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hheartbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Bleh. I honestly forced myself to finish. The plot felt like it was repeating itself, Freya was annoying, Bjorn's story was predictable, the 'romance' just felt lustful, and I ended not really desiring to pick up the next in the series. This one obviously wasn't for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Violence, War, and Cursing
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Pregnancy
sophierosemaria's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Danielle L Jensen was the first romance fantasy author that I read 4 years ago and completely reinvigorated my love for reading.
Don’t comes as no surprise that I loved this book.
It was a bit hard to get into I’ll admit, but I think that was more out of frustration with the characters (particularly male ones) surrounding Freya at the beginning. Horrible and yet all too close to reality, especially when considering the time the book is set in.
That being said, I grew to love the story, although not always the characters.And even got a bit of a surprise at the end with Bjorn’s mother.
Don’t comes as no surprise that I loved this book.
It was a bit hard to get into I’ll admit, but I think that was more out of frustration with the characters (particularly male ones) surrounding Freya at the beginning. Horrible and yet all too close to reality, especially when considering the time the book is set in.
That being said, I grew to love the story, although not always the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Rape
jadeyfish's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse
folkofthebook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
“They say being given the blood of a god is a gift,” I whispered. “But it’s a curse.”
It was not lost on me that I’d once dreamed of greatness, and now, presented with it, it felt like the last thing I wanted.
this was an enjoyable fantasy romance. the nordic setting with viking/norse mythology inspiration was a refreshing change from the typical anglican medieval settings we often see in this genre. there are some commonly used fantasy tropes and admittedly this was a bit predictable for me, but the chemistry between freya and bjorn was sizzling and delicious and made it enjoyable to read. the writing paints a vivid picture as we follow the story, with norse rituals and action-packed scenes.
while i enjoyed bridge kingdom, this was definitely an improvement for me. i'm intrigued enough by the end to continue the series with the next book. i might never look at the lemons the same again tho lolllll
“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.”
“Your looks aren’t good enough to compensate for your tongue.”
In the faint light, I saw him smirk. “Don’t underestimate my tongue, Freya. Especially in the dark.”
“I don’t want to rule,” he answered. “I want you.”
“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Vomit
krystlethegreat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Great story! Love the Viking vibes. Love the distinctive personalities of our main characters; they felt very authentic to each of their situations. Freya is a little wishy-washy and that can be annoying. I'm hoping for a ton of character growth for her as we move on in the series.
My only real complaint lies with the author using "f*ck" and "bullsh*t" in this otherwise high fantasy world. To me, these few instances of modern languange just felt so out of place in this world, and it would pull me out of the story when they were used. (Handful of times.)
My only real complaint lies with the author using "f*ck" and "bullsh*t" in this otherwise high fantasy world. To me, these few instances of modern languange just felt so out of place in this world, and it would pull me out of the story when they were used. (Handful of times.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Alcohol, Murder, Child death, and Sexual content
Minor: Vomit
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to get this ARC, and I was finally able to sit down and really read it this week. I was immediately gripped by how much of a powerful FMC Freya is. She cares for others and will do anything for the sake of those she loves. When she grabbed the ax in the beginning of the story??? That was such an insane move and I am rooting for her all the way. I enjoyed getting her POV and slowly learning all of the truth about her and the situation she’s been put in. She is constantly having to see who she can and can’t trust.
This story does slow down a bit in the middle, but it was still enough to keep me interested. I needed to know what happened in the last 50% of the book. It’s based on Norse Mythology which I love, and I feel like there will definitely be more of the gods at work in the next book. All of the battle and fighting scenes were great, and I was stressed several times trying to figure out how Jensen would end the story.
The relationship between her and Bjorn was good. It immediately starts off with fun banter, and they are always bickering even though there is obviously tension and attraction between the two of them. There is forced proximity between the two of them when he is tasked with keeping her safe. As this forces them to befriend one another, they slowly begin to see their love for each other. I felt like I highlighted so much of their conversations, especially towards the end.
It ended on a big cliffhanger, so I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
I was so excited to get this ARC, and I was finally able to sit down and really read it this week. I was immediately gripped by how much of a powerful FMC Freya is. She cares for others and will do anything for the sake of those she loves. When she grabbed the ax in the beginning of the story??? That was such an insane move and I am rooting for her all the way. I enjoyed getting her POV and slowly learning all of the truth about her and the situation she’s been put in. She is constantly having to see who she can and can’t trust.
