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.

Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! "A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle Jensen is an exhilarating journey through Norse-inspired fantasy that captivates from start to finish. Jensen's masterful storytelling combines elements of romance, adventure, and intrigue, creating a richly layered narrative that keeps readers glued to the pages. The dynamic protagonist, Freya, with her fierce determination and hidden powers, is a compelling lead whose journey from reluctant wife to formidable shield maiden is both empowering and inspiring. The tension between Freya and Bjorn crackles with intensity, adding depth to their complex relationship as they navigate the perilous challenges set before them. With epic battles, forbidden desires, and tantalizing twists, Jensen delivers a gripping tale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. "A Fate Inked in Blood" is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance and lovers of immersive storytelling.

Danielle Jensen does it again. I loved her series Bridge Kingdom and this book has all the makings for an epic series. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, epic battles, unrealized powers and some pretty fantastic spice 🌶️🌶️/5.

Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5

Read this now. Start right this second. The next book in the series can not come soon enough. I adored this Norse mythology. It was wildly addicting & the progression of the story was perfection. Danielle fine tuned the character & world building. I loved watching Freya’s character become confident in who she was & what she wanted. Bjorn was the dreamiest Viking warrior that a girl could want in a book boyfriend. I eat it up when an author can immerse me in a world & layer in a good slow burn. Gimme more Danielle!

“For nearly all my life, revenge for what was done to my mother was all that mattered to me. It consumed my every waking breath & I refused to allow anything else to matter. Then the most fierce & beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on hit me in the face with a fish & proceeded to wind her way into my heart. To make me want a life ruled by something deeper than hate.”

Thank you to @delreybooks for my #giftedcopy , free of charge. & thanks to Danielle for writing such a captivating mythology.

*First book in the Saga of the Unfated series

I really enjoyed the world building and character development in this book. It’s the first I’ve read from this author, and I immediately went to read her Bridge Kingdom series - and also loved it! I’m excited for the next book to be released!

4.5 stars. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I loved the forbidden lovers and norse mythology. I wish it had focused less on everything else going on and a little more on Bjorn and Freya, but it was definitely a slow burn. That ending was not what I was expecting, so I’m looking forward to reading the next book! I loved Bjorn and Freya was the type of FMC that makes you want to root for her.

Thank you to NetGalley, Danielle L. Jensen, and Del Rey Books for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

I have been reading Danielle L Jensen since 2016, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. There’s still a few I need to read, but they are on my TBR.

So yes, I was interested in this book because of the author, but also because I do enjoy a good Norse/Viking inspired story. I’m also a sucker for intriguing fantasy stories, and lately I’ve really been a fan of books that deal with gods and those connected to them (what can I say? I’m a cleric main in most TTRPGs).

I read this book so quickly. Freya’s unhappy marriage ends very early on in the story, which is great, because from the beginning I knew that she deserved so much better. Enter Bjorn, and the banter and attraction between our two main characters is pretty evident from the beginning.

But it can’t be that easy for the duo, and there are circumstances that keep them apart, which only increases that romantic tension between them. At the same time, Freya has to try and navigate her new position and figure out how to fight and how to use her goddess-blessed abilities. There’s bids for power, plans for conquest, and definitely some secrets to protect and also secrets to bring to light.

I was certainly intrigued. And okay, there were a few plot points that seemed a bit obvious to me…but let me be completely honest here…I read A LOT of books, and since certain tropes and certain twists/revelations are basically expected, so having some moments of predictability don’t detract from my enjoyment of a story.

There was some action, some romance, some magic and lore, some mystery, and an intriguing cast of characters that I couldn’t help but want to know more about.

So yeah, I loved this book. I own the US edition, the UK edition, and the FairyLoot edition, and I’m definitely excited for the sequel, which I assume will be out next year.

I have been reading Danielle L Jensen since 2016, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. There’s still a few I need to read, but they are on my TBR.

So yes, I was interested in this book because of the author, but also because I do enjoy a good Norse/Viking inspired story. I’m also a sucker for intriguing fantasy stories, and lately I’ve really been a fan of books that deal with gods and those connected to them (what can I say? I’m a cleric main in most TTRPGs).

