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piasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, so this was an INCREDIBLE introduction to this series. I would like to thank the author for the ARC opportunity prior to beginning the review. Now, I had never read a book told solely from the MMC POV, so this was new for me. I was so used to it being told from the FMC POV or Dual POVs, however, it did not affect my reading experience or the opinion I ended up with on this book. Also, the world building is so well done, so it is not overwhelming at ALL.
This story was full of pining and yearning. Of heartbreak that hurt so bad and yet also hurt so GOOD. The fantastical world created by the author is so intriguing. Whenever you think you know what is happening and are guessing at the possible plot twist, BOOM! You're taken on a completely different path, and yet it is executed beautifully. Ardenis was such a great character to read about and go through this journey with. Especially his growth throughout this book, especially emotionally! I am looking forward to see what is next for him. And after that ending? I can't even begin to guess at what is to come but I am SO ready for it. Please give this book a chance. You will enjoy going on this journey with Ardenis and the others. I don't want to go into the other characters because I feel like everything I want to say will contain spoilers. But, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Read it. You will NOT regret it!
This story was full of pining and yearning. Of heartbreak that hurt so bad and yet also hurt so GOOD. The fantastical world created by the author is so intriguing. Whenever you think you know what is happening and are guessing at the possible plot twist, BOOM! You're taken on a completely different path, and yet it is executed beautifully. Ardenis was such a great character to read about and go through this journey with. Especially his growth throughout this book, especially emotionally! I am looking forward to see what is next for him. And after that ending? I can't even begin to guess at what is to come but I am SO ready for it. Please give this book a chance. You will enjoy going on this journey with Ardenis and the others. I don't want to go into the other characters because I feel like everything I want to say will contain spoilers. But, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Read it. You will NOT regret it!
zukk's review against another edition
5.0
Ardenis is probably my favorite protagonist in any fantasy so far. I love how he embraces his emotional awakening and the plot has consistency. It was a wonderful introduction to a new world and neither the introduction nor the ending feel rushed and underwhelming. The character description was beautifully done and got me hooked on the ways of the Acanthians.
Most of all, the book is from the MMC POV, which is rare in fantasy books and I absolutely loved every bit of it. Can't wait to read the next book!
Most of all, the book is from the MMC POV, which is rare in fantasy books and I absolutely loved every bit of it. Can't wait to read the next book!
hedgehognerd's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
The concept of this book is great, I felt the writing was really descriptive and the story immersive.
I liked the portrayal of the characters that weren’t allowed to feel human emotions, the writing made me feel like they were robots so that definitely came across. Although this did made it hard to connect to the love interests. I felt we needed more of their day to day interactions to see their bond - there were hints of it though. The author can definitely write about love interests though don’t get me wrong! My heart was aching for certain characters!
I will continue the series for sure.
The concept of this book is great, I felt the writing was really descriptive and the story immersive.
I liked the portrayal of the characters that weren’t allowed to feel human emotions, the writing made me feel like they were robots so that definitely came across. Although this did made it hard to connect to the love interests. I felt we needed more of their day to day interactions to see their bond - there were hints of it though. The author can definitely write about love interests though don’t get me wrong! My heart was aching for certain characters!
I will continue the series for sure.
herdaziandoggo's review against another edition
4.0
The Fated Born is a story of Ardenis, a Pre-Mortal being from the realm of “Acantha”. The Acanthian are a people who experience the human life from outside, and decide to be “born” when their instincts tell them that it's time.
Acantha is a perfect society. The Acanthians live in an ideal and efficient way until they decide to take birth as human beings. Or so it seems…
Enter Ardenis, a “Watcher Fater”. His day job involves looking at human life - observing them and learning from them. One fine day, he does something vile and completely despicable (according to the Acanthian tradition), he sees the love of two humans. And that’s when things take a turn for the worse. He starts to FEEL things. He starts to see the flaws of the society he lives in and the invisible hand of oppression hanging over it. And worst of all, he falls in love…
The author has built a world that is interesting and intriguing. The reader basically follows two stories; the story of Ardenis and his struggle with newfound emotions he has no idea what to do with; and the story of Eva, her lose and regaining of love.
Of course, ‘Love” is the name of the game here and the author has truly shown her writing prowess in that regard. The two romances in the novel are beautifully written and are as believable as they can get.
The other element is “emotions”. Ardenis’ journey from a neutral divine being to someone prone to emotions is something to behold.
The book really likes to hurt the reader. There are scenes in the book that would just hit you in the gut.
All in all, a great debut book that has introduced me to a world I would definitely love to see more of in the future.
Acantha is a perfect society. The Acanthians live in an ideal and efficient way until they decide to take birth as human beings. Or so it seems…
Enter Ardenis, a “Watcher Fater”. His day job involves looking at human life - observing them and learning from them. One fine day, he does something vile and completely despicable (according to the Acanthian tradition), he sees the love of two humans. And that’s when things take a turn for the worse. He starts to FEEL things. He starts to see the flaws of the society he lives in and the invisible hand of oppression hanging over it. And worst of all, he falls in love…
The author has built a world that is interesting and intriguing. The reader basically follows two stories; the story of Ardenis and his struggle with newfound emotions he has no idea what to do with; and the story of Eva, her lose and regaining of love.
Of course, ‘Love” is the name of the game here and the author has truly shown her writing prowess in that regard. The two romances in the novel are beautifully written and are as believable as they can get.
The other element is “emotions”. Ardenis’ journey from a neutral divine being to someone prone to emotions is something to behold.
The book really likes to hurt the reader. There are scenes in the book that would just hit you in the gut.
All in all, a great debut book that has introduced me to a world I would definitely love to see more of in the future.
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