Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: January 3rd, 2023
Pages: 432
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Fate does not choose the weak. Fate chooses the ready.
Calliope Rosewood is a witch with a long streak of bad luck. Like all witches in Illustros, her fate is directly tied to Witch’s Dice—powerful artifacts that have blessed her kind with limitless magic but also set them on a path toward destruction. Cursed with unspeakable powers that terrify even the most dangerous witches and fae, Calla deserted her coven four years ago and has been in hiding with her two best friends since. But Calla is also hiding a grave secret: She is only three Rolls away from becoming the last Blood Warrior and starting the Final War that will decimate her people and eradicate their magic.
After a betrayal from her ex leads her one step closer to fulfilling that age-old prophecy, Calla is desperate to do whatever it takes to reset her fate . . . even if that means journeying into the deadly Neverending Forest with said ex and his enticing, yet enigmatic older brother to find the one being who can help her forge her own path. As Calla ventures farther into the enchanted woods, she finds her heart torn between her past desires and the alluring new possibilities of her future and learns that choosing your own destiny may come with deadly consequences.
Featuring a charming and chaotic ensemble cast of characters, this first book in a planned series by debut author Kaylie Smith will sweep readers away with its utterly immersive world building, swoon-worthy romance, and action-packed storytelling.”
My Review:
This book is one fast-paced, exciting adventure and I loved every minute of it! I read this book in nearly one sitting. I just couldn’t stop, it was so freaking good. I can’t even believe this is a debut!
You know when you meet certain people and just know that what they are doing is exactly what they were put on this earth to do? Yeah, this author was absolutely meant to be a writer and I’m so blessed to have had the experience of reading this story.
This book has all you could want in a fantasy world: prophecies, witches, sirens, valkyrie, old gods, legendary monstrous creatures, and so much more. There’s a diverse cast of magical beings and I loved the inclusive representation of identities.
All the characters have distinct personalities, are well-developed, and are loveable in their own ways. The theme of found family is so cute. They’re a broody band of misfits full of charm, emotional damage, and hilarious banter. And the girl-power friendships – yes!
There are complex relationship dynamics between several characters. I’m obsessed with the swoon-worthy triangles that were happening.
The plot is a whirlwind of high-stakes, action-packed, never-a-dull-moment, scenes. The world is painted in vivid imagery that transported me into the story. The lore is rich, intriguing, never too dense to follow, and I was absorbed into this world.
The best thing about this story is how it flows seamlessly. Everything feels real, natural, believable, immersive. It’s an expertly crafted narrative experience.
I only had one issue while reading. I got confused several times when there were narrative/perspective shifts. Because I had an early digital copy, I’m guessing that some of the confusion is due to the fact that it hadn’t yet been typeset properly. Hopefully in the final version it will have some type of indication (a line or marker of some sort) when it switches between the characters’ points of views to make this clearer to the reader.
The cliffhanger! OMG, I need the next book immediately! How am I going to make it another year without getting more of this??? I literally don’t know, but I can tell you I will absolutely be reading this one again in anticipation for the sequel release (and I very rarely re-read books). Love, love, love this story. All the stars!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from with no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support 🙂
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
Leave a Reply