"A fascinating historical fantasy novel inspired by Beowulf, linking in and feeling very relevant when compared to issues faced in society today."
This historical fantasy novel focuses on an alternative ending to Beowulf’s mighty achievements. A sleeping dragon sits below a fortress, as it begins to wake, Beowulf’s niece Fryda finds her own powers grow and they will be needed as her clan is threatened. Author Sharon Emmerichs is an English professor of medieval British literature, she really does make the point that history and stories of old: “exaggerate, they distort, and sometimes they outright lie. We need to question the stories we are told”. She has also deliberately set issues we still face in the 21st century within the 10th century. She highlights marginalised people, and themes include bigotry, greed and corruption as well as friendship, bravery, and honour. The main characters may be 20, however within Fryda, there is an innocence, trust, and even naivety about the world she lives in. The location is focused within the fortress, creating an intense almost claustrophobic feel. I loved the sections featuring dragon thoughts, it encourages a connection, and questions began to form. As a celebration nears and more join the party, Fryda’s horizons expand and I welcomed the growth of her character. Beowulf’s arrival certainly livens things up, and adds a necessary light bright touch to proceedings. I would describe both the the romance within the story, and warrior elements as a slow burn. The later chapters leap into vivid battle action and sing an epic tale. Ultimately, while focused on Fryda’s fight for the survival of her clan, Shield Maiden is a thoughtful novel, encouraging you to look behind and beyond the obvious.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Shield Maiden is a lush fantasy that is both epic and intimate. Refocusing the narrative on a fierce young woman reclaiming her power, it will upend everything you think you know about Beowulf.
Fryda has grown up hearing tales of her uncle, King Beowulf, and his spectacular defeat of the monstrous Grendel. Her one desire is to become a shield maiden in her own right, but a terrible accident during her childhood has thwarted this dream. Yet still, somehow, she feels an uncontrollable power begin to rise within herself. The last thing Fryda wants is to be forced into a political marriage, especially as her heart belongs to her lifelong friend, Theow.
However, as foreign kings and chieftains descend upon her home to celebrate Beowulf's fifty years as the king of Geatland, the partnership begins to seem inevitable. That is, until, amidst the lavish gifts and drunken revelry, a discovery is made that threatens the safety of Fryda's entire clan - and her own life. Incensed by this betrayal, Fryda resolves to fight for her people no matter the cost. As a queen should. As a shield maiden would.
And as the perilous situation worsens, Fryda's powers seem only to grow stronger. But she is not the only one to feel the effects of her new-found battle-magic. For, buried deep in her gilded lair, a dragon is drawn to Fryda's untamed power, and is slowly awakening from a long, cursed sleep...
Shield Maiden features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Historical fantasy, Feminism and feminist theory, Fiction, Fantasy, Gender studies: women and girls, Gender studies, gender groups, Social groups, communities and identities, Society and culture: general, Society and Social Sciences, Debuts, Ancient Sagas and epics, Recommendations, Ancient, classical and medieval texts, Biography, Literature and Literary studies
Shield Maiden is available in Paperback, Hardback, Ebook (Epub)
Shield Maiden was written by Sharon Emmerichs and published by Ad Astra, Head of Zeus
£4.99
