Thank you Netgalley for an arc of the Audiobook.
Fortuna Sworn is a book that ads kept trying to get me to read. I would see it everywhere and I was always drawn to it because of it’s cover. I really love the cover. I ended up purchasing the ebook, but it just sat there unread along with many others on my never ending tbr list.

When I saw this available as an audiobook on Netgalley I quickly requested it. Luckily I got approved. I listened to the audio version when I was able to and then read the ebook when that was easier. I really enjoyed both formats. Listening to the story and reading it were both very immersive. I was instantly drawn into the story and felt like I was watching a movie. I find when books draw me in like that I don’t notice things that would typically annoy me.

In this story there are humans and the fallen. The humans are mostly all unaware that the fallen exist. The fallen are beginnings that are descended from angels; faeries, shapershifters, nymphs etc. Fortuna Sworn is one of the last remaining of her kind. Her brother was taken before the book started and we are told that she has looked for him but hasn’t had any leads. At the beginning she meets a powerful faerie that helps her in exchange for something. She takes the deal but it ends up costing her her life.

That is basically all the synopsis says. So if you want more to remain a surprise I would say stop reading after this paragraph. The book does contain some trigger warnings; sexual harassment, toxic relationships, and slavery. It is a darker fantasy romance novel. I really enjoyed it a lot and I bought the second one as soon as I finished this one. I definitely recommend it, but only read it if you are comfortable with books that contain those trigger warnings.

Now, if you don’t want to be spoiled for anything, stop reading!

These are just some of my musings from reading the book and wondering what will happen in the next one.



At the beginning of the book we meet Fortuna when she has been captured by goblins and taken to a market where there were other Fallen in cages being sold. A powerful faerie frees her, when she escapes we learn what she is and what her powers are. She is a nightmare and when she touches someone she learns their deepest fears then she can make them see things and make them believe something that isn’t there or real. I think it is such a cool power and unique to any other book that I’ve read.

I really liked the characters, and there is so much I am still wondering about them. Collith spoke his vows in a different language. We still don’t know what he said but I think we will find out in the next book. Since it was mentioned a couple times I am super curious what he could have said.

Laurie was invisible the whole time! I did not see that coming. I want to read the whole book again now that I know that. He is also the King of the Seelie Court! I am so excited to see what happens with that plot line in the next book.

Also, Oliver? Who is he? I feel like there is going to be a huge reveal with his character and I am so curious what it is going to happen.

The audiobook of this first in a series is a great one to listen to. The narrator has a great voice that seems to fit into the narrative. I enjoyed the content of the book and will be reading on in the series! The book provides a real sense of escapism and the world-building is phenomenal, I really am interested in all aspects of the world.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
“In that moment, he truly did look like the Unseelie King. Like a dark fairy tale. Like a terrible dream.” ― K.J. Sutton
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✨Please check TW/CW!✨
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(Edited on 4/5/22 to include the audiobook)
I received an ARC of the audiobook, and so I decided to reread it before reading the other books in the series. (I also used it for one of the Magical Readathon Orilium Gear Up prompts!) I really enjoy the narrator for this series. She does a wonderful job of making sure the story flows well and her unique voice makes her stand out the perfect amount against other narrators and similar stories.
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This book gave me exactly what I wanted and needed (I’m not gonna say it, but 👀😏…I think my toxic side is showing…) whilst having a minor reading slump during the Magical Readathon (Orilium) last month. I want to say more, but if I go into detail, I will embarrass myself.
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I do see why people compare this to ACOTAR, but I think this is its own thing. The concept of tests/trials, betrayals, and various courts isn’t new, and just because those things might have been made more popular because of a certain title, doesn’t mean it is being copied or is plagiarism. (That was aimed at BookTok 🙂)
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I’m excited to read the next book in the series and decide whether or not to continue after that. (I have a feeling I will though…)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an audio copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I was really looking forward to this book because it's beloved by one of my favorite booktubers (Becca and the Books). When I saw an audio copy of the book on NetGalley, I was SO excited.

Unfortunately, this wasn't my favorite. While the setting and ambiance were stunning, I felt overall underwhelmed. The story was under-developed and not very much happened, so the book felt a LOT longer than it was. There was a big cliffhanger at the end, but I'm not sure that's enough to keep me reading a second book.

There isn't anything objectively wrong with this book-- I think it has an audience with lovers of fae stories and readers who are there for the *vibes.* It just wasn't really for me.

Giving it a 3/5 since the writing was good and the ambiance was fabulous. The narrator did a good job-- I've definitely listened to other audiobooks she's narrated and she's great at conveying emotions in a believable way.

