Absolutely fantastic! I love the combination of spicy romance, Norse mythology, and intense action. The main character is a fiercely strong woman in a world of men who want to use and control her. I have no doubt that she will prevail. The ending was a little abrupt, but definitely left me wanting more, so I can't wait for the next installment in this series.

I have one small complaint about this book - I need a pronunciation guide to go along with it lol.

This book was great. I loved Freya and I loved Bjorn. Their chemistry was great. The story was really well written. I was worried about how I would like this considering I've not read any "norse god" type stories before, but it was fun and different and I really enjoyed it. (Other than the one time I attempted to read out loud and realized I had no clue how to pronounce several names LOL!)

The end though....the end pushed this from a 4 star read to a 5 star. It was fantastic and I'm so excited to continue the story.

I read/listened to this book back in March with a group of friends and I am STILL thinking about it! Thank goodness this is book 1 of a series because I never want this story to end and we are all dying to get our hands on book 2!

Freya is a badass, no questions asked. She is strong both physically and mentally and doesn’t let her fear overtake what she has to do to succeed.

Bjorn is your next book boyfriend. He’s strong, mouthy, defiant, and he has a fire ax. What further proof do you need?

Once Freya reveals the secret she’s kept most of her life (she was born with a drop of a god’s blood and can wield a magic shield), she is forced to marry the jarl so he can become the next Skaland king. But she has her eyes on his son, Bjorn. Here enters the forbidden love trope. And it works soooo well in this story.

First books in a series generally lay the groundwork for what’s to come but this book is FULL of battle scenes, hidden magic, and plenty of spice!

The audiobook is top notch! The narrator is the perfect narrator and her accent and sultry voice paints the Nordic environment in technicolor. She truly brought this book to the next level.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! If you’re a Nordic mythology lover or if you’re new to it like I was, Danielle L Jensen perfectly incorporates the major aspects in each part of the story.

I received a gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

I was sucked in immediately to this fast paced action packed fantasy novel and can’t wait to read more in this series. This book follows Freya a fishmongers wife who can’t stand her husband that is until her husband try’s to have her killed so he could remarry. This caused Freya to show her powers gifted to her by the gods revealing her as the shield maiden from a prophecy. Now with many leaders trying to hunt her down to control her Freya finds her self to be wed to the local leader as a second wife. To protect Freya her husband’s son must be her bodyguard all though the two cannot stand one another.

I really enjoyed this book I usually prefer more political fantasy books opposed to action based fantasy but I felt like this one was written really well and was easy and very entertaining to read. I enjoyed the magic system in this book with the gods being involved in the people who have magic. I enjoyed the writing in this book as well this was my first book from this author but look forward to reading more. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for the digital ARC of A FATE INKED IN BLOOD. This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions based on the advanced digital copy I recieved.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

A FATE INKED IN BLOOD is a stellar Vikings Fantasy that challenges idea of our fates being pre-determined. Freya is a child of the gods, one born with a drop of their blood within her, granting her Hiln's powers of protection, making her the Shield maiden. She is prophesied to be a king-maker. To bring war and death to those who oppose her. When she is forced to show her powers in a duel to the death, the jarl of her lands binds her to him in a blood oath, under a fanatical belief that him controlling her will make him King of all Skaland. Will she bow to the prophecy's decree, or break free of the fate the gods have foreseen and take control of her own destiny? And what will be the cost?

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

MY THOUGHTS:

This was a fun read. From the moment I picked it up, I could not put it down. Danielle is one of those authors whose words immediately sucks you in and makes it difficult to let go. I loved her world building. The familiar viking lore made for a familiar setting while adding in her own fantastic take on the magic and mysticism that is prominent in many a viking tale. This story has it all—banter, slow burn, betrayal, action, magic, forbidden romance, hidden identities, trials and tribulations. All of it wrapped up in an excellently paced story with gorgeous writing.

The main characters, Bjorn and Freya, were a lot of fun to watch interact, especially when they bantered. Their slow burn tension was delicious and worth every bit of build up. Individually, they made compelling, fully fleshed out characters that kept me fully invested in their tale. From the start, Freya was a impulsive spitfire that I immediately took a liking to. Bjorn, a secretive man bent on keeping Freya alive and from indulging in her worse ideas. The twists and turns of their story was addicting to follow and written so well, they took me by surprise and had me thirsting for more. So incredibly well done.

