Thanks to penguin random house for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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This review contains spoilers!
Before I get into what I disliked about the novel, I want to talk about what I liked about it. For example, it started off great. The beginning was very promising. the writing is addicting and easy to follow. I finished this book in a couple of hours. If you are new into fantasy this may be a great start for you, if you don’t like complicated world building, if you want really easy to follow conflict, and if you just want a really quick fast read, this may be a good fit for you.

Her motivations to stay with the jarl are not compelling enough for us to invest in her as a character. Her family is terrible. She sacrifices so much for them when they have never sacrificed anything for her in their lives, I was unable to understand why she would sacrifice for them when they did not deserve it, especially since these characters were not likeable since the beginning of the story,

if they were likeable, then I would understand that motivation, but there was no motivation. Her mother called her a whore, and her brother called her a wild bitch like I don’t understand why she would go through all this trouble to protect a terrible family.

It was so easy to make the wife of the jarl, a hateful, spiteful, angry character with zero depth but of course, that was the role that she took. A more compelling story would be the two wives working together and becoming allies. but of course, why have two women characters actually be friends? Later, there was a moment where there could have been an allyship. It was immediately ruined by Freya, thinking it was all the wife, when in reality, she had nothing to do with it nor any evidence to prove it.

She is being used throughout the whole story. Everyone betrays her, but she just continues to let them betray her. She has the powers of a goddess who is protection and war, but she doesn’t use this to protect herself, but she allows the king to use her for whatever reason why not just kill him? It’s such an obvious solution of the problem,

he has no power. Yes he’s the king but he doesn’t have a blessing by the gods which begs the question why don’t those who are blessed by the gods kill the king? He is obviously a terrible king.


The book ended super abruptly, and it was very dissatisfying. unfortunately a lot of the plot points that were supposed to be mysterious were easily seen within the first. Oh I would say 50 pages it was pretty obvious who the traitor was. a lot of the planning, went into the romance and less into the fantasy. the world building wasn’t great. We are not given any reason why God and Goddesses give mortals a bit of their blood hence there’s no reason for it. Or there is no reason that is explained in book one, but alas, reading this didn’t really give me the resolve to consider wanting to continue the series. especially between the two main characters.

What was done to the main girl from her love interest in my eyes is unforgivable so if they are going to be endgame then what’s the point?

Also, I may be a bit picky here, but she just knows how to fight like the training she did as a young girl is fit for her to fight with an army that just doesn’t make sense! It was too rushed and not enough was given to the reader to understand this worldo.
This book was one of my most anticipated books in 2024 and I’m so thankful that NetGalley and Penguins Random House allowed me to review this arc because unfortunately it did not meet my expectations.

Wow, this was such a refreshing read! The beginning of this was SO strong and the ending was very entertaining.

I enjoyed reading about Freya and her powers (she's badass) and although I was infuriated on her behalf, it was such a great contrast to see just how little control she had over what was happening to her. She was so feisty and brave yet human in a lot of ways. It felt like all of the decision-making made sense to me. Freya was always a pawn for others' gain so of course, anytime she got to make a decision it wasn't always the best decision overall (iykyk). But it's all a part of the character arc.

I think fans of Danielle L. Jensen's work will love this one!
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House for my ARC!

3.75/5 ⭐

I was over the moon getting the chance to read this thanks to Netgalley.

I've struggled with a couple of viking stories of late and accepted maybe they just weren't in my wheelhouse. I instead inhaled this in one sitting and can tell I'll have q nasty book hangover tomorrow.

Freya our FMC longs for more in life than to be a wife and from the very beginning her passion and fire pull you in and you can't help but love the girl blessed by the gods. But her journey and destiny aren't always what they may seem.

Bjorn the MMC is everything good about book men. His wit and charm has even me giggling.

For fans of Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young, and anyone who already loves Danielle's writing style this is a cannot miss!

When I saw that the Queen of Romantasy had a new book coming out, I immediately knew it would be one of my most anticipated reads! I was super excited going into this book because of its basis Viking/Norse mythology. I feel like this is an untapped fantasy goldmine! A Fate Inked in Blood did not disappoint in the fantasy aspects. I really enjoyed all of the world building, and the introduction to the magic/beliefs system. All of the gods, children of gods, and their powers were super unique to this world, some of which I’d never even seen in other fantasy books- like the Skald who can basically make you see a movie when they sing! I also really enjoyed the basis of Freya’s character. She was no maiden or damsel in distress and proves that pretty early on in a very iconic scene😉 I really enjoyed this book and felt like this was a great start to the series but I will say that it was very predictable. Maybe it’s just because I’m familiar with the genre, but I could predict about 90% of the twists and turns this book had within the first 50 pages or so. That being said I still enjoyed the book and I’m patiently waiting on the sequel even though this book isn’t technically out yet🤭

5/5 stars READ THIS IMMEDIATELY!!
Danielle L. Jensen is the absolute queen of combining romance with fantasy. I loved The Bridge Kingdom series so I was very interested when she announced this new release. I can confidently say that she did not disappoint in the slightest. A Fate Inked in Blood had me intrigued from the very beginning and I love when a fantasy surrounds a strong female lead! I’m obsessed with the main character Freya and the adventure she embarks. The plot to romance ratio is well balanced, the plot twist was amazing and it kept me wanting more! I’m so glad this is going to be a series, I desperately need more Bjorn content!
This is a 2024 must read and I recommend it to all my romantasy lovers.
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Thank you Del Rey and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

4.75 ⭐️

This book was perfectly paced. I couldn’t put it down, every chapter was so interesting, and i wanted to know how Freya would handle the situation she was in.
Freya was an interesting main character. Bjorn was a wonderful love interest, he was definitely my favourite part of this book. This was kinda a slow burn book? they don’t actually get together until the last 3 chapters, which i actually prefer in Fantasy Romance.
My only problem was sometimes Freyas made dumb decisions. (though she was written to be that way! it’s just a me thing)

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book!!

This was my first book by Danielle L. Jensen, and wow! I could not put this book down, I was picking it up every chance I could. I like her character development and the story was well done.

This was a DELIGHT. The perfect blend of viking badassary, god focused magic, snark dipped in sarcasm, and sexy people being sexy. It is an absolute blast to read.

OKAY.
I was not expecting to literally die at reading a book inspired by Nordic mythology but here we are.
Let's start with our FMC Freya- who is honestly sick being a fish monger's wife... which like okay fair. After a few twists and turns we find her to be the shield maiden promised to make whomever controls her king of Skaland. Which is a big deal. So basically she is left to continue to navigate being a woman in very clearly a man's world.
Then we have Bjorn our MMC who having recently reunited with his father is navigating life back in Halsar.
Honestly this story is very well thought out and the world is fully immersive. Of course Danielle L. Jensen's writing is amazing (but we already knew that).
The banter between Bjorn and Freya was delicious, and Freya is a mouthy queen (which I also love). The story had a great flow, at no point did I feel a lull- it just takes you right through everything.
Also loved Bjorn's loyalty to Freya- there's nothing quite like an FMC who is brutally loyal to those who don't deserve it and a MMC who sees this and tries to protect her.
I am so excited to see what else comes from this series and will be waiting with bated breath.

I absolutely loved this Norse inspired Romantasy, and I give it 4.5 stars. Hands down one of my favorite reads this year! The plot was fast paced and engaging, and the characters were well written, and most of them likeable (except Snoori and Yvlva...I couldn't stand them!) I loved the main characters Freya (although sometimes her choices annoyed me), and Bjorn. I did see one of the plot twists at the end coming, but the other one was a surprise. After that ending it's going to be hard to wait for the next book, but I will look forward to reading it.

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the ARC!

I was super excited and determined to read this; despite some technical difficulties opening this on my Kobo I was finally successful! And it did not disappoint. I loved that this book hooks you and gets going almost immediately - and doesn't stop! I thought the pacing was great, I was engaged from start to finish. I don't think I've read a Norse inspired romance before, but I thought the fantasy world created was easy to follow while still being complex enough to keep you guessing. Was a fan of both the FMC and the MMC. Looking forward to the next instalment. Romantasy lovers will eat this one up!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an eARC of ‘A Fate Inked in Blood’ for review consideration.

You had me at Norse-inspired romance. The novel opens with Freya being a downtrodden wife with an infuriating husband. When Freya takes control of the situation you will not be disappointed.

