I loved this book! My biggest complaint is how long we’ll have to wait for the next one. The Norse mythology/backdrop has so many options for the rest of the series. Our main characters Freya and Bjorn have been blessed by the gods with a drop of divine blood & special talents. This makes them, and others like them, powerful pawns in the game of kings. This book was packed with twists and turns and I was there for it all. I’ll probably listen to the audiobook as well when it releases in February!

Danielle Jensen has me desperate for this book to come out and for the next in the series!

This Norse mythology inspired romantasy had me enthralled from beginning to end! What a rollercoaster with twists and turns; Love and betrayal!

And then just when we’re in deep conversation with this book, Danielle Jensen leaves us on read! The reader is left with just enough excitement to sweat until her next text! …

All I can say is, if he’s not a muscular guy with tattoos, long dark hair, and a flaming axe…I don’t want him.

thank you to Danielle L Jensen, Del Rey Books, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Freya was born with a unique power from the blood of a god but has always kept it hidden out of fear of being used against her will. Betrayed by her husband, Freya’s secret is out and she finds herself being forced to use her magic to help unite her homeland under one power-hungry king. She soon learns that this task is not without its complications as she meets the king’s handsome, but off-limits son.
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though this book was not a hit for me, i enjoyed freya and bjorn’s banter and instant chemistry. however, i felt disconnected from the main characters and we didn’t get much background on them until the very end. i wish the characters and world building were more fleshed out. i enjoyed learning about Norse mythology but I think the lack of world building made it hard to immerse myself in the story.

i love powerful, rage-filled female characters, however for all of freya’s talk about dreaming of being a warrior, i felt like every chapter she was somehow getting injured or passing out or falling off a mountain and needing the male love interest to save her.

though this book was not necessarily my cup of tea, it was an entertaining, quick read. i predicted the plot twists early on, but i still enjoyed seeing them play out as they set up nicely for the series to be continued.

if you enjoy tropes like forced proximity, chosen one, and forbidden love, this might just be the book for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I weave my own fate.”

The best reading decision I made was staying away from any and all synopsis of this book. (I didn’t even read the summary description on Goodreads.) All I knew about this book when I read it was Danielle Jensen, romantasy, and Norse Mythology, that was all I needed to know to request an arc. Then the arc Gods smiled upon me and gifted me with this masterpiece.

This is an epic high fantasy romance inspired by Norse Mythology. And it is spectacular. I think Danielle Jensen wrote it specifically for me, at least that’s what I tell myself, because this book has everything I wanted in it.

High Fantasy ✔️
Swoon worthy Romance ✔️
Norse Mythology ✔️
Strong FMC ✔️
Revenge ✔️
Epic Quest ✔️
Banter ✔️
Slow Burn ✔️
All the pining ✔️
Forbidden Love ✔️
Twists & Turns ✔️

Our main character, Freya, is at a major crossroads in her life where she finds herself gifted with immense powers, however, men with extreme power of their own are now fighting to possess her, or to kill her.

Except for one.

The banter and slow burn tension in this book is unmatched. The amount of times Bjorn had me swooning is positively criminal. These two will go down as one of my all time favorite book couples.

It takes a lot to surprise me in a book. I can usually smell a plot twist coming from a mile away, and can predict endings like it’s my job. This book? 4 times, 4 TIMES, I literally screamed out loud because I did not see her twists coming. From the very beginning, to the final page, I was on the edge of my seat clutching my chest with this story. The cliffhanger knocked me on my ass and I’m just counting the days until I can request an arc for the second book in this series.

I implore you, read this book.

If you love epic high fantasy romance, this was made for you.

If you love kick ass strong female characters who are not to be messed with, this was made for you.

If you love good old fashioned romance with the swooniest of Viking men, this was made for you.

If you’ve read John Gwynnes The Bloodsworn and were hoping for more romance, this was made for you.

Again, read this book friends.

Thank you Danielle Jensen for writing this.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Random House and DelRey books for gifting me with this arc.

