Fated

Fated #1

by Sarah Alderson

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Demons, Urban Fantasy

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2012

About the author

Having spent most of her life in London, Sarah quit her job in the non profit sector in 2009 and took off on a round the world trip with her husband and princess-obsessed daughter on a mission to find a new place to call home. After several months in India, Singapore, Australia and the US, they settled in Bali where they lived for five years.

She finished her first novel, Hunting Lila (winner of the Kingston Book Award), just before they left the UK, wrote the sequel on the beach in India and had signed a two book deal with Simon & Schuster by the time they had reached Bali.

A third book, Fated, about a teenage demon slayer, was published in January 2012.

The Sound, a thriller romance set in Nantucket, was published in August 2013 and this was followed by the critically acclaimed Out of Control in May 2014.

Her first non-fiction book - CAN WE LIVE HERE? - based on her blog of the same name, was published in August 2015 by Blink.

She also writes New Adult romance for Pan Macmillan (UK) / Simon & Schuster (US) under the pen name Mila Gray.

You can find Sarah on facebook and at www.sarahalderson.com or follow her blog at www.canwelivhere.com

Reviews

[Jasprit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before picking up this book I had my doubts, I used to be a paranormal junkie, but over the last year my reading style has dramatically changed since joining goodreads. So starting Fated I thought I would be going down the same path several books have already ventured down. But boy was I wrong.

Lucas and Evie are sworn enemies, Lucas is half human, half shadow warrior (an unhuman) and part of the brotherhood and it is their mission to get rid of hunters. Evie is a hunter and it is their job to keep unhumans out of their world. The feud between hunters and unhumans has been going on for thousands of years, with Lucas and Evie’s parents being killed by their respective enemies. When the brotherhood discover that Evie is a purebred hunter they set about to kill her. She isn’t aware yet of what she is. So she shouldn’t really put up too much of a fight, so how hard can it be?

However when their first attack goes wrong Lucas decides to go undercover, as he’s half human he can get quite close to hunters without being detected. He believes that by getting close to Evie and the other hunters he can discover their secrets which could help them to finally get rid of them and kill Evie in the process. But things don’t work out as planned; Lucas finds himself wanting to protect Evie, the others in the brotherhood start questioning his loyalty, he knows he has to kill Evie, that there’s no other choice but can he do it? And is he in danger of breaking his oath to the brotherhood? Evie’s just been dropped with the bombshell that she’s a hunter and that as she’s the last in the direct line of hunters she’s the only one who can fulfil the prophecy and finally end the feud. But she’s unsure about whether she wants to be a hunter, does she want to train endlessly? Seek revenge on those who killed her parents? Does she have any choice in the matter? And deep down can she really trust anyone?

Sarah Alderson has created such an epic book with Fated, her story building is immense, you’re immediately catapulted into a dark world full of creatures. I seriously had no idea what they were; they had an aura of intrigue and mystery.

“his pupils fixed and dilated. And
the thing that had stopped her and made her
stomach scrape the floor, was the colour of them. They
were bright carnation – red and totally unseeing”

“Evie’s brain refused to process the possibility that
what her eyes were actually looking at was
neither a rope nor a whip but a tail. There were
scales on it and it moved like a rattlesnake”

Seriously what? You’re thrown smack bang into this and just from these first few pages I was immediately hooked. As the story progresses you finally begin to understand what these characters actually are and can I just say Alderson has created such an imaginative set of characters, from mixens with poisonous skin, Scorpio demons with razor sharp tails and shadow warriors who can blend in with the shadows. And the amount of detail with which the characters were described really brought them to life.

Evie, I respected her so much, she was strong, full of courage and never backed down *fist pump for strong female characters*. I’ve heard Sarah Alderson has the knack of creating guys who instantly make your knees turn to jelly and cause your heart to flip-flop all over the place. Lucas is certainly one of those guys! He was so swoon worthy and the poor guy was conflicted through most of the book that you just wanted to give him a hug. And the scenes with him and Evie will just seriously make you melt!

Fated was fantastically written, it was fast paced, action packed and at times you were just left waiting with baited breath never knowing what was around the corner. I absolutely had the best time reading this book. I’m not sure if this book will be a standalone, as I’ve heard from a friend that there could be a possibility of more books to follow! *fingers crossed* this happens because this book possibly can’t end this way!

I would recommend that everyone read this book I promise you won’t regret it! A big thank you to Lesley for lending me her copy!

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Sarah Alderson's Hunting Lila was a really fun book, so I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw who wrote it. Fated has the same feel, but still quite a bit different from Hunting Lila. We now the story of Evie, who just found out she's a demon hunter; and Lucas, who's sent undercover to get close enough to kill her.

