Review: A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author as a gift.

A Fate Inked in Blood

(Saga of the Unfated #1)

by Danielle L. Jensen

by February 27, 2024

Goodreads 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, 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.

Book Tour - Review: Gilded Serpent (Dark Shores #3) by Danielle L. Jensen

Gilded Serpent

(Dark Shores #3)
by Danielle L. Jensen

April 27, 2021
576 pages

YA Fantasy

Indigo     Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

From ​bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen comes a thrilling new novel in the Dark Shores world, a series that Sarah J. Maas called "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."

THEIR BATTLES ENDED IN VICTORY

Lydia returns to Mudaire to enter training at the healing temple. But instead of fighting to save lives, she’s convinced she is doing more harm than good. She delves into the history of the gods only to discover a truth that will change her life forever.

His birthright as commander of the Royal Army is finally in his grasp, but Killian feels anything but victorious. Burdened by his past, he embraces the darker side of his mark―and in doing so, risks starting a war.

BUT THE WAR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

Having defeated the tyrant Urcon, Marcus struggles to form a lasting alliance with the Arinoquians. But he is plagued by the knowledge that there is a traitor among his friends, and it could cost him everything that he’s fought for.

Torn between her growing allegiance to the Thirty-Seventh legion and her need to liberate her people, Teriana finds herself mired in a web of secrets. She embarks upon a path that will either save everyone she loves―or put them all in their graves.

Review: Tarnished Empire (Dark Shores #0.5) by Danielle L. Jensen

Tarnished Empire
(Dark Shores #0.5)
by Danielle L. Jensen

January 26, 2021
230 pages

Goodreads Summary:

DEFIANCE IS TREASON. TREASON IS DEATH.

A siege is laid against the last resistance to the Senate’s rule. As the battle rages, a commander, a soldier, and a rebel will decide how far they are willing to go for victory.

THE COMMANDER

Marcus is forced to choose between destroying the rebel forces and liberating his legion. He must face the true cost of being a leader. And an oppressor.

THE SOLDIER

Agrippa sets his sights on glory to fill the deepening void within him. He discovers that the price of fame might not just be paid in blood, it might be paid by his heart.

THE REBEL

Silvara joins the rebel forces to fight against the legions who would see her family dead. While she dreams of being a warrior, she finds her sharpest weapon is seduction. But to defeat the Empire, she’ll have to betray the young man who now has her heart.

Inspired by the harsh world of ancient Rome, readers are obsessed with this martial tale of fiery romance, friendship, and enmity. Told from three points of view, TARNISHED EMPIRE is filled with twists you’ll never see coming but will keep you turning the pages all night.

TARNISHED EMPIRE is set in the world of Danielle L. Jensen’s DARK SHORES. But readers new to the world can begin here.

Review: The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom #2) by Danielle L. Jensen

The Traitor Queen
(The Bridge Kingdom #2)
by Danielle L. Jensen

September 1, 2020
346 pages

Goodreads Summary:

A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter.

And it is bait she fully intends to take.

Risking her life to the Tempest Seas, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king, but for liberating the Bridge Kingdom from her father’s clutches using his own weapons: the sisters whose lives she spared. But not only is the palace inescapable, there are more players in the game than Lara ever realized, enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she’s trying to free – the husband she betrayed.

With everything she loves in jeopardy, Lara must decide who – and what – she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself.

Review: Dark Skies (Dark Shores #2) by Danielle L. Jensen

Dark Skies
(Dark Shores #2)
by Danielle L. Jensen

May 5, 2020
464 pages

Goodreads      Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

A RUNAWAY WITH A HIDDEN PAST

Lydia is a scholar, but books are her downfall when she meddles in the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire. Her life in danger, she flees west to the far side of the Endless Seas and finds herself entangled in a foreign war where her burgeoning powers are sought by both sides.

A COMMANDER IN DISGRACE

Killian is Marked by the God of War, but his gifts fail him when the realm under the dominion of the Corrupter invades Mudamora. Disgraced, he swears his sword to the kingdom’s only hope: the crown princess. But the choice sees him caught up in a web of political intrigue that will put his oath – and his heart – to the test.

A KINGDOM UNDER SIEGE

With Mudamora falling beneath the armies of the Corrupter, Lydia and Killian strike a bargain to save those they love most—but it is a bargain with unintended and disastrous consequences. Truths are revealed, birthrights claimed, and loyalties questioned—all while a menace deadlier and more far-reaching than they realize sweeps across the world.

