I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

Danielle, what did you do to me!!

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you for sending me the Arc!

This book did not disappoint, it's about a young woman who has faced some hardships in her life, but this book does have some twists.

If you like books with magic, twists, and love then you will not be disappointed in this book, the only thing that I'm disappointed about is that I'm going to have to wait for the next one to come out :(

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book.
A Fate Inked in Blood is full of Norse mythology, something I haven’t read before and I really enjoyed, I love the world building and the prospect of Gods imparting some of their power on chosen children, who grow up to wield these powers. Freya is a child of the Gods, but she has hidden this all her life due to the prophecy that was declared years ago, the shield maiden would unite the land of Skaland, under the rule of the one who controls her. In a mix of strange fate Freya comes across a Jarl of Skaland and his son, having to fight for her life she finally shows her power and her life is irrevocably changed from here on out. Married to the Jarl but unable to risk his son Bjorn.
The romance side of this book is a real slow burn, but has some of the best tension, a strong dark haired, handsome man, whose blessed with the power of a God, yes please!
I really enjoyed all the lore throughout this book, and I think it will be the perfect read for fans of Norse mythology, it gave me real Viking vibes, Gods and battles, ships and lands. I will say I found Freya to be grating by the end, however I believe at the end of it her choices make more sense, even if they are infuriating! I did see the twist coming but I’m not mad at it at all, but I am mad at the ending, it had really started to pull me in, and now I need to know more.
The only downside I struggled with was the pace and a lot of information given to you, however I would say that is completely a me problem and nothing to do with the author, had I known slightly more about Norse mythology going into it I think I wouldn’t of struggled slightly, but this was thrilling introduction that has made me want to learn more!

Book 15 of 2024
5⭐️
I received an e-arc of A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen, and this is my honest review.

I loved it.

Initial excitment I had seen from others and the premise of the book had me eager to apply, yet when it came to start reading, I found myself apprehensive.
I shouldn't have been. It had me engaged from the get-go, and I was instantly invested in the story of Freya.

This is a Nordic inspired fantasy romance. Freya is blessed with a drop of god blood, making her unfated. She learns of a prophecy that has her determining the fate of a people she must unite but at what cost. How will her choices change the lives of those around her?

Freya is feisty as the main character and begins under the opressive thumb of her husband, Vragi. He is horrendous, so we can't blame Freya when Bjorn appears and turns her attention. Despite initial attraction, they begin their introduction with Freya throwing a fish at Bjorn, an encouraging start. I really liked that development of her character at the end as we see the impact of her lineage come to light.

Bjorn plays off well against Freya as they endeavour to leave the other red faced in one way or another.

Other characters to get honourable mentions are Snorri and Ylva, happily married, but are his ambitions driving them apart? Both are appalling to Freya their comeuppence is much awaited. King Harald is an unknown, and we don't learn much of him directly but anticipate him featuring heavily in later books. Steinnunn, she is an enigma, and I would like to learn more of her and for her to get more page time.

I got on well with Danielle's writing style, having never read her work before. I see potential in the plot for the remainder of the saga as being epic, and this beginning just emersed me completely. Perhaps more detail in the fighting scenes on reflection, but it took nothing away from my enjoyment. If I had it, I'd be reading book two straight away! I'm so excited for more.

#AFateInkedinBlood #NetGalley #norsemethology #fantasyromance

Brilliant start to a series! I cant wait to continue it. The characters were great and i really liked the pacing of this book

I honestly think there's something in my brain that just doesn't click with Danielle Jensen's writing. The same thing that happened with 'The Bridge Kingdom', happened with 'A Fate Inked in Blood'. I found this book such a struggle to get through, despite enjoying the plot.

I also found the romance to be... weird and I can't put my finger on why. Possibly because the dialogue between the two was cringey at times. It also felt like I'd read this exact same thing in other books.

I think if you struggled with Danielle Jensen's Bridge Kingdom series, you may have the same problem I did with this one. I am intrigued enough to read book 2, but it is not a series I would recommend to friends.

This book is perfect for those who are just starting in the romantasy genre.

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book arrived on my Kindle in December 2023, and feeling it would be so good it would put me in a reading slump. I kept putting it off, scared of what might happen, knowing this was the first in a series.

Today, February 11, 2024, I am here to tell you that I was right; this book is so good it left me wanting more, and now I don't have that second book and don't know when it will be published either, and I feel the need to crawl back to bed and be sad.

Jokes aside, I loved this book so freaking much, and I knew it; I knew Danielle would do this to me, and I am here for it.

I was super intrigued when I read the blurb because: Vikings, a strong MFC, and a very alluring Warrior Enemy? Yes, and the story delivers in the best Danielle Jensen way, with a build-up in every way that has you clinging to your seat, not knowing what will happen and wanting more.

So, if you are looking for your next Enemies to Lovers obsession with a strong MFC and a mouthy Alphahole who will watch the world burn to save the one he loves, this book is for you.

Thank you, Danielle Jensen, Penguin Random House UK, and NetGalley, for this book.

