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jgruman's review against another edition
1.0
I could not finish this book. There was not enough introduction into the world, just a bunch of characters dumped in.
em1_5's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
theresab93's review against another edition
3.0
The audiobook was quite entertaining with great voice work, however the story for me wasn't too strong, but I'm intrigued to see where the story goes in the rest of the series
mxsallybend'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/
kelmallo's review against another edition
4.0
"Doesn't matter your position. You're a man, and a man can choose to make things more difficult, or he can choose to help. In the choosing, he decides what kind of man he wants to be."
3.5 stars, rounded up. I found the first half of the book to be kind of slow for me, but the second half definitely got better. I may read the second book because I love the gods' story line and some of the characters, but I wasn't necessarily blown away from this. It is a decent high fantasy book if you want a new world to explore, though!
3.5 stars, rounded up. I found the first half of the book to be kind of slow for me, but the second half definitely got better. I may read the second book because I love the gods' story line and some of the characters, but I wasn't necessarily blown away from this. It is a decent high fantasy book if you want a new world to explore, though!
brittbabblesboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, this book is just what I needed. I got it from BOTM and loved it. Fantasy is my favorite genre and it’s written in a way that flows so nicely. There were point when I read too fast and had to re-read and say “no, did that just happen!?” Like with Mathias. I didn’t believe it until a whole chapter went by.
The world building was amazing. The use of magic; stupendous. Dolt: my favorite! Aaeslo’s ending is SUCH a great twist.
The banter between characters makes me want to give 5 stars but there’s points when I wish there was more of a break between scenes. Like I said before it’s easy to get caught up and not notice what’s going on. But there’s times when it doesn’t matter and everything sorts itself out in a couple paragraphs.
4.5/5
The world building was amazing. The use of magic; stupendous. Dolt: my favorite! Aaeslo’s ending is SUCH a great twist.
The banter between characters makes me want to give 5 stars but there’s points when I wish there was more of a break between scenes. Like I said before it’s easy to get caught up and not notice what’s going on. But there’s times when it doesn’t matter and everything sorts itself out in a couple paragraphs.
4.5/5
madiemayhem's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed my time reading this one.
I loved how the gods were portrayed, and how they interacted. Very interested in picking up the second!
I loved how the gods were portrayed, and how they interacted. Very interested in picking up the second!
_b_a_l_'s review against another edition
3.0
Started reading this ages ago and thought oh god one of those fantasy novels - I don't need another patriarchy perpetuating chosen one in my life - and stopped.
Started again because I'm trying to read non-fiction and that's hard work and I like to avoid hard work.
Anyway bored, bored, boring- that's interesting!
Probably nearer a 2.5 than a 3 - but still some pretty cool ideas in here.
Started again because I'm trying to read non-fiction and that's hard work and I like to avoid hard work.
Anyway bored, bored, boring
Spoiler
what? the chosen one get's their head cut offProbably nearer a 2.5 than a 3 - but still some pretty cool ideas in here.
lemeilleurs's review against another edition
3.0
(3.5/5) With every hero epic there is a "chosen one." The person destined to save the world (usually by prophecy). Well... what happens when the chosen one dies? According to prophecy, the world is doomed, right? Forester Aaslo is determined to try and save the world anyways. Fate of the Fallen follows Aaslo on his unconventional quest to save the world after his best friend, and Chosen One, Matthias dies right after embarking on his epic journey. Aaslo's ragtag bunch of comrades he picks up along the way are unlikely heroes - but hey, the world is going to end anyways!
karlation's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75