Shields and Scales: A Vikings and Dragons Fantasy Anthology

by C.K. Beggan, Nicki Chapelway, Liz S. Maxwell

Where dragons roam and Vikings conquer.

Four fantasy authors have teamed up to bring you four epic tales featuring dragons colliding with a Viking-inspired fantasy culture.

Shields and Scales

The Last Skyfire, by Liz S. Maxwell
Rider of Dusk and Redbeard’s Tale, by C.K. Beggan
The Sword of Bane, by Makayla Spencer
And They All Bow Down, by Nicki Chapelway

Shields and A Vikings and Dragons Fantasy Anthology will transport you to icy fantasy realms with fierce warriors, clever dragons, heart-pounding adventure and a dash of romance.

542 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

C.K. Beggan writes portal and romantic fantasy for new and young adults, as well as paranormal romance and spicy romantic fantasy for adults. Many of her books feature chronic illness/disability or chronic pain representation. She lives in Ohio with her intrepid dog.

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shields and Scales is made up of 4 stories.
1. The Last Skyfire, by Liz S. Maxwell
2. Rider of Dusk and Flame: Redbeard's Tale, by C.K. Beggan
3. The Sword of Bane, by Makayla Spencer
4. And They All Bow Down, by Nicki Chapelway

All featuring dragons, and loosely, Vikings.

And They All Bow Down, and The Last Skyfire were my favorites of the 4. And They All Bow Down felt the most authentic to the theme, exactly what I wanted from the synopsis. It had risk, choice, and reward. All led by a seer and a curse. The Last Skyfire followed a lone warrior as she faces down ghosts of her past. It gave me Heavenly Sword vibes - a warrior cursed for her history. Both very character driven with plots I enjoyed.

Where as Rider of Dusk and Flame was more of a romance. Focused more on the turmoil between the main characters with a distant villain. It could have easily been set in a medieval setting. It didn't scream Vikings to me. I also felt it should have been given a full book to itself, given the extensive past of the main characters. It didn't feel like the story was allowed enough to delve more into the lore.

The Sword of Bane, more of a cozy mystery with personified dragons. This one was just not my cup of tea and I felt was more like it was a prequel to a bigger story that would need read to make this one matter. Not what I was looking for with an anthology.

Together, decently written. Showcasing different styles of writing, through very different stories. Brought together by dragons- can't complain about that.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons and Vikings . . .

Anything with a dragon in it just mesmerizes me from the start. Even a mean dragon has my heart by the end of the story. So an anthology with dragons among the pages lured me right in! These four fantasy authors have gathered their stories in this fun anthology to show us what happens when dragons interact with a fantasy Viking culture. I confess, I was rooting for the dragons, but I did wave at the Vikings so they didn’t feel ignored. Grab your copy and enjoy this wonderful offering bundled up for our enjoyment!

Titles included in this collection are:

🐉The Last Skyfire, by Liz S. Maxwell
🐉Rider of Dusk and Redbeard’s Tale, by C.K. Beggan
🐉The Sword of Bane, by Makayla Spencer
🐉And They All Bow Down, by Nicki Chapelway

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are four stories of Viking and dragon inspired fantasy with unknown fates and blood on their claws. My favorite quote from the last story (gave me early Hiccup and Astrid vibes) SPOILER - “Oh, why are both just a pair of fools who have no fear of dying, but a crippling desire to save each other?” And the imbedded character art is so fun! One at the beginning of every story.

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this book a lot. In fact, there is my new favourite dragon character in one of this stories. I've loved many genuine but relatable characters and world building here. Overall; 4,25⭐

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has 4 stories written by 4 different authors. Reading it gives you a sense of their writing styles, which may inspire you to discover a new favorite author. Some stories are complete, while others conclude with just enough information to leave you wanting to know what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

With plenty of variety despite having the common theme of vikings and dragons, there is something in this anthology for everyone.

The Last Skyfire was a little slow at the start for me, but it picked up steam quickly especially once the pieces started to click into place.

Rider of Dusk and Flame: Redbeard's Tale was pretty close to my favorite. A nearly impossible quest, a band of unlikely companions, plenty of secrets. I really want to spend more time in this world.

The Sword of Bane did not go the way I was expecting. There really wasn't a happy ending for that story, but there is the promise of more to come.

And They All Bow was a great closer with two enemies forced to band together for survival. I would have enjoyed reading more about the characters in this story and exploring their world.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Shields and Scales. It has a lovely blend of stories from some very talented authors. Each story has a unique tone and approach to the vikings and dragons theme, but they all bring it to life wonderfully. Each story feels complete on its own, but some definitely have room to expand into larger stories. I highly recommend this anthology if you enjoy dragons and vikings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Puisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A combination of 4 books…I thoroughly enjoyed this book….this fantasy genre about dragons, their relationships with humans, the adventure…I was so immersed in their world and the characters were relatable and at times, flawed. Definitely worth reading!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these stories. I loved that they were all unique but similar enough that it felt like a series to me. I really love dragons and fantasy and Vikings, and this anthology just made my heart smile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shields and Scales is a Viking inspired fantasy anthology where fire meets frost four tales of cunning dragons, fearless raiders, cursed blades, and the fragile bonds between conquest and loyalty.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books were so good! I devoured this stuff. Likeable characters, a lot of twist and turns! Would definitly recommend.