick-butt steeds, then this is the book for you. And if you're a teen, all the better- but as a very full-grown adult, I enjoyed riding along with Sigrid and her new friends.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC for review!

4/5 stars. This was a fun, Sapphic YA read with Norse mythology about an underdog facing the challenges of their world and their current station, while also having a f/f enemies to lovers relationship.
Full review to come once I collect my thoughts!

The Valkyrie's Daughter is the first book in The Helheim Prophecy series by Tiana Warner. I was captivated by the vividly created world, fabulous characters, and an adventure filled with surprise and danger. I love when I do not know where the story is going. The Valkyrie's Daughter is the perfect young adult romantic fantasy.

I had to sit and meditate on this book and the story that Tiana was telling.

This is a story that is a cautionary tale on being careful of knowing too much of your destiny. Who wouldn't want to know what their destiny is, or want to make a difference, or to fit in? Sigrid desires so much and when she see's her "destiny" in the Eye of Hnitnjorg, she sets off on the journey to make it real. But what she sees isn't the whole story, and there's way more that she doesn't know that will come into play.

Tiana's interpretation of the Norse mythology is diverse and myriad with LGBTQIA+ characters and this is lovely and doesn't feel like it was shoehorned into the story.

If you like mythos retellings like the Magnus Chase series, LGBTQIA+ tales with kick ass females, horses, then you will probably enjoy this book.

Thank you to Entangled Teen, NetGalley and Tiana Warner for the opportunity to review a free e-ARC.

This was a fun read, especially if you have a love for Norse mythology/mythology in general. This was like a grown up version of a Rick Riordan book with all the adventure, banter, and wit that he includes in his books but for a YA audience. The Valkyrie's Daughter was an epic journey across the 9 realms as well as a journey of self discovery for our MC, Sigrid. Add in a dash of found family and a little bit of romance sprinkled in as well. I look forward to the next book in the series (I need more Fritz in my life) to see what adventure awaits our heroe's next!

4 solid stars!

Tiana Warner's newest work is hard to put down. Following Sigrid, a stable girl living amongst the Valkyries, as she seeks out her destiny, makes friends, falls in love, realizes how strong she is, and finds out that sometimes what we want is not what we are meant to do was such a wonderful journey, and I cannot wait for more. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I rooted for the underdog heroine and her friends to find their way to each other and to find their inner strength. Really such a fun read!

Warner takes some liberties with traditional Norse mythology, but it is worth it. The world building is done well. The supporting characters are full of life and add a lot to the story. The enemies to lovers, the normative Sapphic romance, the surprise parent, all the tropes--worth it to follow Sigrid's story.

I think lovers of fantasy, strong female characters, or simply good story telling will enjoy this work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

Book Summery: For as long as Sigrid could remember, she’s wanted to become a mighty, fearless valkyrie. But without a winged mare, she’s a mere stable hand, left wondering who her parents were and why she’s so different. So when the Eye shows her a vision where she's leading a valkyrie charge on the legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir, she grabs the possibility of this greater destiny with both hands, refusing to let go.

Too bad that the only one who can help her get there is Mariam, an enemy valkyrie who begrudgingly agrees to lead her to Helheim but who certainly can’t be trusted―even if she does make Sigrid more than a little flustered. As they cross the nine worlds, battling night elves, riding sea serpents, and hurtling into fire to learn the truth about Sigrid’s birthright, an unexpected but powerful bond forms.

As her feelings for Mariam deepen into something fiery and undeniable, Fate has other plans for Sigrid. What happens when the one thing you think you were meant to do might end the nine worlds?

My Thoughts on The Valkyrie's daughter.

So first off the blurb sounded amazing and that's why I wanted to pick this book. I love norse mythology so I felt this would be right up my alley. Plus LGBTQ!
The Story was very interesting a little slow, and a twist that I didn't see coming.
My only issue with with the book was that it was loosely based on Norse Mythology. I wanted to see or hear more about the gods and the world. The adventure itself was good, I love the tension with the two main love interests.

All in all I give this book 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Like I said I would have loved to have a little more norse mythology. it was just a bit of lackluster.

