This book is such a flop that I wish I had DNFed it.

The world-building was lacking. Nothing felt magical or god-like. The only things that gave off a feeling of 'Norse' were randomly mentioned names of Norse gods, and the main character's name was Freya. Nothing was explained, and no background was given.

I couldn't understand how the world looked, the scale, how big the army was, or how bad the destruction was. Although the stakes were portrayed as high, they didn't feel that way.

The events felt repetitive and not intriguing or captivating. Some things happen for no particular reason. In some parts, the author has two ideas of what she wants to happen but doesn't know how to tie them together, so they make sense.

Freya is very immature and impulsive; she seems to have no clue what is happening around her. Throughout the whole book, she thinks about two things: how guilty she feels and that she wants to ride Bjorn's dick. Her inner conflicts always jump to her thinking about her lust.

I didn't like that so many conversations between Bjorn and Freya ended up in sex-related jokes that were not funny and just felt childish.

Romance is boring since we know they are attracted to each other from the first pages.

Thanks to NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Fate inked in Blood is one of the best Romantasy books I've read in a while. It's filled with phenomenal world building based on Norse Mythology and characters you warm to from the start.
The action literally leaks out of this book. I love this one as it has the best of fantasy mixed with the romance side. Freya is a brilliant MC. I'm sick of the sassy heroines who have no depth to their character and Freya is strong, yet kind and wears her flaws. Bjorn is just...well!!!
I genuinely couldn't put this one down and will be recommending it absolutely everyone. High up on one of my favourite books of the year.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

2.75
This book promised slow burn, tension, Norse mythology, and everything else that makes a fantasy book… well fantasy. So you can imagine my excitement when I got approved for this arc. And the disappointment that followed when I realized it wasn't a book for me and I DNFd it.
I still cannot decide if I wasn't in the right mood for it or if I genuinely didn't like it. While I did enjoy the slow burn between the main characters, it was done well, I couldn't get over the writing style. It almost felt a little stiff and unpolished and not what I expected from this writer. Again, it could be a “me” problem, because a lot of my friends actually enjoyed the book immensely.

Trapped in a marriage she did not want, Freya dreams of becoming a warrior. Her dream comes true when due to her husband's betrayal she is forced to fight the jarl's son. To survive she reveals that she has power from a goddess, that she can repel any attack. Due to a prophecy that says a shield maiden with such magic will unite Skaland under the rule of whoever controls her, the jarl binds her with a blood oath. He orders his son Bjorn to protect her. Freya must learn to fight and use her magic while facing all threats as she becomes the warrior she is meant to be. She must deny her growing feelings for Bjorn for they may cost her her destiny and endanger the people she swore to protect.

The 1st person POV is intimate and expressive, making me feel like I really knew Freya from the first pages. She is a great narrator of her story, transporting me to her Norse-inspired world. The intensity of her emotions giving us gut punches, making us smile or swoon or curse with her. Her snarkiness lightens the gravity of her impossible situations, as do Bjorn's quips, their battle of wits. I adored the humor infused in the narrative.

It's a well-rounded tale and you get to know all the characters well, thanks to dialogue that shines with each one's personality. I fell in love with Freya and Bjorn. She wants to be worthy of the position she's been put in and is determined and courageous. He is brazen, a great warrior, and tormented by what he's been through. Neither of them are afraid to speak their mind or stand for what they believe is right.

I really enjoyed the gasp-worthy direction of the story. I never could, gladly so, predict what would happen next. The author succeeds in making the mythology, the magical aspect seem like a natural part of the story. But you still read in awe. Captivating, with incredible action scenes, sprinkles of intrigue and unexpected reveals, this attention-stealing narrative had me reading page after page, not wanting to put it down.

The book often talks about fate. It also talks about abusing power, faith, equality and freedom to do and be who you want. First and foremost we must count on ourselves, taking charge of our destiny. I looooved this book. It was an absolutely thrilling adventure of a romantasy, colored with forbidden love, quirks of gods and betrayals, leading to a gut-wrenching finale that made me want to scream. Cannot wait till the next book in this brilliant new series.

