A Fate Inked in Blood

Few books can ever get me to read them without closely paying attention to what page number I'm on to see how much I've read in a sitting or how much longer I have. A Fate Inked In Blood is one of those books that when I start reading, it is difficult to put back down, especially when reading after a subpar book. The writing of the characters, their emotions, their behavior, and their thoughts feel real and human. Freya isn't just some Shield Maiden, she is a woman living in a world in which women are used for the advancement of men, be it politically or for furthering the "Legacy". She carries guilt and trauma, but still has room for love towards the ones who treated her poorly or well.

The chemistry between her and Bjorn, her love interest, is great and feels real (which I feel a lot of books that center romance to any degree miss nowadays). He is playful in his flirting, serious in his love declarations, and hurt when he has an altercation with others, especially Freya. This also makes the sex scenes between them have actual passion and value, and worth actually reading. The amount of scenes is also sensible, which is also becoming a lost art with many books (which are not erotica) unfortunately.

The pacing of the book is leaning towards great, though I don't really like how quickly they travel from one point to the next, but this book isn't really high-fantasy, so it is expected. The plot is very interesting and remains so throughout the entire book. I never felt that there was a lull in the writing, even if the events happening involve minimal to no action. The writing is purposeful and real, and I'm foaming at the mouth that I have to wait until spring of next year for the second book.