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This Epic Norse Saga
Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie follows a warrior destined to become a dragonslayer and king, and a divine-blessed shieldmaiden fated for the Valkyries, as their bond helps them confront prophecy, vengeance, and dragonfire. What drew you to retelling the legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr through the lens of romantic fantasy?
While writing my first Viking trilogy (the Valiant Vikings series set in 10th century Normandy), I delved into Norse mythology and discovered the legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr. I also learned how this epic Norse saga was interwoven with two other legends, including the captivating story of Ragnar Loðbrók and his völva queen Áslaug. Once I had finished writing Falcon of the Faroe Islands— the conclusion of the Valiant Vikings trilogy– I began to write Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr.
Since I had already researched many aspects of Norse mythology, including seiðr magic, Viking rituals, and reading runes, I decided to bring the legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr to life as a romantasy filled with passion and prophecy.
How did you balance honoring Norse saga traditions with creating your own emotional and sensual interpretation of the story?
Although I incorporated as much of the original Norse saga as possible into my novel, I found many unanswered questions and inconsistencies in the various versions of the legend as I delved into my research.
Not only did I need to bring the familiar characters to life, I had to create the immersive worldbuilding in Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie. For example, I envisioned the realm of the Valkyries and their training, explaining how and why they selected the slain for Valhalla. I created the various kingdoms and rulers in Norway, Sweden, and West Francia, weaving their royal politics and ploys for power into the intricately developed plot. I chose the French Alps for the location of Mount Hinterfjall, because the Norse legend tells how Odin cursed Brynhildr with the Thorn of Sleep, imprisoning her in a Ring of Fire atop an ice-peaked mountain. Since Sigurd meets the Burgundian royal family after freeing her, I decided that the French Alps would be the perfect location for the Ring of Fire, since it is near Burgundy and the Rhône River, which leads to the Danish port of Hedeby, where the Sea Wolves could await Sigurd’s return.
Brynhildr is portrayed as powerful, divinely blessed, and self-directed. What was most important to you in shaping her character?
I needed to portray her as a powerful shieldmaiden whom Odin selects to rise as a Valkyrie. I therefore developed her training with Ulric Ironshield, the merciless weapons master who molds her into the Sun Falcon Shieldmaiden. Since Brynhildr is also gifted with seiðr sight, I developed her training as a seeress with the völva Yrsa. When Brynhildr triumphs in battle, she becomes a Valkyrie, the goal she has longed to achieve her entire life.
Yet in the Norse legend, Brynhildr defies Odin and selects King Agnar to triumph over King Hjálmgunnar in a decisive Viking battle. I needed a plausible reason why she, newly chosen as a Valkyrie, would dare risk her prestigious and coveted position by defying the Allfather and incurring his wrath. None of my research gave credible reasons for her defiance, so I created the interwoven plot of the bloodsworn oath between Sigurd and Agnar, her seiðr vision of Sigurd’s fate, and her love for him– her soulbound mate–as the reasons why she defied Odin and guided Sigurd to his destiny as a dragonslayer.
What do you hope readers take away from Sigurd and Brynhildr’s relationship, especially the idea that love can help fulfill destiny rather than distract from it?
The transcendent love between Sigurd and Brynhildr strengthened them both and empowered them to fulfill their destinies and triumph over evil. I hope my readers will love Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr, the romantasy in which I brought the epic Norse saga to life!
It is book 1 of my new Viking Dragonslayers trilogy, incorporating three interwoven Norse legends. Book 2 is Dragonslayer’s Daughter: The Legend of the Viking Witch Kráka, and book 3, the conclusion of the trilogy, is Dragonslayer’s Queen: The Legend of Ragnar Loðbrók and Áslaug, both to be published in the near future by Green Mermaid Publications!
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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.
Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr
Jennifer Ivy Walker’s Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie is a sweeping Norse romantic fantasy that retells the legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr through a story rich with gods, prophecy, battle, and fierce devotion. The book follows Sigurd, the Sea Wolf warrior destined to become a dragonslayer and king, and Brynhildr, the Sun Falcon shieldmaiden born of both mortal and divine realms. From icy fjords and roaring waterfalls to Valkyrie halls and dragon-haunted mountains, the novel builds a world that feels steeped in saga tradition while still leaning into the emotional pull of a passionate romance.
At its heart, this is a love story shaped by fate, but it’s also very much a story about identity. Sigurd isn’t just chasing glory. He’s reclaiming his bloodline, avenging his father, and learning what kind of ruler he’s meant to become. Brynhildr isn’t waiting to be chosen. She’s a warrior with her own calling, blessed by Freyja and fated for the Valkyries. When Freyja tells her, “No mortal enemy may defeat you,” it sets the tone for Brynhildr’s arc: she’s powerful, beloved by the gods, and determined to claim a destiny worthy of her spirit.
The romance between Sigurd and Brynhildr is intense, sensual, and central to nearly every turn of the plot. Their bond is written as something larger than attraction, a soul-deep connection tied to seiðr, prophecy, and the web of wyrd. The book takes its time with their longing, vows, separations, reunions, and shared rituals, giving their relationship the feel of a sacred bond as much as a marriage. Sigurd’s vow, “My heart and soul are yours, now and forevermore,” captures the emotional pitch of the novel: direct, earnest, and fully committed.
Walker’s writing is highly visual, with detailed descriptions of weapons, ships, halls, clothing, feasts, ceremonies, and landscapes. The story has a lavish, almost ceremonial style, especially in its scenes of oath-taking, weddings, battles, and divine encounters. The Norse vocabulary and mythological references give the book a strong sense of place, and the recurring symbols of wolves, falcons, dragons, ravens, rings, and fire help tie the romance and adventure together. It’s a book that wants readers to feel the salt air, hear the horns, and see the gold glinting in torchlight.
Dragonslayer’s Valkyrie is best read as a bold, romantic saga about two legendary figures stepping into the roles fate has carved for them. It blends Viking adventure, mythic fantasy, and passionate romance into a story full of crowns, curses, sacred vows, dragonfire, and divine intervention. Readers who enjoy heroic love stories with a strong mythological backbone will find plenty to sink into here, especially in the way the novel treats love not as a distraction from destiny, but as the force that helps Sigurd and Brynhildr meet it.
Pages: 388 | ASIN: B0H2P7N82M
A Summer in Normandy Started It All
Falcon of the Faroe Islands follows the prophesied Son of the Dragon, as he earns his place as a noaidi and sets off on a destiny shaped by gods, ancestors, and a prophecy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m a former French teacher and language professor, and during my undergraduate program, I spent a summer in Normandy, where I became fascinated by the Viking influences in that region of France. When I recently decided to write a trilogy set in the White Chalk Cliffs of Normandy, I began doing lots of research into Norse mythology and the geography of Norway, where the Vikings came from before settling into France. I discovered the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway and the Sámi people who lived there during the Viking age, so I decided to have my character Skjöld become a noaidi and spirit walker through water.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
My male protagonist, Haldor Falk–the Falcon of the Faroe Islands–is a Viking vitki with the ability to transform into a falcon and summon winged creatures at his command. I wanted to include spectacular battle scenes for him to use his this avian magic, bestowed upon him by the goddess Freyja. My female protagonist Úlvhild is a Viking völva, so I wanted her to use seiðr magic and foresee important events which would transpire in the story. And, since Haldor and Úlvhild are lovers, I made sure to include a strong romantic thread between them throughout the novel (and the entire Valiant Vikings trilogy).
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I did extensive research into the history of France, Denmark, Norway, Frisia (a region in the modern-day Netherlands), and the Orkney and Faroe Islands. I also researched the Viking chieftains and kings during the 10th century, since I wanted actual historical events and characters such as Sweyn Forkbeard, Sigurd Hlodvirsson, Richard the Fearless, and King Lothaire of West Francia to interact with my fictional characters. I also did a tremendous amount of research into Norse mythology, the geography of northern Europe and Scandinavia, blending it all together into a Viking historical fantasy.
