Scan barcode
chrliechaz's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not entirely satisfied with the level of character development. Sometimes it feels like they are 2D—hitting their places in the plot line but not quite feeling it. Yet in others, the story telling flows a little more naturally. I’m still intrigued by the overall story line, however, and the sidekick as hero—perversion of prophecy. Gotta’ love the “choose your own adventure” aspect as well.
beautyinruins_ca's review against another edition
4.0
The cover blurb for Fate of the Fallen tells you “Not all stories have happy endings.” In case you had any doubt what that signifies, Chapter 2 establishes Mathias as the only hero in millions of prophecies who has but one single hope of saving the world . . . and then Chapter 3 unceremoniously kills said hero dead.
Yeah, Kel Kade is not fooling around here.
Without saying too much more about the plot, this is a story that explores what happens after the hero dies, the prophecy fails, and the entire realm gives up hope. Seriously, those who don’t flee out of selfish desires choose to stand by and watch the world die. All that stands against the end of the world is Aaslo, an out-of-his-element forester who may be going insane, arguing with the voice of his best friend – whose disembodied head he carries with him in a burlap sack.
This is a dark, morbidly humorous story, full of equal parts pain and madness, sorrow and anger. Aaslo is the very definition of a hero, an ordinary man who accepts the burden of responsibility and stands up against impossible odds, all in honor of friendship. He is a good man, one who accumulates followers and allies wherever he goes – including a pair of hapless thieves (they were a blast), an impetuous barmaid (I’d hoped for more of her, to be honest), an idiot horse (truly memorable), and a long-suffering noble (I liked him). There’s also a woman who’s a reaper, a collector of souls, who observes the story, but that’s enough said about her.
Fate of the Fallen is one of those books that leaves you wondering what it’s all about and where it can possibly be headed. It teases so many epic fantasy tropes, and then it either denies them or subverts them. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s a fun read. I have some nagging suspicions about a hidden cheat or prophecy escape clause, but I really hope Kade won’t go there – especially after that kick-ass ending where heroism, sacrifice, and foolish choices lead to something surprisingly monstrous.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/10/17/book-review-fate-of-the-fallen-by-kel-kade/
Yeah, Kel Kade is not fooling around here.
Without saying too much more about the plot, this is a story that explores what happens after the hero dies, the prophecy fails, and the entire realm gives up hope. Seriously, those who don’t flee out of selfish desires choose to stand by and watch the world die. All that stands against the end of the world is Aaslo, an out-of-his-element forester who may be going insane, arguing with the voice of his best friend – whose disembodied head he carries with him in a burlap sack.
This is a dark, morbidly humorous story, full of equal parts pain and madness, sorrow and anger. Aaslo is the very definition of a hero, an ordinary man who accepts the burden of responsibility and stands up against impossible odds, all in honor of friendship. He is a good man, one who accumulates followers and allies wherever he goes – including a pair of hapless thieves (they were a blast), an impetuous barmaid (I’d hoped for more of her, to be honest), an idiot horse (truly memorable), and a long-suffering noble (I liked him). There’s also a woman who’s a reaper, a collector of souls, who observes the story, but that’s enough said about her.
Fate of the Fallen is one of those books that leaves you wondering what it’s all about and where it can possibly be headed. It teases so many epic fantasy tropes, and then it either denies them or subverts them. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s a fun read. I have some nagging suspicions about a hidden cheat or prophecy escape clause, but I really hope Kade won’t go there – especially after that kick-ass ending where heroism, sacrifice, and foolish choices lead to something surprisingly monstrous.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/10/17/book-review-fate-of-the-fallen-by-kel-kade/
story_goblin's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really enjoyed the world building and the human characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t really feeling the main premise in relation to the gods. I like the idea of what she was trying to say about hope, but, for reasons I can’t seem to articulate, I just didn’t care for the whole idea of what the gods were doing. I haven’t really decided if I’m going to continue the series.
dementomstie's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this, but I think it's a bit harmed by the framing device.
I have actually done back and lowered my rating because of the framing device.
For the framing device to work we need to have there be more mystery. As it was I was wondering where the frame would start to apply to the story. Due to that I think the final line which is supposed to be a big reveal is more of a natural conclusion.
