The Scepter

The Mortal Fates #0.1

by J. Bree

The witches of my coven burned.

The Favored Children of the forest were abandoned by the magic that had protected them since time immemorial. Only my brother and I escaped the massacre. Now we’re the last two living Ravenswyrd witches in the Southern Lands.

We must leave before word of our survival reaches our attackers, but first, we have to make the treacherous trip up Augur Mountain to meet with the Seer and discover my fate.

We’ve never ventured this far from home.

Can we avoid the ravenous beasts that stalk us along the dark path?

Will I ever learn to wield my mother’s scepter and take on the mantle I was born to?

And can I trust the man who whispers secrets to me in my dreams?

* The Scepter is a MF PNR short-story prequel with material that may be difficult for some readers. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. It is the prequel to a three-book series coming in 2023.

Genres: Fantasy, Novella, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Romance, Romantasy, Witches

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2023

About the author

J Bree is a dreamer, writer, mother, and cat-wrangler.
The order of priorities changes daily.
She lives on the coast of Western Australia in a city where it rains too much. She spends her days dreaming about all of her book boyfriends, listening to her partner moan about how the lawns are looking, and being a snack bitch to her three kids.

Visit her website at http://www.jbreeauthor.com to sign up for the newsletter or find her on social media.

Reviews

[aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

The review contains spoilers!

I'm not the biggest fan of starting an unfinished series, but the cover of the first book taunted me day after day sitting on my tbr, so I finally decided to read it. It’s utterly gorgeous in my opinion.

I was skeptical about this novella, but in the end I really liked it. I love the main character, the setting, and I have a feeling I'll love the plot in the first book as well, as we're given hints of what's going to happen there. The fated mates between a witch who recently lost her entire family and home, and a Fae prince who will one day rule sounds like something I would definitely like. Especially when they're enemies to lovers and he says things like that. They share a bond and thanks to it they can talk to each other. He doesn't know her identity yet, but he will definitely find out and I can't wait.

"I can't wait around for you, croí. I have to find you and bring you home as soon as I can. I swear to you on the Fates themselves that I mean you no harm. I only want to take you home and provide for you. You will never have to walk for miles and miles on end. You will never go to bed hungry. You'll never be scared or worried about anything. I will never let you feel that sadness that touches your heart again. I just want to take care of you as the Fates have asked of me."

Also, I'm devastated that her mother died when you have to know from this quote that she was a powerful woman.

"I don't think my mother ever worried about the opinions of a man, not even my father, though I'm sure it helps that he hung on her every word as though they were falling from the lips of the Goddess herself."

I just know the heroine will be the same as her mum, and her mate will be obsessed with her. At least I hope so.

I can’t wait to continue the series. No matter the fact that it's still unfinished.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look at J Bree being a multi-genre queen!

The Scepter is a heartbreaking and intriguing novella that sets the foundation for her upcoming dark fantasy series called The Mortal Fates. March 28th can’t come fast enough because I am dying for more of Rooke’s story!

If you love: high fantasy, fae/witches, cool magic, and fated mates, then this series starter is for you!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually such a good prequel novella! The plot was fast-paced without being info-dumpy and I was so hooked on the magic system and the potential romance! I do think the end was super rushed, though, and I was like...wait what? And it felt like it needed more explanation, but I'm excited to see where the next novella takes us before the series begins!

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this with high expectations because I'm a fan of everything J Bree writes, and I was not disappointed. I'm not going to lie, because I was apprehensive reading this due to the big shift in genre (mafia/PNR/reverse harem) to high fantasy, but she did an amazing job and pulled it off seamlessly. It took a little bit for me to get into the story, but by halfway I was invested and cursing myself for not waiting until the main first novel is released in 2 months (this is the first novella).

This new series, The Mortal Fates, is:
-high fantasy/romantasy
-fated mates
-fae/witches and many other mythical beings
-prophecy (known as fates in this)
-strong women/matriarchal society (at least amongst witches)
-magic
-definitely building for an epic love story (yet to meet the love interest)
-compelling writing that keeps a steady pace
-already have a lovely and interesting side character introduced - give me Pemba's story already!

Anyway, if you like J Bree as an author and enjoy fantasy/romantasy then you're going to love this series!

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never know how to rate these super short novellas. I think this is a solid 3.5-3.75 ⭐️ and a good set up for the first novel. I’ve got my predictions already lol, can’t wait to see if I’m right..

[⊹ Gabriela | Asternyx ⊹ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was ✨️ amazing ✨️

The Scepter is the first novella in The Mortal Fates, a new fantasy series by J. Bree!