This story does slow down a bit in the middle, but it was still enough to keep me interested. I needed to know what happened in the last 50% of the book. It’s based on Norse Mythology which I love, and I feel like there will definitely be more of the gods at work in the next book. All of the battle and fighting scenes were great, and I was stressed several times trying to figure out how Jensen would end the story.
The relationship between her and Bjorn was good. It immediately starts off with fun banter, and they are always bickering even though there is obviously tension and attraction between the two of them. There is forced proximity between the two of them when he is tasked with keeping her safe. As this forces them to befriend one another, they slowly begin to see their love for each other. I felt like I highlighted so much of their conversations, especially towards the end.
It ended on a big cliffhanger, so I am definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Violence, and War
ee1000's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
My first Fairyloot book! I was excited to read this, especially since I have other books by Danielle Jensen on my TBR. I did enjoy this book overall but there are some things that I hope change in the next book.
I really liked the setting and world building, the magic system rooted in mythology was really cool and I enjoyed seeing that unfold.
I want to hear more from each of these characters, I feel like there’s still enough secrets between everyone that I’m impatient to know what happens next.
What I really want to see is Freya to take control over her own destiny. She doesn’t like being used but her own inner monologue talks frequently about being owned or managed by others. I want so badly to see her be her own person while learning to rely on others to support her, not just manage her.
I’ll most likely pick up the second book when it releases but hopefully Freya grows a bit more in the next novel!
I really liked the setting and world building, the magic system rooted in mythology was really cool and I enjoyed seeing that unfold.
I want to hear more from each of these characters, I feel like there’s still enough secrets between everyone that I’m impatient to know what happens next.
What I really want to see is Freya to take control over her own destiny. She doesn’t like being used but her own inner monologue talks frequently about being owned or managed by others. I want so badly to see her be her own person while learning to rely on others to support her, not just manage her.
I’ll most likely pick up the second book when it releases but hopefully Freya grows a bit more in the next novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Gore, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual assault
jackie_recommends's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
This is for the readers who loved the show Vikings (the main mmc is even named Bjorn), but wanted it to have magical powers.
The story was alright, but I personally found the fmc to be grating, and I saw the twist coming from the first time the plotline was introduced. BUT it's a fun deviation for Jensen, and if you want a fantasy-lite read, then go for this!
The story was alright, but I personally found the fmc to be grating, and I saw the twist coming from the first time the plotline was introduced. BUT it's a fun deviation for Jensen, and if you want a fantasy-lite read, then go for this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Domestic abuse
Burnsthecanadianbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book early.
Right off the bat: wow. I was so taken in by this world and these characters. Such a strong start, and the momentum keeps up!
Freya has spent her life longing for the glory of battle, while being forced to hide her God given magic. But, of course, nothing can stay hidden forever.
After her magic is forcefully revealed, she is whisked away from her small fishing village to join the side of Snorri, the Jarl who believes he is to control Freya's fate.
Children with God's blood are believed to create their own fate, free of the threads that bind mortals. But Freya finds herself bound by a Seer's visions of her rise to glory, and her own desperation to save her family from the Jarl's wrath.
Honestly, I thought I knew where this book was headed.. and many times I was wrong. Which is truly the best part!
I have also come to *love* Jensen's ability to write a slow burn. *THE TENSION* 👌👌
I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
Right off the bat: wow. I was so taken in by this world and these characters. Such a strong start, and the momentum keeps up!
Freya has spent her life longing for the glory of battle, while being forced to hide her God given magic. But, of course, nothing can stay hidden forever.
After her magic is forcefully revealed, she is whisked away from her small fishing village to join the side of Snorri, the Jarl who believes he is to control Freya's fate.
Children with God's blood are believed to create their own fate, free of the threads that bind mortals. But Freya finds herself bound by a Seer's visions of her rise to glory, and her own desperation to save her family from the Jarl's wrath.
Honestly, I thought I knew where this book was headed.. and many times I was wrong. Which is truly the best part!
I have also come to *love* Jensen's ability to write a slow burn. *THE TENSION* 👌👌
I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Murder, War, Gore, Death of parent, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Misogyny
Minor: Vomit and Kidnapping
ksophialydia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, War, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Vomit, and Death of parent