The Valkyrie's Daughter by Tiana Warner

Description from NetGalley:

Formerly titled The Helheim Princess.

From the time she was born, Sigrid has only ever been ordinary. Being paired at birth with a plain horse—instead of the powerful winged mare of a valkyrie—meant there would be no warrior path for her. No riding the skies, no glory among the nine worlds. Just the simple, unremarkable life of a stable hand.

Everything changes when a terrible enemy ambushes Vanaheim and Sigrid sees a vision of herself atop a mythical stallion, leading the valkyries into a harrowing battle. Finally, she can grab her future with her own two hands and become the hero of her own story…if she dares. But her destiny is tied up with Mariam, a fallen valkyrie who’s allied herself with the very enemy Sigrid is trying to stop. Now Sigrid has left ordinary behind as she begins a journey with the beautiful—if treacherous—valkyrie, each step bringing her closer to answers…and to awakened feelings for Mariam. Only, the life Sigrid has escaped may have been paradise compared to the one she’s racing toward. Because her destination is the realm of the dead: the gates of Hel.

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My Review:

The book started off really well. I loved the world-building and seeing Sigrid's frustration at wanting to do more with her life but not knowing how to accomplish it. It didn't help that the people she looked up to made fun of her. I also liked how the world-building wasn't info dumped. It was given to us in bits and pieces throughout the book.

While the beginning with Sigrid started out great, I started to get really annoyed with her about halfway through. She practically begs the valkyries to be open-minded and let her join them but will not do the same for one of her companions. She belittles him and is just plain mean at times. Also, what almost made me stop reading was during this one scene where she was so jealous of Mariam and Fisk sharing a moment that she had the thought that they were plotting against her. I almost just gave up on the book right then and there. It was just too ridiculous for me. She ended up getting better toward the end but honestly, I was a bit disappointed in her character.

I really liked Mariam and Fisk. I liked that despite Mariam's hard life she still pushed forward and liked to have fun. I enjoyed a lot of moments between her and the others. While Fisk did feel like just pure comic relief at times I also did enjoy seeing him become more of a person. He is introduced as a weakling henchman but becomes an important ally. Regarding the romance between Sigrid and Mariam, while I liked seeing Sigrid develop a crush on Mariam I had to keep reminding myself that this romance was happening over a couple of days. It didn't give them enough opportunities to get to know each other. I do like the idea of them together though so I really hope to see them develop more of a bond in the next book.

I also really liked the tone of the book. There was this seriousness mixed with a lot of fun silly moments that made the book both still have an important goal but actually being fun to read. The plot was pretty good too. I liked how the author put in a few lessons about what you're supposed to do vs what you want to do among other things.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. I am glad I didn't drop it and I plan on reading the next book as I do want more of this world and characters. If you love Norse mythology or an easy fantasy to get into then this is definitely for you. I wouldn't pick this up if you're looking for an intense fantasy or huge character development.