"The Valkyrie's Daughter" follows a stablehand, who has the blonde hair of a valkyrie but was born with a wingless horse and therefore, relegated to taking care of the valkyrie's horses. That is until the day Sigrid has a vision that shows her riding the most powerful horse in the realm: Odin's Sleipnir. Seeing an opportunity to have a grand destiny, Sigrid follows her vision and finds her only way out is to befriend, Mariam, an enemy valkyrie. However, as the two travel together across the realm they discover more about their world and about each other.

This was a fun novel. It had an intriguing premise as I had never really thought about the stables of the valkyries and who would care for their horse. This was an interesting piece of world-building, especially when Sigrid's origins factored into it and how the valkyries were chosen. I also found the main conflict: Sigrid discovering where she came from to be compelling and liked her relationship with Mariam, which was another bonus as they slowly became friends.

However, there were times when I felt like the plot was a little predictable, and some of the actions performed by the characters were convenient to the progression of the story. This made the story sometimes feel juvenile as things would fall into place quickly or at the last moment. And while I appreciate Warner's world-building in this Norse-inspired world, I felt like the author really hadn't done their research on this topic.

The Valkyrie's Daughter is about sixteen year old Sigrid, who has been raised as a stable hand but longs to be a valkyrie and something more in her life. When her home is attacked she accidentally has a vision of a possible future where she is leading the valkyries into battle along with the enemy valkyrie she's fighting, which leads her on a quest to save her home and find out if she's really meant to be more than a stable hand.

I'm going to start with the positives. I really love any fantasy book that includes horses. I am still a horse girl at heart, so I'm always sold on that, especially when it's queer. And I loved Sigrid's bond with her gelding, Hestur. Mariam was my absolute favorite character (though I did like Fisk as comic relief and a good nudge for Sigrid's teasing) and honestly I was probably the most invested in Mariam getting Aesa back than anything else. I loved the queer rep with sapphic and trans characters (I'd have loved to hear more about that though!).

Now the negatives. I was incredibly intrigued and engaged with everything going on...up until the last like 20% where the book kind of lost me. Hilariously, this is when a lot of the actual battle started and should have been the most interesting, but I let myself stop reading to go to bed for the night with 12% of the book left (to be fair, I'd driven across an entire state that day but I hardly ever let a book go unread that close to the end).

With all of this I still probably would have given the book a 4 star rating, but when Sigrid decided to paint her face to make her look more like a warrior or leader, it really pulled me out of the story. I am not an expert on Norse mythology or viking history and I do not claim to me, but to my knowledge and the brief Googling I did just to do a little double check, "viking warrior face paint" does not seem to have been a real thing is just really Indigenous cultural appropriation more than anything. So to include that was disappointing to me.

Including my last grievance at the very bottom since it does contain a spoiler.

***SPOILERS***
I also knew what the big reveal for Sigrid's would be the second Princess Helena was mentioned the first time and honestly I really didn't like the "evil mom" plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

DNF at 13% - This definitely has a younger YA vibe to it which I wasn't expecting. I have tried multiple times over the years to read Percy Jackson & the Olympians and never got past the second book. I know that middle grade is no longer something I want to read and I found it strange how young this story seemed to be written for Entangled Teen. Also, for something with a Norse mythology base, I was hoping for some darker moments and/or more in-depth descriptions. I received this as an eARC through NetGalley and will not be purchasing the finished copy. If you like PJ&TO, you could definitely try this one out.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Valkyrie’s Daughter is a compelling attempt to inject YA fantasy with a bit of Norse mythology, when the market seems to be trending heavily toward Greek at the moment. As I know a bit less about the Norse pantheon than the Greek one, this is refreshing, especially as I have only read one recent fiction title that also explored the Norse myths. And the fact that this one is sapphic is a bonus.
Sigrid is a cool lead character who starts off as a bit of an underdog. She’s a stable hand, but she has a great sense of her own destiny to be a valkyrie. She faces opposition in the form of those who would keep her down, but I loved watching her persevere as she came to discover her destiny.
She forms a sort/of begrudging alliance with enemy valkyrie Mariam to help her own her quest to Helheim. The journey provides for lots of twists and turns and high stakes, not to mention a well-crafted enemies-to-lovers romance arc, as their feelings evolve from reluctant allies to forming a bond that turns to love. I did sometimes feel the loss of Mariam’s POV at times, but I like that seeing things through Sigrid’s POV allows the reader to fall authentically in love with Mariam along with Sigrid.
I like that this book is pretty approachable in doling out the mythological aspects, as it’s clearly more a story inspired by Norse mythology than a retelling of any particular tale. I sense that your enjoyment will be linked to your own familiarity with Norse mythology, with it working better if you’re not as familiar with it.
This is a great start to what I expect will be a solid series. If you enjoy YA fantasy, and want something slightly different in terms of inspiration, I recommend checking this out.

