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loyaltoliterature 's review for:
Shield Maiden
by Sharon Emmerichs
Edit: I've gone back and forth on this review since last year (I know, I have angst over inconsequential things) but I feel compelled to put this back at 5 stars because I can't stop thinking about it and I would recommend it for the 18+ crowd. Definitely going to buy a copy for my shelves.
I honestly thought this was a really good spin on the legend of Beowulf! Rather than being the main hero, he is part of the supporting cast who makes the other heroes possible. I loved Fryda, the young woman who wants to be a shield maiden, and the young slave Theowyn who loves her and fights for her. There’s a traditional romantic sensibility in this story alongside the empowerment plot, and I thought both were handled well. The side characters were all interesting and well-written (Bryce and Hild are the best); yes, even the villain was compelling– I loathed him with every fiber of my being (nothing morally grey about this one, he was just evil). I was caught up in the adventure, the political intrigue, the myths, the DRAGON, and the hunt for freedom. Honestly, speaking as a parent and somewhat conservative person, I would say, with the exception of one c— word and a brief sex scene, this story would hit about right for the 18-25 crowd.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. “Shield Maiden” comes out Oct 3rd!
I honestly thought this was a really good spin on the legend of Beowulf! Rather than being the main hero, he is part of the supporting cast who makes the other heroes possible. I loved Fryda, the young woman who wants to be a shield maiden, and the young slave Theowyn who loves her and fights for her. There’s a traditional romantic sensibility in this story alongside the empowerment plot, and I thought both were handled well. The side characters were all interesting and well-written (Bryce and Hild are the best); yes, even the villain was compelling– I loathed him with every fiber of my being (nothing morally grey about this one, he was just evil). I was caught up in the adventure, the political intrigue, the myths, the DRAGON, and the hunt for freedom. Honestly, speaking as a parent and somewhat conservative person, I would say, with the exception of one c— word and a brief sex scene, this story would hit about right for the 18-25 crowd.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. “Shield Maiden” comes out Oct 3rd!