Danielle L Jensen does it again!

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Genuinely, I have no notes. It was a masterpiece cover to cover.

I was instantly transported on page one into a world not my own, by a character I was immediately both curious about and rooting for. With each turn of the page I only became more and more invested in Freya's life, magic and internal struggle, as well as the fate of the Skalanders. The magic system being a combination of fate and gods and honestly - the power of choice in our own lives - was engaging and curious. DLJ excellently crafted a balance between a character- and plot-driven book ending in a way I've come to expect from her writing that leaves me aching for more. This book has been living in my brain and I keep forgetting that I finished it because I keep wanting to pick it up again.

This one checked all the boxes for me - a lover of both strong and emotional character development and intricate plot driven fantasy stories. I am quite looking forward to the second book and will be emphatically recommending to my fellow fantasy and romance reading friends.

Fat-friendly? Fairly neutral, I appreciated that there was little emphasis on the shape and size of Freya's body - though it's pretty clear she's thin - even if there was a little more emphasis on Bjorn's leanly muscled body. I think this book is unlikely to be triggering.

This bodyguard romance just stole my heart! I loved the tension, the banter and all the sweet moments! The story itself had such a good flow and had me hooked from the start. And that ending!!!!!! Uuggghhhhh the next book cannot come fast enough!

this was interesting but the main character was super annoying and the love interest left much to be desired. enjoyed the world building but it didn't work well.

I devoured this book! I love the Norse mythology depicted, and the FMC is phenomenal! A prophesy stated a shield maiden, blessed by the gods would unite the nation under one king. Freya was this shield maiden and is pulled from one awful marriage into another. As she becomes closer to her new husband's son, she is drawn to him, even though it is forbidden. The gods give Freya many tests which also tests the limits of her magic and cunning. Freya is a strong woman who struggles to complete the tests the gods give her, but mostly the forbidden love that she has found.

This book is so well written that it felt like watching a TV show. And I mean that quite literally. I stayed up way too late reading this one night and the next day I kept thinking about it and wondering what show I had been watching until I remembered I had been reading. 🤣

This book had me hooked from the first page. I absolutely love Vikings and Norse mythology TV shows and movies but surprisingly this is my first book about them and I’m so glad it was. And I’m so happy this story belongs to Freya. So often in the tv shows/movies it’s male based and it was truly a delight to see such a strong female lead in this setting. Though don’t get me wrong I still love Bjorn. I’m a sucker for a strong sarcastic fictional man.

A Fate Inked in Blood is such an epic journey full of Norse mythology, magic, love, betrayal, bloodshed, and such powerful storytelling that you just might forget reality even exists while immersed in this epic tale.

This book is by no means small but the pace was set perfectly and there was never a dull moment. I was fully immersed in the story and feeling it all right along with Freya. Her journey throughout this book was full of so many emotions. I loved the mix of Norse mythology, the unique magic system, and the storytelling and writing was captivating the whole way through. And I truly mean that. I absolutely loved the writing in this book it kept me engaged the whole way through. The author knows how to write a dang good story.

I would say that this is more of a slow burn kind of romance, which I love, but there are some steamy bits more toward the end of the book.

I think wether or not you are new to Norse mythology and Vikings, or a fan of it this is the perfect read to pick up. This is my first read from this author and I truly feel like she has done such a beautiful job of telling Freya and Bjorns story and I’m only sad that I now have to wait for book two. 😂

Reasons to read:
-Vikings
-Norse Mythology
-Slow Burn
-Forbidden Romance
-Captivating storytelling
-Unique Magic
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**Thank you to Del Ray Books for the review copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

You know, I thought about 3-starring because the writing was serviceable and worldbuilding was competent... but no. I'm not going to 3-star books I slogged through, sorry. Boring plot, characters, ship, everything. The hero was only interesting for a page when he punched the heroine's useless brother.

Disappointing from an author I've previously enjoyed (and unfortunately more evidence that self-pub authors lose their juice in trad pub). Read via audio (narrated by Nina Yndis).