How do you feel now that this trilogy has ended? Is there anything about these characters that will stay with you?
I am immensely proud to have woven together an epic Viking fantasy blending real history, characters and places, Norse mythology, Celtic legends, and steamy romance. Yes, my characters have a very special place in my heart and always will. They are very real to me.
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With his acolyte’s training now complete, Haldor intends to return to the Viking stronghold of Normandy. But when a vision reveals an imminent attack on a dwarf guarding a hidden treasure trove in a secret cave, Haldor and Skjöld gain Dwarven-forged weapons and an unexpected, invaluable ally.
Úlvhild, a völva of formidable seiðr magic and Haldor’s lover of nearly twenty winters, foresees that the Dökkálfar Dark Elves will strike to prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy. When the Norns unveil the terrible price of her fate, Úlvhild must confront a crimson-eyed witch to save her beloved Falcon and ensure that the prophesied Son of the Dragon fulfills his destined path.
Falcon of the Faroe Islands is the sweeping, epic conclusion to the award-winning Valiant Vikings trilogy set in tenth century Normandy.
A sizzling blend of historical fiction, paranormal fantasy, Norse mythology, and steamy Viking romance!
Falcon of the Faroe Islands
Falcon of the Faroe Islands sweeps through a world filled with northern lights, ancient magic, Viking rage, and quiet wonder. The story follows Skjöld, the prophesied Son of the Dragon, as he earns his place as a noaidi and sets off on a destiny shaped by gods, ancestors, and a prophecy that ties him to dwarven treasure, dangerous raiders, and a future crown. His journey intertwines with that of Haldor Falk, a falcon-shifting vitki whose past is as heavy as his magic is strong. Together, they navigate fjords, visions, and battles while the story spins between spirit realms and rugged northern shores.
I was pulled into the author’s rhythm. The writing feels lush and earnest, almost mythic at times, and it leans hard into atmosphere. At moments, the prose slows down and swells with detail, which sometimes made me pause, but I liked how it wrapped me up. It felt like the story didn’t rush me. Instead it asked me to settle in and breathe with the land, the gods, and the characters. That kind of pacing made the emotional beats hit harder for me, especially when the story dug into the grief these characters carry.
I also loved how the book blends cultures and mythologies. Norse, Sámi, and Celtic traditions fuse in ways that feel warm and purposeful. I found myself rooting for Skjöld as he wrestled with the weight of prophecy. Haldor’s backstory surprised me with how tender and raw it felt, especially the parts about his bond with Úlvhild. The magic itself, whether tied to water or wings or visions, is written with a sense of reverence that made even quiet scenes feel charged. The mix of spirituality and brutal Viking life gave the book a tone I honestly didn’t expect. It felt both fierce and soft at the same time.
This is the third book in the Valiant Vikings series and is a great pick for readers who enjoy Viking worlds filled with mysticism, lush sensory writing, and emotional weight. If you’re into character-driven fantasy with romance, grief, prophecy, and a whole lot of heart, this one will definitely hit the mark.
Pages: 462 | ASIN : B0FXT8KJCB
An Unexpectedly Tender Heart
Wolf of the Nordic Seas follows a fierce shield maiden and heir to the coastal Viking stronghold of Étretat, who, after her father is captured by a ruthless Frankish count who demands her hand in marriage, finds herself caught between political alliances and personal vengeance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Wolf of the Nordic Seas (book 2 of the Valiant Vikings trilogy), I wanted to have the story take place within the same setting that I introduced in Dragon of Denmark– the alabaster coast of Normandy known as the Pays de Caux (the Land of the White Chalk Cliffs). I wanted to continue the political tension between the Franks and the Vikings of Normandy, by creating a shield maiden who seeks to avenge her brother’s death through powerful alliances with Richard the Fearless (the Viking Duke of Normandy in the tenth century) and my fictional character–the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Political alliances between Viking rulers were often secured through arranged marriages, so I used that historical premise as the basis for the interaction between my main characters. Since Richard the Fearless was a political ally of Harald Bluetooth (the Viking King of Denmark and Norway), I created an arranged marriage between the daughter of the Norman Count of Étretat and the powerful Danish Jarl of Ribe to solidify Viking power in Normandy against the Franks.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was essential that for me to create a fiery, rebellious Viking shield maiden for a strong female lead character. I also wanted to create a fierce Danish warlord with an unexpectedly tender heart beneath his brutal exterior.
