Shield Maiden

Sharon Emmerichs's first novel retells the Beowulf story through Fryda, a young woman who has wanted all her life to become a shield maiden, one of the elite warriors of Geatland. A childhood accident left her badly injured and unfit for battle, and she has given up hope of that path. Yet a strange, unknown power has begun to stir inside her.

The story opens during a celebration. Foreign lords and chieftains have traveled to Fryda's home to mark the fifty-year reign of her uncle, King Beowulf. Fryda soon realizes that some of these guests have not come in peace. Treachery is brewing, and she must find the courage to defend her people, ruling and fighting in the way a queen should, as a shield maiden would, and in a way only she can.

As her abilities grow stronger, they draw the attention of something ancient. Deep within her treasure-filled stronghold, a dragon stirs, and Fryda must show, beyond any doubt, what she is capable of.