This author is an auto buy author for me. The flow of this story was never dull and the world building and character development was spectacular and kept you invested from start to finish. A journey of danger where everyone wants Freya dead and Bjorn is assigned to protect her. These two chemistry heats up the page. If you like forbidden romance, tough female MC and mythology then this is a must read for you!

There is a lot of world building, but in the end everything comes together so neatly. The ending was shocking. I would recommend this to all my fantasy reading friends.

This is the first title that I have read by Danielle L. Jensen and it will not be my last. A Fate Inked in Blood is an action-packed and hard to put down tale. Norse mythology, runic magic, forbidden love… What’s not to like? This is the first book in a new series and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Freya and Bjorn in the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

A Fate Inked in Blood is about a shield maiden (Freya), blessed by the gods, who battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king all while fighting her growing desire for his fiery son, Bjorn. A perfect blend of magic, romance and mythology. Can't wait for #2 in this series. Freya is FIERCE.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray for this e-arc.*

This book was a five star read for me. Norse mythology, spicy bits, a fated heroine on a quest? Everything in this book was a hit.

I honestly loved Freya. I thought she was an excellent heroine, and the dynamics of her being essentially a nobody who just wants to help others and is then brought forward to help elevate a jarl to the position of king was excellent. I also thought that seeing her deal with some deeper things later in the book, and struggle with a bigger issue of “at what point is protecting those I love at the expense of others becoming an issue”. I think in our world today, it’s especially a potent thing where there is so many shades of grey in war.

But, on to the romance, Freya and Bjorn were 10/10. I knew from the moment she hit him with a fish he was going to be a sexy and fun MMC and love interest, and he did not disappoint. But, without giving too much away, seeing the obstacles they face just made their relationship even more juicy.

Honestly, I cannot wait until the next book. The way this one ended has me salivating for the next installment and to see what the heck is going to happen next!

A Fate Inked in Blood is an action packed fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology.

Freya has a secret that she kept all her life. As the wife of a fishmonger in her small village, she is unhappy with her lot, but knows life could be worse. Until one day the jarl of the neighboring area comes to her village seeking her out. Forcing her hand, she reveals her secret - she is blessed by Hlin, a shield maiden prophesized to make a king of the one who controls her fate. The jarl forces her to marry him and thus controlling Freya's fate and ensuring the prophecy favors him becoming king. Freya agrees only so that her family will be safe from the jarl. Freya endures, but things become complicated when the jarl orders his son Bjorn to train and protect Freya. Bjorn is handsome and a fierce warrior blessed by Tyr, the god of fire. But with all his good looks and sharp wit, Bjorn keeps his own secrets. Freya and Bjorn become close, and cannot deny their attraction to one another. Can Freya keep her oath to the jarl and keep her family safe, or will she give in to temptation and the one person who really sees and understands her?

I really enjoyed this book! I think this will be one of the bigger fantasy romances of 2024. It is a unique story and highly influenced by Norse mythology. But the banter between Freya and Bjorn was excellent, and their slow burn romance was really well done. The characters were great - we have a megalomaniac jarl who will stop at nothing to ensure his path to become king, supported by his primary wife, a witch with secretive runic magic. The story also shows Freya growing into her power, but she is young and naive about the world of politics and power, and often makes decisions that have unintended consequences. Bjorn is a great character - we know only the bits and pieces he reveals to Freya, but he is as cunning and vengeful as he is sweet and caring. The action and pacing was good, I was not bored one bit when reading this book. The story kept me guessing as well - we have a spy who keeps upending their plans, interference from the gods, and those whose fate is certain and those who are still writing their own stories. We are left on a bit of a cliff at the end, which I was anticipating knowing this is the first in a series, but it was still heart wrenching to read. This was an excellent romantic fantasy and I am so excited to see where Freya's story leads us in the next book!

I really enjoyed this book and I really look forward the next one!! Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for the electronic advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so fun to read and the story was everything I love about romantasy. The pacing is fast and the plot is fulfilling. This one definitely made me anxious, stressed, and frustrated and anytime an author can pull those strong feelings out of me with words on a page i’m impressed.

The romance aspect was definitely a unique one based on the circumstances but I think the author did a really good job of making it…. not gross. LOL I don’t want to say more in fear of spoilers.

Although the ending was a bit predictable, I still really enjoyed it & I’ll be on the edge of my seat eating for the sequel.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley*

4.5 stars

I couldn’t wait to read this and was so excited to get an advanced copy! Loved this novel. Based in ancient Norse times with Freya, a shield maiden, and Bjorn the man who has to keep her safe from enemy capture (it’s a whole thing for protection against neighboring clans). A little slow in parts but kept me interested and going.