Freya's life is focused on what her family wants her to do rather than what will make her happy. It begins with a marriage to a toxic man and continues when she is forced to be the second wife to her Jarl in order to fulfill a prophecy that would make him unite the local jarldoms into a cohesive kingdom. Despite growing feelings-physical and emotional-for her new husband's son, she continues to do what she can to bring about the prophecy for the good of her homeland and to keep her family safe. Freya is a main character that I enjoyed reading. While she did have some of the pitfalls of many main characters (insistence that the person you dislike most HAS to be the one helping the enemies!), she has been one of my favorite females leads of recent reads. Her relationship to those around her (and especially with our handsome warrior/love interest!) was very well-written. I am already in need of the next book in this series!

A Fate Inked in Blood is the first installment in Danielle L. Jensen’s Saga of the Unfated, a gripping epic fantasy adventure that takes readers on a journey of fate, forbidden love, magic and duty. This was the first book form her that I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and it certainly won’t be the last.

The strings of fate determine the lives of all, except for those who are children of the gods— the Unfated. Their destiny is their own, but the ambitions of men lead to their god-given magic being used for agendas that are not their own— jarls with Unfated in their ranks hold a power unlike any other. And so the legend of Freya and Bjorn begins.

Jensen tells her tale with such beautiful poetic prose, the narrative flowing from the first page until the very end. The interweaving of Norse mythology into her rich worldbuilding fed my soul, giving an air of authenticity that we rarely witness in books. At times it felt like I was engrossed in a saga of old, and I loved every moment of it.

At the center of it all lies two souls that were destined to become entwined, regardless of their status as Unfated. Freya and Bjorn have the most exquisite chemistry with enough tension to demand your attention. Their banter adds an air of humor to an otherwise chilling story, their pining made to melt the ice around the most guarded hearts, the quiet moments they steal in the dark inspire radiant hope.

What they desire is forbidden, but nothing seems able to cease the slow simmering beneath the surface. Forced to embark on a pilgrimage for truth together, their yearning only grows and grows until the tension snaps. It’s stunning.

Secrets and visions aplenty, some of the plot twists are predictable, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. And that ending? I knew something was creeping in the shadows, but my need for the second book is unbearable after the grand reveal.

You want to know the quickest way to my heart? Norse Romantasy, that’s how. There’s just something enchanting about the way Jansen tells her story that had me captivated from the very start and I can't recommend this book enough. Loved it.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a phenomenal ride from beginning to end. This book takes off like a launch coaster and does not slow down. Freya is a female warrior stuck in a patriarchal Viking world that denies her value and her autonomy. While she possess power from the blood of a God, she is treated as only a weapon to be used and a thing to be owned. How much of her fate will be determined by the men around her and how much will be her own to write is the guiding question in this new action packed romantasy.

Jensen draws a rich Viking inspired world with a well developed magic system that relies on the ancient Nordic Gods, who are not always fair or right or moral. The story is told from Freya's POV, allowing readers to be immersed in her experiences and complicated emotions as she navigates what she believes to be her responsibilities to her family, her king and her people, leaving very little room for consideration of herself. Forced into a fake marriage to the leader who believes he owns her fate, Freya can't quite get over her unwelcome attraction to his son Bjorn, wielder of a fire ax also given by the gods. The slow burn, forbidden love tension between them is perfection, from banter, to training scenes, to unspoken desires, to some pretty incredible steamy spicy goodness - it's everything a romantasy girl could want. However, it also has a great fantasy plot. I cannot overstate how good the action scenes are executed from great one-on-one fighting, to battle scenes and surprise moments. These are "chef's kiss" perfection.

My 4 stars on Goodreads is really a 4.5. I think this book is one of the best from the romantasy genre and enjoyed it far more than other hits (such as Fourth Wing)! My only quibble is the ending, which I won't spoil, but I saw coming and spent a long time hoping I was wrong.

Many thanks to Del Ray and Netgalley for access to an eARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this story! As soon as I saw vikings I was so excited! This book is all vibes and a standard fantasy romance - heavy on the romance, not so much on the world building. In the middle I did struggle to keep going as we were getting info-dumped instead of things being shown to us. I do wish there was more showing to us.

