Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'A Fate Inked in Blood' by Danielle L. Jensen.

This is the start of a new series by Danielle L. Jensen, and me and her kinda have this love meh relationship. Sadly this book was the meh of the two. My reasoning is quite simple and it was that I felt the story dragged and didn't really need anymore added to it. It definitely could have been a standalone, and I possibly would have rated it higher if it was so. Will I read the others? Probably.

Let me start by saying that I absolutely devoured this book. It’s a real page turner and I could not put it down!
Freya has been selflessly trapped in an abusive marriage to help provide for her family. When it is revealed that she is the shield maiden, her world is changed and she has the opportunity to become the warrior she always wanted to be. However, now she has been discovered, everyone wants to use her for their own advantage!
This book feels like a real adventure as you read it, there’s a lot of action, and a forbidden love with pining from both sides and spice!
I really liked the main character, Freya who was a badass MC but still has her flaws to overcome and her banter with Bjorn was perfection. I found myself laughing out loud reading this- I think I must have a very similar sense of humour to the author. I don’t really have anything negative to say about this book. I had no idea how to pronounce some of the names or places but is it even a fantasy if you can pronounce them? I knew from the first few pages of this book that I loved it and it would be a 5 star read and it certainly was! But waiting for the next one is going to be a killer! This one doesn’t even come out till February but I would highly recommend adding it to your TBR!

I think this book is now my new favourite by Danielle Jensen! Thank you netgalley and DelReyUK for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a romantasy set with Norse Mythology, I found it gripping from chapter 1 and just didn't want to put it down! It has the perfect amounts of romance with the fantasy, has Jensen always does well, and I really enjoyed diving in to a Norse world as it's not one I've read about much. I feel like I got to know the world well without it being info dumpy - like I said, I was hooked by the end of chapter 1 and the story moved along at a fast pace. Jensen also has a great ability to end a chapter at the point where I need to know more, making it really hard to stop!
Freya was a really interesting main character as we could explore her emotions whilst she was thrown into different situations that were beyond her control. I really enjoyed getting to know her and my heart broke for her a few times when we saw her need to protect everyone, even when they didn't seem to be deserving.
My favourite part has to be the romance. I loved the dynamic between Freya and Bjorn and simply can't wait for more! They had such great banter with each other but then you could really see their relationship grow and develop. The spice was excellent and scattered throughout without it being too much.
For a lot of the book I wasn't sure where things were going, especially at the beginning, so it kept me needing to keep reading. I did find a few of the end reveals were predictable but I can't wait to find out what happens next. When is book 2?!
I highly recommend if you enjoy: Norse Mythology, romantasy, MMC protectiveness, fierce FMC badassary and spice!

This book sounded so amazing and I really liked the premise as well as the love story. However, a lot things especially the world building wasn’t as fleshed out as I wanted it to be. I do like it when fantasy books throw you right in the middle of happening but in this case it was oftentimes hard to follow the story because scenes felt like they were simply glued together instead of creating an organic flow of story. It was a struggle to keep reading this book, I took so many pauses because the story felt all over the place. It couldn’t captivate me enough which is a shame!

While I did like the characters and their chemistry, it was too much instant attraction. I couldn’t really understand why he would do these things because of her. I love it when he is whipped for his girl, but I need some explanation why she is "the one". It was way to insta-love like.

The story definitely has a lot of potential and considering this is an ARC and the book release is months away, I do hope the author will still make some changes/edits to flesh things out more. The current book was ok, but definitely not an highlight and not a book I would reread.

The heroine was sometimes very annoying because she seemed so immature. I definitely preferred Bjorn. The overall story wasn’t really knew but ok. The Nordic vibes definitely were something else but could have been more.

To conclude, good premise but definitely still needs a lot of deeper writing. The plot was predictable and the love story too instant. There also should be a better connection between scenes because it felt very bumpy. Let’s hope the final book which releases 2024 will be improved.

Oh I loved this I’m already a huge fan of this author so I was so excited to get to this!
What a great start to a series
Well paced and a slow burn romance
Can’t wait for the next installment in this

What a beginning for this amazing series!! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. I loved loved how the world-building was vivid, the characters were compelling, and the romance was a swoony, slow-burn. Moreover, the plot was full of tense political manoeuvring, deception, and there was plenty of action to go around! Can’t wait for the next instalment already!

