This book had me going through an emotional ringer. It was sweeping, intimate, emotionally draining, but in the best way possible. I devoured the book and couldn't put it down.

This tale is a formidable addition to the stories that celebrate the indomitable human spirit.

It is a saga that honors the past while boldly venturing into uncharted territory. For those who are captivated by historical fiction with a twist, 'Black Shield Maiden' is a journey well worth taking. It's a tale that reminds us that even when lost to the mists of time, some stories will blaze forth, as bright and fierce as a flame rekindled from ashes.

The beginning of the book is sheer poetry of thoughts put into words. You can viscerally feel it as if you are on the plain crouched next to the hunter and continues onward with this magic. A young woman from Africa grabbed by slavers then snatched by Nordic raiders vikingin somewhere on the coast of further north. It does portray the period better in that there was a strong Nordic culture before the raiding which came up with the name viking but they were trading with Rus/Balkans & further east before that. Like many, the perception is somewhat wrong over emphasis of women fighting being looked at negatively imo. Shield maidens were honored once they proved their mettle. They were dedicate to an handmaidens of Freyja. Like Seidr, the loops & training were beyond hard & you had to have the talent & ability, a strong calling and personality. This books period of time is right before son of Half-Dan Harold Finehair has bullied all the jarls into coming close to being king of Norway. It is an exciting window into an epic fantasy based on some Nordic history saga with added ideas & peoples.

Thanks to the publisher for making this title available to me.for early reading!

It was an interesting premise and an unexpected Mashup of cultures, but I struggled a bit with how the story was executed. It felt rushed in some parts and too slow in others. I did find the friendship between Yafue and Freydis interesting. But then was baffled by how Yafue related to Alvtir.... And so much SA peppered through the book - implied as well as explicit. I understand that's the reality of enslavement but it felt like there were so many other challenges that could have been touched on beyond just that

They did a decent setup for a sequel, but I don't know that I am invested enough personally in the story to see it through.

I enjoyed reading this book. The short direct sentences brought a unique voice to the characters that made them feel like contemporary heroes in a Viking setting. I loved how intertwined the characters beliefs about their gods were within their daily tasks and choices. I loved how Yafeu and Freydis recognized each other's gods and stories in their own beliefs.

I love how Yafeu does not apologize or become a victim no matter what is thrown at her. And I loved how Freydis learns to believe in herself by watching Yafeu.

/* spoiler alert */
I was disappointed that Freydis gives up her throne so easily. This seemed out of character as being a queen was what she believed was her destiny. I expected a conflict about the throne between Yafeu and Freydis to become the conflict of the second novel in this series.
Ingmar seemed flat. I didn’t understand why he was so smitten with Yafeu.
I loved the painted wolf spirit guide for Yafeu.

I liked the juxtaposition between Ghana/Wagadu and Agder/Skiringssal (in modern-day Norway) and I liked the various similarities and differences between beliefs, leadership structure, social structure, etc. that Freydis and Yafeu discuss. I enjoyed the ending, especially because we finally learn Yafeu’s real name. However, not enough time had elapsed in the story for some of the characters to be old enough to participate in the event which ends the story.

Early in the story, Yafeu’s skills as a blacksmith are highlighted. However, after she is captured and taken to the Viking settlement (Skiringssal), her skills as a blacksmith are rarely mentioned or utilized, which I found disappointing. I would have liked to see her blacksmith skills play a role in the value she brings to her new community, and even her ascension to the unexpected position of power she eventually obtains. That being said, there was plenty of excitement and adventure, and I enjoyed the transformation in Yafeu and how she impacted the other characters.

2 stars

I had really high hopes for this, and I wanted to live it so much. But it’s a big fat no from me.
It feels quite insulting to a large group of people (and after reading other reviews I see I’m not alone in thinking this).

I honestly speed read most of it so I could give an honest review. I do not recommend.

This was, frankly, terrible. Poorly written and clearly poorly researched. I want this off of my kindle now, please. Do not recommend.

Black Shield Maiden is interesting mix of cultures. The main character is an African girl who has been trained as a smith by her father. The other main character is a Viking princess.

The story of these young women and their quest for purpose in their lives is an interesting story.

I don’t really know what I was expecting but this turned out to be a really enjoyable read. I hope willow publishes more in the future.

Normally, I avoid books by celebrities as I feel they have enough celebrity without my adding to their aura. However, as the mother of a Black child who enjoys fantasy and science fiction, I read this anyway. I would rate this at 3.5 but rounded to a 4.

First of all, this is primarily a FANTASY, a story about a young Black woman who rises to become a queen and as such stands as a good role model and example, which tend to be few and far between for Black young adults. I did not find it anti-Muslim any more than I found it anti-Viking—the book describes the world pretty much as it was in back in the day (as well as now) with multiple counties practicing aggression, war, rape, against other nations and tribes and enslavement of conquered peoples. The Muslim aspect is minimal, and for the most part is deemed a good thing as the Vikings wish to collaborate with the Muslims to hold back the advancement of Christianity. The book handles discrimination and prejudice against Blacks well.

As an adult, I was able to suspend disbelief and read the entire book in one sitting. While not great literature, young adults will find it entertaining. The characters come of age and mature in a believable manner. I did like two things in particular: women were allowed their own agenda and the ability to achieve their goals, and Black and Whites were able to join together to bring down a common (White) enemy.

Caveating with: Yafeu has some very prejudicial thoughts and opinons, especially in the beginning of the book. While her prejudices against the Viking peoples is addressed and overcome, there are a few comments about the small Muslim representation that are left alone. Full context, the Muslims in the story are those who enslaved Yafeu.

Aside from that contentious point (which people far more qualified than me have addressed) I really did enjoy this book. I love a historical fiction book that is so well researched I feel like I am learning as I read. I did a lot of googling throughout this book to learn more, and I really enjoyed the amount I learned about respective mythologies and customs naturally as a part of the book!

Also Yafeu is a badass for sure, but not enough people acknowledge that she is a real b*tch too.

An unforgettable and hard to put down story of two young women, one an African slave and the other a Norse Princess near the end of the Viking Age.

4/5 stars,

this book had a rather slow start, but the build until the end was very good. It had somewhat Mulan vibes of a girl who wants to fight and engage in combat instead of staying home and doing "womanly duties."

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

"The Amazigh are dangerous on their best day. They have little regard for anyone who doesn’t worship the Muslim god—and even their own tribes are always at war with one another."
"The desert is lawless, and those who don’t travel under the protection of the Ghāna can fall prey to Amazigh thieves and slavers, often disguised as harmless merchants. Everyone has heard the stories: travelers beaten to within an inch of their lives by the Amazigh..."Is there anything further I should say or say about these passages? Assume that the two authors working on this book are attempting to demonstrate how prejudice can alter your perception. Let's pretend that's the point of these descriptions. Do you believe that is how it is done? How do we get rid of prejudice? By fortifying it? By depicting a people you know nothing about as barbaric barbarians, are you instilling dread throughout Africa?


I will not tolerate deception and defamation of my people or anyone else.
Before you decide to write about history, read it. And, while I'm not sure what the co-author meant when he said, "we did a TON of research on the early Islamic Caliphates," I'm quite sure the "research" didn't reveal that the phrase is "Muslims" rather than "other Islamic peoples."
Honestly. Could you kindly leave us alone? I don't even want to be represented in fiction, especially as ruthless murderers and cutthroats.