I read this in like a day, simply because it was pretty fast-paced and it actually had a good balancing of the fantasy versus romance. I do think the world-building could've been expanded upon a bit - I got the same feeling about The Bridge Kingdom, where there just wasn't quite enough depth to the world as I would have liked. I did really like the magic system, which has both its own original twist as well as still being relatively straightforward.

On the romance side, the chemistry was on point, and the banter was pretty good too. There were a couple lines that were a little cringey, but not so much that they detracted from my enjoyment of the overall banter between Freya and Bjorn. It did irk me just a touch that her only close, positive relationship was with Bjorn <spoiler>except for Bodil, who I kinda feel like got fucking fridged (but not entirely, I know there's some political repercussions sprinkled in there too so there's the potential for other plot effects). Idk, if Freya gets some important platonic relationships in book two then this point could be redeemable for me</spoiler>.

The only other big thing that bothered me was that the foreshadowing felt a bit too on the nose. There was some pretty heavy foreshadowing for the main plot twist at the end, I felt, and Freya reiterated her thoughts on who was involved in the secret meetings a lot to the point where she seemed (in my opinion) a bit stupid for not really considering anyone else aside from Ylva. I mean, I get she didn't like Ylva but come on. And then on the complete other hand, the other twist: <spoiler>that Bjorn's mom was still alive</spoiler> I felt like there was no foreshadowing for. Even looking back - and maybe I'm missing something, I did binge-read it - I can't think of anything that might've indicated it, and so it felt like a very tacked on twist at the end.

Freya's "Born in Fire" is the Nordic version of Katniss's "Girl on Fire." This was so delicious to read, and I can't wait to get the physical. Characters are all distinct as well. Even with the Nordic names, I had no issues keeping people straight. I loved that this was heavy on Norse history as opposed to just being “inspired” by it. A couple of good spicy scenes as well. Excited for book 2 which I know is gonna be at least a year from now and that makes me sad.

I have only read a handful of Norse style fantasy books, but Danielle Jensen really delivers when it comes to the world building in A Fate Inked in Blood. Holy moly, this one is a ride! Freya is a gods gifted fishwife with a cruel husband who has come to accept her lot in life for the sake of her family and her people. Everything she does is for them, even at her own expense. Then a sudden turn of events alters the course of her life forever and introduces our MMC and love interest, Bjorn, into the story.
I personally enjoy the instant attraction trope in books just as much as the slow burn enemies-to-lovers trope, and Danelle Jensen gives us the former in this one. From the moment they meet, it's Freya and Bjorn. That being said, there is a TON of drama that follows their connection. I mean, Freya is a married woman, so we already know where that is going...👀

Without giving any spoilers, this is a very Viking themed story with gods, magic, romance, and betrayal that will keep readers at the edge of their seats! It was fast paced and well written and ended on a cliffhanger. I loved Danielle Jensen's the Bridge Kingdom, but i may have enjoyed this one more due to the amazing world building! I can't wait to see what fate our heroine chooses for herself in the next installment! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for this ARC for in exchange for an honest review.

Freya is a girl with a secret and it is this secret that will change all of Skaland in ways that she doesn't even realize. She has a drop of divine blood in her, but she has been sworn to secrecy about it. She's fishmongers wife trapped in a horrible marriage with dreams of being a great warrior but a beautiful boy and power-hungry Jarl arrive and her secret is exposed. From here she must become who they tell her she is destined to be and make the Jarl the King of Skarland. But will she be able to overcome her doubts and also her growing passion for the Jarl's son Bjorn? She will also have to wrestle with what the gods what with her because they too have secrets.

This is the first Danielle L. Jensen book for me, I know I'm late to the party. Shameful! I actually was drawn to it by a recommendation of someone and boy am I glad I picked it up. I was a sucker for the Vikings show so to delve back in to a Norse mythos in this book was like slipping into a warm bath. The gods and magic systems is well thought out and I enjoyed every aspect it it.

