I am both happy and upset that I received an arc copy of this book. I’m happy because this book was amazing from start to finish but I’m upset because the book isn’t even out yet and now I have to wait for the second! The revelation at the end has my head spinning and I have so many questions that I’m hoping book 2 will answer them all. This is my first book by Danielle L. Jensen and she did not disappoint one bit. This book has everything you need. Magic, forbidden romance, slow burn, battles, a little mystery, spice, mythology, and plot twists you don’t see coming. There were a couple things that bothered me from the book, like how her family treats her and she continuously defends them when they don’t deserve it and how she reacts to certain events that happen halfway through the book, but overall this book was incredible and I can’t wait to see where Freya’s fate will go in the next book.

This is an amazing book! I was sucked into it from the start. I rated this very highly because of the engaging storyline, well-rounded world, and fleshed-out characters. There is a lot of action from the start! I enjoyed the main characters and am eager for it to continue! Strong female heroine, sizzling romance.

Danielle does it again!!! Her meticulous world building is the very definition of show not tell. It is woven into the story rather than entered in long passages. This is especially critical with a high fantasy setting. I loved that I could picture the map in my head without having one in the arc. The world just appeared so clearly to me.

Freya is everything I could possibly want from a Norse inspired spitfire blessed by a goddess. She is funny, brave, has faults, and is so so sick of being used. I love that she starts with sheer determination and will- not warrior fighting skills. A Fate Inked in Blood is a tensioned filled ride!

3.75⭐️ I’m going to be completely honest and admit that I really struggled with this story, especially during first 100 pages. This book had been one of my most anticipated releases for the past year, not only because of my heritage and love for Vikings, but because Danielle is a favorite author of mine. That being said, I found myself bored, waiting for some part of the story to hook me, and while I felt like things did pick up after roughly 100 pages, I still never got that gut tug, heart clenching urge to constantly turn the page to find out what happened next. I believe there were a few factors that played into my lack luster reading experience. First, I had a hard time connecting to the characters, in finding reasons to root for them or get behind the romantic tension. Second, while I think that the world building and set up of the Viking culture was great, I felt like the events that took place were something I had already read or watched before. Instead of being swept away and transported into the world of AFIIB, I kept seeing connections to episodes of Vikings or scenes from LOTR as I read. And finally, I found the events predictable. Nothing was much of a surprise and overall I was just left wanting. There was so much potential and a great story at its core, however I think my biggest struggle was the execution. Believe me when I say that I wanted to LOVE this book and truly thought that I would, but unfortunately that was not my experience. I do plan to continue reading the series when the second book is released, and I hope to enjoy what comes next in this saga!

Jarls, shieldmaidens, betrayal, and a magic system that is easy to understand...im all the way signed up! I love Danielle Jensen's writing. everything from my first read, The Bridge Kingdom and will always read anything that she puts out! This book is told from Freya's first person POV. I am especially excited about this series as this is heavy on the Norse mythology and that is something I always seek out and am so happy when it is done well! And this one definitely was! I found that the story kept my attention and made me never want to put it down...even to get food! I did find the twists to be predictable but that is something I always end up fingering out 90% of the time. All in all I can't wait to get a physical copy in my hands and reread and annotate it! I am excited to see where it goes next and going to be putting this in my "highly anticipated reads" for my future social media posts!

So much potential in this story. The beginning was really good. However, it took a turn into what the hell is going on and where are we supposed to be going. It was a mess that I continued to wade through in hopes we would find the good again. Unfortunately, it didn’t get there.

I started reading ‘A Fate Inked in Blood’ with no idea what to expect and ended up devouring it in 24 hours.

This book overall had solid world building and a really intriguing magic system. Jensen’s visceral descriptions of the powers and visions from the gods had me immediately hooked.

I liked Freya, but I wanted to see more character growth from her. The story revolves around her defying fate and yet it felt like she rarely made her own choices. I did really enjoy her relationship with Bjorn. Forced proximity romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book absolutely delivered.

