Thank you to Redhook Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

I really really wanted to like this book. I just... didn't. I had a really hard time connecting to any of the characters; none of the supporting characters really felt fleshed out to me. All (well, mostly all- Wiglaf is just The Worst) of the supporting characters loved Fryda, the main character, so much and I honestly didn't understand why. I don't think the relationships were developed well enough for me to understand their devotion to her. We're simply told that Fryda is a good person and a good friend but honestly it seemed like most of her friendships revolved around her friends reminding her that she was the lady of the house and they were her servants/slaves, which was. uncomfortable to say the least. Fryda's lack of understanding of the power dynamic between her and her friends because of their positions in the household was honestly incredibly frustrating, as was the fact that multiple times several characters had to point it out to her. I think this power imbalance really absolutely definitely put me off of the romance in the book- it felt very wrong for her to have a relationship with a slave in her household, no matter how apparently consensual it was. As seen with Wiglaf's reaction and treatment of Theow, he really didn't have an opportunity to stand up for himself or behave exactly how he might have wanted to. Fryda's power over him was just always there and while she says she would never abuse that power, that's still a huge risk for Theow to be taken and he would always be beholden to her goodwill in a relationship.

Beyond just the weird power imbalances and dynamics between Fryda and literally every single other friend she has in this book, there were multiple moments where, if these characters were real, I would have been screaming at them to communicate or at least make better decisions. A good portion of the plot simply didn't need to exist. If Fryda and Wiglaf's father had made his intentions about who his successor would be clear to more than just literally 3 people, then most of the second half of the book would not have happened at all. If their father and King Beowulf were indeed as close as we're meant to believe, then it should have been simple for him to tell the king about his plans. This made it very frustrating for me to continue to read the book.

SHIELD MAIDEN is an epically action-packed and completely engrossing tale of mythological battles, greedy power grabs, friendship, and love. Emmerichs breathes new life into the classic BEOWULF while still managing to honor the original tale.

What is so great about this particular retelling is the way the author carefully crafted this story by using Fryda as the catalyst to propel the reader down a path filled with pain, tumultuous situations, and self-realization. The writing effortlessly flows from tender moments to high-action battles, all the while giving the characters the ability to grow and learn. There wasn’t a moment spent within these pages that didn’t make this reader feel like she was in the thick of it with Fryda, Beowulf, Theow, Hild, and the rest. This is what good historical fiction should be. It should transport you back in time to a place where dragons do exist while still identifying with contemporary themes.

Honestly, SHIELD MAIDEN is one of the best re-tellings I have read in a while. Emmerichs just landed herself a spot next to Jennifer Saint, Madeline Miller, and Natalie Haynes on my shelf. I cannot wait to read what she gives us next.

Fryda, oppressed by her father, dreams of being a Shield Maiden. An unfortunate event leaves her with a disability that in addition to her oppression she must also overcome. With the assistance of her "sidekicks" she finds strength within and a driving force to overcome all odds. Finding this to be an initial slow burn, Shield Maiden gained momentum and the pages flew.

I enjoyed this Beowulf retelling. I liked that the story was centered around the next generation, particularly Fryda, and what needed to happen in the future. Even though this is Fryda’s story, Beowulf and the other characters still have important roles and are given POV moments in the narrative. I thought this worked well because it gave a more complete picture of events and also emphasized the value placed on community in that culture. I was intrigued by Fryda’s three father figures as well as her three closest friends. It was interesting to see parallels and differences between those roles.

“On the morning of her thirteenth birthday, Fryda of Clan Waegmunding—daughter of Weohstan and jewel of King Beowulf’s eye—wanted only one good kill.”

This was an interesting historical fiction; it delves into politics, family/social dynamics of the time, betrayals, and the Beowulf Mythos (particularly him taking on the dragon).

The author knows her stuff for this time frame, so there was a lot of descriptive imagery and detail which I loved.

The characters were so-so, some felt a bit flat, others I wanted to know more about. The POVs switch throughout the story, it works, but I think just sticking with Fryda would’ve helped with the continuity of the tale and kept the reader in the moment.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and RedHook Books for a copy!

This book was very slow. Which i can look past usually, but there was just not really anything going on. the glimpses into the dragon between chapters were kind of confusing for me. I am giving this three stars because it wasn't bad, but it didn't stand out to me in anyway. I also think it wouldve helped if i was a little more familiar with beowulf, but at the same time i feel like that shouldnt be criteria for me to enjoy this book.

