I would like to start off with saying that I have been craving a Viking inspired romantasy for a looong time. And let me tell you - THIS BOOK CATERED. ATE. NO CRUMBS LEFT. PLATE LICKED CLEAN.
When I tell you that I was reading this book with my whole body, I mean it. Chills, sweat, heat waves, air punches, fainting, screaming, crying - all of it was experienced. This book literally has no flaws that I can find. Per-fec-tion in written form: the world building, the characters, the magic system, the plot, the romance trope.
If I were to choose one specific aspect I loved the most, it would have to be Freya's character development. Her transformation from a submissive fisherman's wife to a fearless god-blessed warrior was such a perfect trope, which made this book a five-star read. Oof, the rage I felt for Freya... I was screaming "Yass girl, slay!!! Slay your enemies!".
I found the magic system to be just right in it's complexity. The idea of gods' children with power related to their immortal parent - easy to comprehend, yet original in being based on Nordic mythology. The romantasy community needed that diversity!!! There's just something in viking beliefs and sentiments that makes this story so... romantic.
In terms of romance, Bjorn was such a perfect match for Freya. Their banter was top tier and I was living for their encounters! They complimented each other's personalities so well, and even though I'm not a fan of forbidden romance, these two hold a special place in my heart. I will say, that I anticipated the plot twists; however, they still added to the plot and gave reason for my tears and rage while reading. And trust me: there was a lot of tears and rage.
Also, the ending of this story made for a powerful introduction to the series... I. CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. NEXT. BOOKS.
Let me tell you: there was not a boring moment scene here. I devoured it whole in 2 days and don't even feel sorry for ignoring real world, it was worth it. Now if you excuse me, I will be requiring 3-5 work days to recover, please and thank you.

Danielle L Jenson really knocked this out of the park, I had high hopes for this book and one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it didn’t not disappoint one bit. I loved The Bridge Kingdom so I knew this was going to be just as good.

A Fate Inked In Blood is a Norse Mythology inspired fantasy following the story of Freya who is a gods touched woman fated to save a kingdom, or rather - end it.

I’m wanting the second book in my hands and I love our main protagonist, Freya. She’s powerful and strong whilst keeping true to herself. And Bjorn! New book boyfriend alert. I love how protective he is over Freya, and I absolutely love the banter between the two, their scenes had me squealing.

The writing style was outstanding though I didn’t expect anything less.

The only thing that I felt dragged my rating down a little was it did feel a little slow at times and the storyline felt like it didn’t progress but it was so minor things.

You don’t want to skip out on this book and I would recommend this book to everyone because I know that I would be talking about this book for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of Danielle L Jensen's previous books so was so happy when I was approved for A Fate Inked in Blood, I was also so excited that it was a Norse inspired fantasy and I really enjoyed this book. There is forced proximity, forbidden romance, prophecies and lore.

Freya our FMC is a woman with a drop of God's blood that has been kept secret, when her secret is revealed she finds herself at the mercy of the Jarl- work towards his goals or risk the lives of her family! With her throughout is Bjorn son of the Jarl and assigned as a bodyguard to Freya.

The book gets stuck in straight away with action and I felt that the pacing of this book through was really good there wasn't really any point where I felt that the book dragged we were never far away from the next battle, disclosure or turn.

There is a big cast of characters in this book and yet I felt that I had an understanding of each of them, I knew what they were and the risks that they brought to the FMC. They really were written so well. Freya the FMC is frustrating at times but I loved the turmoil and angst as she has to make decisions to save herself, her family and how torn she is throughout. I loved Bjorn and his banter was chefs kiss! But I also really appreciated that he was not afraid to look weak in order to save his people.

Some of the betrayals in this book were predictable however they still stung and there are some that I absolutely did not see coming and they stung even more! I will absolutely be reading the next in the series because you can't leave it like that!!!

Rated 4,25 stars

Jensen really knocked it out the park on this one!

I was so excited to dive into a Norse inspired fantasy world and it really didn't disappoint. The magic system is straight forward and the main characters easy to love yet also bringing that dose of realism. Yes I got frustrated with them at times but who doesn't love a good character arc!

Freya, our FMC, is intelligent, feisty and wanting of a better world - one where people aren't used by those who lord power of them but have the choice to live a life of fulfilment yet her wishes for her people mirror her own situation.

