Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love this series, with each book it just gets better and better. I connected so easily with the characters, especially Kara and Thorfinn that I flew through the book, and before I knew it, it was over. I think you’ll love this adventure the author takes you on. Pick it up today!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The saga of the Agneson family continues in this next chapter as each of the separated members continue their own adventures and mishaps.
Cub escapes from the slavers who held him captive at the tin mines in Cornwall and heads overseas to Britany where he joins the horde of Rollo in an attempt to bolster his name and become an integral part of the community, it helps that he speaks a little of their language.
Sorven is with his cousin Dundle in the Welsh mountains after leaving the battlefield behind and going rogue with some less than wholesome characters, but he ends up in more trouble than when he began.
Thorfinn is with his Uncle Karl on his snekke the Verdandi Smiles where they share an easy camaraderie until the winter months end and he is left in a small fishing village with a caretaker, while the rest go to support Harald Tanglehair in his crusade against the rebelling kingdoms of the Northern Way. What they don’t know is that an eight armed giant is stalking Midgard and it has a target in his mind and albeit his Uncle Karl believes that Thorfinn is left behind with his safety assured, is it truly safer for him to be there in that village than on a battlefield?
Meanwhile Kara has run away from Eddisbury where the rest of the family has taken refuge after a marriage is arranged for her with a suitor who is not in the slightest someone Kara would ever marry. When she leaves in the dead of night with her companion, she streaks away across the sea to Eire where her training in noticed and she is employed as a guard for the King of Dublinn. The life and duties however, are not what she expected in the slightest and her growing feelings for her companion are strange and confusing her as well.
Will Cub be able to make a name for himself in Britany? Will Sorven be able to stay out of trouble in Wales? When the giant captures Thorfinn and kidnaps him, can his worried friends and very angry dragon find and rescue him? Will Kara be able to survive the work as a Kings guard, or will her feelings get in the way? This is an epic fantasy adventure where danger lies around every corner and life is lived like everyday is their last, in this emotional rollercoaster of a saga which will hook you in from the very beginning and keep you there until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The fourth book in the forerunners series is even better then the rest of the books! It has adventure, battles, Vikings, magic, and so much more. Each book builds on the prior books so the reader feels like he or she is actually there. The world building is top notch! The author did an awesome job with the building up of characters and what they experienced. I would recommend this series as often as I can.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The series only gets better and better. Book four does not hold back from delivering the same page turning adventure from each of the past books one to three. Reading the books in order is recommended, but there is a detailed recap at the beginning of the book to cover what happened thus far in the series. Each book adds more depth into the lives of the different characters and the world in which the story takes place. Set in the early time frame of the British Isles and Scandinavia with all the details to transport you back in time to this world of long ago. There are Vikings, witches, adventure, magic, love and war. This book centers around Kara and her arranged marriage that she journeys to escape from. Becoming a shieldmaiden and learning all what it really entails to be a warrior. Karl, Sorven, Thorfinn, and Cub each continue on in their own journeys. A must read series that I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista. I have loved this series and this book was no different. I really do believe you will enjoy this book more if you read the previous books. This one follows Kara and her main goal is to get out of an arranged marriage. She also wants to follow in her father’s footsteps to become a warrior. Kara is faced with violence, mystery, suspense, intrigue and even the paranormal on her journey. The writing style is so great in this series that I feel like I was truly there. There are maps that even help you see exactly where things are taking place. On her journey to escape her Mother and Uncle’s plan to marry her off she meets the love of her life. Their love is so sweet and pure. Will Kara be able to get out of the arranged marriage and be with her love? Read this fast paced book that will keep you keep you turning pages late in the night. You won’t be disappointed.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Just when I was hoping to read the best things for the Agneson Clan, I am left in a series of cliffhangers for each family member, and I am grieving for the deaths that have occurred. This amazing series takes place in the Viking Era around the year 880 and can I just say is full of history, love, war, mystery, witchcraft and above all historical lore that transports me to the Viking lands every time I pick up the book. Kara achieves rank and becomes a shieldmaiden but finds out that being a warrior is not at all what she thought it would be. Karl does battle with his ship Verdandi Smiles while at war with a greater navy. Sorven meets a young girl at the end of the book and has fallen deeply in love with her. But will all turn pout well for Sorven? Thorfinn meets up with the witches that he physically damaged and they are out for revenge. Will he survive the witches and their eight-legged monster? And Cub? What is going on with Cub? While Cub escaped slavery, what is he up to now? So many unanswered questions and so much adventure and excitement has taken place in this book. I cannot wait for the next book!!!! What about all the mythical creatures that have come to play in this book and the lore of the Vikings that is prevalent on every page?! A must read book!!!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kara is the focus of this book, while the other characters from this series also receive highlights throughout. Kara is coming of age and her mother and uncle are trying to find her a suitor. She’s not having the ones they are presenting and decides to run away. It’s the adventures that she faces that we read about in this story.