I read this book so quickly. Freya’s unhappy marriage ends very early on in the story, which is great, because from the beginning I knew that she deserved so much better. Enter Bjorn, and the banter and attraction between our two main characters is pretty evident from the beginning.

But it can’t be that easy for the duo, and there are circumstances that keep them apart, which only increases that romantic tension between them. At the same time, Freya has to try and navigate her new position and figure out how to fight and how to use her goddess-blessed abilities. There’s bids for power, plans for conquest, and definitely some secrets to protect and also secrets to bring to light.

I was certainly intrigued. And okay, there were a few plot points that seemed a bit obvious to me…but let me be completely honest here…I read A LOT of books, and since certain tropes and certain twists/revelations are basically expected, so having some moments of predictability don’t detract from my enjoyment of a story.

There was some action, some romance, some magic and lore, some mystery, and an intriguing cast of characters that I couldn’t help but want to know more about.

So yeah, I loved this book. I own the US edition, the UK edition, and the FairyLoot edition, and I’m definitely excited for the sequel, which I assume will be out next year.

One of 2024's best books. Perfect character arcs, narrative, action, and romance. Everyone was happy. I couldn't put it down. Despite her shield maiden position and brilliance, Freya's miserable marriage prevents her from becoming a warrior. Her husband passes her over to the local jarl to exploit her for power. Bjorn, a warrior who swore to defend her, comforts her.

The world construction was easy to understand, which helped this Norse mythology and Viking romance novice. I had little expertise in these topics, yet the author simply and concisely explained everything. Nothing was too slow or too fast. Great action. Personalities are intriguing and unfiltered. Freya was great. She's charming despite her flaws. Angry because she's a warrior woman in a male-dominated planet. She must defend her family, deal with betrayals, and stand up for herself as she fights others to control her fate. I thought she was sincere. She writes her fears well. I loved how she never gave up a fight most. In warfare, she never retreats. She accurately described her shield powers and evil side. Bjorn:I was captivated by him from first meeting him. His dedication to Freya was admirable. He always defends her first. He would risk everything for her. Though enjoyable, his revelation at the end was inevitable. Intensive chemistry was my favorite. Heat was expected, especially in Bjorn's spice.The suspenseful ending was great. It was somewhat evident. Excitedly awaiting the next book.
Thank you to #netgalley and #libro.fm for the different versions of this book for free in exchange for a review.

This book starts excellently- I was immediately hooked. I freaking love Vikings and the world building and storyline were strong and captivating. Bjorn and Freya’s meeting had me giddy and I totally enjoyed the banter- hoping they would meet up again for more. The story/plot is strong! The Norse mythology is so very cool- a little confusing at times- but a very neat way to experience powerful characters and background for depth.

The thing that started to get me- that I haven’t heard ppl talk about- was Freya. She got really childish- and annoying. I just wanted her to stop being so irritating and wake the heck up. She went from baddy rage woman to wishy washy and naive.

Then Bjorn got too soft. YOU’RE A FREAKING VIKING. The start of the love scenes irritated me with how they went down. He just got too, “I’ll go anywhere for you”- on a quick switch. We get so much of her lustful thoughts- a bridge needed to be gapped for us with his- bc honestly this was a slow burn! But then bam- so I wanted a bridge…I wanted to mosey on over a love bridge.

I have a feeling that book 2 is gonna rock my socks off though.

Thank you @NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for the review!

I really wanted to like this book but it was differently slow going getting through this book. I struggled to get into the plot and it seemed like nothing happened until the last 50 or so pages. I don't have high hopes for the next book in this series but would be willing to read it.

The first in a new fantasy series, protagonist Freya is a shield maiden favored by the gods. Soon in an arranged marriage to follow her ultimate fate, Freya finds danger and betrayal at all turns. With enemies closing in, she must rely on her magic and the help of her new husband’s eldest son, Bjorn. It’s not long before feelings start to form between the two but that’s not the only risk they face, as more in the kingdom learn of her powers.
While I didn’t quite enjoy this as much as other “Romantasy” novels, it did keep me turning the page especially with some big twists.
Thank you to Del Rey for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.