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gracereadsforlove's review against another edition
3.0
Good read. I did not love it but it was interesting enough.
I loved Sienna's spunk. There's a hint and then later proof that she's not human but it wasn't explored in this book yet so I'm kinda excited to find out. I hope that it's something badass - I love the hidden identity trope.
Dominic on the other hand was just a huge ball of lust and sexual frustration in this book. He spent the majority of his time fighting his attraction to Sienna and then the other time was spent hating the crown prince, his brother, Edmund.
The Harvest Games was a ridiculous concept but in a fantasy world, who could say vampires wouldn't be really bored enough to do this, right?
I usually avoid plots about court intrigue and politics but I think I'm gonna continue reading the series.
Oh, something I didn't enjoy in this book is how repetitive Sienna was about having to save Jordan because who the fck is he and why should we care about him? The author did not really give us a reason to be invested in Sienna's rescue plot (like, a memory of how close they were or why Jordan is important to her) which is her motivation why she let the auctioneers catch her to be sacrificed/deployed to the Alpha territories (supernatural land).
I loved Sienna's spunk. There's a hint and then later proof that she's not human but it wasn't explored in this book yet so I'm kinda excited to find out. I hope that it's something badass - I love the hidden identity trope.
Dominic on the other hand was just a huge ball of lust and sexual frustration in this book. He spent the majority of his time fighting his attraction to Sienna and then the other time was spent hating the crown prince, his brother, Edmund.
The Harvest Games was a ridiculous concept but in a fantasy world, who could say vampires wouldn't be really bored enough to do this, right?
I usually avoid plots about court intrigue and politics but I think I'm gonna continue reading the series.
Oh, something I didn't enjoy in this book is how repetitive Sienna was about having to save Jordan because who the fck is he and why should we care about him? The author did not really give us a reason to be invested in Sienna's rescue plot (like, a memory of how close they were or why Jordan is important to her) which is her motivation why she let the auctioneers catch her to be sacrificed/deployed to the Alpha territories (supernatural land).
leggothemeggoreads's review against another edition
5.0
Shannon Mayer has a way with words
She knows know to draw you in. She’s one of my favorite urban fantasy authors perfectly mixing the real world and fantasy and blending them into something so different yet amazing. This book has some great slow burn enemies to lovers romance and she has definitely kicked up the spice from her other series.
She knows know to draw you in. She’s one of my favorite urban fantasy authors perfectly mixing the real world and fantasy and blending them into something so different yet amazing. This book has some great slow burn enemies to lovers romance and she has definitely kicked up the spice from her other series.
gingerbookdragon85's review against another edition
4.0
Taken by Fate
Taken by Fate is definitely what happened to my choosing of this book. Just enough spice to hold through, but the real shiny is the plot. Oh my Goddess, the plots! Sienna is different in a wondrous way. She's exciting and strong, brave and eviscerated. Dominic is stoic and stubborn, a protector and fated to worship Sienna. But the plots... Just read it.
Taken by Fate is definitely what happened to my choosing of this book. Just enough spice to hold through, but the real shiny is the plot. Oh my Goddess, the plots! Sienna is different in a wondrous way. She's exciting and strong, brave and eviscerated. Dominic is stoic and stubborn, a protector and fated to worship Sienna. But the plots... Just read it.
caeralee's review against another edition
5.0
This book has finally pulled me out of my month long book funk!!
It gave me ALL the feels and nodding even know the name of it diving into the pages!!!
Sienna is an amazing character, she’s been through a lot in this new world and she’s the epitome of strength in the human spirit.
Dominic could be the very best in what the new world has to get…if sienna would just accept it! But let’s face it, this is a Shannon Mayer book so that’s obviously not going to happen willingly or quickly.
The sexual tension mounts higher and higher until you as a reader are pulled taunt. And then when you think you just can’t take it any more…we’ll you’ll just have to wait and see!
Amazing!
It gave me ALL the feels and nodding even know the name of it diving into the pages!!!
Sienna is an amazing character, she’s been through a lot in this new world and she’s the epitome of strength in the human spirit.
Dominic could be the very best in what the new world has to get…if sienna would just accept it! But let’s face it, this is a Shannon Mayer book so that’s obviously not going to happen willingly or quickly.
The sexual tension mounts higher and higher until you as a reader are pulled taunt. And then when you think you just can’t take it any more…we’ll you’ll just have to wait and see!
Amazing!
readlovereviewblog's review against another edition
5.0
This futuristic paranormal fantasy story has historical charm and a storyline that will make you think this is the vampire version of "The Hunger Games". It is political, intriguing, and angsty. It has a little forbidden romance between Sienna and Dominic and a lot of chemistry. I was immediately interested in the map and the first few chapters and quickly got sucked into this otherworld. Each character has a purpose, and their banter is fabulous. I love the story's premise and can't wait to see what happens next.
I love the detailed map at the beginning of the book. Sienna has let herself be captured to have an attempt to save her like a younger brother friend, Jordan. It has been a while since the paranormal was outed in her world. Sienna is feisty and sweet and dreams of a particular creature. I love the way everything is described in this book.