Cub and Thornfinn’s stories are also further developed. There is a lot of action with both of these boys involving trolls, witches, and more!
I enjoyed this book and the series so far. I do get a little bogged down in the multitude of characters introduced. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to keep them straight. This book also talks about certain characters at a time but their stories don’t necessarily always meet up with each other. I have a hard time staying focused on what’s happening with everyone with all the switching back and forth.
If you enjoy stories about Vikings, this series is for you!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
I absolutely loved this book. It doesnt take away from the other installments of the series. If you need action, and everything that goes along with it. And also probably a good cry. seriously go read this RIGHT NOW!!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazingly written. The details and the historical events that are written about really make you feel like you are there with the characters. I did not read the previous books in this series and you don’t necessarily have to do that but I would highly suggest it. I feel that if I had read the previous ones first, I would be more connected with the characters and the story does progress through each book. Just something to think about before starting this book. The characters are easy to connect with and the adventures that they go on make you feel like you are right there with them. I don’t think I can do the writing style justice. It is amazing the way the author is able to describe things and the amount of detail that is given, is just WOW!!! The multiple perspectives given during the book also helps to bring you further into the story line. The action, suspense, fantasy world, and that is not even the personal emotions you will feel, like heartache, love, and laughter; had me not wanting to put this book down. The author does give a synopsis of what has been happening in the other books and does an amazing job of helping the reader try to keep the names straight of all the characters. I would still suggest reading the other books first. I can only imagine the connection to the story line and characters you would have having started at the beginning. This book did not disappoint and has maybe given me a new genre to discover. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series. You will continue to turn the pages to see what happens next and before you know it the book will be finished, leaving you wishing for more.
Reviewed by @bbohls
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book four in the Forerunner series. The Preface chapter gives you the background information from the other books up until this point in the series. There are maps of Eire (Ireland) and The North Way (Norway) at the beginning to help orient the reader to place. Woven into the story are real figures and places from Viking-era history even though this is a fantasy novel. This was a daunting read for myself due to not reading any of the previous books in the series or fantasy writing, however, Bautista writes with excellent vivid imagery in each scene. He uses details consistent with the time period and weaves Viking culture and mythology throughout. This makes the story believable and real to the reader. If you like Norse mythology, Viking history, with an unpredictable adventure, this is the story to read!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
View all my reviews
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is the fourth book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous books before this one to help your enhancement of this series and this author. This is a well written story about Thorfinn and Kara.and their adventures of kidnapping and battle. They are great characters who make the story easy and entertaining to read for me. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. A fast paced story that is not lacking for adventure and is hard to put down. They have great growth and great plot growth throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and had no problem picturing myself on their adventures. I highly recommend reading their story and finding out what happens with them this time around.
Review by @bjwagner
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire
Forerunner Series Book 4
By: Jay Veloso Batista
Review By: Susan Ratchford
4 Stars
Book 4 in the Forerunner series details Kara’s journey to escape an arranged marriage and follow her dreams to be a warrior like her father. Armed with his own sword will she prove she has what it takes to wield it? Join the Agneson clan as they continue to battle for their lives through Midgard and beyond in this glorious continuation of the Epic Forerunner series!
Batista creates a beautiful and magical world full of rich mythology and captivating imagery that is so much fun to explore. The Forerunner series is a breath of fresh air and I love it! I think it’s awesome that he gives us a synopsis of what has happened in the series so far, before this installment begins. For people like me who sometimes don’t continue a series right away it was very helpful and brought me right back into his story and it fills you in even if you miss a book! The switching of perspectives throughout, also keeps the story moving and feeling fast paced without ever getting dull. It kept me updated on all of the characters too! I felt the passion and determination and even fear from everyone, their emotions came off flawlessly. I loved Kara and Kaelan’s relationship. It was so sweet no wonder the fairies were “attracted to their love like bees to honey.” I also really enjoy Thorfinn and his broken sax/ sword, and the mythical friends he makes. I highly recommend this series if you are looking for intrigue, action, mythology, and fun.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The saga of the Agneson family continues!! Cub, Kara, Sorven, Thorfinn, and Uncle Karl are all scattered far from each other and facing their own battles to survive. Cub finds himself becoming known as a strategist. Kara finds herself as a hired sword and her first love. Sorven finds out that his cousin doesn’t make the best decisions and that he’d be better off alone. Thorfinn finds himself trying to protect his sister and ends up paying the price of a revenge plot. Karl find himself with an unexpected bride, and an impending sea battle. The magic, battles and heartbreak abound in this story. The kids are quickly growing up and changing while Uncle Karl does his best to survive. Can they all survive their personal battles? Will they ever come back together as a family?