The banter is genuinely brilliant and woven into a story with all the tropes we love to see, forced proximity, forbidden romance, one bed and more!

I had guessed a lot of the plot twists so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that some of these are a little harder to guess in book 2.

P.S Trigger warnings are not limited to: death & grief

Thanks to Random house Publishing Group, for this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was brilliant! It launched straight into the action and never let up on its pace. I was hyped for the story before it even properly started!

As she was soon immersed into the Jarl's plans for her, I felt like I quickly got to know Freya’s character so well. She was feisty, loyal and brave. Despite starting off eager to fight, as the story progressed Freya learnt the true horror of war. She developed a greater understanding of duty and mercy. She realised that battling and conquest wasn’t all glory and heroism. Instead, bloodshed came with consequences that weren’t always going to be favourable.

Freya and Bjorn’s slowburn/forbidden romance was masterful. It was obvious from their first encounter that electricity sparked between them. The pair flirted easily with each other, with Bjorn seeming effortlessly capable of imbuing his words with deeper meaning. Their interactions made me either laugh, smile or swoon. Every scene they shared was charged with a heady sense of inevitably. I loved how Bjorn respected Freya as both a warrior and a woman, especially since men rarely did. Together, they were a perfect pair.

Alongside the thrilling action and strong sense of adventure that ran throughout the novel, there was also an element of mystery as Freya discovered more about her murky past and uncertain future. There were a lot of people trying to dictate to Freya what she should do and what destiny she should carve out for herself. These characters may have automatically been portrayed as one-dimensional villains, but in the author’s skilful hands, they were afforded nuance. At several times throughout the story, it wasn’t clear whether they were ‘good’ or ‘bad’, as their true motivations were often concealed.

Launching straight into the action and not letting up once, this immersive fantasy novel was brimming with powerful magic, thrilling adventures and a heart-pounding romance.

I was so pleased to receive a copy of Danielle Jensen's incredible new book in the Saga of the Unfated Series. Action packed, beautifully woven and utterly compelling, I read this book in one sitting. I loved the Norse world that was created and the rugged nature of the landscape, community and relationships that built throughout the book. Freya and Bjorn have such a fiery chemistry that made for explosive scenes, but also moments of real intimacy and feeling. Will definitely be picking up the next one in the series!

A Fate Inked in Blood
Saga of the Unfated #1
Fantasy
Danielle L. Jensen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ • ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ • ᴘʀᴏᴘʜᴇᴄɪᴇꜱ •

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I was so excited when I got this ARC. I actually pre-ordered a special first edition copy before I'd even read a page 😂.

I loved this book! The world building was so intricate and compelling that I got sucked in straight away. The magic, the Gods, the prophecies and the battles all came together perfectly and I couldn't stop reading.

The characters were very well developed and I loved Freya's personality. From the very beginning she was fierce and stubborn and so endearing. Her banter with Bjorn was great. I laughed, I felt their grief, I felt how torn they both were and I was definitely rooting for them.

I did predict certain plot twists but there was so much going on that I still really enjoyed them.

The pacing was just right and I never felt like the plot was dragging or slow.

The ending was good and the cliffhanger left me wanting more, immediately! 😂 I can't wait for the next book.


*Thank you to @Netgalley, @danielleljensen and the publishers for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

Set in a brutal world reminiscent of Norse mythology, A Fate Inked in Blood follows the story of Freya, a gods-touched woman fated to save a kingdom— or end it.

Wow this book started off with a bang and didn’t let up! Even with hitting that 400 page mark, there wasn’t a moment to take a breath. The pacing truly was very well done and kept me interested the entire time. The first 40% especially were supremely well done, with twists at every turn and the slow building, delicious tension between Freya and Bjorn. I really enjoyed the wider cast of characters and appreciated seeing all the different ways the gods impacted the characters magical abilities, and found it very unique. I loved seeing more morally grey characters as well, especially with an MC who is truly left with no one to trust. Freya is fiery and determined and I liked the chafing between her more just, morally motivated side and the anger burning within her. While I did find some elements predictable, especially with Bjorn, and found the ending to be a bit dramatic for my personal taste, I’m excited to see where the story goes and eager for the next instalment. I’ve loved everything Danielle L Jensen has written in the past and I definitely trust her to see the story through!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I really enjoyed this, the magic system was interested, the characters were well written. The romance and the plot were both well developed (avoiding a top peeve of mine where the plot is just a vague excuse for smut). I had guessed one of the final reveals far before getting to that point, but even so it did not detract from my reading experience. Very much looking forward to the next instalment.

