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Heir of Fates
HEIR OF FATES is the first installment in a new and exciting epic grimdark fantasy series.
A hidden prince running from his destiny.
A nightmare seeking vengeance on a king.
A god waiting for a vessel.
Centuries ago, both the gods and their magic were banished from the human kingdom of Mystwood. The kings have since violently erased the Church of the Nine. But when history has been erased so has the truth, and an exiled god is done sleeping.
SILAS SCHOLAR has never known his destiny among the Fates, a group of individuals blessed with the foresight of the gods, until he discovers his true identity. Fearing that he will be locked in another gilded cage, Silas plans his escape.
MAURA FIORNE, an assassin and spy, has been haunted by a sentient shadow for as long as she can remember. Driven to pay reparations for her past, Maura is on a path of murderous vengeance against the land that cursed her, and its king.
SERAPHINE AU FIRE, a royal elven warrior, has been crafted into the perfect weapon to use against the human kingdom. Desperate to prove her worth, she sets out to destroy the monarchy from within.
NERISHA ADELYSE, an orphan taken in by the royal family of Mystwood, has always been perfectly content with her position at court, until she uncovers a treasonous secret about her mother.
'Ruin of Kings' meets 'Game of Thrones' in a world ravaged by war and full of hidden gods waiting to possess any willing soul to take back what was theirs.
A hidden prince running from his destiny.
A nightmare seeking vengeance on a king.
A god waiting for a vessel.
Centuries ago, both the gods and their magic were banished from the human kingdom of Mystwood. The kings have since violently erased the Church of the Nine. But when history has been erased so has the truth, and an exiled god is done sleeping.
SILAS SCHOLAR has never known his destiny among the Fates, a group of individuals blessed with the foresight of the gods, until he discovers his true identity. Fearing that he will be locked in another gilded cage, Silas plans his escape.
MAURA FIORNE, an assassin and spy, has been haunted by a sentient shadow for as long as she can remember. Driven to pay reparations for her past, Maura is on a path of murderous vengeance against the land that cursed her, and its king.
SERAPHINE AU FIRE, a royal elven warrior, has been crafted into the perfect weapon to use against the human kingdom. Desperate to prove her worth, she sets out to destroy the monarchy from within.
NERISHA ADELYSE, an orphan taken in by the royal family of Mystwood, has always been perfectly content with her position at court, until she uncovers a treasonous secret about her mother.
'Ruin of Kings' meets 'Game of Thrones' in a world ravaged by war and full of hidden gods waiting to possess any willing soul to take back what was theirs.
530 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
162 people are currently reading
2466 people want to read
About the author
Katie Collupy
6books92followersKatie Collupy is an epic grimdark fantasy author who delights in telling dark stories that explore the human condition. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice but spends her days writing and crafting fantastical worlds. When not writing she lives out her cottage core dreams in Vermont with her husband and two cats, Timbre and Wyndle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 19, 2023
� 4 stars �
this ate and left no crumbs. <3
i LOVED this. it was so unlike anything i'd ever read (okay, not so different, but i went in knowing there wasn't gonna be much romance) and still, it gave me that satisfaction that only reading a fantasy would give me. it gave me all the game of thrones vibes with the politics, constant scheming, not knowing who to trust, and i loved it.
i mean, who can resist a sapphic romance between a warrior elf falling for a gentle-hearted princess? or a grumpy assassin/spy slowly developing feelings for the kind-hearted boy who didn't even know his own destiny? or all the tension between the *family* members in the royal family? or all the twists i really did not anticipate at all? it was absolutely stunning and i loved every moment of it.
ngl few characters were very dumb BUT after that ending, i believe they existed in the story for a reason lmao and i can't wait to see what that reason is. and the characters? they were all so three-dimensional and i felt like i couldn't even trust what was going on in their heads. basically, this was a mindfuck of epic proportions and i really enjoyed that.
the plot twists in this had me like wtff. and all i can say is, i need the next book asap, i cannot wait!! 😭
y'all fantasy lovers gotta go get this book as soon as it releases on may 23rd!
i received an arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
this ate and left no crumbs. <3
i LOVED this. it was so unlike anything i'd ever read (okay, not so different, but i went in knowing there wasn't gonna be much romance) and still, it gave me that satisfaction that only reading a fantasy would give me. it gave me all the game of thrones vibes with the politics, constant scheming, not knowing who to trust, and i loved it.
i mean, who can resist a sapphic romance between a warrior elf falling for a gentle-hearted princess? or a grumpy assassin/spy slowly developing feelings for the kind-hearted boy who didn't even know his own destiny? or all the tension between the *family* members in the royal family? or all the twists i really did not anticipate at all? it was absolutely stunning and i loved every moment of it.
ngl few characters were very dumb BUT after that ending, i believe they existed in the story for a reason lmao and i can't wait to see what that reason is. and the characters? they were all so three-dimensional and i felt like i couldn't even trust what was going on in their heads. basically, this was a mindfuck of epic proportions and i really enjoyed that.
the plot twists in this had me like wtff. and all i can say is, i need the next book asap, i cannot wait!! 😭
y'all fantasy lovers gotta go get this book as soon as it releases on may 23rd!
i received an arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 28, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me an early version of this book to read, review and blurb. All opinions in this review are my own.
A complex, thrilling and intricate debut, HEIR OF FATES is the first instalment in a series of grimdark fantasy novels. Redfield's ability to construct a world brimming with conflict, tension and tragedy is remarkable. The tight-knit writing and intriguing characters makes for an incredibly well-paced read, and the complexity of the sweeping storylines and histories expands with every page you turn. Redfield’s exploration of a society steeped in prejudice, a world as fantastic as it is realistic and a cast of characters with increasingly questionable senses of morality will leave readers enthralled and yearning for answers. I could not put this book down.
