A Norse inspired fantasy romance with magic of the gods, forbidden love, and the best witty banter.
Overall
5
A Fate Inked In Blood
Saga Of The Unfated
Fantasy Romance
Del Rey
February 27, 2024
432 pages
A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in the first book of a Norse-inspired fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back. 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. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate. Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.
*Forbidden Lovers
*Forced Proximity
*Power of the Gods
*Norse Mythology
*Witty Banter
*Revenge Plot
*One Horse
*Slow Burn
In true Danielle L Jensen fashion, I was hooked from the very first chapter. The humor and pacing of the plot was perfect for this action packed Viking adventure. We’re introduced the magic system of the world fairly quickly and the world-building is effortless to understand. Our girl Freya is married to a terrible man (walking red-flag) who holds a lot of power over the safety of her and her family. She has always dreamed of being more than a house wife whose husband only wants to breed her like a mare. She has dreamed of being a warrior. When she is betrayed, she finds herself suddenly thrust into this life of war of revenge. Bjorn is put in charge of training her as a warrior, however, he has his own life to worry about (insert daddy issues). But Freya and Bjorn’s chemistry… OMFG it was off the charts. Bjorn’s hotness mixed with his quit wit had me blushing and laughing from their very first interaction… I’d share more, but I do not want to spoil anything. Ok… here’s just a little sneak peak…
Dropping to his knees before me, he looked up with a smirk, the sun illuminating eyes a shade of green like first leaves of spring. “Before you finish me off, allow me to prove that I’m not entirely devoid of skills.”
We travel with Freya as she comes into her own, makes mistakes, and learns how to live in this new to her world of battles and bloodshed. This is the first Norse-inspired book I have read that I have truly enjoyed, in recent memory at least. I would not wait to read this book if I were you. I know I am already excited to read the next book in the series!
Hi, I’m Rebecca! I’m a Maryland girl at heart, but currently live in South Central Pennsylvania. The greatest loves of my life are my husband, my three daughters, and our Alaskan Klee Kai, Yoshi. The best time I find to read is when my kids are busy with one of their numerous extra-curricular activities and my husband is gaming. Let me tell you, a reader and a gamer make an excellent partnership! Aside from quality time with my family, I believe my day is best spent with a good book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. My hobbies include reading books, buying books, and adding books to my TBR. And yes, those are three separate hobbies, don’t @ me. I’m obsessed with YA fantasy, extra-spicy romantasy, and everything in between. I’m insatiable when it comes to reading and if I love a book – I devour it. It becomes a part of me forever.
