D.L.Jensen had my sympathy from “The Bridge Kingdom” series, in “A Fate Inked in Blood” she continues her solid writing. Right from the beginning of a book, I got the impression of the world, main character Freya, her situation, aspirations, dreams. I liked Bjorn the moment he stepped out of the water, oh, I knew it was going to be great reading experience. So I was hooked from the start! Also, I love book cover!

Reading the book made me feel like I am in the world myself, there is the sense of that place. A vivid world without over-explanation – it’s my favorite. This Norse-inspired world breathes with myths, prophesies and meddling of Gods, shows social, political, religious aspects of life. And oh, that sizzling romance subplot! The pacing is on spot, there are action packed battles, thrilling adventures.

All characters are distinctive, they are real, they act accordingly. A focus is on the main characters, but the side characters are also well fleshed out. Both main characters are strong and brave, blessed by Gods. Main female character Freya is fiery, main male character Bjorn is caring and - let’s be honest – he’s hot. Slow burn is so good, the build up is worth the wait, the tension crackles, the banter is witty and full of humor. There are forced proximity, forbidden romance tropes.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read: a vivid world, strong characters, sparkling romance, action. I would recommend it to all fantasy romance readers, romance readers who enjoy Norse mythology, and of course- Norse mythology fans.

I received ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, NetGalley.

A Fate Inked in Blood is the first book in Danielle Jensen’s new romantasy series, which is set in a world inspired by Norse mythology and Vikings. Having enjoyed all her previous novels, this one was high on my list of anticipated reads for 2024, and I am really grateful to NetGalley and Del Rey for approving my request for an eARC.

I was absolutely hooked from the opening paragraph and stayed up well into the night because I just had to know where the story would go. I loved both Freya and Bjorn as main characters right from the get-go. Their initial flirtation on the beach was brilliant, and the forced proximity and slow-burn throughout brought all the chemistry I love in a romance. Snorri was easily the character I disliked most, with a personality and ambitions even less attractive than his name.

There were some plot twists I saw coming, and others that blindsided me. Can’t wait to see where this goes next after a bit of a shocker of an ending! Danielle Jensen has been one of my auto-buy authors for a while now, and A Fate Inked in Blood confirmed this status.

The inspiration for A Fate Inked in Blood: norse mythology, is fantastic. Before picking up a fantasy book inspired by some kind of myth, I always find myself filled with excitement. There is simply so much you can do with different mythologies. How you use them to shape your world, characters, and thematic explorations can shape your story in intriguing and often, complex ways. I felt the same excitement when I heard about A Fate Inked in Blood.

Unfortunately, I can only say that here, the concept vastly overshadows the execution - a fact that significantly dampened my enjoyment of the book. While there is surface-level use and mention of the Norse setting (and its accompanying gods): children (and importantly, their fate) may be altered irreparably by a mere drop of a god's blood at their conception, the Skalanders and Nordelanders abide by the will of the gods, some of the gods appear (and by "appear." I mean very briefly, often without any dialogue or proper significance), there is only a very vague sense of god-centric religion, politics, and intervention in this book. Mainly, Danielle L. Jensen relies on the reader's own (presumably) surface-level understanding of the Norse gods and the Vikings, more generally. She doesn't deepen their involvement in any tangible way, beyond having them appear every so often or acting as superficial plot motivators. This means Jensen doesn't develop the politics or the religion of this fantasy world in any interesting way. And the gods and the Viking setting more so acts as backdrops to some standard fantasy action and again, vague war-centred plot. At a push, they provide the foundation for, what I thought to be, quite a generic exploration of female autonomy and fate. This under-use of the Viking setting really undercut the book for me.

