Del Rey Books 2024
In an effort to slow down my atypically wired brain, I got back into two things that I’ve always loved: writing and reading. Can’t be a writer without being a reader, of course. While I’ve amassed a lethally sized “To Be Read” pile that I may never defeat in my life, I owe it to myself to try.
Even one book read is a victory, no?
Before I start this review, I need to digress. I had not expected to find a wonderful little bookstore in Irwin, PA. Completely Booked is down a little side avenue off of Main Street. My friends and I were wandering through town during the Irwin Chocolate Day, and I happened to look to the right and saw it. It is a small, independent store, and of course I gravitated right to it. The kind folks there did have chocolate and a very welcoming selection for such a small location.
When I saw this title, I was intrigued by the duo, and the story they offered. Because I believe in supporting local businesses and indie book stores, this book went home with me.
“Black Shield Maiden” features Yafeu, a young woman from a village in Ghana. She is regarded as something of an outcast by her peers because she’s a blacksmith — and a very good one. After raiders attack her village she faces enslavement, only to be rescued by a trio of Shield Maidens leading a raid of their own. Yafeu willingly joins them to flee north to Scandanavia, only to find herself as a thrall to Freydis, a princess fearful of her own safety in her father’s house.
This book is categorized as historical fantasy, and what fantastic elements exist are liminal at most. They’re used sparingly, and used well. What’s more important is the presence of culture this novel holds. Yaheu doesn’t fall into the “fish out of water” trope. She adapts quickly to her new climate and through her we get a perspective on the Norse culture and how it compares with hers.
Both Yafeu and Freydis have unique voices, which demonstrates how well Hendel and Smith collaborate. I never had a moment of wondering who was speaking or narrating (the book does offer headings to keep track, but I didn’t find it necessary).
The story also has some well thought out political conflict given Yafeu’s initial status as a thrall and her ascent in society. There were a couple of turns to the plot that I had predicted, and I was pleased by the ones where it turned out I was right. Sometimes it’s disappointing when that happens but with a well written book like this that is not a problem. In addition there is a looming threat to the Nordic society, but it was kept at a distance and used as motivation for certain actions in the plot.
With that I truly recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of historical fantasy with a diverse perspective. Doubly so if you find in an indie book store or at your local library. I hope to see another book from this pair of skilled story tellers.
Happy Reading!