Fortuna Sworn hides among humans, though she is not one herself. She’s determined to find her brother, who went missing two years ago. Finally, she’s presented with an opportunity to find her brother, in exchange for one thing: she must marry a faerie.

The magic in this was pretty cool, especially since our main character had powers, too, which I normally don’t see in books with faeries. I was expecting a bit more romance going into this, but as the story progressed I didn’t really mind—Fortuna is a girl on a mission, there wasn’t really a lot of time for that stuff!

I recommend this to fantasy fans! I’ll definitely be picking up book two.

This book! I have to say that I enjoyed this more than I expected to — which was such a pleasant surprise. The cover art is beautiful! It is dark and mature and set parallel with our modern-day world. Kind of predictable in some areas, but I’m okay with that. I say this mainly because the trials were unsurprising and on the simple side for me. There is a mixture of magical creatures, with humans being slaves in the world that Fortuna gets mixed up in. There are plenty of triggers, but I thought these topics made the world raw and unique because it covered issues that we don’t like to talk about.

Fortuna is a Nightmare, a seductive supernatural creature that can find out one’s deepest fears with just a touch. I literally had Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams” in my head for most of the book because I kept thinking of Fortuna as a beautiful nightmare… She is exactly what made this book stand out. At its core, the plot is of her searching for her lost brother who is her only family member and she’ll do anything to save him. She finds a lead when she meets Collith and marries him with the promise of finding her brother. I can’t say anymore, or I’ll give the book away, but the story is very immersive and riveting. Fortuna is a no-nonsense, fearless, and totally kick-ass young woman in a dark urban fantasy who eventually goes through trials as part of her path to “rescuing” her brother. I was a bit conflicted in her determination, but I understand how toxic Damon's relationship was.

I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Emma Lysy, who was perfect as Fortuna’s voice. Her way of portraying Fortuna’s sarcasm was just *chef’s kiss*. I really hope the rest of the series is just as captivating. I liked that Sutton actually described the characters and didn't simply say he was "handsome". I can't tell you how often this happens when I'm reading, but I loved that you get a real description and then you get the attraction separately. The characters are all intriguing in their own way. I can’t wait to find out more about them; especially the werewolf and Laurie. Not gonna lie, I kept expecting to find Oliver show up, for real, in person, at any moment.

Thanks to #NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for providing an audiobook copy for review. All opinions are my own.

Well I loved this so much after initially not being too sure that I went through the rest of the series, audiobook was definitely the right way for me to get into this book series

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this audiobook.

*sigh* This book just didn't do it for me. I didn't find any of the characters particularly interesting or likeable, the story line, even though so obviously influenced by ACOTAR fell completely flat and I just overall didn't care for this book. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review audiobook copy of ‘Fortuna Sworn’ by K.J. Sutton. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read this book previously as an eBook so I was interested to check out the audiobook performance. It’s been some time since I read the first book but I was willing to reread it. Unfortunately, I remembered I won’t be continuing with the series but more on that later.

Fortuna Sworn is a magical being called a nightmare. Her brother disappeared two years ago and Fortuna makes a deal with a fae man who claims to know where her brother is. This book could appeal to ACOTAR fans although some scenes might be a bit too similar to events in the ACOTAR series. Some ACOTAR fans like that and some don’t so I figured I would mention it.

Honestly this was probably a 3.5-4 star the first time I read it. HOWEVER, I was warned about triggers in the second book that I work to avoid so I won’t be able to continue the series. I did not know about it as the second book wasn’t out yet the first time I read the first book. Trigger warnings are so important and there are many reviews that were kind enough to include them so please seek them out. The first book has dark moments but the trigger in the second book I just do not want to read. I really appreciate that I was warned as I would have been upset to have gone into the second book not knowing what was coming at the end.

Which is unfortunate as I think this first book sets up some interesting questions and plot lines that are probably explored in later books. I don’t think this works as a standalone as it’s clearly the beginning of a series. If you’re a reader that doesn’t mind darker content this series might be for you but I’m not continuing on.

3/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the ability to listen to the audiobook! Even though this was given to me through NetGalley in exchange for a review these are all my own feeling and thoughts.

I was really attracted to this story based on the description as well as hearing about it through social media. Over all it was a decently written book with a an average speed plot. When it comes down to the end of the novel I was left unsure. Since there are more books in the series I will most likely try the next onw to see if the plot moves forward and grows

**3.5-stars**

Fortuna Sworn is the last of her kind. It was her and her brother, Damon, but he went missing two years ago. Since that time, Fortuna has spent her days blending into the human world while searching for him at night. On one of her searches she gets captured by goblins and brought to the market to be sold.