In regards to other aspects of the book: I felt the plot to be particularly and glaringly contrived. Characters often acted out of character in order to push the plot forward. And because the plot hinges on the motivation of a confusing, and purposefully unexplained, prophecy, there is no sense that it actually has a specific trajectory. This made much of the book feel like a series of haphazard action scenes lumped together, pushed forward by contrivance. It doesn't help matters that the two main characters (Freya and Bjorn) also lacked any sense of tangible depth or chemistry. Beyond superficial attraction, I didn't really understand why they liked each-other so much. They didn't have many proper conversations and Bjorn, particularly, felt like a cardboard cut-out male lead. Freya was much your standard FMC. While I admired her furious attempts to re-gain her autonomy and her continued kindness (even in the face of violence), she too felt underdeveloped and not a distinct lead character. It also frustrated me that in moments of great pain (such as her hand melting off), she could only think of Bjorn. Not only did this remove tension from much of the plot's key points, it also made her seem quite literally inhuman.

All in all, this book just didn't work for me! While I love the idea of the book, and praise Jensen's imagination, unfortunately, I don't feel that A Fate Inked in Blood nailed the landing, here. However, if you're looking for a light romantasy and something that differentiates itself with a Viking setting, I would recommend trying this out. I think Jensen shows her imagination, verve, and uniqueness as a writer with this Norse-inspired book.

A fate inked in Blood is the first book outside her 'Bridge Kingdom' series that i have read by Danielle L. Jensen and my obsession with her has not waned. Phenomenal is the world i would use for this book. Freya is such an amazing character and Bjorn is just chef kiss. It has everything i love in her books, a badass MMC and FMC, intrigue, action and lots more.

The Ending!!!!!!!!!... that is all i am going to say

Do not walk, run to read this, it will consume you (in the greatest way).

Thank you to NetGalley and DelRey for gifting me this e-arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely flew through this book! Firstly, we meet a fierce and clearly powerful Freya who just wants to prove herself and control her own fate. Then we have sexy, mysterious Bjorn who can't seem to stay away from her no matter how hard he tries. The journey between these two as they navigate magic gifted by the Norse Gods, the whims of men lusting for power, and the mysteries behind a nightmarish prophecy is one of tension, moral dilemmas, and many steamy moments.

I don't think I've ever read a story with such a unique magic system, Norse mythology has always been interesting to me, and Danielle brings it to life in the most wonderful way. I absolutely need the next book ASAP!!

This was a marvellous Romantasy to start the year with! I am such a big fan of Fantasy and romance and when I click with a great Romantasy, I just devour it whole and this book was exactly like that: I read it in one sitting (to also keep myself awake during NYE). Freya is such an interesting, fierce FMC that I couldn’t stop myself from cheering her on and wishing for her to overcome anything that would come her way! Bjorn is also super interesting, charming and captivating, and you can see how they would be great for each other straight away: he elevates her to achieve her best potential!

I loved the world created and the magic system with the Norse Gods, I confess I don’t read many books inspired in the Norse Mythology and Danielle definitely made me want more. Her writing is beautiful, it’s coherent and magical. All characters are different and this was a great enemies-to-lovers, with a dash of bodyguard trope and forbidden love! Although I was suspicious to whom might be selling them out, I was still quite surprised to find out the culprit (but at the same time, made all sense!) and I cannot wait for book 2!

Check out my bookstagram (@maria_bookshelf) on release day for a pretty post to match this gorgeous book!)

Thank you so much Penguin Random House for sending me this ARC!

A Fate Inked In Blood is the first book in a new Adult Fantasy Romance series from Danielle L. Jensen and having read and loved every book from this author I must admit this one is definitely one of my favorites, I absolutely loved it!

Freya spent her whole life hiding who she really is, but when her secret comes to light, she takes a chance to escape the husband she doesn’t love and fulfill her dreams of becoming a warrior as the prophesied shield maiden. Forced into a new marriage, Freya soon realizes the life she dreamed of is nothing like she imagined and she will need to find a way to fulfill her destiny without starting a war and also figure out how to stop her growing attraction to Bjorn, her new husband’s son, whom she can’t seem to stay away from.

