Picking up where book one left off, The Valkyrie's Shadow is definitely faster paced. More action, character development and you won't be able to put it down. Can't wait for book 3;

Tiana Warner’s The Valkyrie’s Shadow, the second installment in the Sigrid and the Valkyries series, delivers a thrilling Sapphic fantasy adventure steeped in Norse mythology. The book excels in world-building, immersing readers in realms filled with gods, Valkyries, elves, and Sleipnir, the legendary eight-legged horse. Warner crafts a vivid setting that feels both epic and personal, balancing political intrigue, familial drama, and mythology seamlessly.

Sigrid’s journey as she ascends to her rightful place as Princess of Vanaheim is compelling. Her struggles to control Sleipnir’s chaotic power while leading junior Valkyries against an unforeseen threat add emotional depth and tension.

Themes of self-discovery and the burden of leadership are explored as Sigrid grapples with decisions clouded by fear and power. Her character development is nuanced, showing growth despite moments of naivety.

The romance between Sigrid and Mariam is sweet but understated, leaving some readers wishing for more intensity or “spice.”

Overall, this sequel is perfect for fans of mythology, adventure, and slow-burn romance. It’s a solid continuation that deepens the stakes while maintaining the charm of the series. A must-read for lovers of Norse-inspired fantasy!

Spicy Rating: 🌶️

Picking up shortly after book one, The Valkyrie's Shadow is faster paced with more action, character development and you won't be able to put it down. It was absolutely addicting!!

The second book in the trilogy had me wanting to read every second I was free to do so. I couldn't get enough of this book. Again I felt like I was in the book with the characters following right along with them.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I remember really liking the first book of this series, so I was pretty excited when I finally got my hands on this sequel. Then it took me a very long time to finally carve time out to read this. It probably doesn't help that I totally forgot that I had the eARC until recently.

So, this was an interesting book. Sure, our main girl is going through some things. She's just trying to figure out her life, and she's juggling a lot of things. For example, her relationship, her horses, royalty, and trying to make this kingdom a better place. Sure, war is on everyone's mind, and Loki is being chaotic behind the scenes.

From the very first moment, I knew we couldn't truly trust the Queen (and her aunt). Something just felt off, and I wanted to figure out why. Eventually we see little pieces of her true self, and then I started to figure things out. I had a feeling she was behind certain things and probably thought the same things, like her evil mother. Maybe she wanted to use Sigrid differently, but I didn't care. It didn't seem like Sigrid did either.

Other than that, a lot happened throughout this book, but at the same time, it felt like nothing was really happening. Things felt chaotic, which makes sense with Loki being involved behind the scenes. With the little cliffhanger, I can only imagine what the next book will be about. Can we trust the night elves? Do we think she will be able to pull off this plan for more peaceful kingdoms? No idea; I guess I'll dive into the next book whenever I can to figure that all out.

This picks up right where the first one left off. I think I liked this one better than the first book. I will be reading the next one.

Sigrid’s journey as a Valkyrie and a princess is filled with challenges. She’s still an outsider, her relationship with Mariam is strained, and her bond with Sleipnir tempts her toward darkness. Her first mission puts her in direct conflict with the Night Elves and their sinister king, while Loki stirs chaos in the Nine Worlds. The battle for Vanaheim is intense, forcing Sigrid to confront her destiny. The world-building is immersive, the character development is strong, and the story’s tension keeps you hooked. A gripping sequel that explores identity, power, and choice, I can’t wait to see how book three unfolds!

This book picks up right where the first book left off. Sigrids dream of being a Valkyrie is finally playing out and we follow her has she grows into her new roles and relationships.

This was a fantastic continuation to the series, I’m loving the Norse aspects and the world that Warner has created. I found I was definitely more emotionally invested in the story and the characters and found myself unable to step away from the book to do much of anything else. I’m glad I already have book 3 waiting because the cliff hanger on this hits you like a punch in the gut.

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

I loved absolutely everything in this book. Their journey continues and it’s even more interesting and dangerous. All of the twists and turns had me gasping.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re looking for a FF, YA, sapphic fantasy then you’re going to love it.

This is the second installment in The Helheim Prophesy series. It picks back up where The Valkyrie's Daughter left off, with Sigrid joining the junior valkyries on a mission into the Night Elves territory of Svartalf to find Ratatosk. When she gets back, she is encouraged to take her place as the princess of Vanaheim, but something is still not right in her world, and it seems like Loki is up to his tricks again. The Eye has shown a new vision, and the elves are on the warpath to claim all of Vanaheim in their conquest for power over Yggdrasil.