Review: The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

The Bridge Kingdom
(The Bridge Kingdom #1)
by Danielle L. Jensen

August 13, 2019

354 pages

Goodreads     Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
What if you fell in love with the one person you'd sworn to destroy?

Lara has only one thought for her husband on their wedding day: I will bring your kingdom to its knees. A princess trained from childhood to be a lethal spy, Lara knows that the Bridge Kingdom represents both legendary evil - and legendary promise. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom controls all trade and travel between lands, allowing its ruler to enrich himself and deprive his enemies, including Lara's homeland. So when she is sent as a bride under the guise of fulfilling a treaty of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture the defenses of the impenetrable Bridge Kingdom.

But as she infiltrates her new home - a lush paradise surrounded by tempest seas - and comes to know her new husband, Aren, Lara begins to question where the true evil resides. Around her, she sees a kingdom fighting for survival, and in Aren, a man fiercely protective of his people. As her mission drives her to deeper understanding of the fight to possess the bridge, Lara finds the simmering attraction between her and Aren impossible to ignore.

Her goal nearly within reach, Lara will have to decide her own fate: Will she be the destroyer of a king or the savior of her people?

Stacking the Shelves #248

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

This week Danielle L. Jensen sent me a copy of her newest adult fantasy romance for review, thank you <3

I also got these cool books~ Thank you Raincoast Books for always spoiling me!

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Stacking the Shelves #236

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

My preorder of Dark Shores came!! I read an early copy of this book and it was amazing. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers ;)

I have been spoiled by the publishers with some of my most anticipated new releases! Thank you so much Thomas Allen & Son and HBG Canada for sending these beauties my way!

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Review: Dark Shores (Dark Shores #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

 

Dark Shores
(Dark Shores #1)
by Danielle L. Jensen

May 7, 2019
368 pages

Goodreads      Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON
Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense, a ship beholden to the Goddess of the Seas. Her people are born of the waves, and they alone know how to cross the impassable oceans between East and West.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET
Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his only family, and even they don't know the secret he's been hiding since childhood.

A DANGEROUS QUEST
When a power-hungry ruler captures Teriana's crew and threatens to reveal Marcus's secret unless they help him conquer the unknown West, the two are forced into an unlikely–and unwilling– alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

Stacking the Shelves #223

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

My final 2018 book haul is from HBG Canada! Thank you so much for sending us these two books <3

 

My first piece of 2019 bookmail is from Danielle L. Jensen! She sent me an ARC of her upcoming high fantasy book, Dark Shores. It's one of my most anticipated new release and I'm so happy I could cry. Thank you so much Danielle <3 <3

 

 

What did you add to your shelves this week?

WoW #227: Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about!

Dark Shores
by Danielle L. Jensen

May 7, 2019
368 pages

Goodreads      Indigo

Goodreads Summary:
Piracy, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by Danielle L. Jensen.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON
Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense, a ship beholden to the Goddess of the Seas. Her people are born of the waves, and they alone know how to cross the impassable oceans between East and West.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET
Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his only family, and even they don't know the secret he's been hiding since childhood.

A DANGEROUS QUEST
When a power-hungry ruler captures Teriana's crew and threatens to reveal Marcus's secret unless they help him conquer the unknown West, the two are forced into an unlikely–and unwilling– alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.
 

Danielle is an all-time favourite so I'm ecstatic to be getting a new story from her!! Andddd pirates and adventure!!!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Cover Reveal with Giveaway: The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

 

From Danielle L. Jensen:

I’m so excited to share the cover of THE BRIDGE KINGDOM, which was illustrated by the talented Richard Anderson! This novel was pure enjoyment to write because I was able to create a story that blends intrigue, adventure, and LOTS of steamy romance, all of which takes place in a fantastical setting. THE BRIDGE KINGDOM was written specifically for audio, and with the exceptional narration of Lauren Fortgang and James Patrick Cronin, it truly is an incredible listening experience!

 

 

The Bridge Kingdom

(The Bridge Kingdom #1)

Danielle L. Jensen

October 16, 2018

Goodreads     Audible

Goodreads Summary:

What if you fell in love with the one person you’d sworn to destroy?

Lara has only one thought for her husband on their wedding day: I will bring your kingdom to its knees.