Other than a few slower parts, the only thing that made me mad is that it’s book one and there’s no release date for the next one. :)

I am very sad that this one didn't really work for me because I really did enjoy the Bridge Kingdom series from Danielle L. Jensen. But unfortunately I found the first half especially of this book very hard to get into and while there were definitely parts I liked, overall I almost didn't finish it.

First the things I liked - the characters. They were overall pretty likeable and I was intrigued by them and the romance at the start. It was kinda insta-lust, and Freya did end up annoying me a little bit at times. But I really did like Bjorn! And the spice was pretty good, I actually wasn't expecting it and was pleasantly surprised!

Okay now what didn't work for me: the plot and the world building. While there was a decent amount of action in the first half of the book, I was very confused at what the overall plot and goal was. Why were our characters doing what they were doing? And the world took me a little while to figure out what everything was because of the language and names. Maybe it would have made more sense if I knew more about Norse mythology, but I didn't so that took a little while to understand.

And the names...like I'm sorry but I kept tripping up over how to pronounce the names in my head which also slowed down my reading. Especially Ylva..I kept saving vulva in my head hahaha. So honestly in the first half I almost didn't finish. It did get a little better and I will say it read faster after I got to about 60% and was curious to see how it ended. It was definitely predictable in some ways, but I thought the ending was pretty good. Cliffhanger of course.

I'm still debating on whether I continue the series. I'm am interested in seeing what happens but if the pace and writing is the same, not sure if I will make it through. We'll see! But there are lots of good reviews on Goodreads so if it sounds like something you are interested, I would say still give it a shot!

4.5⭐️ what a delight to read!

This was so fun. Norse mythology, magic, forbidden romance, strange FMC, I really enjoyed this.

Half a point off because I saw one of the twists at the end coming a mile away, and I still have questions, but other than that I loved this. Freya is such a fun FMC to root for, and Bjorn has so many layers to him than just being a viking warrior prince. I can’t wait to see where this story goes, I’m anticipating this series to be a new favorite. Danielle L. Jensen did a wonderful job derail job with this and I’m so excited to continue reading this series.

This is easily going to be a Booktok favorite this year. Original, exciting and impossible to put down - Danielle never disappoints! I read this in a day. I loved the characters and am so sad that this isn’t released yet because I need the sequel!

I enjoyed the premise of the book as I'm a big fantasy/folklore/retelling fan. This has a couple of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers and the Chosen One. I did not realize going into it that it was a series starter so I guess the slowness of the plot makes sense. Looking back at the book blurb after reading the book, I realize that much of the mc training is glossed over. I feel like it should be a larger part of the plot as her being a shield maiden is central to the story. Characters are introduced in one chapter and killed of just a couple later and the bond between the mc and these deceased characters is supposed to be so great it effects her mentally. I need a little more interaction to get that sense of connection between them. There's one twist I didn't see coming which creates conflict between characters due to a misunderstanding. And a completely predictable plot twist at the end. I may or may not pick up the second title. I would give this a 3.5 stars.

Being a big fan of this author and of Norse mythology, I had really high hopes for this book and was not disappointed! The character development and world-building was thoughtful, well-paced, and imaginative. Some aspects of the plot felt rushed and confusing while others were a bit too drawn out, but overall it was a fun and engaging read. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of "romantasy" who enjoy a solid enemies-to-lovers slow(ish) burn and have an appreciation for lore and myths.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Narrator: Nina Yndis
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 2/27

The Bridge Kingdom is one of my favorite fantasy series, so when I was able to get my hands on this book early, I was elated! Danielle L. Jensen is so good at writing fast-paced romantasy, and this book delivered.

After being betrayed by her husband, Freya is forced to reveal her biggest secret: she has a drop of a goddess's blood in her veins, making her a valuable weapon and a tool to be used. As a shield maiden, Freya can fend off any attack in battle, which is why the jarl of Skaland marries her and uses her to force his enemies into bowing before him as king. Bjorn, the jarl’s son, has other plans for Freya, and has no intention of letting his father keep her.

I enjoyed this slow-burn romance! This is my first read in the world of Norse mythology, so learning about that as I read was especially interesting. All of the action and political maneuverings between clans made this a fast-paced read that kept me interested throughout.

I loved Freya and Bjorn! Despite Freya’s position and her life not being entirely her own, she still manages to be strong, outspoken, and loyal to those she loves. Bjorn is the man she’s been waiting for, the only person who has ever treated her as something other than a possession. He is loyal to a fault and loves Freya, even when she doesn’t think she deserves it.