⇢ What to expect:
∘ High-Fantasy
∘ Romance
∘ Fae & witches
∘ Fated Mates
∘ Great worldbuilding
∘ Character's backstory

This novella did a great job setting the scene for The Crown of Oaths and Curses (releasing March 28th).

It follows Rooke and her brother, Pemba, who are witches of the Ravenswyrd coven. After tragedy strikes, they find themselves on a journey to meet the Seer and learn Rooke's fate.
It is on this journey that we learn more about their world and their ways.

Another interesting thing is Rooke's been talking with a man in her head for the past few months and she suspects he's her mate. She doesn't know his name, what he is, or where he's from, so he's still a mystery. But I'm intrigued and can't wait to meet him in the next book!

From what J. Bree told us about the first book, I already know to expect an enemies-to-lovers romance and it being my favorite trope I'm super excited!

I'd say this was a great introduction to this series and I like reading the character's backstory.
I already know my heart's going to be broken at some point but I don't mind! Bring. It. On.

Two more months for The Crown of Oaths and Curses. The wait is killing me ...

[Lizzie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugggh obsessed. I can't wait for the first full-length novel in this series to come out. J. Bree is up there for me with Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout and that is SAYING SOMETHING.

[bella reads fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did i go into this with super high expectations? Yes. Did it live up to them? YES.

The Scepter is a perfect novella for J Bree's new high fantasy series! I am invested and am upset I have to wait for the rest of the story. It starts out with a bang where Rooke and her brother Pemba are on their way to see the Seer to learn Rooke's fate when they see their forest is on fire. They are both in a coven of witches that are neutral in all conflict and politics. Rooke is the daughter of the Mother of the coven and she will eventually take that title. She is trained mostly in healing others and using the forest to provide for her every need. When they return to their coven and home to find every single person and family member has been killed. Rooke automatically becomes the Mother of the coven even though it is only her and her brother left. Ultimately, they have to return to their original journey to the Seer.

Fantasy books we all know and love have fated mates being able to read each others emotions and be able to talk telepathically. I enjoy that Rooke has NO IDEA who this man is. She has been told that the fates hopefully bless her with a mate but she keeps the man in her head a secret.

Pemba is 10000% keeping so many secrets because Rooke has been quite sheltered about the world as she has never left the forest so that is going to be funnnnn!!!

Seer's fate (spoiler):
Ah! We didn't hear what the fate was!! But clearly the mate is the fae prince who has a bad reputation (love that). But the fact that she is GOING TO WAR TO AVOID HER MATE IS SO FUNNY.

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to break my heart over and over again in such a short novella? I didn’t think/expect so.

It is written so remarkably that I can’t help but feel everything Rooke was feeling.
Can’t wait to read more. I sincerely and ardently hope Rooke and Pemba make it.

Recommended.
Prequel Novella.

[tamara ౨ৎ˚⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

˖ ࣪ ⟡˚ 2 stars ˚⟡ ࣪ ˖

i don’t really know how to rate or judge these super short novellas, nonetheless, this was actually really interesting.

this did a great job explaining the main character, her brother, her fate, and her backstory.

from what i’ve learnt in this novella i think i’ll love the main series!

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is GREAT prequel novella for J. Bree's brand new fantasy romance series! It features an M/F couple, and you definitely should read the 2 prequel novellas before diving into The Crown of Oaths and Curses. The Scepter is told in the heroine’s POV, who is the last remaining female witch in her coven. The novella opens up with only Rooke and her brother Pemba surviving their coven getting slaughtered, and you can already feel the devastation and emotions from them. They go on a dangerous trip to see a powerful witch to figure out what Rooke needs to do next, and it’s a great setup to the rest of the series. There’s all kinds of different fantasy creatures, the world building is subtle but good enough for a novella, and of course we get a bit of the romance! It’s fated mates but they haven’t met yet – they’ve only been able to speak to each other through their minds. She has no idea who he is though and has no idea he’s a fae who’s hell bent on destroying witches, including his mate. It lays out a good foundation for their enemies to lovers romance.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

This got me SO excited for book 1! I am a sucker for a high fantasy book with magic and witches. I can already tell just by this novella I am going to love this series.

I'm so freaking excited to see what's going to happen because the ending.. WOAH 🤯

The plot in this is super unique!

-new adult
-high fantasy
-magic
-witches & fae
-fated mates

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relato corto de 87 páginas que sirve de precuela para la saga “The mortal Fates”. La autora de esta novela es J Bree, autora de la famosa obra These Bonds We Tie, saga que desgraciadamente tengo aparcada/abandonada.

