This was my first 5 star read of the year.

The author's voice really shines through on this one. As a fan of her work, I was immediately impressed with how well she does creating a setting just through the prose. One thing that Jensen always does well is create real characters and she did the same in this one. The main character, Freya, springs off the page. She immediately makes decisions that feel inline with her as a character and, even as she's straight up killing people, you want to love her.
That was honestly one of the best parts.. This character is a killer, kind of wants to be a killer, and is expected to be one. This was a nice change from other books where thee MC says she's a ruthless villain but you never see it.
I also truly loved the mythology that was included in this book and the magic system itself was very interesting.
As for the romance.... ooh boy. I loved this bit. Jensen, yet again, created a swoon worthy romance between the pages of this book. I loved Bjorn as a character and truly cannot wait for the next book in this series. I need it immediately.
I will say that I guessed the few major twists in this story early on. However, I've trained myself what to look out for so I don't think it was too obvious necessarily...but I could see the argument for some of the foreshadowing being heavy handed. Even with that, the book was so well polished and the characters, setting, and worldbuilding so freaking good... this received an unequivocal 5 stars - no questions needed,
I will continue to recommend this author and cannot wait for the next book in this series. Excuse me while I go cry while we wait.

I’m a huge fan of Danielle especially her dark shores series but this was also a good one! I’m not a huge Viking person but she definitely intrigued me with her characters and her romance. I’m hooked

Oh my god! Danielle never disappoints. Like never ever. When it comes to them, it never a miss.
First of all, let’s appreciate the cover, i mean look at this beauty, isn’t it stunning?
And the story actually matches this beautiful cover. This was an epic novel. And probably my new fav from the author but it is quite hard to choose.
I can’t wait for more people to read this so that i can discuss it!

This book is why I sometimes hate ARC copies, it is over and I have finished it before it is even published and I don’t know how I am going to survive however long it’s going to take for book 2. A Fate Inked in Blood was incredible. Easily one of the best books I read this year and I finished in less than 2 days. Some of the dialogue vocabulary I have to piece together but only because world building is tough and there’s something new for each Romantasy book read. Freya and Bjorn are hysterical to the point where I am occasionally laughing out loud. Not a comedy book, actually not at all but their banter is solid. This book contains all the best things: magic, gods, enemies (but not really) to lovers, competitions, proving yourself, and some damn the man energy. I cannot wait to read this again.

Okay wow let me start by saying this book had me so hooked from the beginning that I started and couldn't stop until around 4am.

When I wasn't reading - literally only because I was at work - I couldn't stop thinking about this book.
The setting, the characters, the magic, the plot. It felt like I was watching the show Vikings in my head.

I can't believe I have to wait for the next book to come out but damn was it worth reading this early. After this I was so inspired to read that I actually got 2 books ahead of schedule on my reading goal for the year.

No spoilers but do yourself a favor and pick up this book asap!

As someone who doesn't typically delve into Norse mythology-based literature, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the depth and allure of this fantasy world. I chose a rating of four stars because the book grabbed my interest and held it through the very last page.

The magic system is well-crafted, and the world-building draws inspiration from established mythologies, which provides a sense of familiarity for those who read a lot but is simple enough to hold any fantasy-lover. The narrative weaves together world-altering prophecies, divine interventions shrouded in mystery, and the captivating use of blood from various gods as potent tools in the hands of those in power. Political marriages, shifting alliances, and a complex web of intrigue enrich the storytelling, resulting in a captivating and multifaceted plot.

However, it's worth noting that the plot's pacing can feel a bit unrealistic. The breakneck speed at which events unfold, while contributing to the sense of urgency surrounding Freya's fate, leaves little room for deeper exploration and character development.

I look forward to getting to know the other characters and further exploring (reading about) this world.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my review!

A Fate Inked in Blood follows Freya after the magic she has kept secret for years has been uncovered. A power hungry jarl takes her as his second wife in order to fulfill the prophecy that will allow him to unite Skaland to invade their enemies in the north. Danielle L. Jensen is a master of pacing. This book is fast-paced, but still allows the reader to adjust and process the magic system and world building–you don’t need to be an expert in Norse mythology to pick this one up and run!

The heroine, Freya, is altruistic to a fault, but also battles internal demons spurred by rage and grief. She is such a complicated and beautiful heroine. You celebrate her success and groan at her poor decisions. She’s quick witted yet obtuse. I was frustrated yet fascinated by Freya and only after a few days of reflection came to realize I see so much of myself and my own battles in her. Freya is an excellent depiction of a woman who struggles deeply, feels the weight of life’s burdens and still finds it in her power to dream of a better future. I think the ability to reflect reality is the mark of a great fantasy.

