The same level of spice and anticipation I’ve come to expect from Jensen! The characters are fiery and fun and the plot is engaging without being too heavy! I loved all the Norse mythology and mentions of magic, though it was a little bloody for my taste!

For the lovers of long fantasy saga's with that dash of romance that keeps you hooked into each pages with your long nails digging into the binding.... This book has a wonderful blend of both genres. you will not miss one or the other!

Action-packed, and full of tension A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen will completely transport you, and will keep you flipping the pages.

I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down, and I cannot wait for more! It had some surprises throughout the book and I loved it!

I really struggled with this one. I felt like I've read a storyline like this before so all I kept doing was comparing it to that one in a sense of deja vu. I really like Danielle Jensens books. The Bridge Kingdom series is one of my faves. The characters just fell flat and unmemorable however in this one. I liked the vibe and the settings, something Jensen does fantastically but the plot and characters just didn't keep my attention.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle Jensen. First, the cover is gorgeous and reading that first editions will have special features such as foiling makes me look forward to getting a physical copy of this book (pre-ordered after reading this ARC) as well because it will look amazing on my book shelf. Also, let me say that the FMC was giving me Lagertha from Vikings vibes, who was one of my favorite characters. I liked the character development and plot. I would definitely recommend this to others.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Danielle L. Jensen is one of my favorite adult romantasy writers, so I was thrilled to have received an advanced copy of the first book in her new series. A Fate Inked in Blood is a captivating story packed with action, suspense, and intrigue. The world-building, characters, and plot are layered and complex, and I found myself easily falling into the story. Jensen’s writing is very immersive and rich with details that enhance the characters and setting, and I always get sucked into her stories quickly. This is no exception. It’s dark and intense, and there are a bunch of unexpected twists and turns that left me shook.

I love Freda! She is such a badass protagonist, and a fighter both literally and figuratively. This is a woman who has faced such adversity and heartbreak, and yet she survives. I became so engrossed in her story, and I love how the author brought this fierce and passionate woman to life. Devoted to her family, her sense of duty, and her people, Freya never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against her like they are in most of the book. Bjorn is fantastic, too, though his motivations aren’t as clear as Freya’s. I was eager to learn more about him, his past, and his feelings about his father and the political turmoil in their world.

Other characters are as fun to hate as Freya and Bjorn are to love, and there are several morally grey characters that I’m eager to learn more about. I have a feeling the next book in the series is going to reveal some interesting insights into these men and women, and I’m already super excited for it.

Of course, for me, the highlight of the book is the incredibly swoon-worthy romance between Freya and Bjorn. Man, do these two have chemistry! They make such an amazing team, and their slow-burning romance is everything! Their love story is rife with danger, intrigue, secrets, lies, and more, and both characters are put to the test. I so wanted Freya and Bjorn to end up together, but I also knew Jensen was going to rip out my heart before patching it up again. Hopefully, the same will happen to her characters. Lol

The plot is super suspenseful and intriguing, and there are so many dangerous human and non-human threats that put Freya’s life at constant risk. Whew! This is not a light read, and there are some darker moments, but they only highlight the difficulties and hardships Freya goes through. It’s so engrossing, and there are some powerful themes about survival, fighting for one’s autonomy, the corruptive nature of power, greed, and more.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun buddy read, and after that shock at the end, I need the next book asap. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This was a good 3.75/5 star review for me.
A Fate Inked in Blood was such a brilliant book to read. I love a good Norse inspired book, they tend to be my favorite. It has some of the recent popular favorites of; forbidden romance, SLOW burn, and a bit of a bodyguard trope.
Freya is a distinctive character in the fact that she’s very selfless. Her whole life she has kept the secret of being a Shield Maiden in order to protect those around her. Even as the story goes on she is continuously doing all that she can to protect her family, even in cases most would not.
Bjorn was a very witty and enchanting character for this mix. Yet he is also a tad cryptic, which left me constantly excited to learn more about him, and of course for the wonderfully written tension between him and Freya to finally burst.
While I loved this book, it did leave me a little confused a couple of times as it often had a battle was happening and then shortly after they were all just sitting around getting drunk. It was a bit repetitive, but I do get that’s what the story is about.
The ending was intense even though it was very foreseeable. I think Danielle L. Jensen purposely foreshadowed a lot during the story. I’m so eager for the second book already, and cannot wait to see where this journey leads us. Whether or not you enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom I would say give this a read. It’s a very well done Romantasy that’s a bit different from the other main stream ones right now, yet keeps all of the elements people seem to be dying for.
Thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss+ and Del Rey for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book, hands down. Jensen has definitely done it again. Her world building is SO strong that I felt I was there, with all of the characters. This story line, while a little bit slow at some points, keeps it's audience engaged. It was so fun to read something different, and I absolutely loved every second of it. Definitely one I'll buy, and I can't wait for the next one. 5/5 for me.

