Shield-Maiden

Gambit of Blood: The Shadows of Valhalla, Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

An orphaned descendant of Loki.

A princess without a kingdom.

A shield-maiden plagued by the shadows of Valhalla.

Born to rule two jarldoms, Ervie should have had a life of ease. But fate has not been kind. Her parents’ jarldoms destroyed in the wars of a previous generation, Ervie is set adrift in the world. Taking refuge in the lands of the famed King Gizer, Ervie finds a temporary retreat from her aching sense of loss. But when Gizer’s warband is summoned to defend one of his staunchest allies, the journey promises more than just battle for Ervie.

As it turns out, the Norns have been weaving. Once, Ervie’s parents were considered the most powerful practitioners of Norse magic in all of Scandinavia. That same magic has been sleeping under the shield-maiden’s skin. Soon, this descendant of the trickster god will find herself on a path to reclaim what was lost...and follow her destiny.

Fans of Viking tales will relish The Shadows of Valhalla series. This sweeping Viking historical fantasy retells the story of the second legendary heroine named Hervor—called Ervie by those who know her well—the inspiring shield-maiden from the Norse Hervarar Saga.

Fans of The Road to Valhalla series will love this next-generation tale in a beloved Viking world.

©2022 Clockpunk Press (P)2023 Clockpunk Press

Loved it.

Terrific as usual. Loved the story and narrator is perfect. December cannot come soon enough.

Loved it

Melanie Karsak is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book is well written with an amazing storyline.

So good

The first of Ervie's story of trying to find a way out of the enormous and heavy shadow made by the grandmother she never met was fantastic. I loved the original Shield-Maiden stories and this new adventure won't disappoint anyone looking for a Viking inspired tale.

the movement and content of the story line

loved the twists in the story, a bit of a love story but the battle was just as good.

Love this

As always I am in awe. I cannot wait till December for the next book! Leslie's character voices are right on. I see everything in my mind as she speaks. Thank you for doing what both of you do.