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bea__reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
This book had a strong start but fizzled out after the axe-throwing scene.
I disliked both main characters and the book overall was trying too hard to fit certain tropes.
I disliked both main characters and the book overall was trying too hard to fit certain tropes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, and Misogyny
condls27's review
adventurous
emotional
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
This book had me hooked from the first page. Truly a whirlwind adventure (did this poor girl ever sleep?!) The plot is a smidge predictable if you’re a fantasy reader but I still loved it! Freya’s impulsiveness drove me nuts at points but it’s also the thing I love most about her. Cannot wait for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexual content, Animal death, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
grace_b_3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A fun, Norse-inspired fantasy romance, A Fate Inked in Blood has a cool magic system, where the children of the gods have powers in accordance with their godly parent. There’s also runic magic, which is unrelated to the godly magic (I think). The world-building is a little light, but the vibes are there.
As to the romance, Jensen is really good at building that sexual tension, but the arc of the romance leaves something to be desired. It’s very lust-at-first-sight. Most of the romantic development is that snippy banter typical of the genre.
The plot of Freya figuring out her place in the world was compelling, especially with all of the mysteries and prophecies. Wanting to find out what’s going on definitely keeps me turning the pages. I’m curious to see where this story goes and I’ll keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
As to the romance, Jensen is really good at building that sexual tension, but the arc of the romance leaves something to be desired. It’s very lust-at-first-sight. Most of the romantic development is that snippy banter typical of the genre.
The plot of Freya figuring out her place in the world was compelling, especially with all of the mysteries and prophecies. Wanting to find out what’s going on definitely keeps me turning the pages. I’m curious to see where this story goes and I’ll keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Sexual content, War, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Infidelity, and Animal death
Minor: Pregnancy
writingbugtop's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, War, Death, Death of parent, Animal death, and Violence
thebookkeepers's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As a lover of the show Vikings, this book felt very reminiscent of that! Danielle Jensen writes vivid atmospheres within her books and it felt like I was transported into a Viking landscape. My issue with this story however was that everything felt extremely predictable and very little surprised me regarding the plot. I also didn't love Freya as a main character. She rarely felt like she had an original thought, was whiney, and annoyed me with her obtuseness. I enjoyed the magical element that children born with God's blood were blessed with, but felt like she relied heavily on the reader's prior knowledge of Norse mythology and didn't do a lot of work to build that for unfamiliar readers. I also felt like a few moments were extremely unbelievable for Viking culture such as the consumption scene. I did love the imagery and brutal descriptions of battles as well as her receiving her tattoos. All in all, I had fun reading this and plan to read book 2. However, there was still a lot left to desire, and didn't quite meet my expectations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Sexual content, and Animal death
volsairine's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It was a very fun read and I was very invested in the story. If you're looking for a book where the romance and the plot are equally important, I'd say this is it. Bjorn may be my favorite fictional man I've read yet. Loved their banter.
The only reason it's not a 5 star book for me is that at times in the middle of the book Freya was kind of difficult for me to read. I understand she's young but I found myself very frustrated with her and her choices at times (although maybe that was the point). I'm not sure! I get the feeling that we will see her mature throughout the next books which I am excited about.
But regardless, it was fun. The ending was very, very good and idk what I'm supposed to do until the next book??? WHATS GONNA HAPPEN?
Seriously though, excited for the next book!
Spoiler:Seriously, like what a plot twist! Fantastic bait and switch. I'm a huge thriller reader and hard to throw off of a trail, but Danielle did it masterfully.
The only reason it's not a 5 star book for me is that at times in the middle of the book Freya was kind of difficult for me to read. I understand she's young but I found myself very frustrated with her and her choices at times (although maybe that was the point). I'm not sure! I get the feeling that we will see her mature throughout the next books which I am excited about.
But regardless, it was fun. The ending was very, very good and idk what I'm supposed to do until the next book??? WHATS GONNA HAPPEN?
Seriously though, excited for the next book!
Spoiler:
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexual content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal death
gaby_readsss's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Fate Inked In Blood 🩸⚔️
my review 💭💫
my review 💭💫
This was my first time reading a Viking fantasy and OMG I loved it from start to finish!! 🩵
I was oblivious to the entire Norse lore previous to reading this book, but thank you so much Danielle L. Jensen for introducing me to this fantastic world of gods, and mythology, and warriors! 🗺️✨🗡️
From page one I had this instant like for the main character, Freya. She is strong, determined, a lot stubborn, and will go to any lengths to protect those she loves. Then we have Bjorn. He’s powerful, good looking, charming, and a protector. I was obsessed with their dynamic from their first interaction. Bjorn and Freya are my new favorite couple! 😍
I loved how they literally go from flirting and having the cutest banter with each other to being forced to fight to the death soon after that. 🫢
I meaaaan… I was so invested the entire time with everything that was going on!