I have no words to describe how much I love this book. I have pre-ordered it and I'm excited to meet Danielle L. Jensen during her book tour. This book had everything I enjoy about in a romantacy.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a Norse-Inspired fantasy book with romance elements. Freya (FMC) turns out to possess the blood of Hlin- which gives her the ability to repel attacks making her a shield maiden- which legends tell that whoever possesses/controls the shield maiden will be the one to unite the fractured nation of Skaland (be king and ruler). She then becomes one of Snorri's wives (her region's jarl) and joins in fight to become the lead of Skaland. However things get complicated when Snorri's appoints his son, Bjorn (according to legends- he is to protect and train her (during trials set by the gods and also in uniting Skaland under Snorri's power).

I liked that the FMC was not perfect- it was good to see each side of her- both strong, wittiness and then times where she was selfish and immature. The MMC was EVERYTHING that the FMC needed despite some things later on in the book.

And that ending- I'm counting the days until I know more after that cliffhanger of an ending. I can't wait to see what is to come with this series.

This was a 5 out of 5 book and I'm excited to read other series by Danielle L. Jensen.

I don’t know how long I have to wait until the sequel, but however long it is, it is too long!

I loved this book from the very start and could not put it down. The magic, the main characters and the romance are all top tier! I loved this and I love Danielle and I cannot wait for more in this series.

A Fate Inked in Blood is a captivating and thrilling debut novel in a Norse-inspired fantasy romance series by the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series. Set in a world of gods and warriors, this book takes readers on an epic journey filled with intense battles, forbidden desires, and the ultimate quest for power.

The story revolves around Freya, a shield maiden blessed by the gods. Bound in an unwanted marriage, she dreams of becoming a warrior and seeking revenge against her boorish husband. Little does she know that fate has something grand in store for her.

When Freya's husband betrays her to the region's jarl, she finds herself thrust into a fight for survival against his fiery son, Bjorn. In order to stay alive, Freya must reveal her deepest secret - she possesses a drop of a goddess's blood, granting her magical abilities as a shield maiden capable of repelling any attack.

As prophecies unfold, it becomes clear that Freya's magic holds the key to uniting the fractured nation of Skaland. However, she must navigate treacherous alliances, face the wrath of the fanatical jarl, and resist her growing desire for Bjorn, who is bound to protect her at all costs.

The narrative is rich in Norse mythology and intricately weaves together elements of romance, action, and political intrigue. The author's vivid descriptions bring the world of Skaland to life, immersing me in its rugged beauty and dangerous landscapes.

A Fate Inked in Blood offers a refreshing take on a romance set in a fantasy realm. The chemistry between Freya and Bjorn is palpable, and their forbidden attraction adds depth and tension to the story. Freya's inner struggles are portrayed with authenticity, making her a relatable and fierce protagonist.

Overall, A Fate Inked in Blood is an enthralling start to a new series, blending Norse mythology, romance, and adventure seamlessly. Fans of epic fantasy and compelling love stories will be captivated by this tale of a shield maiden's journey to claim her destiny while battling both external foes and the desires of her own heart.