La verdad es que está bastante bien escrito y tiene buena pinta como novela. Tiene todos los elementos de fantasía que podían enganchar y los personajes pintan interesantes. Lo único que tengo miedo es de seguir la saga y encontrarme con los mismos problemas que encontré en su otra saga, sobre todo el hecho que justifique una serie de comportamientos tóxicos me pone muy mala. Por eso, he de admirir que mi opinión ha estado medio sesgada desde mitad del libro; igualmente quiero darle una oportunidad y ver si de verdad ha cambiado esa forma de pensar, o si, por el contrario, ha empeorado.

[Atieh · Rating 4 out of 5]

این رمانک جلد .۰۱ از کتاب the crown of oaths and curses بود و این انتخاب باشگاه کتاب خوانی فصلی بود
به نظر جالب میاد و شروع خوبی بود
داستان درباره دختری ساحره به اسم برووک هست که با قبیله اش تو جنگل زندگی میکنه
یک روز غیر منتظر به قبیله اش حمله میشه همه ی اعضای خانواده و قبیله اش میمیرن و فقط خودش میمونه و برادرش
حالا چون اون اخرین نفر نوع خودشه باید به دیدن پیشگو بره تا سرنوشت خودش و راهی که باید تو زندگی پیش بگیره رو بفهمه .....

واقعا برام سواله اون صدایی که تو سر برووک بود کی بووود😭😍

[Cassidy Chivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shocked by how much I ended up enjoying this novella. It was a really quick and easy introduction to the main character. As well as a look at the world and how it works. I don't have much to say about this one. But it has me excited to read the full novel.

More of my thoughts in this vlog
https://youtu.be/HyRg_HCeZYM

[☀︎El In Oz☀︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

This was SUCH a cool introduction to the world!! I loved the lore and set up of Rooke’s character. That being said I hated the ending. How spineless can you be to RUN from your fate when knowing another guy did the same and his whole country is in ruin??? So rooke pissed me off at the end and if she keeps her prophecy from readers for a whole in book 1 I’ll be mad because that’s what I couldn’t stand in the binds that tie series - the constant secret keeping from the reader that got annoying and dragged out.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m intrigued.. 👀

[Thay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I don't want him to find out that I'm running from the man I'm fated to love and a future so terrifying that I'd rather die in a foreign land in a war that isn't my own."

The Scepter is a prequel novella to The Mortal Fates series and is set around 200 years before The Crown of Oaths and Curses. Rookesbane Eveningstar is a witch from the woods, more precisely from the Ravenswyrd Forest, named after her coven. Rooke's family and friends are responsible for taking care of the forest and in return it looks after them, protecting them from the dangers that exist inside and outside the woods. The sad and tragic twist happens when Rooke and her brother, Pemba, discover that their coven suffered a brutal attack that caused the death of all the other Ravenswyrd witches. Unfortunately, the siblings must overcome the trauma and continue on their personal journey to see the Seer and discover Rooke's fate.

The main character is indeed intriguing, we can see that she's quite naïve and sheltered, but throughout the novella we see that several events and revelations during her journey harden Rooke's mind and heart.

Additionally, the man who speaks in her mind that she nicknames Donn is also very interesting. Just like Rooke, we want to know more about this mysterious guy, who is supposedly her mate.

Overall, I thought it was a good prequel to book 1. It introduced us to the main character well and introduced the world good enough to make us want to know more about it. It doesn't have an extraordinary plot, in fact it's quite simple, but only because it's setting up the main story that is to come.

I highly recommend that everyone read this novella and the next one before moving on to read The Crown of Oaths and Curses.

✨ RATING
- C (characters): 10/10
- A (atmosphere): 9/10
- W (writing): 10/10
- P (plot): 7/10
- I (intrigue): 7/10
- L (logic): 10/10
- E (enjoyment): 9/10
↬ TOTAL: 8.86 = ⭐⭐⭐⭐ + 0.5

💦 SPICE: 0.5🌶️

🔖 TROPES:
- Fated mates
- Forbidden romance
- Hate to Love
- Character's backstory
- High Fantasy
- Witches x Fae

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: death of family and friends, grief

"Rookesbane Eveningstar, the untried Mother of the Ravenswyrd Coven, is dead. Someone else is here in her stead, and I won't be afraid anymore."

[Lin_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok listen,

THIS IS THE WAY TO START A NEW SERIES!

The way this is setting the foundation to the series is fantastic! I feel like you suppose to guess whats going to happen in the book 1, and LISTEN, I'm here for it!

