Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC. Here is my honest review:

4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

This is a Norse mythology-inspired fantasy with battle action, slow burn forbidden romance, and god magic.

Danielle L. Jensen created an incredible world with the god-touched children of the Viking deities we already know, then added a refreshing adventure story filled with battles, raids, psychedelic gatherings, and paranormal shenanigans 🍄

I was hooked from chapter one, and this is my formal request for the sequel ARC in this duology immediately.

I loved Freya, a strong and sassy fishwife stuck in an abusive marriage, who dreams of becoming a warrior. One day, she meets Bjorn, a sexy Viking man with fiery axe magic, rippling muscles, and a very skilled tongue 🤭

When Freya's secret powers are discovered and her prophecy as a Shield Maiden is exploited by the leaders of their clan, she and Bjorn are thrown together in a forced proximity bodyguard situation with tension, banter, and swoon-worthy collaboration.

As someone who reads a ton of fantasy romance, including "The Bridge Kingdom" series by this author, I did predict part of the ending which I wish hadn't been quite so obvious. Still, this book did manage to surprise me with something I didn't see coming.

Readers who want a Viking-lore romantasy with action and a side of spice will really enjoy this. It's definitely one of my favorite reads of this year 💙

Freya is such a strong character, she’s always wanted to be a warrior but of course was shut down because she was a woman. Married off to a literal piece of SCUM, and all I wanted was for her to take him out. Her loyalty to her family was low-key driving me crazy because they sucked just as much as her husband IMO.

Freya was a fighter through and through, she never gave up even when the odds are stacked against her. Even with the drop of goddess blood in her veins, Freya still had trouble controlling her life. Everyone including the jarl wanted to control her and use her but Bjorn is the only one who really wanted to free her. This book is definitely a slowburn, I wasnt sure what to expect but it was so good. I can’t say too much. BUT what I will say is that the romance was so G O O D. Bjorn is literally the viking man of my dreams, reluctant to protect Freya but in the end she becomes everything to him and someone he will protect no matter the cost.

So many obstacles in Freyas’ path make her question if she can trust herself, the people she calls friends, and the people who are supposed to be protecting her. Time and time again I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and if these people were really friend or foe. Plus Bjorn and Freya were slowly falling in love amongst the chaos and I was very scared to see how it ended up. 5 stars this book was so good!!

Slight spoilers ahead? Maybe?

I haven't read much in the way of Norse Mythology so this was my first dive into it and while I enjoyed it, it was hard to feel immersed in it. There was clearly a different way of life so watching these characters act a certain way just goes against everything inside me.

My own issues aside, I truly did enjoy this book as a whole. There is always something to be wondering about, keeping you on your toes, and plain out keeping your interest.

Freya, used to having to hide a piece of her, is still a strong capable woman but inside her is always that need to make others happy over her own self. She is very smart and caring but guilt is definitely a big part of her upbringing so while she knows what she wants she will always let others steamroll her. That is my main issue with this book but I do see her taking control of her own fate in the next book.

Bjorn, good ol Bjorn... I felt like something was off about him but not exactly at the same time. Like he was being truthful with Freya but anyone else he seemed indifferent towards them.

The two of them have some great chemistry and I love the patience he has for Freya, who is extremely naive in this world she was forced into. She thought she wanted it but when she is faced with the life style she can see that it was a child's dream in an adult world.

I really hope Freya comes into herself and stops letting others use her and take advantage and essentially stop letting people get the chance to betray her. I know it may make her character wary but she needs a little skepticism in her life in my opinion.

Danielle L. Jensen has worked her magic once again with her amazing take on the magic of the Norse gods and how fate rules the lives of mortals… or doesn’t. She truly kept me on the edge of my seat, and when I thought I predicted one thing, something else entirely surprised me. The plot and character arcs are, in my opinion, blended flawlessly with the romance, tension and spice. I loved the characters in this story and will be hanging off edge of a cliff waiting to find out what happens next. Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for granting this arc, I can’t wait to add it to my physical book collection when it comes out in February!

As a Bridge Kingdom fan, I dove right into this, and man did I love this world. Jensen's prose is tighter here than her older novels, introducing Freja's nordic surroundings with luscious descriptions and fascinating power struggles. All in all, the novel is a very successful introduction to this new series - though if anything, that is my biggest qualm (it felt like backstory for the larger narrative due to take place in book #2; complete with an ending that I saw coming but enjoyed nonetheless).

Bjorn is the hero we all want and need - I love Aren with my whole heart, but Bjorn is making it competitive for the #1 spot. On the flip side, Freja felt a bit naive and underdeveloped to me, though I have hope she'll grow into her own as the series continues on (with Bjorn by her side... please...).