In Dragon of Denmark (book 1 of the Valiant Vikings trilogy), I introduced some intriguing characters and plot developments based on Viking myths and legends. For Wolf of the Nordic Seas, I wanted to delve much more deeply into Norse mythology by creating such characters as the Úlfhéðnar wolf warriors, a Viking völva with malevolent seiðr magic, and the magical realm of Álfheim.
I also chose to incorporate Celtic and Nordic legends, such as the Druid priestesses of the Gallizenae– the shape-shifting mermaids who transform into mammoth sea dragon warriors of the Norse Goddess Rán.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am currently writing book 3, Falcon of the Faroe Islands, the thrilling conclusion of the Valiant Vikings trilogy, which I expect to be published in late summer of 2025.
It will take readers into the mystical realm of the Lofoten Islands in the wild, rugged north of Norway, where we meet the prophesied Son of the Dragon. We’ll venture into the fiery, frosty world of medieval Iceland, and to the remote Faroe Islands, home of Haldor Falk– the shape-shifting vitki who transforms into a falcon, first introduced in Dragon of Denmark.
I hope my readers will enjoy the sizzling blend of historical fiction, paranormal fantasy, Norse mythology, and the steamy Viking romance between the völva Úlvhild and the Falcon of the Faroe Islands, Haldor Falk!
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Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir is a skilled shieldmaiden who seeks vengeance against the ruthless Frankish count who killed her brother and abducted her father in an attempt to seize her clifftop castle. But rather that submit to the count’s relentless demand for her hand in marriage, Elfi allies with Richard the Fearless—the Viking Duke of Normandy— and the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.
As Elfi and Njörd discover startling secrets about their respective pasts, they find that the three Norns have entwined the threads of their fates not just as political allies, but as mates destined to fulfill a divine prophecy.
Wolf of the Nordic Seas— book 2 of the Valiant Vikings series set in tenth century Normandy— is a sizzling, scintillating blend of historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and steamy Viking romance!
Wolf of the Nordic Seas
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a high-stakes romantic fantasy steeped in Norse mythology, Viking lore, and a smoldering enemies-to-lovers storyline. It follows Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir, a fierce shield maiden and heir to the coastal Viking stronghold of Étretat. After her father is captured by a ruthless Frankish count who demands her hand in marriage, Elfi finds herself caught between political alliances and personal vengeance. Enter Njörd Ívarrsson, the massive and mysterious Viking jarl sent by King Harald Bluetooth as a potential suitor and military savior, known ominously as the “Wolf of the Nordic Seas.”
I went in expecting a standard historical romance with Viking window-dressing, but Walker does not play it safe. She throws you straight into Elfi’s blood-soaked world with battle cries echoing off castle walls and an emotional punch that hits early. The writing is raw and cinematic, and the grief Elfi feels over her brother’s death is gutting, and her frustration at being locked away during a siege really sets the tone. I could almost feel the chill of the tower stones under her hands. That kind of visceral writing pulls you in fast and deep.
What stood out most for me, though, was the sharp contrast between Elfi’s strength and the emotional vulnerability Walker lets slip through the cracks. She’s not your typical damsel or stoic heroine; she’s fiery and flawed. When she meets Njörd, there’s this magnetic tension that you feel before either of them says a word. That scene where she sees him from her tower window with white wolfskin, wild hair, and hulking presence is pure electricity. Walker’s prose here is lush and full of heat, and I was hooked. The way Njörd calls her “mine” during their first dance is swoon material.