The highly anticipated Norse-inspired romance from Danielle L. Jensen is finally here! I remember seeing Danielle give hints on her Instagram when she was initially forming the book. As the Fairyloot Adult pick for February, I was even more excited to see different customisations for it!
This Norse-Inspired novel follows Freya, a married Skalander who is miserable being married to a fisherman called Vragi. He’s abusive and manipulative and as it was an arranged marriage, Freya is doing her duty. Well, unless that’s producing an heir when she uses some sneaky methods to prevent herself from getting pregnant.
When a mysteriously handsome man walks out of the water and strikes up a conversation with Freya, things change drastically afterwards. Walking with her older brother Geir, Jarl Snorri a ruthless leader comes upon them as well as the handsome stranger from the water. A battle of wills ensues with Freya being forced to reveal her secret, sealing her fate in another arranged marriage as well as threats against her family. The book reveals pieces of each character as the plot progresses. Without spoiling the plot, Freya, after revealing her capabilities, is whisked away and forced to marry Jarl Snorri as some prophecy has stated that it must happen. He is already married to another woman which is awkward, but they come to an arrangement to keep up appearances. Freya is used as a token in the battles the various clans encounter with people far and wide coming to either kill her or take her for themselves. Bjorn, the mysterious stranger as well as Jarl Snorri’s eldest son is tasked with protecting Freya as stated by the prophecy which less and less people are believing.
The book ends on a cliffhanger which leaves you wanting more so I do hope Danielle reveals a publication date for it soon. It was twist after twist but it was not so full of detail that you got confused. It was easy reading and probably a guilty pleasure from the spicy forbidden romance.

While this definitely did have its moments, its downfall was the predictable plot and the lack of world building. I got bored reading so many times that it took me far too long to finish the book. The “Viking” atmosphere wasn’t there, which seems to be a common theme for these Viking novels (Adrienne Young anybody?). Skyrim just did it better… The only thing that kept me interested was the slow-burn romance because it’s actually done well. I didn’t like the sex scenes, but Bjorn was great. If you can look past the predictable ending, you’ll probably still enjoy your read, but be prepared for some bumps along the road.

Diving into "A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen felt like charting unknown waters. I haven’t read many books about Vikings in the past, and the magic systems were completely new to me. And although this wasn’t my usual read, wow, did it surprise me! Danielle L. Jensen is a genius. The world-building in this book is something else - rich, detailed, and utterly captivating.

Freya's journey is at the heart of this story. She starts off strong-willed (to the point of frustration sometimes!) but grows into her own, making smarter choices and taking control of her destiny. Her transformation is so well-written, and loved seeing her grow into the character she becomes. And then there's Bjorn - the emotionally intelligent love interest we all need. His kindness and support for Freya, without ever trying to control her, was honestly so refreshing.

The chemistry between these two was absolutely sizzling. Jensen creates tension so real you can almost touch it. And honestly, I can’t review this without mentioning that ending. I sort of suspected it, but boy were there still some big surprises. This book had me feeling a whole spectrum of emotions, from start to finish. And I have to say, I’m now a massive fan of Danielle L. Jensen.

This book wasn’t just a story; it was an experience. I can't wait for the next one!

'Born in fire'

Freya, shield maiden, is hiding her goddess given gift whilst married to a vile creature.

It all starts with a fish to the face....Freya meets Bjorn, her hubby turns traitor and her gift is revealed....and then it goes off!!!

There was vikings, action, drama, secrets, lies and fabulous morally grey characters! But I must admit Freya got right on my wick in places, she makes some rubbish decisions and just won't listen to the people who care about her the most.

However I was rooting so hard for Freya and Bjorn, their banter was sublime and their chemistry was off the charts! Freya's inner monologue about Bjorn made my heart skip and I wanted to shout KISS HIM on more than one occasion!!!

So.....all that and then that ending. Heart.Gone. Next book please!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review!

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and I'm so happy to say it really held up to my expectations!

Freya is a phenomenal heroine. She fascinated me from the moment we met her, and her evolution from dissatifised fishwife to shield-amiden pawn to her own person was so engrossing. I can't wait to see where she goes in the next book.

Bjorn made a great MMC with appropriate sexiness, mystery, and ride or die for Freya. Their romance is rivaling Lara and Aren for me.

I did predict both the major reveals, but it didn't bother me so much, as it was believeable that Freya wouldn't see them coming, and they weren't overtly obvious, just hinted nicely.

I'm so excited for the next book! I've not read a Viking fantasy book with so much history, knowledge, and creativity built into it! Couple that with a fascinating story, awesome characters, and a fantastical romance, I am so into this!

Four and a half stars, rounded up to five for Goodreads!

