3.5 stars 🌟

I really enjoy DLJ’s novels and this one didn’t disappoint. I do have to caveat this review by saying this book is romantasy, and errs more on the side of romance with a pinch of fantasy too. If I was looking for a really sophisticated fantasy world and a plot that explored complex issues, I would probably look elsewhere … having said that this book is fun, fast paced and has a healthy amount of spice.

Freya is our main character and she’s okay. In DLJ’s previous books, her FMCs are usually strong and capable whereas Freya … isn’t. The entire book shows how time and time again she lets people use her (Snorri, her ‘husband’, her own family etc) and then complains about it. The book is trying to show some character development but it takes its time, and judging from the ending I don’t think we’ll see her come into her own until book 2. Her lack of ability to stand up for herself was quite frustrating to read.

Bjorn was much more likeable and one of the sweetest MMC’s DLJ’s written as of yet. We were shown countless times how he took care of Freya and kept her safe. We see her fall in love with her slowly and it’s quite endearing. My only question (and criticism I guess) is ‘Why does he fall in love?’. I don’t see many redeeming qualities in Freya that would compel him to do so.

Plot wise - some interesting twists and turns and very fast paced. There’s more fantasy in this than in all of Bridge Kingdom and it’s darker too (it’s a Viking world do I kind of feel like that was necessary?)

In conclusion, I enjoyed this read and would definitely read the sequel when I’m in the mood for some romantasy again!

What a great read!
This is a beautiful Norse inspired fantasy that made me never want to leave Skaland or Freya. Although the characters were a little frustrating at times, i think that’s what made them more relatable and so made me love this book even more. Danielle L. Jensen’s writing is beautiful and thoughtful and really made the whole story come to life. I cannot wait for book 2 (if there is a book 2) !!!!!

Summary: Unwanted in marriage, Freya yearns to be a warrior. Betrayed by her husband, her goddess blood awakens, shaping her destiny and Skaland's fate.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This was my first Nordic fantasy and it did not disappoint. There was the right amount of world building without making it too complicated of a story so I would recommend to people new to fantasy. The FMC was powerful and strong whilst keeping her heart. The MMC was fierce and protective with the right amount of banter. I hope for the next book that the stakes are raised for them to over come but for a first book this was brilliant. I’ll definitely continue Freyas story.

⭐️ARC REVIEW ⭐️

A Fate Inked In Blood - by @danielleljensen

✨️Review✨️

Phenomenal. I don't really know how else to describe this book. I was gripped by this story by the first few sentences. This author is new to me but is someone I will now be reading again and again. The writing style throughout this book was outstanding. The story literally came to life in my mind as clear as if I was living it myself. It has been an eternally long time since a book has gripped me so hard that my mind is still lost in the fictional world I've been reading even when I am no longer reading and am at work etc. I started reading this book last night, I finished it this afternoon, and I am still trapped within the pages of this decadent world.

A fate Inked In Blood is a lush Romantasy based in Norwich origins. The author stayed true to the Nordic theme and immersed you into the world in such a way that you truly felt you were there. As a history nerd, I love nothing more than when the story and characters are true to the historical backdrop. This book fully accomplished this and more.

The slow burn romance and smouldering sexual tension between the two main characters had me gripping the edge of my seat and frantically page turning. When it gets to 'that' scene, by god, it is written well. No living male will ever compare. The prose allows you to fully connect with the characters on an emotional level. You feel what they feel, the love, rage, heartbreak, vengeance. The cliffhanger at the end had me screaming and cursing the fact that I would have to wait so long to find out what happened next.

The quick wit and banter between the two main characters was so natural, endearing and written so spectacularly well that I snorted and laughed aloud on multiple occasions.

This story takes you on a perfectly paced journey of passionate love, betrayal, vengeance, laugh out loud wit, shocking twists, supernatural powers, and sexual tension of epic proportions. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone and promptly plan to start shouting it from the rooftops

Wouldn't recognise the isbn on goodreads so have manually added a review

Oh my goodness, where do I begin? This book was the stuff dreams are made of. As a Romantasy lover this grabbed me from the start, but throw in vikings and it equals perfection! This was easily a five star read from the very first chapter for me. The world building was amazing, the Nordic history and customs were on point, the writing was immaculate as always and the characters were all so flawed and complicated in their own ways. I inhaled this book in two days and I’m already greedy for the next in the series. I honestly didn’t want it to end! I was lucky enough to receive this is an Arc, but honestly, I loved it so much I’ll be buying the trophy when its released in Feb as well. Perfect!

This books sucked me in straight away. The world building was great. I loved the characters especially Freya and Bjorn. I liked the magic system in this book, it's unique. I definitely want to read more of what's going to happen to Freya. Or what she makes happen.