Thank you to Penguin Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc via Netgalley.

Total rating: 4.83 stars

Rating breakdown:
Plot: 5
Pacing: 4.83
Writing & Language: 5
World building & Characters: 5
Romance: 5
Spice: 4

WOW. This book absolutely BLEW me away.

I was enthralled from the moment we meet Bjorn up until the very last page that left me wanting for more.

The pacing was absolute perfection from start to finish and I never felt as if the story dipped or became boring. The pacing was also really good, it never felt like the story was happening too fast or too slow.

The writing and use of language overall was really good and was done in a way that really suited the characters and world. I felt like at every turn I was reading the dialogue in the same accent as in the series “Vikings”.

The world building was done to perfection, my understanding of the land, where places were from each other, the gods and how the magic worked all given through in a way that was easy to understand and wasn’t an info dump.

The characters on their own were each also very interesting and lovable and it was easy to want to know what will happen with them.

Lastly, the romance was amazing. The slow burn, the tension of wanting each other from day one but having to deny themselves, keeping their feelings from each other. These are the things I live for.

There wasn’t a lot of spice but what was there was well written and didn’t feel cringe. I did wish there was more sexual tension between the characters but overall it did not impact the story.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and though this book has not yet been published I’m looking forward to the next book!

I am a judge fantasy book fan and this book did not let me down. I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning. The story line drew you in and made putting it down very difficult. I loved the characters, in fact I loved everything about this book and would highly recommend it. Cannot wait to buy a physical copy

A Fate Inked in Blood is a Norse adult fantasy where some mortals have been gifted a drop of blood from the gods, giving them powers to wield lightning, conjure axes of flames and even curse people to Helheim. It’s an epic tale about fate and love and war, and the first 40% was so good, so so good, yet from there, everything got more complicated than it needed to be. The story turned into a slog rather than its beginning exciting pace, and the book was just too long.

There were a lot of issues with this book; the worldbuilding was non-existent, I just picture the Vikings, the insta-lust wasn’t satisfying in the least, and some of the heroines’ choices were just really flipping annoying. There were some nuggets of interest towards the end, but sadly, the book got harder to read the longer it went on.

I loved the Norse mythology and the Viking history. I found these aspects to be really strong and the world building/character building really good! I prefer this to the bridge kingdom as this felt so strong in plot and banter.

I had high hopes for this book, having read the author's Bridge Kingdom series and really enjoying it for its cleverness and unique plot. Unfortunately, this book felt seriously underwhelming in comparison.

The beginning was interesting, but I felt like it devolved quickly to just the characters travelling from point A to point B. The things that happen in between arise and are done with within a few pages, and seem to have no overall effect on the characters or the plot. I also disliked the romance. The FMC is not very likeable, the "love interest" is bland, and their insta-lust/but I also hate you/"banter" is not engaging in the slightest. It feels very paint-by-numbers, and I've seen it done better in other books.

The FMC also has this insane protective magic which she has hidden her entire life, only using it little bits at a time in secret. When it is revealed and she can use it openly, I expected more of a 'struggle' in embracing her power. This never happens and she's just super-powerful because...prophecy. I don't mind 'chosen one' vibes, but it felt like there was literally no character arc being set up for her. She is also painfully naive, and is probably the only one who didn't see certain twists coming, because they were also pretty predictable.

This was a really promising setup with a magic system derived from mythology which doesn't get so much use in the genre, but it was not done any kind of justice here.