What to expect from the series:
🖤 Fae
🖤 Witches that follow matriarchal lines
🖤 Already in love with FMC
🖤 Mates
🖤 High Fantasy
🖤 Cool magic powers
🖤 Secrets
🖤 Definitely heartbreaks coming in (tots here for it)

Gimme more!!!
Absolutely can't wait for more

[Pia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5✨
Spice: 0.25🌶️

This Novella was such a great introduction to the FMC in the Mortal Fates series. I already love Rooke and I cannot wait to find out more about her and her journey now that she has been told her fate. I have so many questions and I am so excited to see where this series goes.

Also, Pemba is so precious and such an amazing and loving brother. I can’t wait to see more of him too. Off to read the second Novella “The Sword” before book 1 comes out on April 27th!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

can’t wait to read the rest of this series! So happy I was able to read this novella early :) That ending left me craving more!!!

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid prequel novella for J Bree's upcoming high fantasy romance series! There's witches, fae, and other various creatures as well as fated mates.

We're introduced to the world and the conflict the main series will probably focus on. I'm really surprised by Rooke's development from the beginning of the story to the end! I love this whole "psychic bond" she has with her mate, I adore her brother, and I'm excited to pick up the next novella The Sword!

[Brianna - Four Paws and a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did it take me so long to read J. Bree's books?? Her writing is PHENOMENAL!!

Full review to come. But J. Bree has the perfect balance of descriptive writing that isn't purple prose.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this book and am ready to take this journey to lead more about Brooke and what is waiting for her in the future.

[Krystal- Celestialbookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

So, if anyone was curious about what it takes to get me invested in a story apparently the answer is two pages lol. But seriously, going in I knew we would be getting the backstory of how our FMC Rooke ended up where she is physically, mentally, and emotionally when the main story starts in The Crown of Oaths and Curses but dang. I already have so many potential theories brewing in my head from teeny bits of information we got in these 87 pages. It also served as a good but not overwhelming introduction to this world from the perspective of witches. We got to see Rooke's previous lifestyle and how losing all of that affected her and turned her into the person we will meet in book one.

J Bree has been one of my favorite authors for about two years now so I was already pretty confident that I would find myself getting invested in these characters almost immediately but those final paragraphs are what really reeled me in and have me begging for more! Thankfully we only have to wait a few more days until we can read The Sword which I'm presuming will tell the backstory of our MMC who I'm gonna guess is fae. Similar to The Scepter I'm expecting that it will give us some background on who he is, what his life is/was like, and hopefully some details that will fill in the blanks on what he was possibly up to/thinking while Rooke was on the road if he is who I think he is!

These novellas are making the wait for TCOOAC bearable but at the same time worse because they just make me want more! I have a feeling this series is going to be nothing short of fantastic and this first look was an incredibly promising start to J Bree's year of the fae! 👏🏻✨

[Sam Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

it will take all of my will to not continue with the series right now..

[sky • thebookgreenery · Rating 4 out of 5]

as I grew up, the forest itself was just another set of eyes on me, looking after me. another loving presence beyond that of my parents and extended family. it doesn't feel that way anymore.

since this is a prequel novella, it’s tough to gauge how the events here will tie into the overall story and world the author is building. but based on entertainment alone, this held my attention and left me curious to see what the future may hold for rooke and pempa (+doon).

[✨Kayla of The Court Of Dreams✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH J bree. That ending though. I need the next book now. I had a feeling it was heading in that direction but I need THE WHY🥲🥲💔💔

[Kendall | kennyreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My fate is you.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
.25🌶️/5 (there is like one mini little spicy scene lol)

*Thank you to the author and her team for providing me with an ARC 💕

ALRIGHT I’M HOOKED. I loved The Bonds That Tie, so of course I was SO EXCITED when J Bree announced she was writing a new fantasy series!!

This is the first novella in The Mortal Fates, I think it would be classified as a prequel to Book 1? Anyways, it follows Rooke and her brother Pemba, who are both witches of the Ravenswyrd coven. They’re on a journey to learn Rooke’s fate from the Seer, and we learn more about them as they travel. Rooke also talks to some sexy af man in her head who she suspects is her mate, and OH MY GOD I love him already.

Although I haven’t read the first full book in this series so I can’t say yet where it’s going, this book kind of reads like a long prologue. It’s a nice introduction to the world and 2 of the characters, like dipping your toe in the water. Nothing too overwhelming, but enough of a taste to keep you hooked and excited for more. I think this was a great way to introduce a new series and give 2 of the characters a backstory. Now that they’re established, I expect there will be more room for big plots in the first full book. 😁

Seriously though, I am SO EXCITED to see what J Bree does with this series!! 💚

[jas ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Reread to refresh my memory before the main book drops at midnight and it’s still a 5 star for me as far as novellas go!😻
I love Rooke so much and I’m so excited to see where her story goes!