2.5 stars.

Honestly, this story was quite predictable, especially as it gets closer to the end. The plot is very slow and there isn't much that happens. I didn't like the fmc; she was so impulsive and rash and there wasn't anything that she brought to the story. The mmc was alright but he didn't really stand out to be. Their relationship didn't really have much development and it seemed more like lust than anything. Freya continuously wanted to prove how much she would be able to contribute and save everything but she definitely did not deliver. Points to Bjorn for standing by her side through everything though; I feel like most of the book was just him saving her.

There wasn't really all that much worldbuilding and I struggled to keep my interest. There was a lack of depth regarding the story and the characters, there was no background, and even the romance was not it.

I'm not sure if I loved it as Much as The Bridge Kingdom, but time and the next installment will tell. I loved the mythology - this was fast paced and so enjoyable to read.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

Absolutely incredible and engaging from start to finish. Danielle Jensen is an incredibly talented storyteller, who has crafted a unique and vibrant world, with complicated characters and a rich background.

I have tried multiple times to get through this book. I even bought a physical copy since its passed pub day but no matter what, I come back to DNF. I am sorry Danielle, I love you always.

I really enjoyed this book! I was in a bit of a Viking era when reading this so it was perfect timing!

unfortunately i couldn't quite get into this book. i wasn't a huge fan of the romance or the setting. I found myself not rooting for the two main characters to get together.

I didn't realize that I hadn't submitted a review for this book here! I finished this book back in February and I actually really enjoyed it!

I haven't read a lot of Norse mythology inspired books, but those I have tried, I have really enjoyed and this was no exception. I went in with pretty high expectations since I really love The Bridge Kingdom series, and thankfully, this did not disappoint and I will definitely be continuing on in the series.

Unfortunately since I read this so long ago, my memory is not super great on the details so I can't give an in depth review. I do however remember enjoying the strong and sassy main character and found the world building and plot to be enjoyable if not a bit predictable. I also remember it being a kind of insta-love story, which admittedly isn't my favorite.

I have read Danielle L Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom series before and enjoyed them so I was interested in when I saw she was writing a new book. Though this book description caught my attention right away, I procrastinated reading it when I realized it was part of a series and the next one wasn't announced yet.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters, but I definitely saw some of the twists and turns way early. I am still excited for the next book because though I figured out a lot of things early in this book, there are still some explanations that I look forward to seeing in the next one!

Fingers crossed that the author writes fast and that I don't have to wait too long for the next one!

Thank you to #Netgalley for an ARC - all thought and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the early read .

This book had adventure, romance, intrigue, and Vikings! The pacing was really good. Overall I had a great time with this book. That ending was great and I look forward for the next book to come out. 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I am fairly new to the fantasy genre. Having only read a few of the quite popular ones. I found the main character very easy to root for and a storyline easy to follow however, it was hard for me to follow alot of the dialogue as my first Norse novel. I can see how this rose a popularity so quickly and I would recommend it to anyone who likes that sort of mythology, but I am unfamiliar and had a really hard time following along and it lost my interest along the way. Again just because it was not for me I could see how it would be an excellent read for someone with like interest and I would recommend this to them based on their interest.

I love Danielle L Jensen, and A Fate Inked in Blood just solidified that love.

I absolutely ADORE a book that gives me a strong FMC, a sweet but sexy MMC, and then makes it into a VIKING ROMANCE? Sign me up, baby because I'll buy tickets to that show every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

This was essentially a super spicy Skyrim (instead of Dragonborn soul eating Freya has magical capabilities) and I adore it.

Danielle L. Jensen NEVER misses. I read this entire book in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. Some of the plot twists were admittedly a bit predictable but I sincerely don't mind because the world and these characters are EVERYTHING. This is a fast paced, high stakes novel and I am salivating for the next installment. I am so invested in these characters and where this journey will take them. Danielle L. Jensen will always be an immediate purchase author for me.