I loved the banter and tension between the FMC and MMC. I wish we had more of a buildup of their relationship though. It was super insta-love (which I don’t mind), but they are supposedly in love (or on that way with super feelings) but where was that build up? Yes, he is hot (he’s a viking- duh!), but like there has to be more.

I predicted the ending, but it was still wild and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

I am a retired Sarah J. Maas reader. I am still recovering from reading the letdown of a book, Court of Wings of Ruin. I have refused to continue on with that series nor pick up her newer series due to the direction she has gone with her books. I enjoyed Maas’ earlier works where they had strong fantasy plots with strong female leads, but also included fun romantic subplots. Her style evolved though with less focus on well-developed plots and more smut and lots of character interactions and scenes with no formalized direction, leaving the books feeling overly bloated and long. This is due to her success and her request to have less (possibly no?) editing for her books. And good for her, she is continuing to have huge success and a growing dedicated fanbase. The loss of one reader like me isn’t the end of the world for her; we just grew apart.

This book felt like reading earlier works of Sarah J. Maas, and I loved it. Not that Ms. Jensen is straight up copying her or anything– it’s definitely her own story. But it features a strong female lead, Freya, who comes into her power as a shield maiden. She lives in a patriarchal society but stands up for herself when she can. She uses her power and cunning to get what she wants all while trying to hide what she can. It has a strong romantic plot as well. She ends up married to an old King due to him needing to claim her goddess ability, but soon starts to fall for his son. It’s a strange sort of forbidden romance that really isn’t that forbidden, just incredibly awkward and not something she can actually pursue if she wants to live freely. The tension of the romance isn’t so much of a will they/won’t they, because you know they will, but instead the tension of the situation at hand. How and when can it happen?

It’s also been quite some time since I’ve read any Norse Mythology inspired fantasy. A Shield Maiden is always a force to be reckoned with, and I am looking forward to continuing Freya’s journey in the series. The ending is quite the banger as well, so it leaves you looking forward to the next book. I’d recommend this for any Maas readers, new and old like myself. I also recommend this if you’re looking to explore the Romantasy sub-genre and want a good example with good execution.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a free eARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow! Danielle L. Jensen has done it again! A Fake Inked in Blood was such a delicious read, I truly enjoyed every minute of it. This book was full of rich folklore and Viking culture, simmering sexual tension, with betrayal and plot twists galore!

A Fake Inked in Blood follows Freya, a headstrong and passionate woman who has a strong sense of loyalty to those she loves (and who is sometimes a little clumsy). What I loved most about Freya’s character was that she was often ruled by her emotions, which is something that I don’t find in an FMC very often. Not only this, but she was not ashamed of what she felt or how strongly she felt it, yet was able to swallow her pride when necessity demanded it. Freya is one super determined, tough cookie!
Then there’s Bjorn! Forget Shadow Daddies, I’ll take this Fire Daddy any day! Bjorn is a flirty and fiery character who challenges and pushes Freya in all the right ways. I can’t say much without spoiling the book, but Bjorn has a place in my heart.

The world felt both well-fleshed out and easy to understand. The descriptions of the landscapes were vivid and rich, and the supporting cast felt solid. The story was contained to a few locations which helped me feel connected to the land and people of the story, however, I am looking forward to new places being introduced and the fresh perspectives that come with this in the next instalment.

While the plot twists were good, this book was missing the plots within plots aspect that I have come to love from other Danielle L. Jensen books. However, I’m very much looking forward to continuing this series. A Fate Inked in Blood has found a place in my heart and I think it’ll find a place in yours as well.

A big thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Danielle L. Jensen, and NetGalley for my ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review will be posted to Amazon upon release (Feb 27 2024).

If you are waiting for the next book in the Fourth Wing series to come out and are seeking your next Romantasy read, A Fate Inked in Blood might be just what you’re looking for. I was quickly pulled into Jensen’s flirty, action-packed Viking romance, set in a world where multiple main characters wield magical powers as children of the Norse Gods. Lots of battles, banter and mythology! I enjoyed several of the book’s plot twists, though I was frustrated to discover that it ended on a giant cliffhanger.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the ARC! Out February 27th.