Thank you again to the author for sending me a copy.
A complex, thrilling and intricate debut, HEIR OF FATES is the first instalment in a series of grimdark fantasy novels. Redfield's ability to construct a world brimming with conflict, tension and tragedy is remarkable. The tight-knit writing and intriguing characters makes for an incredibly well-paced read, and the complexity of the sweeping storylines and histories expands with every page you turn. Redfield’s exploration of a society steeped in prejudice, a world as fantastic as it is realistic and a cast of characters with increasingly questionable senses of morality will leave readers enthralled and yearning for answers. I could not put this book down.
Thank you again to the author for sending me a copy.
January 2, 2023
Obviously exceptional.
February 12, 2023
Obviously I'm going to endorse my own brain child 😂
February 22, 2023
I beta-read this book and am so excited for the world that Katie Collupy is bringing to life with this series and her Drakoverse!
May 23, 2023
Happy Publication Day!
What stuck out the most for me was the authors world building-The world felt rich and the tension between characters from different corners of the world felt very thought out and realistic. I think the author did a great job of having so many characters and was able to make them feel unique and with their own voice, but it never felt overwhelming to the reader. The journey felt smooth and enjoyable. Well done Katie! So happy for your writing journey!
Arc in exchange for an honest review.
What stuck out the most for me was the authors world building-The world felt rich and the tension between characters from different corners of the world felt very thought out and realistic. I think the author did a great job of having so many characters and was able to make them feel unique and with their own voice, but it never felt overwhelming to the reader. The journey felt smooth and enjoyable. Well done Katie! So happy for your writing journey!
Arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2023
Thank you so much to the Author for sending me an ARC to review
I really mean to finish this book and get this review up earlier but life got in the way
The intrigue and the world in this book is so compelling. The work and vastness the author has put into the world building is astonishing. There are so many moving parts that are well explained and I never felt any information was missing. Some of the pacing felt off to me i felt like some things took very long and other felt like i missed something cause it happened so fast. And some of he dialogue felt a bit off for me. I am excited to see where this world goes and what happens to the characters in the future.
I really mean to finish this book and get this review up earlier but life got in the way
The intrigue and the world in this book is so compelling. The work and vastness the author has put into the world building is astonishing. There are so many moving parts that are well explained and I never felt any information was missing. Some of the pacing felt off to me i felt like some things took very long and other felt like i missed something cause it happened so fast. And some of he dialogue felt a bit off for me. I am excited to see where this world goes and what happens to the characters in the future.
January 17, 2025
Heir of Fates is a winding fantasy story about adventure, kingdoms, magic, and much more. It follows Silas on his journey to inherit a crown he never knew and tells stories of the hands that are most important in his cause along the way.
This was one of the most intricate and vast fantasy books I have read in a HOT MINUTE. Wow. I found myself actually needing breaks from this at first to wrap my head around all the differing characters, scenes, magic systems, and more being shown in this read but then I was sucked in. I couldn’t put this down. If you enjoy seriously intricate intertwined fantasy stories this is for you.
This was one of the most intricate and vast fantasy books I have read in a HOT MINUTE. Wow. I found myself actually needing breaks from this at first to wrap my head around all the differing characters, scenes, magic systems, and more being shown in this read but then I was sucked in. I couldn’t put this down. If you enjoy seriously intricate intertwined fantasy stories this is for you.
May 23, 2023
Astonishing Debut of the Drakoverse
& to know this is only the beginning of Katie Collupy’s fantasy multiverse has me 1000% sold. Every character was well-rounded and realistic. I appreciated the GrimDark aspects of the overall themes, and I am so happy to read more by this epic fantasy author. Possibly the author’s greatest strengths are in world building that’s super immersive & yet not too overwhelming to digest. I think Sanderson fans will be pleased! I cannot recommend it more, & I cannot wait to read the next book! Also highly recommend following the author on her Instagram & TikTok, which is where she talks about the Drakoverse a lot!!
& to know this is only the beginning of Katie Collupy’s fantasy multiverse has me 1000% sold. Every character was well-rounded and realistic. I appreciated the GrimDark aspects of the overall themes, and I am so happy to read more by this epic fantasy author. Possibly the author’s greatest strengths are in world building that’s super immersive & yet not too overwhelming to digest. I think Sanderson fans will be pleased! I cannot recommend it more, & I cannot wait to read the next book! Also highly recommend following the author on her Instagram & TikTok, which is where she talks about the Drakoverse a lot!!
June 12, 2023
This Epic Dark Fantasy truly had me hooked since the first page. I mean who couldn’t say no to a book with a sapphic romance between a fierce Elven warrior and a soft princess? Or a dark assassin that has a dark secret she cannot tell and a � he fell first� cinnamon roll hero?
The world building was rich with history and felt like I was truly apart of it.
The characters will make dumb decisions but that is only from their naive perspective of the world. Even when I truly felt like I knew the world or these characters the author flipped it upside down and making me question everyone and their morality to each decision they made.
The world building was rich with history and felt like I was truly apart of it.
The characters will make dumb decisions but that is only from their naive perspective of the world. Even when I truly felt like I knew the world or these characters the author flipped it upside down and making me question everyone and their morality to each decision they made.
June 5, 2023
This ended so chaotically and I LOVED it! Even though Heir of Fates has a slow start, I think that this book can be a great way for anyone to get into epic fantasy. The world building with the hints of history and lore was so interesting and wonderful. The plot was always plotting and kept me intrigued all the way to the end of the epilogue. There are hints of romance throughout and reading a fantasy book based in a queer normative world >>>>. And the characters definitely feel young and naive - which was the author’s goal - and I just can’t even imagine what traumatic thing they’re going to to through to get out of that mindset. I can just feel that this series will grow and get better every book and I can’t wait to Katie to gift us the next one.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an arc for a voluntary and honest review !
