3.5 ⭐️ Emotionally layered, myth-soaked conflict, & a heroine at war with herself!
DANIELLE L. JENSEN brings Freya’s journey to a close in A Curse Carved in Bone (Saga of the Unfated, #2), the follow-up to her bold and immersive Norse-inspired fantasy A Fate Inked in Blood. While this sequel offers no shortage of action, high-stakes twists, and richly imagined conflict, it didn’t capture me the same way the first book did.
Freya’s personal battle remains the heart of the story, as she’s forced to reckon with her divine power, her fractured loyalties, and a fate she refuses to accept. The stakes are higher, the battles fiercer, and the betrayals more cutting—but for me, what was missing was that magnetic tension between her and Bjorn that lit up the first book. Their connection here feels distant, weighed down by mistrust and relentless conflict rather than that simmering angst that once had me fully hooked.
There’s still plenty to admire. The world-building continues to impress, with the Unfated, seers, and shifting allegiances making every move unpredictable. The pacing is brisk, and the twists are well placed, keeping the plot moving and the danger real. But with so many battles and external conflicts, I did find myself a little bored at times and missed the emotional stakes that made the first book shine.
It took me ten days to finish, which is longer than usual for me. While I always intended to return to the story, I wasn’t racing back to it the way I had with A Fate Inked in Blood. I think I just missed feeling emotionally tethered to the heart of it all.
This was also a sister read with Brenda, who—true to form—blazed ahead while I lagged behind, unintentionally putting a bit of a damper on our usual back-and-forth. Still, sharing the journey with her always makes the experience more special.
Norma’s Stats
Cover: Fiery, bold, and powerful—it captures both Freya’s strength and the high stakes of her journey.
Title: Poetic and fitting. It complements the first book while reflecting the darker tone of this final chapter.
Writing/Prose: 🇨🇦 Canadian Author
Strong and cinematic. Jensen’s style is vivid and fluid, especially in the action scenes.
Plot: Fast-paced, twist-filled, and full of danger. Less emotional pull, more external conflict.
Ending: Conclusive and thoughtful. A fitting end to a sweeping saga.
Overall: A worthy finale packed with action and intensity, even if I missed the emotional spark. I’m rounding up to 4 stars for the world, the writing, and Freya’s fierce journey.