Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: February 27th, 2024
Pages: 432
Publisher: Del Rey
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“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.”
My Review:
Obsessed!!! Need I say more? Probably going to be a new favorite fantasy series of mine.
I was so freaking excited to see this author writing a new series, a most anticipated release for me this year. Also, super excited to see the gorgeous sprayed edges on the first print – will definitely be buying!
I can’t even say enough good things about this one. I loved everything about it.
The characters, the world-building, the relationships, the plot, the pacing, the magic system, the lore… everything about it was perfection.
I so needed this book in my life. I was in a fantasy slump for a while and this one has completely reinvigorated my love for the genre.
I want all my fantasy reading experiences to be like this one.
I was totally entranced the entire time I was reading it. I felt like I was in the story itself, it’s so transportive. Both Freya and Bjorn are to die for.
All the stars for this one!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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