Book Buzz

Episode 130 - Air date: Nov. 30, 2025

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are a fantasy romance duology from bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.

First, we're going to hear from Emma, library associate at the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library, for book one in the “Saga of the Unfated” two-part series. Go ahead, Emma.

EMMA:

Danielle L. Jensen’s “A Fate Inked in Blood” is a Norse-inspired romantasy that will hit readers with a potent blend of myth, magic, and emotional depth. Set in the fractured kingdom of Skaland, the story follows Freya, a shield maiden born with divine blood who dreams of wielding a sword rather than gutting fish. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Freya hides her true heritage as the daughter of the goddess Hlin, knowing exposure could mean exploitation.

When her powers are revealed, a power-hungry jarl forces Freya into marriage and binds her with a blood oath, believing that her powers will fulfill a prophecy that will secure his rise to kingship. He assigns his son, Bjorn — a fierce warrior and child of the war god Tyr — to protect her.

As Freya trains under Bjorn, she struggles to master her divine abilities and resist the growing attraction between them. Her journey is marked by betrayal, survival, and divine trials, all set against a backdrop of mead-soaked halls, ancient forests, and battlefields.

Jensen delivers a heroine with bite, one who is resilient, raw, and empowering. “A Fate Inked in Blood” is the first in a duology, perfect for romantasy fans who crave high stakes, immersive mythology, and a love story forged in fire.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Emma! The world-building in this story sounds captivating.

Next, let’s hear about book two in the “Saga of the Unfated” two-part series, once again from Emma, library associate at the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library. Back to you, Emma.

EMMA:

In “A Curse Carved in Bone,” the second book in Danielle L. Jensen’s “Saga of the Unfated” duology, shield maiden Freya faces the devastating truth of her divine heritage: she is the daughter of Hel, goddess of death, and Hlin, goddess of protection. Betrayed by Bjorn, the man she loves, and held captive by King Harald of Nordeland, Freya must unravel the prophecy that foretells her as the harbinger of war and destruction.

As tensions rise between Skaland and Nordeland, Freya seeks answers from Saga, the seer who first predicted her fate. Her journey is fraught with political intrigue, magical warfare, and emotional turmoil. Freya’s powers — both a gift and a curse — force her to confront the cost of wielding divine magic.

Bjorn, torn between loyalty and love, remains by her side, though mistrust lingers. Their relationship simmers with betrayal, longing, and the hope of redemption. As war looms, Freya must decide whether she will be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them.

Jensen delivers a powerful tale of identity, agency, and sacrifice, concluding Freya’s saga with emotional depth and mythic grandeur.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Emma! Readers don’t have to be a fan of Norse mythology to enjoy either of the books in this duology.

Our recommendations this week are: “A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen and “A Curse Carved in Bone” by Danielle L. Jensen.

Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations.

Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.