I absolutely loved this and devoured it in one sitting! It felt so original after feeling like my recent fantasy reads were all blurring together!

Could not put this down!!! Jensen can do no wrong in my eyes, cant wait for the next installment. The romance may have been a slow burn but the story itself was fast paced.

A Fate Inked in Blood features:
- Norse inspired fantasy romance
- Sassy FMC
- Forbidden love
- Twists and turns




I was provided a free ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of this book.

*3.75 stars*

This is a Norse-inspired romantasy about Freya, who has been married away to a fishmonger by her family. Her husband betrays her and she is forced to marry another man (the Jarl of Skaland) who believes that Freya is fated to help him become the King. Freya agrees to marry the Jarl after he threathens to kill her family.

Bjorn is the son of the Jarl and is given the task of protecting Freya and throughout the story Freya starts questioning her fate and whether she is on the right path. Freya and Bjorn has chemistry from the get go, but she is married to his father (in name only) so they are doomed from the start. But Bjorn continues to show her kindness, respect and consideration for her feelings (something she has not experienced in her life to date). The Jarls from the other lands quickly find out about Freya and to ensure that the Jarl of Skaland does not become king, they are all out to kill her. Freya finds herself facing various challenges throughout the story, whilst falling in love with Bjorn along the way.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger as Freya realises that she has been betrayed...

The start of the book intrigued me, then it slowed down a bit which is the reason for the drop to 3.75 star rating, but it quickly picked up towards the end. More than enough for me to come back for book 2.

Pick this up if you like:
* Forbidden love
* Feisty FMC
* Gods & Magic
* Norse mythology
* Slow burn
* Forced proximity

Big thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! I adore Norse mythology but when you add in the layers of mystery and action that this book has, it's just sublime. One of my favourite reads of 2024 so far!

I absolutely devoured this book! The entire time I was theorising and spiralling in the best ways, predicting what was going to happen next, gasping in shock even when I was right, but especially when I was wrong. This has everything you could possibly want from fantasy romance.

There is an interesting and unique magic system, which is detailed but not overly complicated. Norse themes that you don't need a degree in Viking culture to understand. Deception, hidden powers, secrets revealed, dramatic plot twists. And the romance! Swoony, spicy, filled with the delicious tension of a forbidden romance that cannot be denied. I loved it, I'm obsessed, I'm invested.

Bjorn... the only fault you can take with that man is that his name reminds me of Abba but I will overlook that because he is everything.

I can't wait for more of this series, it just reminded me of how much I love Danielle's writing and how well she balances beautiful descriptions with exciting action and heartfelt emotion.

"When the gods will it, we will strike our blow and vengeance will be ours"

I went into A Fate Inked in Blood with bare minimum knowledge, I knew it was vikings and I knew it was romance that's it and even thought I've got all this authors books I've not actually read any yet so I had no idea if I'd even like the writing style,........................its safe to say I LOVE it!!!!!!!

The storyline starts off strong, I was completely oblivious to the world outside my book, the characters, the storyline, the pace and world building were everything I needed, and don't get me started on the sexual tension between Bjorn and Freya ""chefs kiss 🤌", its a super slow burn that is worth every minute of the build up and the banter between them was so entertaining, It was perfect and kept me turning the pages to see what was to come next, I've got to be honest though at around 45% mark the pace did kind of slacken and became a little sluggish but I'm so glad I kept with it because the storyline exploded and I loved it so so much!

Danielle L Jenson has written a immersive world of norse and magic that will captivate the reader and leave them wanting more, and wow what an ending!!!!...........I had a feeling that's how it would go but I didn't expect to be right 🤣, I need the next book nowwwwwww!!

100% recommend, I cant wait to see what happens next!!

"May the world drown in the tears in the wake of our blades today"

Thank you, NetGalley & Del Rey, for letting me read an ARC of this book as it was brilliant!

The book is set in a world where some mortal children are blessed by the gods and carry a drop of their blood, which means they can call upon these gods and ignite their magic.

Freya possesses the blood of 1 god, which makes her a sheild madien, which means she can repel any magic and she has hidden this from the world for along as she can remember following the instruction of her parents.

Add in a prophecy about a sheild madien to unit all kingdoms, greedy wannabe kings, battles, forbidden, slow burn banting romance and brilliant uncomplicated world building and we have a fantastic start to a new fantasy series.

