2 stars. Not for me.

I sadly just didn’t get on with this book. The writing style and tone were not for me. The text felt cold, stilted, awkward and completely lacked descriptions. I couldn’t picture the world or feel the characters’ emotions. It wasn’t immersive in any way for me. It seemed underwritten, while the plot itself was very repetitive.

The promised slow-burn romance involved the couple lusting after each other immediately. And there wasn’t a lot of depth to the characters. They were very one-note.

The world-building felt very spotty and underdeveloped. It's just a stream of cliché Viking barbarian men who are drowning in their own masculinity, with women being their little property. Plus some vague allusions to Norse gods. I was also surprised by how brutal and violent the story was. Without anyone batting an eye or having an emotional response!

Not my cup of tea.

I loved this book. The suspense keep me on my toes wanting to read more, I started it last night and finished it just now. I look forward to its release and buying a physical copy, and of course book 2.

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This book is for readers who enjoyed From Blood and Ash and The Bridge Kingdom Series. The Norse inspired fantasy is super fun and fast paced.

The female main character can fight and starts off with “the chosen one” trope. It then progress into a different plot point of the story where she starts to make choices for herself. There’s a few plot points which are left unexplained throughout the book but they seem to foreshadow being resolved in the second book.

This was an extremely fun read and will keep you wanting to finish it however there are some content warnings to be brought up: (Don’t read these if you want to go into the story blind)
-Forced marriage
-Forced Sexual Advances
-Death
-Betrayal
-Degradation

These might not trigger some people however these are possible content warnings for people they might affect. Some of these TW should be added for people.

Review has already been posted on Goodreads and Instagram. Will be posting on BookBub on September 4th and then on Amazon when Amazon opens the reviews for the product. Links are below for the places already published.

HOLY SH*T 😳🥹🤩 it’s so hard to write a review for this book because I’m emotionally distraught and can not capture all my feelings!

Danielle Jensen is a great writer, but this is even better than I expected! The Viking inspired world was seamless and detailed throughout, which made me picture everything so vividly. The forbidden romance with all the tension had me in a chokehold to keeping flipping to the next page. The action was jammed packed! And of course, the characters that die crushed my soul. I’m still speechless after the major plot twist & cliffhanger!

This has everything we love from the action packed shows like Vikings and last kingdom, but with characters that are multifaceted and Jensen gets you hook, line, & sinker for them. If you love action, slow burn, forbidden romance, badass FMC, Norse mythology, & morally grey men… this is for you 🤩 Jensen ties all those themes & tropes into a captivating novel that rivals her Bridge Kingdom series! This is definitely a top fantasy read of the year

I fell head over heels for this book and never have I read an ARC faster! I need the next book now 👏🏼

In a loveless marriage, Freya yearns to be a warrior and rid herself of her oppressive husband. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her husband's betrayal forces her into a deadly battle against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya unveils a lifelong secret as a shield maiden and child of Hlin, with magical abilities, destined to unite a fractured nation. Bound by a blood oath, she and Bjorn must navigate perilous trials, including their forbidden attraction, as they strive to fulfill their intertwined and unwritten destinies and save their people.


I'm telling everyone I know right now to preorder this book, put it on your TBR, and get ready to be obsessed! Jensen delivers an exhilarating Viking/Norse-inspired romantasy that hits all the right notes. Her skillful storytelling effortlessly immerses you into the rich world of Norse lore, making it accessible and engaging. The protagonist, Freya, is a remarkable and tenacious character who I was immediately obsessed with. Jensen masterfully weaves dread, foreshadowing, and high-stakes romances into the narrative, creating an irresistible slow-burn dynamic that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Bjorn, our sexy viking MMC, with his sharp tongue and battle prowess, quickly earns the title of the new ultimate book boyfriend. This novel offers a thrilling blend of Viking battles, romance, intrigue, and mystery, making it an unputdownable read. And be prepared for a cliffhanger that will leave you screaming into the void, even if you saw it coming. This book is everything you could want in a Norse-inspired romantic fantasy. More please!


World Building: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Pacing: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

⭐️ Overall: 5/5

I’ve never read a Viking Romantasy before! A Fate Inked in Blood was very good. Freya and Bjorn were great main characters. Their love story overall was passionate and forbidden. I really enjoyed learning about the different gods powers and the dynamics of the different Viking countries. I hope to read the next book in this series!

A Fate Inked in Blood was exactly what I needed for a Viking/Norse inspired read (and expected from DLJ).

The first POV really helped to show the MC wasn't merely fighting destiny/gods, but also her own inner demons, which I appreciated. At times, it could feel slightly repetitive, but on reflection helped to solidify how distanced/removed/sheltered the MC was most of her life.

It was the delicious slow burn you hate to love and the right amount of spice. I'll say nothing more on that one.

There were a couple plot "twists" which were slightly predictable and extremely hinted too that you weren't surprised, but it didn't distract from the story because I was still invested in the dynamics of the world and characters. And she did have a handful surprises at the end which ultimately made up for it.

But ultimately, the best part for me was DLJs battle/war/fighting sequences. I'll tell you- she can write it! With the added Viking weaponry and war styles, you were immersed and hanging onto the edge of your seat.

All in all, a bingeable story that'll keep you absorbed until the very end, only to leave you begging for the next one. For fans of Vikings, Norse Mythology, Gladiator, and Troy. You'll love this.