The tone of the book had some issues. The characters would mainly use language that matched the setting but would randomly throw in a modern phrase that would completely pull me out of the world. It was unfortunate because most of Jensen’s writing was engaging and thoroughly held my attention.

All of the plot twists (and THAT ending) were really well set up and I can’t wait to see how the next book plays out.

Overall, I had a ton of fun with this book! I will be anxiously awaiting the second installment and will definitely check out more of Jensen’s works.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 ⭐️

⚔️ Norse mythology
✨ arranged marriage
⚔️ bodyguard
✨ forced proximity
⚔️ forbidden romance
✨ slow burn
⚔️ one horse
✨ touch her and die
⚔️ action-packed
✨ cliffhanger
⚔️ single POV

I LOVE books that have Norse mythology, it's so interesting and who doesn't love a rugged mead-drinking Viking?! This book has an epic plot that will hold your attention and you won't see the twist coming. Medium spice with all the banter and flirting vibes.

✨“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.”✨

✨“Oh, my poor frozen breasts. If only some generous man would offer to warm them for me.”✨

✨“You will not die today, Born-in-Fire, because I will slaughter anyone who comes near you. That is a promise.”✨

-The fact that I read this while I was reading House of Flame and Shadow, and still wanted to pick it up and enjoy it should say a lot about how good the story is-

*Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review-

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s your last read of January? I’m hoping to finish Katee Robert’s Radiant Sin today!

Have you seen as many recs for Danielle L. Jensen’s fantasy with romance books as I have? I’ve seen a lot.

I finally read this author with A Fate Inked in Blood, Jensen’s upcoming release, & it was quite the experience. With some levity, some banter, some murderous vengeance, some magic, steam, betrayal, & selflessness, this book really took me through the wringer & I enjoyed it so much.

Freya is a fishmonger’s wife until she’s manipulated into revealing that she actually has some god magic in her. The Jarl decides she is the fulfiller of a great prophecy & from there the book goes on wild twists & turns, all underpinned with emotional resonance & the building tension between Freya’s wants & what she thinks are her obligations.

I stan a heroine who isn’t afraid to express herself & a hero who openly shares his devotion to her. I wish the ending hadn’t been quite so predictable, or so angsty 😆, but this is a really great fantasy with some Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young vibes, a keen sense of suspense, & the emotional impact I want in my fantasy.

4.5 ⭐️. Out 02/27.

Lots of CWs including murder & violence. Please see a trusted reviewer’s list.

[ID: Jess’ white hand holds the ebook in front of a white paneled wall. On the left is a wooden arch hanging, above is a framed green print, to the left are framed dried flowers & agates, respectively.]

I loved this! Non stop action and adventure topped off with forbidden romance. The magic system is different then your typical fantasy word. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!

A Fate Inked in Blood is stunning! The world-building transports you to another land, the Norse mythology is blended perfectly with the plot to create an amazing fantasy romance. Freya and Bjorn have one of the most delicious forbidden romances I have read in a while. Their chemistry is sizzling and readers will not be able to get enough of them. This book is action-packed, has a cast of characters you will love, and is full of twists and betrayals. I cannot wait for the next book!

Rating:3📚

This was an interesting and sort of complicated book.

I did not particularly liked the FMC, I just was not able to connect with her. The storyline is engaging and the writing style is very easy to imagine.

I enjoyed some of the side characters and the villains did their job right.

I am curious as to what will happen next.

I’m unfamiliar with Norse mythology and that was a good thing as the story felt fresh. Freya is a great character and the banter between her and Bjorn was choice. I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen and I look forward to the next book.

Obsessed! I am absolutely obsessed with this book! I’ve had this book on my shelf for a hot minute, and could kick myself for not reading sooner!! I literally read it in a day and a half (stupid adulting).