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an arc for a voluntary and honest review !
February 3, 2023
I read most of an early draft of this. I didn’t finish cause my access was revoked due to the friendship being over.
This is the first book in a massive universe. True I may have “insider info� as to that, but if you can’t tell it’s gonna be huge just from reading it, then you’re doing it wrong.
Multiple pov, a huge cast of vastly different characters, a whole array of plot lines (it’ll all make sense in the end…I hope) and you have the start of this universe.
Just based on what you learn early on about the characters, you can tell this author isn’t afraid to pull any punches…Brandon Sanderson style. Don’t get too attached to anyone, or do, that’s wholly up to the reader. But expect twists and turns that will pull the rug from under you.
And with a horse called Shithead, could you really go wrong with this?
4-4.5 (based on what I've read so far)
This is the first book in a massive universe. True I may have “insider info� as to that, but if you can’t tell it’s gonna be huge just from reading it, then you’re doing it wrong.
Multiple pov, a huge cast of vastly different characters, a whole array of plot lines (it’ll all make sense in the end…I hope) and you have the start of this universe.
Just based on what you learn early on about the characters, you can tell this author isn’t afraid to pull any punches…Brandon Sanderson style. Don’t get too attached to anyone, or do, that’s wholly up to the reader. But expect twists and turns that will pull the rug from under you.
And with a horse called Shithead, could you really go wrong with this?
4-4.5 (based on what I've read so far)
April 11, 2024
I loved this book so much. I am not a big fantasy reader, in fact it is my least read genre because most of the time, the writing feels inaccessible to me. This book was written in modern language, modern grammar, not some crazy archaic format like so many fantasy authors like to utilize. Rowan did a wonderful job, they are a master of language.
Within the first page or two, I was hooked on the world and the characters, and I couldn’t get enough. I’m a slow reader, so to many I wouldn’t have devoured it like they might have, but every time I sat down to read it I couldn’t stop, I had to force myself to put it down to get other things done. It was so easy to get sucked into the drama and lives and adventures of these characters.
So, let’s talk about the book, shall we?
It’s thick, it isn’t a light read at all, and I think that’s something everyone needs to know before going into it. Because thick books can be daunting. But, with the switching of POVs every chapter, the adventures everyone is going on, the court intrigue, the betrayals around every corner, it just keeps pushing you on and on and on until you’re at the end and you’re left with a WTF moment of “My Gods, what just happened?� It’s a whirlwind of action. There ARE Trigger Warnings, not a shopping list but still you should read them and be prepared for some gore and violence. Another possible turn off is the implied incest, so I’ll make a note of that here because I know a lot of people aren’t into that. But seriously, if you liked A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones, I’d definitely give this a chance. It’s a little lighter than that series, but still serious in its tone and a worthy addition to any fantasy readers library.
The characters were phenomenal. I loved them all, but seriously to be honest my favorite has to be MAURA. Shadow Mommy. That’s all I am going to say. Well, maybe not, because this character has given me so much inspiration for my own Shadow Afflicted character that I am definitely going to acknowledge the author in SLAUGHTERHOUSE. I learned so much from reading this book, about how to write my own characters, how I enjoyed characters being written, and just what sorts of things I really look for in a favorite character, and in a book, I am willing to hype the f*ck up.
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out, Vessel of Shadows. I am religiously following the author and their updates on the series. I am so excited.
Within the first page or two, I was hooked on the world and the characters, and I couldn’t get enough. I’m a slow reader, so to many I wouldn’t have devoured it like they might have, but every time I sat down to read it I couldn’t stop, I had to force myself to put it down to get other things done. It was so easy to get sucked into the drama and lives and adventures of these characters.
So, let’s talk about the book, shall we?
It’s thick, it isn’t a light read at all, and I think that’s something everyone needs to know before going into it. Because thick books can be daunting. But, with the switching of POVs every chapter, the adventures everyone is going on, the court intrigue, the betrayals around every corner, it just keeps pushing you on and on and on until you’re at the end and you’re left with a WTF moment of “My Gods, what just happened?� It’s a whirlwind of action. There ARE Trigger Warnings, not a shopping list but still you should read them and be prepared for some gore and violence. Another possible turn off is the implied incest, so I’ll make a note of that here because I know a lot of people aren’t into that. But seriously, if you liked A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones, I’d definitely give this a chance. It’s a little lighter than that series, but still serious in its tone and a worthy addition to any fantasy readers library.
The characters were phenomenal. I loved them all, but seriously to be honest my favorite has to be MAURA. Shadow Mommy. That’s all I am going to say. Well, maybe not, because this character has given me so much inspiration for my own Shadow Afflicted character that I am definitely going to acknowledge the author in SLAUGHTERHOUSE. I learned so much from reading this book, about how to write my own characters, how I enjoyed characters being written, and just what sorts of things I really look for in a favorite character, and in a book, I am willing to hype the f*ck up.
I cannot wait for the second book in the series to come out, Vessel of Shadows. I am religiously following the author and their updates on the series. I am so excited.
April 24, 2023
4.5/5
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The worldbuilding and magic system: 4.5/5
The worldbuilding was very well thought out, and it was carefully explained over the course of the book. There wasn’t any info dumping I could recall, and I liked the inclusion of there being different gods that the different cultures/societies worshipped, and how that caused conflict between them. It was also interesting how the different species (elf, mysae, human) all had different abilities. I also liked how well thought out the history of the world is, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the world’s history and cultures.
