A Fate Inked in Blood started strongly and jumped right into the action, which I absolutely loved. The pacing continued to fly and every page was entertaining. Jensen created an amazing world through skillful world building and an extensive cast of characters. The ending of A Fate Inked in Blood has absolutely hooked me to pick up book 2, which I am anxiously awaiting! I'm hoping book 2 creates more of a connection between the two main characters that, in turn, can be felt by the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is a solid 4⭐️ romantasy with excellent banter, nonstop action, and swoon-worthy romance.

Thoughts
This pairing had me from the moment when Freya threw a fish into Bjorn's face. The banter between them was so good. Every page that they were on together was entertaining to read. As events unfold, the humor does seem to disappear from their relationship, replaced by swoon-worthy and quotable romance. But I do wish that the light-hearted banter didn't have to stop.

I've been finding myself lately contemplating the balance between fantasy and romance within the romantasy genre. The balance here was exactly what I enjoy. World building that isn't overly complex, flirty banter, action sprinkled in, some high stakes, a twist or two, and some steamy moments. Don't expect A Fate Inked In Blood to be the fantasy novel you want with sophisticated world building. It's romantasy through and through.

The particular twist at the end is one I've read many times now in romantasy books. So there aren't any points given for uniqueness or shock factor. It's the ending that makes me know exactly how the next book will pick up and how we will get a hate to love do-over in the second book. This is the only reason I'm not super excited to keep going. But having really enjoyed the Norse mythology, I am still interested in this series.

Overall, it was very enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. It didn't depart from the romantasy mold, but that's okay! I may be entering my Norse Mythology Era because this was just so fun to read.

This review is posted on Goodreads and Instagram (@_bookish.brittany).

This book started out strong but I found the character development lacking in place of world building and war. I found it difficult to care about the action because I didn’t feel invested in the characters. It was also seriously lacking the romance department. The big twist at the end was obvious and predictable. Overall I didn’t love this and I’m not going to continue the series.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars(!!!!!)

My review: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen, the first in a fantasy series, is a story that follows Freya who is bound in an unwanted marriage as she dreams of life as warrior. Her husband betrays her in order to a region chief who wants to use her to become king. Freya finds solace in Bjorn, a warrior sworn to protect her. As per usual, the characterization and worldbuilding in Danielle's novels is just absolutely stunning. In this novel, we watch the world be intricately set up for the next book in the series. And let me tell you, the last 20 pages of this book are just jaw dropping. They have you staring at a wall. This book may be a smidge difficult due to the pronunciation of some of the names and words. Don't worry though, there is a pronunication guide available and google is always your friend if you don't know much Norse mythology. I personally did not have to look up anything and was able to get through even though I know absolutely NOTHING
about vikings and the like.

<b> Notable Themes, Elements, and Tropes: </b>
- Bodygaurd
- Vikings
- Forbidden Romance
- Norse Mythology & Gods

I absolutely loved the banter between the two characters in this book! It had me wanting to read more and not put down the book. I was really interested in the magic system in this book and the gods who are helping these children be born with such gifts. Some things in the book were very predictable. I knew that he would be the one to be the traitor and I knew that she would have the blood of two gods when she started having the two voices talking in her mind. The romance was not very often in the book so I'm thinking that book two will have more once they make up between each other. I really would have liked to see more scenes of her doing her training with the other women and have it go on a little longer and see how she learns to work her power. We didn't get to see much of it. I really can't wait to read book 2 and see how this world grows and the plot thickens.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a Viking fantasy novel that follows Freya, a fisherman's wife with dreams of becoming shield maiden. Freya has a drop of a goddess's blood, which gives her extraordinary magical powers with her shield. After killing her husband and becoming officially claimed by the goddess, Freya fulfils a prophecy that predicts that she will unite Skaland. To keep her safe, Freya is assigned the hottie Bjorn as a bodyguard, who also has a drop of a god's blood. Attraction and Viking antics ensue!

I had such a good time with this book! Historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and this book reminded me again of why I like it so much. Few things make me more excited than fantasy, Vikings, and mythology! The magic system being tied with the Norse gods was very unique and led to some good tension. I liked Freya as a character and felt like Bjorn was a good complement to her prickly ways. The romance was hot and I liked how it progressed. The end is a cliffhanger which made me excited to read the next book!!

I highly recommend this book if you're at all into historical fantasy, Vikings, or are just looking for a good read. 5 stars from me. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC, my thoughts are my own!

Interesting premise with the relationship between humans and Norse gods. With two more books coming, I hope that is explored more. Fans of ACOTAR will definitely like this book, but it also contains the same Romantasy downfalls. The bones are so interesting, I was hoping the author would delve more into the world/gods/magic building. It is extremely easy to root for the main two characters and the language used is simple (if not modern at times), making this an easily consumable read. I'll most likely read the second book.

Thank you Netgallery and author for this copy! I loved this book so much it was absolutely amazing as expected from Danielle Jensen! I loved Freya's character and how fierce she is, she was ready to take on the world and as the story progressed I loved it even more, it was told I such great depth and with lots of development between Freya and Bjorn and I cant wait to see what's next in the series!

Unfortunately, I don't think this book was for me - but that doesn't mean it isn't for others. If readers loved the Bridge Kingdom, I think they'd like this, but it just fell a little flat for me. I did love the Bridge Kingdom, but just didn't connect with this one. Still incredibly well-written.

Great new fantasy series set in Norse myth. Unique story with lots of surprise twists. Best for readers to have a basic understanding of Norse myth. Looking forward to the next book!

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