This will be 2024’s spicy romantasy hit. The book hits all the right notes that will drive BookTok wild.

First off, can I just say Bjorn has my heart? I often don’t particularly care for any fantasy heroes that others swoon for, and I don’t even really like vikings, but Bjorn is (mostly) perfection. He is a badass with a softie’s heart.

Freya is a likable enough heroine who has struggled with hardships in her life. She isn’t insufferable, though she is admittedly vain and perhaps not the most clever. There are twists in the story, and I have no idea how she couldn’t see the signs. The twists won’t be a surprise for any avid readers of the genre.

I’ve really enjoyed Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom series, and with this book, she’s become an auto-buy author for me. I love her writing style, and though I prefer third-person, I didn’t mind first-person POV in this case, and there’s no question it will make the book more accessible to a wider pool of readers. There’s no info-dumping, and the world-building is light; I’d recommend this to fans of FBAA who didn’t like the dense writing style of that book. The pacing is fast. “A Fate Inked in Blood” does have spice and is an adult book, but I’d say it’s less steamy than The Inadequate Heir, which I don’t mind.

Now the wait for book 2 begins.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary of the plot:

Freya is the child of the goddess of protection and war, Hlin. However, this is supposed to be a secret because there is a prophecy that this child would unite the fractured nation of Skaland, making her a target for those who do not want a united realm and for those who want to rule over everyone. Freya's secret is exposed when her abusive husband gives her away to marry another jarl, Snorri (who wants to be the king of everyone). Snorri orders his son, Bjorn, to remain at her side and protect her at all costs. Freya encounters people trying to kill her, to kidnap her, and those who want to help her.

Thoughts on the book:

This was a very enjoyable read for me! I love how the reader gets to learn more about Norse mythology without making it seem too info-dumpy. Personally, I could have used a little bit more explanation of the mythology in certain places, but that didn't deter me from finishing the book. Also, the author does an excellent job weaving in themes of destiny, fate, making difficult choices, etc. People continue to tell Freya that she's destined to unite the nation, that her fate is to make Snorri king, etc. But she struggles to try to make decisions for herself until the end. Freya is an interesting protagonist because she has a bit of evil inside of her, so she's not all "good".

Overall, I would recommend this book to people!

Danielle Jensen's writing is so dense and rich that at times it was a but it was a bit hard to read for me?

And I'm so sorry to everyone named Bjorn but every time I read the name all I could think of was a baby bjorn.

Overall, this story delivers on what it promises! I think I was hoping for something more but as a book it's great. I wish we got more from each of the characters, but Danielle really roots the story in fantastical realism. It's really well written but it didn't scratch whatever itch was in my brain.

SHORT BLURB (Instagram & goodreads, posted now):
Ooh I loved this one. Shield maiden Freya is here to pave her own path and who steps up to help her? Her very own bear (yes, pals, I did look up what Bjorn’s name means 🤪). This one gave me ALL the fiery, ax throwing, plot-twisty feels.

FULL REVIEW (will be posted closer to release):
Nordic gods and monsters unite in this magical tale to test our hero Freya, one of the ‘unfated’ few, whose choices are unplanned by the gods. For Freya, this freedom, due to her wealth of magic, calls others to possess her for their own realms; she is a ‘kingmaker’: if you have her you will reign.

Beneath the magical facade of this beautiful tale is a deep and unnerving one of ruthless possession starting with marriage and how freedom, or choice is continually stripped from women. Even as Freya shakes free of one abusive husband she is given to another, as the cycle of possession and protection perpetuates. Possession under the promise of false protection, for these men unknowingly need protection from Freya far more than she needs of them.

There is also a love story woven amidst the magic and possession. It’s quiet and laced with deception, but also raw and desperately pawing at honesty. Bjorn supports Freya by playing second to her both in battle and in grandeur, he doesn’t have to beat her because he knows he won’t win. He sees her for what she is: born in fire, his own to be exact, but then, doesn’t that mean he, too, possesses her?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy!