This book 100% lived up to all of the hype all over booktok and bookstagram! I was apprehensive, because some of my fave book besties did not enjoy the book that much, but I absolutely loved it. It actually made me start reading-watching Vikings. I love this show so much.”You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”Freya is a woman who feels like her destiny is out of her control. She is in a loveless marriage that she desperately wants out of and she feels like she is destined for so much more. She also has a drop of gods blood in her, which makes her special and able to become a warrior like she wants. But, if she tells anybody, she risks becoming just a tool for someone else to yield. She gets her wish of getting away from her husband when he goes to the jarl to put in a complaint against her. She is however tricked to show her power from the gods blood she possesses and she is then controlled by yet another man. Do what he wishes, or everybody she loves will cease to exist.The world-building was beyond perfection. I listened to this on audiobook and actually pictured myself there watching the entire story unfold. Everything was descriptive but in a way where you can easily understand. I personally have always loved Norse mythology and Vikings, but even for a beginner, the lore and setting is very easy to immerse yourself in completely.The plot was frustrating, not because it was bad, But because this was a story about women having no control of their own lives and men running the entire show. Which I get, because in all Norse mythology, it goes like that, but it is still hard to read and digest sometimes. But that made this story great, because it was hard to read and listen to, which made me feel that anger that Freya was feeling and allowed me to immerse myself further in to the story.Freya was so perfectly written, she has her flaws though. She can be stubborn at times and is also quick to anger, But can you blame her? She has lived her life being controlled by others and feels like she has no control of her own life. She is supposedly undated and meant to make her own fate, but yet it seems like the men are making her fate for her. She is angry, and she should be. But she is a warrior, she is strong, she is proud, and I love her so much.Bjorn made me swoon so many times, he is top book boyfriend material. I adore him, even with that cliffhanger. I have full faith in him.“I will be at your back until I cross the threshold to Valhalla, Born-in fire, whether you want me there or not.”So, overall, this story was pure perfection and I cannot wait for the next book, but until then I now need to find more Viking books because I am hooked, so drop some recs!Happy reading babes ❤️
Excellent writing with viking lore and unique magic and plot twists. What more could a girl want. Worth every word
This was my first romantasy book, and as a guy, I wasn't sure if this would work for me at first, but I am a big fan of Vikings and their culture, and I enjoy a good Norse-inspired story. So I read the sample.What caught my attention at first was how the book started with our heroine gutting fish, and it's interesting. Along with her husband, Vragi, it really just caught my attention, and I had to buy the book and devoured it within the next four Days between working and family life, I could not put it down. The magic system people being children of the gods known as the unfated who's destiny is not written and they can influence the future was fun.The battles were epic and gritty and felt at times I was reading a first law book.Now the reason we are all here BJORN her love interest who is this hot viking man who had me even swooning. He was funny badass and serious at the same time.I could go on and on but read this book it's a great start for anyone getting into romantasy and if you are a veteran of the genre it is a good next book to check out.It has inspired me to try writing romatnasy instead of the epic fantasy books I love like Brandon Sanderson and Robert jordan and I would give this book 5/5 stars it sticks the landing in the end and really sets the stage for the second book.
This is so well written! I never had to skim any pages because the character development, plot, setting was all there. It was enjoyable and the best book I've read in ages.
Likes:- Story overall- GOT, Vikings vibes- maturity of the MFC and MMC are very believable- Norse lore- Slow burn- Easy read, can see the ending's twist about 1/3-1/2 way through the book (I needed an easy beach read and this ticked the box)- The sass between the MMC and MFC- 🌶️🌶️ out of 5Dislikes- Older characters seemed too immature- Can see the ending's twist about 1/3-1/2 way through the book (although I signed up for that, lol)- If you are a fan of intelligent MFC (Violet from 4th Wing) you might get slightly annoyed with this one, I'm hoping for more character growth in book 2
I was hooked on this book from the first chapter and can't wait to read the next installment.It's a slow burn and intriguing story. I highly recommend it!
