Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
Dnf @ 51%

I think this book could be great for someone who doesn’t care a whole lot about the structure of the world building and is just there for the romance and storyline. I found some of the choices in the how the story was constructed to be… interesting. The way things were set up, I think they could have changed it a little. The romance was nice for how much I read, although, her being married to his father is not my favourite thing.

Overall I would say it’s not a bad book, just not for people who enjoy more of the fantasy elements/world building.

Freya is stuck in a loveless marriage to the son of a god, her days wiled away gutting the fish he raises from the seas with his magic. When her husband betrays her, to save her life Freya reveals that she has the magic of a goddess and becomes a shield-maiden. Freya must learn to fight and control her magic, and must learn to fight against her feelings for Bjorn, son of the jarl who controls her fate.
A Fate Inked in Blood will appeal to fans of Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing.

Freya has spent her whole life in service to her family, from marrying a horrible man for wealth to hiding her magic and true desires for herself. Once she is discovered to be the shield maiden her has to learn to tap into her own power and who she can actually trust to be on her side. I simply gobbled this up, it was such a great time. There’s a great slow burn romance, betrayals, battles, gods and magic. I feel like a Viking fantasy was a new and needed change for me. The pacing is pretty quick and there’s a lot of action but it’s easy to follow. Each character has their own unique motives and schemes so the reveals just kept getting better. I really enjoyed Freya’s character development throughout the book, she does make some really bad decisions but it’s all part of her growth. I’m so excited to see what happens in the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Danielle Jensen for this e-ARC

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Fate Inked in Blood releases February 27, 2024

Freya is the shield maiden; a child of the gods destined to unite the people of Skaland. Growing up, she has always wanted more from her life, to be a warrior and to fight as one of Jarl Snorri’s raiders.

The start of this series is incredibly fast-paced and unputdownable, but as you reach the latter half of the book, it begins to feel unsatisfactory in comparison.

The reader is supposed to think that Freya is a strong female character, but so much of what she does ends up being either contradictory or inconsistent and paints her as weak.
Without the power backed by Hlin, we never accurately see proof of all the warrior strength that Freya supposedly would run off to practice while she was still married to Vragi.
Similarly, every setting where they were travelling, she was unable to adapt to the cold weather which ended up becoming a convenient and repetitive plot device in order for Bjorn to sweep in with his boiling hot blood.

The whole premise/plot of the book is very weak. Everything is hinged upon a prophecy from a seer decades ago, with riddles that no one can truly decipher of two individuals that are unfated, meaning quite literally anything could happen and it would be reason enough without ever needing to explain anything…

Some of the swearing at times took me out of the story because it felt like it didn’t quite fit their setting or natural dialogues.

What had me rooting for the relationship between Bjorn and Freya was the fact that they were the only ones to put each other first without an ulterior motive to propel them when everyone else viewed them as a tool for their own personal gains, but the ending really unravelled the little character development we got, so now I’m unsure how to feel.

Is no one going to question how she regularly put lemon juice in her vagina without it seemingly fucking with her ph levels or giving her an infection??

“It’s 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”

5 STARS ✨
THIS BOOOOOK…
The mythology, the banter, romance, fantasy, betrayal and battle.

This book had EVERYTHING. I loved every minute of this book. The banter between Freya and Bjorn had me laughing and then crying and smiling as I was enthralled by their connection.

The mystery of where this book was going kept me enticed from the start and even during the last chapter my jaw dropped with surprise.

I can not WAIT for this series to continue. I need more! An amazing series already. Highly recommend!

I found this to be a slow and difficult read, unfortunately. The concept is great and sets high expectations - there are not enough Norse-inspired fantasy books out there, and I enjoyed the magic system and worldbuilding. Unfortunately, I found the pacing slow and the characters difficult to root for. While Freya being thrown around and controlled by everyone is an integral plot point and is surely building up to her taking control in book 2, it made for a difficult read when I usually read stronger, more in-control female protagonists. It felt like it held the story back and made it difficult for the plot to flow, creating a staggering feeling that made me want to put this down multiple times. I don't believe I'll be continuing with this particular series.