As someone who loves mythology of all kinds, I was stoked to read this book. It pays respect to the original / beloved stories of Vikings, but has enough differences (name changes, unique creatures, etc.) that it feels fresh and new.

The characters were done well enough that I got emotional a couple of times, which to me is a great sign! It means that I was able to connect to and want the best for them. I do have to say that Fisk is my favorite character -- he was a bright spot in all the darkness, even if he was a bit of a troublemaker too!

The world building and scene setting were beautiful. I did feel that sometimes it fell off a bit early and I wish the author would have pushed a little more. There was one plot point regarding Mariam that could have been much stronger. It was there, and kind of mentioned, but didn't feel fully developed. It would have been interesting to see how far the author could have taken it and how it would have shaped the character's relationship.

I am excited to see that this is book 1 of a coming series. Because this world is so big (there's 9 realms essentially!) there's a lot of room to play and a lot more story to tell.

If you like coming-of-age stories with strong females destined for great things, then add "The Valkyrie's Daughter" to your TBR.

Sigrid’s dream is to become a Valkyrie, the fearless team of warriors. However, being a stable hand gives her no possible chance. When a vision shows her leading the Valkyrie, she does everything possible to make it happen.
You know me, I’ll read most anything based on Norse mythology. This has all the makings of an exciting story, but sadly it didn’t grab me. Sigrid falls into the regular YA trope of a lowly girl dreaming for higher standing. Then a secret (identity) is revealed and everything changes and she embraces her destiny. I just wanted more. I wanted it to be unique and enthralling but my attention waned. My personal preference is to avoid anything to do with love triangles and this triangle was very predictable.

I feel the “rules” of the dead (who was dead, why they were dead, why some couldn’t see them, etc) became a lot to remember and I was never quite sure what was going on. I also couldn’t remember the details about Hel and the living that seemed so vital to the story. Did I miss something? It’s a great premise that seemed well thought out but just wasn’t portrayed well enough for my brain to grab. I also wonder if Sigrid’s naivete wore negatively on me.

The book started off really well. I loved the world-building and seeing Sigrid's frustration at wanting to do more with her life but not knowing how to accomplish it. It didn't help that the people she looked up to made fun of her. I also liked how the world-building wasn't info dumped. It was given to us in bits and pieces throughout the book.

While the beginning with Sigrid started out great, I started to get really annoyed with her about halfway through. She practically begs the valkyries to be open-minded and let her join them but will not do the same for one of her companions. She belittles him and is just plain mean at times. Also, what almost made me stop reading was during this one scene where she was so jealous of Mariam and Fisk sharing a moment that she had the thought that they were plotting against her. I almost just gave up on the book right then and there. It was just too ridiculous for me. She ended up getting better toward the end but honestly, I was a bit disappointed in her character.

I really liked Mariam and Fisk. I liked that despite Mariam's hard life she still pushed forward and liked to have fun. I enjoyed a lot of moments between her and the others. While Fisk did feel like just pure comic relief at times I also did enjoy seeing him become more of a person. He is introduced as a weakling henchman but becomes an important ally. Regarding the romance between Sigrid and Mariam, while I liked seeing Sigrid develop a crush on Mariam I had to keep reminding myself that this romance was happening over a couple of days. It didn't give them enough opportunities to get to know each other. I do like the idea of them together though so I really hope to see them develop more of a bond in the next book.

I also really liked the tone of the book. There was this seriousness mixed with a lot of fun silly moments that made the book both still have an important goal but actually being fun to read. The plot was pretty good too. I liked how the author put in a few lessons about what you're supposed to do vs what you want to do among other things.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. I am glad I didn't drop it and I plan on reading the next book as I do want more of this world and characters. If you love Norse mythology or an easy fantasy to get into then this is definitely for you. I wouldn't pick this up if you're looking for an intense fantasy or huge character development.