A Fate Inked in Blood

Saga of the Unfated, Book 1

By: Danielle L. Jensen

Narrated by: Nina Yndis

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

Great start to a new series

This was my first book written by Danielle Jenson but it definitely won’t be the last. I loved this book. There was North mythology, action, intrigue, and a slow burn romance to die for. Freya is a very interesting character. At times she seems beyond her years. However, sometimes she is incredibly innocent and naïve. She has a strong, immoral character that is tested again and again. Bjorn is the reluctant hero. While he doesn’t ever really fit in his drives to do what’s best for those around him, including Freya. With the forbidden romance and political intrigue, this book is a must read. I only hope the second in the series comes out soon.
As a Norwegian speaker, Nina Yndis narration was amazing!

Love the audio narrator

Good story! Another great start to a book series. Audio narrator A+. Looking forward to the next book!

This was not what I expected

Freya annoys me so much. I tried to understand her but she just kept on going with the stupidity

Great story

I enjoyed this book. There were a few parts where it was a little slow for me but overall it was a good read.

Standard female warrior trope but LOVE the story

the male lead is enticing and the female lead is rather smart. It's the typical "I'm different in a special way" story but it's told really well.

Loved it

The narration was great. Interesting story, well written and not too predictable. Loved the female lead. Probably my new favorite book boyfriend.

Oh nooooooo

Have you seen memento? Where Lenny has short term amnesia and it makes him a frustrating, unreliable, but still likeable narrator? And you know he is going to make mistakes and be taken advantage of, but you see him trying to sort his story out? This lady is Lenny but doesn’t have the amnesia to blame for being a ding dong. I love a good dumpster fire but this was painful, repetitive idiotic saga. I know it is harder to critique than create, there are some elements that could have made this book at least a 3 but ding dong lady can’t pick a lane, can’t decide if she’s going to die, can’t can’t can’t can’t. The cover art is cool!

My first fantasy read!!

I have read a lot of books throughout my years, but never gave fantasy a chance. Although reading would’ve been difficult, with the way they speak, this audiobook was perfect! I loved her accent, and the book itself started off quickly, and had a great plot twist.

The best of Danielle L Jensen yet

Amazing story and well told by the narrator! The pronunciation was perfect. Cannot wait for the next book!

Amazing performance and story

Romantasy at its finest, with a new world and magic system that I haven’t read yet in popular booktok books. So much tension and just enough spice. One of my favorites so far for the year.
And the narrator made it even better!!!