Oh where to begin with this book?!? Holy smokes it was perfection! It met all my Danielle Jensen expectations after reading the Bridge Kingdom. Freya is a total baddie! I love her! I love her magical abilities/powers! She is also a snarky little thing and I enjoy that too! She is being used by a King to help him defeat neighboring Viking like territories. He thinks she was prophesied about and meant to be his wife and help him conquer. His son on the hand is a man named Bjorn. Bjorn is just a superb character! He is well rounded, has great magical powers, can be snarky, and also tries to hide that he can be caring. He seems to butt heads with his dad a lot. It also seems like he isn't sure about the prophecy and the fate of Freya. Nordic gods are woven into this tale! There are actions scenes that include fighting and battles. This book is also has a relationship between Freya and Bjorn that is enemies, to friends, to angsty lovers, to I don't know what by the end. The plot twist at the end was totally insane! I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to read the next book!

What a ride. I was instantly transfixed with this story. It takes Norse mythology and opens us to a bran new fantasy world.

Freya has a magical secret, even so, her life is not in her control. From a bad husband to another. Her family is in jeopardy and she has to bow to those with power, even though she holds the most of it Her fate is sealed by the Gods or is it?

This book is a fantasy but the author doesn’t weigh you down with the world building. It’s easy to follow and gripping. It has a forbidden love story and steam. It does end on a cliffhanger so be warned!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.

I am absolutely obsessed with this. I could not stop reading this ans I can't wait for the next book in the series to keep reading. I am absolutely obsessed over this book!! Such and original story and I loved every word of it!!
I just reviewed A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen. #AFateInkedinBlood #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

If you enjoyed playing Skyrim, enjoyed watching the show Vikings and love mythology about the Gods then this is ABSOLUTELY the book for you!

This was my first Danielle L. Jensen novel and all I have to say is WOW!!! Truly, from page ONE I was instantly hooked, all throughout the story I just wanted more, more, more. And it kept on delivering!

When I say I enjoy reading fantasy, THIS is what I mean!

Following the character development for Freya made the story progress in the best way possible, show that each choice she made did in fact affect those around her. Bjorn is that Viking warrior we all want, and the chemistry between the two was perfect.

I have not had enough of this book and I am beyond ready for book 2 in this series. So do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK on release day!!

This book was compelling and so entertaining. Jensen created a powerful mix of magical gods, fated destinies, suspense, and complex (yet fun) characters that kept me reading. I am not-so-patiently awaiting the sequel.

The plot: To her husband, Freya is nothing but a disagreeable housewife. In reality, she is blessed by powerful gods with world=altering powers and possesses a hunger to be a warrior. When Freya's husband betrays her, she is cast into a dangerous battle with Bjorn, a famed warrior and son of a powerful regional jarl. Freya becomes embedded in an extensive plot by the jarl to conquer neighboring lands, as he believes her fated to be his secret and powerful "shield maiden." After being forced to wed the Jarl, Freya's life grows more complicated as she must learn to control her magic (and her growing attraction to Bjorn) while surviving the brutalities of daily life in warring Skaland.

My opinion: Two unique elements of the book really stood out to me: the Scandinavian setting & artful weaving of Norse-inspired god mythology, plus the use of fate beyond the romantic fated mate trope which has become very common. Overall, the characters felt well developed and Freya/Bjorn's relationship evolution was believable and made me root for them. I did not see some of the twists coming which made the ending very fun to read. I believe this book is a solid foundation for a sequel/trilogy and will hook readers who enjoy fantasy, mythology, and enemy to lovers stories alike.

Thanks NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC!

I enjoyed this! Having Norse-inspired elements mixed in with the romantasy was cool. There's plenty of adventure, fighting, arguing, lusting, and lore, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange of an honest review.

4⭐️
2 🌶️

This is one of the few Norse inspired fantasy reads I’ve ever read and it was an action packed ride!

Freya is a strong FMC. Blessed by the gods. Her fate has been foretold and is forced into a marriage with power hungry Jarl Storri. Will she follow her foretold fate or rewrite and start anew?

I love Bjorn! This MMC is blessed by the gods and the son of Jarl Storri. His banter with Freya is so good!

