Reviews

Fates Illuminated by Aimee Vance

billieblujean's review

adventurous hopeful relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

erinsreadinglist's review

Writing style is not for me. Reads a bit like fanfiction and the beginning chapters just include SO MUCH unnecessary detail. 

nibmckay's review

emotional mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

I had some little gripes with this book but enjoyed it enough to pick up the second book. Would still recommend for the developing story through the series

fjordic's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed most of it though it occasionally strained believability. While there are some neat concept and two more books, it doesn't quite feel done. The characters are lovely but somewhat flat. The author did her research on Sweden. 

Cawpile review:
Characters 3
Atmosphere/art 5
Writing/lettering 5
Plot 4
Intrigue 4
Logic/credibility 3
Enjoyment 4

Score 28, 4 out of 5 stars
https://bookriot.com/the-cawpile-review-system/

eastcoastcari's review

adventurous emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

mrsqwrites's review

5.0

Funny, charming, relatable, heart warming, a little bit spicy, and overall an excellent read!

Shelbie is a 31 year old who doesn't quite know what she wants out of life, but loves her family and friends dearly. A poorly planned trip and unexpected time travel find her in a world before her time surrounded by a viking culture she kniws next to nothing about. Her journey to meet the ultimate grump, his friends, and family had me laughing throughout.

Time travel is a trope I rarely read as I often find it cumbersome, and unrealistic. However, Aimee wrote this beautifully and I found it to truly add to the story instead of hindering it. It was refreshing to read about an FMC in their 30s instead of their early 20s. Especially when she was a hot mess and still trying to find her way. Let's be honest most of us don't figure it out in our 20s!

I highly recommend this book and can not wait for the sequel!

momosbookss's review

4.0

I picked up this book after reading Smoke Show. Norse mythology, Vikings, romance and a magical mystery! I’m all in. I absolutely loved the Vikings aspect, the clan and the sense of community they have. My favourite parts:
⭐️ One Horse Trope (my fave)
⭐️ Found Family
⭐️ Viking men obsessed with their women
⭐️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐️ Signe, I have a girl crush on her. I wonna be like her.
⭐️ MMC who’s 31
⭐️ Clan of so many lovable characters
⭐️ Dragons
⭐️ Domari

sarahjf's review

4.0

I was fortunate enough to beta read Fates Illuminated by Aimee Vance and it was a thrill.

If you’re a fantasy/adventure/romance fan you will devour this book. It has:

❣️intriguing and mysterious magic
❣️an adventure into the unknown
❣️Hot Vikings
❣️ loyal animal companions
❣️ a host of amazing side characters

But the real reason I think we all need to read this book is because of the main character: Shelbie.

When Aimee asked if I was interested in reading a story about a 31 year old woman who felt a little stuck in life and ends up on an adventure I said DIBS.
Shelbie will make you laugh and then look at yourself in the mirror and say “it’s time to get our shit together”. How her internal narrative evolves over this story is beautiful and I will always remember her journey.

Romance fans won’t be disappointed in this story, our grumpy male counterpart is very swoon-worthy. But this is Shelbie’s story.

Note: this is the first book in a series so there are unanswered questions (as there should be). Please go on this adventure with Shelbie you won’t be disappointed.

sharkbate's review

3.0

This is - frankly and respectfully - a bit silly. But it brought me joy and I’m excited to continue the story!

coffeewithmykindle's review

4.0

Give me more…like asap!

Wow, this book grabbed me from the beginning, this is the most connected to a character I’ve felt in a while. Shelbie is so relatable, she’s not 18 or 19yo just figuring it out, she’s lived life, made mistakes, learned from them, and realizes just cause she’s in her 30s she can still change how life is going…

I read this book in 3 nights, once it picked up I couldn’t put it down, when I started getting to the main part of the plot I couldn’t stop thinking about what could be happening next!!!

Shelbie FMC is on a journey of self re-discovery without even knowing that’s what she ends up doing. She finds what really matters in life (that connects with today needs) but we still get her thrown into realizing maybe all the books she reads isn’t just fantasy but really can happen.

Domari - such a grumpy Viking. He makes great one liners that made me laugh out loud. Completely swooned over him….

Then the dreaded cliffhanger…. I need more like now….