ARC sample provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set in a fantasy Norse realm, we follow Freya, a young woman trapped in an abusive and unhappy marriage, who dreams of being a warrior not a wife.

Freya is shunted from one abusive arranged marriage to another abusive arranged marriage, although her newest husband does support her militaristic ambitions, albeit in pursuit of his own power and glory. Freya clearly wants to be able to define her own destiny, but a patriarchal society and divine prophecy have other ideas, and she spends much of the story struggling to reconcile what she wants with the situation she's thrust into.

Freya is described as beautiful, but more in the way you might describe grass as being green or the sun being hot (although in Freya's fantasy Scandi homeland, that's not a given). Our male hero, however, is described physically with such frequency and detail that I could probably give a convincing description of each individual ab to a police sketch artist. Given that we experience everything through Freya's eyes and she has lusted after Bjorn since she first clapped eyes on his rippling muscles, this isn't wholly surprising but does get a little repetitive. If Bjorn were a woman, he would absolutely breast boobily.

The story moves along quickly, with lots of meddling, both divine and mortal, and frequent attacks from rivals hoping to take Freya's power for themselves to keep our heroes busy. Freya's society is presumably modelled after that of the Vikings, and thus features a great deal of creative battle axe usage and mentions of most of the big divine hitters from the Norse sagas (although our main characters are blessed by more minor gods, which was a fun Google rabbit hole to head down).

As the first book in a new series, it sets up a lot of plot lines that will presumably become important further down the road, and I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out for Freya and Bjorn Hardabs.

Jensen presents a new take on old shield maiden stories. While this novel shines bright with detail and a constantly shifting magical presence, she pulls on both the writers of the past and her own unique style. This is a go go go story with adventure and chaos at every turn!

I loved how this felt like a Khalessi/Khal Drogo backstory for much of the first half. I think this has a unique and interesting take on the gods and their gift-giving but the pacing feels off. The end comes abruptly while the passing in the last third is slow-paced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an eARC of this book! This has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I stayed up until almost 2am finishing it.

Firstly I will say the Norse mythology woven into the story is excellent. The magic system within this Norse-inspired world was exciting to read and you start straight into the action.

I have mixed opinions about Freya’s character. I thought her struggles with her lack of agency were well written and added a complexity to Freya. However I did feel as if she could’ve figured out the mysteries in the plot quite easily if she paid attention to what was happening and put two and two together. Or maybe the foreshadowing was a bit heavy-handed? I felt that the ‘twists’ were very easy to predict as they followed similar fantasy novel. The reveal itself was also dumped very quickly and I believe the twists would’ve been more satisfying if they had been written in a different way.

Overall, I am a little dissatisfied with the predictable plot and twists which are an echo of other fantasy novels. But these did not massively hinder my enjoyment of the book. It was fast-paced and kept me hooked. I will be reading the second book in the series!

This is a Norse inspired fantasy romance.

Freya is a shield maiden who is bound by oath to a jarl who is desperate to become king of Skaland. Freya tries to protect those she loves while falling in love with the jarl’s Gods-blessed son, Bjorn, who is just swoon-worthy.

I loved The Bridge Kingdom and this book gives off the exact same vibes. There’s intrigue and passion and betrayal but in the best way possible. The use of Norse mythology was fantastic and so fun. The powers were so interesting and it was just an overall great read.

— 4.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

📖 | 432 pages
👤 | author Danielle L. Jensen
🏢 | publisher Cornerstone, Del Rey UK
📅 | release date 27 February 2024

What you can expect:
— New-Adult Fantasy Romance
— First Instalment In A Series
— First-Person POV
— Singular POV
— Norse Mythology
— Vikings, Gods, Prophecies and Magic
— Chosen One
— Slow-Burn Romance
— One Horse
— Forbidden Romance
— Hidden Identities

A Fate Inked in Blood is the first instalment in the Saga of the Unfated series by author Danielle L. Jensen. We are introduced to our main character Freya as she is bound in an unwanted marriage as she spends her days gutting fish whilst dreaming of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back. Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her and lands her in a fight to the death against the son of the jarl, Bjorn. In a last bid attempt to survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate. Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

This book is my first real experience reading a Norse Mythology-inspired Fantasy book, and I have to say it has not disappointed. I never knew what to expect from this book as it is my first read by this author and to say I am eager for more is an understatement. A Fate Inked in Blood is effortlessly compelling with its enveloping writing style and hypnotic dialogue which keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The consistent pacing, easy-to-follow world building and eye-widening plot twists left me unable to put the book down as I was enchanted and compelled in Jensen's story-telling. I look forward to reading more works from this author as I eager anticipate news on future instalments to this not-to-be-missed series.