This was such a good book! I haven’t had this much fun reading a fantasy book in a minute. The story was refreshing and action packed. The feminine rage, the magic, the Nordic fantasy, the angst!! I felt all of Freya’s anger like it was an extension of myself. Everytime she was forced into doing the bidding of another man I was raging inside for her.I definitely got some lord of the rings vibes when they were inside the mountain with the draug. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was that Freya’s strength in fighting and with her magic did not feel unrealistic for her as a character. She was strong even when she was being controlled by those around her.Bjorn is officially my favorite book boyfriend!!! I need him biblically. Baby boy you are everything to me🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢 The way Bjorn puts her above everyone else and protects her is everything to me. The banter between Bjorn and Freya had me literally laughing out loud.I expected to love him, but not as much as I did. Like my heart is aching. 🥲Towards the end of the book Freya was really started to grate me nerves. The way she kept defending her family when they only ever put themselves before her made me livid. Like girl why are you just letting everyone make your decisions for you????Snoori was testing me the entire book. Like the whole time he’s talking about the gods smiling on him due to something Freya did??? Like you didn’t do anything??? Miss Freya girl, you better than me bc I would’ve snapped way sooner.I honestly guessed the twist coming at the end but didn’t want it to be true 😬😬😬I NEED the next book expeditiously !!!!How am I supposed to stop thinking about this boooook!!!!!I honestly don’t think I can start another book because I am still living in this world 🥲😭🥲😭🥲😭🥲“I made a sacrifice to the goddess I was named for, begging her to keep my womb empty.”“Quit wanting more Freya, and you shall be content with what you have.”“All the women in Halsar will curse your name if I lose half my fingers.”🫠“Bjorn tilted his head, his expression considering. "I have a great many doubts," he finally said. "But the courage of Freya Born-in-fire is not one of them."“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.”“You’ve never been alone,” Bjorn said, his voice so soft that no one but me would hear over the wind and my weeping. “I will be at your back until I cross the threshold to Valhalla, Born-in-Fire, whether you want me there or not.”😭😭😭😭😭😭“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”“For all your power, Freya, you are little more than a girl-child ruled by impulse and emotion. The gods chose me because you need to be controlled. To be wielded like a weapon, not left to sow chaos. But it seems you need more proof of that before you'll see reason.”😡😤😡😤😡😤“So many of those in my life were content to take and take from me, leaving me a barren well. Bjorn alone had taken nothing, asked for nothing, but given me so much. Around him I felt so full, so alive, and I burned with the need to give all of myself to him.”
This book is truly fantastic. The performance of the narrator is INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend the audio book.The author has a tendency to repeat certain words or phrases and that gets tedious (ie: “core”, “liquid heat”). I blame her editor. She could have used some help diversifying some descriptions.However, it’s very manageable to overlook in favor of this action-packed, fantasy romance. If you want to know what to read after Fourth Wing (and Iron Flame and Onyx Storm), read this.
I loved the mythology, gods blood, and slow burn romance. The twists didn't surprise me but that's ok. Glad I can jump into book 2 now that it's out
I have been wanting to read a Norse mythology based romance for SO LONG!! This was slightly less informative about Norse mythology and definitely more focused on the storyline of the main character, but I still really liked it! It kept me interested even if the plot was slightly predictable. Will definitely read book 2!
But also much fun. Really enjoyed the Norse influences.I’m supposed to have eleven more words to add before it lets me post, how dumb
I came upon this book on accident, and I cannot say for a second that I regret it. I have been on a deep reading slump, and I thought reading had lost its magic for me. I felt like a teenager going through the loss of the end of harry potter m. I'm beyond grateful for Danielle's new magic reinspiring me, and bringing me back to the joy of reading
This book gets off to a bit of a slow start, but quickly accelerates and develops into a spectacular story. Bjorn and Freya keep you in your toes the entire story; twists and turns keep the pages turning and you can’t help but hate Snorri (seriously) along with Freya. I love that this story kept me on my toes til the last page!
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! the writing was very good.The norse inspired setting and worldbuilding work really well, the plot is gripping and the romance doesn’t feel forced.
"𝓘𝓽 𝓲𝓼 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."I absolutely adored Danielle’s Bridge Kingdom series and couldn’t wait to hop into this Norse-Inspired fantasy romance! Freya is so fierce and self-sacrificing, I absolutely adored her as a female protagonist. The mythology is woven expertly - heavily influenced by the Norse Gods and places. Set against a backdrop of warring factions and ancient mythology, this book explores themes of duty, honor, and the price of protection. The plot is descriptive and action packed, and I couldn’t put the book down. The back and forth banter between Freya and Bjorn felt genuine and had me giggling and urging them on. The intense and difficult family dynamics added a complicated layer to the story. The themes of honor-bound courage and feminine rage resonate powerfully throughout the story, making the stakes feel incredibly high. Danielle’s skillful storytelling shines through, and fans of her Bridge Kingdom series will find themselves equally enchanted by this Norse-inspired fantasy romance. Overall, A Fate Inked in Blood is a captivating read that combines action, romance, and mythology, making it a must-read for romantasy fans."𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓽 𝓘 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓽 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓕𝓳𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓻. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓼, 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝔂𝓪."𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓼:✨ Norse Inspired Romantasy✨ Enemies to Lovers✨ Forbidden Romance✨ Hilarious Banter✨ Prophecies and Curse✨ Duology✨ Honor and Self-Sacrifice✨ Feminine Rage✨ Sassy and Stabby FMC✨ Political Intrigue and Warfare✨ Possessive MCs✨ Reluctant Bodyguard✨ Slow Burn✨ Meddling Gods“𝓝𝓸 𝓸𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓝𝓸 𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓪𝓼𝓱, 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝔂𝓪, 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓾𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮. 𝓜𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂."