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley and Del Rey UK for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Fate Inked in Blood is Danielle L. Jensen’s new adult fantasy series in which we follow a young woman named Freya as she is forced to reveal to a jarl that she possesses a drop of Hlin’s blood, which makes her the shield maiden prophesied to unite Skaland beneath the one who controls her fate. As she is forcely bound to him, she must train to fight and become the warrior she always dreamt of becoming, as well as to control her magic, protected by the jarl’s son himself, Bjorn.

This book is the first one from Danielle L. Jensen that I read in English, and I am not very familiar with Norse mythology, so I originally thought it would be a fiasco. But guess what? This book is one of my favourite reads of the year so far, and let me explain to you the reasons why.
The plot is made in a particular way in which you dive straight into the story. It is fast-paced, yet you still have enough time to understand what is going on and the identity of the different characters. There are a lot of actions and twists and turns, so there is no real moment where you feel bored. The worldbuilding and magic system are based off of Norse mythology, I don’t really know anything about it but it sounded very coherent, and I have to say that I loved the fact that some humans are considered as “children of the Gods” because they have a drop of their magic. The characters feel very life-like and I loved that: they are warriors, and I feel like Vikings are often depicted as heartless monsters, but they still feel emotions, they behave, they make mistakes, like humans. The end got me gasping at 1AM because I had anticipated one thing but not the other one.
I also loved this book because it is full of tropes that I like: the “chosen one” ; forbidden love ; one bed ; forced proximity ; are the main characters enemies, friends or lovers? ; slow-burn, betrayal…

I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

"A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen is an enthralling narrative set in a Norse-inspired world, where the destinies of its characters are intertwined with prophecies, political strife, and forbidden romance. At its core is Freya, a shield maiden burdened with a divine heritage and thrust into a perilous journey by the treachery of her husband and the ambitions of a power-hungry Jarl. Despite facing relentless adversity, Freya emerges as a beacon of resilience, her unwavering determination and selflessness making her a compelling protagonist.
Jensen's portrayal of Freya is a testament to her skill in character development, as she deftly navigates the complexities of duty, desire, and destiny. Likewise, the dynamics between Freya and Bjorn, the Jarl's son tasked with protecting her, are imbued with tension and passion, adding depth to their forbidden attraction. Their evolving relationship serves as a poignant anchor amidst the turmoil of political intrigue and magical conflict.
The world-building in "A Fate Inked in Blood" is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a meticulously crafted realm where Norse mythology meets original lore. Jensen's prose is evocative and vivid, capturing the essence of the Viking era with its raw authenticity and palpable atmosphere. While the pacing may feel swift at times, and certain plot twists predictable, these minor shortcomings do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
In conclusion, "A Fate Inked in Blood" is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, offering readers a gripping tale of adventure, sacrifice, and forbidden love. Danielle L. Jensen's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building make this novel a compelling read for fans of the genre, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Saga of Unfated.

I ate this book up, what a bloody whirlwind. Incredibly fast paced with so much tension and grit, I couldn’t put it down. Freya’s nickname (do you call it that?) is born-in-fire and it’s wickedly accurate because her character is FIRE! Her passion, her determination and strength make for a fierce FMC that you can’t help but love, even when you’re screaming at her to make different choices.

My one tiny gripe is that I easily figured out the big *twist* super early on, so some of the end fell a little flat. That aside, this story was really well written, the characters hit you in the feels (the good, the bad and the ugly) and I loved every second of this adventure. Can’t wait for the next one!

Synopsis:

In her small fishing village we find Freya, trapped in a loveless marriage and dreaming of being the warrior she was trained by her father to be. This dream, however unlikely, soon becomes a reality when her husband’s betrayal leads to a massive revelation Freya has been hiding all her life - in a fight to the death, forced by her region’s jarl, she evokes the protection of a goddess, revealing the drop of divine blood she has that repels attack. She is the heralded shield-maiden, and her unique magic is foretold to unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the king who controls her.

Believing that he’s the one destined to rule all of Skaland, the jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders his son, the fiery Bjorn, to shadow her every move. She must train, learn to control her magic, face tests set by the gods and fend off multiple enemies from every direction, but her greatest test may be resisting Bjorn and their growing, but forbidden, attraction...

My thoughts:

I was really gripped by this book and honestly didn’t want to put it down. Norse influences, quests, prophecies, forced proximity, forbidden lovers, banter and great pacing…A Fate Inked in Blood has it all, and after that ending I really can’t wait for book two. A massive thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for the e-ARC.