Black Shield Maiden Explained

Black Shield Maiden
Author:Willow Smith & Jess Hendel
Audio Read By:Willow Smith
Country:United States
Language:English
Publisher:Del Rey Books
Pub Date:May 7, 2024
Media Type:Print (hardcover), e-book, audiobook
Pages:467
Website:https://blackshieldmaiden.com/

Black Shield Maiden is a 2024 historical fantasy novel by Willow Smith and Jess Hendel. The novel follows Yafeu, a Ghanaian warrior, who is kidnapped from her home and taken to Viking age Scandinavia where she ultimately becomes a shield-maiden in service to a local princess.[1] Smith stated that she was inspired to write the book while watching Vikings and wondering whether Vikings had ever interacted with Black and Brown people. She began to research individuals like Erik the Red and his companion, Thorhall the Hunter, who was described as having brown skin with African style hair.[2] The novel was originally set to be published in October 2022 but was delayed after a preview attracted negative criticism due to its portrayal of Amazighs individuals.[3]

Following the novel's publication in 2024, critics praised the novel as "well-researched" and injecting "refreshing" diversity into the Viking fantasy genre.[4] In interviews following publication, Smith and Hendel have indicated that they hope to publish at least two sequels to the novel and turn the series into a trilogy.[5] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Moorman . Taijuan . Willow Smith debut novel 'Black Shield Maiden' is a powerful fantasy: Check it out . 2024-05-23 . USA TODAY . en-US.
  2. Web site: Amorosi . A. D. . 2024-05-17 . Willow Smith Looks Ahead to Touring With Childish Gambino, Looks Back on ‘Whip My Hair,’ and… Baby Turtles? . 2024-05-23 . Variety . en-US.
  3. Web site: Mullen . Jameelah . 2024-04-12 . Who Knew Willow Smith Authored A Whole Fantasy Sci-Fi Novel? . 2024-05-23 . Black Enterprise . en-US.
  4. Web site: Black Shield Maiden by Willow Smith, Jess Hendel . 2024-05-23 . www.publishersweekly.com.
  5. Web site: 2024-05-11 . Willow Smith, daughter of Jada and Will, stops by the Pratt to discuss her debut novel . 2024-05-23 . Baltimore Sun . en-US.
  6. Web site: 2024-05-08 . Willow Smith thanks parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as she follows in their footsteps with new venture . 2024-05-23 . HELLO! . en.