The characters are are well thought out, but god there were points where I wanted to shake Freya for how obtuse she was. She was at multiple avenues running head first into walls or would have if not for others to set her right. If I didn't like her I would have cheered for the enemy. The pacing was good and it was a quick read. The romance was a little instant and predictable but still enjoyable. Bjorn is always a plus.

I will definitely be continuing on with the series and bemoan the wait for the next book. I'm hooked.

I have loved Danielle Jensen since I picked up the first Bridge Kingdom book. Her writing is transporting and makes stories come to life through the way that she writes as well as the stories that she crafts. This one is no exception. I was absolutely elated when I received a copy of this to review and I cannot thank you enough. The mythology and fantasy elements expertly woven into this tale had me enthralled with the plot. The buildup, the mess that Freya's life entails....I was just SO here for it! I will have a long waiting list to check this out from my library and my excitement to be able to share it with my patrons is off the charts!

2.5⭐️

Let me start by saying I love Jensen and The Bridge Kingdom series is what got me hooked into reading fantasy again. That series was written so so well and thus I had very high hopes for this book.

The first 35%/40% are really good. I was hooked and I was ready to be taken away but sadly that didn't happen. After that 40% mark the book gets muddled for me. The world isn't properly developed, The powers the people not really explained. Even the events with the exception of like two fights are just happening around the main characters and we always see the outside pov.

Overall the pacing of the book got me uninterested and I honestly didn't even want to keep reading at one point. The start starts off SO good but then the middle so or just tapers into blah. Because of all that I ended up skimming through the book to just make it to the end. I wanted more world building and more descriptions of people and places.

This is a perfect fantasy book to recommend to your friends who don’t read fantasy. Easy to understand world building and magic system. Characters are all distinct as well. Even with the Nordic names, I didn’t have any issues keeping people straight. Loved that this was heavy on the Norse history as opposed to just being “inspired” by it. Couple good spicy scenes as well. Excited for book 2 which I know is gonna be at least a year from now and that makes me sad.

Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review. This book was such a fun read and had absolutely everything that I love in a fantasy romance! The writing is fast paced and keeps you engaged throughout the whole book. I ran through it in a day and am already sad about having to see what happens after the cliff hanger.

Norse mythology, good spice, fun magic system, easy world building… what more can a girl want? Danielle L. Jensen never misses!


· This review will be posted on Netgalley and Goodreads

· Review posted on 9/2/23

· https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5810902332

One chapter into this book and I knew it was going to break my heart. The writing was absolutely fantastic, the settings incredible, and the emotion seeped into every word. I can’t tell you how much it pains me that I have to wait more than a year for the next one and I can only pray I get a Galley for it, because there is a distinct broken feeling in my chest when I think about it, and I think about it often. It both broke my reading slump and caused another one that could only be served by lighthearted romance, which feels like the exact opposite of this.

This book has mystery, adventure, romance, angst, war. I’m a sucker for a good Viking fantasy, and this was top tier. From the mundane to the magical, it was all described in such great ways. I fell into it so easily and coming up for air was like entering into a completely different world, familiar yet altered in some way. That’s the best part about a really good book.

Freya’s feelings of being trapped and finding her powers, exploring her honor and duty while in fear of assassination and always being a prisoner of her own making were palpable. The relationships she develops feel so very real as does the moments of love and betrayal both in turn. Of course, with as deeply expressed as the other emotions are, the romance and spice was also top tier. The spicy scenes throughout were incredibly hot.

Bjorn is also an awesome character and the will they won’t they continually reached a frantic pitch throughout the book, amping up the tension and the stakes continuously. Honestly, the way he’s described? I don’t know how anyone could resist a warrior Viking with a touch-her-and-die vibe. It was pretty hot—and I’m not just talking about his fire magic.

The end of this story left a bit of a cliffhanger, but one that had a ton of promise for the next book. So excited to see what happens!

Thank you to Netgalley, Danielle L Jensen, and Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.

I loved this book, I normally gravitate towards fantasy/romance books which is why I picked this one up and I’m so thrilled I did. It was such a well written story from the first page. I was hooked, and I absolutely devoured this book. The forced marriage and forbidden love aspect of it. Towards the end there were some plot twists and a cliffhanger that left me wanting even more! I can’t wait to read more in this series!

