4.5 stars

This book was fast moving and captivating from the start, and the world building was quick to understand. It seemed like every chapter had something new pulling me in and I never got bored.

The banter between the love interests is just impeccable. And the tropes? Forbidden love? Only one horse? Body heat for warmth? Wound tending? Will they, won't they? Slow burn? Amazing. And don't get me started in how they use their magic to protect each other.

The last several chapters had me on the edge of my seat with an ending I was not expecting. Oh my god that ending. I would absolutely turn this book over and read it again in a heartbeat. And the only thing I'm disappointed about is that I don't know how long I will have to wait for the next book to come out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Ray, and Danielle L. Jensen for an electronic arc of A Fate Inked In Blood in exchange for my honest review.

Why was I acting this way? Why was I constantly having to remind myself of logic and consequences to the point I wanted to scream at myself? Why did I keep asking the same questions despite knowing the answers to all of them?


*Please please please do not judge my rusty writing...it has been MONTHS since I've written a review and it felt like THIS typing-



then upon editing it felt not so great lol. Anyway!*



I’m so sad to say it’s been far too long since I’ve even CONSIDERED writing a review and it’s been months since I’ve read a book. I don’t know what it was about this particular slump that took me down to that level, but for whatever reason I have been mentally and physically unable to process even as little as one page of a book. Never in the history of all my histories have I ever been so down in the dumps…and then this book.

My family understood me. My friends understood me. But there were parts of me that they wanted to change, whereas Bjorn seemed to accept the way I was. Seemed to encourage the parts of my character that everyone else in my life had tried to quash.


This wonderful, addictive, exciting, page-turner of a book lands on my phone and the moment I open It up to check it out I. Am. HOOKED. Maybe it’s the writing (oh, assuredly). Maybe it was the flow (Yep). Or…maybe it’s the unhinged bloodthirsty opening line that sparked my interest and dragged me into this beautifully woven masterpiece of a book. But…and this is most likely the truest notion of all….maybe it was when Bjorn, our absolutely BREATHTAKING male lead, appeared on the scene and they exchanged charged and witty flirting and banter that made me an absolute wreck of an utter fool for this story.

“Don’t call me that.”
“You’re right,” he said. “It’s not original—I shall think of something better. Perhaps Freya Onehand. Or Freya Axethief. Or Freya Scorchedpalm.”


YEAHHH NAILED IT. No, in all seriousness, that first paragraph drew me in so quickly and I was shocked at my instant attraction and draw to this book. I may be a bit deprived, but even some of my favorite novels take a moment for me to become attached to so this was a pleasant and VERY welcome surprise. That being said….the writing drew me in, but Bjorn made me stay.

"Next you’ll tell me that I’m pretty and I’ll lose all respect for your wit.”
“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.”


What really struck me about this book-and I know this is an odd or taboo thing to say- is how utterly different it was than my favorite series by Jensen, The Bridge Kingdom. Gone was that THICK layer of angst between two true enemies where every page you lost more and more of the already precious air supply you had and the countdown to utter HEARTACHE and BETRAYAL, and instead we saw this slow burn angst, simmering and festering beneath the surface as you just KNEW Bjorn and Freya were playing with fire, walking a tight-rope of forbidden love under the guise of mentor/mentee friendship.

I liked him. Liked how he was both terrifyingly ruthless and heartbreakingly kind. Liked how he made me laugh and how his wit kept me on my toes. Liked the way I felt not just safe in his presence, but strong. I wanted to be close to him, and I was terrified of how my feelings might grow if I kept feeding that want.


We saw him pine as she did what was ‘right’, what was ‘necessary’ to keep those around her safe and to fulfill her duty that was foretold by a prophecy long ago. We saw as they slowly lost control around one another and the forbidden love began to unfold even as the world around them started to crumble and Freya time and again was faced with impossible choices.

He turned me in his arms, one hand rising to tangle in my mess of braids. “I used to dream only of fire and ash,” he whispered, running a thumb over my cheek as I lifted my face to meet his gaze. “Now when I close my eyes, all I see is your face.”


I just …this book. It wasn’t just the romance, though I love how Jensen always tends to make it a central development in the plot because, I’m sorry, let’s be real, I LOVE FANTASY but I am not seeking out romantasy for the profound nature of history and self-worth and saving the world. Yeah sure….that, too. BUT I AM HERE FOR THE PINING. THE HEARTACHE. THE ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED FORBIDDEN OBSESSIONS AND GROVELING. THE SACRIFIES OF THE LOVE INTEREST FOR THE WOMAN HE IS SLOWLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY FALLING IN LOVE WITH. But hey...that’s just me *shrug*

“The ships will be under guard. Gnut’s no fool—he’ll protect his line of retreat.”
My hands balled into fists. “Then help me.”
Tension thickened between us, and I could hardly breathe. Not because I thought Bjorn would try to stop me but because I wanted him to help me. Wanted him to be the sort of man who’d do what it took to save all those in the hall. The breath I was holding came out in a gust as Bjorn finally said, “Lead the way, Born-in-Fire.”


