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angela_iseli's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, Confinement, Kidnapping, Death, and Murder
kgreer's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
If you liked the video games … Skyrim or God of War, you may like this world based in Norse mythology!
My review:
I loved the setup of the book so much and was ready to give it at-least a 4.5 or better. However, I felt like the plot started to diverge into a different style. I think I know what the author was going for regarding the development of Freya (the main female character) but it started to feel weird and rushed. I think this honestly just comes down to preference so if I meet someone who loves reading and those aforementioned video games, I will still recommend the book. The ending was shocking, I will still probably read the second book especially to see how Freya evolves.
Please read the content warnings and my additional description!!!!
My review:
I loved the setup of the book so much and was ready to give it at-least a 4.5 or better. However, I felt like the plot started to diverge into a different style. I think I know what the author was going for regarding the development of Freya (the main female character) but it started to feel weird and rushed. I think this honestly just comes down to preference so if I meet someone who loves reading and those aforementioned video games, I will still recommend the book. The ending was shocking, I will still probably read the second book especially to see how Freya evolves.
Please read the content warnings and my additional description!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Slavery, War, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
The female main character has feelings for a man who happens to be the son of the King she is forced to marry. So technically, a stepmother in love with her stepson, although it’s complicated.picaresquedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, War, Misogyny, Grief, Animal death, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping, and Domestic abuse
emtaylor0217's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship and War
Minor: Kidnapping and Murder
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I received a copy of this book as part of my subscription to FairyLoot.
Freya has always dreamed of being more and fighting in battle. When her husband betrays her, she is forced to reveal to everyone that she is a shield maiden and has been blessed by the gods with incredible gifts. In order to keep Freya safe, Bjorn is tied to her via blood oath, because Bjorn is a fierce and ruthless warrior, and Freya's new husband's son. Now Freya is torn about who to protect, and trying to fight the desires she has on her own.
This is a smutty adult fantasy, so if you enjoy high stakes, high action, and sultry scenes, this might be the next fantasy for you.
Freya was an admirable character, and she seemed to have noble reasons for the decisions she makes, but I did not love her. Freya is so caught up in this idea that she has to protect her family and make decisions that are good for them, that she completely loses herself and what she wants as a person. Additionally, the people she is trying so desperately to protect clearly do not care about her in the same way, and it is infuriating to watch Freya bend over backwards for these people when they can barely bat an eyelash for her. Overall, she felt like a weak protagonist to me, but I hope that she has some personal growth throughout the series.
The magic system felt very approachable. I was able to follow along easily, and everything made sense. However, it was complex enough to keep my attention. This is definitely a difficult line to ride, especially with an introduction to a new fantasy series. Freya's magic was fascinating, and I really enjoyed the mystery around why she was blessed (or cursed) by the gods.
Freya and Bjorn seem pretty good together. It is difficult to determine in this book what everyone's true intentions are, but I am rooting for the pair to be together. I love how Bjorn is forcing Freya to see she is worth more than she is giving herself credit for.
I was pretty irate by the ending of this book, which, in this context, is probably a sign of quality writing. The book ends with a lot of unresolved issues, and what I believe is a major misunderstanding. It made me curious to pick up the next book, but I was also really upset by the outcome.
I will likely pick up the next book out of curiosity.
Freya has always dreamed of being more and fighting in battle. When her husband betrays her, she is forced to reveal to everyone that she is a shield maiden and has been blessed by the gods with incredible gifts. In order to keep Freya safe, Bjorn is tied to her via blood oath, because Bjorn is a fierce and ruthless warrior, and Freya's new husband's son. Now Freya is torn about who to protect, and trying to fight the desires she has on her own.
This is a smutty adult fantasy, so if you enjoy high stakes, high action, and sultry scenes, this might be the next fantasy for you.
Freya was an admirable character, and she seemed to have noble reasons for the decisions she makes, but I did not love her. Freya is so caught up in this idea that she has to protect her family and make decisions that are good for them, that she completely loses herself and what she wants as a person. Additionally, the people she is trying so desperately to protect clearly do not care about her in the same way, and it is infuriating to watch Freya bend over backwards for these people when they can barely bat an eyelash for her. Overall, she felt like a weak protagonist to me, but I hope that she has some personal growth throughout the series.
The magic system felt very approachable. I was able to follow along easily, and everything made sense. However, it was complex enough to keep my attention. This is definitely a difficult line to ride, especially with an introduction to a new fantasy series. Freya's magic was fascinating, and I really enjoyed the mystery around why she was blessed (or cursed) by the gods.
