Title: Champion of Fate
Author: Kendare Blake
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Rock The Boat
Pages: 480
Release Date: 21 September 2023
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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I'm sharing my review for Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake. A thrilling start to a new, epic fantasy duology which delves into the timeless narrative of the hero’s journey; offering up a gorgeously complex and deeply compelling tale of female strength, love, sacrifice and betrayal that epic fantasy fans are bound to enjoy.
Synopsis
Behind every great hero is an Aristene.
Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.
Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.
Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.
Review
I loved every exquisitely detailed second of this! The world-building was both beautifully lush and incredibly visual, with a fast moving plot that had me on the edge of my seat (and immersed in the action) less than 20 pages in.
Set in a Grecian-style world rich in magic and lore, we follow Reed, an orphan and initiate of the Aristene (an ancient order of female warriors) who serve the goddess of glory by guiding heroes to victory. I really enjoyed how much the order of the Aristene and their isolated, magical home reminded me of Themyscira (the island home of the all female Amazonians of Greek myth, as well as Wonder Woman herself, Diana Prince.)
I also really liked Reed who (much like Diana) is a determined and compassionate warrior, whose fierce protectiveness of her loved ones (both human and animal) was incredibly endearing.
As was the slow burn chemistry between Reed and Hestion. The complexity of their feelings and the forbidden aspect of their attraction made for an intense and deliciously swoon-worthy experience that my heart still hasn’t recovered from.
In fact, the nuance and depth that Kendare Blake intricately weaves into all of her characters was rather impressive—Belden, Hestion, Aster, Veridian (and even Lyonene) were all so well written it was impossible to pick a favourite. Though, if I had to, it would probably be Silco, Reed’s hilariously cranky horse; who stole the show (and my heart) with his extremely amusing behaviour and very bitey antics.
I’m actually still trying the process that action packed (and gloriously plot twisty) ending, so I do apologise if I’m not as articulate as I usually am.
Fans of Amie Kaufman or stories with strong FMCs overcoming adversity (with the help of a goddess’ magic and immortal horses) then you absolutely NEED to read this!
Also, a huge thank to Rock The Boat for the incredible proof.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
About The Author
