A Fate Inked in Blood

Saga of the Unfated, Book 1

By: Danielle L. Jensen

Narrated by: Nina Yndis

Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also 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. It was foretold such a magic would 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 swore to protect.

©2024 Danielle L. Jensen (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This book completely transports you, and I was instantly hooked! Danielle Jensen’s dark fantasy world is woven together with rich history and lore, and the angst between the two main characters kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so excited to see what comes next!”—Raven Kennedy, internationally bestselling author of Gild

“With a forbidden romance that burns as hot as Tyr’s magical fire, A Fate Inked in Blood will be your newest fantasy obsession. Beautifully brutal, action-packed, and full of tension, I couldn’t turn the pages of this epic tale fast enough.”—Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Throne of the Fallen

“In a rich world inspired by Norse mythology, A Fate Inked in Blood is an action-packed story with a fierce protagonist, an irresistible hero, and a scorching romance. Bridge Kingdom fans will love this thrilling new edition to Jensen’s catalogue.”—Lexi Ryan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Hollow Vows

Disliking the main character

There was a point around 2/3 of the way through where I realized I suddenly didn’t like the main characters, and as a consequence, I became very disinterested in what was happening.

I was rooting for them the majority of the way through, but there was a reveal at one point, and I just had this deep internal sigh and suddenly felt like the main players were one dimensional. Like stereotypes of the Marysue/Garystu variety.

However… I probably should try again and to pay attention past my disappointment in them, because I think I’ve missed something thanks to my stubbornness that may redeem the complexity of their story near the end. I know there’s a lot of love for this story, so I’m willing to concede that my disappointment might be my own fault. I just… I can’t stand the “I’m completely selfless and have nothing but the best intentions” trope, and I felt that’s what our heroine’s whole deal boiled down to.

SO GOOD

OH MANNN. THIS WAS SO GOOD.

🛡️ viking-inspired romantasy
🛡️ chosen one
🛡️ meddling gods
🛡️ touch her and die vibes
🛡️ forced proximity
🛡️ forbidden romance
🛡️ political intrigue
🛡️ war battles
🛡️ cliffhanger ending

Danielle L. Jensen never disappoints! A thought-out Norse Mythology inspired world, filled with feuding clans, meddling gods, magic, and more. Our FMC, Freya, was fierce and loyal (sometimes too much so lol) and I loved Bjorn from the beginning - his and Freya's chemistry was immediate and their forbidden attraction added so much delicious tension to the story.

I kinda saw that ending coming but it didn't hurt any less! Sets us up nicely for book 2!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey publishing for an e-ARC of this book - all opinions are my own!

Amazing story telling

Danielle L. Jensen did it again! What an incredible story! Highly recommend for any high fantasy fans. It is low in spice but the plot carries itself. I finished it in less than 24 hours! The narrator was fabulous!

Excellent book

Loved the main characters; narration, plot and ending. This should be made into a TV series.

"Teach me how to grow grain.."

I so very much loved this story. But I was disappointed with the ending of it immensely. I absolutely NEED the next book in this series to come out ASAP because I need to know what happens next!! I'm stuck now on what book to listen to next.

Amazing accent narrating and fantastic story!

Love the storyline of this book! For the most part, I like the main characters, but like most FMC‘s, makes you want to scream at your phone while you’re listening😂 the love interest is exceptional! I will miss him as we wait for the sequel to come out! Otherwise, super fun book with Norse mythology, battle, and the spice is not frequent, but *chefs kiss* when there are spicy scenes. Also amazing plot twists!

Amazing

This was a fantastic story. Had me hooked from the very beginning. Romantic fantasy typically follows a certain path, when telling a story and this author did her own thing. Though some “shockers” in the story were anything but shocking, the story itself was fantastic. 5 stars for sure. I can’t wait to read/listen to what comes next.

Fantastic

I was drawn in right away! Great story and cannot wait for the sequel. Narration was excellent

That Ending!! So good!

Need book 2 immediately. Great story and characters, did lull in middle a bit but really great ending! Can’t wait for book 2.

I need more!!!

I picked this book up on a whim and it had me as enthralled as Fourth Wing did. So freaking good. I did see some of it coming but it didn't even matter because I enjoyed the story telling that much.
The story itself was amazing but the narrator did a phenomenal job. I hope they have her read the next one too.