I wanted to really like this, but I was disappointed for several reason.
1. Freya was such a typical YA character that it annoyed me. Everyone treats her like shit especially her family but of course she'll still do everything to save them because she's such a good girl. Plus she's super inexperienced because her ex husband didn't care to pleasure her that she's a blushing maiden for the love interest.
2. Viking inspired but sexism added just to makes life harder for the MC. The vikings were still a patriarchal society, however they were many freedoms women did do have including becoming warriors, owning their own money and land, and divorcing their husband if they wished. I hate the women having no agency trope in genral but I can overlook it in the right fantasy setting, here however it was just added to throw stones into the MCs path and it seemed lazy research.
3. I can excuse insta lust but not insta love. It felt like there was no growth to the relationship of the main couple because they were crazy for each other from the start and it was quite boring.
4. The love storyline was just copy and pasted from from blood and ash. There was even a scene were the guy gets the girl off while all others are sleeping around them just like in fbaa, so someone has been taking notes while reading. The ending was also the same with the love interest betraying the MC but to be fair a lot of fantasy romance books pull this trope like the serpent and the wings of night ect. So I could have overlooked it if it didn't come at no surprise at all, I guessed it 1/3 into the book so...
5. The nickname was absolute cringe. Born-in-fire might ve the worst I heard, and that's coming from someone that liked violence in fourth wing.

I will say however that I really enjoyed the fantasy and the magic system was very original and I enjoyed the way Norse mythology was integrated. And I would've enjoyed the plot much more if it didn't consist solely of the clans fighting because the battle scene became a little repetitive.

Lucky enough to receive an ARC of this, and Wow!
Add this to the top of your TBR for Feb immediately!

Every now and then I start a book that I put off reading and take my time because I don’t want it to end too quickly and this book was absolutely that for me!

Loved the Viking and Norse mythology, so different and refreshing compared to the usual magic systems and having a FMC that can fight and stand up for herself just fits so perfectly in a Viking atmosphere!

This is one of the best fantasy books I have read in a long time, I can’t wait for the next one!

« What I was. My Secret.
My curse. »

Rating: 5⭐️
Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy, Fiction
Pages: 400
Series?: Saga of the Unfated #1
This book. THIS BOOK!

I LOVED this book. This is now one of my new favorite fantasy books. It was so well written and the storyline was perfect. Everything about it was perfect. The pacing, the characters, all of it.

I was hooked by the beginning and it has everything I love. Strong female lead, hot male attraction, slow burn, mythology, and a strong plot line. In this story they worship the Norse gods which I wasn’t as familiar with but the book has all the information you know. I liked that it was the Norse gods and not ones made up for the book, it was a fun twist. I thought the length was perfect, not too long or too short as some fantasy books are. The pacing also never dulled or went too fast. It was perfectly done.

This was my first book by this author and I will 100% be reading her other books now because she is an amazing author. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who was a fan of throne of glass because it's going to be right up there with it! If I could give ten stars, I would.

The book does not come out until next February and now I have to wait even longer to know what happens after that ending!

I loved this book so much I am invested I need more. Considering the amount of books I have read I should have known he was the traitor. I was almost in tears because of it I am literally kicking myself because I didn't guess that it was him. I really liked the concept of having the gods power and how that works. It was a confusing storyline but I did understand it after a bit of time. It is weird I can picture this in my head vividly like I was so disappointed when the story turned back to words instead of the pictures in my head. Freya is such a girl boss and a powerful queen why didn't Bjorn just tell her before. I feel like the marriage to Snorri was not needed like they could have just sworn an oath but it was very relevant to the story like. I do love the name Snorri there is always one character that has to have a funny name. I really loved this book and I need more i done think it can wait.

This book solidifies why this author is my go to for epic fantasy romance. The world building is incredible and the I appreciated the Norse references too, it helped to create vivid pictures in my head. The plot is fast paced with plenty of adventure, drama and tension and romance. I couldn’t put this down.

Freya as the main character is fiesty and likeable. I love her character progression. Her chemistry with Bjorn is fabulous. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Ends on a cliffhanger


I received an advanced copy of this book from my NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

When I say I could not put this down omg!! A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen. is one of the best fantasy (or romantasy??) books I've read in a while. I loved the way the world building tied in Norse/Viking mythology in such a seamless way, it made it easy to understand who all the characters were and is one I would definitley recommend to anyone who enjoys the delightful combination of gods and mortals. Our heroine of the book, Freya, is likeable in the way that she just wants to be in control of herself, despite what many others around her think. Bjorn was also excellent, and I loved the wicked banter the two main characters had. The only downside is that this is just the first book in the series and I'm already desperate to read the next!!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Danielle L.Jensen and Random House for the fantastic opportunity to read this book and I'm so excited to see where this book series goes. :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was I lucky enough to be gifted an e-arc to this book? Yes. Has that stopped me from pre-ordering the book to own my own physical copy. NOPE!