Thank you to the author, Penguin Random House Canada, and DelRey for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and net galley for an ARC copy of this book. I was really excited to receive this as I have enjoyed Danielle Jensens other books. The first part of the book that I really enjoyed was the characters. I loved how Bjorn and Freya were represented and thought both had good depth in how they were written. I also enjoyed the plot of the book especially as I always enjoy a Viking/ Norse mythology theme. One area that did fall a little bit for me was the pacing of the book/plot. At times it felt a little slow but overall it was pretty good. I would definitely reread this book and look forward to reading more books that Danielle Jensen releases. I would recommend this book as I did really enjoy reading it.

A stunning Norse-inspired fantasy book that had me so enthralled from start to finish! Danielle l Jensen is a favourite author of mine for a reason and she fully delivered with this book!! The fmc was seriously so badass and I was rooting for her the entire time! The mmc was hot and the tension between the characters truly had me on the edge of my seat! Forbidden romance is always going to be so good to me, so well done here! The plot was immaculate and the pacing was perfect!! Couldn’t put this down for a singular moment in time! When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it!! THAT ENDING?! Oh my gosh, I am so sat and will be eagerly awaiting the next book!

While I wasn't personally as interested in the romance aspect, I acknowledge that's popular right now so I can't count it against it here. I'm more interested in the worldbuilding and magic system than this weird conceit behind the "forbidden romance", that honestly is a little... I'm not sure how to feel about it. I did enjoy the book, Jensen's writing is interesting and there's absolutely something here, especially with that ending, however I can't say I attached myself to many of the characters. This was more lore driven to me than character driven if you aren't all that attached to the romance. Bjorn and Freya are fine, but it felt like too much skirting for characters who are supposed to be in their thirties, especially with Freya's internal dialogue becoming somewhat younger than how old I would believe her to be when she was specifically talking about the romantic aspects.

I enjoyed this quite a bit, and would recommend it, with the caveat that if you're looking for an adventure fantasy this may be less of your cup of tea, but still has merit. If you're looking for that "romantasy" style that's been going around, this is right up your alley.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had pretty high hopes for this book and it definitely delivered! I absolutly loved the mythology and lore the story was rooted in and the magic that the children of the gods had. I really loved Freya’s character and even though Bjorn wasn’t an entirely unique MMC, I really enjoyed him as well.

The plot pacing was well done to me - I never got bored or felt like it was moving too quickly. Some of the plot twists I started to suspect but I still enjoyed the reveals when they happened. There were definitely aspects of the ending that I didn’t expect and I really love how everything played out! I can’t wait for the next book!

I loved this book!!

Right from the beginning, I was hooked.

Steeped in Norse mythology and lore, Jensen introduces us to a land of war and magic.

Freya is a simple girl from a simple fishing village who dreams of joining the Jarl's war band and fighting for her people. Instead, she is trapped gutting fish and tending to a nasty, husband in a marriage that is anything but. When he betrays her and the magic she has kept hidden, her life is flipped upside down and she trades one loveless marriage for another, to the the power hungry jarl who will use her and her magic to fulfill a twenty year old prophecy and make him kind. She quickly learns that warring is not what she had dreamed. She dives headlong into learning to fight, striving to control her magic and meeting the tests the gods have for her. What she didn't count on was her ever increasing feelings for the jarl's son.

I loved the development of Freya's character and the banter and tension between her and Bjorn. There were times it was hard to tell who the villain was, especially as Freya warred with herself. While it wasn't a coming of age story, it certainly was about finding ones place and learning the truth of one's story

While I saw a few of the twists coming, anticipating how Jensen was going to unwind the story was well worth the journey. I loved the setting too. It felt gritty and grungy, full on warring vikings.

The only thing I would say felt a little off was some of the spicier scenes felt like they negatively impacted the pace of the story and were there for romance sake. Like here she was focused on being a warrior and trying to figure out her place in the world....and then swoon. It just felt out of the place. That said, the romance story line is tied into the overall story in an excellent way at the end and I can't wait to see how the next instalment unfolds.

