From the time she was born, Sigrid has only ever been ordinary. Being paired at birth with a plain horse―instead of the powerful winged mare of a valkyrie―meant there would be no warrior path for her. No riding the skies, no glory among the nine worlds. Just the simple, unremarkable life of a stable hand.

Everything changes when a terrible enemy ambushes Vanaheim and Sigrid sees a vision of herself atop a mythical stallion, leading the valkyries into a harrowing battle. Finally, she can grab her future with her own two hands and become the hero of her own story…if she dares.

But her destiny is tied up with Mariam, a fallen valkyrie who’s allied herself with the very enemy Sigrid is trying to stop.

Now Sigrid has left ordinary behind as she begins a journey with the beautiful―if treacherous―valkyrie, each step bringing her closer to answers…and to awakened feelings for Mariam.

Only, the life Sigrid has escaped may have been paradise compared to the one she’s racing toward. Because her destination is the realm of the dead: the gates of Hel.

Amazon Link: The Valkyrie’s Daughter

Author: Tiana Warner

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars

A great stand-alone story that draws on Norse mythology in a new way to tell a fun tale with a sapphic romance. Norse mythology is very old and wasn’t recorded fully, so there are many different ways to interpret the bits we have left, and I love seeing fresh perspectives on these myths. Plus from her previous books, I knew that Tiana Warner could deliver sweet lesbian couples, so I was excited as soon as I saw this book announced.

I loved the training of the valkyries in the beginning and then the story got even more exciting with an epic quest. When the twist came, I was shocked. The story is very emotional and I was very attached to the characters even after a short time.

What I really loved was the bond between Sigrid and her horse, Hestur. She never resented him for being ordinary even though that kept her from becoming a valkyrie. Their interactions also seemed very realistic for a horse instead of making him act like a human or a dog. In contrast, Sleipnir felt like a very unique, legendary creature who was totally unlike any ordinary horse. Sigrid’s reaction to him was understandable. I think the author must have spent a lot of time around horses to write them so well.

I was worried that things wouldn’t work out for the ending, but it was a satisfying and happy ending without feeling rushed. I want to read more stories in this world.