Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Shield-Maiden: Under the Dark Moon (The Road to Valhalla Book 5)

Hated the ending!

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022

I read to escape the sadness and despair of real life. Did not enjoy having to experience it while trying to escape in a fantasy. Will not waste my time on reading this authors series again, feeling miserable and sad, is not my idea of entertainment, as I close the last book. No thank you. Get enough of that in real life. So sad such a good writer thinks endings have to be sad and love is forever unrequited or ended.

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From the United States

Maine Ah

Breathtaking Norse Saga

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2021

3 people found this helpful

CelticGyrl

I hate this is the end!

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021

I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone, like me, who has followed Hervor from the beginning. In Norse culture, death is sad but it is not the end and those who die go on to Valhalla and are reunited with loved ones just as those who were left behind will one day join the dead there. The last 10% of this book was chaos unleashed. I was in tears. Once again, Melanie Karsack has painted a world filled with characters whose lives I have been invested in and who I wanted to have things go well for them. But the gods will have their way and the Norns weave each person’s destiny. Who are we mortals to argue with the will of the gods? I highly recommend the reader begin at the beginning so you get the full story and feel the feelings that build from beginning to end.

One person found this helpful

Wiping away tears... this book was worth the wait.

M 🐑

Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021

I honestly am left with my mouth wide open...Melanie is a master, truly. I wish I had a fraction of her talent which is why I love her books so much. I'm sorry to see this series end. This book was definitely worth the wait and all 700+ pages!!!. I dove in & could not stop until it ended (just now)...better have the tissues ready. Basically an entire generation packed into this one. Hervor & Hofund start their family and all the trials & joys run the gambit. It is incredibly heartwarming, with all the cousins and family (biological & chosen) coming together throughout the story, marrying, having their own kids growing up & becoming their own selves...and the heartbreak as well. The thing I love most about this series, is the familial community that it brings. This book will emotionally lift you up & break you down like a rollercoaster. And all I have to say is there always seems to be to a Revna in a crowd. Svafva is hilarious & strong, I love her smart*ss humor, it made me laugh so many times. I have so many thoughts that won't fit here... this book is amazing. In blood & honor!

Wow.

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021

Melanie Karsak has quickly become the most recent of my favorite authors. She writes in two of my favorite lines, historical fiction, and fantasy. Her reworked fairy tales are fun, and engaging, while this series was gripping, intense, and an emotional roller coaster. Her characters are so well realized that I am sucked in to her stories immediately. I found this author through Kindle Unlimited, which was a bonus. But this series, in particular being my favorite ( thus far), I will be buying the Hardcover books. I know I'll want to read it again. I almost never discuss storylines in my reviews. I don't want to spoil one moment of another's reading pleasure. If you enjoy historical fiction, Norse mythology, and strong female characters you can't go wrong with The Road To Valhalla series. I'm certain you'll enjoy these every bit as much as I have. For something slightly lighter, but still with fantastic characters, and strong story lines, check out her fairy tales. Just fantastic writing!!

As others have stated, "a fitting conclusion"

JEB

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021

I think I've had 4 or 5 series end in the first few months of 2021 so I'm getting bummed. Another great read here. I was through to about 90% and was thinking holy cow there isn't much time left for the story to conclude...then all heck breaks loose and off you go. Satisfying story wrap up but pretty darn sad.

Hey MK - I know Boudica is coming this fall but hopefully you have some more fantasy/fairy tale/steampunk themes int he back of your mind waiting to get out. Really enjoyed allof those!

One person found this helpful

Mario Venditti

Wow. Just wow.

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021

This series is a riveting masterpiece of adventure, fortitude, triumph and heartbreak. I loved the settings, the representation of the gods (way better than the Vikings series). The many characters, including the animals, were interesting and individualized and I was very fond of them (well most of them). Of course, I loved Hervor and Hofund. Hervor was genuine, fierce, and led with her heart but shared her vulnerability with all of us.

One person found this helpful

Retelling of the Tyrfing Saga

cheribob

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2022

I loved these books. This is a retelling of the Tyrfing Saga. Melanie Karsak weaves people, gods, and supernatural events into a riveting story. You will think about this book long after you have finished it.
We mortals are but playthings of the gods.

Hervor's rise from unwanted child with an unknown father to shieldmaiden & then leader of Odin's Valkyries is magnificently told.

The book ends differently than the actual Tyrfing Saga but I understand why the author chose to end it this way.

Amazon Customer

Marvelous books

Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2021

I waited to write a review until I read the entire series so I could give a proper review. What a wonderful, intricate story Ms Karsak wove in writing these books. I absolutely lost myself in the story and could hardly wait to delve into the next book each time I finished one. A fan of Viking history, this series hit the spot. Would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Use Google translate to learn how to say names and places correctly even tho it's just heard in your head. Great read. I'm on to Ms Karsak's next series!

Beautiful series, but...

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021

If I never have to read the words "He/She sent a Knowing Look" By the gods, it will be too soon!! Over sixty five times I had to read those revolting words when it could've been "understanding" "loving" "heated" "angry" or whatever!! 65 times!! Do you pay attention to your readers, all of you top-selling authors?? Write better!!
That being said, I am going back to re-read the first book, because the characters and the plot are so endearing I need to have them in my life for a little while longer! Excellent series!

Hated the ending!

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022