As always, Danielle L. Jensen created a fascinating and unique world based on Norse culture and mythology and I loved every second I spent in it. It felt like I was exploring it alongside Freya and in combination with fast paced and interesting plot, I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the main characters, Freya was a really strong FMC who went through a lot and it was amazing to see how much she grew in this book. Bjorn was a complicated hero but I loved how he always cared for and supported Freya, these two had a beautiful slow burn enemies to reluctant allies to lovers romance and while their love was forbidden, I loved how they were willing to fight for a chance to be with each other and I already can’t wait to see what will happen with them next.

A Fate Inked In Blood is an amazing fantasy romance book that kept me on the edge of my seat and that I really enjoyed. I definitely recommend it to everyone and already can’t wait to read book 2, it can’t come soon enough!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an eARC of A Fate Inked in Blood.

I didn't know much about this book before going in except that it was viking and Norse mythology themed and that was a immediate draw.
The book has a unique magic system of a select few being sired by one of the Norse gods so they are part god and part human. This comes with different powers, a few of which we see in the form of a child of Thor, Eir, Odin and Hlin.

We follow the story of Freya, her discovering the power of her blood and the prophecy in store for a child of Hlin's blood: the shield maiden who is widely coveted.
I loved Freya really coming into her power, exploring her fate while trying to write her own.

This is a fast paced plot, strong fantasy elements whilst also giving us a romance story line with a forbidden love trope.

There were a few words and phrases that were repeated a bit too often for me, and a few errors in grammar, but all things that can be fixed during editing and reviews.

I knew there was going to be an end chapter plot twist because this is book one of a series and there were 50 pages left... Part of the twist I expected, but the levels to the betrayal was a pleasant shock and really had me hooked.
I really enjoyed this and I look forward to the sequel.

A Norse-inspired romantasy that’s sure to be a hit. The use of mythology and the Viking vibes are amazing, it’s gritty and feels well researched. The plot is fast-paced, there’s plenty of action and a bit of magic and mystery. Romance wise the forbidden element was done well but there was an instant attraction. For me I realise I like a slow-burn so I wasn’t as invested in the romance. Although saying this the banter was good, I just didn’t feel the connection. The FMC has it rough and I think the last thing on her mind should have been romance. The MMC is cocky and confident, and he grew on me. Overall I think if you like good banter, romantasy and anything remotely Viking this book is for you. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

A Norse inspired fantasy romance - as soon as I read this description I knew it was for me and I wasn't wrong. I couldn't get enough of the encounters between Freya and Bjorn and found myself reading chiefly for them - they're great characters, there is great tension between them and their banter is tip top - but there is a wonderful adventure, interesting magic and plenty of intrigue along the way. At the end I just wanted more. A great start to a new series.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the arc. This book was truly a delight to read. I’ve loved Danielle’s other works and this one definitely didn’t falter in brilliance. The pacing of the story as well as the plot kept me hooked throughout without stretching out the story or speeding up at all. The characters are loveable or (rightly so) ones you grow to dislike. The blend of Norse mythology taught me as well as entertained. Truly a fantasy story I will love forever.

Brilliant! Truly a book I could not stop reading when I started it, had to force myself at 4am! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.

At 28% in I am strongly considering DNFing this book.

I will preface this by saying a lot of my frustration stems from the fact that I have researched and studied Vikings in the past. Unfortunately, I don't feel like the author has done the same amount of research (from what I've read).

I am currently on chapter 11. I'm not sure if it's just because it's an arc but the fact that the title of Jarl is not capitalised throughout is frustrating. There are incorrect spellings of Norse Gods/words, and the erasure of traditional language has me wondering why the author chose to write a viking novel. For example, 14% in, Freya claims she is "Freya Erick's daughter" - this would traditionally be typed as Eriksdottir/Eriksson. Besides it being incorrectly formatted, typically the men used their fathers name and the women used their mothers, which provides another inconsistency.