This author is one of my absolute favorites, so when I was chosen as an arc reader for this new Viking romance, I had to pinch myself. Thank you NetGalley, Danielle L Jensen, and Random House Ballantine/Del Rey, for this phenomenal e-arc! It was one of my most highly anticipated reads, and it absolutely lived up to every single expectation that I had.

Straight out the gate, Jensen transports us into this fantastical world filled with Vikings, Norse mythology, and intricate magic. I was immediately captivated, and utterly addictive from the first page.

Freya has been forced to abandon her dreams of becoming a warrior, and is trapped in a loveless marriage, bound to an abusive man who does not care for her. But when her hidden powers manifest, her life is turned upside down, as she is claimed by a powerful Jarl who believes her to be the subject of an important prophecy. Bjorn, a warrior with magic from the gods, begrudgingly agrees to train her. As the story progresses, we learn how their fates are intertwined, as the prophecy, and Freya’s purpose begin to unfold.

The best part about this book are the characters- wholly fleshed out, endearing, and complex. I was already intrigued by our Freya by the end of the forward. By the first chapter, her moxie and grit had me enthralled. And by the end of the second chapter, I had inducted her in into my FMC hall of Fame. And Bjorn? He’s flirty, cocky, and has that damn twinkle in his eye, like Uhtred from The Last Kingdom. And I am here for it. He’s honorable and loyal, and he’s not afraid to do the wrong thing for the right reasons. The dynamic between these two was absolute and utter perfection. It crossed well over the line of banter into full on bickering, as they engaged in prank pulling and general one-upppery, and roasted each other every chance they got. Clearly working through some sexual tension, and anger at their current situation–desiring each other, and not being able to act on it. This type of relationship is an absolute dream as far as I’m concerned, and this is one of the best I’ve ever read.

Like Jensen’s previous works, there is a measure of realism when it comes to the characters, and their interactions. The dialogue, exchanging of quips, and very human interactions, grounded me into this fantastical story. The dialogue flowed effortlessly, drawing me in, allowing the story to play out like a movie in my mind. The balance of angst and humor is masterful. I got absolutely and utterly lost in this tale, and I never wanted it to end.

The story and world building were extremely well-developed and thoughtful, as always with this author. There’s nothing she has ever written that hasn’t been completely addictive, and this was no exception. The ending beautifully set up the second book, and I cannot wait to read the next installment, and find out what the fates have (or fail to have) in store for Freya.

✨1st person POV
✨Vikings & Norse mythology
✨Stabby FMC
✨Cocky, flirty MMC
✨Slow burn romance with delicious tension
✨Exquisite banter
✨Unique magic system
✨Enemies to lovers
✨One horse
✨Prophecies
✨Battle scenes & action

Norse based romantic fantasy!

Freya hated her husband and she had a hard time keeping quiet around him since she was trying to hide from everyone her drop of blood from the god’s. Her plan to keep quiet ended when her husband tried to have the jarl end their marriage by having her fight Bjorn, the son of the Jarl. Bjorn’s sword was made of fire and the fight showed she was a daughter of Hlin and she was predicted to be the shield maiden who be the kingmaker.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a romantic fantasy that takes a deep dive in Norse legends about the gods and the children that have a drop of blood from the gods that gives them unusual powers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have loved Danielle Jensen books in the past! I love how she adds just enough world building, political intrigue, with heaps of romance. Her books are always extremely fun and bingeable.

I really enjoyed the set up for this one. A fierce viking warrior woman with a secret backstory, who is trying to outrun her circumstances and live the life she always dreamed of. The warring clans made for an interesting yet authentic feel and I really enjoyed Danielles writing as always. I loved how she incorporated just enough mystery elements to keep the reader on their toes. AND this one is packed full of action and war scenes which always makes the pace go quickly.

