This was one of my highest anticipated books of the year, & I’m honestly still processing. A Fate Inked In Blood was one of my favorite reads of 2024, as I completely fell in love with Freya & Bjorn’s witty banter and steamy tension. While there were moments that I absolutely loved, I didn’t find myself quite as invested in this book as I was the first. Book one had SO much tension & romance that played a vital part, and I personally really missed that dynamic in this book. I did appreciate how the magic system was so well developed, & I completely loved the ending (specifically, the epilogue ❤️). A perfect send off for these characters. Overall, this is an amazing, well rounded duology- definitely recommend.
I thought that this sequel wraps everything up quite nicely. I loved the way the author brings a relationship in tatters back together, and the twist was quite unexpected. One of my favorite book couples!
Words can not describe how good this book was, I read it in a surprising short time it’s only because I couldn’t put it down. The only thing I was disappointed about was that there isn’t going to be a 3rd book in this beautiful well written series but I digress, I understand that this was the ending of their journey but I didn’t want it to me.
The plot was so surprising and such a whirlwind to read! I was not expecting for the twist to happen. That being said, I do think the handling of Bjorn and Freya's relationship seemed a bit rushed. No matter. It was a wonderful conclusion to the duology. 🤗💖
I really enjoyed this book. It started off a little slow for me, but once it hit the halfway point, it took off. The pacing picked up, and I found myself way more invested in what was unfolding. The world-building is rich, and the characters continue to grow in ways that feel authentic and layered.And that plot twist? Whew. I did not see it coming at all. It completely threw me—in a good way. It made me want to go back and reread certain parts to see what hints I might’ve missed. The twist added so much depth to the overall story, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for how things were set up.
I can't stress enough how much I love Danielle Jensen and the stories she weaves. I also have come to realize that duologies are my favorite length of book series, and she excels at them. This story was a perfect ending to the duology with a very satisfying wrap up for all the characters. Throughout the book I was silently screaming at Bjorn to just use the oath to command Freya, but then I felt bad once Harold's plot twist came to light. Sorry Bjorn! I definitely didn't see Harold's past coming, and I was very pleasantly surprised at how surprised I was by that twist. I was also glad that after all the page time Hel got that Hlin made a massive appearance at the end to help save Freya. Throughout the book I kept questioning why we hadn't seen Hlin appear to help, so I was glad she got her time to shine. Freya and Bjorn being called back to battle in the last scene was so fitting for their characters, and it seemed like the perfect way to end the book. What a great unique story and another home run by Danielle L. Jensen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up; 1 🌶️ I had higher expectations of this book as it started out and through 60%. There were some unexpected twists and turns that set up a good story line of betrayal and manipulation. The story falls off a bit for me towards the end. Additionally, I didn’t feel a true romance build up or reunification from how the first book ended.
I did overall enjoy this book a lot. I don’t think it was quite as good as a fate inked in blood, but it was a pretty good sequel.This is another of those books where the plot twists just keep on coming, leaving you questioning who and what is actually on the main character’s side.Hint: it’s not who you think.My only real grievance with this book is that the epilogue feels very rushed, and I feel like about half of the epilogue could have been omitted. The actual end to the story however is quite satisfying.
The twists, the turns, and all the little clues that created this saga are truly well done. There's so much more at play than meets the eye, and I loved every moment of it!I have to say that despite some of the things Bjorn hid from Freya, he truly was the one person who believed in her and would do anything for her, always having her back.Nikolas Salmon and Nina Yndis' narration brought the story and characters to life. I look forward to listening to other audiobooks narrated by them!
This is such a satisfying and enjoyable ending to Freya and Bjorn's story. I devoured the first book for its adventure and plot twists, and I savored this one for its resolution and settlement. The plot and characters both were more refined and developed, partly from the work done in book one but mostly because we have a feel for the way of things going into this one.I have read quite a few of Jensen's backlog since A Fate Inked in Blood came out and I'm happy to add her to my list of authors to consistently follow.Until Next Time, MC
In order to make sure I remembered the entire background, I reread the first book in this 2-book series before reading this book. I'm glad I did. Although this book could be a stand-alone story, the full effect, at least for me, is much better read as one long story. Doing so allowed me to see and better understand the foreshadowing and relationships. About a quarter of the way into this book, I began to think it would be a rehash of previous battles broken up by very descriptive sex scenes. And that was when the author totally upended any preconceived thoughts. The world-building, above and below the earth, is excellent. The author also wove other monsters from fables into the story. Altogether, the story held my attention until the end and I found myself reading into the night to finish it. This would have been a 5-star book except for the frequency of using the fueled when people cursed and the graphic sex scenes between Freya and Bejorn. I believe the author could have shown the depths of their love with a little less detail. That being said, I think this is a very good and really interesting story. I recommend it.