I adored this book so much, right from the outset. Coming right on the heels of “The Curse of Saints,” I immediately noticed the difference. This book held so much that I love: the genre, time period, and literary illusions, Beowulf in this case. The hook did its job well, drawing into sympathy for the main character immediately and holding me there as the plot took off like a roller coaster with so much action. In addition to all that action, Emmerichs explored complex character development, especially when it comes to villains. While I did not enjoy reading from the villain’s perspective, I appreciated it so much for the window into gaslighting both to himself and attempted on his sister. Definitely a five star book for me.

At 13, Fryda dreams of being a shield maiden. Until she has an accident which cripples her hand and shatters her dreams. Seven years later her father Lord Weohstan is preparing to welcome her uncle King Beowulf to celebrate his 50 years as king. Foreign lords travel to join the celebrations. But someone is planning something treacherous and Fryda is going to have to gather her courage and fight for her people. And in the process an ancient power is growing in Fryda, something she doesn't understand. As it grows the power sings to an ancient dragon asleep deep in the Earth and Fryda will have to prove herself once and for all.

I gotta say before this I hadn't realized there was more to the Beowulf story than Grendel. However I found this to be a very good retelling. Fryda, while a little naive and sheltered, was a very stubborn and strong willed young lady. Her romance with Theow was very sweet and I love stories with longing feelings and slow burn. I was a bit disappointed the dragon didn't play more of a role though, as she only really awoke at the very end. But the world was very immersive and I love seeing stories with multiple POVs. Looking forward to what the author has next to offer.

Rating 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy from NetGalley for my voluntary and honest review

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Fryda has been training all her life to be a shield maiden, and not even an accident in her teen years is going to stop her from fulfilling her dreams. Despite her father’s objections and the fact she has to train in secret, when her uncle, King Beowulf, visits to celebrate his fifty-year reign, things get… dicey. There’s a dragon! Romance! Secret power!

Shield Maiden is an interesting book with a fun premise, but it ultimately fell a little flat for me. I liked Emmrichs’ prose and I enjoyed the setting and attention to historical detail. I also really like Beowulf and so the premise was really appealing to me. I honestly like the overall plot, though I think it was strongest in its final third—still, there were other elements that missed the mark ever so slightly. Though I think Fryda is a really compelling character, I found that at times she read a little younger than I’d been anticipating (is this adult? young adult? I am unclear, but it is quite chosen one heavy, which I hadn’t quite been expecting). There was a plotline with her brother that I could have done without and that felt a little too predictable, and the inevitable romance with Theow was fine, but it took a much bigger focus than I’d expected and was just sort of… whatever to me.

Still, there were parts of this I really enjoyed, like Fryda’s determination and the dragon and the battles, and as a historical fiction, it was very well done. Getting Scandinavian/Norse mythology was fun and fresh, and so I’m not quite sure what didn’t click for me. I think that ultimately I wanted something more mature in tone and less of a focus on romance and chosen one tropes, but this is worth picking up if you’re looking for a nice blend of historical fiction and fantasy.

This is a very well written story and the storyline was interesting, but beyond that I did not find much to like. Most of the characters are pretty flat especially Fryda, the main character and the characters I was interested in did not get enough page time or were used to move the plot. There were also pacing issues and major plot holes. And the title does not match the story. I am, however, excited to see what Emmerichs does next.

This took me back to high school English in the best way possible.

This story centers on Fryda, who aspires to be a shield maiden despite all odds, include a deformed hand that she injured in a mysterious accident when she was 13. However, right when she has resigned her dream, she comes into her own power that is as primordial as legend.

Perhaps it's my nostalgia for poems from time immemorial (Beowulf in particular) but I really enjoyed this book. It presented a really unique interpretation of the story and offers a new version of the Beowulf story that hasn't been presented before. Even in his older age, he presents as a hero-king rather than a tired old man that he sometimes is presented to be.

Despite it being classified as YA, it offers great complexity that you would normally see in high fantasy: long-standing feuds, intense world building, heroic characters, and star-crossed lovers. I really enjoyed what this had to offer beyond the general bildungsroman theme you see in most YA stories.

I can say nothing bad about it - loved it!

