Dragonslayer's Valkyrie by Jennifer Ivy Walker is the first novel in the Viking Dragonslayers series. The novel follows the story of Sigurd, the last of the Völsung line and a warrior of the Sjórúlfar, or Sea Wolves of southern Norway. Sigurd seeks to compete in the Sólhjarta Summer Solstice Tournament for both glory and revenge on the individuals responsible for the death of his father. On the other hand, we have Brynhildr, a shieldmaiden and the daughter of the Raven King with a rare ability of seiðr vision. The king demands that she marry the winner of the Solstice Tournament, so Brynhildr seeks guidance from the goddess Freyja. She learns of her fate to become Sigurd’s Valkyrie, and nothing could have surprised her more. As the destinies of Sigurd and Brynhildr intertwine, they must work together for Sigurd to become a dragonslayer or face the wrath of Odin. When sparks fly and fate pulls them toward each other, can Brynhildr and Sigurd prioritize duty or love?

Author Jennifer Ivy Walker mixes myth, romance, and action in Dragonslayer's Valkyrie. The author masterfully establishes a world in which fate plays a strong role in the destinies of the characters. The fates of both Sigurd and Brynhildr are connected, and they have no idea how strongly in the beginning. The tournament plays a vital role in the story and adds excitement. I love mythology and stories with a strong foundation in the chosen mythology. Norse mythology is very hard to do justice to, but the author nailed it. I loved the worldbuilding, the character development, and the narrative style. Sigurd was a little hard to connect with in the beginning, but I loved him as he became more well-rounded. Brynhildr, on the other hand, was like an open book. I loved her from the start and was excited to see how she developed into a full Valkyrie. The concept is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Jennifer Ivy Walker brings us Viking-inspired mythological fiction in Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr, Viking Dragonslayers, Book 1. Sigurd Sea Wolf is part of the Sjórúlfar, an elite group of wolf warriors of King Alfr in Norway. After his father’s murder, Sigurd has vowed to avenge him and reclaim the crown that rightfully belongs to him. To gain experience, Sigurd attends the Summer Solstice Tournament in Hrafnfjall, where he sees Brynhildr and instantly falls in love with her. Brynhildr believes her path is to become a Valkyrie after a seidr vision, but her father, King Budli, wants her to marry the tournament’s winner. When Brynhildr summons the goddess Freya, she learns that her fate is tied to that of the Sea Wolf. And when the gods are keeping you in their sights, pulling on the strings of fate could have serious consequences.

Author Jennifer Ivy Walker has extensive knowledge of Norwegian history, and it shows in the details throughout the writing. This is a feast for the senses! From the texture and shimmer of fur cloaks to the sensation of mist on one's face, readers will be wholly immersed in this book. With these intricate details, the pacing would appear leisurely. However, bursts of action and perfectly choreographed fight scenes sprinkled in between strike the perfect balance. With the stakes high for our protagonists, the plot is well executed. Suitable for a more mature reader due to the sexually explicit scenes, this book is about love and the fates of two strong characters destined for greatness. Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie is the foundation for a new series that is sure to entice any Viking fan.

Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr by Jennifer Ivy Walker is an epic Norse mythological adventure that will captivate readers with its stirring Viking raids and battles, interlaced with sensual romance. Sigurd comes from a powerful line of Norse kings and has just been tested to the limits in his quest to become a member of the feared Sea Wolves of Southern Norway. Brynhildr is the daughter of the Raven King and a talented Shieldmaiden and sorceress. Determined that she will not be married off by her father to just anyone in a deal for power and land, she tells her father she will gladly marry the man who is victorious at the upcoming Sólhjarta Summer Solstice Tournament, but only on one condition – the victor must then defeat her in battle. Sigurd is determined to be that warrior. Ultimately, though, what Brynhildr discovers about her true identity and destiny will change everyone’s future and invoke the anger of Odin, the supreme ruler of the Gods.

Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie is a wonderfully colorful and satisfying combination of Norse lore, ancient Gods, magic, and the restorative power of true love. Author Jennifer Ivy Walker has crafted a meticulous, detailed plot that twists and turns at every juncture. The characterization is superb and intricate. Sigurd, as a legendary Norse warrior, and all his compatriots are meticulously drawn with both their strengths and frailties fully exposed. Brynhildr is an exciting, strong, and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up and fight for what she wants and what she believes in. The magic, mysticism, and unusual creatures that are all part of Norse mythology seamlessly weave together in a journey that keeps readers guessing as to the outcome. The balance between the adrenaline race of battle, gore, and death and the gentle, sensual passion of the love scenes provided a wonderful counterpoint to the novel. I appreciated the time the author spent on developing the principal characters and their interactions, which made it easy to identify with their actions and thoughts, especially considering the risks Brynhildr was prepared to take for love and to openly defy Odin. The author hints at a future novel at the end of this one, which will excite readers. I have read a lot of Norse mythology novels, and this story ranks up there with the very best. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.