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book notes
title: A Curse Carved in Boneauthor: Danielle L. Jensen
series: Saga of the Unfated #2
published: 5.13.2025
publisher: Del Rey Books
source: Book of the Month
genre(s): romantasy
pages: 398
format: hardcover
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | BookBub | BookHype | StoryGraph | Goodreads
rating:
| series rating: the blurb
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy—and to overcome the betrayal of the man who broke her heart—in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood.
The secret of her divine heritage revealed, Freya finds herself on a path that will see thousands of lives lost to the magic in her blood. Desperate to avoid this dark fate, she risks an alliance with Skaland’s greatest enemy to seek answers from the seer who foretold her future—the same seer who sent Bjorn to kill her.
While Freya still seethes with rage over Bjorn’s betrayal, the blood oaths that bind her demand that she keep him close as she hunts for a way to avert the looming war. Her magic draws her to the front lines of an old enmity, embroiling her with Nordeland’s Unfated—children of the gods who serve the king she was raised to fear. The same king who, unlike Bjorn, is now willing to fight at her back. For despite the desire that burns hot between Bjorn and Freya, his growing distrust of her chosen path threatens to drag them further apart.
As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them?
a few notes
POV: 1st person
setting: Skaland
keywords/phrases: Viking, betrayal, quest, gods, corruption
tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden love, chosen one, reluctant hero
spice: 4/5
language: 4/5
my review
The author does a great job of leaving perfectly placed breadcrumbs throughout the story, allowing the reader to envision all sorts of theories about how things will unfold, all without upending the anticipation and suspense. The story was rich and immersive, with epic battle scenes and mythology/magic that was detailed and interesting.
I was hooked from the first page. For one thing, the Norse mythology that is woven into the story was done so seamlessly. The author doesn’t just sprinkle in some names for flavor; she creates an entire world with them that feels rooted. And the twists, turns, and intrigue… so much anticipation and action to keep me engrossed.
This book delivered everything I want in a sequel. It’s full of strong women, complicated dynamics and plot lines, emotional journeys, high anticipation, and fate-defying decisions. Beautiful!
“You are my home, Freya,” he answered. “Everywhere else is just a place to lay my head.”
About Danielle L. Jensen
Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2026 52 Books Reading Challenge
- 2026 Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge
- 2026 Linz the Bookworm & Logophile Reading Challenge
- 2026 Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge
- 2026 Unboxing the Books Reading Challenge
- 2026 Wheel of the Year Reading Challenge
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