Luckily she's able to escape the whole being sold thing, but she did catch someone's eye whilst at the market; a very powerful faerie named Collith. Before she knows it, she's receiving a proposition, her hand for the possibility of getting her brother back. I am putting it simply, but you get the gist.

The story follows Fortuna as she enters the world of the fae, hoping against all hope that she'll be able to find what she's looking for. But if she finds her brother, will he even want to be rescued? And what is she sacrificing in the process?

This was good. I liked it. A solid foundation for the start of a series. I don't read a lot of fae books, in fact, I have only read a handful that I can think of, but I liked how this one was constructed. Additionally, I'm very intrigued by the ending and will be continuing on to the second book.

I won't claim I understand everything going on here, but I loved Fortuna as a character and want to learn more about her and this world. Fortuna is a creature known as a nightmare, which I have never come across before. Basically, she can make people see, or experience, their worst fears just by touching them. She wields this power as a weapon and I got to say, it's pretty badass.

As stated above, I'm definitely on board to continue on with this series. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was a great way to take in this story. The narration was fabulous.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me a copy to read and review. I'm so happy I finally had the chance to check this one out. It sucked me in!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.

So, I don't know how to say this without sounding completely negative because I did LIKE this book, I thought it was OKAY... However, if I wanted to read A Court of Thorns and Roses, I would have picked up ACOTAR instead. Honestly, this was so heavily influenced by Sarah J. Maas's world, that I just had a hard time getting into it, and I REALLY wanted to. I did buy the rest of the books in this series because I definitely do see the potential to have this be a really great story. This book however, just wasn't really it for me personally.

SPOILERS NOW...

The trials that Fortuna faced were literally cut and pasted from ACOTAR. Fortuna's first trial she fought a large creature (like the wyrm from ACOTAR, but instead of underground, this took place in the water). The second trial was a maze, and the third, surprise SURPRISE she had to stab someone. Sounds entirely too familiar right?

Also, Collith is out here giving MAJOR Rhysand vibes, which isn't super great for me, because I am all about Azriel over here. I don't need the main character male to be King of the Unseelie Court (sounds like Rhy's Night Court, am I right?), watch his "mate" get beat, give her a bath, and still act like he loves her. Problematic relationships like this DO NOT equal love to me. Especially when Fortuna has her imaginary boyfriend friend zoned, yet gets fingered by Collith after knowing him for two days, yet she's been guarding her viginity like no ones business her entire life? I think not.

I guess what I am saying is that maybe under 300 pages just wasn't enough here. I really do think there was obvious pacing issues. We have Fortuna meeting and marrying the king in under fifty pages, but then each challenge of the trial dragged out. If these sections were condensed and more time spent with either of her love interests, maybe this would have felt more believable. The ending also felt SUPER rushed. I think that her judgements when her court was swearing their vows was one of the most amazing parts of this book, but her three punishments were barely paragraphs each.

I will say though, that one positive this book has over ACOTAR was that Fortuna is a MUCH better main character than Feyre. While she is still entirely too dependent on men, at least she is able to take care of herself and has a power or ability that she can control and that makes her more self reliant and interesting than Feyre could ever hope to be.

Overall, I am glad that I read this, and I am looking forward to book two. With such a rocky start, I really do believe that it can only go up from here.

Thank you to NetGalley for approving an Audiobook Arc.

A solid and quick read. Not sure if I will continue the series.

This new romantic fantasy takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the world of faeries, nymphs and warewolves and witches. In WORLD, magical beings are sold into slavery and exploited for their powers

Fortuna is a Nightmare — the last of her kind. She is can see people’s fears, and can turn them against you. Once a Nightmare touches you it can create illusions and make you live your deepest fears. But Fortuna is more than just a nightmare—she is feisty, loyal, driven, clever and can be ruthless when she needs to be.

I don't want to reveal too much, but let's just say that once Fortuna descends into the Fae's realm, she is trapped in a court full of politics and betrayal. There is anger, dark moments, romance, intrigue, and magic.

Sutton’s writing has a nice flow and makes it easy to get immersed in the story. The plot is compelling, two world building is storing, and readers will become invested in the characters and find themselves rooting for them. The atmosphere is also darker than many YA books I've read lately, and I loved it! It's full of scheming, lies and the main characters could also be describes as "morally grey". I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, but now I can’t wait to read the next book!

This series is perfect for fantasy fans.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The narration was good and she pulled you into the story which makes the story even better. It’s why I love audiobooks. If you love a marriage of convenience this is the book for you. I like this authors writing style as well.

The narrator does an excellent job on this book. I heard of this book on TikTok, and that recommendation was not wrong. I enjoyed listening to this book.