A Fate Inked in Blood kept challenging me as I sought to theorise and discover the answers before they unfurled. Some answers I guessed correctly which left me feeling elated and looking forward to what comes next in the sequel, whilst some twists took me by complete surprised and left me with my jaw on the floor. Freya is such a wonderful character to follow as we see her rise and fight against the fate that others try to force upon her. With a warrior's spirit and a kind heart, its unsurprising to see Freya battle with what she believes to be right and wrong. I was glad to see her struggle despite her "chosen one" status as Freya was forced to train and learn her way around a blade, as opposed to just knowing what to do. Her struggle and determination enabled me to better connected with her character and the journey we follow her on, and I'm truly excited to follow Freya on her journey to see what comes next. Bjorn was an absolute delight as a main character and a love interest. His roguish nature and quick wit often left me laughing and smiling as he gleefully went toe-to-toe with Freya's temper. I love how accepting and encouraging Bjorn was of Freya as he never once expected or asked her to change, as opposed to others around her. A lot of mystery and suspense surrounds Bjorn's character and I found a lot of enjoyment as we unravelled many of his mysterious layers. Bjorn has quickly become a fan-favourite of mine as he has demanded his space on my list of favourite book boyfriends, and I look forward to discovering more of his truths after that suspenseful ending

The development between Freya and Bjorn was suspenseful and seductive as follow the pair whilst they battle their hidden desires and yearning. I loved that we watched them form a comforting companionship which served as an emotional establishment to fall back on. Their slow-burn felt genuine and true as it was effortlessly explored through yearning and want. The progression offered a deeper insight into the wants and needs of both characters, and the only disappointment that I have is that A Fate Inked in Blood is not a dual-POV book. I would have truly loved to have a deeper insight into Bjorn's POV which I believe would have further divulged into the emotional stakes that were delivered upon the end.

I had the absolute best time when reading A Fate Inked in Blood by author Danielle L. Jensen, and I truly believe new and existing fans of Jensen's work will share my sentiment. This book is perfect for readers looking for a Fantasy Romance with an easy-to-follow world filled with political stakes, pining and a forbidden romance which leaves you yearning for more. An absolute must-read of 2024, and I'm already sad that I have even longer to wait for the much-anticipated sequel.

Thank you to Cornerstone, Del Rey UK and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review prior to release day.

A very quick paced and action packed romance book. I really enjoyed the old nordic atmosphere created by the author.

“A place where I’d find answers, yes.
But also where I’d begin to control my own fate.”

This was the first Norse-mythology based story that I have read and I enjoyed it.

Freya is a strong female who is used by her family time and time again to secure their own lives without care for her state of being. It is her duty to sacrifice for them which served to underscore the loneliness and burden of obligation that she carries. Bjorn is caring, understanding and hides more than the eye can see. There is a fair amount of angst and tension between the two and it has you rooting for them time and time again. The story was well-paced and easy to follow however I thought that the plot twist was quite predictable and guessed it early on. This doesn’t detract from the story except to make me want to shake Freya and tell her to think before she acts. I love how Bjorn helps her to understand how much power she truly holds and come into herself.

Overall, this was a great romantasy and I eagerly await the next installment.

Thank you to Penguin SA and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

4⭐️

This was an enjoyable, yet entirely frustrating, read. I enjoyed the romance, the plot/world building, I even liked Freya’s character most of the time. But was this utterly predictable? Like, from LITERALLY chapter one-two I called the big plot ‘twists’ and guessed everything else way before the ending too. Foreshadowing is good, beating me across the head with info for the ‘twist’ until I start to wonder if the FMC is dense not to understand what’s going on? Not so much.

The problem I had with this book is that Freya could have solved ALL of her problems by literally just stopping for two seconds and actually considering what information she had. If she’d done that in like the first two chapters, then this would have been a very different read. Because of this, the ignorance of the FMC feels like plot convenience rather than clever character development. The pacing for some scenes also seemed a bit off for me, with info being dropped in like an abrupt bomb rather than being skilfully led towards/revealed.

On the whole, I enjoyed this. But I do think that the ending of this book should have been the middle in order to improve the pace and to ease the predictability of this book. Predictability isn’t always a bad thing, but I almost didn’t want to read this because I already knew beat-for-beat what was going to happen next. This book wields plot convenience and miscommunication a little too freely which led for an ultimately frustrating reading experience.

"A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen is an adult fantasy romance set in a norse inspired world. The book follows Freya as she is revealed to be a Shield Maiden, fated to unite Skaland.

This was a book I should have loved. It had so many elements that I enjoyed, and yet it didn't quite click right for me. Which is a shame. I am not sure what it was that slightly made me always feel disconnected, but I was never fully lost in the story.

