The Sigrid and the Valkyrie’s series by Tiana Warner has become an epic saga for me. I loved the first book, The Valkyrie’s Daughter, but got lost in The Valkyrie’s Shadow. The characters came to life on the pages in this coming of age story and, even though it is a long book, 435 Kindle pages, I read and read and read…

Because the series needs to be read in order, I will do my best to include NO spoilers.

We have some familiar characters and creatures. Royal politics are complicated and the lines of loyalty are often blurred. I am glad that Sigrid stayed leery, and even though she is a young woman, she does know the difference between right and wrong. Each individual is as important as any other.

Sigrid wants the best for everyone and slowly builds her self confidence as she is forced to make decisions that will affect the lives of many. She is an lgbtq character and I love that Tiana Warner adds that extra something to make her character stand out. The romance with Mariam was sweet and innocent.

Tora, what a fabulous character. She made me smile. Fisk is another outstanding and unique character that stuck with me.

I loved all the supernatural characters and creatures.

The Valkrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner has so much depth and detail to the world she has vividly created. I traveled miles with the characters, and not all will survive. We walked, we flew, we sailed…We have valkyries, elves, humans, winged mares (so how do they reproduce), and an eight legged horse that once belonged to a god…We have loyalty and betrayal, friends and lovers…

There is 435 pages of deliciousness and I hated to read the final word. I was left with a feeling of happiness and hope. Tiana, you blew my mind with this awesome story! I don’t feel my review conveyed how much I loved this book, but, maybe I shared enough to make you want to read it for yourself. I do want to stress that it is best to read The Valkyrie’s Daughter first.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

So I just read and reviewed the first book, The Valkyrie’s Daughter, a couple weeks ago, so you can find that post at the link included in the title. I am happy to report that this second book is also a pretty darn quick read, which is always nice.

I definitely think this book delves into the shadowy murk of second book complications. Things are getting more complicated for Sigrid, and so much of her life is changing in this book.

Honestly, for a little while in this book, Sigrid was being an absolute brat. I mean, I understand why considering the circumstances, but as per the typical with so many books, a lot of her issues could have been dealt with if she had just talked to people, people like her friends. Instead she just sort of buried her thoughts and feelings and tried to go it alone…which you know, *always* works out well for the hero.

This was still an overall solid read. I will admit that at times things some of the adults were saying and doing made me cringe a little…but because it felt very similar to how certain people talk and act in the world today. There are those here who are extremely prejudiced–actually let’s not be gentle with it; they are elitist and racist–and the portrayal did cause me to pause and reflect on the happenings for a little while.

Calling this book The Valkyrie’s Shadow is an appropriate choice. Things are getting shadowier, darker, and it’s clear that something is going to happen, and it’s going to change everything. And things do happen, and it does change A LOT. I’m not going to talk specifics because this book just came out and I don’t like to get into spoiler territory. But I’m very curious where book three will take us, because Sigrid and her companions now have a whole lot more to deal with. Perhaps though, Sigrid has started to learn her lessons and she’ll actually stop the go-it-alone mentality.

Only time will tell, but I’m definitely intrigued by this series. There are a whole lot of characters to enjoy and appreciate, not just ones who we met in the first book, but also a few new characters brought into this second book. I like seeing all the various relationships and personalities. It makes the world a little more layered and that’s fantastic.

This book has political intrigue, battle strategy, friendship, camaraderie, romance, familial drama, betrayal, history and lore drops…and all delivered in a manner that just keeps you reading. I flew through this book as if I was galloping across the realms on Sleipnir myself.

I have loved this series so far. Sigrid and Hestur are an awesome pair. The adventures the gang goes on in other worlds is fast paced and exciting. I love the world building the author has done. The first bit of the book was very much Sigrid in mundane life again so it wasnt keeping me hooked as much as I would have liked. But once the action was going again I was hooked. I still enjoyed the book and can't wait to see what happens next!

This pulse pounding sexual had me on the edge of my seat!

The Valkyries Shadow read a bit more like a military fantasy, is that even a thing? Either way, I loved all of the military machinations!

The romance grew, friendships flourished, heartbreak abounds, betrayal lurks around the corner, and the action is non-stop!

I can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters!

Let me start off by saying that I listened to the first book as an audiobook, but then had this one as an eARC. So, I was really confused and bored for the first 70% of it. I think I would have rather listened to this one then read it. I wanted to DNF it several times, but pushed through because the chapters were so short and it was an ARC. However, I am glad that I finished it. I really thought the last 30% picked up and the book finally started clicking in my head and becoming an actual good book to read. This is pretty much why I'm giving this book 3 stars. I might have even given it more if I listened to the audiobook as I did the first one. If you enjoyed book one, I think you will enjoy this one too and do recommend reading!