I really wanted to love this, as I’m a huge Jensen fan and was obsessed with the Bridge Kingdom series. Overall I will say, I liked the idea of the story and a lot of parts in it including the characters. Lowkey loved Ylva.However, this book lacked a lot of world building and storytelling. There was some good stuff there, but there was also so much repetitive description in the storytelling that it took me out of it and felt cringey. For instance, she’d say something like “The lightning caressed my shield and arced into dozens of pieces, striking the people below.” And then two paragraphs later she’d say something like, “the lightning strike caressed my shield and arced into the gates below.” It was so specifically repetitive so often that it was annoying.I also didn’t like the sense of language. They were Norse storytelling but the verbosity felt American. And not just old American, you know, almost British that it could get away with it, but modern 2024 language. She would say “arse” but then call someone “cagey.” I hope this is improved upon in the next book. Could take enormous notes from Rebecca Ross’s, “A River Enchanted.”Freya also just pissed me off and I feel like the change from her being likeable and then all of a sudden a psychopath with (spoiler - a certain god not revealed until the end) inside of her wasn’t enough build up. It happened like two pages apart.Anyways, I read the whole thing and will still definitely read the second book. I liked the ending for the most part and want to see what happens next!
A Fate Inked In Blood... Where do I even begin...First I have absolutely loved Danielle L. Jenson's writing and the way she builds characters from the first few pages of The Bridge Kingdom. Jenson crafts truly empathetic characters full of sass and cheek but also characters of pain, loss, trauma but also of characters of love, strength, healing and passion. A Fate Inked in Blood is absolutely no different. Freya and Bjorn are rich, deep characters in a world with familiar and unfamiliar lore. The two are surrounded but uncertainty, as most are when trying to determine the "will of the Gods" but also because of the large cast of selfish, self-serving, dominating, power hungry characters surrounding them. From the beginning Freya is deemed a woman who dreams of glory and battle but has little real experience of the fear and violence one suffers as a warrior due to her mostly lonely life. Upon entering the world of violent attacks by neighboring clans and the constant threat of death of her family, friends and even herself, Freya learns quickly that she is strong and can protect herself but that she also has a lot to learn about the price and sacrifice of battle and temptation to give into vengeance. Bjorn offers wisdom and guidance through flirtation, passion and dedication to protect Freya and see her find happiness and success. Freya learned from Bjorn and grows because of his support and confidence in her; but truly by the end of the novel, I do believe Bjorn grows and heals MORE because of Freya's influence. I am so excited to see how future books add to their journey.Second, who doesn't love a fantasy novel but with heavy Viking elements and world building? I've always been fascinated by Viking lore and some of my favorite films/shows are heavily influenced by the culture (cue How to Train Your Dragon). The mix of magical gifts and powerful, compassionate and vengeful Gods heightens the tension surrounding this journey and the overall development of these characters individually and together.Third, a significant theme in this book is based on trust, honesty, loyalty and the manipulation/use of others for personal gain. Freya like many FMC before her, has lived a life determined by what she could give, do for, provide for and sacrifice for others (a very standard life for women early on in these novels). For many readers, this is an easy character arch to support because absolutely no one wants or enjoys being lied to, used and manipulated. Every turn of this novel, you are reminded that Freya has never lived for herself and perhaps doesn't really know how to but deserves every opportunity to follow a path for herself and see where it leads.Fourth, can we talk about the push and pull these two wayyy to beautiful and passionate characters have to deal with. From the first meeting of Bjorn (holy hell talk about a sexy description) and his flirty swagger, I knew Freya was absolutely done for; I mean few could withstand a warrior with charm and passion! The growth of their relationship before anything became physical in any way provides a feeling of depth and strength to their connection that supersedes typical romantasy love and forms something stronger and more significant especially when coupled with the lore. And I loved the tiny payoffsat so many of the small, subtle instances leading up to the big beautiful one filled with just the best declaration I've ever read. Despite challenges arising and that love having very little time to blossom before situations change drastically, I'm fully invested on Team Freyorn and I know that they will be endgame... I will not be taking questions at this time.Fifth and Final, can we, for a moment talk about the "villains" (if you can even really call them that since there are many villainous characters but not one clear "Big Baddie" ). This book and adventure is filled with untrustworthy, powerful, and mostly male "authorities" which continue to make every day life absolutely impossible AND infuriating for Freya, Bjorn and for ME! They are written to be the exact right balance of terrifyingly powerful and slimy all at the same exact time. There wasn't a single moment I did furrow my brow or scoff in frustration when any of these villainous douch coppers were on the page. I mean just go away and let the women show you how it done! And seriously her brother, Geir, can F right off as can most of the men from her life before she is designated the Shield Maiden. Just boo, hiss, gag, scoff, massive eye roll, for all these terrible, chauvinistic men in this world and their determination to hide Freya's light and power!All in all: 5/5A+100%MVPGold StarZero notes for Danielle L. Jenson and Fate Inked in Blood: Book One of the Saga of Unfated.Bring me the next book whenever you see fit, just know I will preorder it, own it on my Kindle AND in multiple hard copy editions because you have solidified my life-long fan status.
