Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and Del Rey Publishing for the eARC ❤️

Guys - this was a lot of fun. I have always really enjoyed Danielle Jensen’s writing. I devoured the Bridge Kingdom series and the first installment of this new series did not fail to live up to my expectations.

A Fate Inked In Blood follows Freya as her abilities as a child of the gods are uncovered and warring factions seeks to use her for their own gain. This book is a SLOW BURN 🔥 so if you’re looking for a quick intro where the love interests are together within the first half of the book you won’t find that here. This was angsty and definitely makes you wait for it.

To be fully transparent, I saw the plot twist coming from a mile away but I still very much enjoyed it and how it all played out.

The worst part about ARCs is that now I can’t wait for book 2 and this one hasn’t even been released yet 🤯

*minor spoilers ahead*
4.5 stars

This book had me hooked from the very first page. There was slow burn romance/ forbidden love, family problems, trust issues, a “who is the traitor in our midst” mystery, and deception.

Our fmc, Freya, did start to grate on my nerves toward the end with her pessimism. However, I’d probably be grumpy too if everyone was using me for their own gain and I wasn’t sure who truly had my best interests at heart.

I absolutely loved the story itself. Danielle Jensen does a great job with world building and adding so many details to her books. My favorite part was Freya’s and Bjorn’s travel through the mountain and their experiences with the draug. It gave some strong Lord of the Rings vibes and I certainly won’t complain about that.

The romance between Freya and Bjorn did leave me wanting a bit more. I think I’m more of an enemies-to-lovers sort of girly! I wasn’t head over heels addicted like I was in ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, or Serpent and the Wings of Night.

Overall, this was an incredible book and I’m so grateful to Danielle Jensen and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an e-arc! I cannot wait for book two!

It took me a minute to get acclimated to the Norse mythology world of this book, but once I did, the adventure took off. The best part of the book was the ending because it left me feeling like Freya might truly take her own fate in her hands, which is what I ached for the entire story. The deception was not all that difficult to foresee, but I like the way it was played out at the very end when a HEA was so close, yet so far.

I received this as an arc from NetGalley. Prior to even recieving this I had already preordered a copy. It took only two things Norse mythology and the cover. It has lived up to all my expectations. It has epic battles, epic pining and epic love. The imagery in this book was fantastic. I can’t wait to see where the story will go.

As a big fan of the bridge kingdom, I went into this only knowing that I love the author.
I knew nothing of norse mythology and honestly was worried that I would not understand what is going on.

Jensen did her research and served it in a way that was digestible for someone who typically DOES NOT GET IT.

We follow Freya who is blessed by the god of Hlin, while she is forced to fulfill a prophecy that was spoken by seer many years ago. The son of the man who is obsessed with seeing this prophecy through is tasked with protecting her as she goes through different trials placed in her path by the gods to prove herself.

This book was equally political intrigue, war strategy (like watching my fiancé play God of War lmao) BUT with the steamy tension between the love interests that I absolutely need. The tension between Freya and Bjorn was perfection. The banter *chefs kiss* Bjorn's protectiveness over Freya *chefs kiss* Freya being a stubborn baddie *chefs kiss*


If you are looking for a romance fantasy that's mostly romance and spice. THIS IS NOT IT. While the romance is perfection, this story has political drama, is action packed and has a storyline that keeps you sucked in. I need to know what is next in Freya's story! Especially after that cliff hanger .....

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is about a woman named Freya who has longed for glory and battle - for a life more than her own - in a world where gods gift children of their choosing with a drop of their blood and call them kin. These children of the gods are revered and praised for the magic they wield on behalf of their immortal parentage. However, her dreams may not be realized as she holds a secret that could very well cost her life.

When a man blessed by the god of fire arrives before her, she is unable to fathom the sudden turn her life would take. Her secret is out, and she must fight for her life while proving herself worthy of the secret she had been blessed with at birth. She goes through trials that test her courage, her intellect, and her devotion all while refusing what she truly wants - even as her desire continues to stare right back at her.