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs is a rich story with multiple POVs throughout the book. It largely follows the MFC Fryda as she navigates politics, love, and great power. I think there are a lot of really good twists throughout the story, while there are many characters and POV's they are very easy to follow and keep track of. I was a bit confused about the aspects of the curse, I do think it could have been fleshed out a bit more but it didn't take away from the story in any way. I thought it was intersecting that we got to see the inner workings of a lot of the characters, it helped to deepen the betrayals and made the story more interesting.

What I really loved was how strong Fryda was throughout the book. In the beginning she suffers a terrible injury to her hand, and while being insecure about it, she doesn't let it stop her from continuing to train to become a shield maiden in secret. We see tremendous growth in her character throughout the story as she navigates her way through betray, death and political discourse. I did love how she treated those around her, she was very sheltered and her family hid many things from her but she continued to keep her head held high and treat everyone with the respect they deserved.

This was a stunning example of historical fiction; I loved every part of this story from the beginning to end. It really caught my attention and was impossible to put down!

Shield Maiden focuses on Beowulf’s young niece, who is determined to become a shield maiden despite a tragic childhood injury to her left hand.

Fryda’s father has the honor of hosting a celebratory feast of Beowulf’s 50-year reign as king, but not all the guests arrive with good intentions. As a plot is slowly revealed, Fryda must gather the courage to fight as a strange power awakens within her.

I LOVED this book. I absolutely adore retellings and reimaginings, and Shield Maiden combined the retelling genre with a YA coming-of-age novel in the best way! There was action as well as touching moments between friends and Fryda’s love interest. This is set in a time period where indentured servants and slaves made up a household staff, and I appreciate how Sharon approached that topic with care.

One of my favorite things about this story was the interludes from the perspective of the dragon. The dragon references two characters in her POV chapters and I loved how her chapters enhanced the story.

This was a lovely, engaging story and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it! I highly, highly recommend it.

Thank you to @redhookbooks for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Fryda and Theow have my whole heart.

I haven't ever read Beowulf, and was worried that would make the story difficult to understand. But, I was pleasantly surprised that the Author created a world that was approachable and intriguing. The reader definitely doesn't need the background knowledge of Beowulf to enjoy this book, though I'm sure it helps for some of the references and character names.

Fryda's growth was truly remarkable. From hiding, staying small, and only practicing her sword fighting in private, to where we left her at the end of the novel.

And because Fryda had an actually hobby of sword fighting, this novel didn't fall victim to the plot device of having the main character magically learn to fight impeccably in less than two weeks.

The side characters, like Bjorn and Hild (and don't even get me started on Bryce) were complex and flawed, and easy to connect with and root for.

I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Shield Maiden. And I hope we get another novel set in this world in the future!

This a painful rating for me to give. Here's why:
1. I love anything ANYTHING set in antiquity (and antiquity anywhere in the world). I don't care if it's ancient Romans, Egyptians, Vikings, Samurai, medieval China, whatever; I'm on board.
2. I almost preordered this so many times on Audible (audiobook being my preferred media), but I did not and applied for the ARC on NetGalley (THANKS, NETGALLEY!) instead. The reason I almost preordered it was because it was described as a feminist Beowulf retelling (um, hello, lady defeats monster?). So, I was totally jazzed up about this one. And I am kind of glad I did not pay for it.
3. I'm a super generous reviewer. I have to really struggle with a read to give it 3 stars. I DNF a lot. But this had enough to keep me going but by the time I was 40 percent in, I noticed I was looking at the amount of pages I had left. I was far enough to want to finish but far enough to know I was not in love. I rarely give 3 stars because I quit so many things I sense may not be winners.

And here is why I gave it 3 stars:
1. Fast-paced but did not feel so: So much happens, murder, political intrigue, a dragon awakens, forbidden romance, a battle, hidden identities and yet... it feels like nothing happens.
2. Telling not Showing: Emmerichs is a professor and probably a wonderful one as she is able to create a world that is believable (bet she's a great communicator in the classroom). But as she is a teacher first and a writer second, there is a great deal of telling and not showing and more advanced readers will find this frustrating.
3. Dialogue negative: Emmerichs relies a lot on things she doesn't need to rely on (to create a believable sense of Norse warriors in their stronghold). She already, as I pointed out in #2, is knowledgeable and paints an easily imagined world but she uses phrases like 'Woden's beard' too often in dialogue. Two or three times would have been acceptable, but as this is not a super long book, it felt more frequent then it needed to be. As did uses of 'lad' and 'lass' and other similar words. However, I will contradict myself somewhat in the next bullet point.
4. Dialogue positive: I cannot stand modern speech in any genre that is not specifically set in the modern world (especially historical fiction/fantasy/myth retellings) and Emmerichs does not use any modern day language and gives the reader authentic speech patterns to follow and thus, a cadence to to read and follow.
5: Characters: The majority of the characters are very well done. I had no complaints with any of their behaviors, speech, identities. I have read other reviews saying all 3 older male characters were interchangeable (Fryda's lord father, king uncle, blacksmith mentor) and I disagree with that as her father was cold and distant, king Beowulf was strong and hearty and Bryce, her blacksmith mentor who agrees to train her in battle craft, bitter but full of integrity)\. Each was different and Fryda, our protagonist, Hild, her indentured servant/friend and Theow, her childhood friend/crush/slave to her father were all likable heroes.