This is going on my "Favorites" shelf and is definitely a recommended title from me!

Quick paced with an interesting mythology inspired magic system. The main character is a bit frustrating and a perspective shift would serve the sequel and plot well.

I devoured this book!

Danielle Jensen is consistently one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint!

I felt it was a little more spicy than her previous books which I particularly enjoyed.

Her banter is unmatched!

I have already spend time searching for the release date of book 2 and cannot wait to read it!

Thank you so much for the advanced reader copy!

Easily digestible world building
Plot was on point at first
Forbidden Rom
Insta lust
One horse
FMC—> Married off to traitorous fish fking dick bag (vroggy?)—> he sold her out as shield maiden—> So she went full metal and stole flirty boys fire sword and skull fked fish boy with it—> sword burned tf outta her arm—> now she’s got marry flirty boys dad (also dick bag)—>

At the start of this book I was like “yes! fierce, bad a$$, fierce sword throwing FMC!” Now, I’m over it, petulant, insufferable, absolutely idiotic, nit wit.
What happened???? I get the red eye/being taken over by the god mess. But, that only covers maybe 5% of the issues.
A well placed dicking down can fix a lot of things. The catastrophic turn this book took, is not one of them.

This book 100% lived up to all of the hype all over booktok and bookstagram! I was apprehensive, because some of my fave book besties did not enjoy the book that much, but I absolutely loved it. It actually made me start reading-watching Vikings. I love this show so much.

”You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”

Freya is a woman who feels like her destiny is out of her control. She is in a loveless marriage that she desperately wants out of and she feels like she is destined for so much more. She also has a drop of gods blood in her, which makes her special and able to become a warrior like she wants. But, if she tells anybody, she risks becoming just a tool for someone else to yield. She gets her wish of getting away from her husband when he goes to the jarl to put in a complaint against her. She is however tricked to show her power from the gods blood she possesses and she is then controlled by yet another man. Do what he wishes, or everybody she loves will cease to exist.

The world-building was beyond perfection. I listened to this on audiobook and actually pictured myself there watching the entire story unfold. Everything was descriptive but in a way where you can easily understand. I personally have always loved Norse mythology and Vikings, but even for a beginner, the lore and setting is very easy to immerse yourself in completely.

The plot was frustrating, not because it was bad, But because this was a story about women having no control of their own lives and men running the entire show. Which I get, because in all Norse mythology, it goes like that, but it is still hard to read and digest sometimes. But that made this story great, because it was hard to read and listen to, which made me feel that anger that Freya was feeling and allowed me to immerse myself further in to the story.

Freya was so perfectly written, she has her flaws though. She can be stubborn at times and is also quick to anger, But can you blame her? She has lived her life being controlled by others and feels like she has no control of her own life. She is supposedly undated and meant to make her own fate, but yet it seems like the men are making her fate for her. She is angry, and she should be. But she is a warrior, she is strong, she is proud, and I love her so much.

Bjorn made me swoon so many times, he is top book boyfriend material. I adore him, even with that cliffhanger. I have full faith in him.

“I will be at your back until I cross the threshold to Valhalla, Born-in fire, whether you want me there or not.”

So, overall, this story was pure perfection and I cannot wait for the next book, but until then I now need to find more Viking books because I am hooked, so drop some recs!

Happy reading babes ❤️

Felt it was a little predictable! The storyline was an interesting premise but could guess everything that was going to happen. 3 stars

You know when you finish a book, and you set it down, and you just have to stare blankly at a wall for a minute?

That book did this to me. And then I immediately started a ranting session with my sister about it.

This book had me enraptured from the first chapter. I was ✨invested✨. If an author can get me to care about the characters, then I’m all in. And I love Freya and Bjorn so much. Freya is a hot headed, passionate, courageous woman and following along on her story was a true adventure.

I honestly loved everything about this book. The historical Viking setting felt gritty and real, the interwoven threads of magic and influence of the gods, and the thrilling battle scenes and witty banter made me not want to put this book down.