Danielle L. Jensen's worldbuilding was beautifully realistic, nodding back to the medieval times in an almost Viking fashion. I felt as though I was playing through a campaign in D&D in which every choice creates a drastically different outcome. This is how she wrote Freya, a heroine who can think of nothing but the endless possibilities. I found myself relating to her on a soul-crushing level, from the self-sacrificing position she always finds herself in to overthinking every possible scenario and almost choosing the wrong one.

There is nothing I would not change about this story, it was simply that impressive. The foreshadowing to the ending plot twist that leaves us on the edge of our seats, while common, was still well written and almost shocking which is difficult in fantasy once you've read through every different fantasy plot twist there is.

If you're a fantasy reader looking for a little bit of spice, longing, forbidden love, strong female characters, and a good angry cry - this is the book for you. 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc! A Fate inked in blood was a solid 3.25 stars for me! While I did enjoy the world building and Norse god aspects of this story, it did drag at some points for me. I would find myself having to power through some chapters, while others I would absolutely devour! I 100% will read the next book and look forward to reading it. I just hope the FMC gets her s***t together and stops being annoying over the decisions she was making in the next book.

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first fantasy book I have read that is Norse mythology and Viking inspired. The world building was easy to follow and understand and had a unique magic system. I liked that the names of characters and places were easy to pronounce as well. I did get frustrated at times with the FMC and her self-sacrificing attitude she had with her family who were selfish and didn’t care about her. I was able to guess somewhat the ending of the book, but there were some thing I didn’t see coming. I am excited to see where Danielle L. Jensen is going to take us in book 2.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🛡️A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen🔥

Release Date: February 27th, 2024

Y’all! This book was freaking amazing! I knew from the first chapter that this book was going to be impossible to put down. I obsessively binged this book, staying up late and sneaking in a page here and there between work projects!

I’ve always loved Greek Mythology but this book was my first time diving into Norse Mythology, and it was amazing!

There is just so much to love about this book

🛡️ A story line that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
🛡️ Characters that come to life on the pages!
🛡️ A slow burn forbidden romance!
🛡️Gods, sorcery and everything in between!

This is book one in the series and I don’t know how I will stand the wait until the next book comes!

I usually read a book first digitally and if it blows me away it gets a coveted spot on my bookshelf…and this book is the physical book purchase material!

Thank you to Danielle Jensen, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this awesome book and reducing my productivity this week! @danielleljensen @netgalley @randomhouse

This book took me for a ride, an emotional rollercoaster. I was laughing, crying, and filled with rage. Jensen has a pacing and a way with storytelling that made this book a joy to binge. If I wasn't buddy reading, I probably would have finished this in a day. I needed to uncover all the mysteries. Though some things were easy to catch on to, I wasn't ready for the twists at the end. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. We have so many great tropes touch her, and you die,forced proximity, chosen one. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. I loved Feyres charachter she felt so real and raw with her emotions. There were times I didn't agree with her decisions buy thats what made her feel real, and her development through the story was so well done.

There is spice, but that isn't the focus of this fantasy romance because the plot is so much juicier that the spice is just an added bonus. But it was steamy and very well done, in my opinion. When this is released, it might just take the world by storm. I can not wait for the sequel, and in the meantime, I will be reading her backlog because I may have found my new favorite author.

Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing-Ballantine and Del Rey Books for this Arc in return for a honest review.

a very exciting dive into a norse-mythology-inspired fantasy romance!

danielle l. jensen was able to create an easy-to-understand world and magic system coupled with relatable characters. beautiful storytelling and a plot filled with prophecies, betrayals, romance, and BAMF characters that keep you hooked until the end. (also the ending will have you feeling some sort of way!)

as a lover of mythology re-tellings, i fell in love with the magical elements, like hello powers gifted from the norse gods!!

on the fantasy romance side, bjorn and freya’s forbidden romance was so good. I loved the balance between forced proximity, intertwined fates, and the forbidden aspect.

but on a more important note, bjorn is a very HOT grumpy viking with powers blessed by the gods - what can be better than that? and the man delivers ;)

and with that being said, i'm in dire need of book 2!!

thank you netgalley and del rey for the ARC of a top-tier book!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and Danielle L. Jensen for this free e-ARC that I obtained via NetGalley. My thoughts are my own, without any coercion or bias.

I am an ardent fan of fantasy and romance and have heard multiple recommendations for Danielle L. Jensen's books. I started reading A Fate Inked In Blood yesterday and finished it today because I could barely put it down. The pace, in my opinion, was good and while there were plot twists that I suspected would happen, I still enjoyed the reveals. My only real criticism is that the main antagonist could have been more nuanced. His wife was a bit more complex and might have made a better primary antagonist.

A Fate Inked in Blood had it all: action, humor, angst, spicy love scenes and cool magic. At the end, I had so many questions and hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book. Until then, I will try some of Jensen's other books.

This book was incredible! Huge thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for letting me have early access to this! This is my first read of any Danielle L Jensen book and I am so, so impressed with her plotting and writing style. I hope this book gets as popular as Fourth Wing, it is so worth the hype! I was a big fan of Vikings on History Channel, and this bk really captured the grittiness, passion, and political machinations that made that series so compelling. I’m definitely preordering this book as well because the first edition is set to have some great special features like foil edges and a stamped hardcover underneath the dust jacket.

I received a digital ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is set to release on February 27th, 2024.

⭐️5/5⭐️

Trapped in an unhappy marriage Freya dreams of becoming a warrior. Dreams turn to reality when her husband betrays her. In a fight to the death with the jarls son Bjorn, a fierce warrior who possesses a drop of God's blood, Freya finds herself facing her identity. The secret she’s hidden her whole life is brought to light; blessed by a drop of goddess blood. Her magic gives her the ability to repel those who attack. It also means she has a target on her back.

Freya now finds herself bound by a blood oath to the jarl and orders Bjorn to protect her. Freya faces deadly challenges from the gods, forbidden attraction, guilt, and deceit.

Jensen’s work easily immerses readers into a world of Norse mythology and magic. Her way of storytelling is captivating and has me reading until the late hours of the night. Jensen paints a picture with her words. As I read it’s as if I have a movie playing in my mind. The banter between the main characters is hilarious and carried out the throughout the book. As the plot thickens there is a sense of predictability however it does not negatively affect my feelings or thoughts about the book.

If you are looking for a Viking/ Norse-based page-turner, this is the one for you! It’s the perfect combination of action, adventure, twists, and slow-burn passionate romance.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of A Fate Inked in Blood.
#AFateInkedinBlood #NetGalley

_____

Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book, more than I initially thought I would. The story of a Norse mythology fantasy retelling already had me excited and I was glued from the beginning. The entire book was action packed and stuffed with plot. It honestly could have been 2 books because there was just so much important content. It was full of action, political drama, and character growth through hardship with a sprinkle of romance/spice.
The slow burn tension between Freya and Bjorn was so so good. I loved their banter and smart remarks to each other. Bjorn’s encouragement for her to pursue her own desires vs. what others were deciding for her was just so 😭😭😭 Who doesn’t love a tatted MMC?
Freya’s character as a protector and one to put her own needs aside for the good of her family, was alittle played out but as she started to see the flaws in her thinking and desire to stand up for herself, I started to like her more. Her constant indecision was a little annoying but I had remind myself that she was only 20 years old so that made sense for her character.
The end was a shocking cliffhanger that left me wanting to know more. I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for the sequel! Overall I would recommend this book and am planning to read some of the other books from this author as well.