Freya emerges as a truly refreshing heroine in this gripping tale. She faces life's worst hand with resilience, turning the tide while holding onto her core values.

Throughout the story, my anger grew toward those who took advantage of Freya's sacrifices without batting an eye. She endured her loveless marriage for the sake of her family, yet when she was betrayed to the jarl, her brother showed no sympathy and her so-called best friend's actions left me astounded. This betrayal cut deep, especially when her friend offered something sacred to her deceased father as a gift to the very jarl who had forced Freya to leave her home.

Freya's family and friend proved themselves to be truly awful, and it's clear she deserved better.

As for the jarl, he came across as a power-hungry fool, manipulating prophecies and divine visions to suit his own ambitions. The entitlement everyone felt toward Freya and their attempts to control her were infuriating to witness.

However, what stands out is Freya's character development throughout the book. Her growth and realization of her own leadership potential are inspiring.

And let's talk about the romance and chemistry between Freya and Bjorn – it's off the charts. Their interactions had me devouring page after page just to savor their connection.

Ylva, the jarl's first wife, and Leif, her son, weren't characters I particularly cared for, but their presence was essential to drive the story forward.

This book is a thrilling mix of action, mythology, and passion, with an ending that will leave you yearning for the sequel. I certainly didn't anticipate the surprising conclusion, and you'll likely be just as shocked by how things unfold.

In my book, this is a 100% must-read, a solid 5/5 stars. It's set to hit shelves on February 27, 2024, so don't hesitate to pre-order this captivating novel by clicking here.

While certain plots points were pretty predictable, I enjoyed the fiery Freya. I love mythology and the Norse mythology woven through this book was fun and exciting. I can’t wait to see where the series goes.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Del Rey, and Danielle L. Jensen for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Expected publication date: February 27, 2024

Read as an ARC, this romantasy novel quickly held my attention. I was invested! The was one of my favorite ARCs so far. The setting is a Nordic viking-inspired world where Norse Gods have given their signature gifts to a chosen few by a single drop of blood. The novel was medium-paced with good character growth/development and well written plots. I only wished the author spent more time on world building for the reader, but I didn't hold it against her. The story is filled with Norse mythology, magic, viking raids, fight scenes, and forbidden romance,

The story follows Freya who is in a loveless marriage. She is betrayed by her husband and is forced to reveal her secret that she has been blessed by the blood of a Norse goddess that makes her a shield maiden, able to use her magic to repel any attack. Long ago, a seer's prophesy told of such magic that would unite the nation of Skaland beneath one who controls the shield maiden's fate. A powerful regional jarl has searched for years for the one spoken of in the prophesy in the hopes that she would bring him power and control of the nation. Freya's father had made her promise to keep her powers a secret, for fear of her safety from those who wished to harness her power.

Freya and her magical powers are soon discovered by the jarl and she is taken. The jarl appoints his handsome and charming warrior son, Bjorn, to protect Freya from all that would seek to destroy her and the prophesy. Freya faces many obstacles - learning to control her magic, training to become a warrior with the sword, protecting her family, frequent tests by the Gods, and resisting her attraction to her protector. Through it all, Freya struggles to forge her own fate and destiny.

All of this makes for a fantastic read! I am eager to read the second novel in this series, but crushed that I have to wait so long!!

1000/5 stars

"Fate cares little for your opinion on how things should go."

I want to start by saying I enjoyed The Bridge Kingdom and Dark Shores so I figured I'd enjoy this book....but it was so much better than I anticipated. This is, hands down, Danielle L. Jensen's BEST book.

Let's start with the premise: a woman who wants to fight in a Vikings-inspired world with a dash of magic and a lot more than a dash of romance. It already sounds really good, right?

Add in the fact that Freya is a heroine who is easy to root for, Bjorn is a swoon-worthy "touch her and you die" romantic interest, and several epic battles and you have the perfect recipe for a romantasy.