The pacing occasionally bordered on indulgent. Certain passages adopted a highly poetic tone, which, while contributing to the rich world-building, at times hindered narrative momentum. The skaldic verse battle midway through the novel, though an engaging cultural element, felt somewhat tangential to the central tension. I admire Walker’s willingness to dwell in the details; her descriptions of feasts, sea cliffs, and silk wedding gowns are rendered with a vividness that nearly lifts them off the page.
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a sweeping, sensual tale of love and loyalty that wears its heart (and sword) on its sleeve. If you’re into Viking mythology, strong heroines, brooding warrior-lovers, and a story soaked in lore and longing, you’ll have a blast with this one. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves historical fantasy with romance turned all the way up. I’m already craving the next book in the Valiant Vikings series.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0F22JS3CM
Dragon of Denmark
Dragon of Denmark, by Jennifer Ivy Walker, is a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and historical intrigue. The story introduces Ylva Rikardsdóttir, a skilled Celtic healer shunned by her Breton village of Saint-Suliac in Northwestern France. Her ostracism stems from her lineage—the illegitimate daughter of a ruthless Norse ruler who played a pivotal role in the Viking conquest of the region. After abandoning her a decade prior, Ylva’s father unexpectedly reappears, forcing her into a political marriage with Skårde Haraldsson, the bastard son of the Danish king. Bound by circumstances beyond their control, Ylva and Skårde must navigate their uneasy union. Can peace—or perhaps love—blossom between them?
The novel captivated me, particularly the relationship between Ylva and Skårde. Despite his fearsome moniker, “Skårde the Scourge,” the Dragon of Denmark, and a violent history steeped in bloodshed, Skårde surprises with his gentle demeanor toward Ylva. Their connection is underpinned by shared struggles: both are illegitimate children, discarded by their fathers only to be used as pawns in a strategic alliance. These parallels create a foundation for mutual understanding and gradually deepen their bond, even within the confines of an unwanted marriage.
The world-building is immersive, weaving together Norse and Celtic mythologies. Norse gods and goddesses coexist with Celtic deities, enriching the narrative with mystical depth. The inclusion of witches, elves, and shapeshifters adds to the fantastical allure. This interplay of myth and magic enhances the story’s texture, setting a unique stage for the characters’ journey. The prospect of exploring this richly imagined world further in the upcoming installments, Wolf of the Nordic Seas and Falcon of the Faroe Islands, excites me.
While Ylva’s visions were intriguing, they occasionally revealed pivotal events in advance, which made it challenging to fully feel the tension and immediacy of key moments. For example, knowing ahead of time how and when Skårde would be wounded reduced the emotional impact of the event itself. I felt the frequent use of italics to represent Ylva’s inner thoughts in the early chapters was somewhat distracting to me. Additionally, I think the repetition of details about runes and rituals at times slowed the pacing at times. However, these were small critiques in an otherwise captivating and immersive story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Dragon of Denmark is an engaging start to a promising series. Jennifer Ivy Walker skillfully combines romance, mythology, and history, creating a tale that will appeal to fans of fantasy romance and Viking lore. I look forward to seeing how the saga unfolds in the books to come.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0DCQHXVGP
The Triumph of Love
A Celtic Yuletide Carol follows an enigmatic priestess who is mute due to trauma and meets a man with a dark past and his own trauma, and together, they start to heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is the story of Cardin–the youngest of three De Landuc brothers who are Breton knights– first introduced in my paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. I wanted to show Cardin’s struggle with alcoholism and gambling after the tragic death of his wife. I felt that a Celtic priestess with Druidic healing powers who had suffered her own trauma would be the one who could heal him (and herself in the process).
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I used the tragedy in my own life as inspiration for the characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol. I applied the suffering of my family to that felt by the protagonists in my novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of loss, suffering, redemption, family, loyalty, courage, music, healing, and the triumph of love overall within the context of a holiday setting–hence the title, A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Wolf of the Nordic Seas, book 2 of my Valiant Vikings series set in tenth-century Normandy. Book 1–Dragon of Denmark--was just published October 5th. I hope that Wolf of the Nordic Seas will be published in early 2025.
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