All in all, I adored this and have been thinking nonstop about what's to come! Highly recommend for Jensen fans new and old <3

*4.25*
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Del Rey for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great. I’ll be honest and say what first drew me in was the cover. It immediately grasped my attention and finding out it was about vikings had me hooked. You can tell the author did a lot of research on norse history while writing this which I really appreciate as a reader. Even though there were terms I was unfamiliar with, the reading made it easy to understand what they meant.
The actual plot intrigued me because as someone who is not a huge romantasy person, im always hesitant about how the romance plays out. This being norse mythology inspired though made me want to give it a shot which I am glad I did.
A fate inked in blood is about a fishmonger’s wife named Freya who is betrayed by her husband about her being the child of a Goddess who is said to unite all of Skaland. She is forced to marry the Jarl of Skaland who plans to use her to his advantage in order to claim victory and become King. Bjorn, the son of the Jarl, is assigned to watch over her in order to protect her. Through the various obstacles that Freya faces, she begins to question if she has the power to change others’ fates and if the path she is on is the right one for her, all while having conflicting feelings and desire for Bjorn, who is the son of her “Husband” (in name only).
The desire between Freya and Bjorn was instant, but I think it actually made sense plot wise. Freya, having been married to a man who treated her poorly only to be forcefully wed again to another man who only wanted to use her, develops feelings for the only man who shows her respect and kindness and considers her feelings. The tension between them thoughout the story is strong and it is clear that Freya is constantly weighing her feelings for Bjorn and the fate of her family.
The last half of the book really picked up and the ending reveal had me on my toes!! I knew Bjorn was too perfect to not have secrets. I cannot wait for the next book (even though I will have to wait so long!!). We need more viking books.
This book is how I feel romantasy books should be done. Enough fantasy/plot to have an actual interesting and engaging story while having steamy scenes that appeal to those who prefer the romance aspects and aren’t straight up cringe that it feels like fanfic.
This being my first book by this author I was very pleased and will definitely check out her other novels. So glad I was able to read and review this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available February 27,2024!

A Viking romantasy with betrayals magic spice and an intriguing plot that fell flat a few times.

Freya is married to an odious man who betrays her to the jarl and must fight his son Bjorn. This begins the romance. Honestly I was just bored. I wasn’t engrossed nor truly cared for the characters. The action sequences were very well written though.

I truly loved this story! It was a verrryyyy slow burn romance! It did have a lot of repetition but the writing and storyline was so good! It definitely ended on a cliffhanger so I can't wait to read what comes next!

Danielle Jensen, what did I just read? It was amazing. I was honored to be able to get an ARC of this book and I inhaled it. I’ve read a couple “Norse inspired” books that give a little Viking feel…but this…was VIKING. You get the gods, the action, the magic, the romance, the banter and even one horse.

From the start, I felt like I was immersed in the world of Freya. I knew Danielle’s writing style from reading The Bridge Kingdom books and this book is no different. She writes in a way that you feel you are the characters. You feel like your in their world, seeing and feeling everything. THE BANTER between Freya and Bjorn was perfection…from out the gate.

If your looking for an entry to fantasy, this is perfect. The magic system is easy to understand and not too complex. If you love high fantasy, this is also for you. The story line is intriguing, the plot and character building are perfect. I cannot wait for the next one…and it’s gonna be a while since this doesn’t come out until 5 months from now…

Thank you for the opportunity for this ARC!

Danielle Jensen does it again! She builds a world, sucks you in, and makes you never want to put the book down always wanting more. Love the Viking feels in this one!

Where do I even begin? Danielle L Jensen is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint!

One thing about DLJ, she knows how to write a badass female character. Time and time again she delivers a lead female who’s strong, courageous and a weapon slinging bad bitch.

A Fate Inked in Blood follows young Freya who, for almost all of her life, has had to hide her magic. Life as Freya knows it takes a drastic turn leaving her to do what she can to protect those she loves. A story full of yearning, laughter, loss, betrayal and plot twists has left me with my jaw on the floor.

I love how easy the magic system and world building was to grasp. This is a great book for someone who’s wanting to dive into fantasy but is intimidated by the magic of it all.

I cannot wait for the next book! Definitely my favorite read of the year. 100/5 ⭐️

A fate inked in blood was not what I was expecting but it was sooo much more. I felt immersed in the story within the first chapter. I’m not that well versed in Norse mythology besides the most common gods/goddesses. This story made me extremely curious though!

Freya was so fierce and loyal. I found myself relating to her quick temper and impulsivity. She is irritatingly likable even while I wanted to punch her in the face and tell her to just LISTEN!

Bjorn is swoon worthy. I admired his strength even when I ended up frustrated with some of his actions.
I enjoyed the slow burn romance more than I thought I would! And it got a little spicy.

My only complaints would be pacing and too much inner monologue. The middle was pretty slow compared to the beginning so I struggled a little there even though this was a pretty quick read for me. And I got tired of Freya talking about everything that was happening instead of seeing or experiencing it with her. I kind of wish we would’ve gotten a prequel to understand the gods better as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and hate that I have to wait so long for book 2.