I digress, my point is, it wasn’t just the romance lol. That is why I love her writing style so much. She has these interesting, rich stories layered with heartache and self-discovery, but her emphasis on what you’d do for the one you love despite the odds and all it will cost you?? I’m sorry, but that is just worth it’s weight in gold and SO hard to find. An author who can mix all that and do it WELL? Sign me up, because there are far and few between who can do it and she is one of the few you can count on to give you an excellent story AND a love that will tear you apart from the inside out. She cuts my heart out every single time. This is why she has my undying loyalty-I never said I wasn’t unhinged!

“You will not die today, Born-in-Fire, because I will slaughter anyone who comes near you. That is a promise.”



All that being said, this book means more to me than anyone could ever know. Not only did it become an instant favorite, but it brought me back to life and pulled me back into the world that keeps me sane, makes me happy, and pulls me from depression on a need-to basis. I love this book and I truly hope her book tour brings her close enough to me that I can get my Bridge Kingdoms signed, and especially A Fate Inked in Blood. If not, no worries….I’ll be stalking the stores that will grant me signed wishes and shipping from afar. I refuse to not have this absolute work of art signed.

Danielle L. Jensen has done it again. Viking fantasy? UM yes, please! This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to start fantasy. No intense world-building but just enough magic to draw you in. A perfect slow burn that leaves you completely satisfied. My only regret is now I will have to wait extra long for the sequel.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The entire time I was reading this book I couldn't help but continually compare it to the TV show Vikings Valhalla. And so I am a little disappointed in the personalities of the main two characters. I feel like Freya seemed too soft of a character to be a shield maiden. Bjorn - I kept comparing him to Harold from the show. I feel like his personality was a little lacking in development. He just seemed kind of dull and uninteresting to me.
Aside from the characters, the magic system and the world building were fantastic. Of course I am a huge fan of Danielle l Jensen and she did not disappoint in her writing. Well I still like The Bridge Kingdom series better, I am looking forward to the second book in this series.

3.75 - This book was a great adventure! I loved Freya’s fight for control over her own destiny, and her frustration of being a woman in a man’s world. I found the major plot twist to be unfortunately predictable but it did not ruin my overall enjoyment of the book. The norse-inspired world provided a new take in the romantasy genre and I enjoyed reading about the brutal people and the cold landscape! The problem with reading ARCs is now I have a long time to wait for the next one in the series…

Thank you Random House and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group—Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC!!! I always viewed Danielle Jensen as a must-buy author, and A Fate Inked in Blood totally solidified that thought. This amazing book was the type of slow burn every reader loves (steamy, leaves you wanting more, and evenly paced)! It’s packed with norse mythology, action, and a story that made me finish this book in one go! I was so surprised how much I loved the warring clan’s & meddling gods storylines, and the interwoven magic system. This is a solid 5 star read for me and everyone should go preorder!!

This book has you in a chokehold mainly the entire time!!


It begins with Freya slaving away to her stupid husband vargi🙄 but as he punishes her for soemthing so entirely stupid she stumbles across the most gorgeous man she has ever seen

Bjorn, who is super witty and a flirt to her but that end short of her then being dragged to his father because her husband planned on selling her off because she had one big secret…..she is a child of a god….hiln

Unfortunately snorri Bjorns dad take her away and makes her his wife…gross… but she has no choice as he is holding her family “hostage”.

She fights in many battles and discovers many things about her self like how much she desires bjorn….but can she further this relationship as she is married to his FATHER

There were so many secrets so many betrayals that occurred it has you on the edge of your sit the entire time!!

3/5 stars!

I wanted to love this book soooo baddd, but just didn’t. One of my biggest issues that I had with the book was the main character. She was not my cup of tea and at times so irritating. I liked the romance elements, however it didn’t have me completely sold. I did enjoy how the ending of this book sets up for the next one, although I did guess the ending plot twist halfway through the story. I will say that I did read this book fairly quickly and it made me want to see how the book would play out. Was really hoping for something special and not just your average romantasy. Even though I didn’t like it as much as I thought I was going to, I do think many readers will!

This book is AMAZING! This is exactly what I was looking for. Admittedly, I am a sucker for fantasy romance, enemies to lovers and all things morally gray. So many of these stories have very similar settings however.