This one ended up being a bit too much on the smut side for me. I don't mind a kick in my romances, but I do like there to be more of an emotional connection prior to so much physical and this one seemed to do that in reverse. While this wasn't to my taste I realize that and know a lot of other people are going to truly devour this one!

Meddling gods, a grimy-hot warrior prince, political intrigue, unfulfilled prophecies, forbidden romance, and a woman with the kind of power kings will kill for – yeah, you will absolutely want to add A Fate Inked In Blood to your TBR. And should probably bump it up to the very top.

(Especially if you lived for the dynamic between Raihn and Oraya in the Crown of Nyaxia books.⚔️🔥)

The first book in Danielle L. Jensen’s new series, A Fate Inked In Blood is a fast-paced and action-packed story that is compulsively readable. Seriously, I gobbled this sucker up in nearly one sitting and was *very* annoyed I had to put it down to, uh, sleep.

Though some of the twists here won’t necessarily come as a surprise, getting to them is still a ton of fun. And as the tension (both steamy and political👀) between characters and situations builds, don’t be surprised if you find yourself very literally on the edge of your seat.

This does end on a cliffhanger, but I will argue it’s the good kind – while it absolutely leaves you wanting much, much more, you’ll feel like you’re standing near the edge, eagerly anticipating what’s to come rather being pushed and falling with no end in sight.

I had an absolutely fantastic time reading this, and am looking very forward to what’s to come with this series!

4.25🌟
1.75🌶️

Oh man, Danielle L. Jensen sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat and write a twist.

This is one of those books where I think it’s best to go in without a lot of information. There are so many twists and turns, that you really don’t know who to trust. The book ends at the perfect, albeit largest cliffhanger possible making the wait for the next book in the series almost unbearable.

I think fans of Jensen’s past work will really enjoy this book. It has a little bit of everything: romance, fantasy, adventure, gods, magic, etc. and the world building is amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book had me hooked from the beginning and I enjoyed the humor and banter throughout as the storyline is quite dark at times. While the pacing felt steady and I felt like a lot was happening, I honestly feel like the plot didn't pick up until the 50+% mark, but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.

Between riddles and games of gods, strategic manipulation, and betrayal, I honestly did not know what to expect at each turn BUT the ending had my jaw on the floor......I can't wait for the next book!

A fate inked in blood Arc Review - 4.5 stars

“But I wanted to do more than just survive. I wanted my days to be more than time I needed to endure. I wanted to live them, to relish them.”

I knew as soon as I started this book I was going to be obsessed especially when within the first chapter I was giggling and kicking my feet over a male character I didn’t even know the name of. This book is based around Norse inspired fantasy romance which I have never read before but I enjoyed every second of it. The world building surrounding the gods and our MFC Freya’s shield maiden powers was so interesting, and created such a truely magical atmosphere that I had never experiences.

“It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.”

I felt so connected and emotional for the MFC Freya and her journey, the ways she put all her own personal needs aside for her family was inspiring. She was such a selfless character who has so much will power to create good in the world. The MMC Bjorn was giving sexy viking energy and I was all for it, his banter was continuously chef kiss. The relationship between the two had me obsessed from the beginning. The elements of forbidden romance, tension and the magical universe all played a part in their foundation and I loved it. Bjorn was just book boyfriend dreams, his respect for Freya and her circumstance was incredible. I fell in love with him, every time he would talk in the book I would giggle or blush.

“I will be at your back until I cross the threshold to Valhalla, Born-in-fire, whether you want me there or not”

Overall, this book kept me on my toes throughout it having me feel a whole rollercoaster of emotions. I connected so much to the main characters and their circumstances. The last few chapters of this book had me in a chokehold and I need the next Asap. I do have to say this book definitely feels like the first book in a series through setting the foundations of the universe, but I wasn’t mad about it. I do think it was done in such a great way through incorporating it throughout the book. i recommend this book to all fantasy lovers who love an incredible new world which has a steamy steamy romance occurring within it, I do believe the next books in the series will only get better and I’m ready.

“Not all scares we earn at skin deep, Freya Born-in-fire … there is no less honour in them.”