Dominic is a general for the Crown Prince's vampire army. He finds himself at the auction. But he is a Prince himself as he admits his heritage. He seems mesmerized by Sienna's fire and rebellion and can't help but make a deal for her, buying her at the auction. I don't think she wants to be owned by the vampires.
The harvest games sound like a "Hunger Games" competition to win favor with a group of male vampires and save their lives. The author has completely captivated me with this point. I can't wait to see what happens to Sienna, what she does, and how Dominic is affected.
The dual pov is fantastic, and this book is as angsty as it is intriguing. Dominic seems to have a connection with Sienna, which makes him very hot and bothered, much to his disadvantage. Amongst the dress and finery, we get glimpses of more human nature from both the general and the duchess. But this feels and reads like a vampire version of "The Hunger Games" but with a more mature feel.
This story gets entirely too political as we take on more of Dominic's view and the sibling rivalry that seems to be taking place. Sienna isn't precisely human, and Dominic is in the position of his choice to protect those he loves most. He is still fighting his attraction to Sienna, but I can't wait till he gives in, as it will be so hot. Finally, they start to burn up the pages just before all the secrets are revealed.
The end of this story doesn't go according to plan, and now I'm dying to know what's next for Sienna, Dominic, and Will.
I love the detailed map at the beginning of the book. Sienna has let herself be captured to have an attempt to save her like a younger brother friend, Jordan. It has been a while since the paranormal was outed in her world. Sienna is feisty and sweet and dreams of a particular creature. I love the way everything is described in this book.
Dominic is a general for the Crown Prince's vampire army. He finds himself at the auction. But he is a Prince himself as he admits his heritage. He seems mesmerized by Sienna's fire and rebellion and can't help but make a deal for her, buying her at the auction. I don't think she wants to be owned by the vampires.
The harvest games sound like a "Hunger Games" competition to win favor with a group of male vampires and save their lives. The author has completely captivated me with this point. I can't wait to see what happens to Sienna, what she does, and how Dominic is affected.
The dual pov is fantastic, and this book is as angsty as it is intriguing. Dominic seems to have a connection with Sienna, which makes him very hot and bothered, much to his disadvantage. Amongst the dress and finery, we get glimpses of more human nature from both the general and the duchess. But this feels and reads like a vampire version of "The Hunger Games" but with a more mature feel.
This story gets entirely too political as we take on more of Dominic's view and the sibling rivalry that seems to be taking place. Sienna isn't precisely human, and Dominic is in the position of his choice to protect those he loves most. He is still fighting his attraction to Sienna, but I can't wait till he gives in, as it will be so hot. Finally, they start to burn up the pages just before all the secrets are revealed.
The end of this story doesn't go according to plan, and now I'm dying to know what's next for Sienna, Dominic, and Will.
lskywalker918's review against another edition
3.0
Solid 3 stars. Not much smut but sexual tension galore. Spoiler alert, they only got to third base lol.
We got the dating game trope again, but good thing it was too drawn out. The underlying court intrigue was what made this book interesting (other than our tall dark and evil vampire lol), enough to forgive how annoying our FMC was. Her reasons for doing things were strange. For example, she chose to head into danger merely for curiosity's sake. Like really? No other deeper reason like wanting to be a hero? I also wished there were more about her nightmares about our MMC. The author should have expanded on this more.
Maybe we'll see more in the second book?
Spice scale (as defined by Mysterious Galaxy):
We got the dating game trope again, but good thing it was too drawn out. The underlying court intrigue was what made this book interesting (other than our tall dark and evil vampire lol), enough to forgive how annoying our FMC was. Her reasons for doing things were strange. For example, she chose to head into danger merely for curiosity's sake. Like really? No other deeper reason like wanting to be a hero? I also wished there were more about her nightmares about our MMC. The author should have expanded on this more.
Maybe we'll see more in the second book?
Spice scale (as defined by Mysterious Galaxy):
kariann_reading_journey's review against another edition
4.0
If you’re looking for a quick, engaging romantasy, look no further than Taken by Fate. It’s relatively short compared to some of the fantasy books I read, which keeps a lot of the details high level at this point. What’s nice is that it gives plenty of opportunity for expansion both in world and characters for future books. I feel like this would also make for a great intro to the fantasy/romantasy genre, since it doesn’t get too into the weeds. The characters are also richly detailed. I love Sienna’s character, granted I’m always in for fiesty FMCs, so the odds of my loving her were pretty great. I’m also curious to see where the relationship goes between Sienna and Dominic giving how extreme their reactions were to each other. I’m also hoping we get more information on Jordan since he’s the main driving factor for Sienna’s actions and we know almost nothing about him. Given this is the first book in the series, there are a lot of mysteries and plot holes to be further explored. I read this via audiobook. I really appreciated that two narrators were used to cover each POV. I felt like Summer Roberts and Tyler Donne both did well in their roles. Also, given this was pretty surface level it was really easy to follow the plot while listening along. Overall, though, I was entertained and plan to continue the series.
✨
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ALC courtesy of the author’s PA
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ALC courtesy of the author’s PA
melaniemccreary's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
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? No
4.0
hebberelle's review
4.0
Pretty good. The whole “fairy competition and I’m just some random human” is about done to death AND surprise she’s got some sort of powers, but I really enjoyed the plot and the ending goes off that script quite a bit which is great.