Shield Maiden

Both epic and intimate, Sharon Emmerichs’s extraordinary debut novel reimagines Beowulf from the perspective of a young woman reclaiming her power. 

All her life, Fryda has longed to be a shield maiden, an honor reserved for Geatland’s mightiest warriors. When a childhood accident leaves her tragically injured and unfit for the battlefield, her dreams are dashed—or so she thinks. But a strange, unfathomable power is awakening within her, a power that will soon be put to the test.

For when foreign lords and chieftains descend upon Fryda’s home to celebrate her uncle King Beowulf’s fifty-year reign, she realizes not all their guests come with good intentions. Treachery is afoot, and Fryda must gather her courage to fight for her people…as a queen should—as a shield maiden would—and as only Fryda can.

But as Fryda’s power grows stronger, something ancient hears its call. For buried deep in her gilded lair, a dragon awakens…and Fryda must prove herself once and for all.

Praise for Shield Maiden:

“A heroine with a generous spirit, an unshakable will, and a dragon’s fury.” —H. M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke 

“Casts a superb spell. Shimmering with detail, with a propulsive plot to match” —D. K. Fields, author of the Tales of Fenest trilogy

• "A rousing and romantic mythological fantasy that boasts a heroine with a generous spirit, an unshakable will and a dragon's fury."

  H. M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke

• "Casts a superb spell...Shimmering with detail, with a propulsive plot to match."

  D. K. Fields, author of the Tales of Fenest series

• "Fantastic fun...An entrancing story of power and peril, presenting a side to the sagas we have never seen before."

  Ian Green, author of The Gauntlet and the Fist Beneath

• "This Beowulf retelling is freshly inspired by its focus on a less-repeated part of the poem... Beowulf and mythology fans, especially young adults, will find this debut novel a fun read."

  Library Journal

• "Emmerichs’s plotting is commendably complex...exciting twists keep the pages turning. Fryda is admirably witty and resourceful and the dash of romance adds appeal. This should win Emmerichs many fans." 

  Publishers Weekly

• "Emmerichs' debut is a fresh and exciting expansion to the epic of Beowulf...Fiercely written, Shield Maiden will have readers begging for more of this world."

  Booklist

• "After a languid start rich with character development, Emmerichs changes gears, skillfully juxtaposing high-stakes action and interpersonal drama with breezy banter and sharp wit. The intricate plot thrills and inspires, fashioning a hidden history that at once honors the original Old English poem and re-contextualizes the tale, conferring new relevance. Kindhearted and fiercely feminist."

  Kirkus

• "Subversive and action-packed from start to finish, Shield Maiden tells the story of Beowulf from a very different perspective."

  Polygon

• "Well-written and immaculately researched... An enjoyable and engaging read which encourages us to question the veracity of ancient stories about extraordinary heroes."

  Historical Novel Society