That being said: this was very fun.
I loved the characters, especially the reaper. And the reader, the one who was familiar with the story.
I hope there's more, and I hope to find out what happens next before too long.
My main complaint is that this felt like it could have continued for much longer and I wouldn't have minded, except that the book would probably go back to the library before I'd finished it.
I have actually done back and lowered my rating because of the framing device.
For the framing device to work we need to have there be more mystery. As it was I was wondering where the frame would start to apply to the story. Due to that I think the final line which is supposed to be a big reveal is more of a natural conclusion.
That being said: this was very fun.
I loved the characters, especially the reaper. And the reader, the one who was familiar with the story.
I hope there's more, and I hope to find out what happens next before too long.
My main complaint is that this felt like it could have continued for much longer and I wouldn't have minded, except that the book would probably go back to the library before I'd finished it.
ja3m3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
balefulknight's review against another edition
3.5
This book is weird. It takes a well trodden path and then runs into the middle of the woods giggling. There were several times where I though we were in a dream sequence, only to find out that this shit is actually happening. While I like the plot and the worldbuilding, the characters were kinda stale. Also, the end was a bit of a cliffhanger, with little to no falling action, which means I have to read the next books to get any sort of closure on anything. Overall, I loved the trope subversion, but felt it didn't, or hasn't yet, led to anything truly worth the subversion.
allaboutfrodo's review against another edition
2.0
What a disappointment. I loved the premise - what if Frodo died? What if Harry died? Who would carry on after the Chosen One is killed? (Of course, we know what Sam did when he thought Frodo was dead - he took the ring. But I digress.)
Some of what's below might be considered spoilers?
First off, the book would be better if they didn't spoil what was going to happen on the cover. It would have been more interesting if I hadn't known Mathias was going to die. Second off, once Mathias is dead Aaslo carries his mysteriously well-preserved head around for the rest of the book (ugh) and hears the voice of his friend in his head. Okay whatever, but he responds OUT LOUD. OVER and OVER. STOP RESPONDING OUT LOUD TO YOUR DEAD FRIEND. And people look confused and he mumbles some sort of clarification, or not. This got so old. So so so so old. Aaslo names his horse Dolt but HE is the dolt. And I don't forgive him this because he is "a forester" who spends most of his time in the "forest" and "doesn't know much about people."
Also, draggy draggy plot and then wait, what? We are battling a dragon?
A full star off the rating for the existence of gods playing about with the humans. They weren't particularly interesting or original and made me way less interested in the lives and decisions of the human characters. Because gods, deciding your fate. Or not, maybe, but I also found the gods booooring.
The writing seems immature, almost juvenile, and I was surprised to hear the author has written other successful books. This book reminded me of the worst of the Eragon series. Cliched characters, magic, dialog, plot developments.
I read an advance reader print copy of Fate of the Fallen. I will not be going on to book 2.
Some of what's below might be considered spoilers?
First off, the book would be better if they didn't spoil what was going to happen on the cover. It would have been more interesting if I hadn't known Mathias was going to die. Second off, once Mathias is dead Aaslo carries his mysteriously well-preserved head around for the rest of the book (ugh) and hears the voice of his friend in his head. Okay whatever, but he responds OUT LOUD. OVER and OVER. STOP RESPONDING OUT LOUD TO YOUR DEAD FRIEND. And people look confused and he mumbles some sort of clarification, or not. This got so old. So so so so old. Aaslo names his horse Dolt but HE is the dolt. And I don't forgive him this because he is "a forester" who spends most of his time in the "forest" and "doesn't know much about people."
Also, draggy draggy plot and then wait, what? We are battling a dragon?
A full star off the rating for the existence of gods playing about with the humans. They weren't particularly interesting or original and made me way less interested in the lives and decisions of the human characters. Because gods, deciding your fate. Or not, maybe, but I also found the gods booooring.
The writing seems immature, almost juvenile, and I was surprised to hear the author has written other successful books. This book reminded me of the worst of the Eragon series. Cliched characters, magic, dialog, plot developments.
