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

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.

Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.

ISBN: 9780593599853
Format: Paperback
Pages: 464
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Published: February 11, 2025

“A Fate Inked in Blood is THE must-read fantasy of 2024! I could not put this book down!”—Jennifer L. Armentrout, USA Today bestselling author of From Blood and Ash

“With a forbidden romance that burns as hot as Tyr’s magical fire, A Fate Inked in Blood will be your newest fantasy obsession. Beautifully brutal, action-packed, and full of tension, I couldn’t turn the pages of this epic tale fast enough.”—Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Throne of the Fallen

“This book completely transports you, and I was instantly hooked! Danielle Jensen’s dark fantasy world is woven together with rich history and lore, and the angst between the two main characters kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so excited to see what comes next!”—Raven Kennedy, internationally bestselling author of Gild

“In a rich world inspired by Norse mythology, A Fate Inked in Blood is an action-packed story with a fierce protagonist, an irresistible hero, and a scorching romance. Bridge Kingdom fans will love this thrilling new edition to Jensen’s catalogue.”—Lexi Ryan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Hollow Vows

“Captivating and sexy . . . With a fierce heroine and a smoldering hero, A Fate Inked in Blood is everything you want in a fantasy romance.”—Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King