I loved this book and the story of Freya is compelling. This is a story of empowerment and betrayal. Lots of betrayal. It is hard to tell who is betraying whom at times because the story is much more complex than it initially seems. There is plenty of darkness in this tale but there is also hope. I am eager for the next book in this saga because I am committed to Freya's story.

This was such an amazing read! I flew through this book in one afternoon because I could not stop! The characters were so unique and gripping that I really adored them. The author did a great job with keeping the plot moving and avoiding any stale moments. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

This moved at a good pace for and I read the whole thing in one sitting. I liked the Norse elements.

However, I think I need to stop request ARCs for new series because waiting for the next one to come out when this isn't out is the WORST. THAT ENDING.

Woah. I may have seen some things happening, but not all! This feels like a Viking fantasy romance with a theme of Percy Jackson. I am on the edge of my seat for the next book! This is a must read if you love Danielle L. Jensen, AC Valhalla, God of War, Vikings, or just a fan of fantasy romance!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the arc!

This book has everything I love in a NA fantasy romance adventure, spice, fast pace, big twist, and action. There’s lots of longing between the FMC and the MMC which makes for a lot of tension. There are a few spicy scenes towards the end. Overall chili pepper rating is ⅖ in my opinion.

I love the Norse mythology in this book. There’s a lot of magic and prophecies throughout the book. It was written wonderfully. The world building wasn’t overwhelming, it was paced out well and there wasn’t any info dumping. If you’re a fan of Danielle Jensons writing style you’ll love this book from her as well! This book leaves you wanting to jump into the next book.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow as soon as I saw that I was approved, I started reading and basically finished in a day. Norse mythology with vikings and romance? Sign me up. Or better yet, forbidden romance? Say no more, I'm in. Definitely bloodier than I expected which is great because I initially thought this was YA, but turns out it's NA/Adult. Oh and there's spice, yep 100% not YA then. The only thing that knocked the rating down a bit was I felt it was slightly too insta-love, but that's just me nit-picking.
I definitely read this wayyyyy quicker than I thought I would and now I have huge regrets and have no idea when the second book will be coming out.

Anyways, I give this a 4.25/5 stars!

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

In typical Danielle L Jensen fashion, this book was so good. I really enjoyed the Nordic lore involved and the magic system.

Freya wants to be a warrior, but her selfish and plain awful husband won’t hear of it. Even her family dissuades her from trying to be a warrior. All this changed when, in a fight to the death with the gorgeous Bjorn, she reveals to be a child of one of the gods. The rest of the book is a bloody, adventure, and tension-filled saga.

If you’re a person that doesn’t like being told how to live your life you will 100% associate with the main character. Excited for this series doesn’t begin to explain my feelings!

Okay so where to actually start? Sexy fire Viking and a badass, powerful, daughter of a God fall in love…kidding. But kinda not? Only the second book will tell! And I. Am. Here. For. It.

Plot was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. I was a little lost somewhere in the 30% range because of plot and character building. But regardless, it held my attention long enough to finish in less than 24 hours. Yes. It was THAT good. No seriously, I was instantly hooked after the first chapter.

This was such a GOOD slow burning romance(can I call it that?) but the scenes made it worth the wait. I really enjoyed the sexual tension and build up. It felt realistic with the world they were living and the events that were occurring.

I want to be a Viking now. Put me in this world STAT!!!!!

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

Wow that ending! I did not expect that!

This book was so action packed and fun. I really enjoyed the magic system and world. I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

Brilliant another amazing book by this talent author.
It's not enemies to lovers it’s more fated love in a wrong place right type of situation the main character is instantly amazing with her wording she is not small and gentle she is rash and realistic the lead male lead is witty and smart mouthed both of them together creating fire. I have not read many Viking setting books but this has made me want to dive into Norse mythology a lot more to find out about their minor gods. The magic system in this story is unique not really born with the powers but chosen by their gods but not given the infinite abilities that makes them all powerful. The ending has me screaming the fact this book isn’t out yet and I will have to wait longer for a second book ah miss Jensen please I’m in love

4.5/5 stars

If you are a fan of the show Vikings then you will love this book!!!

“ Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.”

Bjorn is my new book boyfriend !!!! This book has made me want to read more about Norse mythology. The characters are written so beautifully. There is action and humor. And everything is so realistic. You can really visualize yourself in this world while you are reading it. Towards the end I could not put this book down! Highly recommend!!

3.75

I'd like to thank Random House, and Netgalley for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I find myself conflicted about this book even as I write the review. I thought that it was a great fantasy book, and an easy way for a beginner to get into the fantasy genre. Some highlights of this book include the romance plot lines, and the magic system. However, I found myself constantly wanting more. More magic, more battle sequences, and even more character development. I hope we get more of this in the sequel.

I think the thing I disliked the most about this book was the main character. She is so unlikable I constantly found myself rooting against her. It's so infuriating watching a character be both extremely dense and insanely annoying. Her family constantly takes advantage of her and she always defends them, even to her own detriment. Her motivation to protect them would make more sense if we had background on their family dynamic, but we don't get that so her motivations don't make sense here. Then she constantly has it out for this character who never did anything to deserve her ire. Overall super confusing.

The norse mythology was awesome and more fantasy books should be written from this perspective. The writing was also succinct and flowed well.

This was more gory and crass than I would have liked, but the story kept my interest. It was Norse mythology, with a harsh survival theme that gave me Outlander vibes.

I mostly liked this until about the last third, and then it started falling apart for me. There was too much anger, violence, and insta lust that was off-putting to me. It was completely predictable too imo. I was a little disappointed because I’ve read other books by the author that I really enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!