The pace of this book was perfect. It had the right balance between action, adventure, and romance. It was everything I wanted and needed from a romantasy book. I’m new to the genre, and I believe if you’re also new to it, then you’ll absolutely enjoy reading A Fate Inked In Blood. 🩸
The ending had my jaw on the floor. I need book two asap because what in the world was that major cliffhanger?! 😭
I have so many questions!!
you’ll love this book if you enjoy:
vikings/ norse mythology ⚔️
strong female characters 💪🏻
forced proximity 👫
forbidden romance 🚫
instant attraction but make it slow burn 🔥
all the banter 🤭
spice 🌶️
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Animal death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Gore, Murder, Sexual content, and War
Moderate: Violence, Grief, Cursing, Drug use, and Excrement
merlin_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
Well hello there you beautifully written book. Why was I so against reading you for the longest time? Shame on past me.
“Not all scars we earn are skin-deep, Freya Born-in-Fire. There is no less honor in them.”
Guys, this book was FANTASTIC. From page 1, I was instantly captivated by Freya. Her marriage is not a happy one - her husband is horrible and controlling, she's forced to hide her magic, and her dreams of being a warrior seem to be just dreams. But then a man comes out of the sea and everything changes. Freya's true nature is revealed and she jumps from one controlling marriage to another. Still not having any control over her fate.
I have not read that many Viking books but the ones I have, I've really enjoyed. Maybe this is a genre I need to dive more into. I loved the world that Jensen created. It was brutal and violent but yet magical. I've noticed in Viking novels that there's such a pride surrounding ones homeland and the author did a great job of emphasizing that. To this group, there's nothing more important than their pride.
“Again, I was rendered nameless. Just a tool, just a weapon to be wielded by all the men around me. But I'd had enough.”
Going back to Freya not having control of her own fate. I will start off by saying that Freya is a strong character. I felt her drive and her determination to do what's right and to also own her own life. However, she is both a woman and has the blood of gods so men want to own and control her. She's torn between wanting to be her own person but also protect her family (even though they're shit). If Freya has a flaw, it's being to altruistic. So many times I was screaming at her to just pick herself. But if she did that, she wouldn't be staying true to what made her her.
And then there was Bjorn - my heart. This love story is one for the ages. I adored them separately and together. The bombs dropped at the end - while shocking - were honestly not that surprising if you paid attention to Bjorn's character. There is so much still to learn about him. I want to know what happened after he was taken as a child. What life did he lead?
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!
I have no idea when the sequel comes out, but I need it right now. This was just so freaking good!
“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”
**Swoon**
“Not all scars we earn are skin-deep, Freya Born-in-Fire. There is no less honor in them.”
Guys, this book was FANTASTIC. From page 1, I was instantly captivated by Freya. Her marriage is not a happy one - her husband is horrible and controlling, she's forced to hide her magic, and her dreams of being a warrior seem to be just dreams. But then a man comes out of the sea and everything changes. Freya's true nature is revealed and she jumps from one controlling marriage to another. Still not having any control over her fate.
I have not read that many Viking books but the ones I have, I've really enjoyed. Maybe this is a genre I need to dive more into. I loved the world that Jensen created. It was brutal and violent but yet magical. I've noticed in Viking novels that there's such a pride surrounding ones homeland and the author did a great job of emphasizing that. To this group, there's nothing more important than their pride.
“Again, I was rendered nameless. Just a tool, just a weapon to be wielded by all the men around me. But I'd had enough.”
Going back to Freya not having control of her own fate. I will start off by saying that Freya is a strong character. I felt her drive and her determination to do what's right and to also own her own life. However, she is both a woman and has the blood of gods so men want to own and control her. She's torn between wanting to be her own person but also protect her family (even though they're shit). If Freya has a flaw, it's being to altruistic. So many times I was screaming at her to just pick herself. But if she did that, she wouldn't be staying true to what made her her.
And then there was Bjorn - my heart. This love story is one for the ages. I adored them separately and together. The bombs dropped at the end - while shocking - were honestly not that surprising if you paid attention to Bjorn's character. There is so much still to learn about him. I want to know what happened after he was taken as a child. What life did he lead?
I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!
I have no idea when the sequel comes out, but I need it right now. This was just so freaking good!
“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”
**Swoon**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
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
giulia_acobac's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I love DLJ and I’m glad she became a NYT besteller author with this book and that she is finally getting the recognition she deserves. I was excited for this book and I found it to be good overall. But at the same time a bit repetitive with Freya’s innner self loathing molonogues. The plot was inteiguing and the plot twist at the end mind blowing.
The romance part of this book was not as swoony as I expected.
The romance part of this book was not as swoony as I expected.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Gore, Violence, Sexism, Emotional abuse, War, and Animal death