Freya and Bjorn seem pretty good together. It is difficult to determine in this book what everyone's true intentions are, but I am rooting for the pair to be together. I love how Bjorn is forcing Freya to see she is worth more than she is giving herself credit for.
I was pretty irate by the ending of this book, which, in this context, is probably a sign of quality writing. The book ends with a lot of unresolved issues, and what I believe is a major misunderstanding. It made me curious to pick up the next book, but I was also really upset by the outcome.
I will likely pick up the next book out of curiosity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Pregnancy
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
3.75
Content Warnings: sexual content, violence, blood, war, death of loved one[s], gore, murder, torture, sexual harassment, sexual assault, kidnapping, sexism, classism,
Mention of: rape, physical abuse, infidelity, child abuse,
The first part of this book has me excitedly devouring it...sadly the middle was a lot of the same which had me forcing my way through a lot of it...then the last part threw so many things at me I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed 🤷🏽♀️
Looking forward to reading the next book and hoping that the pacing is better.
Mention of: rape, physical abuse, infidelity, child abuse,
The first part of this book has me excitedly devouring it...sadly the middle was a lot of the same which had me forcing my way through a lot of it...then the last part threw so many things at me I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed 🤷🏽♀️
Looking forward to reading the next book and hoping that the pacing is better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Blood, Death, Murder, Violence, War, Gore, Torture, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Sexism
Minor: Rape, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Child abuse
blacksphinx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This is the first book I've ever finished my skimming the last ~80 pages. It was a book club pick and something I had been highly anticipating. I've been craving a Norse fantasy and this author came highly recommended to me. Oh man, where do I start?
Our protagonist was so insufferably stubborn and I found no redeeming qualities in her. I'm not sure she does one action that someone asks her to for the entire book, even if they would have been to her benefit. She's so hot-and-cold, changing her mind at the drop of a hat to whatever course of action would be the least convenient for her and the people around her. I wanted to like her! I especially loved that opening scene with her love interest; they had banter that I actually enjoyed!? But I was so frustrated with her by the end I couldn't enjoy anything about their romance.
I predicted one of the big main twists from the first moment it was foreshadowed. The other big twist was something I guessed was probably going to happen. It didn't feel fun, it didn't feel like I can solved the author's intricate puzzle and now I was in on it. I spent a lot of this book going "are you serious?" and "how it is not obvious to you!"
The magic makes NO sense and was a constant source of irritation. People who possess the blood of a god are "unfated" and both do not have a destiny/fate of their own and can change the destinies of those around them... but can also be the center of a prophecy and two of them can be destined to be together? How does that make sense!
The final cherry on top is that I could not help but notice the number of named female charactersthat die or betray Freya compared to the named men. Every time I hoped Freya would form a friendship with another woman, something would happen to destroy that relationship.
I am so grateful I hesitated on preordering this book, and will not be continuing with the series.
Our protagonist was so insufferably stubborn and I found no redeeming qualities in her. I'm not sure she does one action that someone asks her to for the entire book, even if they would have been to her benefit. She's so hot-and-cold, changing her mind at the drop of a hat to whatever course of action would be the least convenient for her and the people around her. I wanted to like her! I especially loved that opening scene with her love interest; they had banter that I actually enjoyed!? But I was so frustrated with her by the end I couldn't enjoy anything about their romance.
I predicted one of the big main twists from the first moment it was foreshadowed. The other big twist was something I guessed was probably going to happen. It didn't feel fun, it didn't feel like I can solved the author's intricate puzzle and now I was in on it. I spent a lot of this book going "are you serious?" and "how it is not obvious to you!"
The magic makes NO sense and was a constant source of irritation. People who possess the blood of a god are "unfated" and both do not have a destiny/fate of their own and can change the destinies of those around them... but can also be the center of a prophecy and two of them can be destined to be together? How does that make sense!
The final cherry on top is that I could not help but notice the number of named female characters
I am so grateful I hesitated on preordering this book, and will not be continuing with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Gore, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Sexism, Vomit, and War
Minor: Kidnapping
wickeddelights's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Hooooo boy.
I read this book in a matter of days.
Danielle has always been someone I would gladly recomend when it comes to books with romantic tension, and this book was genuinely a masterclass in banter. I was hooked from beginning to end, and the wait until the second book comes out is already agonizing, and I finished the book less than five minutes ago.
5 Stars.
I read this book in a matter of days.
Danielle has always been someone I would gladly recomend when it comes to books with romantic tension, and this book was genuinely a masterclass in banter. I was hooked from beginning to end, and the wait until the second book comes out is already agonizing, and I finished the book less than five minutes ago.
