Thank you netgalley for the arc.
I am hovering between 4-4.5 stars for this book. I really like the characters and worldbuilding which I think was explained very well and intriguing. I think my biggest issue was with the book ending and villain.
I like Zenyra as a villain, I think she is interesting but her villain reveal and how she goes about achieving her goals got more and more complicated as the plot had to be paused to explain the world and how she would achieve this. A personal frustration was that the law which is incredibly strict can somehow be circumvented with blood. the fact that blood apparently wears off but Zenyra can be full villain mode and remain unchanged was hard to believe especially because at the end she states she wants revenge more than anyone and has killed people for this goal.
The book ending was frustrating simply because of the cliffhanger and also because some character ideologies flip=flopped so quickly. Aranel especially flipped in a way that felt out of character to his stated ideology and Meizan to a lesser extent. I think Aina was the most consistent through the end. I think the characters are well written and their relationships with each other is a highlight of the book and it gets less interesting when they are all separated which happened frequently at the end of the book.
Overall I do recommend and look forward to the next book.

Thanks so for Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a free copy for review!

I think this book is pretty standard when it comes to YA. It's got a spunky, determined main character who wishes to right terrible wrongs made by unjust systems. It's got the typical enemies to lovers. I think the biggest aspect that sticks out with this book is its worldbuilder and concept of realms that are populated by people who are only allowed to live there because of the amount of good deeds that they do. However, I did have a hard time getting through the beginning became the book really does decide to just drop you straight into the story with no life-waft or prologue to help flesh out what's exactly going on.

Over all I think its a decent YA Book and I am curious to see where A. A. Vora does next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis: In a world governed by Toranic Law, people live in different realms based on the kindness of their actions. Displaced from her realm, Aina tries to return by joining a rebel group where she discovers the realms are not exactly what they seem.

This is a great YA fantasy series opener filled with magical beasts and different realms. There are 3 POVs from each of the three main characters that tell the story.
Read this if you like:
💠found family
💠light enemies to lovers
💠magical creatures
💠mythology
💠 battle training/light academia
💠secret rebel group
💠complex world

The character’s stories are so masterfully woven together that you won’t be able to stop reading! I loved the twists and turns it took toward the end setting up for a good sequel. There is not really any romance, more of a good build up to a potential enemies to lovers romance later in the series. This is more of an adventure fantasy quest.
It is marketed as similar to An Ember in the Ashes, but it did not remind me of that at all. Maybe the setting of Avatar?, but not the plot. The magic system is based on your fate and how your soul spins in order to enter different realms. It was a bit confusing for the first half to understand it, but it gets explained pretty well halfway through so keep reading if you are confused.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!

A solid fantasy. Compelling characters, fast paced plot, and a well-developed world. Nothing too special but a very well done book. It felt like it was missing an extra element that would have given it 5 stars.

A compelling tale of defying fate and fighting for justice in a world divided by celestial law.

A Spin of Fate plunges us into a unique and thought-provoking world where fate is dictated by a cosmic force known as Toranic Law. This law segregates people into the privileged Upper Realms and the harsh Lower Realms, offering a tantalizing sliver of hope for ascension through a system of karmic merit. But for Aina, one of the few to have tasted the peace of the Upper Realms, her heart yearns for her home and her mother left behind.

This isn't a story of passive acceptance. Aina's fiery spirit rebels against the injustice of Toranic Law, leading her to join a ragtag group of rebels fighting for the downtrodden in the Lower Realms. Alongside Meizan, a skilled fighter driven by personal tragedy, and Aranel, a conflicted noble spy, Aina finds herself on the frontlines of a brewing war.

The novel masterfully builds a complex web of intrigue and action. The rebels face not only the oppressive forces of the Upper Realms but also a rising threat within the Lower Realms itself. A power-hungry king seeks to break free from Toranic Law, throwing the fragile balance of the universe into chaos.

Aina's journey is one of self-discovery and unwavering determination. She grapples with her own past mistakes and the weight of responsibility, learning to wield her strength and compassion as weapons against oppression. The supporting characters, each with their own motivations and complexities, add depth and nuance to the narrative.

What I loved:

The unique world-building: The concept of Toranic Law and the division between realms is a fascinating and thought-provoking backdrop for the story.
The compelling characters: Aina is a well-developed protagonist with a relatable inner conflict, while the supporting cast adds depth and intrigue.
The fast-paced action: The story keeps you on the edge of your seat with its blend of political intrigue and thrilling battles.
The themes of justice and defying fate: Aina's journey speaks to the importance of fighting for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Minor quibbles:

The world-building, while rich and interesting, could benefit from a bit more fleshing out in certain areas.
The ending, while satisfying, leaves some plot threads unresolved, potentially hinting at a sequel.
Overall:

A Spin of Fate is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will keep you hooked until the very last page. With its unique premise, well-developed characters, and thrilling action, this is a must-read for fans of fantasy and dystopian fiction.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for fans of strong female protagonists, unique world-building, and stories about fighting for what's right.

Ummmm this was absolutely INCREDIBLE?! Magic, character dynamics, tension, fantastic worldbuilding, and even some mystical animals all come together to create this stunning debut. Inspired by Indian culture and reminiscent of Beasts of Prey and These Infinite Threads, it is a must for fantasy fans. This is one of my favorite villain dynamics, and I loved that there wasn't a lot of romance. Plus have you seen that cover? A snake peacock?! Please. The next one is already a need.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Now this is a book that kind of broke my brain wide open.

The character dynamics are beyond excellent, with each of their worldviews clashing to create the examination of the effects of oppression that runs throughout the book. It also makes for some wonderful tension and banter, because while this book delves deeply into its themes in a very philosophical way, it is also such a blast to read with its completely realized characters and starkly beautiful worldbuulding. There are giant, stunning creatures such a snake like peacocks and winged dolphins, with a few evil monkeys thrown in there too.

There is also a deep emotional core, one where there is such a yearning for love, and goodness, to prevail, but the result of violence and imperial forces unlock such an anger.

All of it, it is truly magnificent to behold.