Reviews

Spin of Fate by A.A. Vora

that_chick26's review

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

summerdreams66's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

honestly the naming of the 2 involved realms in this book being so similar confused me sometimes and the science behind the chitrons had MY head spinning but there were really unexpected twists and I did feel p emotionally invested in the characters. I did also end up feeling pretty immersed in the world building so that’s really well done as well. 

ledade503's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had a good time with this book for the most part! It has a fun setting, and the Naruto-inspired dynamics between the main characters worked really well. I think its weakness was in the characters though, with Aina not feeling as developed or deep as the other two POV characters, and all three being sliiightly too unlikable until the final parts of the book. I was really into both the characters and the story by the end though, and I'll definitely keep an eye out for the sequel!

bookswithjk's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

larkais's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

There was a lot of thought put into the story's worldbuilding that apparently it needed to be dumbed down. I think it was to a huge detriment because the characters fell flat for me. I was also caught off guard with the number of anachronisms or off-feeling, including swears, that the latter half of the book has. How do these people know that atoms exist and soul spins are calculable??

I was engaged at the beginning but did not like the switch to Aranel's perspective. Aina took a back seat despite seemingly her mother's story feeling like a strong and emotional driving point. Why was it not developed further ahhhhhh

I wish this was more of a standalone or a duology, there was so much padding, I was fading away between 20-50%. It's a nice debut but it should not have been written with a trilogy in mind, it made it all the weaker trying to feel out the information to include.

The fact that the acknowledgements included IB HL Chemistry makes a lot of sense to me. The spin of souls feels like it was directly inspired by electron spins. When electrons are excited by a beam of light, they can "ascend" to a higher energy level state, when they fall, it leads to a release of energy.  It is also possible to change the direction an electron spins with magnets and bombardment. The spin of souls that go to higher or lower energy states depending on what they do with the environment is the "Toranic Law from the novel". Aina being able to change her own soul spin while everyone else hasn't figured it out yet is a cute way to do it. Fun fact, you get magnetic fields when the element doesn't have enough electrons to fill their orbital shells.

While the dynamics did feel similar to Naruto with a trio that trains together, I don't think books should get title comps with TV shows, or at least not how they are being used to advertise this book. It just gives away the plot too fast rather than "vibes" when its a book title. The reference to ATLA is tangential and only because the characters can use chiterons to manipulate the environment. Its always egregious when they compare books to Fullmetal Alchemist. I want to take it away from them until it can be used right.

Fullmetal Alchemst in a book comp is an immediate spoiler that there is a "greater power" in the government that is actually evil  because they aim to change the world or put themselves as the one central power. Idealistic but unsuccessful 100% of the time. What about alchemy, equal exchanges, being content without having any powers by the end?? Righting colonialist wrongs with violence, sacrificing body parts and accidentally building monsters trying to revive your mother/ get your brother's body back.

lingling808's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

woahno's review against another edition

4.0

I picked up this book mostly on a whim and it surprised me in a few ways. The main concept for the world and how the social dynamics are essentially embedded into the magic and lore of creation is really well done. It feels fresh and new in that regard. One of the cooler and more dynamic settings I have read. We also get some interesting POVs (Aina, Aranel, and Meizan) that are brought together early and interact with each other quiet a bit but their backgrounds and what lies ahead for them in this novel leads to some interesting moments by the end. I also love the magical creatures on display. The nagamor in particular make for great scenes as well as an excellent cover. Then there are the final one hundred to one hundred fifty pages, which truly took everything to another level and had me completely immersed and engaged. And there are also some well done themes and social commentary. All in all, Spin of Fate worked well for my tastes and I had a great time reading it. With how this book ends, the hype for the next installment is rather high for me. I hope this book gains a sizable fan base so I can interact with the conversations about it.

bookishkayla's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you to Goodreads, the publisher, and author for a copy of this book.

I absolutely loved this book and am so upset that I need to wait for the next book. The magic system was unique and although in the beginning I felt like I was being a bit thrown into the world with all the terminology, I quickly learned and became immersed in the world.

Aina, Meizan, and Aranal are such flawed yet beautifully written characters. I can’t wait to see what happens to them all in the future.

It’s hard to put into words everything I loved about this book because I honestly loved it all.

cavtasticreader's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed the premise of this plot. That the soul can move to different realms depending on their works. Sins move one down and good works moves one up. I also really enjoyed the main FMC Aina character arc. 

Aina was born in a lower realm and is able to spin up, but wants to get back to her mother. Joining up with a rebellion group and is able to figure out how to move between realms. Doing this she discovers more than she bargained for in secrets from both the protectors and the rebellion.

aofthej's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-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

4.25