The characters: 4.5/5
The characters all had different, interesting backgrounds, and I liked how diverse they were, but I felt they were a little underdeveloped, especially when you take into account how lengthy the book is. Maura’s arc felt rushed, and it didn’t feel like Silas had a strong arc.I liked Seraphine’s character arc, but I wish Nerisha had been included more.. In terms of the relationships, Maura and Silas felt rushed, and I didn’t sense much chemistry. I liked Seraphine and Rhyannon, and I think they had chemistry, but they also felt rushed. Perhaps I’m biased, because I prefer slowburn relationships. Overall, I liked the characters, but I’m hoping to see more clear character development over the course of the series and that isn’t too fast paced.
The plot: 4/5
The plot was a little hard to get into at first, but over the course of the book, more and more tension began to build up. However, it did feel as if not much happened during the first half of the book, but I suppose it was still setting up the story, and that would take a lot of time with so many characters. The flashbacks to the past were quite enjoyable to read, and I liked how we slowly got to learn more about the character’s parents. In the second half, the story also became drastically fast paced - at least compared to how it had been earlier - and the ending felt a little rushed.
Overall, I am excited to see what might happen in the next installment in the series.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The worldbuilding and magic system: 4.5/5
The worldbuilding was very well thought out, and it was carefully explained over the course of the book. There wasn’t any info dumping I could recall, and I liked the inclusion of there being different gods that the different cultures/societies worshipped, and how that caused conflict between them. It was also interesting how the different species (elf, mysae, human) all had different abilities. I also liked how well thought out the history of the world is, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the world’s history and cultures.
The characters: 4.5/5
The characters all had different, interesting backgrounds, and I liked how diverse they were, but I felt they were a little underdeveloped, especially when you take into account how lengthy the book is. Maura’s arc felt rushed, and it didn’t feel like Silas had a strong arc.I liked Seraphine’s character arc, but I wish Nerisha had been included more.. In terms of the relationships, Maura and Silas felt rushed, and I didn’t sense much chemistry. I liked Seraphine and Rhyannon, and I think they had chemistry, but they also felt rushed. Perhaps I’m biased, because I prefer slowburn relationships. Overall, I liked the characters, but I’m hoping to see more clear character development over the course of the series and that isn’t too fast paced.
The plot: 4/5
The plot was a little hard to get into at first, but over the course of the book, more and more tension began to build up. However, it did feel as if not much happened during the first half of the book, but I suppose it was still setting up the story, and that would take a lot of time with so many characters. The flashbacks to the past were quite enjoyable to read, and I liked how we slowly got to learn more about the character’s parents. In the second half, the story also became drastically fast paced - at least compared to how it had been earlier - and the ending felt a little rushed.
Overall, I am excited to see what might happen in the next installment in the series.
May 8, 2023
I think I may have found my new favorite series in Katie Collupy's The Shadow Sequence. The world building, the complex characters, the deep and dark messages running in-between the pages will ensnare you from the first lines.
I'm a sucker for grimdark fantasy with ensemble casts flung far across the world—I mean, come on, the first time they're all in the same room is a theme that gets me every single time. So when I first saw that these were big aspects of Heir of Fates, I knew I had to check it out. Little did I know how it would absolutely suck me into it's world. The worldbuilding alone has me craving lengthy history books of this world and to understand every aspect of its cultures, religions, and motivations. It's multifaceted and complicated, but clearly well thought-out and understood by the author. Any questions I have arise from wanting to know more, not from lack of planning or plot holes.
Collupy has a masterful writing style, bringing unique personalities and voices alive on the pages even with such a large cast of characters. While there are four major points of view in the first story, no character feels neglected in her hands. Their motivations and characterizations clear by the end of the first book, even if they were present for one interlude chapter or handful of pages. But she also doesn't hit the reader over the head with the information in swaths of exposition dumps. Instead it is expertly revealed not just through their thoughts and voices, but their actions and reactions to the world and people around them.
It's dark and mesmerizing, leaving you with more questions than answers, and a ravenous hunger for more the second you finish it. I can't wait to see what is in store with the rest of The Shadow Sequence, and I eagerly await the next part of our journey into the unknown.
I'm a sucker for grimdark fantasy with ensemble casts flung far across the world—I mean, come on, the first time they're all in the same room is a theme that gets me every single time. So when I first saw that these were big aspects of Heir of Fates, I knew I had to check it out. Little did I know how it would absolutely suck me into it's world. The worldbuilding alone has me craving lengthy history books of this world and to understand every aspect of its cultures, religions, and motivations. It's multifaceted and complicated, but clearly well thought-out and understood by the author. Any questions I have arise from wanting to know more, not from lack of planning or plot holes.
Collupy has a masterful writing style, bringing unique personalities and voices alive on the pages even with such a large cast of characters. While there are four major points of view in the first story, no character feels neglected in her hands. Their motivations and characterizations clear by the end of the first book, even if they were present for one interlude chapter or handful of pages. But she also doesn't hit the reader over the head with the information in swaths of exposition dumps. Instead it is expertly revealed not just through their thoughts and voices, but their actions and reactions to the world and people around them.
It's dark and mesmerizing, leaving you with more questions than answers, and a ravenous hunger for more the second you finish it. I can't wait to see what is in store with the rest of The Shadow Sequence, and I eagerly await the next part of our journey into the unknown.
May 5, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book to review!
This was a unique story that really threw you into a world full of intrigue. The twists were great, with a large world thats full of dark secrets and betrayal. Loved the different creatures in this world and I liked how all the characters appeared to be on the same path. I liked the representation and inclusivity. The ending was shocking.
There were a lot of POV's in this book and I think the one that was most striking for me was Silas. His story had me immediately invested in the book because he had the most at stake and he was so detached from the world I wanted to see him succeed. Maura was another striking character. And I felt bad for Nerisha. With Seraphine being awesome too. All of the main characters beyond these were awesome.