Reading Danielle L Jensen’s writing is like entering a portal into the world she has created. I fear she is my new favorite author, with the way I can’t stop thinking about these books. She weaves such a vibrant story, that I feel like I am Freya. I felt every emotion of Freya’s so viscerally. The heartache in this book brought literal tears to my eyes. my heart ached when hers did. The feminine rage.I literally screamed at the twist in this book. Just when Freya gets out beneath the thumb of one man, she comes to find she is under another. The deceit and the trickery while I felt I knew something was off, I did not see coming.One thing I will always love in a book is a woman who was previously controlled finding her own strength. This book has that and more. This story is of a woman coming to terms with the reality of her dreams. Even when said dreams are not what was expected. Of a woman who takes control of her fate despite so many others wanting to use her as a pawn. This is a story of revenge and making your own path.Bjorn once again has set the bar for book boyfriends for me!!!! Like babbyyyy you are all I can seee. 😩The smart mouth, the banter, the unwavering support and love from him. Like I seriously cannotttt. I would’ve folded so much sooner than Freya because THIS MAN!I really enjoyed how this book picked right back up where the first book left off. There were twists that I saw coming but the biggest one I did not. I am overall happy with how this story wrapped up, though near the beginning the politics got a bit repetitive. Freya and Bjorn were my absolute favorite. However I did miss the banter that was so prominent in the first book and made me fall in love with them. I do understand why it was necessary for their story and the more serious tone of their relationship in this second book.“The children screamed and clung to one another, and rage burned in my chest that they had to experience this. Had to suffer because those in power always wanted more more more with no care for what it cost others.”“Why had I ever wanted this life? Why had I ever believed Id feel good picking the valuables off the people I killed to line my own pockets?”“There is only one woman I cannot see beyond, and it is not the huldra.” I only want her. Only Freya.”"All my life I dreamed of being a warrior. Of sailing on a jarl's drakkar and making a reputation for myself. Now I've seen what such a life brings. The stink of open bowels and beaches full of flies crawling on corpses. Sacks of bloodstained gold and rings cut from dead men's beards. Children with empty eyes, their whole worlds torn away from them in a moment. Who dreams of being the cause of such things?Why did I dream of it?""I am glad no one has come," he said, his eyes darkening in a way that made my toes curl against the cold ground. "Seeing you like this is worth dying for." “ A warmth different from desire filled me, because I knew that I was a flawed woman. That there were parts of me that were not good. Yet Bjorn loved me as I was, wanted me to be who I was rather than to shape me into something else, the way so many other people had tried.I wanted him to know that I felt the same way about him. That despite everything, good and bad, I loved him as he was. Wanted him as he was.”"Your goats are much abused, Bjorn.""The goats understand it is for the greater good of keeping my wifewell serviced."
The twist in this book was wow! I did not see it coming at all and was written very well. It has been awhile that a book had thrown me off so well. I love that Freya rescues herself in this book! She understands she has made mistake after mistake but still perseveres through it all. Freya and Bjorn relationship goes through alot and this is the ultimate test. Very good book.Spice:🌶🌶🌶
Not as good as the first book but a good ending to the series and wraps up all the characters! It kind of leaves it open that maybe another book could be at the end as {SPOILER} they go off to battle but author said it was a duo so most likely done. The ending, I’m assuming, is for you to fill in the blanks of what could happen. Love these two characters!!
A Curse Carved in Bone is book 2 of the Saga of the Unfated. It picks up where book 1 left off after Freya realizes she has been betrayed. However, the betrayal isn't over, and Freya and Bjorn have more secrets to uncover. The real villain of the book has tricked everyone, so get ready, but it's unlikely anyone will see this reveal coming. Although there is some foreshadowing, watch closely. I love mythology, and Danielle Jensen did a great job incorporating Norse lore. There's romance as Freya and Bjorn keep trying to work past their issues with each other, and this is only a duology, so they need to work quickly to wrap things up by the end of book 2. Redemption and forgiveness are major themes since Freya makes mistake after mistake as she learns about her abilities and needs to forgive Bjorn. It's an enjoyable series and worth reading. 4 stars!
I enjoyed book one and was invested in the main characters and so excited for the drama to unfold in book two after the epic betrayal at the end of A Fate Inked in Blood... I enjoyed the heavy tension and banter between Freya and Bjorn in the first book but book two felt like two different characters showed up. The plot was unique and unexpected; however, the villain was painfully obvious very early on. Did I hate it? No. Did I love it? Also, no. It was a pretty decent read if you’re looking for an easy to follow intro to fantasy duet, with mild world building and a unique magic system. If you’re looking for burning passion and chemistry between the MCs, unfortunately, this sequel fell short.
I dove right into a curse carved in bone without re-reading a fate inked in blood, but there is so much detail in book 1 that is vital for book 2, I spent some time refreshing my memory. I love Freya and Bjorn, I love the battles, banter between characters, the genuinely funny moments, the sad touching moments, and loved that this story kept me guessing until the very end. I definitely need to go back and re-read books 1 and 2 back to back to see what kind of details that I missed on the first read through.
The wait for this book seemed like forever, and it was so worth it. I think I would say that this one was better than the first book. Freya is dealing with some serious anger and even hiding behind it a little. She's busy still trying to come to terms with all that she's learned about herself, her powers, and her own limitations when it comes to them. The dynamic between her and Bjorn has shifted and is full of anger on her part, sorrow on his, and a whole lot of great banter. I loved how action-packed this one seemed to be, even from the very start. The best part, I think, was all the surprise twists that got thrown in and the way they made the drama of the story so much better. I will always and forever recommend this duet to people.
This book was good. It was really heavy on the fantasy and numerous characters from book one. If you want this book for romance this one is not it! Yes there is dedication and loyalty but only one spicy one or 2 spicy scenes the whole book. Most of it is fighting and scheming. The author did a wonderful job building a viking world. The world building was superb. The fighting scenes and the plotting were really good. Some twists and unexpected turns. While some of the plot was predictable most wasn’t. It was well written.
This is one of my most eagerly awaited reads for 2025, and it does not disappoint.I find the Norse mythology element captivating; it's intricately woven into the storyline, all the way to the very last page. The witty banter between Freya and Bjorn is spot on.The story picks up almost seamlessly from where the first book left off, plunging us back into the thrilling action. There are plenty of hints scattered throughout both books, creating just the right amount of suspense and intrigue to keep me interested and unable to put the book down. And, WOW, I didn’t see that plot twist coming.This book series is for you if you are a fan of -Forbidden loveGrumpy x sassyFeminine rageMorally grey MMCSpicy banterFound familyIntrigue & secretsTouch her and ☠️I hope Danielle considers expanding the series to follow other characters storylines. 💜
