Lady Luck: Fate Unbinding by Ralynn Kimie is a thrilling, emotionally charged blend of dark fantasy and romance, delivering an engaging installment in The Infernal Artifacts Collection that masterfully intertwines mythology, betrayal, and redemption. With lush world-building, complex characters, and a fast-paced plot, Kimie keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last as secrets unravel and destinies collide.

At the heart of the story is the lonely, resilient protagonist, a writer burdened not just by the literal artifact within her but by a lifetime of isolation and betrayal. Her struggle is deeply compelling—not just against the forces pursuing her, but against her own fear of connection. Kimie’s portrayal of this internal battle is beautifully nuanced, capturing the exhaustion of living in survival mode and the quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, she can find peace. The artifact within her is more than a plot device; it’s a metaphor for the burdens we carry and the sacrifices we make to unburden ourselves.

The reunion with her former lover—who once betrayed her—adds an emotional undercurrent that elevates the stakes. The tension between them crackles with unresolved feelings and mistrust, making every interaction a blend of pain, longing, and reluctant camaraderie. Kimie writes their dynamic with care, avoiding clichés and instead delving into the complexities of betrayal, regret, and forgiveness. This is no simple enemies-to-lovers arc—it’s messy, raw, and all the more satisfying because of it.

The Elven King is a chilling antagonist—his thirst for revenge feels both deeply personal and terrifyingly grand. Kimie’s depiction of him as a force driven by grief and rage rather than mere villainy adds depth to his character, making him more than just an obstacle in the protagonist’s journey. His presence looms over the narrative, even when he isn’t on the page, creating a sense of looming dread.

One of the novel’s standout features is its vivid world-building. Kimie seamlessly merges real-world history (like the Chicago setting in 1903) with fantastical realms and lore. The concept of Infernals—ancient beings who imbue their power into artifacts—is fascinating, and the stakes feel appropriately cosmic while remaining grounded in deeply personal stakes. The infernal artifact’s influence and its grim history across realms add a layer of mystery that heightens the suspense.

The pacing is brisk, with action sequences and emotional revelations unfolding in rapid succession. However, the middle section slows slightly as the narrative juggles multiple threads—emotional confrontations, flashbacks, and lore-building. While these moments enrich the story, they occasionally interrupt the forward momentum. That said, the climactic final act is a whirlwind of tension and catharsis, making the slower moments feel worthwhile in hindsight.

If there’s a critique, it’s that some side characters, particularly those tied to the protagonist’s past, feel underdeveloped compared to the central players. Their motivations and connections could have been fleshed out more to deepen their impact on the story’s outcome.

At 4 stars, Lady Luck: Fate Unbinding is a captivating installment in The Infernal Artifacts Collection, blending myth, magic, and heartache in a story about what it means to reclaim your fate. Ralynn Kimie’s prose is evocative, her characters flawed yet unforgettable, and her narrative layered with twists that will leave readers eager for more. Fans of dark fantasy with emotional depth and a dash of cosmic intrigue will find much to savor in this spellbinding tale.

This is a captivating read for fans of fantasy and adventure who crave complex characters, intricate world-building, and a exhilarating narrative that explores the delicate balance between fate, power, and the human condition.

Holy heartstrings! Friday is just the kind of reluctant heroine to speak to my soul. Friday’s origin story is complex AF. As a half kitsune demon, half human woman bound to the Book of Fate, Friday has carried the painful burden of that responsibility throughout her life, and it has cost her nearly everything. But she is so much stronger than anyone might expect, and it is immensely satisfying to cheer her on and watch her grow into her power.

The world of Ralynn Kimie’s Infernal Artifacts collection is so intricately constructed I could spend ages exploring. I love the attention to detail that goes into the multicultural representation across realms. And Friday’s story ups the ante with added neurodiversity representation. This is book 4 in the Infernal Artifacts Collection but book 1 of the Lady Luck series, so you do not have to read the whole collection to understand Friday’s story. That said, I do believe the other books, particularly Dioscuri, enhance the experience. I highly recommend Lady Luck to anyone who loves strong women, morally grey heroes, and second chances. I can’t wait to see where this story will go next!

(I received an early copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.)

This is the first book i've read in the series and I now have to go read the other 3 because this book was so addictive. I felt bad for all the stuff this poor girl has been through but I like that by the end of the book shes trying to heal herself.

Thankyou Netgalley and publishers for the approval.

Once again, Ralynn has created a world in which you can fully immerse yourself into. With elements coming in from the previous "Infernal Artifacts" novels, these make it all the more interesting- however, you can still read this as a standalone!

Our FMC 'Friday' has had a pretty tough go of life in general, and now that she is older and out on her own, it's not getting any easier. The Eleven King wants the Book of Fate, so after her best friend and love interest tries to kill her, it's no wonder she is on the run and wants out.

This is a story of self growth, coming to terms with every decision made along with the things we can't control. Ralynn has done an amazing job highlighting the struggles of life along with our attitude towards it and how this makes all the difference. Staying in the 'Infernal Artifacts' world, she is continually surpising me with the creativity and complexity of these stories and her ability to interweave them all.

3.5 ⭐️

This has become one of my absolute favorites from Ralynn Kimie. I think it's definitely my current favorite of the Infernal Artifacts collection. First off, Friday is such a well developed and relatable character especially if you're neurodivergent, and even if you're not, the way her inner workings are described are just perfect. Her struggles and growth were a treat to witness and really got me in my feels, as I've had similar struggles. I also really enjoyed the pacing between Friday fighting both external and internal battles. The return of characters from the previous books was wonderful to see and the new characters, I fell so hard for and can't wait for more of them.

*Lady Luck* by Ralynn Kimie is an enthralling blend of dark fantasy, romance, and high-stakes action that pulls you in from the first page. The story follows a lonely writer on the run, burdened by an ancient artifact hidden within her, as she faces not only an Elven King's wrath but also the return of a former lover who betrayed her. Their reunion is as tense as it is magnetic, bringing buried secrets and sizzling chemistry to the surface.

Kimie’s world-building is rich and immersive, seamlessly weaving paranormal elements into human history. The Infernal Artifact at the heart of the story adds an eerie, suspenseful twist, making you question what’s truly at stake—both for the characters and humanity itself. The mix of emotional vulnerability, betrayal, and reluctant alliances keeps you hooked.

If you enjoy stories with morally complex characters, dangerous magic, and a dash of simmering romance, *Lady Luck* is a fantastic read. It’s a gripping entry in *The Infernal Artifacts Collection* that will leave you eager to uncover more of its dark and fascinating world.

This was so awesome! I really loved the cover and kept seeing the series on goodreads. I was ecstatic to receive this ARC. It was a great plot and kept you interested while trying to figure out the pieces to the story. Quick read. Very entertaining

So good!!

Did I read the previous books before reading this one? No.

Was I able to follow along and not feel lost? Yes!

Will I be going back and reading the previous books? ABSOLUTELY!

I absolutely adored this book. From the explanations of Friday's experiences with autism and inattentive ADHD all the way to how she basically saved the world.

This world that Kimie has built is really cool and complex and I love that she has pulled from her own experiences.

This book read really quickly, and I found myself easily getting lost in the actions of our characters. This is also very clearly a set up for more to come. While there were some resolutions, we definitely have a LOT more questions that I can't wait to get the answer to!

Overall: recommend
Spice: some romance, no spice

Ralynn Kimie does another wonderful entry in the Infernal Artifacts series. The concept worked overall and was engaged with the artifact. The characters had that charm that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. I enjoyed the interconnected element to this book and enjoyed how it uses the fantasy element.