Nina Yndis did the incredible narration for the audiobook version and really brought all of the action to life. It was also a nice bonus that by listening, I learned how to pronounce the names and phrases correctly.

As much as I enjoyed the story, it was also frustrating at times. I didn’t like a single character in this book except for Freya and Bjorn, and even Freya is hard to like at times. She is determined to defend her people even if it means her own downfall, and she refuses to accept advice or guidance from anyone. This was an exciting personality trait at first, but by the 75% mark, her character hadn’t changed, and it got repetitive. If she had grown or learned from her mistakes at any point, it would have made for a better read. With a little more character development, this could be a solid start to a great series.

Overall, I liked this one and am excited to see where the story is going. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for my advanced copy and PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook. #prhaudiopartner #prhainfluencer

A great start to a new series, a solid 4.25 star for me.

The world building was easy to understand and the character dynamics are quite clear from the very beginning. We get a feel for this Viking-inspired world and how and where Freya fits into it. Of course every tension filled flirty banter moment with Bjorn had me giggling and kicking my feet with anticipation. But Freya girl, you gotta read more romantasy books because we all saw that truth coming a mile away.

Much of the plot, especially the romance aspect was predictable but that doesn’t make it un-exciting. I thought Bjorn was amazing all the way through and was a great influence on Freya. I just wish she’d thought for herself a little bit more throughout the book and used the agency and influence she unfortunately didn’t know she had. Also, her family was crap. But I also understand that social dynamics in Freya’s world are very different from what I’ve experienced in real life. I empathize with her feeling powerless and used and not knowing how to break out of that cycle.

When it comes to Freya’s blood, again, based on what the gods tell say to her, “child of two bloods” I found it very obvious what that implied. But I couldn’t quite figure out who/where the second blood came from. It was a great reveal and absolutely made immediate sense as soon as it was voiced.

I’m excited to see Freya find herself in book 2 and learn a little bit more about the world that she actually lives in versus the propaganda and tradition she’s been saturated in since birth. She has dangerous gifts that she needs to reconcile with and let’s hope she can keep her raging temper in control enough to not destroy everything and everyone around her.

4.5 STARS!!!

I'm so thankful to have received the arc for this book and let me tell you, I was not disappointed AT ALL!!!! This was a highly anticipated release for me and it had me hooked right from the start.

Starting off with the plot. It was super unique, my first viking romantasy and I absolutely LOVED it. I loved the concept of fates in it, and the fantasy element in it. The fight scenes were so good, they had me on the edge of my seat and I was thoroughly entertained.

Both characters, Bjorn and Freya also had me captured. I immediately fell in love with Bjorn's character when he was introduced. I knew he was going to be a fav of mine and the banter he had with Freya did exactly what it needed to do. Freya was an incredible fmc, strong, headstrong and independent which I loved. Also their spicy scene.....you're not ready. SO GOOD.

The plot twist at the end of the book had me SHAKING. I'm so ready for the next book because with the way that this book ended.....everyone will be begging for the next right away.

Such a good read and I know it will not disappoint anyone!

I enjoyed this book overall!

While it didn’t stay consistent for me, and kind of dipped in intrigue it also eventually came back around and grabbed my interest again.

I wish the MFC had been a bit more… Well, just more. But I do love where the story was taken.

Having recently finished "A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle Jensen, I must say, it's been an exhilarating journey through a meticulously crafted fantasy world. Jensen's storytelling prowess shines through, painting vivid scenes and weaving intricate plotlines that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is its exploration of political intrigue. The twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing, and the depth of the world-building immersed me completely in the story. I found myself deeply invested in the fate of the characters, particularly the strong female protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both compelling and empowering.

Jensen's writing style is fluid and evocative, drawing me in with its rich descriptions and emotional depth. The pacing of the book is spot-on, making it difficult to tear myself away once I started reading!

Overall, "A Fate Inked in Blood" is a gripping fantasy novel that offers an immersive and unforgettable reading experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling adventure in a meticulously crafted fantasy world!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for granting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked in the first 15-20% of the book but thought the momentum died off and didn’t pick back up until the last 10% of the book. I would have liked to see more world building and background on the gods / different Viking groups.

However, I really enjoyed the ending of the book and am hoping to see some serious character growth for the FMC, Freya, in the next book. I’ll likely still pick up the next in the series as I’m interested enough to want to see where her story goes!

The historical allusions and nods were my favorite part of this book.

I was not super invested in the romantic storyline but I did enjoy the side characters and magic system.

The fish scene in the beginning was my favorite scene.

The descriptions were very intriguing and the setting really helped support the Nordic mythology and fantasy elements.