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5 stars!
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“Her fate is inked in her blood. It’s carved in her bones. The power is in Freya’s destiny.��

This was an epic, adventure-filled, action-packed, Norse mythology filled fantasy novel that I found to be ground-breaking and addicting! ⚔️

We are introduced to this story from the POV of Freya, an unhappy housewife who tends to her husband gutting fish and taking small emotional blows, feeling trapped as her family decided her to be fated to this life. One day, everything she knows is changed for better or for worse when her hand is forced to reveal her darkest secret and give away her identity as the “shield maiden�� as she contains a drop of blood from a Goddess giving her a unique “magic ability." Forced to marry a powerful Jarl, she is promised protection from his son. However, she finds herself drawn to this protector and his integrity. Will Freya be able to fight this pull to the Jarl’s son, Bjorn? Will she be able to live out her fate told to her by the Jarl himself? Or will she fail and destroy the life of everyone she loves?

OH MANNN. I was not expecting to love this story as much as I did. This book had everything I anticipate in a well-written fantasy novel. Descriptive world building, an easy-to-understand magic system, the desire to learn about one’s true self, a romance subplot, and well-done spice that does not overpower the entire plot.

Freya is such a BADASS through and through. Putting everyone she loves before herself, attempting to always follow her heart and do what she feels is right, being able to deny herself her deepest desire for the sake of others. I truly felt connected to her on many levels and felt so much admiration and pity for her, as she respected her friends and family to the highest of level, and they did so little to return the favor.

Bjorn, WHAT A MAN. I’m sorry, but he was nothing but loyal and honorable from his very first encounter with Freya. The protective nature and hidden possessiveness he held for Freya was PROMINENT.

The characters were well written and stayed consistent with their intentions throughout the book, which for someone like me created an easier to follow more enjoyable reading experience, as I was able to be sucked into this world without over-thinking and back-tracking past chapters, which is sometimes what makes reading fantasy difficult for me.

I am here for the vibes, and the Vikings 😉.

HIGHLY recommend listening to the “God of War�� soundtrack while reading this book.

I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy Norse mythology, fantasy, romance subplots, and a good story to keep you engaged ❤️