I’m a sucker for the pain of forbidden love and slow burn, so I enjoyed all the moments of pining and those interrupted moments of weakness between Bjorn and Freya. Bjorn was a lovable, protective MMC with a mysterious past. The two had a great banter and quick-wit that had me smirking right along with them. I was frantically turning the page whenever Freya and Bjorn were on page together.

Alright, now buckle up for my mini rant. When I prepared to read a Viking shield maiden story, I thought I would read about powerful and revered women. Of course I expected a level of barbarism from men (because …men), but I also expected examples of matriarchal society and the vital role of women in viking culture. One of the reasons I am fascinated by viking history is because women were valued and respected warriors as well as housewives that were trusted to oversee business while their men were gone for months at time raiding. Without sharing any spoilers, there were very few representations of women whose ideas were valued, who were warriors alongside men, who managed life at home without the help of other men, etc. I understand the reasons the FMC is not placed in this position, but I struggled with only one other female side character who truly seemed like a valued leader.

That being said, I can accept that this is a fantasy and Jensen can choose which elements of viking history would best advance the storyline. And the men controlling, using and underestimating the FMC is a major theme for this book. AND, I actually have a strong suspicion this was an active choice on DLJ’s part to set up Book 2 (which is a fantastic move IF I’m guessing some plot points in book 2 that haven't been written and won’t be coming out for years). I am really hoping we will see a lot more powerful, respected women in the sequel…

Thank you Danielle L. Jensen, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review has been posted to goodreads, submitted to Barnes & Noble and Books a Million, will be posted to Amazon on pub day and a shortened version will be posted to instagram closer to pub day.

Loved this! 4.5 stars but I’ll round up. Very cool take on a Norse-inspired world. Loved our female MC, our male love interest, the magic system and the world itself. I stayed up til 2 a.m. finishing this, which is something I have not done on purpose since having children 😂 I also thought there were some very fresh elements to this: For example, Freya sure NEEDS a found family 😂 but she hasn’t found it yet. That struggle is heartbreaking and, weirdly, cool to see us not just dive right into that trope. I also think you don’t see like “your family is subtly shitty” a lot haha and watching that journey for her was pretty moving.

Even though it is getting 5 stars from me, I will add just a couple things that didn’t work for me personally but that shouldn’t count against my rating, I think. 1) I’m just personally really over smut in female-lead and female-written fantasy. I know, I know, I’m in the minority here. But I’d just love to see less of it; we don’t need sex to have our own success in the genre. 2) I don’t love the trope of like “super tough chick who loves to fight but is kind of dense.” There were SO MANY THINGS that Freya could have figured out haha. I’d love to see her wise-up a bit in the next book.

SO looking forward to the rest of this series!

First of all, thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

If you’re looking for a Viking fantasy romance, this is it!

Things I liked: The setting - wow! The world really gave you that old Nordic Viking feel, and the way the magic works in this world was simple but clever.
The characters - You root for Freya from page 1, and as much as there’s a distracting bit of eye candy with her all the time, it’s very much her story, and I am *invested.* The development of the side characters was handled well. Each person was unique and vividly portrayed. (Also, you can’t convince me that Ylva and Snorri aren’t inspired by Hildur and Olav from Norsemen.)

What I didn’t like:
The dialogue - while there were many swoon-worthy lines to be enjoyed, I wasn’t a fan of the use of modern swear words. They felt anachronistic, and they distracted from the story that was otherwise engaging. Also the choice to use British spelling for one particular term, but American for everything else would break my focus every time.

Overall, a really enjoyable book! I am eagerly anticipating the second installment!

Freya is a shield maiden whom the gods blessed to have the blood of two species. Her whole life she has kept her powers a secret because she didn't understand them, but also because there would be those that would seek her out for power or to kill her to ensure no one else assumes said power. She is attached to an abusive man from whom she seeks revenge.
When she achieves what she has always wanted, she finds herself "married" to a new man that wants to use her to seek the power that her magic possesses to unite the kingdom under one power-hungry king.
Upon marrying her new husband she comes face to face with Bjorn, who is required to stay by her side at all times to ensure her safety. Bjorn was also blessed by the gods and can call a fiery axe out of nowhere. Which is why he was chosen to protect her. They were always meant to meet each other for the prophecy states that he would be her guard.
They go through many trials and tribulations together resulting in the shield maiden having to utilize her powers, exposing her even further to the other Jarls and power seekers.
Throughout these trials, Freya and Bjorn help each other become better, do better, and ultimately feel better in each other's company, though it does take a while for them to get there. This book is a slow burn in the romance department. Which I tend to like. I love the tension brought on by the characters needs for each other, and watching them fight it until they can't anymore. Then it gets a little spicy!
I would highly recommend this book as it gives you action, romance, and is thought-provoking. Danielle L. Jensen did a wonderful job with the detail and attention to the book.