I was sucked into this book from the get. Freya is not living the life she would choose for herself, but is doing what she has to do for her family. Everything for her comes back to doing for others, which was one thing that made me crazy about her, but also was relatable because it’s normal to want to care for others. I loved her strength, her fears, her sass. Bjorn <sigh> Bjorn is everything I love in a MMC! Protective, funny, sarcastic, swoony, just all the things! The banter and tension between he and Freya were 🔥. And man, it’s a slow burn, but so worth the wait!!! 🥵🔥

The pacing of the story moved almost perfectly (there were a couple spots it dragged for me because it felt like Freya was repeating herself, but didn’t bother me enough to not be in love with this book). I loved the world-building, as Danielle Jensen always does amazingly! The twists….I suspected a couple, but one I definitely didn’t see coming! I just loved how sucked into this book I got! The cliffhanger left me distraught, not gonna lie, but it just makes me want book 2 even more!

I highly, highly recommend this book!

A Fate Inked in Blood was a fantastic Norse mythology inspired romantasy. There were some action-packed, intense, amusing, and swoon-worthy moments that will leave you wanting more.

This was in the heroine’s POV only and there were some great tropes like, forced proximity, a bodyguard and a forbidden romance.

The overall premise was so intriguing. The world building was perfect and there was so many interesting characters. While, it was a bit slow-paced at times, there was lot of action, mystery and adventure. The Norse mythology throughout the story was beautifully explored and there was a lot of Gods, prophecies and magic involved as well.

The heroine was such a strong-willed and fierce character. Her storyline and growth was absolutely amazing. While, she did have a few frustrating moments her journey was still wonderfully explored.

The romance between the main characters was great. The hero’s witty banter was perfect and lead to some laugh out loud moments. The forbidden aspect of their romance made for some perfect tension and angst as well.

I will say that there were some predictable moments especially towards the end but I was still captivated and intrigued. The last few chapters lead to some amazing revelations and while this book does leave off an a cliffhanger, it’s not too bad.

Overall, just an incredible start to the series with such a strong heroine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I liked the plot/story of this book, my only issues were really that the major “reveals” that were left to the last 10 pages or so, I had assumed or called all but one by halfway through the book. Some of the writing felt a little repetitive at times, but overall it was an enjoyable read and I would pick up the next in the series. 3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

This book, omg, Danielle ways to build a story is amazing, this one is not different.
The world building is amazing and well structured. The characters relatable and interesting. The story absolutely engaging. Exited to see where this goes .

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is about a shield maiden who is blessed with magic and has the determination to be a warrior but is pushed into an unwanted marriage. She is then forced to fight her new husband's son to the death to prove her worth. But that's not the worst of it. Her opponent is someone she has a deep desire for!

This fantasy romance had me hooked from the very start! The plot was so fun, was fast-paced, and was super interesting. I literally couldn't put it down. You get everything you want in an adult fantasy like twists,  adventure, angst, tension, spice. The characters were so dynamic. Of course, you have the chosen one, war, and betrayals. The perfect fantasy!

I’m giving this book a 4/5 stars. This is the first book I’ve read from Danielle L. Jensen! I felt very immersed in the traditions and rituals of her Viking world. Actually, it resembled a lot of the show Vikings: Valhalla. Freya our MC was strong and independent. Freya & Bjorn their chemistry was fire. The reason I only gave this book 4 stars because I wasn’t hooked. I read other books between chapters of reading this book. I can’t put my finger as to why but a good solid read!

I really enjoyed the world building in this — the gods, the magic, the traditions & rituals. Norse mythology has always been an interest of mine so I was intrigued from the jump. For me, I didn’t mind how fast the pacing went because it kept me engaged even though the “twists” were fairly easy to see coming.

Unfortunately, Freya reads like a super horny teenager instead of a badass shield maiden. She shrieks, throws tantrums, vomits 4 times in reactions to things, and just really wants to bone the first hot guy who threw some witty banter her way. The romance part of this was written in a cringe-worthy way (almost YA vibes but with adult words so I just felt weird reading it, and I LOVE spice), and I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that it didn’t feel organic at all. There was no build, despite being an attempt at a slow burn, so it felt a little shoe-horned in and “told, not shown”. It almost reminds me of Fourth Wing in that regard, except a shade more… superficial? Luckily the romance is only one aspect of the book, and certainly not the best part.


BUT overall, I enjoyed my time in this world and I’m curious to read what happens next! Also - what a beautiful cover, am I right?