A Fate Inked in Blood: Book One of the Saga of the Unfated

The book is beautiful the story and the world is cool only one thing I didn’t like that much the main character personality she is like a teenager. Feels a little bit like YA

Har köpten dock inte läst den ännu, men boken är super fin. Köpte den i inbunden och jag ångrar inte alls mitt val

This Norse inspired fantasy romance was everything I hoped it would be. I was quickly drawn in by the main character Freya, she was easy to root for but also morally a more complicated heroine which made this quite the engrossing read. This fantasy is heavily inspired by Norse mythology, not just the world itself but a lot of the actual story is indoctrinated in the Norse history. The magic system being a very interesting part of this. In this world people gifted with a drop of Gods blood inherit powers in a similar vein of the God in which their power comes from. Our protagonist Freya being one of the characters gifted with a drop of Goddess blood.The story starts out with Freya in a unhappy and unsatisfying arranged marriage to a Man known for both his gift from the gods to control the sea, in way of providing food for her village but also as a controlling and boorish person to which she very much hates. All while dreaming to become a warrior such as her brother, Freya follows along with the duties she has been tasked. That is until a betrayal from her husband causes her to reveal that which she has kept secret. She is quickly thrown into a very different role than that she once had. Challenged to fight to the death against ‘Bjorn’ the son of the Jarl, she must use her powers to survive. These events leading her into another arrangement she very much wants no part in. Along the way she faces trials from the Gods and many other people who once again try to control her for their own gain.My favourite thing about this book is the character development and relationships that are built. The author has a talent for creating believable relationships that feel real. The banter between Freya and Bjorn was both amusing and made for quite the tension. I would say it’s kind of a lust at first sight thing, but the relationship itself in my opinion has a slow and steady build that had me on the edge of my seat. At times I did find Freya annoying to read from, mostly because I guessed some of the plot points early on and while I kind of new what was coming Freya seemed blind to it. Which on one hand was insufferable because it seemed she was not thinking clearly, but on the other side of things it was realistic for her to be blinded by her emotions in certain ways. So this was something I didn’t enjoy but I did think it was well written.As a whole there is a lot going on in this book and even though this is a start to a series Jensen does an amazing job at creating a well rounded story. With well a built world and interesting characters, it feels like a whole story in itself but also the beginning to a greater series I’m very interested to continue in the future.4.5⭐️*Thank you so much to Random House UK (Cornerstone) and Netgalley for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it."To think this all started with a fish slap to the face 😂This was my first Norse mythology and forbidden love romantasy book despite already being acquainted with some of the gods mentioned and I had a good time with it. The world building here didn’t feel difficult to get into but instead easily comprehensible for me (probably because not too much was happening yet there was). I also have to note that I did put this on pause initially for a bit given that i wasn’t in the mood for it at the time, but i binged the last 35% like my life depended on it! The slow burn was so real here that when something finally happened I wasn’t left disappointed“I used to dream only of fire and ash," he whispered, running a thumb over my cheek as I lifted my face to meet his gaze. "Now when I close my eyes, all I see is your face.”Bjorn & Freya.. the banter, tension and push and pull between them was everything. Bjorn was such a grumpy brute towards everyone but so soft & charming to freya and that type will always do it for me. I loved how protective he was of her (he was giving bodyguard vibes) while also encouraging her how she could forge her own fate for the most part. And his power and axe? I couldn’t help but imagine a different even hotter version of Thor with how he’s described to look like which made my impression of him even better"Her fate is inked in her blood," "It's carved in her bones. This power is Freya's destiny.”As for Freya, she wasn’t always given a choice in life with the family she was dealt with and those around her other than because she was the shield maiden. She was completely selfless and protective over those that didn’t deserve it and it equally angered and bothered me but i did admire her whenever she stood her ground. I can see the potential for more character development on her end and can’t wait for what’s next for herAside from Freyas family and others, Snorri was completely delusional and egotistical in his quest to become king lol the man was such a joke of a character and I need someone to really humble him in the next booksome thoughts:The immediate mutual attraction between them kinda felt like insta-lust? but I considered her past circumstances with her ex husband so I excused it as it didn’t bother me given the connection that was there. At times it felt like nothing was happening but things were happening if that makes sense. it was also slow in the middle to me but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down with everything that was happening that made it shift to a more thrilling experienceThe cliffhanger and twists towards the end I was able to pick up on through earlier foreshadowing but had no idea how it was gonna unfold. it was still enjoyable and has me eagerly anticipating book 2 and all that’ll happen there. I’m also holding out hope for dual pov and some grovelingSome other quotes:“I wanted you the moment I first set eyes on you. I wanted you in Fjalltindr. I want you now, and tomorrow, and all the tomorrows, Freya.”“Freya used to be a good and loyal woman."''She still is. You're just no longer worthy of her loyalty.”“Not all scars we earn are skin-deep, Freya Born-in-Fire.” “There is no less honor in them.”

3.5 stars rounded up.A Fate Inked in Blood is both unlike and exactly like every romantasy I've read before.I want to make it very clear that I really liked this book!!! But I wanted more from it.I found the magic system to be very intriguing in its uniqueness. I enjoyed the viking/norse mythology setting, even if I stumbled my way through name pronunciations - thank you for the pronunciation guide on the Danielle L Jensen website! It was super helpful!I really loved the way Freye began to come in to her own, not only in her magic, but in her confidence too. She underwent some significant character growth, but I want more! I think that is what I both loved and was frustrated by this book. Her growth was fantastic to read, but she still has so much more growing to do - which I think is absolutely going to happen in the next book. I'm simply impatient and want it all now lol.The end of the book was easy to anticipate - I knew what the major point of conflict/twist/cliff hanger - whatever you want to call it - was going to be long before the ending. I would have loved if Freye had realized it on her own rather than be blindsided by it.I liked the forbidden nature of Freye and Bjorn's relationship. It allowed for building tension and you could feel the internal struggle from both Freye & Bjorn, even though it was written from just Freye's POV.Overall, I think this will be a hit!Understanding this is the first book in the series and is setting the scene for future plotlines, I genuinely enjoyed reading this. I'm looking forward to what happens in the next book(s), however, I would have liked a little more from this book overall.