This was a very hard read for me to tough through. I'm sure those who love romantasy where they want to just read without thinking will love this but for me it was just a huge pain. Everyone was going through motions of the story and everything was being told to the reader all because of the main character's situation didn't leave much room for her to make her own choices in the beginning and made me less invested to continue reading in general.

“They don’t hate you Freya. They fear you.”

I absolutely acknowledge that as one of my insta-buy authors, and one of my most anticipated book releases of this year, I am holding A Fate Inked in Blood up to perhaps an impossible standard. It hit my wants in some ways and missed in others.

On the positive side, I think it will be a viral hit. It has all the makings for it. Vikings. Norse Mythology. A Cryptic Prophecy. Fickle Gods. Forbidden Romance. Bodyguard vs. Princess. Forced Proximity. SIGN ME UP!

However, my biggest concern, is that I continually felt like what I was reading was so diluted compared to the previous non-traditionally published works by Danielle L. Jensen. As her first traditionally published adult book in the US and Canada, I feel this was created to be a Booktok darling. Unfortunately, the story being a bit cookie-cutter and trope heavy, with very predictable twists, is where it lost me.

In the end, I just didn’t feel like the characters and storytelling were as rich and vivid as her previous works. And I encourage anyone who has not read The Bridge Kingdom to pick it up asap.

I will continue with the series, as I trust the author and believe she needed one book to set up where she wants to go. I’m hoping the pacing, world-building, and character development will grow with the series.

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada, Del Rey, and NetGalley for providing an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. A Fate Inked in Blood comes out on February 27th.

I devoured this book! I had never read a viking-inspired fantasy novel before and I wasn't sure what to expect but it kept me hooked from the first page. Though the twists are a little predictable, the magic system was really interesting and I enjoyed the development of the relationships between the various characters. Looking forward to book two!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint!! I loved the pace of this book and the tension??? *chefs kiss*. I haven't read many books based in norse mythology (love tv/movies set in that world) and I really liked Danielle's take.

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for the arc! Can't wait until my purchased physical copy comes in the mail so I can proudly display on my shelves!

Sooooooo we this is on everyone's tbr's right? Cause if not, then you need to add it right now. Vikings x Romantasy x Forbidden Love x soooo much tension I'm still reeling from it.

Danielle L. Jensen KNOWS how to do romance. KNOWS how to build up the sexual tension. And most of all she consistently delivers everything I want out of a Fantasy romance.

What an interesting read! I enjoyed the magic elements being linked with the gods as well as the setting based around Norse and Mythology. I found the book started off quite strong in the beginning where I couldn't put it down, however near the halfway mark my interest started to slow down. The plot was ok, but not strong enough to look past the parts that were not for me hence my rating.

I found the FMC Freya incredibly irritating and frustrating to read. She was so impulsive, tunnel vision outlook, and overall did not have likeable qualities. As well as the ending was not favourable, and slightly predictable. Overall the book was an okay read. I would still read the next book to see what happens.

Thank you Penguin Random House, Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Freya dreams of becoming a warrior. Stuck in a marriage she didn’t want to a man she wanted even less, those dreams stay nothing but dreams. She’s accepted that she’s meant to live out her days gutting fish and trying to not bring a child into her mess of a life. But Freya has a secret that she’s never told anybody - she is the shield maiden, blessed (or cursed, depending on who you ask) by the blood of the god Hlin. Unbeknownst to Freya, it has been foretold by seers that the shield maiden will unite their land and bring fighting tribes together under one rule. So it is shocking when her husband betrays her and she’s suddenly fighting for her life on behalf of a power-hungry king who wants nothing more than to use her for his own personal gain. Having no choice but to give into fate, Freya makes a deal with the king to bring their people together (and bring the king to his greatest power).