Thank you to @danielleljensen @delreybooks & @netgalley for the ARC of A Fate Inked in Blood! This was my first read from Danielle L. Jensen and I really enjoyed this book. It gave me Vikings/Vikings Valhalla vibes with a little bit more magic from the Gods. It was well written and full of action, conflict, and betrayal. As well as romance, tension, and spice. I can't wait to see how the characters choices impact their fates and what happens in the next part of their journey!

Danielle L. Jensen has a new hit in her hands with A Fate Inked in Blood. While there is nothing new or groundbreaking here, the romantasy is romantasy-ing and I am here for all of it.

The magic system is well thought out and the world building draws on known mythology which does much of the heavy lifting for the reader. There’s world-changing prophecies, gods interferring with mortals for reasons unknown, there’s magical individuals blessed with a drop of blood from various gods being wielded like weapons by people in power, the politics of political marriages, alliances made and alliances broken, so much going on to make a rich and involved story. The plot pace is quick with very little downtime as time is of the essence if Freya is to become what fate and prophecy have suggested. Everyone wants something from her, but no one even bothered to ask Freya what she wants.

Except for Bjorn. Born the illegitimate son of a wanna-be king, but kidnapped and raised by this land’s enemy, Bjorn is torn between vengeance for his past and his growing feelings about the woman he was raised his entire life to believe was a monster. Oh and she’s married to his father who wants to wield her as a weapon to subjugate everyone everywhere. It is all very complicated and their relationship only gets more complicated as the circumstances of her birth and the reality of his past are brought to light. My only grip is the amount of sweat Freya is described having literally all the time and it is 100% not sexy. She’s clearly got a medical issue because girl, I can smell the sweat from here and I am not a fan.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to personally thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this early in exchange for a honest review.

When I read the description of this book, I was soo excited! I am down for anything regarding Norse Mythology, or vikings. This story begins with Freya and her awful husband, but the MMC (Bjorn) makes a quick intro. Honestly The story seems to move fairy quickly after their meet-que and sometimes it felt hard to keep up with what all was happening.

What I loved: The author included so many myths in this story, and allowed the Freya become a strong and independent woman. It's important for me to read about women who are able to stand up on their own two feet.

What I didn't: First and foremost, I'm adding this to the dislike section, but it shouldn't totally count because this is more where my headspace is than the author. I'm in my dark spicey era, and I feel like there was so much room for possibility here. Instead, this book is a VERY, slow burn. Currently, I don't have the patience for that, again that's on me. Another thing I felt there could have been some improvement was the character development, especially the main characters. I felt as if Freya and Bjorn lacked any real connection beside the random flirtatious exchange. That, made it hard at times made to keep reading.

Overall, it was a good book, and I will definitely recommend it to friends who love low spice.

This book was captivating and such a fresh take on the “chosen one” fantasy genre. This book was well balanced and surprising with characters you could root for and relate to all throughout. The world building was so intricate and well done. You got a deep understanding of the gods, goddesses, and rules for magic woven into the plot without it being distracting or slowing you down. I highly recommend this book to fans of JLA or SJM. Loved it and cannot wait for the sequel!!!!

Listen. It wasn’t bad. Just ridiculously predictable.

If it is a duet, I will read book 2. If it is longer than that then count me out.

It wasn’t special but it was obviously a labor of love. I have a minor in Scandinavian studies and this had a lot of research and love poured into it. The execution was just so underwhelming.

I did get an ARC from NetGalley and I am grateful, I was so excited for this book because I loved Bridge Kingdom but this just fell flat. It was the same old predictable enemies to friends to lovers trope that happened to be set during the Viking age with minimal magic.

From Goodreads

Wow! What can I even say about this? Our story opens with Freya- a seemingly normal woman who hates her husband but tolerates his abusive behavior to benefit her family. Her dreams of escaping her marriage come to reality, only for her to find herself once again bound to a man who wants to control her out of duty to those she loves. As she fights with her sense of loyalty and her desire to forge her own destiny, Freya discovers that the love she had thought she could never find may in fact be right in front of her face- in the form of her new husband’s son.

