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.
- Author: Danielle L. Jensen
- Release Date: February 27, 2024
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mythology
- My Rating: 4/5
Get A Fate Inked in Blood
Danielle L. Jensen’s ‘A Fated Inked in Blood’ promises a thrilling journey into Norse mythology, filled with fierce warriors and epic battles. While the book certainly delivers on the Norse aspect, it falls short of reaching the five-star heights its hype suggests.
The story centers around Freya, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage yearning for a life of battle. Her escape comes in a brutal act of rebellion, setting off a chain of events that thrust her into a destiny she never sought. The Norse mythology woven throughout the narrative is a definite highlight, introducing readers to Gods beyond the familiar Thor and Loki, adding depth and intrigue to the world Jensen has crafted.
However, Freya’s character, while initially relatable in her desire to break free, can be frustratingly passive. Her constant ‘woe is me’ attitude clashes with her potential as a warrior, making it difficult to fully connect with her journey.
One of the book’s strengths lies in the portrayal of female warriors. Freya’s training under the powerful female Jarl and her fellow warriors highlights the strength and skill possessed by those who defy traditional gender roles. This element shines through in their fighting techniques, showcasing how smaller physiques can be leveraged to achieve victory.
While the novel boasts adventure and quests, it takes a considerable amount of time to truly engage the reader. The pacing feels uneven, with a slow build-up that leaves you wanting more until around the halfway point.
Bjorn and Cassian (from A Court of Thorns and Roses series) share some striking resemblances, particularly in terms of their physical attributes such as size and hair. However, when it comes to their personalities, it seems that the two characters are quite different. While Bjorn may have some similarities to Cassian on the surface, it is clear that their individual traits and characteristics diverge significantly.
The complex web of deceit and betrayal that Snooki wove not only affected his relationship with Ylva but also had far-reaching consequences for the kingdom. It is evident that Snooki’s ruthless pursuit of power knows no bounds, as he is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to fulfill his ambitions. The treachery and manipulation that define his character have created a volatile environment, where loyalty is a rare commodity and trust is a luxury few can afford.
Questions/Theories:
- Will the next book feature a higher representation of female warriors or a stronger exploration of woman empowerment, considering their unfortunate fate in the previous book?
- Was Bjorn, his mother (the mistress) and King Harold living as a family considering Bjorn calls King Harold father?
- We never heard about a Queen for King Harold or at least I don’t remember a Queen being mentioned, would Bjorn’s mother be the Queen?
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