I had no idea that this was the second book of the series so keep that in mind. This picked up right after the first book ended from what I gathered and while it did take me a little while to really get in the groove with understanding the world and characters, it wasn't too difficult to catch up. I do think I ended up missing some key relationship and character building by having not read the first book so some of those dynamics never fully clicked for me- almost like walking in on a inside joke.

The overall premise of this was great and kept me engaged with the world and drama. Occasionally the pacing got a little funky for me but it almost always corrected itself quickly. Based on the ending, this is set up to lead to some promising advancements in the series and I'm sure will be a book I pick up.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Teen for allowing me an early access copy to read!

Sigrid has what she wanted: a girlfriend, a beautiful horse, and an acceptance in the Valkyrie troops. Unfortunately, Sigrid also has much she doesn't want: a royal mother who was exiled for treason and attempted to use her for conquest, a magical steed who corrupts her, an imprisoned girlfriend, and a semi-royal position. None of this comes with acceptance from other Valkyries, but that's fine because Sigrid doesn't need them, right?

She has her horse. She suddenly has an aunt who wants her closer than ever-- and riding Slepnir. She has Mariam's nonacceptance from others to juggle, and the refusal of all to accept Fisk. That's also fine, she can handle that. Probably. Mostly.

And then war breaks out. And Sigrid is needed, on the horse who changes her, and she must make decisions about who's living and dying, thrust into a high position due to nepotism-- which everyone knows and no one respects, least of all the Valkyries Sigrid grew up with. Everyone wants her doing the most that she can, but Sigrid cannot without losing herself.

So she must. It's a very well-written corruption arc, in showing how different she is, and how her actions terrify her. Sigrid breaks rules of warfare, breaks expectations of protection, and prioritizes the wrong things, over and over again. And yet, we are constantly reminded this is not her of her own choices; this is her with chaos in her veins. (though to me, I feel it more likely a decided and cruel order, morelike? And we'll find out the subversion in the next book). Sigrid, in her own mind, cannot even recognize herself changing once she's corrupted, and the book grows deeper.

I truly liked the twists and discussions The Valkyrie's Shadow had, even as I waited for them to happen. I look forward to the next, and I hope this book continues to find more readers!

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

Are people just good or evil? What would you do if you had chaos and evil in your bloodline, yet you were raised differently?

This book picks up from where book one left off, and you will come to see different sides to Sigrid in this book. The side we came to love and another side of her that was a little too bloodthirsty, but that is just who she is, and you come to love her and respect her throughout the book… Well mostly at the end lol.

I thought the plot of this book was way better than the first one. It had more drama, heartbreak, death, betrayal, and of course romance. I loved that there were little twists and turns throughout the book, and you got to see a darker side of Sigrid and this plot needed to see a darker side to her. I loved that we had different views in this book “Evil vs Good” but that did not get in the way of the main plot. I thought at first Sigrid’s aunt the queen was going to be good for her but the hints throughout the book made me think differently. I enjoyed that action in this book, there was a lot more fighting and a lot of internal battles going on. I thought the world building and the characters were even more well developed in this book and I know that sometimes in the second book it can lay a little flat. I loved that we still got a little more lesson about the mythology of Norse’s, but this author turned it into something amazing. I thought the romance in this book was done well, it was a slow burn but with everything else happening in the world, having it be a slow burn was perfect.

I thought the character development in this book was way better than the first one. In this book we get to see Sigrid develop a lot more than her side characters, and in the first book the side characters developed more but you got to see Sigrid finally find her place in the world. I enjoyed getting to see Sigrid’s darker side and finally coming to understand where she gets that from, but then getting to see what she does with that information was the best. Did she figure it all out? No, but that is what makes this a really great book series, it was not all laid out right away but leaves you wanting to know more. With the side characters I think Fisk was my favorite, I really liked getting to see him shine but at the same time fall in love too. It was so sweet. This book with the characters did not have a dull moment. This book is packed with information (no worries it’s not an info dump kind), action, drama, and romance. I cannot wait to see what book three will bring us.

I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to review this book.