However the thing that frustrated me most was the initial portayal of Freya as being weak. Ultimately, Freya has been Westernised - she is portrayed as weak/forced into propriety/shunned as 'other' for wanting to fight. She's also mocked and goaded whenever she does take up a weapon. Yet in reality, Viking women had so many rights compared to a western woman, its mindblowing. Not only were they trained to fight as standard but they could initiate a divorce from their husband, etc.

I think, with a little more research and formatting, this book could have been a fabulous read.

That said, I want to say thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book. While it's not for me, I do think this book will have an audience with others who don't strive for historic realism with their magical fantasy books. I almost wish I was one of them so I could enjoy this book to its full potential.

Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for accepting my request to read an early copy of this book!

I had such high hopes for this one and was let down a little and was leaning towards a 2 star rating but luckily the ending picked up and had me intrigued again.

I was thrilled to find out this was a viking / Norse myth inspired story as I personally have such a deep interst in the Norse Gods and their tales. It was refreshing to FINALLY read this instead of yet anoootthherrr Greek myth book.

I felt like the intro was SUPER strong, but then a good 50-60% of the book dragged in the middle. And by dragged I mean I was bored, the conversations and drama were so repetitive. I also felt like the reveal was obvious and basically STATED from the beginning and yet the author dragged out the reveal till the literal LAST PAGES OF THE BOOK.

In saying that, the last maybe 20% of the book did suck me back in and honessttyyllyyy I did end up enjoying it more than I thought I could. I also can't stop thinking about it since I finished which is a rarity for me

My 2024 started with a bang because DAMNNN!!
Honestly, you had me at "Norse inspired fantasy romance" but did it have to be this addictive??!! How am I supposed to wait another whole year for a sequel?

I would like to start off with saying that I have been craving a Viking inspired romantasy for a looong time. And let me tell you - THIS BOOK CATERED. ATE. NO CRUMBS LEFT. PLATE LICKED CLEAN.
When I tell you that I was reading this book with my whole body, I mean it. Chills, sweat, heat waves, air punches, fainting, screaming, crying - all of it was experienced. This book literally has no flaws that I can find. Per-fec-tion in written form: the world building, the characters, the magic system, the plot, the romance trope.
If I were to choose one specific aspect I loved the most, it would have to be Freya's character development. Her transformation from a submissive fisherman's wife to a fearless god-blessed warrior was such a perfect trope, which made this book a five-star read. Oof, the rage I felt for Freya... I was screaming "Yass girl, slay!!! Slay your enemies!".
I found the magic system to be just right in it's complexity. The idea of gods' children with power related to their immortal parent - easy to comprehend, yet original in being based on Nordic mythology. The romantasy community needed that diversity!!! There's just something in viking beliefs and sentiments that makes this story so... romantic.
In terms of romance, Bjorn was such a perfect match for Freya. Their banter was top tier and I was living for their encounters! They complimented each other's personalities so well, and even though I'm not a fan of forbidden romance, these two hold a special place in my heart. I will say, that I anticipated the plot twists; however, they still added to the plot and gave reason for my tears and rage while reading. And trust me: there was a lot of tears and rage.
Also, the ending of this story made for a powerful introduction to the series... I. CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. NEXT. BOOKS.
Let me tell you: there was not a boring moment scene here. I devoured it whole in 2 days and don't even feel sorry for ignoring real world, it was worth it. Now if you excuse me, I will be requiring 3-5 work days to recover, please and thank you.

Danielle L Jenson really knocked this out of the park, I had high hopes for this book and one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it didn’t not disappoint one bit. I loved The Bridge Kingdom so I knew this was going to be just as good.

A Fate Inked In Blood is a Norse Mythology inspired fantasy following the story of Freya who is a gods touched woman fated to save a kingdom, or rather - end it.

I’m wanting the second book in my hands and I love our main protagonist, Freya. She’s powerful and strong whilst keeping true to herself. And Bjorn! New book boyfriend alert. I love how protective he is over Freya, and I absolutely love the banter between the two, their scenes had me squealing.