There is an action scene in a tunnel in this book that gave me CHILLS. It’s was epic and has under the mountain vibes from LOTR.

Would love to see this adapted to film! This story is action packed!

If you love the show Vikings, The Last Kingdom, or. Vikings Valhalla, this book is for you!

I had HIGH hopes for this book. The cover is beautiful, my most trusted booktokers were excited about it, and Norse mythology has been a life long interest of mine. THANKFULLY, this book did NOT disappoint. The story was as beautiful and well designed as the beautiful cover. The characters were engaging and well built. Honestly, the only disappointment is that I now have to wait for the rest of the books.

This was one of my favorite reads of 2023. I loved the incorporation of Norse mythology and felt that it provided such a unique take on characters who have been blessed with magic. I could not get enough of the love story developing between the two main characters but it never took away from the overall plot that was developing throughout the story. The FMC was such a strong character and one of my favorites in a long time. She had such great character development through the story with some help from the MMC. I feel like I can predict plot twists from a mile away these days but did not see this one coming! It made me want to instantly reread to see what I could pick up on the second time around. Overall a phenomenal book and book 2 will be highly anticipated!

This story was so different from anything out there right now. The story also was totally unpredictable!! I truly had no idea which way the story was going to go and was unable to guess any twists. This was lovely and I’m excited to read more!!

I love Danielle Jensen's books so much and this one was no different. I loved Freya, Bjorn and all of the mythology they encompassed. I can't wait to continue the series.

I freaking enjoyed this book! The banter was incredible and it just left me needing more.

Danielle has done it again with her writing.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Delray for the advance copy.

Wow, Danielle L Jensen. Just WOW. I am rendered speechless at how FANTASTIC A Fate Inked In Blood is! Y’all, go preorder it now.

A Fate Inked In Blood is action and adventure on top of even more action and adventure. It is a nonstop train ride that ends on a cliffhanger. What a ride!

My heart just felt for Freya. The lady is a pawn and a weapon used over and over again. You cannot trust anyone when it comes to her. Bjorn is the perfect fantasy male - tall, dark, and handsome with muscles galore and swoony lines.

Days after finishing, my mind is still reeling at all of the deception and manipulation and betrayal. There are so many twists and turns. It’s gripping. You will not be able to put it down. So, so good.

Read if you love:
• a story for the ages
• delusional kings
• uncomplicated world building
• flawed characters
• magic

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Closed door modification: Chapters 19, 24, 26, 33

OMG! This was amazing! I was hooked within 15 pages! My first time reading from this Author, and I will be reading more. How she wrote the characters, the feelings, the battles, the visuals… amazing. The FMC (freya) was written as a strong yet timid women. Gave kinda We are woman, hear us roar vibes! She was strong, but timid and sad. Didn’t know who she could trust. Everyone wanted her power, not her. Really sad as I keep reading. The MMC, was played great. You think one thing, bam! Surprise! The next BIG book of 2023/2024 VERY GOOD!

I've been a fan of Danielle L. Jensen's other romantasies and knew I'd enjoy this one as well, and I was right! Rich world building, culture, Viking-esque lore, forbidden love -- this book has it all! Really excited for the next book in the series!

I freaking loved this one. I will absolutely be reading the next one (and everything Jensen has written before). I loved the Norse mythology of it all and the idea of the unfated -- people with a drop of god blood that makes them wildly powerful and able to change the course of fate. The different powers people inherit from the gods are super interesting and the world in general is just cool.

Freya is such an interesting MC -- she is DEEPLY frustrating at times and makes decisions that made me want to shake her but are consistent with her character. She is a liiiiiiiiiittle martyr-y at times (and that drives a lot of the conflict in the book) but learning more about her heritage and history helps ground her decisions.

Bjorn is A++. I loved how they had incredible tension right from their first meeting and WHEW it gets *steamy*. His background and the slow unfurling of his history is really well done. I predicted some of the plot twists but being able to predict them didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story or their eventual reveal.

Snorri is an excellent villain and the secondary characters in general are pretty compelling (I love you Bonil). The ending is a cliffhanger (unsurprising albeit slightly annoying) but I'm very excited to see where this series goes next!