As for negatives, I found there were too many POV's, it was difficult for me to keep track of so many. If it was just the main four (Silas, Maura, Seraphine and Nerisha), then I probably would have had an easier time. And I felt like the book could have been a little shorter, for me it started to drag towards the end.
These negatives could have been due to my unfamiliarity with the genre, as this is the first time reading Grimdark Fantasy, so I don't know if this is the norm.
Overall, I recommemd this book. I can't wait to see where else this leads and can only wait with excitement to see what other adventures are in store for this massive multi-verse.
This was a unique story that really threw you into a world full of intrigue. The twists were great, with a large world thats full of dark secrets and betrayal. Loved the different creatures in this world and I liked how all the characters appeared to be on the same path. I liked the representation and inclusivity. The ending was shocking.
There were a lot of POV's in this book and I think the one that was most striking for me was Silas. His story had me immediately invested in the book because he had the most at stake and he was so detached from the world I wanted to see him succeed. Maura was another striking character. And I felt bad for Nerisha. With Seraphine being awesome too. All of the main characters beyond these were awesome.
As for negatives, I found there were too many POV's, it was difficult for me to keep track of so many. If it was just the main four (Silas, Maura, Seraphine and Nerisha), then I probably would have had an easier time. And I felt like the book could have been a little shorter, for me it started to drag towards the end.
These negatives could have been due to my unfamiliarity with the genre, as this is the first time reading Grimdark Fantasy, so I don't know if this is the norm.
Overall, I recommemd this book. I can't wait to see where else this leads and can only wait with excitement to see what other adventures are in store for this massive multi-verse.
May 20, 2023
WOWOWOWOW
I want to put a disclaimer that i was given an ARC of this and am very thankful and happy for it. My opinions are biased due to my knowledge of the book before it's release, and the friendship i have with the author.
With that being said....
This book is wonderful. Characters, story, plot. It's all there.
You follow four incredibly thought out characters throughout the book. Silas, Maura, Nerisha, and Seraphine. All very unique characters with complex backgrounds and stories that you learn throughout. You begin to see how they all tie into each other about midway. The story does start off a little slow and as someone who usually doesn't read a lot of high fantasy books, this one took a bit for me to get really into. But it did grab me and hold me in a chokehold starting just before the midpoint.
A couple of the characters i am not fond of (a little disappointed because i was so hype about them, but ended up loving other characters i didn't think i would), but there is some character developments that happen that make them more likable. But if a writer can make you dislike characters and love other characters, then you know it's good.
I will point out the writing wasn't my favorite, but when i do reviews, I tend to not base it off the writing so much. I am much more interested in the story line and the characters, which is all there!
THE ENDING THOUGH!!!! I will leave that up to you guys to figure out...:)
Pick this up on it's release day on the 23rd of May!
I want to put a disclaimer that i was given an ARC of this and am very thankful and happy for it. My opinions are biased due to my knowledge of the book before it's release, and the friendship i have with the author.
With that being said....
This book is wonderful. Characters, story, plot. It's all there.
You follow four incredibly thought out characters throughout the book. Silas, Maura, Nerisha, and Seraphine. All very unique characters with complex backgrounds and stories that you learn throughout. You begin to see how they all tie into each other about midway. The story does start off a little slow and as someone who usually doesn't read a lot of high fantasy books, this one took a bit for me to get really into. But it did grab me and hold me in a chokehold starting just before the midpoint.
A couple of the characters i am not fond of (a little disappointed because i was so hype about them, but ended up loving other characters i didn't think i would), but there is some character developments that happen that make them more likable. But if a writer can make you dislike characters and love other characters, then you know it's good.
I will point out the writing wasn't my favorite, but when i do reviews, I tend to not base it off the writing so much. I am much more interested in the story line and the characters, which is all there!
THE ENDING THOUGH!!!! I will leave that up to you guys to figure out...:)
Pick this up on it's release day on the 23rd of May!
May 17, 2023
An exciting story!
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
When Silas discovers his real indentity and what it entails, he decides to escape his fate, determined to stay free. Maura, an assassin and spy haunted by a strange shadow, crosses his path and helps him on his plans to flee his destiny. Meanwhile, Seraphine and Nerisha are tangled in treacherous plots against the crown that are more dangerous than they realize.
It's my first time reading a grim-dark fantasy book, and I wasn't disappointed. Although it was hard to get into it for the first part because of the many characters and plot lines, I ended up really enjoying this story. The characters are well fleshed-out, even if there are a lot of them, and once the different story lines start to merge together and make more sense, I got to fully enjoy their complexity. The world is really unique and well built, I'm eager to know even more in the sequel, and even if it's vast, the author managed to make it easy to follow. I really enjoyed the different interactions and relationships between the characters. This book is definitely character-driven and that's what I prefer so I was really enthralled with the different growths they went through. The romance subplot was entertaining as well, and the diversity in the cast warms my heart. However, I don't fully understand the interludes and their role in the story, I'm hoping to know more in the next books. The pacing was a little too slow for me at the beginning, but the second part being fast-paced and the immersive writing made up for it. All in all, a great novel that makes me want to see what's next!
I recommend if you like fantasy books with several main characters and a complex world.
"It is easy to dream of a better world, Silas. It is much harder to live within the real one."
TW: violence, death, blood, murder, mutilation, assault, abuse
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
When Silas discovers his real indentity and what it entails, he decides to escape his fate, determined to stay free. Maura, an assassin and spy haunted by a strange shadow, crosses his path and helps him on his plans to flee his destiny. Meanwhile, Seraphine and Nerisha are tangled in treacherous plots against the crown that are more dangerous than they realize.