5 Stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, Colonisation, and Death of parent
sup3r_xn0va_maya's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
💬: "I'll let the past burn to ash, Freya, because you are my present. My future. My destiny."
Jensen L. Danielle. A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated Book 1) (p. ?). Del Rey. Kindle Edition.
📖Genres: fantasy, romance, romantasy, mythology (Norse), vikings
📚Page Count: 400
🎧Audiobook Length: 15h 16min
👩🏾🏫My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5
----
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is the first book in the Saga of the Unfated series. This story is about Freya who is a Goddess Blessed fisher man's wife in an unwanted marriage. After her fisher man husband breaks faith with Freya and betrays her to the local Jarl, the local Jarl orders her to fight his son, Bjorn, to the death. Secretly, Freya has the blood of a Goddess on her side, that helps her survive the fight. Soon after she gets the news that she is the shield maiden that is supposed to make this particular Jarl, the King. That was foreseen in a prophecy. The Jarl then forces Freya to bind herself to him and thus begins the saga of Freya learning how to fight and tame her magic. Will she be able to ignore the lingering lust she feels for the Jarl's son?
This book had interesting parts, but it did not do a good job of keeping my attention throughout the book. I had such high hopes for this book. Mostly because it's so highly rated amongst my peers but also because the beginning of the story was really good so I expected the action and the overall story to keep up a good pace. The first 25% was interesting, the next 50% really dragged on and was boring, and the last 25% had everything thrown in there, in an exciting way (spicy scenes, action, fighting, surprises, secrets, and a cliff hanger.)
There was one spicy scene in the middle of the book and there are two more spicy scenes at the end of the book. Yes there are many ways to be intimate with someone but I really hated that we had to wait until the end of the book for the two love interests to have intercourse. I'm giving the spicy scenes two chilis 🌶️ out of five chilies.
Overall, I had high expectations going into this book but it was just okay. The beginning and the ending were very exciting, but the middle of the book was really boring. I'm giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5 Stars
I listened to this for free on the library app [Libbyapp.com]
Jensen L. Danielle. A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated Book 1) (p. ?). Del Rey. Kindle Edition.
📖Genres: fantasy, romance, romantasy, mythology (Norse), vikings
📚Page Count: 400
🎧Audiobook Length: 15h 16min
👩🏾🏫My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5
----
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen is the first book in the Saga of the Unfated series. This story is about Freya who is a Goddess Blessed fisher man's wife in an unwanted marriage. After her fisher man husband breaks faith with Freya and betrays her to the local Jarl, the local Jarl orders her to fight his son, Bjorn, to the death. Secretly, Freya has the blood of a Goddess on her side, that helps her survive the fight. Soon after she gets the news that she is the shield maiden that is supposed to make this particular Jarl, the King. That was foreseen in a prophecy. The Jarl then forces Freya to bind herself to him and thus begins the saga of Freya learning how to fight and tame her magic. Will she be able to ignore the lingering lust she feels for the Jarl's son?
This book had interesting parts, but it did not do a good job of keeping my attention throughout the book. I had such high hopes for this book. Mostly because it's so highly rated amongst my peers but also because the beginning of the story was really good so I expected the action and the overall story to keep up a good pace. The first 25% was interesting, the next 50% really dragged on and was boring, and the last 25% had everything thrown in there, in an exciting way (spicy scenes, action, fighting, surprises, secrets, and a cliff hanger.)
There was one spicy scene
Overall, I had high expectations going into this book but it was just okay. The beginning and the ending were very exciting, but the middle of the book was really boring. I'm giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5 Stars
I listened to this for free on the library app [Libbyapp.com]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, Infidelity, Child death, Death, Gore, War, Cursing, Misogyny, Murder, Death of parent, and Grief
jasper_is_atypical's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I'm just tired of people calling an FMC strong or badass and then the MMC does all the fighting and planning and hard work and hero stuff. She literally sits around at points while he does all of the work, although she does try at points, overall she get's used and abused and just sits and takes it and then lashes out at the only people who actually care about her. She's not badass (when she is she's killing innocent civilians mostly) and every decision she makes for herself is a bad one. It was super disappointing thinking she would be this badass in control of her fate while she just let's herself get tossed around like a toy the entire book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Sexual violence, Fire/Fire injury, Cursing, Alcohol, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Blood, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Death, War, Misogyny, Death of parent, Animal death, Sexism, Medical content, Violence, Sexual content, Murder, Grief, Gore, and Vomit
Moderate: Body horror, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Minor: Slavery, Rape, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Physical abuse