Delving into the world of Mythos is my favorite amongst the genres. I adored how Danielle L. Jensen created her children of the Gods. The story of how they end up with their powers and, specifically, how Freya ended up with her powers, intrigued me. I know you'll love it."If the child is gifted only avarice, her words will be only curses, but if gifted altruism, what divine power she might make her own is a fate yet unwoven."Freya, what a force of nature wrapped up in a beautiful woman willing to give and give of herself in order to protect those she loves. She endures test after test all in the name of proving herself worthy. But worthy to whom? To the Norse Gods? (Hint: Yes) To Snorri, a Jarl of Skaland who wants to be King, who bought her from her husband (who secretly knew she was a child of a god) and was looking for because of a prophecy about her? To King Harald of Nordeland who wants her for the same reasons. Or worthy to Bjorn, the man who says:"…the most fierce beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on hit me in the face with a fish."Danielle L. Jensen has create a rich world of Skaland full of cities and towns that each have their own unique distinctions. Halsar, where Jarl Snorri reigns, is a tight knit community that feasts and drinks together, works together, fights together, mourns together, and carries on.The Mountain town of Fjalltindr and the route Freya and Bjorn take to get there, Danielle L. Jensen exquisitely details the surroundings and what the two travelers encounter. It is one a wonderful and incredibly action filled section in the book that reveals something of Freya's power.She creates a relationship between Freya and Jarl Bodil, the only female Jarl, where Freya could train with woman and understand how to use her body to fight like a warrior. Bodil becomes very important to Freya.Tropes in this book include:-One Horse-Pining-Family Secrets-Norse Mythology-Trials-Betrayal-Slow Burn and Steam-Mead, copious amounts of MeadI give this book my highest recommendation. It was everything I wanted in a Fantasy Romance Book. I pined with these characters felt their emotions, felt Freya's desperation.Danielle L. Jensen's Saga of the Unfated is certain to be very popular with her current fans, fans of Mythology Retellings/New Stories, and new readers a like. Mark my works, you will see this book all over the internet in the next few weeks.
A Fate Inked in Blood was good, but not the next level greatness I’ve come to expect from Danielle Jensen (who I consider to be the best Romantasy author with the Bridge Kingdom and Dark Shores series).The story follows Freya. A woman who is prophesied to unite her land under one king. She is forced into marriage and controlled by Snorri, her land’s jarl, because of the prophecy. Snorri orders his son, Bjorn, to protect her so that she can fulfill her (and Snorri’s) destiny.The plot was interesting, but I perhaps not “stay up late, can’t put it down gripping.” There was a lot of action but not as much character time as I would have preferred. There is also a twist at the end that was easily predictable. I’m generally not too bothered by a predictable twist, but in this case it was frustrating that Freya didn’t see it coming.What really prevented this book from being five stars was that I didn’t connect with Freya as much as I would have liked. She is fierce in her own right, but I wanted to see her rage against her circumstances more. I wanted her to hate Snorri and resist him at every chance she got. But she seemed to more or less follow along with his plans, albeit disdainfully, but not hatefully. She seemed almost loyal to Snorri at some points, which I am not here for. Fear seemed to be the predominate emotion in Freya. And while fair, I’d totally be terrified too, I would have liked her to have a bit more edge.I enjoyed Bjorn as our male main character. He is the classic tall, dark, and handsome fantasy love interest but without the toxic masculinity, lack of emotional intelligence, and overall ick that many male main characters possess. I enjoyed Bjorn’s kindness yet toughness that Jensen always does so well with writing. I also loved his angsty relationship with his father and step mother and his Tragic Backstory.The romantic subplot was enjoyable. It is not enemies to lovers as I expected from the book description, but more forbidden love. There is attraction and respect towards each other when they first meet, and it grows from there. There’s spice at the end, but it’s well balanced so that it doesn’t take the main focus away from the plot. By the end of the book they were professing their love to each other, which was a bit fast for me. And they fell into the classic “lack of communication causes major fallout” pitfall, which was frustrating, but otherwise I did like them together.A Fate Inked in Blood isn’t my favorite Danielle Jensen read. And I think the high expectations set by her other books caused me to judge it slightly more harshly than I ordinarily would. It’s fun, and worth a read, but not the type of book that left me needing more immediately.
