This book suffers from being to long and telling vs showing the reader the story. I really enjoyed the start of this one, however around the 35%-40% mark I just got really bored. The characters and story just weren't doing it for me anymore and I felt like it was missing something to keep me going.

DNF at 10%. This is entirely my fault. I had picked this up believing it would be a standard fantasy as that is how it had been marketed to me previously. But I quickly picked up on the fact that this was instead a full-fledged romantasy instead, which is a genre that I personally almost ever enjoy. So I sparred myself the act of continuing to read but that is no fault of the book or the author. In fact, what I did read had good writing and seemed but be exactly what it had set out to be. I just DNFed it for personal reasons. I would recommend A Fate Inked In Blood for avid romance or romantasy readers who would like to dip their toes into a more fantasy-leaning romantasy with higher stakes and a bit more politics.

The premise of this book was amazing and while I'm excited to see where the story goes, I believe the chemistry of the couple felt a bit flat, and that it was a bit predictable. I am quite excited to see where the story goes though!

All of Danielle Jensens fantasy words have been absolutely captivating, and this one is no different! I love the Norse mythology inspired aspects of this story. This book sucks you in right at the beginning and doesn't let go. Im so excited for this series to continue!

This is a true fantasy. Enjoyable, keeps your attention, makes you want to read more. This one was inspired by some Norse Mythology and it made it feel unique.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a fantastic read with an interesting story and characters that really draw you in. The mix of mythology and fantasy feels fresh, and the main character is both relatable and strong. The side characters also add a lot of depth to the plot. There were a few predictable twists, but the writing kept me turning the pages. If you’re into epic fantasy with a bit of magic and destiny thrown in, this is definitely worth checking out.

Never thought a man named Bjorn could be so hot.
Seriously loved this book. It was such an interesting take on the bloated romantic fantasy genre. Not enough out there about Norse myth. I cannot wait for the second one!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the arc in exchange for the review!

I thought this story was fantastic! I'm a huge fan of Jensen's other books and I was so excited to read this one. The romance was a great slow burn and the twist at the end was so well executed. I can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

I could not stop reading A Fate Inked in Blood! I didn't know I wanted a viking book until I started. From the beginning, Jensen pulls the reader in with an enticing world of magic and old gods, and a woman slinging fish back into the sea. Freya was an enticing character from the beginning, and with her development into the shield maiden and eventually something more, I found myself completely enveloped into this world of Norse Mythology. From the magic system to the cultural ties, to the romance, I adored this book.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book! I am eagerly waiting for book two!

"A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L Jensen is a story of intrigue, Norse Gods and Goddesses, fantasy, and romance. I thought this fantasy novel was such a fun take on your classic romatasy and I really enjoyed the world that it painted. The descriptions were so well done, and I was really invested in Freya (the female MC), and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

Great slow burn. I'm a bit biased because I love everything Jensen does, but this holds it's own against her other work. The plot does not seem as complex as Songbird, and it's spicier than The Bridge Kingdom.

This can be called a romance only in the darkest meaning of the subject, where nothing is happily ever after, everyone is sad and angsty and can't trust each other, the relationship is 100% forbidden, and it may be for the best for them not to get their hearts desire.
That being said, this was a really interesting take on Viking lore and history, full of the mythology and magic that really helped bring it alive. I liked that women were fierce warriors and could lead clans and go to battle- yet then some women were seen as property with no choice in life depending on what the gods ordained.
This was not an easy read, basically nothing good happened to the main character, she had a very hard life with almost no say in anything she kept getting herself into (and the few choices she did get to make were impulsive and sacrificial). AND the ending was a huge shocking cliffhanger, so you will definitely need the next book to hopefully get answers and a better potential future for the main character. This was dark but I will be back for the next installment.

This was my first Danielle L. Jensen book. I wanted to read it because of the hype around the romance. It was a sure slow-burn surrounded by a mythical world.

*Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.

I honestly had no idea what I was getting into with this one. I picked it up because oooo pretty cover and even bigger OOOO at those sprayed edges. And the story was good and engaging and never felt like a 15hr audiobook. But I kept getting lost because there are just SO many characters and their names were all pronounced so similarly (I'm sure on paper they look much different). Also her first husband's name was pronounced "Froggy" and her second husband's was pronounced "Smutty" so that was a little odd for me to get used to (I am also very basic white girl who listened on 2x speed so I'm sure they weren't even pronounced this way, this was just what I heard). Overall it was a great story I just wasn't the complete right audience so I don't think I'm going to read book 2.

I did love this book. A great romantasy that is based on Norse legends, it had twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I admit to being frustrated with the main heroine at times, but at no point did I want to put this book down!

This book had such great acceleration (the wrong word, I know) and then just lost it. I felt like it was going to be a five star, but by the end, it was only three. That being said, I trust Danielle Jensen - esp. Dark Shores/Bridge Kingdom Danielle. I would love to see where she takes this with the next book!

I am so sorry but I had a difficult time getting into this book. No critique for the author, it just wasn't for me.

Norse mythology inspired romantasy. It was exciting and steamy. I did see the reveals coming a mile away so those bits were meh but I enjoyed the story alot and am looking forward to continuing.
Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. Danielle always knocks it out of the park with her writing, I'll eat it up every single time. The way she can tell a story is like no other and I am truly captivated and immersed the entire time. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out so I can read it. Freya and Bjorn have amazing chemistry together and I love reading their stories.