Calliope (Calla to her friends) is a witch - not just any witch, but a Rouge witch, able to read others' bodies, and more, to control others' bodies by controlling their blood. But she's having a bad day; betrayed by her one-time boyfriend, captured by a troll who wants to sell her, and needing to flee her home - and that's just the first day.

This is an action-packed book, one that drew me in from the first page. It has a different look at magic, with different types of magic running in families, and with each type identified by color. Several main characters are witches, some of undefined types; in addition to Calla, there are two Onyx witches, a siren, and several witches of undefined color. In a quest to avoid becoming the final Blood Warrior and thus starting the final war, Calla and her friends, Hannah and Delphine, join with Gideon and Ezra, and then later with Caspian and Kestrel, seeking a very powerful entity known as the Witch Eater, in the hopes that they can lift the curse. But as often happens, things go astray. This novel comes to a complete conclusion, and yet leaves an opening for a sequel that I hope will be quick in coming. Recommended for readers ages middle school to adult.

As expected with the start of a new fantasy series, you are immediately thrown into the world. It took a few chapters for me to grasp what was happening, but then I began to fell in love. As the group begins their journey, the plot really begins to pick up. I loved the setting. The dark, magical forest is the prefect backdrop for the quest our characters are on. The love triangle is not everyone's favorite troupe, but the way the author writes it makes it have a big payoff. As I got the end, I was on the edge of my seat. I am looking forward to continuing the journey in the sequel.

this was a little hard to get into, but it's not the author's fault, it's where I was mentally. But once I got over that initial slump, I could NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! it was so good and will be heading to the store to buy my very own physical copy.

A Ruinous Fate is the first installment in author Kaylie Smith's Witch's Dice series. Enter a world on the brink of war where one more Roll from a magical dice may set a witch with a secret down a dangerous path. Featuring a diverse cast of characters, and majestic world-building, this is the first book in a planned YA fantasy series by debut rising star Kaylie Smith. The story takes place in a unique and magical world, with different magical beings and abilities like sirens, witches, Valkyries, sprites, siphons, and so many more.

Calliope (Calla) Rosewood is a young Rouge witch essentially trying to outrun her fate. Due to a dangerous curse, and being a dangerous Siphon, Calla left her coven 4-years ago and has been living a life of secrecy with her best friends, Hannah and Delphine, who is a siren, ever since. She has an amazing relationship with Hannah and Delphine. They’re all outcasts in their own way, and they form this little found family. In addition to her curse, Calla has marks on her skin that display her past rolls of the Witch's Dice. These marks indicate Calla is very close to fulfilling the legend of becoming the last Blood Warrior.

After a horrendous night where she is betrayed by her ex, Ezra Black, Calla finds herself one-step closer to fulfilling her fate. Then she meets someone who offers her the chance to erase her previous rolls for good. Of course she's suspicious. She thought she was the only one with rolls this bad, but according to this guy, he has the same rolls. He's heard of a spell that can be performed by the notorious Witch Eater that can erase their marks and clear the slate. Gideon needs Calla's help gathering the ingredients needed to perform the spell. He's also a Prince and older brother of Ezra.

He asks her to enter the deadly Neverending Forest with him on the mission. This is where the Witch Eater lives and unfortunately the only way they can complete their task. Joining Gideon and Calla on their quest are Hannah and Delphine as well as Ezra who thinks he can make up for his brutal mistake of working for Myrea. Hannah and Delphine are really good friends who will risk their lives in order to help Calla. The group, which also includes Kestrel & Caspian, enters the Neverending Forest and quickly realize this is not to be a simple journey. Nothing in the forest is as it appears, with the forest constantly changing and rearranging.

The fantastical elements of Estrella, where the stars twinkle blue and purple and there are three moons are impressive. There are also two Witch Queens; Lysandra, the Onyx Witch Queen, and Myrea, who has a bounty out on Calla's head, as well as trying to find the final Blood Warrior of prophecy. The Fates gave Witch's immortality, the Gods made (6) fated blood warriors. This story ends on a brutal note, and no, I am not going to spoil it. I will say that there's a betrayal at the end will get most people's attention, and thus will be eager to find out what happens next.