Sigrid, Miriam, Fisk, and the valkyries are back in action, fighting a new battle. The stable crew, including Peter, Roland, Aesa, Hestur, and Sleipnir, also do their parts to help defend Vanaheim. We see Sigrid's Aunt Kaia take part in much of this story, and some other new seer and sorcerer characters also join in the plot.

There is quite a lot of action action, and most of the plot centers around the battle between the valkyries and Night Elves. There are still some strained family dynamics as part of the plot. The ending leaves off with the expectation that the story will pick up again in book three and finish the epic trilogy.

The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy, complex characters, and a world brimming with myth and magic. From the first page, I was hooked by the stunning world-building and the depth of the characters. Astrid, along with her fellow Valkyries, forms a bond that’s both fierce and tender, and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

What really stood out was the way the author weaves Norse mythology into the story, creating a rich backdrop for Astrid's journey. The balance of action, emotional depth, and romance was perfectly done. It’s the kind of book that leaves you craving more, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. If you love strong heroines, powerful bonds, and a world that feels as real as it is magical, The Valkyrie’s Shadow is a thrilling ride you won’t want to end!

Tiana Warner’s “The Valkyrie’s Shadow” is a captivating and thrilling sequel that masterfully deepens the world and characters introduced in its predecessor. With its rich Norse mythology, high-stakes adventure, and emotionally charged storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and mythological retellings.

The pacing is superb, blending action-packed battles with moments of introspection and emotional growth. Each chapter builds momentum, keeping readers hooked while allowing for poignant character development and meaningful world-building.

The protagonist is a standout, with her courage and vulnerability making her both relatable and inspiring. Her internal struggles and external challenges are portrayed with depth, and her relationships—with allies, enemies, and herself—are beautifully complex. Warner skillfully balances moments of triumph and heartache, ensuring the emotional stakes remain high throughout the story.

The world-building in “The Valkyrie’s Shadow” is breathtaking. Warner expands on the vibrant and perilous realms of Norse mythology, immersing readers in a setting that feels alive with history, magic, and danger. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the intricacies of Valkyrie life to the vivid depictions of otherworldly landscapes.

Tiana Warner delivers a tale that is both epic and deeply personal, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of power. “The Valkyrie’s Shadow” solidifies her place as a masterful storyteller, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come. This is a must-read for fans of mythological fantasy, compelling characters, and unforgettable adventures. Highly recommended!

Story picks up right where it left off. Made it easier to follow this journey. You follow the MFC on her journey to rescue her friends and face her feelings for Mariam. There’s plenty of build up as she goes forward so you have romance but you also have a story as well.

I love that this book start off where the other left off. Sigrid continued to have good character development through the second installment. There was a lot that was going on and a get there were some pacing issues but overall was an enjoyable read.

I think I enjoyed this one more than the first! I was so entertained, it was well-written, and overall really enjoyable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This enchanting sequel takes the captivating world of Norse mythology and deepens it in all the right ways! Tiana Warner’s The Valkyrie’s Shadow continues the story with rich character development, showcasing themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity. The bond between the protagonists is beautifully explored, perfectly embodying the “enemies to lovers” trope that keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher.

Warner’s writing is vivid and immersive, making the battles and emotional moments come alive on the page. The plot twists are expertly woven into the narrative, keeping me engaged as secrets unfold and alliances shift. The journey of self-discovery for both main characters is both compelling and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

Overall, The Valkyrie’s Shadow is a powerful continuation that blends romance and adventure seamlessly. It left me eagerly anticipating what comes next in this enthralling series!

I sadly didn‘t like this. I struggled through the first and was hoping it‘ll get better but it didn’t.
The title is what drew me in if I‘m honest and it sounded fun but it just wasn’t for me. My reading taste has changed a lot lately as well but I can‘t say if I would have liked it before or not.

I really enjoyed this followup to Valkyrie's Daughter which picked up right where the first left us! Sigrid is off on another page turning adventure while her feelings grow for Mariam!

I would recommend reading this series in order. I read this book first and while I was able to follow the story, I think I would have enjoyed the story even more if read in order. I listen to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. Sigrid has to navigate going from a stable hand/junior valkyrie to being a princess and valkyrie in this book. She makes some poor choices and learns some hard lessons in this one. I thought her relationship with Mariam is a bright spot throughout the book for me.