Title: This Wicked Fate
Author: Kalynn Bayron
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 320
Release Date: 21 June 2022
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I’m back with a review of This Wicked Fate, Kalynn Bayron’s enthralling conclusion to her magic filled, empowering and inclusive Duology, This Poison Heart.
Also, a huge thank you to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Synopsis
How much would you risk to save the ones you love? Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate?
Briseis has one chance to save her mother, but she'll need to do the impossible: find the last fragment of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. If she is to locate the missing piece, she must turn to the blood relatives she's never known, learn about their secret powers, and take her place in their ancient lineage.
But Briseis is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies will stop at nothing to fulfill their own ruthless plans.The fates tell of a truly dangerous journey, one that could end in more heartache, more death.
Bolstered by the sisterhood of ancient magic, can Briseis harness her power to save the people she loves most?
Review
This was such a wonderfully written and enjoyable read that’s full of action from the get go, picking up exactly where This Poison Heart left off and answering many of the big questions we were left with after the events of book 1.
I have to say, the tone here is a little different than the urban fantasy vibes we got in This Poison Heart. In fact, This Wicked Fate and the quest-like journey that Briseis takes did remind me a little of the traditional hero based, epic quests from greek myth, and given the more contemporary setting—did give me Percy Jackson vibes. Though that may just be down to similar locations and the inclusion of various gods, as Marie’s witty remarks and Briseis’s extraordinarily badass powers are enough to set them apart.
I loved that some of Briseis’ knowledge of Greek myth (which we explore in more detail here) stems from Disney movies—and given most of what people learn (or at least remember about mythology) seems to come from pop culture via tv and movie (and yes Disney) I found this very relatable.
I absolutely loved Circe and Persephone who were both such endearing characters. Given that Circe has only just met her niece, I expected there to be some distance or wariness between her and Briseis but, she’s such a warm and caring character and I loved seeing her get to know her niece and watch their relationship blossom after years of not knowing one another.
Bayron also explores generational trauma, grief, the fragility of life and how the bonds that connect us can span time and in a way, even transcend death (which was really interesting.)
Overall, this was a wonderful conclusion to this depth filled, Greek myth inspired Duology and I definitely recommend to lovers of Greek myths, YA fantasy and strong female protagonists.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
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