I have liked Danielle’s other books, especially the dark shores series but this one felt. Flat. The characters were not engaging, the romance felt forced , and the ending was very predictable. I guessed who would be the real villain half way through. And the main character was very whiny, very Mary Sue. Not my favorite.

i absolutely love this book and the main character she did everything she could to keep the people she loved safe i just wish there was more depth to the love story of this it felt very insta lovey or insta lust if you know what i mean. i am excited for the next book and will def be preordering!!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review! Danielle Jensen is always fun to read. Where “The Bridge Kingdom” centers on a confident MFC in a medieval setting, this Norse-inspired fantasy features a young woman coming into her power and learning to fight for what she wants. Whether you’re an old or new reader of Jensen, you’ll find something to enjoy in this action-packed romantasy.

⇢➤ Plot: Freya is a young, unhappy wife, leashed to a selfish husband. She keeps her head down in order to hide her secret: she possesses the blood of Hlin and the powers of the shield maiden. However, when her husband betrays her, Freya must step into her destiny, tapping into her power and her desire to fight. She must balance her fate with her desire to be free from the men hellbent on using her.

⇢➤ Pros: Freya is less self-assured than Jensen’s other protagonists which was a refreshing change of pace. She’s been molded by Nordic social expectations, her father’s worry, and her brother’s aspirations. Almost every man in this book has used Freya for their own gain in one way or another. And then there’s Bjorn. (Sweet, musclehead Bjorn that I unfortunately picture as a viking Travis Kelce.)

Freya’s growth as a character coincides with Bjorn’s support and insight. While they’re pitched at times as enemies, neither character buys into that narrative. The two are frustrated with their circumstances and the expectations laid on them. Their banter was my favorite part of the book. Their romance was organic and I enjoyed the twist at the end.

⇢➤ Cons: The pacing of this novel is all over the place. I flew through the first 25% of this book. Unfortunately, the middle section screeches to a halt with trials that do little to further the plot. While it’s meant to showcase Freya growing into herself, I would have preferred seeing her strength of character through protecting her loved ones rather than climbing three hills/mountains of varying complexity. There are also enough hints sprinkled throughout that the minor twists are obvious.

For the amount of time they emphasize Freya’s need to train and get stronger, there is one montage with Bjorn and one montage with Bodil… and then she’s off to battle. Please let this woman build an ounce of muscle. I am so worried for her.

⇢➤ Recommended for fans of: Carissa Broadbent

this was ... okay? it took a while for me to finish this, and i think the characters just did not click for me, both individually and as a romantic relationship. i much prefer danielle l jensen's other series.

Jensen writes an impeccable slow burn and I was drawn into the strife and forbidden romance immediately, who doesn't love a grumpy MMC? I wouldn't recommend this for students under 18 because it's not closed door/fade to black but it is a great story about self discovery, self empowerment, and standing up for yourself.

A story with plenty of potential but a few flaws. The book starts out strong with sizzling chemistry between the mmc & fmc and had me hooked to see what happened between them. Outside of the romance I was intrigued by Freya and her story.

Freya was fiery and opinionated but at times she contradicted herself and I truly didn’t understand her emotions or the way she acted. I wanted to root for her but found it hard at times.

Bjorn’s banter was incredible at first. I didn’t really enjoy where the story went relationship wise. It was obvious he was hiding something and I didn’t feel that their relationship truly developed. It started with a burn and then faded out over time. I lost interest.

The setting and vibes felt unique and the story was readable and entertaining most of the time but unfortunately I found myself confused and not understanding what happened more than once. Things didn’t feel clear and I didn’t enjoy myself anymore. The ending has a twist that I just didn’t enjoy. I might pick up the second one, I might not. Either way I still plan to check out the author's other series, the bridge kingdom, one day. This one may have just been a miss for me!

A fantasy romance that has me eager for book 2! I struggled a bit with the world building aspect for a chunk of the book, but the romance kept me engaged. It was a unique read that I'd recommend to any romantasy reader!

I really enjoyed A Fate Inked in Blood, it's definitely different from the type of fantasy books I usually read. This was my first mythology based fantasy book and it won't be my last.

My biggest complaint is that I was confused for a portion of the book because there wasn't enough explanation or world building so if you're not familiar with the Norse magic and/or gods, you'll likely be in the same boat. This is also definitely a SLOW burn romance.

Even so, this is a book I would recommend. I can't wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley, Danielle L. Jensen and Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!