A Fate Inked in Blood
By Danielle L. Jensen
ROMCO Rating: ★★★☆☆
A Fate Inked in Blood is an ambitious romantasy novel reimagining an epic Norse saga with a fresh perspective. Amazingly, Jensen not only accurately portrays classic Norse mythology but also adds her own creative elements to the source material. While the concept is imaginative, the execution is, at times, lackluster. Pacing issues in the second and third quarters cause the novel to drag between bursts of truly inspiring female rage. Sometimes, a woman just needs to go berserk. A Fate Inked in Blood is the first book in the Saga of the Unfated trilogy, creating a great deal of potential for the series.
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The plot starts strong, clearly evoking the structure of a classic Norse saga. The focus of the narrative shifts from Freya and Bjorn’s blossoming romance to a contest for the crown of Skaland. From the perspective of a romance novel, as the book is advertised, the plot certainly overwhelms the romance. At times, the power struggle feels protracted and at times repetitive, creating pacing issues in the second half. Ultimately, A Fate Inked in Blood reads as a setup for the next book rather than a fulfilling narrative in itself.
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The characters in A Fate Inked in Blood readily conform to classic tropes: Bjorn as the revered warrior, Freya as the chosen one, Snorri as the imposter, and Ylva as the wicked stepmother. While tropes are fundamental to the romance genre, a unique element is essential for distinction. While Freya undergoes significant character development, those around her remain static. This lack of evolution is particularly notable in Ylva, who could have been portrayed as a formidable female figure, representing a missed opportunity for depth and complexity.
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The romantic aspect of the story carries a distinct Young Adult tone, largely influenced by Freya's immaturity. Her actions and reactions throughout the romance plotline reflect the typical emotional turbulence and idealism of a 20 year old. However, this clashes with her portrayal as a cynical widow resolved to embrace her role as a shieldmaiden. This dissonance in tone creates inconsistency, ultimately weakening the authenticity of the romance between Freya and Bjorn.
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The world-building in the story is exceptional, with a firm foundation in Norse folklore and mythology. It's evident that the author has conducted thorough research, as the incorporation of these elements as well as original additions feel both authentic and seamlessly integrated. Particularly captivating is the concept of being "a child of a god" through a mere drop of blood, which adds a layer of creativity and intrigue.
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Explicit open door ✓
Summary
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 this Norse-inspired fantasy romance 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. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: she possesses a drop of a goddess's blood, which gives her magic capable of repelling any attack. A
magic that was foretold would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath a king-the one who controls the shield maiden's fate.
Believing he's destined to rule Skaland, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders his son, Bjorn, to protect Freya 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. Except the greatest test of all 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.
