Everyone is in their Romantasy era. I’m only half joking but for anyone needing something to hold them over for the next SJMaas or Fourth Wing installment, this book is for you!
Danielle L. Jensen has done a fabulous job of creating a fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology. It has all the Viking vibes and is filled with meddling gods, prophecies, and battles of fate. Freya, along with others born gifted with blood from the gods, is part of the few whose fate is unwoven and can be changed by her decision. She’s also the prophesied Shield Maiden that says the person who controls her will be able to unite and lead the clans. Forced to marry, Freya soon finds herself in the middle of battling clans who will stop at anything to possess or kill her.
I love quick witted and sassy banter, especially between our romantic leads and Jensen fully delivers this with her banter between Freya and Bjorn. Though their relationship is forbidden, their chemistry and attraction is palpable. And I mean who wouldn’t be attracted to sworn worthy Bjorn. While Bjorn quickly became a favorite of mine, Freya had her ups and downs. I believe this book falls under ‘New Adult’ and Freya definitely comes across as naiver and more impulsive than I would have liked. She goes through quite a few periods where she just frustrated me. Since this is ‘New Adult’ though, she would certainly appeal to the younger audience this is aimed at, as she has a very YA feel to her. I’m hoping we see significant growth in her character as the series progresses.
Filled tons of action, adventure, forbidden romance, and spice, I had so much fun reading this book. I haven’t read anything else from Jensen before, but I have heard this is her spiciest series yet, but I’d rate it a 3.5 out of 5 on the spicy scale. I’d give this a 4.5 stars rounded down to 4, just because I thought there were a few pacing issues, otherwise strongly recommend!
A Fate Inked in Blood is out now! Huge thank you to Del Rey Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books or on Tiktok @speakingof.books