Nevertheless, I liked the book enough to finish it and I don't regret reading it. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Freya and Bjorn.

Freya is a strong-willed character and a victim of the world she lives in. The depiction of her two very unhappy marriages is very dark as both act as a control tool. Even in families where there is love, like Freya's father and brother and mother had some love for her, marriage is how daughters serve their family, the only way. She is quickly forced from one unhappy marriage to another and it is painful to watch and, a part of me definitely grew irritates at her family for not simply allowing it but also not providing emotional support to make her situation more bearable. Their lack of acknowledgement that she was being sacrificed irked me from the start.

Bjorn is far more mysterious. His banter with Freya is quite funny, and he hrew on me very quickly. He was the one person who admitted how unfair what was happening to Freya was, and I think that immediately endeared him to me as a very different kind of man in the world of the book.

This is definitely an adult romance book. There is so much sexual tension from day one. I actually felt bad for Freya because she clearly was very unsatisfied for so long, even though her constant sexual thoughts felt odd at times. To the point she admitted that no sane person could have those thoughts when their life was on the line.

Beyond the romance, there is an interesting plot and a wider story about destiny. In a religious society being the one who is the exception of the rule that the Norns (the Nordic goddesses of fate) control one's fate makes other people try their hardest to control them. The threat of this person being a woman upsets the gender hierarchy so much that it makes all the surrounding men ever more eager to tighten said woman’s leashes. This is true in Freya's story.

I think many people will enjoy this book. It has a couple you can easily root for, a good amount of spice, and a plot that is separate from the romantic element and allows for independent character development.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for this arc.

3 stars.

i am soooo conflicted about this book. i really enjoyed the world, the setting, the nordic lore woven into this. it was different. the plot, i also enjoyed. but the characters... i just couldn't bond with them. i didn't like freya's whole "woe is me" mindset, and it really annoyed me at times. bjorn was okay, but still not entirely there either. and i think there wasn't one character i really felt for, that i rooted for and didn't want to die. not one. and strong characters are just so important to me, i feel like we know none of them. it feels like the world was built around freya and bjorn instead of them being built into the world. and while i am sure there will be plenty people to give this book the love it deserves, it just wasn't for me.

The Bridge Kingdom is one of my favourite series so I was excited when I saw a new series from Danielle L Jensen, and let me tell you, A Fate Inked in Blood did not disappoint!!

I absolutely flew through this book I loved it so much! The story follows Freya, who is blessed by the Gods and is fated to become the shield maiden, seen to unite lands and make a king out of whoever controls her fate. She is unwillingly married to a Jarl who aims to use her in battle to become the King that was prophesied. Freya faces dangerous tests set by the Gods, and is reluctantly guarded by the Jarls son Bjorn. However her growing desire for Bjorn could be the thing that destroys everything…

This Norse-inspired tale was everything I love in a fantasy romance. A strong female character, a tattooed warrior for a love interest and gods/goddesses. The romance is a bit of a slow burn but the angst was so good and I loved the banter between the love interests. There was also some spice, more in the second half of the book. I loved the battles and the plot was very fast paced with lots of action. We don’t learn much about the gods but I am hoping that comes in the sequel.

I did see the ending coming but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. An easy 5 stars for me. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!

Thank you to Netgalley and Cornerstone for an advance copy of this book.

Having read The Bridge Kingdom previously, I was really looking forward to this and delighted to be approved for an ARC.
This Norse mythology inspired fantasy romance was really enjoyable and I flew through it in a couple of days. I really enjoyed the Norse elements of the world building, and I thought it was quite a refreshing change from some other Romantasy books I've read recently. I really appreciated that the MC was very capable and it was good to see her growth by the end of the book.
The writing was generally really enjoyable to read, however, some of the phrasing was a little repetitive at times. The romance was absolutely one I was rooting for, I just personally would have preferred a slightly slower burn.
Overall, I found this one really fun to read, the plot moved quickly and there was never a dull moment. I'm really looking forward to the next one!

I was so excited when I got a copy of this, I loved the bridge kingdom! This entire book was a thrilling adventure, with exceptional pacing - cannot wait to see what’s next in the series. Adventure, excitement and more

I really enjoy Norse mythology so I was excited to read this one.

This was a fast paced, entertaining romp, with an interesting magic system.

The story is built around shield maiden folklore, with the female MC being a prophesied shield maiden with magic destined to be a king maker.

Freya spends most of the story fighting to control her own life, while being bound by her desire to protect her family.

The romance is pretty good, but also produced my main quibble with this book, which was the sheer number of times the word core appears. Find another way to describe arousal, I beg you!

Overall, a really fun read, immersed in some fun reimagining of Norse mythology. Will definitely be going back for book 2!