4.5⭐️

This is one of my most anticipated books of 2024 and I'm so glad it lived up to the hype that I'd given it myself.

I'm new to Danielle L. Jensen books, so I had zero expectations on how the writing would be when I went in to the book and I was pleasantly surprised that the style of writing is exactly what I enjoy. I really loved how everything just flowed together so smoothly and nothing felt out of place at all. The setting was also fantastic. I've never read any norse inspired books before and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, to the point where I've now gone out and bought other norse inspired books so I can stay in the world.

I also really loved the characters - even the ones I hated were so well written that I didn't dislike reading about them. I also loved the relationship between the two main characters, Freya and Bjorn and even though book two is going to be a while away yet, I cannot wait to dive back into this world.

When this releases I'll be recommending it to anyone who loves romantasy, and norse inspired works.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book!

A Shield Maiden, Vikings with magic gifted from the Gods. A Thrilling story and fight scenes. A Romance you can get lost in and an ending that makes me want to read the next book as soon as possible.

I've never read this author before, but thanks to this book I will now read everything this author has wrote. I really enjoyed this story and all the characters, especially Freja and Bjorn. I can't wait to find out what they do next.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Norse mythology inspired fantasy romance? I'm sold. I love mythology inspired reads - so if you're into Norse mythology, fantasy romance and the TV show, Vikings - you'll love this.

Freya is in an unwanted marriage to a man who has a drop of god blood in him, but his power has made him greedy. When another Jarl comes to visit, her husband betrays her secret - one she had been told to keep by her father: Freya also has a drop of goddess blood in her - making her the prophesised Shield Maiden.

Now being bound to the new Jarl in marriage, he believes her to be the one that will help him secure Kingdom over Skaland. The Jarls' son, Bjorn, however has caught Freya's eye - but, if she follows her heart, Freya risks her destiny and the fate of everyone around her.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I loved this so much and already wanting the second book! Mythology is something that has always interested me, and having a Norse mythology inspired fantasy romance - I was bound to enjoy from the first page!

I loved Freya and her personality, but do feel like she needs to come into her own and stop letting people walk all over her - however it is a tough situation with everyone's fates tied into her hands. I also loved Bjorn, he was a very lovable MMC with how protective he was of Freya, the banter between them, and the chemistry they have together.

Major plot twist in the end, I did sort of guess throughout what it could be, but it still shocked me when it happened! I need to know what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for this copy. This review is voluntary.

‘’ Not all scars we earn are skin deep Freya Born-in-Fire’’

I am hooked. I need book two with that ending!

Bjorn has my heart ❤️

I loved that this book just jumped straight to it, there wasn’t a boring moment!

I knew about 20 pages in that I’d love this! I couldn’t put it down, the only reason I didnt finish it within one day is because I wanted to savour the story.

We are introduced to Freya who is a child with gods blood, but this is kept a secret initially at her father’s wishes. She is a child of a prophecy, the seer foretold she would be a kingmaker and unite the clans. Now many do not wish to be united and this leads to a multitude of conflicts on Freya’s journey. She is pushed into arrangements and blackmailed with family members safety to keep her in line once her secret is outed to the jarl of her clan. She is also stuck with a bodyguard Bjorn who she has alot of tension and lust for. Bjorn is the son of the jarl that holds Freya’s future in his hands.

This story was filled with angst at the FMC’s decisions and the path she must walk which sometimes felt blind due to her having little to no say through most of it. I loved the tension between Freya and Bjorn and only wished for more stolen moments of spice! I felt the betrayals in this book were predictable, but that didnt take away from home good they were. Can’t wait for the next book!

A Fate Inked In Blood has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and I am so happy that I got the chance to Arc read it!
I was not disappointed, this book far exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait for book 2 - I'm really hoping it's not too long a wait.