I didn't read the first book in this series but I enjoyed this one, a rewriting of the world of Edda and Norse mythology.
Sigrid is a well written characters and plot and wold building are well donne.
Entertaining and compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was really good! This book picks up shortly after the events of the first book so you will definitely want to read the series in order. Sigrid is such a great character and she has a lot of overwhelming situations to deal with in this book and I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next. The story was really exciting with a ton of action to keep the pages turning. I am so glad that I found this entertaining YA series.

Things have changed dramatically for Sigrid since the previous book in the series. She is back home and has brought her friends Mariam and Fisk after a quick quest to rescue Ratatosk. Things change quickly when her aunt is crowned queen and asks Sigrid to move into the palace. Before long, they are under attack and Sigrid becomes a leader, along with the war horse Sleipnir. Unfortunately, they will have a lot of challenges to face before the story draws to a close.

Sigrid and the other characters go through so many things in this installment. I feel like Sigrid showed a lot of growth over the course of this story. I was thrilled by the progress in Sigrid and Mariam’s relationship and was pleased to find a few other romances sprinkled around the supporting cast of characters.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I thought that this book brought the story to a satisfying conclusion but left the door open for future installments. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up more of this entertaining series.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Entangled: Teen.

Returning from Helheim, Sigrid is made an honorary Valkyrie and sent on her next mission. She and the other junior valkyries are sent to Svartalfheim, the land of the Night Elves to rescue Ratatosk. Unfortunately her success leads to the Night Elves retalliation. And home in Vanaheim, Sigrids’ secrets regarding her lineage and destiny can't stay hidden forever. Not to mention she is hiding Mariam, Fisk and Sleipnir. With war coming, what path will Sigrid choose?

Just poor Sigrid. She goes through it in this book. Orphan to valkyrie to princess. It was quite the ride. We learn more about the political side of the world in this book as Sigrid gets introduced to palace life. Many more side characters are introduced including my new fav Tora, who is just adorable. The relationship between Sigrid and Mariam is very well written and such a good slow burn. And Sigrid herself grows so much in this book, despite Sleipnirs’ influence for part of it. Despite the sombreness of the ending I was proud of who Sigrid was growing to be and cant wait to see her in the next book.

Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from NetGalley for my voluntary and honest review

Book 2 brings us right back into the adventure with Sigrid and the Valkyries. Sigrid is fresh off an adventure where her participation gives her the chance to actually work with the real Valkyries - even if they are mean girls to her. As long as she can help figure out what the Night Elves did to Ratatosk and hopefully see Miriam again - Sigrid will be happy but of course things can’t be that easy.
A slow start but the last quarter of the book definitely picks up. I liked the sapphic romance even though it’s very young ya for me. Good for a younger audience

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this arc.

An enjoyable YA read with lots of action scenes. I liked that the main character was not perfect and really struggled with heir position. My biggest issue was the incorrect Nors3 mythology (Frigg was Odins wife, not Freya! and other details).

This novel is the sequel to The Valkyrie's Daughter, and it picks up where that volume ends. It would be possible to read this one without reading the first one, but it might be a bit confusing. Sigrid is an orphan - or so she thought; in truth, she is the daughter of Helena, who is stranded in Helheim - Helena, the sister of Olfreir, the recently-deceased king of Vanaheim, and also the sister of Kaia, the current queen. Once recognized as Helena's daughter - unknown until Sigrid journeyed to Helheim to recover the Eye of Hnitbjorg, necessary for augury - Kaia recognizes Sigrid as her niece, and raises her status from orphan stablehand to princess. From there, things get rather interesting.

Based on Norse mythology, this novel is centered on Valkyries and Vanaheim, the home of the Valkyries, the highest world on Yggdrasil, the World Tree. But Vanaheim's position on Yggdrasil has been slipping, reducing its prestige and influence - and the Dark Elf King of Svarthelheim wants to replace Vanaheim with his own kingdom. Only Sigrid and the Valkyries stand in his way - but will they be enough? You'll have to read the book to find out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

This is book 2 in a YA fantasy series. You need to read the first book before this one.
It is a Norse mythology based epic adventure. There are winged horses, elves, magic, other realms, royalty, and more. The sapphic romance picks up a little more in this book than the first. I really enjoyed this series. It is fast paced and hard to put down. I hope there is another book!

Thank you Entangled Teen for the ARC! ❤️❤️

Thank you to Entangled Teen for the free eARC so I could review this book. I'm leaving my honest review.

The second book in the Valkyrie series,  The Helheim Prophecy, is fast paced and filled with strife coming from all sorts of directions.  Sigrid is finally a junior valkyrie, but also the secret behind who she is has become known, putting her at odds with the other Valkyries.

