"Sought by Fate" is a romantasy story centered around mates, a fated bond so strong that the rejection of a mate can lead to their death. The story follows Storm and Feylin, two people brought together by a fated bond. Much to Feylin's torment, Storm painfully rejects her, and she must find a way to tether herself to someone else if she hopes to survive.

If this piques your interest, and you are looking for a short story (only 143 pages!) to devour in one sitting, then this book might be for you!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *. read on for a more in-depth review. * :☆ﾟ. ───

✒️ the writing
⤷ The writing has notable strengths, particularly in its beautifully crafted descriptions. However, the prose heavily suffers from redundancy, an unnecessary repetition of information that has already been stated before—instances where unnecessary words and phrases clutter the text without adding value, only just restating what has already been said.

See? I just did it. I've demonstrated redundancy by restating the same point in different words. The second half of my statement could be omitted without changing the meaning, making it more concise while still getting my point across. That being said, a bit more revision could significantly enhance the writing, making it more clear, concise, and impactful.

🎥 the plot
⤷ 'Sought by Fate' primarily centers on romance and fated mates. If you're looking for intricate world-building or well-developed events and characters, you will be severely disappointed. Things happen quickly, without much development or build-up. This straightforward approach may appeal to readers who prefer a more immediate narrative without extensive detail, making it perfect for people with the attention span of a goldfish (yes, I'm talking to you, whoever is reading this).

⤷ I call this the fast food of literature. It lacks any depth and substance, yet you might find yourself consuming it eagerly. If you don't mind the overly simplistic approach, you might find some enjoyment in this if you only treat it as a light, entertaining read to pass the time. Nothing more.

💗 the romance
⤷ You see, while the concept of fated mates seems romantic in theory, it raises concerns when it undermines personal autonomy. In the book, the mating bond is portrayed as so powerful that feelings of love will happen regardless of personal choice. This aspect makes the love between Storm and Feylin feel less meaningful. Their attraction stems solely from this overpowering bond, rather than any deeper connection or personal reason. If they eventually come to love each other, it would be a result of the fated bond rather than a more genuine relationship.

⤷ I had hoped for some meaningful development between Storm and Feylin, a chance for them to discover qualities in each other that would foster genuine love. Perhaps an event that would force them to truly get to know one another. Unfortunately, there was no substantial reason for their affection beyond the fated bond. Storm wanted nothing to do with the bond, or Feylin, but ultimately, the connection proved too powerful to resist.

Storm and Feylin's reaction to being mates:

Storm: A fucking servant.
Feylin: A mage of legend!


LMAAAO.

🧸 the characters
⤷ Storm Avondale lacks any redeeming qualities. He consistently insults Feylin, rejects her, and insists that he doesn’t need her, yet he becomes petulant (like a child whose toy has been stolen from him) whenever she tries to move on by getting close to someone else. He could use a serious lesson in emotional maturity. I hated how he popped up every time Feylin was having a moment with Zarius. Please leave and let my girl get some.

⤷ Honestly, I found Feylin’s naivety and desperation to be quite frustrating, especially as it undermined her dignity. I wished she would stop hoping, begging, and yearning. I wanted her to hold her head high, walk away, and show Storm Avondale what he was truly missing. The ending was satisfying because, even though her actions were meant to protect Storm, he finally got a taste of his own medicine.

⤷ Zarius felt like a caricature. He wakes up after being at death's door, and the first thing he does is flirt with Feylin like a lovesick teenage boy. Despite this, his behavior adds a touch of comic relief, and if you’re a fan of the hurt/comfort trope, you'll probably eat up their interactions. Sometimes, something can be so silly and cringe that it just ends up being entertaining instead of bad. (Well, still bad, but entertaining nonetheless.) This was a prime example of that.

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bottom line: the plot leaves much to be desired, but it was an easy, fast-paced read. i would have preferred the book to be longer with more substance, as many aspects of the story deserved further exploration. the lack of development is truly a missed opportunity. despite its shortcomings, the ending captured my attention, and i’ll be looking out for the sequel.

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Thanks to Monica Ageno, Kindom Books, and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Absolutely yes! Is there any news on the sequel? Because I need it yesterday!

This book is wonderful, I finished it in one sitting! It's writing is addictive, the banter is fantastic and the world building and magic system are easy to understand!

I have to admit, one little thing that annoyed me a bit, is that I kept on reading Feylin as Feyre. And I thought her to be rash and reckless at times, but it worked quite well in the story. Now we wait and see what adventures and/or problems she'll find herself in next!

This was so addictive that I read it in one sitting!!

This book was a quick read with its fast pace and interesting storyline. It was such a fun read!

In this fantasy romance, Feylin, who has magic punishable by death in her kingdom, meets Storm, the First Commander for the King. As it turns out, they are mates.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how it balanced the aspects of fantasy, action, romance, and emotional moments. The plot twists were well-executed and kept me hooked until the very end.

I will say - I did not like the mmc, Storm. For being known as a self-disciplined and stoic commander of the king's army, this man was way too emotionally unstable. I hate the way he treated Feylin and played with her emotions throughout the book.

I enjoyed the plot twist at the end and found it super surprising! I am interested to see how the story unfolds in the next book of this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Kingdom Books and the author for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review. <3

SOUGHT BY FATE is an exhilarating start to a new fantasy romance book that does a pretty good job at blending elements of fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, and the traditional tropes we all know and love. This Advanced Reader Copy captivated me from the very first page, and I do think its comparison to ACOTAR is spot-on, although I think there are a bunch of books currently with similar themes (and we still read and love them).

The story follows a thrilling and intricate plot where fate, magic, and romance collide. Our protagonist, caught in a web of destiny and conflict, finds herself entangled with a formidable and equally stubborn love interest. The enemies-to-lovers trope is seen regularly, with sharp, witty dialogue and a palpable tension that keeps the pages turning.

What sets SOUGHT BY FATE apart from other books similar to ACOTAR is its seamless integration of humor into the narrative. The banter between the main characters is not only entertaining but also adds depth to their interactions, making their evolving relationship feel all the more genuine and engaging. The author’s ability to infuse levity into intense moments enhances the reading experience and makes the characters’ journey even more enjoyable.

Overall, SOUGHT BY FATE: Book 1 is a good read that combines romance, fantasy, and humor. It’s a perfect blend for those who enjoy a captivating fated mates story with a dose of playful banter and a touch of magic. Would I pick it up at the store just for the beautiful cover art alone? Yes. But now knowing the story, I would also recommend it to friends.