This book was absolutely stunning. It’s everything it’s hyped up to be. The magic system is interesting and incredibly cool. The story keeps you hooked in a way I wasn’t expecting. The characters—my god these characters. One thing I genuinely adore above all else in books is amazing characterizations, and Kay does such a fantasy job building hers. You can tell how much care and love she put into each of them, from their personalities to their struggles. They’re real, they’re enjoyable, and they can be frustrating as hell at points. I loved every single one of them at some point. This book had my mind going a million places at once, and I still didn’t see how this was going to end. I’m still not over it. I’m desperate for the sequel already. This is the perfect book for fans of Critical Role who like messy groups of adventurers filled with magic and chaos. Also??? It’s a very queer filled cast. It’s wonderful.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith transports the reader to a fantastical world with witches, dangerous dice, and fate. The stakes can’t be higher in this novel with fate tempting Calliope Rosewood with her destiny to start the impending Fate’s War. On a journey to change her fate Calla will have to team up with her ex, his alluring older brother and her two best friends as they enter the Neverending Forest. 

I first learned of A Ruinous Fate last year at YallWest and it has since been on my highly anticipated release list! A novel about an ensemble cast of characters in a world where a roll of the dice decides your fate, sounded like my cup of tea. I was happy to find that my hopes were not disappointed and I loved this novel! 

From the start of the novel readers are given a sense of how high the stakes are for Calla, sensing the fear gripping the main character of her fate. This really set a tone in the novel and upped the ante, propelling the novel forward. Despite a bit of worldbuilding, this novel was easy to settle into and was a pretty quick and fast-paced read. 

Even with how developed the world is, I believe that the characters and their relationships with one another are the most important thing in this novel. It’s very character driven. I loved our main character, Calla with how strong she was, desperately trying to change her fate. The relationships between the characters in this novel weave together and I can sense a found family forming that I hope to see continue to blossom and develop in the sequel and any future novels. 

I’d recommend A Ruinous Fate to anyone who wants to read a YA fantasy book with a cast of characters and the desperate flight to choose your own fate. 

Thank you to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own. I also received an eGalley from Netgalley.

3.5 stars
Fast and interesting read with a unique magic system. It is the first in a series and I will definitely recommend it to teens who enjoy fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the ARC!

One word: delightful.
The book opens with a map, so I was already intrigued. I love a good map inclusion. The opening scene, both prologue and first character meeting, was packed with action and moved so quickly you’ll read the first couple of chapters in one gasp because it’s unputdownable. One of the strengths of A Ruinous Fate is definitely the action and how the pace keeps moving. The book really is truly fun to read, and even with its longer length, doesn’t once feel long.

The characters definitely have a band of misfits meets dnd party vibe. I think even if you don’t super-love one character, you’ll probably easily find one of the bunch you adore. I think where the book slightly dips is how it leans more action driven than character driven, yet still has a party of characters you’ll need to keep track of. Thankfully each character does have a clear visual and personality difference, so there’s no mistaking who is who (at least to me). Another personal quibble, I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles so that did dock some of my enjoyment of the characters and their arcs, but I know some do love that trope.

The writing and dialogue language reads easily and speedily; it does feel classic YA without feeling boring or like something I’ve already read. I think any fan of YA or fantasy would enjoy this, and honestly I think this is a great book to get out of a reading slump! It’s speedy, there’s humor and action, throw in cool fantasy characters and some YA romance, and it’s all around a solid and enjoyable time.

It is, of course, the first of a new series so do keep that in mind. I’m curious enough to want to keep reading this series…. I think this would be a good book series to binge too once it is all released.

Thank you to NetGalley, Disney Hyperion, and Kaylie Smith for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Honestly I came for the cover. This is a GORGEOUS cover. (Is it a Charlie Bowater? because it sure looks like one. Cover artists should really be credited more conspicuously.)

I liked the girl gang. I wish it was just Delphine, Hannah and Calla striking out and doing stuff. Ezra vs. Gideon made things start to get messy, then all the sudden the addition of Caspian and Kestrel felt like a whole party scene. Lots of triangles going on, which is not a thing I really love. The magic system was also a little opaque to me. What is the fight that the witch queens are fighting and why, and how do blood warriors fit in? and blood warriors vs. fate warriors? And who are all the players? There was a lot of tramping through the forest snarking and making dumb decisions, but so little explaining.

Ultimately the plot eluded me. Maybe I'm just too tired. Maybe I'm too dumb. But I really was not entirely sure what was going on, why no one tried to save Delphine, what was the deal with Ezra and Gideon REALLY, what Hannah's back story meant (is she a zombie? or what?) et cetera et cetera et cetera and I ended the book confused. It's ok. It's a beautiful cover, appealing characters, and a fun ride, but it wasn't the fun ride for me. Lots of people love the magic teacups ride and that one isn't for me either. YMMV.