Seriously, this book is everything I want in a romantasy and more. The plot has twists and turns and tight pacing, the romance is just enough of a forbidden slow burn, and the action kept my heart pounding as I read. I couldn't put this down--I literally read all day at work while I was, well, supposed to be working (shhh, you didn't hear that from me).

I can't think of a single complaint for this book. However, I have seen a couple people leary that Freya is essentially Bjorn's stepmother but she's forced into marrying his father, and there's a lot more to it that I won't spoil. Basically, it's not weird at all when reading, just trust me.

Look, just trust me and read it. If you like romantasy at all, read this!

A Nordic/viking inspired fantasy?! YES!
Slow Burn? Yep!
Annnnnddd one of the best forbidden love tropes I've read👏👏

A book I'd recommend for new fantasy readers because the world building and magic is easy to understand yet it's still a blast to read if you are a seasoned fantasy reader.

I finished in a day. Couldn't put it down. The tension, the foreshadowing, the ACTION. If you want a book with a stellar plot and characters you care about and are invested in, read this book!

Freya is a fantastic. Snarky, bold, and brave. She lives in fictional Skaland, married to a fisherman who was blessed by Njord.. AND he's a HUGE jerk. Within minutes of the book starting Freya gets herself into trouble and must leave her home and start a new journey. She's a weapon. She's sought after by many Kings. She's god-touched. She must discover her power and her destiny and it is one CRAZY ride! The love interest, Bjorn😍 The banter between the two, the tension...aghhh it's top tier. The ending will leave you stunned and desperately wishing the second book was out!

Love that the author did her research and truly delivered an awesome Viking fantasy. Battles, sacrifices, lore, magic, and gods galore.

100000% recommend this book!!!👏👏

Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC

@danielleljensen I LOVED this!!!!!

Received as an ARC and wow this had me captivated quickly.
So many lovable ingredients in this Nordic Fantasy
- forbidden love
-forced proximity
- suspenseful twists (and betrayals)
-a fierce female lead with a swoon worthy MMC who falls first.
- Nordic Gods and mixed blood powers
-easy to follow world building.
I stayed up late reading this for two nights and I am devastated that I will have to wait so long for the next book in this series.
Make sure you pre-order this now (Feb 2024 release) to ensure you get that beautiful splayed edged copy- this is going to be the next big fantasy series!
Thank you Net Galley, Random House Publishing, and Danielle Jensen for this masterpiece of an ARC!

I was so thankful to receive an ARC of this book because I absolutely adore Jensen’s other series and was very intrigued when I saw this new series has a Vikings flair. Boy did it not disappoint. I love the buildup and premise of how this story starts and the complicated mess of Freya’s life but all that becomes revealed that both enables her and empowers her but also restricts and restrains her. Bring in the magical god aspect of things with the heat of battle and wills and of want and desire. Then we have Bjorn and holy goodness what a specimen! But as the gripping story moves on, the adventures amount and the questions pile up, the entanglements start to reveal themselves and that ending is just mind boggling! I love the fire and passion of this story interspersed with history and fantasy and I cannot wait to see where this story goes!!

Worst book I’ve ever come across. Oh my god. Got 40% in and just couldn’t do it anymore. The cover is flawless. I wanted it for the cover! Beautiful cover I cannot stress enough! Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Was this written by a 6th grader? I think so, with a few f*** words thrown in. And amazing scenes with Freya bouncing on Bjrons lap on a horse, and him groaning!!! Nothing happened in 40% of the book. Wow.

I love Danielle Jensen world building, and this book is one of her best yet. I absolutely loved the storyline and relationships in this book. And the ending twist, chefs kiss. There is one smutty scene towards the end of the book as this is a wonderful slow burn. Highly suggested for fans of vikings!

This book had me hooked within the first chapter and I adored it wholeheartedly! The dynamic between Bjorn and Freya was electric and full of tension while also being so caring and loving. The magic use in this was perfect for the mix of legendary abilities and locations with familiar names. Magical instruments that also tell of a time we all have heard tales of and a story worthy of a skald's performance!