Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this early copy. I listened to the finished audiobook from my library. The narrator did a great job reading this story. But the story itself fell flat for me. I don’t know if Norse mythology is just hit or miss for me, but it took me a really long time to get into the story. I also actively disliked the main character for most of the book. I’m not sure I’ll continue the series, but I’ll definitely check out whatever Jensen writes in the future.

I have been a fan of Danielle for a while, and this book was phenomenal. That ending! I knew it was coming but still. I can’t wait for the next book.

I had high hopes for this story line based off of the author's other works that I have read. I was somewhat disappointed, I think that the cover, title and description gave me hopes for a intricate plot that I just did not get. I was expecting a more high fantasy vibe and I got more of a lighter read than I was expecting. Not sure if I will continue with the series.

I received an advanced copy of A Fate Inked in Blood from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a book that I've seen everywhere. I'm a little late with my review since it's been out for some time now, but I was excited to read it, as everyone I've seen says it was one of their favorites of the year. I'm deeply saddened, as I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I was going to.

I'm at a loss for how to talk about this book. Having read a fair share of "Romantasy" books, I prefer my books with a heavier emphasis on fantasy rather than romance. Of course, I enjoy it more if there is romance, but I like it more as a subplot rather than it taking over the whole book. And take over the entire book this romance did. Insta-lust is better than insta-love, and I'm happy to report that this book has a case of the former. However.

This was the entire book. I'll be honest. I don't remember much of the plot besides Freya and Bjorn lusting over each other for the whole book. I was looking forward to an epic Viking fantasy. Instead, I got two people going, "I can't. But I want to. But we can't. We shouldn't. But maybe we should. No, bad idea." And so the cycle repeated.

On a different note, I enjoyed the setting and the magic that the author has created. The magic is familiar enough that it didn't need much explanation (they get their powers from their godly "parents") but was refreshing in its own complexity. The setting was immersive. I could picture where we were at all times because of the descriptions. I thought it was fascinating and would have loved to see more of it in the book, along with more of the plot, because what I did get captivated me. The story was gritty, dark, and engaging, and it pulled me along despite my reservations about the romance and lack of development for everything but the romance.

While A Fate Inked in Blood wasn't quite everything I had hoped for, I will return for book two. The romance aside, I truly enjoyed the other aspects of this book and am curious to see where the story will go from that ending.

A thrilling, passionate Norse-inspired fantasy that immediately swept me into its hold and never let go! Freya's character is strong yet flawed, dedicated to protecting those she loves even if it means losing herself. I enjoyed seeing her come into her powers and grapple with the responsibility that comes with it. And Bjorn! The two are very much alike in many ways, loyal to a fault and making mistakes in their efforts to keep safe those they care about. I'm very eager for the sequel!

I really loved this book! The characters were interesting, banter was enjoyable, plot pulled me in as a reader and the pace was great. I loved the action and build up of the romance. There was some good tension overall with a few unexpected story lines. I'd say the ending was a bit predictable to me, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book. Will 100% read the next one!

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I expected. It did take me a little longer to get into it, but once I did - it kept my attention (this was all on me, getting out of book slumps suck.) I did enjoy the banter and tension and viking-ness to it. All of my friends who've read it have enjoyed it!!

such a disappointment! started out strong and had some really good action scene but the main character quickly became insufferable and such a one track mind - she was characterized as clever despite her situation but alas, it was not so.

I can't tell. you how great this book was. I love a bad ass heroine with a dangerous mentality. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read anything Vikings.

This book has so much to love! A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is an amazing start to what I'm assuming is going to be an amazing series. I adored all of the Norse mythology in this world. The world building was amazing. It was so easy to just jump into the world and understand everything going on. The magic system was easy to follow and really unique. The plot starts off with a strong hook and kept me interested from start to finish. The cliffhanger ending leaves you desperate for the next book. And Freya! I absolutely loved her. I love a strong female character and she blew my mind with both her physical and emotional strength. All of the characters were so well written. You really feel like you get to know them so deeply. The romance did start off too insta lusty for my taste but the slow burn and amazing banter made up for it. I'm so excited for the next book!

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This story was amazing! I enjoyed every part of it from beginning to end and I am looking forward to book two. Some sections felt predictable but it wasn’t in a bad way..it made things exciting because you knew something was coming and you were on the edge of your seat waiting to see how it would turn out.

“Why was I acting this way? Why was I constantly having to remind myself of logic and consequences to the point I wanted to scream at myself?”

The TDLR

5 Stars

An INSTANTLY engaging and addicting romantic fantasy full of action, feminine rage, breadcrumbs + twists, tension, and viking magic - an absolute MUST read for romantasy readers.

✦ Forced Proximity
✦ Tension & Spice
✦ Banter
✦ Political Intrigue
✦ Viking Influence
✦ Battles & Violence
✦ Feminine Rage

Reactions

ITS BOOKS LIKE THESE THAT MAKE ME A ROMANTIC FANTASY DIE HARD!!!!!

This was such a well paced and written book, and was pulled you in IMMEDIATELY and kept you engaged the entire way through. Truly though, I remember finishing chapter 2 and being like ?!?!?! HELLO I JUST STARTED HOLY SHIT OKAY IM BUCKLING UP!!!!

I lovedddddd Freya and the rage within her, and felt that her anger and decisions were believable as her story developed. I felt that she was relatable, especially in her reactions to grief and trauma, and I really appreciate that we had that mental health representation (while it might have been subtle, for those who have experienced anxiety and/or depression, it was heard).

