Today, I’m hosting award-winning author Jennifer Ivy Walker’s latest release, Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr, a historical romance. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway.
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Title: Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr
Series: N/A
Author: Jennifer Ivy Walker
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 388 pages
Release Date: June 21, 2026
Blurb: Last of the Völsung line of kings descended from Odin, Sigurd is one of the elite Sjórúlfar—the fearsome Sea Wolves of southern Norway. Endowed with the divine blood of the wolf, he seeks glory at the Sólhjarta Summer Solstice Tournament to avenge his father’s death.
Brynhildr, daughter of the Raven King, is the Sun Falcon shieldmaiden and gifted seeress who has glimpsed her fate as a Valkyrie in a seiðr vision. When her father decrees she must wed the tournament’s champion, she summons Freyja for guidance—only to learn her future is bound to Sigurd.
As the Norns tighten the intricate threads of fate, Brynhildr must guide Sigurd toward his destiny as a dragonslayer—by defying the web of wyrd and incurring the wrath of Odin.
The Sun Falcon
Frost glimmered on the stones beneath her booted feet, glinting in the morning sun like the veins of crystal which sparkled in the cliffs below the fortress. The salty spring air tasted crisp, clean, and alive. Her pulse thrummed as her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword. She searched Ulric’s eyes, noting the slight twitch in his shield arm.
Like a flash of sunlight across the fjord, she spun low, ducking under his shield and vaulting gracefully to the side, her sword tracing a silver arc that forced him back into a defensive shift. She whirled again, a cyclone of golden hair and flashing steel, each strike flowing seamlessly in a flurry of quick thrusts and slicing cuts. With a final spinning sweep that left the courtyard ringing, she landed a stunning blow which Ulric blocked, sending sparks skittering across the frosty stones and pain searing up her sword arm.
“Enough!” she gasped, chest heaving, the impact knocking her to the ground. “I yield.”
Ulric lowered his shield, the fierce smile on his scarred, bearded face carrying both pride and respect as he helped her stand. “Few could strike as you do, Brynhildr, with such fire and fury. You grow sharper with every swing, my shieldmaiden. Soon, none will stand against you.”
Brynhildr gazed up into the deep green eyes of her beloved mentor, steadfast as the dense forest surrounding her faðir’s clifftop fortress. Not only was Ulric her merciless weapons master, he was her devoted personal guard, sworn to protect her since childhood. “You always win, Ulric,” she groaned, adjusting her lamellar leather armor. “But one day, I shall defeat you.”
A hearty grin split the thick red beard on Ulric’s bemused face. “I have no doubt, kæra mín. Indeed, that is my foremost goal.”
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At first I thought I signed up only to host a “blurb” portion for the book tour. Then I realized I’d signed up to review the book by accident LOL. But since I have already read and reviewed two other books by the author, I knew I was in good hands. I also didn’t realize this would lean into romantasy. I expected a historical romance about two Norse people falling in love. Instead, I learned this is a retelling of the great love between Sigrud and Brynhildr. So imagine my surprise as I began to read.
The author excels at historical research. This was a deep look into Norse mythology and their day-to-day lives, along with their culture. I found this most interesting as I read because I know nothing about Norse people and their folklore.
It opens with Sigrud becoming a sea wolf. And Brynhildr training to meet her destiny as a Valkyrie. She is to wed whoever wins the tournament, as dictated by her father, but Brynhildr knows her destiny lies elsewhere. There is great detail of the tournament, the feasts, etc. And this is when the author introduces the fated mates. I will admit I would have preferred having them lock eyes. For me, this is when the h/h create their spark and what draws them together. Much to my disappointment, I am told about how they watched each other instead, which leads to them sneaking off at the feast. I always need that first meet when they spy each other. So did this make it a bit hard to see them as these fated mates? It did in some ways. But the author did a great job of bringing their romance together afterward.
I don’t want to spoil anything if anyone isn’t aware of these two star-crossed lovers. Let’s just say these two have a big uphill battle to be together. The author does a great job of plotting the hurdles they must overcome. If you love sweeping, epic romances wtih grounded in deep historical fact, you will enjoy this novel. It’s more than a historical romance; it’s a romantasy.
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Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.
A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.
Follow Jennifer: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | BookBub | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon
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Maggie Blackbird 