A Fate Linked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

A Viking fantasy high adventure with a female hero. We are all used to the Viking stories that center around the men who ventured out in longboats conquering new lands but this story features Freya who has been blessed by the gods which means she is now a pawn to be used, captured or killed by those men in power who always want more power. To protect her family and her land she marries a fanatical jarl and for as long as she does what he wants (basically kill , don't get killed and help him take over the entire region) her family will be kept alive. She has been blessed with magical powers and it has been foretold that she will be the one to unite the kingdoms. Flanked by her protector, the jarl's son Bjorn who also has magical powers, she feels both safe and uneasy by their mutual attraction. There are horrific battle scenes, political intrigue and forbidden love between Freya and Bjorn. This is a great start to a new series that will appeal to everyone who misses THE VIKINGS and wants non stop action with a strong female warrior and a steamy love story to boot.  4 stars