3.5 stars!!

A Ruinous Fate had a very strong start that really managed to hook me. The whole thing with the Witch’s Die and what it meant for every witch, and especially for Calla was enough to really grab my attention. And then there’s the romance aspect which piqued my interest because there were two very handsome brothers in the picture. Calla's two best friends, Hannah and Delphine, were very promising characters and were easy to like. The writing was good, it was easy to follow and didn’t feel like a huge info-dump like some fantasy books were.

Unfortunately for me when the whole gang started their journey together my excitement kind of died. The adventure was there. The forest and its inhabitants were really interesting especially the different species causing mischief and chaos for the group. What ruined it for me was the romance. Calla and Ezra had no chemistry, and both of them were a bit annoying. Gideon, Ezra’s brother, he had chemistry with Calla but he has his own past to deal with. I really wasn’t a fan of the two love triangles in this book, it was too much drama. Honestly, the book started to be fun for me again around the last ten chapters or so. I would still read the next book because I’d like to know more about their world and there are still things I need answers to.

Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

'Let me choose my own fate. Or ruin myself trying.'

Calla Rosewood is a young witch essentially trying to outrun her fate. Due to a dangerous curse, Calla left her coven 4-years ago and has been living a life of secrecy with her best friends, Hannah and Delphine, ever since.

It's a complicated history, but in addition to her curse Calla has marks on her skin that display her past rolls of the Witch's Dice. These marks indicate Calla is very close to fulfilling the legend of becoming the last Blood Warrior.

After a horrendous night where she is betrayed by her ex, Ezra, Calla finds herself one-step closer to fulfilling her fate. Then she meets someone who offers her the chance to erase her previous rolls for good. Of course she's suspicious. She thought she was the only one with rolls this bad, but according to this guy, he has the same rolls. He's heard of a spell that can be performed by the notorious Witch Eater that can erase their marks and clear the slate.

Gideon, the man with the enticing offer, needs Calla's help gathering the ingredients needed to perform the spell. He asks her to enter the deadly Neverending Forest with him on the mission. This is where the Witch Eater lives and unfortunately the only way they can complete their task. We've got ourselves a quest, one of my all-time favorite Fantasy tropes. All aboard!!

Joining strong and sexy, Gideon and Calla, on their quest will be Calla's charming ex-Ezra, as well as Hannah and Delphine. They can't let Calla risk her life alone. They really are good friends. The group enters the Neverending Forest and quickly realize this is not to be a simple journey. Nothing in the forest is as it appears, with the forest constantly changing and rearranging.

Luckily, Delphine, a siren, has magic that allows her to see past some of the forest's trickery, but will it be enough to get them through to the end of their mission successfully?

I'm probably doing a horrendous job summarizing this complicated plot, but hopefully you get the general idea. For me, this story got progressively stronger as it went along. Initially, you are thrown into this world and I was definitely floundering. There's not a lot of explanation as far as the world goes. You're just sort of dropped into it in a way that, honestly, felt jarring.

Eventually though, it does settle down and I ended up becoming extremely invested in these characters, their journey and the ultimate outcome. I loved the darkly-magical forest atmosphere. It was the perfect backdrop for our protagonist's quest. It gave a certain Alice in Wonderland feel with danger at every turn.

I liked learning about Calla and her friends, although I'm still not sure I grasp all of the nuance behind the magic system. There was a lot that I am hoping will be explored further in the second book; including the difference between the kinds of witches.

There is romance, including a tense love triangle. I liked the triangle, but I'm that way. I know a lot of people aren't into it, so I will toss the caution flag here. In my opinion, this one had great drama. It was scandalous and I was here for it.

Additionally, there was a ton of action and as it got closer to the conclusion, I was definitely at the edge of my seat. I cannot believe how this left off. There were some events I didn't see coming. How long until the next book?

Overall, even though the beginning felt a bit chaotic, and I still have some questions about the world and magic system as a whole, I did truly enjoy this. Seriously, the ending, oh my word, how am I going to wait!? So much went down and it was simultaneously badass, intense and heartbreaking.

I cannot wait to return to this world and group of characters. Yikes, there is so much story left to tell. This was well done by Kaylie Smith. I'm sold.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I ended up having a ton of fun with this and definitely recommend it to fans of angst-filled YA Fantasy.