It's my first time reading a grim-dark fantasy book, and I wasn't disappointed. Although it was hard to get into it for the first part because of the many characters and plot lines, I ended up really enjoying this story. The characters are well fleshed-out, even if there are a lot of them, and once the different story lines start to merge together and make more sense, I got to fully enjoy their complexity. The world is really unique and well built, I'm eager to know even more in the sequel, and even if it's vast, the author managed to make it easy to follow. I really enjoyed the different interactions and relationships between the characters. This book is definitely character-driven and that's what I prefer so I was really enthralled with the different growths they went through. The romance subplot was entertaining as well, and the diversity in the cast warms my heart. However, I don't fully understand the interludes and their role in the story, I'm hoping to know more in the next books. The pacing was a little too slow for me at the beginning, but the second part being fast-paced and the immersive writing made up for it. All in all, a great novel that makes me want to see what's next!
I recommend if you like fantasy books with several main characters and a complex world.
"It is easy to dream of a better world, Silas. It is much harder to live within the real one."
TW: violence, death, blood, murder, mutilation, assault, abuse
May 23, 2023
* I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I found out about Heir of Fates, I was equal parts excited and scared. I’m usually a cozy fantasy kind of person, but the plot sounded to good to not want to check out and I was right. I’m 100% a scaredy cat, but I was actually surprised when I kept thinking this could be darker while I was reading. I kind of expected the story to be more violent, but I found it was pretty light on actual fighting or violence.
I loved most of the characters and am hoping to like the others ones more in the future. I had a hard time connecting to Seraphine, but I did find her to have the most interesting backstory out of all the main characters. Nerisha’s story was good, but I think her going back home will be really fun to read in the future. Silas and Maura were definitely my favorite and I just loved their relationship so much.
I was surprised how quickly I read this book, and I was hooked on the storyline. I loved the different twists that the characters go through. I really liked the interludes that were included, and they made me excited for where Katie is going to take the story and spin-offs in the future. Interesting factions and magic in the world, and I loved learning about the different gods in the world.
I think if you are a fantasy lover, this is something you should definitely check out. Even if dark fantasy isn’t really your bag, it’s worth checking out.
When I found out about Heir of Fates, I was equal parts excited and scared. I’m usually a cozy fantasy kind of person, but the plot sounded to good to not want to check out and I was right. I’m 100% a scaredy cat, but I was actually surprised when I kept thinking this could be darker while I was reading. I kind of expected the story to be more violent, but I found it was pretty light on actual fighting or violence.
I loved most of the characters and am hoping to like the others ones more in the future. I had a hard time connecting to Seraphine, but I did find her to have the most interesting backstory out of all the main characters. Nerisha’s story was good, but I think her going back home will be really fun to read in the future. Silas and Maura were definitely my favorite and I just loved their relationship so much.
I was surprised how quickly I read this book, and I was hooked on the storyline. I loved the different twists that the characters go through. I really liked the interludes that were included, and they made me excited for where Katie is going to take the story and spin-offs in the future. Interesting factions and magic in the world, and I loved learning about the different gods in the world.
I think if you are a fantasy lover, this is something you should definitely check out. Even if dark fantasy isn’t really your bag, it’s worth checking out.
May 26, 2023
this thiccc ass book is well worth the read. And while yes, it did take me a while to finish, I recommend it.
Disclaimer: it's slow so if you're not into that then I don't think this will be your fav, but I really do think if you gave it a chance you'll find that it's an amazing read.
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I love the characters, plot and character development, diversity, the twists and turns. The fantasy is absolutely incredible. It's mind blowing how Katie created this universe.
I do have to admit that the multi pov's in a world building fantasy is probably going to confuse some people. I sort of enjoyed that. I thought it was interesting that I got to experience the pov of characters I liked, on the other hand it was overwhelming at times. Especially in the beginning when you kind of just want to piece characters together. Get to know the world and all that.
if you like: grim-dark fantasy, lots of world building, character driven, multiple pov's, slow burn, multiple magic systems, morally gray characters, plot twists... then THIS BOOKS IS FOR YOU!
Another great thing about it? There's multiple LGBTQ+ characters. Which I personally enjoyed, because you don't get that in most books!
Read trigger warnings!!!!!!!
Rating: 3.8
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Disclaimer: it's slow so if you're not into that then I don't think this will be your fav, but I really do think if you gave it a chance you'll find that it's an amazing read.
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I love the characters, plot and character development, diversity, the twists and turns. The fantasy is absolutely incredible. It's mind blowing how Katie created this universe.
I do have to admit that the multi pov's in a world building fantasy is probably going to confuse some people. I sort of enjoyed that. I thought it was interesting that I got to experience the pov of characters I liked, on the other hand it was overwhelming at times. Especially in the beginning when you kind of just want to piece characters together. Get to know the world and all that.
if you like: grim-dark fantasy, lots of world building, character driven, multiple pov's, slow burn, multiple magic systems, morally gray characters, plot twists... then THIS BOOKS IS FOR YOU!
Another great thing about it? There's multiple LGBTQ+ characters. Which I personally enjoyed, because you don't get that in most books!
Read trigger warnings!!!!!!!
Rating: 3.8
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 28, 2023
omg omg omg 🤭 this book was something else! I absolutely adored the world building, it’s crafted to perfection and I seriously hope to read more about all the species and events and places mentioned in this first book because I am literally so impressed with the level of detail!