If you’re a fan of Vikings, The Last Kingdom, The Northman, etc., pick this up!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Star-crossed lovers with a slow burn and ending that will leave you in shock! Mark your calendars for its release on February 24, 2023!
I need book two NOW!

I highly recommend this book if you like Norse mythology, Vikings, witty banter, and a slow burn. The witty banter between the main characters is amazing, they each have such a quick wit. There is very little spice, but what there is is well-written.

A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son.

#AFateInkedinBlood #SageOfTheUnFated #DanielleLJensen #Freya #FreyaBorninFire #Bjorn #BjornFireHand #Vikings #StarCrossedLovers #NorseMythology #Gods #NorseGods #Magic #RandomHousePublishing #ARCBook

This was incredible! Can’t wait for the next one to see where it goes. I will read anything Danielle L. Jensen puts out. I have not found a book of hers I disliked.

‘A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.’

A Fate Inked in Blood, told from the first person POV by the shield maiden, Freya, was such a romp that I would have read it in its entirety on yesterday alone. But since this was a 3-way buddy-read, I had to fight with my own hands to close my kindle. But then my hands would re-open my kindle. And then smash it closed. Then they starting making lude gestures towards my kindle. But alas, I waited til today to finish.

This was my first novel by Jensen, but certainly not my last! That ending! Gahhh, how am I supposed live my life not knowing what happens to my new book boyfrannn? Oh Bjorn, you stud, I swooned fortyleven times.

Ughh, but damn all the cliffhangers to Helheim!

So yea, I absolutely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date 2.27.24

This is a captivating fantasy novel that serves as an excellent gateway for readers who may find fantasy books daunting. From the very first few chapters, I was drawn into the story with ease, thanks to its accessible narrative style and engaging plot.

One of the standout features of this book is the incorporation of Norse mythology. Weaving elements of Norse lore into the story, adding depth and richness to the story building. Whether you're a mythology enthusiast or a newcomer to the subject, the book strikes a perfect balance in making these elements enjoyable and accessible.

Freya, the main character, is a compelling protagonist. Her journey from being trapped in a loveless marriage to her evolution into a formidable warrior is a central focus of the narrative. I loved the portrayal of the turmoil Freya experiences and the choices she makes as she strives to shape her own destiny. Freya's character development is a highlight of the story.

One of the refreshing aspects of the book is that the romance doesn't overshadow the main plot. Instead, it takes a backseat, allowing the book to delve deeper into the overarching storyline. Overall I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading book 2.

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall I thought this was an excellent start to a new series! I had heard great things about this and it definitely held up to the hype. I thought the pacing could have been a little stronger in the first half, and it ended in more of a cliffhanger which I did expect since this is the start of a series. I will say that I'm not the biggest fan of Norse mythology and Viking settings, but I did still really like this one! So there's that :) And the romance was really great, Freya is an awesome main character and I loved her agency and power.

🌈 Queer rep: none, as far as I can recall :(

If you like the History Channel Original Show Vikings or just Norse mythology in general, I think you will like this book. I really enjoyed Freya as a character. While the plot got a little too predictable, it was still a really fun read. The pacing was quick and the prose was nice. I also really enjoyed the way the battle scenes were written.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A Fate Inked in Blood is a Norse inspired fantasy romance that follows Freya and Bjorne, two children of the Gods.
After twenty years living and laboring in a small fishing town, Freya’s life is turned upside down after a devastating betrayal.
Soon, she finds herself thrust into a different existence, used as a tool by a power hungry king.
Bjorn, the kings heir, is tasked to keep Freya safe. Together, they must pass the tests of the Gods and uncover hidden truths about themselves.

I absolutely devoured this book. I found myself reading late into the night, wanting to see more of Freya and Bjorn.
The writing transports you right into the book and keeps your attention with a fast paced, adventure packed story.
I will say that although I loved this book, it did follow the typical romantasy formula, which made the story very predictable for me. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book.

Freya was such a fun character. Although she appears snarky and feisty, she has such depth. Throughout the book we see her fight against the role she’s always been cast in, and you can truly feel the turmoil in her heart.

Bjorn was absolutely swoon worthy. He met Freya at every step, her perfect counterpart. I loved their banter and watching their relationship develop.

Overall this was a great book that I’d recommend to any fantasy romance lovers and fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout and Clarissa Broadbent.

My review will be posted on goodreads and Instagram closer to book release.

Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

4.5 stars. This was such great read. From start to finish, I was enthralled with Freya's journey. I was a bit nervous to start this as Norse mythology is not my usual go to, but I am so glad I did!

Strong Female Lead ✔️
Mysterious, you can look but you can't touch love interest ✔️
Secrets and Deception ✔️
Despicable Villians ✔️
All the Banter ✔️

I found Freya so relatable as we followed her on her journey to discover her destiny. There were so many points in the book where I laughed, threw my hands in the air, or was like give em hell. I disliked everyone she disliked, worried for everyone she worried for, and honestly was also wtf at the end of book. I can not wait to see how this series plays out.

Thank you for the ARC