The writing style was outstanding though I didn’t expect anything less.

The only thing that I felt dragged my rating down a little was it did feel a little slow at times and the storyline felt like it didn’t progress but it was so minor things.

You don’t want to skip out on this book and I would recommend this book to everyone because I know that I would be talking about this book for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of Danielle L Jensen's previous books so was so happy when I was approved for A Fate Inked in Blood, I was also so excited that it was a Norse inspired fantasy and I really enjoyed this book. There is forced proximity, forbidden romance, prophecies and lore.

Freya our FMC is a woman with a drop of God's blood that has been kept secret, when her secret is revealed she finds herself at the mercy of the Jarl- work towards his goals or risk the lives of her family! With her throughout is Bjorn son of the Jarl and assigned as a bodyguard to Freya.

The book gets stuck in straight away with action and I felt that the pacing of this book through was really good there wasn't really any point where I felt that the book dragged we were never far away from the next battle, disclosure or turn.

There is a big cast of characters in this book and yet I felt that I had an understanding of each of them, I knew what they were and the risks that they brought to the FMC. They really were written so well. Freya the FMC is frustrating at times but I loved the turmoil and angst as she has to make decisions to save herself, her family and how torn she is throughout. I loved Bjorn and his banter was chefs kiss! But I also really appreciated that he was not afraid to look weak in order to save his people.

Some of the betrayals in this book were predictable however they still stung and there are some that I absolutely did not see coming and they stung even more! I will absolutely be reading the next in the series because you can't leave it like that!!!

Rated 4,25 stars

Jensen really knocked it out the park on this one!

I was so excited to dive into a Norse inspired fantasy world and it really didn't disappoint. The magic system is straight forward and the main characters easy to love yet also bringing that dose of realism. Yes I got frustrated with them at times but who doesn't love a good character arc!

Freya, our FMC, is intelligent, feisty and wanting of a better world - one where people aren't used by those who lord power of them but have the choice to live a life of fulfilment yet her wishes for her people mirror her own situation.

The banter is genuinely brilliant and woven into a story with all the tropes we love to see, forced proximity, forbidden romance, one bed and more!

I had guessed a lot of the plot twists so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that some of these are a little harder to guess in book 2.

P.S Trigger warnings are not limited to: death & grief

Thanks to Random house Publishing Group, for this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was brilliant! It launched straight into the action and never let up on its pace. I was hyped for the story before it even properly started!

As she was soon immersed into the Jarl's plans for her, I felt like I quickly got to know Freya’s character so well. She was feisty, loyal and brave. Despite starting off eager to fight, as the story progressed Freya learnt the true horror of war. She developed a greater understanding of duty and mercy. She realised that battling and conquest wasn’t all glory and heroism. Instead, bloodshed came with consequences that weren’t always going to be favourable.

Freya and Bjorn’s slowburn/forbidden romance was masterful. It was obvious from their first encounter that electricity sparked between them. The pair flirted easily with each other, with Bjorn seeming effortlessly capable of imbuing his words with deeper meaning. Their interactions made me either laugh, smile or swoon. Every scene they shared was charged with a heady sense of inevitably. I loved how Bjorn respected Freya as both a warrior and a woman, especially since men rarely did. Together, they were a perfect pair.

Alongside the thrilling action and strong sense of adventure that ran throughout the novel, there was also an element of mystery as Freya discovered more about her murky past and uncertain future. There were a lot of people trying to dictate to Freya what she should do and what destiny she should carve out for herself. These characters may have automatically been portrayed as one-dimensional villains, but in the author’s skilful hands, they were afforded nuance. At several times throughout the story, it wasn’t clear whether they were ‘good’ or ‘bad’, as their true motivations were often concealed.

Launching straight into the action and not letting up once, this immersive fantasy novel was brimming with powerful magic, thrilling adventures and a heart-pounding romance.