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is_book_loring's review
3.0
Fated appears to be compared with Dresden Files (which I had read and abandoned after third book or somewhere around), and therefore recommended to Dresden Files's fans, something that if I had known of before I started the book, probably would lead me to never read this book. Maybe there are similarities, I am not sure, because I can't remember much about the dreadful Dresden Files series. This is what I will say with certainty, Alex Verus was not the irritating, insufferable Harry whatever Dresden or I'd had thrown the book far, far away from me.
This first book in the series was sort of hmm, underdeveloped, the writing was a bit awkward and rough, the sideline characters were inconsistent, seeming to mostly fill the roles needed for the plot. Luna's characterization especially, was so weird, it felt like the writer didn't know who he wanted her to be, yet maybe. The magic system was also kind of vague. It was as though the writer was still stumbling, groping around in a bed rich with ideas that could potentially lead to interesting places. That was the reason I enjoyed Fated despite the very much necessary smoothing for the series onward, and because I just love, love any kind of power that centered around mind (it's divination, in this case) and the essential must for the protagonist to be cunning and resourceful to survive.
This first book in the series was sort of hmm, underdeveloped, the writing was a bit awkward and rough, the sideline characters were inconsistent, seeming to mostly fill the roles needed for the plot. Luna's characterization especially, was so weird, it felt like the writer didn't know who he wanted her to be, yet maybe. The magic system was also kind of vague. It was as though the writer was still stumbling, groping around in a bed rich with ideas that could potentially lead to interesting places. That was the reason I enjoyed Fated despite the very much necessary smoothing for the series onward, and because I just love, love any kind of power that centered around mind (it's divination, in this case) and the essential must for the protagonist to be cunning and resourceful to survive.
b00kdragon's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maschanyx's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
svnsn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tldr: Men, men, men, why so many male characters. But the plot was very exciting.
Now, a bit more elaborately for those who care:
The imbalance between male and female characters really started to annoy me at some point. (Almost) anytime a new powerful character was being introduced it was a man. Now if the book had somehow acknowledged and commented on the magician society being a patriarchial system, that could have been an interesting point (maybe even a plot point for future books) but instead it felt like male was just the default for all the characters and then there were some female characters sprinkled throughout. Most of them, especially the human ones, were somehow weak and/or victims somehow. The powerful players (Richard Drahk, Morden, Levistus, Verus, Abithriax, Talisid, Helikaon, Onyx ) are all men.
Side note, but I was also side eyeing the scene were severe violence was committed against women, described in gruesome detail. It was giving torture corn.
The magic system is also a bit wishy washy. There is no hard magic system which led to Alex abilities conveniently working or not working however it fit the plot. But it honestly didn't bother me too much.
Which leads me to the good parts!
While my criticism stands, I ended up enjoying the book. The plot was fast paced and didn't linger too long on scenes it didn't have to. I found myself pretty much excited throughout the entire book. Even though, as I said, I wish there had been more well developed female characters, I did like the characters a lot.
I'm especially excited to find out what Rachel and Cinder are up to, Starbreeze was dumb but adorable, Sonder was cute as well, I was also very intrigued by Talisid. While I didn't exactly love Luna, I think her story might become very interesting in the next books. Alex is still a bit of a blank sheet to me at this point, but very well could become a very interesting character in the future with his struggle of not belong to either the light or the dark side, not wanting to succumb to thriving for more power but also detesting being a plaything for the light and dark mages
Now, a bit more elaborately for those who care:
The imbalance between male and female characters really started to annoy me at some point. (Almost) anytime a new powerful character was being introduced it was a man. Now if the book had somehow acknowledged and commented on the magician society being a patriarchial system, that could have been an interesting point (maybe even a plot point for future books) but instead it felt like male was just the default for all the characters and then there were some female characters sprinkled throughout. Most of them, especially the human ones, were somehow weak and/or victims somehow. The powerful players (
Side note, but I was also side eyeing the scene were severe violence was committed against women, described in gruesome detail. It was giving torture corn.
The magic system is also a bit wishy washy. There is no hard magic system which led to Alex abilities conveniently working or not working however it fit the plot. But it honestly didn't bother me too much.
Which leads me to the good parts!
While my criticism stands, I ended up enjoying the book. The plot was fast paced and didn't linger too long on scenes it didn't have to. I found myself pretty much excited throughout the entire book. Even though, as I said, I wish there had been more well developed female characters, I did like the characters a lot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Sexual harassment, Blood, Rape, and Sexual assault
atsumeri's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sparkatito's review against another edition
I liked this story of dark mages and council mages and one rogue mage and his friends it was amusing and had good magic and a good ending. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
gottimus's review
5.0
I think I will really enjoy the rest of these books! IMO this series seems like it may be fairly close to The Dresden Files! I look forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
lbelow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
4.5
I picked this up on the recommendation of a friend and I'm glad I did! This book had me on the edge of my seat. With a series this addictive on my hands, with complex female characters with agency, I know I'll binge through these books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Rape, Mental illness, and Slavery
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
FATED is a ton of fun. It's a book that has been on my TBR for so long that I almost forgot about it didn't know if I'd have time to try it. So I'm glad that I did. FATED is perfect for readers who want an exciting, urban fantasy adventure with a new hero and an immersive setting.
The story follows Alex Verus, a mage with a complex past, as he and his friend Luna come across a valuable object that every mage in London wants to possess. What follows is a series of adventures as Alex and Luna racce to discover what the strange device can do, and stay alive in the process.
It was very easy for me to connect with Alex. He's kind, clever, and doesn't have the arrogance that some UF leads can have. He really did feel like a normal person with justifiable motives and logical actions. The side characters were fun and complimentary to Alex, though I hope to see Luna become more confident in future books.
The world building is immersive and easy to follow, the action and pacing are quick, and the book is full of heart and humor. I truly enjoyed the imagination put into this story and am eager to read through the rest of the series. This is the perfect book to enjoy over a weekend or to binge over the summer. Highly recommended!
The story follows Alex Verus, a mage with a complex past, as he and his friend Luna come across a valuable object that every mage in London wants to possess. What follows is a series of adventures as Alex and Luna racce to discover what the strange device can do, and stay alive in the process.
It was very easy for me to connect with Alex. He's kind, clever, and doesn't have the arrogance that some UF leads can have. He really did feel like a normal person with justifiable motives and logical actions. The side characters were fun and complimentary to Alex, though I hope to see Luna become more confident in future books.
The world building is immersive and easy to follow, the action and pacing are quick, and the book is full of heart and humor. I truly enjoyed the imagination put into this story and am eager to read through the rest of the series. This is the perfect book to enjoy over a weekend or to binge over the summer. Highly recommended!
bougle's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.0