I enjoy this author’s work! Each book I find myself immediately pulled into the story and I don’t want to put them down until the end! The characters are all well written. Their struggles and how they work through them feel very real -as much as fantasy can. There are a few unexpected twists at the end that had me heartbroken for one sibling and worried for another. I am looking forward to the next installment so I can find out what happens next!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has been such a wild ride. The viking Saga continues in this story. Every time I think it can not get any better, Batista suprises me. It is such a detailed and thought out world and story line. It has been costructed so perfectly that I am unable to put the books down. I love following Kara and everyone else’s story and watch them evolve and grow!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better and better .The twists and turns at every page make it impossible to put down. I love seeing how the characters evolve and all the dark and still light hearted moments all throughout.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Agneson Saga Continues!
The storylines now follow Kara as she has decided to make a name for herself as a Shieldmaiden in Ireland. She is accompanied by Kaelan, her first love, and the help fight for the Ui Neill. She finds her fighting spirit and makes a name for herself!
Cub, who ends up in Francia fighting for Rolf the Ganger, also known as Rollo. He is also making a name for himself and becoming important to a leader.
Sorven and Dundle find a place for themselves with a farmer and are safe.
Uncle Karl, who after helping Thorfinn save Cheiftain Hammund save his daughter from witches and a curse is given the Chieftains adopted niece in marriage.
We get to see many more adventures and a great deal more true historical figures throughout this one and the blend of history and fantasy is absolutely breathtaking. From Eire to the Far North, and from the Northern Way to Asgaard. We see our favorite Viking family grow and change even more!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another amazing book by this author. I was pulled into another action packed adventure. The author’s attention to detail made this hard to put down. The amazing world development had me thinking of this book as a movie in my head. I highly recommend this epic story and series.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sequel to Throrfinn and the Witch’s Curse. It is a wonderful way to follow up the story and follow Finn, Kara and Cub. It is full of adventure and action. I love the way the author takes you back and allows yoy to become part. Of their world and timeline.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great story. It has curses and witches and vikings. It was wonderfully written. It does start out slow, there are many characters and it takes a little while to remember who is who, but after you get into it, it is great!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire is the fourth book in the Forerunner Series of Viking fantasy books. It’s definitely worth reading the books in order, although this book does open with a recap of the series so far.
The story follows members of a family who are having adventures across the Viking world. As the title suggests, Kara is in Ireland getting caught up in conflict between Christian and Pagan communities and trying to prove herself as a Shieldmaiden. Her older brother Cub finds his skills as a linguist as useful as his fighting skills in France. The story jumps between perspectives, with youngest brother Finn connecting the dispersed family with his vardoger abilities. It can be frustrating at times to jump to a different part of the story just when you’re getting engrossed, but then it keeps you reading until you return to that character!
I particularly like all the historical and geographic detail in this book. It’s great getting to see what different areas might have been like at the time, with information such as trade and governing systems coming through the story. We even know who washes and who doesn’t (poor Sorven, living the unhygienic life outside the law…)
This is a five-star read for me. I’d recommend it for fans of action-packed historical stories. It’s great for older teens and young adults (and older adults too…). If you’re new to the series, though, do start with Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse to get to know the characters and enjoy the story in order.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great story! And a great continuation of this series. While there is a very detailed prologue that explains the events up to book 4, I still highly recommend reading the first 3 books to get the full experience. This was a very enthralling book, and very detailed like the other 3. I really enjoyed getting to read more of Kara! She is definitely a favorite character of mine by this point. I can’t read to read the next book! This series is definitely moving up on my book lists as a favorite!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista
Kara, Sheildmaiden of Eire is the fourth book in the Forerunner Series and I absolutely loved reading it. This is a wonderfully written Historical Fantasy that will take you on quite the adventure. From the first page I was eagerly waiting to see what adventure we were going to be taken on. I’ve enjoyed this whole series and its definitely on my re-read list. I highly recommend reading this series in order as it will give you a better understanding of what is going on and you get to know the characters better plus each book is just as good as the last . This story is packed with everything from Vikings, to warriors, time travel, magic and so much more. I love this authors attention to detail and his ability to make you feel as if you are a part of the story. The characters are simply amazing and each one is strong and willing to do what needs to be done Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure and be prepared to be on the edge of your seat at times. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I honestly think this series just keeps on getting better and better. It wasn’t a series I was sure I would like but I can definitely say it is one I am thoroughly enjoying. Each book is exciting and well written, with this one being just the same. I was pulled back into the authors way of writing and the characters being put before us on the page.