This was a brilliant book, DJ weaved a fantastic norse world build into this fantasy novel and has delivered a strong female MC who is at war with herself as well as those around her in a bid to protect her family from the capricious leaders of her world that would use her fated non-fate (this will make sense when you read the book!) for their own gains. I was pulled into this books and enjoyed every minute of it to the point I was annoyed when the real world stopped me reading it!

The characters of the story were true and well written, the banter between Freya and Bjorn for example, and we were robbed of Bild in my opinion. There is a growing urgency that is well weaved through the story, especially the last quarter, and while I was waiting for the inevitable plot to drop through much of the book, it did not lose its impact when it did.

If you enjoyed DJ’s other works as well as strong female leads and norse mythology I highly recommend picking up this book when it comes out Feb 2024, I will just be sitting over here desperately waiting for book 2…..

I’m not sure I can accurately put into words how much I loved this book. I was in the biggest reading slump when I started the ARC for A Fate Inked in Blood and consumed it over two days. What I love about Danielle’s books is that she makes fantasy an accessible genre for everyone. This book has a Norse setting and characters, with a magic system which are gifts from the gods. You don’t need to know about Norse Mythology or history to understand the story and I love that this could be your first fantasy book ever and it’s got something for everyone.

Freya is a fisherman's wife, tired of being mistreated by her emotionally abusive husband she dreams of becoming a warrior and fighting for her freedom. When a family secret is revealed her life is turned upside down and she is forced to marry a man who would use her gifts to make himself King. For the sake of her family, Freya goes along with these plans but is constantly taunted by her growing attraction to her new husband’s warrior son Bjorn. Forced to work together to save their country from raiders and save Freya from those who would kidnap or kill her, Bjorn and Freya form a tense alliance which puts them at odds with those around them.

Danielle has an amazing gift of drawing you in and keeping you guessing on what twist with come next. Having read both The Bridge Kingdom and Dark Shores series I knew what to expect at the end of Danielle’s books but that ending still has me gasping! The characters, plot and setting are all amazing and I honestly cannot praise this book enough!

A Fate Inked in Blood is out February 27th next year and the North American edition has a whole selection of special features!

Ratings
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Norse inspired fantasy romance was everything I hoped it would be. I was quickly drawn in by the main character Freya, she was easy to root for but also morally a more complicated heroine which made this quite the engrossing read. This fantasy is heavily inspired by Norse mythology, not just the world itself but a lot of the actual story is indoctrinated in the Norse history. The magic system being a very interesting part of this. In this world people gifted with a drop of Gods blood inherit powers in a similar vein of the God in which their power comes from. Our protagonist Freya being one of the characters gifted with a drop of Goddess blood.

The story starts out with Freya in a unhappy and unsatisfying arranged marriage to a Man known for both his gift from the gods to control the sea, in way of providing food for her village but also as a controlling and boorish person to which she very much hates. All while dreaming to become a warrior such as her brother, Freya follows along with the duties she has been tasked. That is until a betrayal from her husband causes her to reveal that which she has kept secret. She is quickly thrown into a very different role than that she once had. Challenged to fight to the death against ‘Bjorn’ the son of the Jarl, she must use her powers to survive. These events leading her into another arrangement she very much wants no part in. Along the way she faces trials from the Gods and many other people who once again try to control her for their own gain.

My favourite thing about this book is the character development and relationships that are built. The author has a talent for creating believable relationships that feel real. The banter between Freya and Bjorn was both amusing and made for quite the tension. I would say it’s kind of a lust at first sight thing, but the relationship itself in my opinion has a slow and steady build that had me on the edge of my seat. At times I did find Freya annoying to read from, mostly because I guessed some of the plot points early on and while I kind of new what was coming Freya seemed blind to it. Which on one hand was insufferable because it seemed she was not thinking clearly, but on the other side of things it was realistic for her to be blinded by her emotions in certain ways. So this was something I didn’t enjoy but I did think it was well written.

As a whole there is a lot going on in this book and even though this is a start to a series Jensen does an amazing job at creating a well rounded story. With well a built world and interesting characters, it feels like a whole story in itself but also the beginning to a greater series I’m very interested to continue in the future.