A princess trained from childhood to be a lethal spy, Lara knows that the Bridge Kingdom represents both legendary evil - and legendary promise. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom controls all trade and travel between lands, allowing its ruler to enrich himself and deprive his enemies, including Lara’s homeland. So when she is sent as a bride under the guise of fulfilling a treaty of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture the defenses of the impenetrable Bridge Kingdom.

But as she infiltrates her new home - a lush paradise surrounded by tempest seas - and comes to know her new husband, Aren, Lara begins to question where the true evil resides. Around her, she sees a kingdom fighting for survival, and in Aren, a man fiercely protective of his people. As her mission drives her to deeper understanding of the fight to possess the bridge, Lara finds the simmering attraction between her and Aren impossible to ignore.

 

Her goal nearly within reach, Lara will have to decide her own fate: Will she be the destroyer of a king or the savior of her people?

 

Content warning: The Bridge Kingdom includes more explicit sexual content than Danielle’s other YA novels.

About Danielle L. Jensen:

Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Novels: Stolen Songbird, Hidden Huntress, Warrior Witch, and The Broken Ones. Her upcoming novels are THE BRIDGE KINGDOM, which will be released by Audible Originals in October, 2018 and DARK SHORES, which will be released by Tor Teen in May, 2019. She lives with her family in Calgary, Canada.

 

Website     Twitter     Instagram

Giveaway

Open International- An Epic The Bridge Kingdom–themed goody box (including all items pictured below):

Exclusive Ithicana Candle from A Court of Candles

Hand Cream from The Body Shop

Sea Salt from The Body Shop

Tea Tins

The Bridge Kingdom Pen

The Bridge Kingdom Postcard + Audiobook download on release date

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves #179

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

A small bookhaul this week. I received The Rogue Queen from Thomas Allen & Son, thank you! The bottom book is the Mandarin edition of Warrior Witch by Danielle L. Jensen which I won from her giveaway~ A foreign edition I can actually read! Thank you Danielle <3

 

What did you add to your shelves this week?

Blog Tour - Interview & Giveaway: The Broken Ones (The Malediction Trilogy #0.6) by Danielle L. Jensen

 

Hi everyone! I'm so thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for The Broken ones, a prequel to The Malediction Trilogy by Danielle L. Jensen. Today on the blog I have an interview with Danielle! I'm also hosting an Instagram giveaway for a copy of the book which I'll link below so don't forget to enter!
 

The Broken Ones

(The Malediction Trilogy #0.6)

by Danielle L. Jensen

June 6, 2017
250 pages

Goodreads   Amazon   Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy).

Below Forsaken Mountain, a revolution stirs with the aim to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right hand of its leader. It’s a secret more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it from everyone, even the girl he loves.

Since a tragic accident revealed her affliction and ruined her sister’s chance at the throne, Pénélope is an anathema to her father, the Duke d’Angouleme. Deeming her life worthless, he gives her one chance to survive: find proof that the boy she loves is a leader in the sympathizer revolution.

Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.

Except being together might be the greatest risk of all.
 

Cover Reveal - Giveaway: The Broken Ones (The Malediction Trilogy #0.6) by Danielle L. Jensen

Hi guys! Today I am very excited to help reveal the cover of The Broken ones, a prequel in The Malediction Trilogy by Danielle L. Jensen! One of my favourite of all time <3


If you don't know the trilogy yet here they are in order (click on the covers to read my reviews). It's a series you absolutely don't want to miss!

  

 

 I'm so thrilled we're getting a prequel story :D

The Broken Ones

(The Malediction Trilogy #0.6)

by Danielle L. Jensen

June 6, 2017
250 pages

Goodreads  Amazon  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy).

Below Forsaken Mountain, a revolution stirs with the aim to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right hand of its leader. It’s a secret more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it from everyone, even the girl he loves.

Since a tragic accident revealed her affliction and ruined her sister’s chance at the throne, Pénélope is an anathema to her father, the Duke d’Angouleme. Deeming her life worthless, he gives her one chance to survive: find proof that the boy she loves is a leader in the sympathizer revolution.

Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.

Except being together might be the greatest risk of all.

Here comes the cover!
 

Event Recap: Elise Kova and Danielle L. Jensen Signing @ Chapters Metrotown

 

As some of you may already know, I'm a big fan of Elise Kova (author of the Air Awakens series) and Danielle L. Jensen (author of The Malediction Trilogy). Last Saturday they were in Vancouver and did a joint signing at Chapters Metrotown. It was such a surreal experience meeting them!

 

Elise and Danielle at Chapters Metrotown!