I am a puddle over the romance in this book. Bjorn was such a good balance to Freya. He’s strong, steadfast, witty, but also mysterious. The two of them together was frustrating in the best way.

And that ending. Excuse me, I’m going to need the next book right now please?! But for real.

I love Danielle L. Jensen’s work and this book is no exception! If you have read it, hit me up and let’s chat!

“Where you go, I go, Born-in-Fire. Even if it’s to the gates of Valhalla.”

This was such a fun fantasy read! I cannot wait for the next one. I mean I will, but I don't want to.

Nothing like I was expecting!!! I give this 5 stars, I am so in love with the characters and their layers. I knew there had to be something more at the end and was completely surprised. Need a second one NOW. Thank you Danielle Jenson, NetGalley, and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

💐💜 Mini ARC Review #33 💜💐

Title: A Fate Inked In Blood
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Series: Saga of the Unfated
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Release: February 27th
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Ebook | Audiobook
Length: 400 pages
Finished: April 5th
Thoughts:

It’s been a hot minute since I read anything Norse mythology related and this did not disappoint! I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into and I also have never read anything by Danielle L. Jensen, but I truly enjoyed her writing and the story she built.

The characters had a lot of depth, the plot was filled with action and drama, and the slow burn romance (something I usually am not a fan of) was set up so well! I LOVED the tension between Freya and Bjorn and how their mutual annoyance became trust and then love. Freya is a fantastic, strong woman who wants to be a leader and I enjoyed watching her stand up for herself as well as stand her ground. When battle was happening, she threw herself in it. Her love for the people and what she will do for them was a great character trait for her overall journey.

The spice was so sexy and I love how it wasn’t soft and gentle but filled with passion and a roughness that made me swoon. Bjorn, Bjorn, Bjorn!! That’s a man, right there! I drooled. I won’t lie. There is something about these Norse/Viking men…

Overall, the book was a great read and I can’t wait for the sequel!

I don't want to gush too much because of spoilers, but I absolutely loved this book. It was a great read, well paced, and the characters were easy to love and hate. The history and subterfuge was well woven throughout.

I felt so sorry for Freya! She had all this power that she didn't ask for and was thrown on this path that was being determined by everyone around her except herself.

Definitely recommend and can not wait for the next installment!

I waited a really long time for this and for some reason it just fell flat for me. I didn’t really care about the romance and then her getting married off to his dad just didn’t make any sense for me and I didn’t like it.

I’ll read the next book to see how this story plays out but I don’t think I am very much excited for it.

I had such high expectations for this book! There were parts I really enjoyed, and some parts that weren't for me. Overall, it was a good book to the start of a new series.
I loved that this book was a new take from anything I have read in the fantasy genre. The banter and tension in this book was also very good which I absolutely LOVE in books. I also really loved Bjorn and he was my favorite character!
Now some things I didn't love! Freya was not my favorite fmc. I found her to be really frustrating at times. I wanted her to be a stronger fmc, but she was annoying and her thoughts were very repetitive at times. Also, the pacing of this book was a little off at times. I found myself getting bored!
I will definitely keep reading the series and I did enjoy the book!

Thank you for the copy of A Fate Inked in Blood. This was my first book by Danielle and it was great. I havent read to many Pirate Fantasy books so this one was a nice change. I thought the story flowed very well and I enjoyed all of the characters in this one. Def will be looking forward to the next one!

This was a really fun book! I love Norse mythology so the setting and references were really cool. I enjoy Danielle Jensen’s writing and she knows how to leave the reader wanting more at the end. I can’t wait for book two!

We follow Freya as her shield maiden abilities are discovered. There’s a lot of lusty romance and drama with some really good spice. I knew there would be a twist or two, but I did not expect that last one! I loved it! It kept my interest and I was anxious to see what happened. Seriously, again, I can’t wait for book two! 🤣

4 stars from me! It would be a five but it bothered me that Freya had literally no one in her life that cared about her. Her family just sucked so bad. I get it’s part of the storytelling, but I think it would have been nice to have someone worth all her compliance and risks. I don’t know. But if you’re a Romantasy fan, you will likely love this book! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!

This is a breathe of fresh air when it comes to romance/fantasy books. It was super fun to try and guess what may come next and have no idea what actually was going to happen. 10/10 literature.