I really become fully captivated by the story the author is telling. It is so easy to imagine and I feel like I am there. With each new book I cannot wait to start reading to see what else is to come. This is a fantastic book and a brilliant series. I would highly recommend it.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t not read this series fast enough. I read all four books back-to-back, I could not put it down. I really hope there will be more to these stories. This book continues on with Finn and his brother’s adventures. This book was written more on Karas adventures of becoming a Viking warrior. This book was so well written with the adventures and events that were happening that I really had to remind myself that dragons and the supernatural aren’t real. The way that the Norse mythological is written is so amazing, I absolutely love this type of stuff, and could not get enough of it from this book. Vikings, Adventure, supernatural, Norse gods, Fantasy, historical events there was so much in this book that it did not disappoint. i couldn’t put this series down. I highly recommend these books. And cant wait to see if there will be more from this author.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ Fantastical Viking Tale, Enchanting, Historical, War~
As our young heroes mature along their own story lines, the Agneson clan is wrought in war and epic challenges no one could have anticipated. The hidden folk present a new set of hurdles I really wasn’t expecting to see, but am totally here for. They each have transformation that propels them further into their own destiny’s.
Kara is my favorite character by far, which of course makes this my favorite installment in this saga (at least until the next one comes out…) Each sibling has such a unique role and character, I just love to see how Jay develops them naturally and so independently as well. It can be hard to keep up with names and places, especially if you are jumping in on book #4, but he actually does a really good job of making the distinctions in a way you can follow/remember.
The Forerunner series is an epic tale I am so glad that I picked up, and will definitely be putting these up on display and hopefully sharing with my friends. I can easily see myself re-reading and dog earing the pages (when I buy the hard-copy) to remember the laughter, heartache, and sheer epic-ness of this saga. My only question is…Is the next one out yet?!?
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, I couldn’t stop reading this book. It was incredible once again and I enjoyed every aspect of this book once again. The adventures continue once again, and it amazed me and kept me on my seat once again. This author wrote this book with so much supernatural, Vikings, folk lore, historical events, traditions that it was hard to remember that this is a story and not real life. The way each character has its own like spin and different adventures I just couldn’t get enough. I was constantly rooting for whatever character I had been reading about. And even thou I know I would read more of each one I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next. We follow Finns boating adventure, Karas adventure from being sold into marriage, and cubs adventure of escaping slavery, I was hooked from the beginning of this story. This book is not one to pass on by, it’s a so must read. Just start from book 1 you won’t be disappointed, especially if Vikings, history and supernatural are all something that is enjoyable to read.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, this author did an incredible story. The adventures from the previous book continued on into this book. This story also follows along on how Finn finds himself and becomes into this man he will be. The quests and things that he had to do really were challenging and it was hard to not encourage and cheer on Finn. Once again, an action-packed adventure, betrayal, struggles, emotions, and a little romance thrown in kept me reading this book till there was nothing left to read. the historical fiction and supernatural and Norse twists all into one was just amazing again. can not wait to read the next one.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was instantly mesmerized with this story and how detailed it was. The adventures in it kept me reading more and having a hard time putting it down. I personally love any story that contents anything with Vikings and historical events together. It really makes for a great story when you’re reading from someone else’s thoughts and ideas of what the events could have happened. I Love the Norse mythological elements in the book. The supernatural aspect of the story really put a twist into this story but was so memorizing. I really enjoyed this book and extremely enjoyed it. And really can not wait to read the next one.
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Kara Shieldmaiden of Fire is the fourth book in The Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista. This fantastic series has well and truly pulled me into the exciting adventures, and this fourth instalment continues all the action we have been following since Book One. I love how every new addition to the series helps to build a bigger picture, adding even more detail, depth, and development to what has come before.
As this action-packed saga is full of historical details, Vikings, battles, violence, danger, Norse mythology, paranormal/supernatural elements, emotion, challenges, mystery, suspense, intrigue, and lots of dramatic developments.
As I have mentioned previously, and what makes this story/series so engrossing, is the fact that Jay Veloso Batista has a real gift for telling an epic story- with an attention to detail that sets the scene so fully that the reader becomes part of the story and involved in all the action.
Jay Veloso Batista weaves a wonderfully detailed and descriptive story, with lots of clever touches that succeeded in keeping me glued to the pages, reading avidly to discover what would happen next. I am fully invested this saga now, thoroughly enjoying the journey that the author, and characters, are taking us on. This story wouldn’t be the same without these interesting characters, or the fantastic worldbuilding that Jay Veloso Batista has mastered so brilliantly. Can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Bring on ‘Marauders in Jotunheim’ – Book #5 (coming soon)!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Jay Veloso Batista.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire, the fourth book in the Forerunners series, kept me just as captivated as the first three. The preface was helpful, even having read the other books recently. Once again the world building, and mix of fact and fiction, was phenomenal. The author did a fantastic job with keeping the characters true to themselves in this book. I highly recommend this series!
Reviewed by @mimimadge