I want to start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this book. Every single second I was enthralled by the words on the page and that did not let up even until the very last page. The character of Freya is a badass, powerful woman who is completely unapologetic. Watching her struggle with her destiny and the circumstances surrounding her ‘gift’ was an incredible journey and each time she had to fight I loved her even more. As much as I loved Freya, though, I didn’t love her more than when she was with Bjorn. Their chemistry is off the charts, in and out of battle, and I’m confident in saying that he will be the new book boyfriend of MANY readers (myself included). I read the ebook but I think I might buy a physical copy for myself I loved it that much.

If you like books about magic, fate, gods, fire, and battle among other things, you will also adore this book. Or if you’re just looking for a slow-burn enemies to friends(?) to lovers story in the midst of chaos, then you’ll love it even more.

5 stars. 10/10. It’s perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

<i><b>”I wanted you the moment I first set eyes on you. I wanted you in Fjalltindr. I want you now, and tomorrow, and all the tomorrows, Freya.”</b></i>


<u>Tropes</u>
• Slow burn
• Forbidden romance
• Forced proximity
• Norse Mythology
• Betrayal


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was hooked right from the beginning! Seeing Freya from a fisherman wife to then transforming to a bada** warrior and gaining confidence in herself was one of my favourite moments in the story!

I loved the relationship that Bjorn had for Freya, wanting to protect her from harm and I loved the mountain scene of him trying to warm her up. We really start to see their attraction for one another start to come to light and it was definitely my favourite slow burn romance. I was grinning (from ear to ear) the entire time when we got to the spicy scenes!

There was so many twist and turns that left me in disbelief and that major cliffhanger. I had a feeling of certain aspects of the story and I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the second novel!

<b>Thank you to NetGalley, Danielle L. Jensen, and Penguin Random House Canada for the chance to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.</b>

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Del Rey, for an eARC in exchange for my honest views. 

‘A Fate Inked in Blood’ started off REALLY strong, and I loved the opening couple of chapters for both the characters’ personalities and chemistry. However, as we got more into the plot and the whole god-like powers arc came into play, it just felt like lore dump after lore dump. I also felt like the plot was mainly forwarded through sudden lore dumps, but they just felt so forced and abrupt.

I did keep going because I love a good Vikings-esque book, as well as ‘The Bridge Kingdom.’ However, the prophecy and what it entailed made it difficult for me to continue—ESPECIALLY after a *certain* marriage. It was just so hard for me to overcome what that meant for the main characters’ relationship, and I felt like the gravity of the situation was downplayed by the FMC’s humour and martyr complex. At times, it felt like a high-stakes political drama, and then, on the next page, the story would read like a romantic comedy with a touch of fantasy and Norse mythology.

I also felt like, given the nature of the story and the depth of history mentioned, the world-building was, at times, lacking and fragmented. I personally prefer it to be more intricate and paced out, but with AFIIB, it just sort of felt *there* and instantaneous. Political strife was also a major plot point of this story, and like the world-building, the build-up wasn’t really there for me. The overall plot had a lot of potential, and don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy where it was going, but I felt like the world-building could’ve really elevated the story as a whole.

And as the story progressed, I didn’t really see the chemistry between the MCs at the level of the first couple of chapters. For me, Freya and Bjorn’s relationship felt more like insta-love with no depth or real connection. They both have these sort of martyr complexes, and you could always tell what choice the FMC would make simply because it would be the one that most likely resulted in her suffering or demise. Although the first couple of chapters had me hooked on their chemistry, I lost interest in their relationship, and that made continuing the story a bit difficult to follow.

While I do have my fair share of critiques, this story ultimately had all the right characters, lore, and history. These different elements, however, just didn’t click for me and felt roughly strewn together. I will be on the lookout for the second book because I do love Norse mythology and did love Danielle L. Jensen’s writing in ‘The Bridge Kingdom.’ I definitely think there’s potential for the second book, and I’m interested to see where it goes. And so, while I don’t agree with some stylistic and writing choices, I do think this would be an interesting read for anyone who enjoys Norse mythology, ‘The Last Kingdom,’ or ‘Vikings.’