A Fate Inked in Blood

By Danielle L. Jensen

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king--while fighting her growing desire for his fiery son--in the first book of a Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology from the author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

"THE must-read fantasy of 2024 "--Jennifer L. Armentrout, author of From Blood and Ash

AN ELLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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. And it's been foretold that such magic will 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 has sworn to protect.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593599837
• ISBN13: 9780593599839
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

The definition of romantasy done right. 🌶️🥵

I absolutely devoured this book. I started it one evening and couldn’t put it down until I finished it because every chapter pulled me deeper into the story. Danielle L. Jensen has found the perfect balance between fantasy, romance, action, and mythology. The Norse-inspired world feels rich and immersive without ever slowing the pace, and the story is packed with enough twists, battles, and tension that I was hooked from beginning to end. The characters were the real highlight for me. Freya is capable, determined, and never felt like a heroine who only succeeds because the plot needs her to. The chemistry between the two leads was incredible—full of banter, longing, and tension that actually paid off. And yes… the spice. 🌶️🥵 Some fantasy books tease romance for hundreds of pages only to fade to black when things finally happen. Not this one. The romance is passionate, well-written, and woven naturally into the story. It raised the emotional stakes instead of distracting from them, and it may honestly be some of the best spice I’ve read in a fantasy novel. Most importantly, this never forgot that it’s a fantasy. The romance enhances an already fantastic adventure rather than replacing it. Between the Norse mythology, nonstop pacing, memorable characters, and addictive writing, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This has officially joined Fourth Wing, The Bone Witch, and The Foxglove King as one of my all-time favorite fantasy reads. I immediately ordered another Danielle L. Jensen book the moment I finished. An easy five stars—and one I’ll be recommending to every fantasy reader looking for action, mythology, romance, and phenomenal chemistry.

So Good!!

This was a great read! Very different from my usual musings. Really enjoyed the lore. Looking forward to the second book!

Dont underestimate a woman with power

I enjoy this story. I usually dont read stories with the gods. I found this story to be different. I found Bjorn and Freya relationship genuine and sweet. I did not expect the ending. The emotions that ran through this story were tangible. The story was easy enough to follow.

Could not put this down!

This books hits every feeling imaginable! I devoured it in 2 days and can not wait for the book to come out!