This story is set in a Nordic land with magic, deception, and intrigue. Freya is a child with a drop of blood for a god. (There are several characters like this.) This give her magical capabilities inherited from the god whose blood she shares. She lives in a violent world where she is hidden because of her magic and her self absorbed, selfish family under the guise of "protecting her." She is married to a horrible man and Danielle Jensen paints a picture wonderfully where you dislike him immediately. She knows only his cruelty and has no desire to give him children.

When a glorious turn of events unfolds we are introduced to Bjorn and his father Snorri, a jarl with his eyes set on total power within his world. Bjorn holds his own magic and secrets but from the moment they meet you just know this is going to be epic. Her tongue is sharp and he takes every bit of it with the smug attitude we all love from our morally gray male lead.

Freya is feral and takes no crap from anyone. She is dedicated to keeping her family safe even at the expense of herself and Bjorn is determined to never allow that to happen. He is not willing to let her believe what the world has told her about herself.

There is violence and danger around ever corner. Both Bjorn and Freya are beautifully developed and there is much more to come, I am sure. However, there are so many interesting characters that I can't wait to see what more they offer. Especially Ylva, Snorri's wife who you will love to hate.

I would definitely recommend this book. Being a huge fan of The Stolen Song Bird, I knew I had to read this.

(ARC from NetGalley) FBAA girlies you’re going to looove this one. This book is definitely romantasy not fantasy romance— fast paced, high stakes, minimal world building just watch Vikings Valhalla or something for ambiance. Freya is a child of Hiln and has always kept her power a secret until her sh*t husband tells the jarl. Everything happens very quickly from that point on. Freya kills her husband, is forced to marry the jarl and is now a sister wife. Oh no! The jarl has a super sexy and flirtations son that’s assigned to be her guard what could possibly happen? And he has a mysterious past? Parts of the story were certainly predictable but I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters and the Norse mythology. Can’t wait to see what these absolute fools do next!

4.5⭐️, 🌶️🌶️

fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology
Forbidden romance
Strong FMC
the best banter
Fast paced

My only regret…. Not being able to dive into the next book BECAUSE I NEED MORE!


From the beginning I knew I wouldn’t want to our this book down. It was fast paced & the banter was giving 🤌🏼🤌🏼 I was kicking my feet and giggling so hard! The fmc was strong & had a mouth on her, she was not willing to back down from an argument/fight which I LOVE! && the MMC from the first encounter I LOVED him! so many twists within the book & I loved how action packed it was!
I NEED the next book now, does have quite the cliffhanger and so many questions I was answered! So excited for more of these characters & this story!!!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This was to die for. My favorite Danielle Jensen series to date. A Norse inspired romantasy featuring Freya, a confident and bold heroine who fights for what she believes in. A forbidden romance with a really unique magic system, I’m already dying for the next book. I devoured this in less than a day. If you are looking for a romantasy with easy-to-follow world building and lots of tension, definitely read A Fate Inked in Blood.

I posted my review on Goodreads on 9/19 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5845729675

I really enjoyed the first book in the Saga in the Unfated series and I'll be waiting anxiously for the second book! Our heroine, Freya, is the badass shield maiden who countless times has sacrificed for her family instead of choosing her own path. Through the book, we are able to see how her bravery and determination unravel both the mystery of her past & future! Danielle L. Jensen weaves a magical, nordic, romantasy tale with great banter and detail which bring the setting and story to life. I also thought she brought a bit of a different perspective to the enemies to lover subgenre by making Freya such a powerful character inside and out.

My one piece of constructive feedback is that through the middle of the book, I felt a few chapters circling the same conversation of "Freya is going to unite the kingdom...but how?".

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC!

Wow umm that ending, HELLO!?!

“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.” Blushing lol🤭

A Fate Inked in Blood was such a fantastic book to read. I’ve never read a Norse inspired book, but I have always wanted to! It has forbidden romance, SLOW burn, and a bit of a bodyguard trope. I thought the Norse inspiration would make this hard to follow, but I picked up on words quick and if I didn’t then they were easy to look up.

Freya is a unique 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 constantly trying to protect her family (even though they are awful and don’t deserve her protection). It angered me at times that she let Snorri use them to control her, but if I’d been in that situation I would do everything to protect my family too.

“Come out and fight like your balls didn’t rot off decades ago.” 😂

Bjorn oh wowwwwww!!! He’s just hot tbh. He’s very funny and charming. He’s also a bit mysterious so discovering new things about him was interesting. He was always trying to protect Freya which was sweet. Also, can we talk about how cool his power from Tyr is?? And the others that had powers too were so interesting to learn about. His father, Snorri, is actually so delusional omg😭The whole story I was just begging for Bjorn and Freya to be together.

I loved this book, but was confused a couple of times. It was like a battle was happening and then after they were all just sitting around getting drunk😭It was a bit repetitive but I get that’s also what the story literally is about.