Danielle L Jensen has done it again ,
I just finished A Fate inked in blood an amazing Norse mythology sci-fi fantasy romance ! I’m in awe with the detail but ease she has created this new world . The beauty of her characters Fraya and bjorn, the way all her characters are so intense and ready for whatever comes at them is so fascinating. Another action packed book that truly would be the best Netflix show. I’ve said it before and I’ll say I again no one does slow burn romance like Danielle. I’m left wanting more already and the book has months until release day, I cannot recommend this book enough for you just pre order it (: everything u could love in a romance with everything u love in an action packed film. Im in shock with how the last couple chapters left me and Im excited to see all my friends reaction to this new world she’s given us !
Found family but family betrayals
Slow burn
Guy falls first
Amazing banter
Strong women lead
Despite all her pain she’s never weak !
Norse gods and Demi god powers !

That ending!!! The fighting, the betrayal, the professions of love, the big reveal. It’s going to feel like forever until we find out what happens next. Fantasy lovers aren’t going to want to miss this!

I loved the Viking vibes. I loved the magic system. I loved the political ramifications of every action. I loved all of it. Give me more, more, more!!

A Fate Inked in Blood's setting is one I've been desperate for in fantasy. I love the Viking gods and setting, the magic system, the raiding, all of it. There were a few things I did not enjoy that did not make this a 5-star book.

Magic system:
This was a unique take on magic systems that I haven't seen before. I like the link to the Norse gods and the way the magic is given. The story of Freya's conception and her dual powers was a great addition. It was not fully explained, but implied that her powers from Hel caused the shift in her personality and the blood lust.

Setting:
The setting was impeccable. No notes. It was wonderful and everything I've been wanting in a fantasy series.

Characters:
I struggled to care about the main character at times. Especially at the end. I, personally, found it difficult to understand these strange undying loyalties she has to people who obviously care nothing about her. However, I can see other relating to this point. (This is truly just a personal take). Bjorn is a great character even though I found it very obvious his allegiance was always to the north. (The twist of the Stennium (?) being allied to them as well was great!) And I found myself actually effected by the death of Bodhil. Honestly, a bit mad because she's a fierce woman Jarl and I would have loved to see her continue in the series, but I understand the plot point needed to drive Hel's powers forward.

Outside of my personal issue with Freya, there were times that felt a bit repetitive. When certain magics were described, Freya would think through the steps that needed to occur. Then almost immediately after, Freya would walk through the steps again as she or someone she observed completed them. Editing out one of those parts would help the story flow better.

The story took a bit to really draw my attention, but by about 150-175 pages in I was hooked. I think this is a solid start to a new series in a world that I'm very eager to continue, and it made me want to check out more of the authors books.

4.5 stars ⭐️ this man’s poetic rizz??? He got me, i am a Bjorn fan through and through. Danielle L. Jensen, GORRRRRL, i think abt bridge kingdom every couple of months wishing i could have read it for the first time again (although w my goldfish memory i probably could) and with this Unfated series??? You did it again. I am SICKKKKK (and extremely grateful) that I got this ARC. The fact this book is not even out fully yet and im screaming crying for the next one. Bjorn has a way with his words that I can only dream that one day someone will think of me the way he thinks of Freya.
“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” ARE YOU JOKINGGGGGG?????? I wouldve laid my life on the life to hear someone say that abt me. FREYA THIS MAN is utttterly in love with u, spitting POETIC RIZZ.
“I want you now, and tomorrow, and all the tomorrows” im actually sobbing because 💳 💥 💳 💥
Anyways theres a TON more i highlighted but this danielle wrote this man for the words of affirmation girlies, i know that for a FACT. Amazing book, cannot wait for the second one!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!

Like a lot of us bookies, I love reading and I read + review a heck of a lot of books. But this one also had the editor in me roaring with appreciation from the start, thinking — now that’s a hook! Utterly impeccably written, one of the most riveting books I’ve read this year.