*Slight Spoilers*

This book had a lot of similarities to A Court of Thorns and Roses so obviously, I enjoyed it. I received a free audio version of this from NetGalley and didn't even realize that it was a series. Now I want to read the rest because so many questions went unanswered. If you enjoyed ACOTAR, you will like this book as well. There are all the fantasy creatures we love to see plus some that aren't written about so often, for example, Fortuna is a Nightmare and the last of her kind.

The story follows Fortuna while she tries to find her missing brother, Damon. She has to make many sacrifices along the way and every chapter is exciting. One thing that I didn't enjoy so much is that a lot of questions went unanswered at the end. I understand that this is a series and things will be revealed later on but it kind of left me unsatisfied with the ending. For instance, I still don't know who the main love interest will be. The whole book teased Fortuna's romance with Collith but nothing really happened with them besides one scene. I feel like the author might try and switch the love interest which would also be getting dangerously close to ACOTAR.

The ending was left on a cliffhanger but one that got me super excited for the next book. Something was revealed that shook my world and now I am trying to fit the rest of the series in my long list of TBR's. Overall, this book was enjoyable and I definitely recommend it if you liked ACOTAR.

Content Warning: Toxic/Abusive Relationships, Sexual Harassment, Sexually Explicit Scenes, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Cannibalism, Murder, Blood and Death. Mentions of Drug Use.

I did consider DNF-ing this book early on, just because this is a 6 book series. Also because the trigger warning had set me on edge, after Fortuna first enters the Unseelie Court.

I'm glad I didn't though, I quite like Fortuna as a character, as an oldest sister, I found so much kinship in how hard she was working to save her brother. More then once it left me wondering if I would go to those extremes for my siblings.

Watching how Fortuna adapted to the Unseelie Court as she vied for the crown was interesting. But also how her relationship with Collith constantly adapted during the book.

The one thing that is weird still to grasp, is that this book took place over the course of like a week.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book it in no way affects my review. My thoughts are my own.

Let me start off by saying how much I loved the narrator for this audiobook.
Now the actual review.
This book was underwhelming, this is the first book in a series that is meant to be dark and with fae, etc. You get the point.
I hate love triangles and it had one so already this was annoying to me, then there's her whole relationship with Collith. There is no explanations that makes it feel real ('cause Damon is the sole focus, her brother and her saving him), it's because she's supposed to be this extremely strong and powerful person but she isn't ?Or at least in no point in this book is she shown to be..

My personal favorite was Collith (we don't know much about him, which is a shame but he is my weakness stoîc , beautiful.... we still don't know what he wants because she doesn't get to know him so there's that) so I was extra annoyed and mad at how she kept keeping him at bay and making half assed reasons as to why they can't be together (she agreed to mate him, but only care's about her brother). I couldn't bring myself to like our main character, however I enjoyed the pace of the book which did make it more enjoyable.

While this is not the best novel ever, it is fast paced and leaves you with a lot of questions at the end of the book, maybe more than I usually would like to (even a first in a series).

Nothing really got me hooked on this one, it felt like a mesh of many books I've read before reminiscent of ACOTAR (taken away to marry a fae to be taken to another world wink wink) for parts of it , but not in a good way the differences of the book pick up when you move on and go to the sea section of the book, to not spoil anything (trying to be vague here).

Another positive point was the Nightmare concept for this new supernatural, and how our MC Fortuna is the last one.

In the end, the way in which everything always seemed to work out for her (despite not knowing anything and only caring about her brother) made it a bit boring, I wanted some suspense which I hoped to get since she is voluntarily whisked away there despite not knowing that faery world , also on another note is Oliver (the other part of the love triangle) real or not who knows, we don't at the very least.... There's this whole thing about him being in her dreams since childhood, being friends and a confidant.

The atmosphere was really nice, I liked how the author and narrator (in this case) made it be more adult, I just did not fall in love with it as I hoped I would.

It stood at a 3.5-3 stars.
Bookarina

I read and loved this book before and when the opportunity for an audio review copy came up, I had to jump on it …
It has been a while since I read book one and I'm meaning to read book two so I really needed a reread and this was the perfect time when the audio review copy came up :)
I was surprised how much I forgot and glad I did…. I loved the book even a little more the second time around as there are always things you miss the first read.
The audio book was fantastic, I loved the narrator . She did an awesome job, with the pace and pronunciation.
The reading and chapter switching was flawless in this audiobook, which often can be choppy in some audiobooks.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and for sure will pick up book two soon and most likely on audio again , as I enjoyed this very much.
If you like fantasy and audio books, give this a chance you will not regret it.
I rate it 4.5 ★