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!

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!