I read an advance reader print copy of Fate of the Fallen. I will not be going on to book 2.
voodoocactus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This is a Chosen One story with a twist. There are some predictable turns but most of the story is delightfully subversive of the trope. Kade kills the titular chosen one in chapter three and that’s where the real story begins. What follows is a quest to save the world and everyone living in it even though everyone seems determined to just lay down and die. In the background are the Gods who are rather bored with this playground, their servants with their own hopes, and magical beings who might or might not be persuaded to help. With the right price, of course.
I found the characters delightful (I think my favorite was Aaslo’s horse and no, I’m not kidding) and the worldbuilding was interesting. The pacing was very good and I really enjoyed the narrator who did all the voices with audible glee. The story is mostly POV Aaslo with occasional short jumps to others. There’s a strong theme of friendship throughout the whole story–I mean, the whole reason Aaslo is on this journey is because he watched his best friend die and decided to pick up his burden as his own. I was glad there was no forced romance between Aaslo and Teza but they acted like bickering siblings or besties instead of a het pair falling in love while the world was ending around them.
Fate of the Fallen is the first book of The Shroud of Prophecy trilogy. It ends in a satisfactory way without a cliffhanger teaser but with a gentle shove toward the next book. I might even pick it up.
kennzieken's review against another edition
3.0
This story does follow the trope of "the chosen one saving the world" and normally it is hit or miss for me if I will enjoy the story.
However, I think for this one it was different in it wasn't the chosen one, but instead the chosen one's best friend who was now tasked with helping to figure out to save the world. Aaslo, the chosen one's best friend, again followed the trope of "I am just an "XYZ", I did not sign up for this" but throughout the story Aaslo came into his character and I grew to like him more and more as I continued to read.
I also think the inclusion of still having Matthias in the story even though he was killed early on in the form of his voice being inside Aaslo's head was still fun too because it still included the witty best friend banter that I do love. Matthias did annoy me at times, but I felt it still fit his character and his mannerisms and how he acted before he was killed.
The magic system including the different gods/goddesses as well as the magi, the reaper, etc. was fun and interesting. The inclusion of Aaslo also finding his group that would help him on his adventure I liked too because I felt they were all different and unique and I will grow to love them.
Aside from Aaslo, Teza and Myropa were two of my favorites. Teza being her blunt and obnoxious self had me laughing out loud while reading/listening to the audio. Watching Myropa I feel slowly but surely coming into herself was well done, and I know as the series continues she will become more and more powerful I feel and will continue to hopefully become/stay a favorite.
also!! the fact that Aaslo named his horse Dolt!!! when I first read that I was laughing so hard!
Another plus in this story was the audiobook. Nick Podehl KILLED the audiobook. He made each character's voice so distinct and different, even just the characters that were in the story for such a short time.
I am looking forward to the continuing the story when the next story comes out.
However, I think for this one it was different in it wasn't the chosen one, but instead the chosen one's best friend who was now tasked with helping to figure out to save the world. Aaslo, the chosen one's best friend, again followed the trope of "I am just an "XYZ", I did not sign up for this" but throughout the story Aaslo came into his character and I grew to like him more and more as I continued to read.
I also think the inclusion of still having Matthias in the story even though he was killed early on in the form of his voice being inside Aaslo's head was still fun too because it still included the witty best friend banter that I do love. Matthias did annoy me at times, but I felt it still fit his character and his mannerisms and how he acted before he was killed.
The magic system including the different gods/goddesses as well as the magi, the reaper, etc. was fun and interesting. The inclusion of Aaslo also finding his group that would help him on his adventure I liked too because I felt they were all different and unique and I will grow to love them.
Aside from Aaslo, Teza and Myropa were two of my favorites. Teza being her blunt and obnoxious self had me laughing out loud while reading/listening to the audio. Watching Myropa I feel slowly but surely coming into herself was well done, and I know as the series continues she will become more and more powerful I feel and will continue to hopefully become/stay a favorite.
also!! the fact that Aaslo named his horse Dolt!!! when I first read that I was laughing so hard!
Another plus in this story was the audiobook. Nick Podehl KILLED the audiobook. He made each character's voice so distinct and different, even just the characters that were in the story for such a short time.
I am looking forward to the continuing the story when the next story comes out.