I really liked the split POV - it kept things interesting the entire time! (please, justice for Rhyannon tho 😭 she deserves her own chapters) � there were so many revelations and I can’t wait for all the characters to reunite in the next books (🥺pretty please)
I think I have a thing for the Adelyse family because my favourite characters were absolutely Rhyannon and Ryken. Ryken has long hair so it was an EASY CHOICE. Rhyannon is so lovely but I also love her way of girlbossing 🤭
OMG there was so much Latin in this book - I felt so at home 💛
All in all, I think this is the perfect #1 book for a series: this is exactly how the reader wants to feel once book #1 is over � fulfilled but conscious there is so much more to come! 💛
SPOILERS NOW SO DON’T READ OK:
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omg when the two hottest male characters merge together in one extremely toxic shadow dude 🥵
also why do i have a crush on the woman in the epilogue. like why? I don’t even know her name
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5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked the split POV - it kept things interesting the entire time! (please, justice for Rhyannon tho 😭 she deserves her own chapters) � there were so many revelations and I can’t wait for all the characters to reunite in the next books (🥺pretty please)
I think I have a thing for the Adelyse family because my favourite characters were absolutely Rhyannon and Ryken. Ryken has long hair so it was an EASY CHOICE. Rhyannon is so lovely but I also love her way of girlbossing 🤭
OMG there was so much Latin in this book - I felt so at home 💛
All in all, I think this is the perfect #1 book for a series: this is exactly how the reader wants to feel once book #1 is over � fulfilled but conscious there is so much more to come! 💛
SPOILERS NOW SO DON’T READ OK:
.
.
.
omg when the two hottest male characters merge together in one extremely toxic shadow dude 🥵
also why do i have a crush on the woman in the epilogue. like why? I don’t even know her name
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5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 20, 2023
I went into this book expecting relatively standard fare in terms of fantasy storytelling, but what I got was something much richer. The world that Collupy is building is expansive and engaging, leaving the reader wanting to know more. It was the sort of world where, if it were real, I could spend hours exploring and uncovering what it has to offer. Frankly, it's the sort of thing where I just want a book of history and lore. The story itself is as robust as the world in which it takes place. Collupy artfully weaves together the stories of four very different individuals and the fates that bind them. Each character, including minor ones that barely have any presence in the story, was well developed, complex, and dynamic. These characters were given an authenticity through their individual wants, needs, and motivations that made them feel like real people existing in their world (totally team Maura over here). Overall, the twists and turns the story provides kept me engaged, eager to turn the page and find what awaited. And that ending! Oh that ending. How it has left me hungry for book 2.
*ARC in exchange for honest review.
*ARC in exchange for honest review.
July 8, 2024
Heir of Fates by Rowan Redfield is drop all your responsibilities including sleep amazing. The storyline is so incredible. Redfield has an incredible ability to build intricate worlds with magic structures, societies, and believable characters. World building occurs all throughout the book and things are revealed as they need to be. It gave an almost thriller and mystery feel to the book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Similar to real life people, the characters are flawed and grow as they progress through life. The structure of Heir of Fates is so original and is one of the things that makes the novel so unique.
It can often be a struggle to keep track of a multi POV book with past and present timelines, but that’s not the case here. Redfield has the chapters organized in such a way that I, a self professed perma-blonde, was able to easily keep each character and timeline separate. I have already recommend this book to everyone I know and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is considering reading it. I will be reading book two the second it comes out.
It can often be a struggle to keep track of a multi POV book with past and present timelines, but that’s not the case here. Redfield has the chapters organized in such a way that I, a self professed perma-blonde, was able to easily keep each character and timeline separate. I have already recommend this book to everyone I know and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is considering reading it. I will be reading book two the second it comes out.
May 24, 2023
Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC to review!
4.5/5�
Heir of Fates is a grimdark, multi-pov, suspenseful (and quite funny) fantasy set in an elaborate world with a lot of magic.
At first I was a little confused at how all the pov's would come together but they did, and they did it in a wonderful way!
I truly fell in love with the characters in this book and the ending broke my heart into a million pieces. Really, Katie, why?😭
I would say the story is plot-driven but is carried by the characters. The plot was a little confusing to me at first but it got clear and twisty really quickly. There is a really good set up for the second book!
I feel this could be a book for everybody, there's a lot to like🥰
4.5/5�
Heir of Fates is a grimdark, multi-pov, suspenseful (and quite funny) fantasy set in an elaborate world with a lot of magic.
At first I was a little confused at how all the pov's would come together but they did, and they did it in a wonderful way!
I truly fell in love with the characters in this book and the ending broke my heart into a million pieces. Really, Katie, why?😭
I would say the story is plot-driven but is carried by the characters. The plot was a little confusing to me at first but it got clear and twisty really quickly. There is a really good set up for the second book!
I feel this could be a book for everybody, there's a lot to like🥰
May 23, 2023
Katie Collupy weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and fantasy that leaves you captivated and spellbound. Silas just wants to leave the Monastery. Maura wants to just live anonymously. Seraphine is happy to enjoy the life she already lives.
With a plan set into motion years prior, none of their lives can ever be the same again. With hidden secrets, politics, and gods all thrown into the mix, this fast-paced epic will enthrall you with every turn of the page.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys grimdark fantasy
With a plan set into motion years prior, none of their lives can ever be the same again. With hidden secrets, politics, and gods all thrown into the mix, this fast-paced epic will enthrall you with every turn of the page.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys grimdark fantasy
May 18, 2023
It is easy to dream of a better world. It is much harder to live within the real one.
I really love the world building! It was rich and immersive, and I just want to know what will happen next! Love multiple POVs and the careful pacing too. Silas is such baby, we need to protect him at all cost. Maura and her shadow's relationship was soooo sassy and cute lol. Also love Seraphine, Rhyannon, and Nerisha (even Ryken is intriguing). Looking forward to read more!
I really love the world building! It was rich and immersive, and I just want to know what will happen next! Love multiple POVs and the careful pacing too. Silas is such baby, we need to protect him at all cost. Maura and her shadow's relationship was soooo sassy and cute lol. Also love Seraphine, Rhyannon, and Nerisha (even Ryken is intriguing). Looking forward to read more!
