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A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1)

Danielle L. Jensen

Start date: May 1, 2024

Finish date: May 31, 2024

Discussion: Book of the Month

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What Members Thought

Mar 22, 2024 Jenn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mythology, adult-fiction, books-i-own, 5-star-reads, new-author-to-me, read-in-2024, read-in-2025, fantasy, signed-copies, vikings

Well hello there you beautifully written book. Why was I so against reading you for the longest time? Shame on past me.

“Not all scars we earn are skin-deep, Freya Born-in-Fire. There is no less honor in them.”

Guys, this book was FANTASTIC. From page 1, I was instantly captivated by Freya. Her marriage is not a happy one - her husband is horrible and controlling, she's forced to hide her magic, and her dreams of being a warrior seem to be just dreams. But then a man comes out of the sea and Well hello there you beautifully written book. Why was I so against reading you for the longest time? Shame on past me.

“Not all scars we earn are skin-deep, Freya Born-in-Fire. There is no less honor in them.”

Guys, this book was FANTASTIC. From page 1, I was instantly captivated by Freya. Her marriage is not a happy one - her husband is horrible and controlling, she's forced to hide her magic, and her dreams of being a warrior seem to be just dreams. But then a man comes out of the sea and everything changes. Freya's true nature is revealed and she jumps from one controlling marriage to another. Still not having any control over her fate.

I have not read that many Viking books but the ones I have, I've really enjoyed. Maybe this is a genre I need to dive more into. I loved the world that Jensen created. It was brutal and violent but yet magical. I've noticed in Viking novels that there's such a pride surrounding ones homeland and the author did a great job of emphasizing that. To this group, there's nothing more important than their pride.

“Again, I was rendered nameless. Just a tool, just a weapon to be wielded by all the men around me. But I'd had enough.”

Going back to Freya not having control of her own fate. I will start off by saying that Freya is a strong character. I felt her drive and her determination to do what's right and to also own her own life. However, she is both a woman and has the blood of gods so men want to own and control her. She's torn between wanting to be her own person but also protect her family (even though they're shit). If Freya has a flaw, it's being to altruistic. So many times I was screaming at her to just pick herself. But if she did that, she wouldn't be staying true to what made her her.

And then there was Bjorn - my heart. This love story is one for the ages. I adored them separately and together. The bombs dropped at the end - while shocking - were honestly not that surprising if you paid attention to Bjorn's character. There is so much still to learn about him. I want to know what happened after he was taken as a child. What life did he lead?

I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!

I have no idea when the sequel comes out, but I need it right now. This was just so freaking good!

“You are mine, Born-in-Fire. Even if only the two of us know it.”

**Swoon** ...more

19 likes · Like · see review

Jun 01, 2024 Tbirdplanstoread rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: signed, own-hard-back, fairyloot, 2024-05-may, rec-d-in-2024

Holy hell, I really enjoyed this one! Can't wait for book 2!! ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

May 16, 2024 Trisha rated it it was ok

Shelves: goodreadschoice2024

I had really wanted to like this one, I did. And if you like Romantasy and high sexual tension for over 300 pages, then this story is definitely for you and just ignore my rating!

But I found Freya frustrating and impossibly annoying. We get it, you're very innocent and yet have all this power and everyone wants you.

I'm glad I gave this series a try but I definitely won't be reading on. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Jun 07, 2024 Amanda rated it liked it

I totally jumped on the TikTok bandwagon and dived into this book. I probably shouldnt have done that so close to ACOTAR. This was pretty good but just not really my cup of tea. I thought the beginning started off really strong but I it was a bit on the long side.

3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2024 Susan rated it really liked it

So this could have easily been a 5 star but there was so much in it that wasn't needed and made it so much longer then it needed to be. For me when a book drags on like that there is no way I can give it a 5 star. I was at a solid 3 star but the end changed my mind. I think it was more of a 3.5 so when I give a half star I bump the book up to the next star.

I really loved the magic and the world building but so much of it was repeated way to much. I loved the love interest but not so much the MC ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 07, 2024 Stacey rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobook, own

This book frustrated me so much! I LOVED the first half. The h was engaging, she was learning how to be a badass, taking care of business. The H was funny, the banter was great, and I was excited to see where the story would go. The second half was like reading about 2 totally different people. The h turned into the guilt-ridden sap, unable to make a decision and stick to it. The H really just disappeared other than to show up for a spicy scene here or there. The ending was unsurprising, the twi ...more

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