Note on the genre: I feel like this should be marketed as YA fiction. I am seeing this as a more literary fiction read (from the outside, it appears like a Madeleine Miller type story) than young adult, but I think the book would work better for younger readers. To my knowledge, this book has been listed as 'historical fantasy' or 'folklore' on most platforms. I believe older readers will expect more (especially readers of a lot of the more popular Greek myth retelling bestsellers like Miller/Barker/Saint/Haynes or Gornichec's Witch's Heart, etc.).

If you specifically want Norse saga Viking vibes, go with Genevieve Gornichec's The Witch's Heart, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, Adrienne Young’s Sky in the Deep.

Shield Maiden had the bones of a wonderful story but sadly, pacing issues made it a bit of a slog.

For as long as she can remember, Fryda has wanted to be a shield maiden. When she is severely injured in childhood all hope seems to be lost. When an unexpected power begins to arise, Fryda must learn how to wield it while learning that all power comes with a price.

I was ecstatic to dive into this Beowulf inspired fantasy but it just didn't hook me. Both the pacing and style seemed to oscillate from one extreme to another leaving the characters and world feeling unrealistic. Even the dialogue seemed to range from historical to modern from paragraph to paragraph. The book didn't seem to have a great sense of self and as a reader it left me frustrated and ultimately board.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing this ARC.

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for the free e-Advanced Reader Copy. This is my honest opinion.

This is not a book for everyone, however if you are into historical fantasy that centers around Northern European myths and legends then you might enjoy it. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Fryda and Hild since they were both very strong females who strived to have choices in their futures, despite where they came from. Stemming from the Beowulf tale, this follows the adventures of Fryda and her friends Hild and Theow, as they deal with the impending visit and feast for King Beowulf.

There are some issues with the book: lots of names (helps that there is a glossary in the back of the book for pronunciations and relationships but still - large cast of characters), no map of the burh (most of the story takes place here), the pacing of the book (everything takes place in a little under 2 weeks), and the constant switching of perspectives (not the worst, I could always tell who was talking, but the switches sometimes threw me.)

Recommend for historical fiction readers. 4 out of 5 stars, and there is a spicy-ish scene about 75% into the book, that is a lot of build up but is fade to black.

I wanted to like this book much more than I ended up liking it, mostly because (1) it is the first book where we get a woman's take on a part of Beowulf's story (that I know of, anyway), and (2) the descriptive writing was actually pretty good. Emmerichs knows her time and place and puts the reader there very well. The clothes, the buildings, the land, it all works.

It was after that I was kind of up and down on things. The book was largely slow. It seemed to take forever to get things going, but then it was also hard to tell exactly what 'things' were. We get Fryda, who wants to be a warrior and shield maiden and trains secretly because her father doesn't approve of this; Theow, the slave she loves; and Hild, a servant and her best friend. Fryda is amazingly naive for being the lady of the house and so close to two servants. We also never see any shield maidens, despite being told they are around and that joining their ranks is Fryda's greatest dream. Then we get in-between chapters with a cursed dragon, although I have to admit I had trouble figuring out exactly what the curse was completely. I expected the dragon to have more of a role than she did, although I liked the twist on dragons Emmerichs provided for the story, despite it kind of seeming to fizzle out at the end.

There are political issues, inheritance issues, jealousy issues, multiple people who want to prove themselves, and while some of those storylines would work together, it all seemed a little too much for one book to carry. Some of the stories got lost among the others, and in the end, few characters ended up standing out as three-dimensional people I wanted to spend the book with. Still, overall it was a decent enough first try and I'd look for more fiction from Emmerichs in the future.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review