 

I was about 20 mins early and they were still setting up so I stood off to the side. And yep, I was the creepy girl who was staring and grinning at them lol. My hubby said they probably don't recognize me but they smiled when they saw me so I took that as a good sign (or they're just being friendly) :P



I was first in line and after some (internal) squealing followed by speechlessness from me, they started signing my books. I couldn't believe they were right in front of my eyes O.O Anyways I backed off after they were done to let others meet them but I told them I'd be back lol...

 

I'm fangirling!

 

After the initial group of people, I got back in line with my cousin who got her books signed and I got some more books signed ;) It was so much fun talking to Elise and Danielle about their books~ They were so generous and down-to-earth (and read and right in front of me!)!



Chatting with Elise and Danielle~

I also got all the hugs!!!! Extra ones for Melissa too <3

HUGS! *squeals*

After I got everything I brought signed, I stuck around and chatted with Elise, Danielle and a couple other readers. We were basically hogging Elise and Danielle's attention #sorrynotsrry Elise drew me a scene from Crystal Crowned! It's very spoilery so I won't share it here but if you want to see, let me know ;)

Elise drawing~

 

It was fun meeting new friends! Jenna is a member of the Tower Guard too!  She cosplayed as Vhalla! You guys should follow her @novavandorwolf as well as Rennie @ketsivaun, a fellow AA fan!

 

Elise with her Tower Guards!

 

It was absolutely amazing getting to meet Elise and Danielle (and Vhalla and Cécile)!! Thank you so much for coming to Vancouver and please come back and visit again <3 <3

 



Review: Warrior Witch (The Malediction Trilogy #3) by Danielle L. Jensen

 

*Review contains spoilers from the previous books.

 

 

Warrior Witch
(The Malediction Trilogy #3)

by Danielle L. Jensen

May 3, 2016
384 pages
 

Goodreads  Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

The thrilling conclusion to the breakout Malediction Trilogy by Goodreads Choice finalist Danielle L. Jensen.

Cécile and Tristan have accomplished the impossible, but their greatest challenge remains: defeating the evil they have unleashed upon the world.

As they scramble for a way to protect the people of the Isle and liberate the trolls from their tyrant king, Cécile and Tristan must battle those who’d see them dead. To win, they will risk everything. And everyone.

But it might not be enough. Both Cécile and Tristan have debts, and they will be forced to pay them at a cost far greater than they had ever imagined.

Stacking the Shelves #97

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

 

Before I get to my haul, please welcome a new model to the blog, Pickles! If you follow me on social media then you already know my hubby and I recently adopted a new cat. I wasn't sure if he'd let me take book pictures with him but when I gave it a try, this was the turnout ;) So needless to say, you'll be seeing more of him around! And of course more of Ripple too!!

 

So I bought Warrior Witch and A Court of Mist and Fury because they're obviously  must-buys! I've also heard great things about Amanda Quick so I got her newest, 'Til Death Do Us Part when it was on sale~

 

Thank you Raincoast Books for Defending Taylor! I love the Hundred Oaks series by Miranda Kenneally!

 

The Wanderers is a Twitter win from Nicole (she's an editor at Skyhorse Publishing). Thank you so much!

 

What did you add to your shelves this week?

WoW #90: Warrior Witch (The Malediction Trilogy #3) by Danielle L. Jensen

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

Warrior Witch
(The Malediction Trilogy #3)

by Danielle L. Jensen

May 3, 2016

Goodreads  Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

The thrilling conclusion to the breakout Malediction Trilogy by Goodreads Choice finalist Danielle L. Jensen.

Cécile and Tristan have accomplished the impossible, but their greatest challenge remains: defeating the evil they have unleashed upon the world.

As they scramble for a way to protect the people of the Isle and liberate the trolls from their tyrant king, Cécile and Tristan must battle those who’d see them dead. To win, they will risk everything. And everyone.

But it might not be enough. Both Cécile and Tristan have debts, and they will be forced to pay them at a cost far greater than they had ever imagined.
 

I have an eARC of this but of course it needs to be a WoW post! If you don't know my love for this series, please refer to here and here. I can't believe it's already the end T.T I will love this series forever!!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Stacking the Shelves #79

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

A little late but here's my holiday shopping haul! I still have a few coming in the mail XP

Untamed by A.G. Howard

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas

I won this from Twitter and yay I finally have a physical copy! I was planning on buying it during Christmas so I can't believe I won a copy~ Yippy!

Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?