I went through a serious emotional rollercoaster reading this book. If I wasn’t cheering Freya on, I was cursing her for her stupid actions. Freya has such a sense of loyalty that she is blind to who is truly loyal to her. She is constantly putting people first who do not care for her beyond what she can provide for them and it is so aggravating in the best way because she has so much room to grow. I can’t wait for the next book because while she definitely needs whatever form of therapy is available in her world she has the potential to break the ties of everyone who has been holding her back and become a ruler in her own right.

This book gives you a great mix of answers to theories you have while also leaving you asking even more questions. You get action, you get humor, you get spice, you get mystery.. it really is the total package. (Plus Bjorn is like… super hot)

𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎...
᪥Strong, rebellious female main characters
᪥ Norse Mythology that adds a fresh twist to the romantasy
᪥ Forbidden romance spice
᪥ An inventive magic system that'll keep you spellbound

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 ★★★★☆
𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚝 ★★☆☆☆
𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 ★★★☆☆
𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 ★★★★☆
𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 🌶️🌶️
𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕 ★★★★☆

If you're on the hunt for a romantasy read that stands out from the crowd, this is it. The infusion of Norse Mythology brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to the genre, and oh, the tension and romance are positively deadly. I almost let out a delighted squeal every time the two love interests so much as exchanged a sidelong glance.

However, if you're in search of lush landscapes and an intricate plot that unveils itself with every turn of the page, you won't quite find it here. While I absolutely loved this story, I often found myself yearning to be more deeply immersed, to be fully captivated. There were moments when I had to flip back a few pages to make sure I grasped what was happening – a bit more clarity and world-building would have helped this. The battles were fun, but they suffered from the same lack of context that I encountered throughout the story. I couldn't always fathom who was where or doing what, which, at times, made it challenging to picture the action vividly. My sole other gripe is that the plot felt somewhat predictable. The author excels at foreshadowing, almost to a fault, making me eagerly await the moment when the cast and crew would finally catch on to the big reveal. By the time it happened, I was like, "FINALLY!"

Overall, though, I loved this. I would sit and listen to nordic instrumental music and just be transfixed to the pages while reading. It was a positively wonderful read.

Special thanks to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with an early eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book gripped me from the first couple pages and just kept tightening that grip. Our main character Freya is fierce, determined, protective, decisive, and vulnerable. She is put into an impossible situation and asked to do more than anyone should ever be asked to do. Or rather, she's required to do it otherwise her family will suffer.

She isn't perfect, she makes mistakes and is impulsive (often with dire consequences). Her love interest, Bjorn, is one of my favorite male love interest ever written. He sees how capable Freya is and never doubts her strength of spirit. He encourages her, gives her space to process and learn, doesn't cross her boundaries, and listens. I also love their banter. This man has a quick wit and I adored seeing them interact. Every scene with them is fantastic.

The progression and changes Freya goes through is intense. There's a lot of foreshadowing that I picked up on so the ending surprise wasn't very surprising to me, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I will definitely read book two to see how our characters grow and change and tackle their new challenges.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey - for providing me the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be publicly released on February 27, 2024.

2.75 STARS

In a Norse-inspired world, our protagonist Freya starts out the book trapped in marriage to the loathsome, abusive Vragi. Then a gorgeous stranger appears within the first couple pages! A tall, dark, handsome, tattooed, and rugged warrior. Events conspire to change Freya’s life…for the better and worse. Her new life brings her more captivity, heavy responsibility, danger, and temptation from a man she should not want.

I loved the first third of the book. The world seemed interesting. The main character was a little generic but made interesting by her problems (i.e. conflict between loyalties and fate). The romance was also set up with external situational problems and organic insta-attraction. The mounting tension over the course of the book was pretty good.

After that first third, I got bored. I don’t think the author had enough interesting plot to fill the book. Jensen also prolonged certain sequences which caused pacing to lag. By the time the romance heats up, I really had stopped caring. (The spicy part is one loooong chapter.) I’m mixed on where the climax of the plot takes the story. It at least made the story more interesting once again but was predictable. Also, by this point, I’m not sure that Freya’s responses made sense.

I think this book started with the potential to be better than the Bridge Kingdom but ended up failing. On the surface, you should like this book if you like the Viking TV series. It includes many of the same elements: prophecies, warriors, shield maidens, troubled marriages, battles, betrayals…even a jarl who wants to be king of Skaland. Unfortunately, I don’t think the big moments pay off in the end. The romance was shortchanged by the overarching fantasy plot throughout the book. Okay for one read. The writing is solidly readable. Viking fantasy and romance have been done better.

This book was really good I loved the main characters growth throughout the book and I loved Bjorn. I did not see the twist coming at the end and I know there's more to the story so I am looking forward to the next book. I like this author and I thought that the fantasy elements were easy to follow and I didn't lose interest along the way.