As Sigrid tries to balance her duties as a valkyrie and the new duties as a princess of the realm, changes threaten the state of being with more chaos thrown around and upheaval with in the 9 realms. Sigrid has to decide how and who she wants to be.

This is a fantastic second book of a series, and I loved the changes/ challenges that Sigrid faces aren't cut and dry, showing that there are all sorts of ways to be a leader and good person. Also to be wary of whom you place your trust in.  

4.25 out of 5 stars.

The Valkyrie’s Shadow picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Sigrid is now an honorary Valkyrie and going on her first big mission. She ends up incurring the wrath of the Night Elf King and soon war looms over Vanaheim. Sigrid is thrust into the center, making a deal with the Queen to ensure her friends’ safety but maybe risking her own. Sigrid isn’t sure how much influence Sleipnir has over her and if she can resist his pull. But if she is to keep the Night Elves at bay and Vanaheim safe, she is going to have to ride the legendary stallion again.

I really enjoyed this sequel! I love books with short chapters; I feel like they read at a faster pace. There is a good amount of action in the story that also keeps things moving along. I was never bored at any point during the book. I loved being back with these characters and seeing Sigrid continue to grow as a character, even if she did backslide for a bit in the middle. I really like Sigrid and Mariam as a couple and we got to see their relationship progress a lot more in this book. Overall, I really enjoyed the sequel as much as the first book and I would definitely recommend this series!

For those of us captivated by Norse Mythology, whether because of games like God of War or Valheim, or from Marvel's Thor, or the most recent appearance of Odin and Sleipnir in the Final Fantasy franchise, this book provides a delightful trip into the lore of the North.

This is book 2, but we jump right in, so no one should have trouble picking it up. Of course, some knowledge of the valkyries helps. 🖤

I adore Sigrid. She's the perfect main character - the underdog, the outcast who doesn't quite fit, but with so much strength and determination. Especially to win the woman she loves while struggling to become who she wants to be, not just what others expect. And she's quick and observant, which definitely helps. Even when it seems like the worlds are falling apart.

Ratatosk: "The path to a foe is crooked and rough, even if they live nigh. But the path to a friend is easy and straight, no matter where they reside."
Sigrid: Whatever he was on about, she had yet to find an easy or straight path to anything in life. And she wasn't about to start buying the valkyries gifts.

What I loved: This series is particularly notable for the way it uses Norse mythology in fascinating ways through Sigrid's story. This mythology grows as she visits other worlds and learns more about the royals and her family . While Sigrid remains hopeful about the world around her, her skepticism is often warranted, especially when she begins to see the privilege held by a few and wielded for their own gain.

Sigrid remains a highly compelling character. Her growth in the first story was by leaps and bounds, and in this sequel, it is a bit more subtle as she is learning to trust herself completely as well as embrace who she is, even with the complicated family dynamics she was exposed to in the first book. Knowing that she was chosen for the mythical horse, Sleipnir, is not made easier by her inner turmoil and wondering what makes her special after a lifetime of being overlooked. However, the outsider perspective she has had through her years as a stable hand is critical to empathizing and gaining her own priorities.

Much of this story includes the war and war scenes, which are challenged by Sigrid's new role and her conflicts over riding Sleipnir, especially with the out of control way that the horse makes her feel. Her skills will be particularly critical in finding a path forward - if she is able. Beyond these themes of personal growth, confidence, influence, and the importance of empathy, other themes around betrayal, complicated family, corrupting power, the weight of punishments, distrust, and friendship are also really thought-provoking in the story.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Valkyrie’s Shadow is a great continuation of The Helheim Prophecy series. Everything I already enjoyed about the world remains consistent in this installment, and I appreciate how this book built on the aspects set up in the previous one.
The plot kicks off right after the end of the previous one, and while I did worry I’d have trouble going in having read the first so long ago, it was easy to reorient myself. There’s still a lot going on, what with a heavy focus on war, and I appreciate how all the politics played out.
Sigrid remains a compelling protagonist to follow, and I love how this installment furthered her personal growth in terms of her path to self-acceptance and coming into her own. Her complex inner turmoil, further impacted by the fraught family dynamics around her, was interesting to read, and I enjoyed seeing her navigate it all.
While I did feel at times that the romance between Sigrid and Mariam was a bit of an afterthought, I did like what it continued to add in context with everything going on around them and the taboo nature of their relationship.
I enjoyed this installment, and I’m eager for more. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy and stories based on mythology, I’d recommend checking this series out!