The ending was CRAZY even though it was very predictable. I think Danielle L. Jensen purposely foreshadowed a lot during the story so that you did have to think about what was going to happen. I thought it was cool that I predicted it but as I was reading I still had no clue how it would actually play out. Even more was revealed that absolutely shocked me. I’d love to say more in this review but I’m trying to keep it spoiler free! I’m so desperate for the second book but this one isn’t even released until 2024💔
Whether or not you enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom I would say give this a read! It’s a perfect Romantasy that’s a bit different from others bc of the Norse inspiration!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Woahhhhh🤩 I want to say thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the review copy!

Full review to come, on publication date- per author/publisher request.

I received an ARC for this book!
Norse mythology fantasy romance?! SOLD.
Danielle has a way of weaving a story that grabs your attention from the first page and keeps you craving more with every word.
I loved all the Norse mythology, the subtle magic, and this Viking setting that screamed The Last Kingdom.
5 stars. 3 spicies. Highly recommend!

I really wanted to love this book a bit more than I did, but there were a few things that caused the 3 stars for me. Honestly, it was probably closer to 3.5 stars, but I rounded down due to slight annoyance with the main character. I also really loved the book as it started, but about halfway through I started to lose that feeling. People emotions were all over the place, and at times it was tough to keep up.

I loved that this was based on Norse mythology, that is not something that is normally found in the fantasy genre filled with Fae.

I liked the main characters, Freda and Bjorn, but I didn’t love them. Freya seemed immature at times; but she also reacts to things as someone who had been taken advantage of and used for most of her life. Bjorn, I loved his character. He took his protection of Freya to a new level, while trying to keep his distance at the same time. I really wanted to love Freya, and I’m hoping that the character growth in the next book (because the way this ended was amazing) will really show a new level to her. I felt like I had slight emotional whiplash from this book; it was a roller coaster or emotions from all sides.

There were parts of the book where it felt a little jumpy; I felt like some areas could have gone a little deeper and other parts dragged on a little bit.

But overall, I enjoyed this book and will anxiously await a book 2 in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, author, and publishers for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

To say I was super excited when I was approved for this ARC is an understatement. I enjoy Norse Mythology, though of course I"m not super well versed on it. With that being said, I enjoyed being shown this world filled with mortals with drops of God's Blood. How it was done in a way I was not overwhelmed but enjoyed it. Also loved the journey in this book. I had my suspicions on a few things, and it turned out I was right, but only because the entire time I was hoping it would end up that way. I love Bjorn, I'm a sucker for love in stories but I really enjoyed his personality. It was rather refreshing the way he was simply himself but not overly nasty about it. Freya is wonderful. I LOVED how smart and logical she was when dealing with stuff. It was super super refreshing for me as a reader to see a character not hold things against other characters when what they were saying was hurtful but true. Snorri is the worst by the way, I want to smack him around, that's all I'll say about him. Her family is another matter altogether.
Ok so without spoiling anything, which I hope I"ve managed to do so far, I am super excited for the next in the series. Danielle Jensen does not disappoint when it comes to her characters, to the way she sucks you into caring for them their world and their journey. If you loved, or liked Bridge Kingdom, like myself, you'll greatly enjoy this.
for those of you that need spice in your stories this has it! (yay as I am one of those people that LOVES IT) slow burn, with lots of banter and steam until the spice. two chili peppers for sure :)

Did I just find my new comfort character who has never known a day of comfort in her life? Yes, like Bjorn, I was hooked as hook as she threw the fish at his face.

I'd binged the Vikings TV series and was skeptical any book could live up to it...but wow this did and then some. Jensen paints a beautiful and brutal story of Freya, a shield maiden blessed by the gods, battling her own self-worth, the demands of those around her, and the responsibility that comes with her power. Her prose are captivatingly vivid (though can get a bit much if you're not into flowery language), her characters complex, and the banter between Bjorn and Freya made me GIDDY with excitement. My only negative was that at about 75-80%, the story got VERY predictable and a bit bland. Still, this is the first book of what I expect to be an epic story fighting for its place as my new comfort read (ToG, be scared).

This book did everything right for me and I'll not only be anxiously waiting the 2ish years for book 2 but also picking up her other books while I wait.

If you love fantasy romance (yes I do mean fantasy with a subplot of romance not romance with some fantasy) and Norse mythology, READ THIS.

I loved that this was in the Norse mythology world, especially after just finishing the Witch’s Heart. But it was pretty cringy at times too. A 20 year old is forced to marry a man older than her dad, and that was just too much for me. Lots of controlling men and docile woman at the beginning, and it was just frustrating. It was pretty long winded at time, and confusing. Too much was happening because an old man was convinced it was fate.