A fast paced series opener set in a world of magic and led by the fates. Calla is part witch, part siphon and ever since her first roll of six, has had to deal with being a potential pawn of the fates. Two rolls away from being the blood warrior, she attempts to escape her destined role. but ends up with Gideon, another candidate for the blood warrior and the son of the very queen she's trying to avoid. He has a plan to erase their rolls and escape the blood warrior fate and ends up leading her, her friends, his brother and fellow guild members into the forest to find the Witch Eater. Overall an intricately built magical world and solid friendships, but unclear and slightly messy romance.

This was such a fun and fast read and I'm glad it was one of my last of the year. With a unique world and magic system with fun characters and an intense journey, this was a fun read on my time off. Personally, I felt my attention wandering off but I'm not sure if that was really the books fault or not. Either way I did enjoy this and I'm glad that I read it.

In a world on the bring of war, and dice rolls dictate the fates of witches, Calliope Rosewood has been on a roll of bad luck and the final straw is when she is tricked by her ex and now forced to go on a journey with a prince who just might be as cursed as her. Calliope is a witch who’s fate is tied to Witch’s Dice, powerful artifacts that give witches limitless magic but also gives them fates that lead toward destruction. Calla herself has a particularly bad curse, she is the last blood Warrior, fated to start the Fates’ War that would decimate her people and eradicate their magic. she’s only two rolls away from becoming the monster... well now one after her ex tricks her and forces her to roll the dice that will lead her to her doom. On top of the fact that he broke her heart and betrayed her he also left her to deal with kidnappers who tried to sell her in an auction... except a handsome stranger who looks related to said ex arrives to save her and tells her that he needs her help in his quest. Said stranger is none other than Prince Gideon, brother to Exra (her ex), who also is one roll away from his doomed fate and is determined to change his fate and offers to help her change hers too if she helps him go on his quest to collect the artifacts he needs. now Calla finds herself in the company of her ex, his handsome brother, her two best friends ( a siren named Delphine and another witch named Hannah), Gideon’s ex who also happens to be the grumpiest most jealous person, and Cass, a funny and wonderful friend. They’ll have to face off against monsters, play dangerous games that not only test their strength but their hearts, and fight fate itself if they want to make it out alive. It doesn’t help that Calla finds herself fighting between her feelings for Ezra and his brother Gideon, going back and forth between what her heart wants. This story has three love triangles if you can believe it, THREE, and I hated them all. I’m gonna be honest, for characters who are 19-20 a lot of them act like they’re 16 year olds. The story felt juvenile and honestly, I could have done without the love drama, the fate and questing of the story however was fun. This carried a large cast of characters and is the first book in the series. So while I might have had some “eh” feelings about certain things, I did find myself interested in seeing where the next book goes after the emotional cliffhanger of this book. The story is good for people who enjoy fantasy romance with a touch of Dungeons and Dragons and lots and lots of romance drama and love triangles.

*Thanks for Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A big thanks to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The world depends on a single roll of the dice.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith is YA fantasy novel that focuses on the life of Calliope Rosewood, who is witch with a streak of bad luck. As her entire life and fate are determined by the single roll of a dice. But being considered uber powerful isn't the best thing for Calla as she is deserted from her coven and has been forced into hiding with her two chaotic friends. But everything goes awry when her ex betrays her and almost fulfills a prophecy that could end the world for all.

DnD loving hearts absolutely adored this book, with all of its chaotic characters and dice wielding schemes. So I certainly can't wait for the next one.

4 Stars

Calliope Rosewood often finds herself at odds with the bad luck she’s been dealt in a world where a witch’s fate is determined by magical dice. Cursed with powerful and dangerous powers, Calla leaves her coven and has been in hiding with her two best friends. She’s hiding a secret; She is three rolls away from becoming the last Blood Warrior which will ignite a predestined war. After being betrayed by her ex brings her closer to her fate, she’s willing to do anything to change her fate which includes traveling into the deadly Neverending Forest with her ex and his mysterious older brother.

A Ruinous Fate is an exciting and compelling start to the Heartless Fates Series. From page one, I was fully immersed in the story and could have read this story in one day. To make a good fantasy novel, you need to have well-developed world-building. Fantasies are built on the world they take place in and allow readers an escape from the real world. A Ruinous Fate does a brilliant job of executing a well-developed world that is full of life.

The story takes place in a creative and vivid world with different types of magic and creatures — sirens, witches, valkyries, nymphs, siphons and so much more! The magic system was complex, the additions of the witch’s dice and the predestined war made the system unique from other young adult fantasies. While I thoroughly enjoyed the world, it did take me a little bit to get into it as the world is so expansive and has many different rules.

