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:
5/5
A+
100%
MVP
Gold Star
Zero 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.
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Reviews with images
Review by jamsworldofbooks on TT and IG
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 ❤️
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its Viking Norse mythology, action, and forbidden love. The Viking world was portrayed as real, detailed, and well-conceived. I understood the characters' unpopular decisions as they were reacting in ways typical of that era. They prioritized the needs of their people and family, often marrying to improve social status or chances of survival. The battles depicted in this story were epic in their own right, described so vividly that it felt as though I was watching them unfold before my very eyes. This was my first read from Danielle L. Jensen, and I'm unsure why I hadn't discovered her work earlier; she masterfully envelops you in the narrative of her vivid fantasy realm. It certainly won't be the last book of hers that I read. In addition to the series' second installment, I plan to explore her other writings as well.
Freya, a victim of circumstance, strives to navigate her fate as best as she can, often sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of others. Throughout the story, she discovers that she may have the power to control her destiny, despite a lifetime of believing it was predetermined for her. She has withstood a lifetime of being used by those who professed to care for her, exploiting her for their own advantages. Time and again, those around her take advantage of her for their own benefit, reinforcing the notion that she can only rely on herself. Then she meets Bjorn, and her world is turned upside down. He not only introduces drastic life changes and uncovers prophecies that herald change across their nations with Freya at the heart, but he also consistently proves that he prioritizes her above all else. Until she realizes that everything may be a farce.
I gave this book a 4.5-star rating because it's disheartening when a main character, after enduring significant anguish and turmoil, is briefly granted happiness, only for it to be swiftly taken away moments later. That's the sensation I believe befell my dear Freya. She was momentarily given a taste of unencumbered happiness, only to have it all collapse as revelations and secrets were unveiled in the story's final pages. Will she ever catch a break? It seems I'll need to delve into the next book of the series to discover whether true happiness is within reach for our fierce shield maiden, born-in-fire.
A Viking-Norse Fantasy Romance with epic battles and forbidden love!
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
My Rating: 4.5 StarsReviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its Viking Norse mythology, action, and forbidden love. The Viking world was portrayed as real, detailed, and well-conceived. I understood the characters' unpopular decisions as they were reacting in ways typical of that era. They prioritized the needs of their people and family, often marrying to improve social status or chances of survival. The battles depicted in this story were epic in their own right, described so vividly that it felt as though I was watching them unfold before my very eyes. This was my first read from Danielle L. Jensen, and I'm unsure why I hadn't discovered her work earlier; she masterfully envelops you in the narrative of her vivid fantasy realm. It certainly won't be the last book of hers that I read. In addition to the series' second installment, I plan to explore her other writings as well.
Freya, a victim of circumstance, strives to navigate her fate as best as she can, often sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of others. Throughout the story, she discovers that she may have the power to control her destiny, despite a lifetime of believing it was predetermined for her. She has withstood a lifetime of being used by those who professed to care for her, exploiting her for their own advantages. Time and again, those around her take advantage of her for their own benefit, reinforcing the notion that she can only rely on herself. Then she meets Bjorn, and her world is turned upside down. He not only introduces drastic life changes and uncovers prophecies that herald change across their nations with Freya at the heart, but he also consistently proves that he prioritizes her above all else. Until she realizes that everything may be a farce.
I gave this book a 4.5-star rating because it's disheartening when a main character, after enduring significant anguish and turmoil, is briefly granted happiness, only for it to be swiftly taken away moments later. That's the sensation I believe befell my dear Freya. She was momentarily given a taste of unencumbered happiness, only to have it all collapse as revelations and secrets were unveiled in the story's final pages. Will she ever catch a break? It seems I'll need to delve into the next book of the series to discover whether true happiness is within reach for our fierce shield maiden, born-in-fire.
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Top reviews from other countries
Szukałam już długi czas pasujące świeczniki na moje wesele. Kolor starozłoty, wyglądają na polerowane. Bardzo dobrze oddają to zdjęcia z recenzji. Świeczniki są do samodzielnego skręcenia razem (ręcznie). Jestem w szoku, jeśli chodzi o jakość oraz sposób zapolowania - po prostu idealne! Zastanawiam się nad kupnem jeszcze jednego zestawu. Przyszłym pannom młodym oraz dekoratorów definitywnie polecam :)
Polecam
Reviewed in Poland on May 30, 2024
Julie🕊️Books.and.chocolat3📚
I need the sequel !
Reviewed in France on March 30, 2024
Sophie Elaina
What a wonderful Norse inspired fantasy!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2024