Thank you to Random House Publishing, Danielle L Jensen and NetGalley for my eARC.

This book was amazing!! First I love Norse mythology so I loved seeing that in a book. The book was fast paced with lots of action throughout. The romance (a classic enemies to lovers trope) between the FMC and MMC was great, especially the banter. At first I was not sure if I liked Freya, I felt she was a bit naïve at some points, but I think that will change and she will evolve as she grows in the story, which I think will be fun to witness. As the book ends on a cliffhanger I will definitely be wanting to read the second in the series.

Absolutely loved this! It’s really got it all: great characters, a Norse setting, magic, and romance. I couldn’t put it down and cannot wait for book two!

A keyword that will always intrigue me is “Norse myology inspired”. And boy did this deliver. The mythology while integrated wasn’t overwhelming like it can often be. This was my first book by this author and it really gave me what I was looking for in a “romantasy” aspect. Forced proximity and a handsome Viking will always be a perfect combo!

5/5

"A Fate Inked in Blood" is an enthralling Norse-inspired fantasy romance that weaves together the epic journey of Freya, a shield maiden named Born-in-Fire, with rich Norse mythology and palpable emotional depth. From the relentless banter infused with humor to the forbidden love and thrilling enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative unfolds with Freya's fight for survival, fueled by her extraordinary newfound abilities. This novel masterfully blends elements of revenge, self-discovery, and passionate romance, making it an unputdownable adventure that lingers in the reader's mind. I found myself captivated by the unfolding mystery and the palpable tension between Freya and Bjorn and unable to put the book down. "A Fate Inked in Blood" is not just a fantasy; it's a compelling journey into a world where gods and mortals collide, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.

This is a Norse-inspired romantasy about a shield maiden and a prophesy that foretells a united kingdom under the one who can control her. As a child of a goddess, Freya is seeking to determine her own fate while protecting her family and community, but everyone else is seeking to use her for their own glory.

The plot moves along steadily and there is plenty of action, politics, and Norse mythology. I liked Freya as a character even though I felt she was a little naive at times, but I’m looking forward to her grow throughout the series. This is a book that leans heavily into the romance themes, so expect more witty banter and tension than training montages and realistic timelines.

I did enjoy it, especially the ending, and am looking forward to what comes next in the series.

3.75⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the eARC.

A Fate Inked in Blood is the first in a new series by Danielle L. Jensen inspired by Norse mythology, with non-stop action, forced proximity & forbidden love, and learning to forge your own fate. This is a fast-paced read that I think fans of the "romantasy" genre will really enjoy!

I loved the premise of this book. It's not very often you get to read a fantasy romance centered around Norse mythology, so that made the plot very unique, along with the magic system. In this book certain children are blessed with a drop of a God's blood at birth, and they can call on that god for the use of their powers. Our FMC has powers that are very sought after, and there is a prophecy, stating whoever controls her will become king. So naturally, everyone is fighting over here. I enjoyed the romance between the FMC and MMC as well, it had a nice build up and the two spicy scenes were very well done. I loved our MMC.

I only have one issue with the book. The FMC I did not connect with, at first I loved her, and by the end she honestly annoyed me. The entire book she is just allowing herself to be used by others. She's lets her family treat her like trash and she is very easily manipulated. I kept wanting her to stick up for herself, or put her foot down and create boundaries, but it just didn't happen in this book. Since this is the first in a series, I'm hoping to see a lot of character growth. Since she is the only thing about the book I didn't like, I will be reading the next book and see if her character grows and changes.

Wow oh wow… halfway through I had to buy the preordered hard copy for my shelves. I can not wait for the next book. This book blends Norse/Vikings and mythology/fantasy so well. She writes in a way that you wish you could jump into the pages and enter this world. This book had me equally rushing through to see what would happen next and wanting to slowly drink it all in. Given that it’s an ARC, I’m sure something will be hammered out but overall, this is a must read!