This met my expectations and far exceeded them. I love different mythologies and in recent years Norse mythology has been of great interest to me (hence my instagram name). So, I felt like A Fate Inked In Blood called to me.

Following Freya’s development as she accepts who she is was a journey. I suspected Freya’s heritage from her sacrifice at Fjalltindr but I did not anticipate who it was. I also didn’t begin to suspect who the traitor was until the end and the feels it gave me. I really felt for Freya in the moment she found out.

I have distinct feelings for a lot of the characters in this book which just goes to show how good a writer Danielle L. Jensen is. They just feel so real, also I hate Snorri.

I hate reviews with spoilers so will refrain from saying much else but I really hope the wait for book 2 is not too long!
I loved A Fate Inked In Blood and will definitely re-read it closer to when book 2 is coming.
Thank you again for the arc!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!! This was my favourite NetGalley book so far!!

I have been desperate to read this book for months, so when I saw this added to my shelf, I was so excited. I’ll just start by saying that this book is really good and I really enjoyed the storyline. It was well paced, well thought through, and a little bit 👀🥵This was my first Norse fantasy book, and I will definitely be reading more. The banter between the two main characters had me GIGGLING. Definitely recommend this when this comes out.

My only slight criticisms (which are personal to me) - there were a few times were phrases were repetitive, and sometimes the storyline felt like it was going through the same point over and over again. We definitely know that she is unfated… Additionally, I did see the end twist coming, BUT I didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy reading it?? These are only minor things, though.

Overall, this is a very good read and I will definitely be wanting to buy the hardback and continue with the series when they come out 🫶

Iconic Quotes:

- “They’ve made their beds. Now they can sleep in them and pray that fate doesn’t turn those beds to graves.” 😳


- “nothing about life was fair, yet I was so sick of seeing those who were powerless harmed by the actions of those who were supposed to protect them.” 👏

- “It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.” 😭

- “If the gods truly favored me, then they ought to have delivered an attractive man who knew how to pleasure a woman.” 🫡

Firstly, thanks NetGalley and Random House UK for allowing me to read this in advance.
."A Fate Inked in Blood" was a satisfactory read, with a competent protagonist in Freya and a passable male lead in Bjorn. However, I wish that more attention had been given to the supporting characters, as the story predominantly focused on the main character's carnal desires, reducing the "love story" to a tale of mere lust. The initial chapters were heavily steeped in eroticism, with a dearth of fantasy elements, which only surfaced towards the end, by which time the romantic relationship had become contrived. The plot twists were predictable, failing to offer any substantial novelty. Overall, it was a pleasant read, one that I would recommend to friends, earning it a rating of 3.5/5.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

WOW Danielle L. Jensen doe it again!!!!

What an amazing story I could not put this down and am already desperate for the next book.

If you like fantasy, romance and a touch of spice you will love this.

With God's, magic, seers, magical weapons, slow burn and the hottest MMC (literally) 🔥 it is all I ever wanted in a book.

Please don't make us wait too long for the next book I need more Bjorn and Freya ❤️

I really enjoyed this! I was meh about the bridge kingdom books - I didn’t get the hype and I think it was due to a lack of magic, but this had plenty of that!

Badass FMC, an MMC who lets her shine (which is my fave), some good banter between them and a lot of interesting lore.

The start felt a touch rushed but in a way I’m ok with it, we got straight into the plot and the pace never slowed.

My first proper Norse mythology based fantasy and I’m very into it - will be looking for more now.

Intrigued to see where this will go as a series.

5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Without giving too much away, I will say that this book is a great adult epic fantasy with sizzling romance that’s set in Viking time and features a lot of Norse mythology.

Freya the main FMC is unhappily married and one day is confronted by the jarl or local chief who forces her hand and makes her reveal that she is blessed by the goddess Hiln.

Freya was a delight to read about and has an amazing character arc throughout the book. From submissive wife to kickass warrior.

Bjorn is everything I want in a love interest and their interactions/banter were so much fun to read.

If you enjoyed the Last Kingdom or Vikings tv show, this book gives the same vibes with themes such as honour, loyalty, prophecies, meddling gods, gruesome battles and heart-wrenching romance.

Definitely one of my top books of 2023! Can’t wait to get hold of a physical copy!