At the heart and soul of this novel are the characters. Each character has a distinct personality – Caspian’s charm, Delphine’s sassy nature, or Hannah’s kindness – that helps to make the story more engaging, allowing readers to root for them. The dynamics between the characters were done so well as personalities shine and clash with one another. It created laughable and memorable moments which allowed the characters to feel as though they were living in our world. With such a large ensemble of characters, I do wish we were able to take a more in-depth look into certain characters’ backgrounds. With more installments in the series to come, it definitely gives the opportunity to explore them and their actions more.

While A Ruinous Fate includes an incredible cast of characters, Calla is the star of this story. Calla is a strong and fierce protagonist but is scared of her full potential. She is surrounded by her best friends, Hannah and Delphine, who are there for each other no matter what. Her relationships with Ezra and Gideon are complex and messy as she tries to work through the feelings she has about both of them. Calla’s character has lots of potential in future installments and I’m looking to see where her character goes next.

A Ruinous Fate is a story that encapsulates the themes of defying fate and the ability to choose; choosing your own fate, and the people you surround yourself with. The motif of dice plays nicely into themes of fate as dice can represent many different possibilities that the characters could experience. This story is full of difficult decisions that push the characters to their limit as they work toward their goal. As the story progressed, the stakes continued to be raised as the characters were forced to confront the twists and turns along the way.

A Ruinous Fate is perfect for readers who enjoy found family, slow-burn romances, strong friendships, intricate worldbuilding, and representation of various sexualities.

Aaahhh!!!! This book is so good and that ending!! Gideon!!!!❤️

This book had everything I love. Adventure, romance, magic, great world building, found family, and lots of bickering. I have never screamed out loud while reading a book but this book made me do just that with a twist i didn't see coming.

I loved every character. They all had great chemistry.

Their journey through the forest was full of danger and was entertaining to read. The best thing about this book was the characters and their interactions but I found myself very invested in their goal to defy their fate.

Absolutely read this of you love fantasy where a ragtag group has to journey into a dangerous forest.

Thanks netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this in just a few days and WOW was it good. This is an engaging story about curses, finding your power, chosen ones, mythos, & fantasy touchstones. However, it will also appeal to anyone who likes the “two hot brothers” trope (I know I do). There’s also LGBT representation with gay, bisexual, and enby characters. What I also love about this writing is that it’s the kind of pining you can feel in your chest when these characters interact. I cannot WAIT until the next installment of this series is out. When’s the tv show coming out?

The only thing that tripped me up in some places is that I didn’t feel like I had a firm grasp on the costuming. Sometimes it seemed medieval and others modern. There was also a scene where the MC’s clothes were changed while her hands were tied behind her but somehow got sleeves on.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith is the first book I've read by this author. The thing that drew me in was the cover...I know, I know...don't judge a book by it's cover and all that but come on...look at it. It's so pretty.

All that to say, this one was only ok for me. Please know that based on that ending I'm definitely going to be picking up the next book but there was something about the main character, Calla, that drove me nuts. I just didn't connect with her. Also...I'm just going to say...having feelings for both brothers (even though she didn't REALLY act on them) didn't sit right with me.

There's a lot of action and magic in this book. You also have a lot of different characters throughout and even get segments in the various perspectives. I'm on the fence as to whether I liked that or not...mostly because in some sections it felt like a distraction while in others, I thought it added to the core of the story,

If you're looking for a new YA book with magic, action, and the chosen one approach, consider picking this one up. As I mentioned, the ending hooked me and I will pick up the next book to see what happens next for this cast of characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

First of all, this is published by Disney BUT there's cussing in it (nothing extreme) and also some sexual tension (like...biting jokes??????).

Anyways, this was so good! While it does reflect many common fantasy tropes (fate, chosen warrior in a war, found family, quest to reverse fate, powers, magic, species), it is a refreshing take on them including a complex political system of witches, fae, and other magical species. The heroine - Calla - isn't necessarily "badass" as we see in novels, but she appears to pack a magical punch as a Rouge Witch and Siphon...especially once she gets past some of the self-doubt she has. The other characters in this ragtag band include another witch who doesn't use her powers, a powerful Siren, a cadre of fae men...including two brothers who also happen to be princes and one of whom happens to be Calla's ex...so much plot.

Each of the characters also appears to have a subplot, and I'm curious how Hannah -- the other witch -- and Delphine's -- the siren's -- storylines will unfold.

It is very tropey and predictable though, especially since the ending sets up the next book. I would have given it 5 stars, but there's not quite enough world building to fully understand some of the choices and consequences that occur within the novel...especially the ending.