Freya has hidden abilities and a dangerous inner rage, that make her a liability and a weapon that people either want to exploit or extinguish. There is a forbidden love and enemies to lovers trope - if you’re into that. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book because it finished on a pretty huge cliffhanger - one in which we are not sure where everyone’s allegiances lie.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a fast-paced fantasy adventure with a good dose of romance. Freya has been keeping a secret her whole life and one day thinking she can earn her freedom she finally reveals herself only to discover herself in a carefully laid trap. Things would be much bleaker in her political marriage if not for the jarl's son Bjorn who she simply cannot get a read on.

Damn this was FUN. I read it in one sitting on a plane, with zero sleep or energy. Literally my only criticism is that the plot twists were incredibly predictable even for an idiot (me), but you know what? Sometimes that's what you want in a fantasy romance book.

The romance was GOOD and I was anxiously waiting for them to get together from page 1, and you know how long it took? 90% OF THE BOOK!!! I was screaming.

The plot was compelling, I liked the magic system and the setting, and Danielle L. Jensen's writing truly never fails!

Freya has a secret. She can wield a powerful magic that repels any attack. She is the shield maiden, one who is prophesied to unite the nation under the one who control's her fate. Inspired by Norse mythology, A Fate Inked in Blood is an addictive and dramatic fantasy romance filled with violence, spicy forbidden love and the magic of the gods. Readers who enjoy heightened sexual tension and fierce characters relentlessly trying to defy Fate will find great satisfaction in this epic tale!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book dug its claws into me and didn't let go at all. It was utter perfection and I literally cannot stop thinking about it.

Danielle's take on Norse mythology was so brilliantly crafted and really created the perfect fantasy setting for her new book. I loved how much this book stayed true to myth and kept it all so close to the lore but had Danielle's own twist on it, I absolutely could not get enough of it.

This is my first Danielle book ever and I can't say anything but good things. This book was absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to read more. And that ending? Take me now, I'm obsessed.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book dug its claws into me and didn't let go at all. It was utter perfection and I literally cannot stop thinking about it.

Danielle's take on Norse mythology was so brilliantly crafted and really created the perfect fantasy setting for her new book. I loved how much this book stayed true to myth and kept it all so close to the lore but had Danielle's own twist on it, I absolutely could not get enough of it.

This is my first Danielle book ever and I can't say anything but good things. This book was absolutely incredible and I cannot wait to read more. And that ending? Take me now, I'm obsessed.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A welcome departure from the fae/vampire/shifter worlds that dominate the romantasy space! Freya won my interest and support right at the end of chapter two with how she dealt with her husband. While some of the plot felt predictable, there were enough twists and turns to keep me engaged all the way through to the cliffhanger ending! And knowing where some of it was going did not at all detract from the journey! The forced proximity and tension with Bjorn was so good! Can’t wait for the next book!

Amazing, amazing, amazing. I love everything that Jensen writes, and this book is no exception. Immersive, full of tension and an amazing story! I could not put it down.

4ish stars, I'm struggling with this one a bit.

This title started strong and ended strong for me, but lost me a little in the middle.

"A Fate Inked In Blood" started strong, and I really felt drawn to Freya right from the start, as well as Bjorn. The quick worldbuilding and fast pace at the beginning, as well as starting to learn Freya's personality, and her fate, made for quick reading.

Trying to avoid spoilers: as the story progressed, I did find it a tad frustrating, as it felt the same thing happened numerous times with slight differences and the same outcome. I'm sure it was used to build intrigue and tension, but it mostly left me feeling ready to move forward and instead feeling stuck. I also lost some of my interest in Freya, as I feel that the character growth that had been well written in the first 150-200 pages just came to stand still, and I had been enjoying it to that point.

The romance aspect also started strong for me, and then lost me in the middle, and then got me again, in the same vein as the plot. While the romance was good, it did feel very quick.

When the last 50-75 pages came around, I did once again feel the draw to the story that I felt as the offset, and so I do feel this story finished strong, though I wasn't too surprised by the ending.

Overall, I will pick up a physical copy of this for my shelves when it comes out, and will most likely pick up the sequel when it's published. Thanks for the e-arc