May 23, 2023
definitely read if you like darkish with cinnamon rolls
Received this as an ARC. I got to admit that the start was a little slow for me and the multiple POVs at first confused me. However, I was still interested to see how the would relate. I’m so glad I persisted. No spoilers but Silas is cute af, and the end w Maura almost killed me. Can’t wait for the next book.
Received this as an ARC. I got to admit that the start was a little slow for me and the multiple POVs at first confused me. However, I was still interested to see how the would relate. I’m so glad I persisted. No spoilers but Silas is cute af, and the end w Maura almost killed me. Can’t wait for the next book.
August 11, 2023
(3.5 stars)
I’m so glad to have found a queer-normative fantasy world on such an epic scale in Heir of Fates � it’s been a while since I read something with such in-depth worldbuilding! The world of Zamalen is rich, immersive, and detailed, and you could tell there was a lot of love poured into it and its characters. I am a huge fan of the nonconventional storytelling used with the interludes filling in some of the history � I honestly wished we had more of them because I was left wanting to learn all of the history! I loved the huge cast and complex relationships between different characters (the Adelyses� interactions most of all) and I can’t wait to see how some of the threads that were just barely introduced in HoF will be expanded upon (Ardere and Monte, Lenore and Noelle, and everything with the Abbey).
I was surprised to find that there was less violence/horror than I’d expected, though it picked up in the latter half of the book and I’m guessing there’s going to be more in the next instalment. Rhax and Maura’s arc is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to see where they go in the next one.
I really liked the slow pacing of the first half, because it gave time to absorb all the history, character backgrounds, and worldbuilding without rushing through it. The second half felt rushed in comparison, once all the plot kicked in, but I absolutely devoured it.
Simon falls in love instantly, and though I’m not a fan of instalove, he’s consistently portrayed as being innocent, naïve, and sheltered, so it made sense for him. I’m curious to see if his possessive jealousy towards Maura will eventually be shown in a negative light (I personally am not a fan of the jealousy trope, which made it hard for me to like Simon at times). It took me a while, but I did eventually warm up to them as a pairing! The ending broke my heart, I just want to see these two happy together.
The only thing that really distracted me from the story was the grammar and structure inconsistencies and mistakes, including a lot of sentences that had repeated words/phrases or missing/extra commas, and some dialogue that felt awkward. Still, I want to reread this book because I know there are so many little tidbits and hints I’ll catch the second time around!
Overall solid 3.5/5 - between the complex interwoven storylines, beautifully crafted world, and characters, Heir of Fates kept me intrigued and immersed throughout, and I will definitely be reading Vessel of Shadows when it comes out!
(Side note: Maura’s horse being named Shithead had me crying laughing, I love him so much.)
I’m so glad to have found a queer-normative fantasy world on such an epic scale in Heir of Fates � it’s been a while since I read something with such in-depth worldbuilding! The world of Zamalen is rich, immersive, and detailed, and you could tell there was a lot of love poured into it and its characters. I am a huge fan of the nonconventional storytelling used with the interludes filling in some of the history � I honestly wished we had more of them because I was left wanting to learn all of the history! I loved the huge cast and complex relationships between different characters (the Adelyses� interactions most of all) and I can’t wait to see how some of the threads that were just barely introduced in HoF will be expanded upon (Ardere and Monte, Lenore and Noelle, and everything with the Abbey).
I was surprised to find that there was less violence/horror than I’d expected, though it picked up in the latter half of the book and I’m guessing there’s going to be more in the next instalment. Rhax and Maura’s arc is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to see where they go in the next one.
I really liked the slow pacing of the first half, because it gave time to absorb all the history, character backgrounds, and worldbuilding without rushing through it. The second half felt rushed in comparison, once all the plot kicked in, but I absolutely devoured it.
Simon falls in love instantly, and though I’m not a fan of instalove, he’s consistently portrayed as being innocent, naïve, and sheltered, so it made sense for him. I’m curious to see if his possessive jealousy towards Maura will eventually be shown in a negative light (I personally am not a fan of the jealousy trope, which made it hard for me to like Simon at times). It took me a while, but I did eventually warm up to them as a pairing! The ending broke my heart, I just want to see these two happy together.
The only thing that really distracted me from the story was the grammar and structure inconsistencies and mistakes, including a lot of sentences that had repeated words/phrases or missing/extra commas, and some dialogue that felt awkward. Still, I want to reread this book because I know there are so many little tidbits and hints I’ll catch the second time around!
Overall solid 3.5/5 - between the complex interwoven storylines, beautifully crafted world, and characters, Heir of Fates kept me intrigued and immersed throughout, and I will definitely be reading Vessel of Shadows when it comes out!
(Side note: Maura’s horse being named Shithead had me crying laughing, I love him so much.)
July 20, 2023
Wowza! Once I got into this book I couldn’t put it down. At first, I disliked the multiple story lines jumping repeatedly � which surprised me because I enjoy other books in this format. THEN once all the story lines wove together I was BLOWN away. I feel it’s very cruel that the author is making us wait for book two but I am beyond excited to dig into it when it comes out!
December 9, 2023
Dnf
I am going through my indie tbr and...
- compared to what I dnfed before, this one didn't try to TELL me everything. It was action. An appreciated change
- there was nothing I particularly disliked, just didn't hook me
-so... Give it a try- I just don't feel like waiting to find out if the story is great, if the first chapter doesn't make me yearn to know more
I am going through my indie tbr and...
- compared to what I dnfed before, this one didn't try to TELL me everything. It was action. An appreciated change
- there was nothing I particularly disliked, just didn't hook me
-so... Give it a try- I just don't feel like waiting to find out if the story is great, if the first chapter doesn't make me yearn to know more
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