4.0

I really enjoyed this one! I adore Danielle L Jensens bridge kingdom series so I was so excited when I received the ARC for this.

Read this if you love

💕Norse mythology
💕hidden powers
💕forbidden love
💕strong fmc
💕swoon worthy love stories
💕just enough spice
💕third act reveals and twists!

I would say there’s a trigger warning for domestic violence in the beginning of the story, just be wary of that’s a topic that triggers you.

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 ⭐️ is because a lot of the plot focuses on a journey and at times it felt a little slow but overall I still really enjoyed it.

After that ending I can’t wait to see where Freya’s story takes us!

i finished this book towards the end of last year. it’s been a few months since then, and i can’t stop thinking about it. i already want to do a reread!! if you’re looking for a captivating and fast paced book, look no further.

as a lover of vikings and norway, this book was right up my alley. it was the perfect blend of history and fiction. the world building and characters were very well written. this book is truly a masterpiece.

as expected from norse mythology, we’re presented with a strong willed FMC, freya. i adored her. bjorn was just as loveable, a cinnamon roll who deserves the world.

after finishing this book, i proceeded to binge read her bridge kingdom series. as a new fan, i can’t wait to read even more of danielle l jensen’s books.

Unfortunately I did not love this book.

This book did give me some good parts were I truly enjoyed it and made me think I’d love the story but there were too many times the story was just not giving me anything. None of the characters meant anything to me and usually I love or hate everyone but I truly didn’t care for any.

The plot twist at the end is like the same plot twist for all the fantasy books I’ve read (I haven’t read much).

This book wasn’t anything special. The main girl also annoyed me quite a bit. Bjorn got annoying too towards the end.

I really wish I loved this book but I didn’t.

There were some good things. I liked the Viking aspect and Bjorn was cute for some parts but overall not for me.

I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This book is rich in Norse mythology and legends. Of children bearing the blood of the Gods. It truely makes for an awesome ly powerful story .
Within it's pages we meet Freya named after The Goddess of love and Beauty. Freya however dreams of being more than just a pretty face . She dreams of a warriors life. However when she reveals her power and gets exactly what she thought she wanted she learns that maybe it wasn't what she thought it would be.

This is a sweeping epic tale of finding ones place in the world and figuring out where your ment to be. I look forward to the next part of Freya's journey

Danielle Jensen does it again! Absolutely loved it!
This will be my romantasy book of the year! And it’s only February ❤️❤️

Incredibly world building, Norse Mythology. Than the slow burn, the forbidden romance. All perfect.

Can’t wait for book two!!

Thank you Netgallery for the ARC

4.5 STARS!

I am a HUGE fan of Danielle L. Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom Series , so when I found out she was writing another fantasy series based on norse mythology, I was so excited. And rightly slow because this first book was fantastic!

This book fell a little flat for me. Freya's blind loyalty annoyed me at most parts and she seemed to have a personality shift about half way.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did
Although saying this, I will still read book two to see if it's worth carrying on the series

"You are mine, Born-in-Fire."

First read of this year did not disappoint. If this rating could have one that said 'off the scales' then i would have chosen that.

If you love romance and i mean ROMANCE in fantasy then you will enjoy this book.

The FMC (Freya- Shield Maiden) and MMC (Bjorn- Firehand) are together in EVERY chapter... that means chapter one too. The tension grows and grows but its a love that is forbidden ... if the jarl comes to find out their secret then he will execute his own son. Yes, you got that right. The Jarl is the father of the MMC. Due to a Prophecy, she is expected to marry this jarl to make him the king of all the nations, uniting them all.

This book reeled me in the moment the MMC was being introduced. I've never read a book containing Norse Mythology but I am going on a HUNT after for more.

Definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of this year. I would recommend this book over and over again and after that cliffhanger ... i just want MORE!

This is an amazing start to a romantasy series!! (I think I saw somewhere that it is a duology but I'm not sure) I loved our MC Freya - she is a strong, badass, complex character.

The story starts with Freya married to a boorish man who treats her and everyone around him terribly. Freya is keeping a secret that she was blessed by a goddess with magical powers, but when her husband betrays her to the jarl (ruler) of their land, her secret is exposed. Whilst the jarl is corrupt and seeks to use Freya for his own gains, Freya grows closer with his son Bjorn and her powers develop as she starts to craft her own destiny.

I loved the writing and characterisation for both Freya and Bjorn - their romance was so great. The plot was filled with action and I adored how the author wove Norse mythology into the series - this was such a tour de force of a romantasy book! This felt more adult than the Bridge Kingdom and I enjoyed it more - I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book!

"A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen is a wild and exhilarating rollercoaster through a Norse-inspired fantasy realm. Brace yourself for an epic saga that combines kick-butt shield maidens, power-hungry kings, meddling gods, and a love story so forbidden, it's practically sizzling off the pages!