Obvi I am OBSESSED with our mans who I won’t give away. I swear every scene that had tension or spice, I WAS SWEATINGGGGGGGGGG.

I also really enjoyed the viking magic and setting of this book. This was a first (at least for this heavy of a Viking influence) for me in the fantasy genre and it was such a breath of fresh air.

Finally, I DEVOURED all those little breadcrumbs and twists. THAT IS MY SHIT and Danielle did a fabulous job at giving clues throughout the story that kept you spiraling and guessing, but without giving too much away.

Overall, easily one of my top 2024 reads and I CANNOT wait for this the next book to come out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing me with an eARC of A Fate Inked in Blood in exchange for my honest review!

Having been previously compelled by the Danielle L. Jensen novel Dark Skies, I'm happy that A Fate Inked in Blood has succeeded in providing its own riveting tale—one that's awash in an epic atmosphere of Nordic proportions. It has battles that infuse this journey with plenty of action, it has thrills that draw me through the twists and turns, and it has an increasingly spicy romance between Freya and Bjorn that effectively meshes with the story surrounding it. While it's not like this is necessarily doing anything new with the tropes it dishes out, this doesn't stop the final product from engaging me all the way to the climactic ending.

Overall, I'm officially rating A Fate Inked in Blood 3.75 out of 5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4 stars. I'll keep an eye out for the sequel, A Curse Carved in Bone.

Even though A Fate Inked in Blood felt really slow at some points, the rest of the story and book was really great! I loved the banter and the forbidden romance, the story felt super unique to me, and Freya was so badass that was really enjoyable to see her fight and make decisions. Didn't love this one but looking forward to the next installment!

It was a slow read for me, but I did enjoy it. This is a perfect fantasy to recommend to friends who don’t usually read it. Easy to understand world building and magic system. Has a bit of spice. I’ve loved other books by this author.

Y’all if you haven’t preordered or at the very least added this book to your tbr… WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!

In true Danielle L. Jensen fashion, A Fate Inked in blood is a swoon worthy, action packed novel that you can’t put down.
I had to force myself to take breaks so that I didn’t devour it in a day.

Danielle L. Jensen is always an automatic read for me, but since I’m Norwegian and am obsessed with my family heritage, this book was an insta read. The moment that arc hit my email, I was starting.
A HUGE thank you to Del Rey for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are while my own.

This book has blown all of my other reads for this year out of the water and has taken over top spot. Another reviewer mentioned that it was even better than Fourth Wing and in couldnt agree more. And FW had me in a slump for awhhiiille. This book has everything and more. You’ve got action, a simmering slow burn( but when that spice hits…sheeeeeeesh🤤) betrayals, witty banter, sexy badass Vikings, and god given powers. What more could you want? I already know this book is going to take over the internet once it releases and I’m so ready for it.

To sum it all up, go preorder right👏🏻freaking👏🏻now👏🏻. Did I mention the gorgeous hardcovers with pretty foil page edges, a custom stamped case, and premium dust jacket? Not to mention the freaking GORGEOUS cover. No? Well they’re only for the first printing so be prepared for the raids to begin once those books hit the shelves 🤪

“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it."

To think this all started with a fish slap to the face 😂

This was my first Norse mythology and forbidden love romantasy book despite already being acquainted with some of the gods mentioned and I had a good time with it. The world building here didn’t feel difficult to get into but instead easily comprehensible for me (probably because not too much was happening yet there was). I also have to note that I did put this on pause initially for a bit given that i wasn’t in the mood for it at the time, but i binged the last 35% like my life depended on it! The slow burn was so real here that when something finally happened I wasn’t left disappointed

“I used to dream only of fire and ash," he whispered, running a thumb over my cheek as I lifted my face to meet his gaze. "Now when I close my eyes, all I see is your face.”

This book was great!!! The shock at the end of unexpected. I cannot wait for the next installment!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for the E-ARC.

A Fate Inked in Blood is an epic romantasy with roots in Nordic mythology that is perfect for fans of From Blood And Ash.

This is the first Danielle L Jensen book that I have read and I did enjoy it quite a bit due to the Norse elements... however, it follows the From Blood & Ash (and other romantasy stories) general plot to a T. I understand the whole "if it isn't broke, don't fix it!" mindset, but PLEASE don't follow FBAA. 😭 I have the general vibe from this that our FMC is going to level up each book like Poppy did, I can only hope that it at least makes way more sense than FBAA did.

Okay, enough about my very clear dislike of FBAA. I will try not to mention it again in this review.

Freya, our FMC, has been hiding her shield maiden powers gifted to her by her drop of divine blood her whole life. It was foretold that a shield maiden would unite Skaland under the person who controls the shield maiden, and for that reason her parents have tried to keep her powers secret in order to avoid the abuse that comes with power hungry men.

When Freya's abilities are revealed by her husband selling her out to the region's jarl, she must face her fate. Married to the jarl, but falling for his son, Freya is forced to train and undergo tests placed by the Gods.

I liked this story well enough to want more, and will read A Curse Carved in Bone when it comes out in May 2025!

I was very intrigued by the description of the book as well as early reviews, but unfortunately the book just fell flat for me.

The book started off very interesting, but by the midway point I was just bored. I wasn't invested in either main character, and I struggled to continue to be interested enough to pick the book back up. I will note that I can completely understand why people love this book and will absolutely be recommending it to my customers who show similar interests. (Plus the book itself is gorgeous!)

I will not be continuing with the series, but could be potentially interested to read more by the author in a different series one day.