From fish-gutting days to battling destiny, Freya's transformation into a warrior goddess is nothing short of phenomenal. The revelation of her magical blood kicks off a journey that's part prophecy, part action-packed adventure, and all heart-pounding excitement. Who knew gutting fish could lead to saving a fractured nation?
Jensen's writing is like a potion of pure magic, brewing up an enchanting blend of battles, gods' shenanigans, and a romance that'll leave you breathless. Freya and Bjorn, our dynamic duo, are not your typical Norse couple.

Freya's got the strength to put a dent in destiny, while Bjorn brings the charm, loyalty, and a dash of mysterious powers. The chemistry between them is hotter than dragon's breath, and their forbidden romance is the kind that keeps you turning pages with reckless abandon.

The plot is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving Norse mythology into a tapestry of wit, banter, and just the right amount of spice. Gods play chess with fate, battles unfold with cinematic flair, and every chapter unfolds like an explosion of confetti – surprises and excitement at every turn! Predictability takes a backseat as you hurtle through a world that's both familiar and wildly unique.

World-building? Hold onto your helmets, folks! Jensen crafts a realm that's like stepping into a Viking saga with a fantastical twist. From the gods' divine interference to the intricate magical system, every detail is vivid, transporting you into a world that's both grand and gloriously unpredictable. Sure, you might see a twist or two coming, but who cares when the journey is this fun? The predictability is a mere blip in the face of the engaging narrative, the characters that practically leap off the pages, and the promise of more revelations to come.

In conclusion, "A Fate Inked in Blood" is not just a fantasy romance; it's an electrifying journey into a world where gods play games, love defies destiny, and every page is a ticket to an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Danielle L. Jensen has created a masterpiece that's not just a book – it's a wild, unputdownable ride. Get ready for a reading experience that's as thrilling as a dragon chase and as satisfying as discovering hidden treasure. And the cliff-hanger, gods! I cannot wait to read the second instalment!!

Huge thank you to NetGalley & Random House for the ARC! Skol!

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this read and blasted through it but it wasn’t quite perfect.

I loved the nordic setting and pantheon, it was really interesting especially as I know very little about the norse gods. I would have like to potentially see more of them within this story but enjoyed what was there.

The brutal way women were treated in this society was really engaging and an interesting exploration which kept me reading and slightly furious the entire time. However, the jolting between this aspect and then intense romance was quite jarring at points.

I loved Freya right from the start- the fish incident was incredible- but I did found her personality shift during the novel a bit sudden, although I will admit this was properly explained so that helped. I will say her blind faith and loyalty to people was frustrating and at points almost unbelievable and pulled me out of the story. Bjorn on the other hand, felt a teeny bit flat outside of his relationship with Freya but again, there are potential narrative explanations for this so maybe we’ll get to see more from him in the next book.

The plot twists seemed relatively straightforward and i thought I’d figured it out but there is a little bit of an extra twist for the plot twists, keeping them interesting and keeping me wanting more.

Overall, whilst I may have had some things I wasn’t so keen on with this novel I did read the entire thing in one day and I do want to know what happens next.

The synopsis does a very good job of telling the reader what to expect so fear not I won't waste your time rehashing it. Freya is a woman stuck in many ways in a time and place were she is seen as little more than chattel essentially. Pushed into a love less marriage (truly her first husband is vile) and then bam once her big secret is revealed yet again forced to become a second wife only this time it's not offspring expected of her but war ! Yep she wanted a better life and indeed rises to the challenge but her life has never been her own and I'm not sure until she stops putting everyone else first that it ever will.
Ok Bjorn, like Freya has godly power and yet he seems to be his own man and makes his own choices for good or not. From their first encounter the pages sizzle with tension and repressed passion. I quite enjoyed their repartee and banter as it added levity to what at times was a story with darkness tugging at it. Obviously Norse warriors were just that Warriors with a capital W and pillaging and killing considered normal and I thought the author captured that very well. Did I like the characters ? Freya makes bewildering choices at times but Bjorn was a likeable and steadfast love interest. This ends with a whole new set of problems for Freya to negotiate and I very much look forward to reading more.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

First in a new series of Viking fantasy romance!

Freya has a pretty rough life in her village, thanks to an abusive husband who's revered by other villagers as being blessed by gods. But then her life gets even worse when her husband reveals to those in power that Freya herself has been blessed. From here Freya needs to navigate politics, power, just generally standing up for herself, and developing feelings for an entirely unsuitable person.

I really liked this book! The Viking setting worked so well, and I loved all the Norse mythology. It definitely made me want to look more into all the gods who were referenced. Freya is a great female lead - she puts up with so much from so many people but is still strong.

Bjorn, the enigmatic sort-of-outsider love interest, is a great character. The build up between the two is very slow burn, which is to be expected in the first book of a series as there's still some way to go. The romance and fantasy elements were well balanced, which isn't always a given in this genre.

Having previously read The Bridge Kingdom, I went into this expecting a cliffhanger. I'm glad I set my expectations this way. The book definitely reaches it's own end (it's not like a long book that's been chopped up) but I'm also going to be reading book 2 as soon as it's available!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free review copy. All thoughts are my own.