I have to say that the world Alderson describes is really interesting. Filled with all sorts of species, from Scorpio demons to Vampires. I enjoyed learning about all of these creatures, along with the intriguing history they all share. Evie is a strong and intelligent female character who knows when something just isn't right. She trusts her instincts even when she's not aware of it. She was wary of Lucas from the beginning and she knew who to fear. I loved her personality. I loved that she wasn't careless or whiny even when things seemed to be crumbling down around her. It's definitely easy to relate to her. It's also remarkable that in a book filled with side characters, all of them stand out in their own way and give substance to the story instead of simply filling up pages superfluously. Out of all, I think my favorite is Jocelyn. I picture her as a sweet (but tough) old lady who just wants to do the right thing. Her role is small in Fated, though I think she's going to end up being very important.

The one thing I learned from Hunting Lila, is that Sarah knows how to give us a great, chemistry filled romance. Lucas and Evie meet in unfortunate circumstances. Lucas, sent there as a spy to kill her, soon realizes that it won't be so easy, since he's quickly falling for the girl. Awww a forbidden love *dreamy sigh*. The romance is sweet and enticing, however it's not the central focus. Due to their unconventional situation, their relationship builds up slowly, even to the point where I wish there would have been more. But at the same time I found it was realistic and grew at a natural pace. In the end I felt very satisfied with it.

Exciting plot developments, a fairytale romance and fabulous characters - Fated gives us what we crave! If you enjoyed Hunting Lila, Sarah will charm you once again!

--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Sarah Alderson,

I think I might love you. Please don't ever stop writing!!!!

One of your biggest fans,
Mimi ♥


Gushing review to come! :)

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars!

This was... unexpected. The first half of the book started to remind me a lot of Twilight, which is a book that I personally didn't like much. But, the last few chapters were a saving grace that I'm hoping to read the second book very soon! Fated is about a young girl named Evie looking for the biggest escape of her life, dreaming of a better home and surroundings in New York City. She works and saving money helps her to think about her dreams of moving away grow more inside her mind. Things turn upside down however, when she finds herself trapped in the middle of a brawl between two sides of people: Hunters and Unhumans. There's a death price on Evie's head and day by day, her interactions with loved ones start to change as she doesn't know quite who to trust. Her connection towards a boy named Lucas is powerful but confusing. What Lucas has been sent to do however, is kill Evie and her line of hunters would end for good.

The main issue I had was the plotline felt a little predictable. Evie as a character did sometimes feel like she was whiny which I didn't enjoy seeing much in the novel. It was spooky and did end on a cliffhanger which gave a good set-up for book two. Had I read this when I was younger, I personally feel that I would have enjoyed it more. Good pacing, not the biggest fan of the romance.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, I really did.
You know how I liked ‘Hunting Lila’ and you might know that I like a lot Alderson's style – so don’t get me wrong, the characters are enjoyable and there is a lot of humor in this story, but for some reason it was just not enough.

At the beginning I thought this story would be perfect for me.
I liked Evie (what a nice name!). She was smart, sassy and she didn't let anyone walk all over her.
She was scared at first, finding about the other worlds around the one she knew, but still she managed to keep it together. I loved how she reacted at finding about all those creatures and how she didn’t want to be part of this madness, how she wanted to return to her normal life where monsters were not real and she wasn’t supposed to hunt them down.
The last couple of years were very difficult for her and she’s lost almost all the people she loved, still her optimism was contagious.

"Oh great." Evie threw her hands up in the air. "I'm an untrained demon hunter with only crap half-powers, suddenly expected to go all Buffy and save the world"

So now you might want to ask me “what was the problem then”?
Well… the male character, Lucas (as a side note I like this name a lot too) and the love story.

If the action was pretty good and the characters intriguing and surprising (more or less), I can’t say the same thing about the romantic side of it.



The big problem is that I don't like insta-love, not at all, not in a million years and definitely not in this book. I don't like how destiny makes it all so easy – one moment Evie wants to break his head (in fact punch him in the face.. with a baseball bat) and he wants to kill her (searching for revenge), the other moment all she does is think about him and he declares that he loves her (if you can love someone after only a few days in which you barely talk) - as the title says, it's all about fate, they are meant to be together and I just have to deal with it. *sigh*

"I'm not sure I fully understand it myself but I know that I love you and that something is pulling me towards you. Fate, destiny, whatever you want to call it"

From here it’s all about training, revelations and a bit of betrayal. Some actions don’t make much sense, some characters are switching sides without consequences, some things are not explained very well, but overall this is an enjoyable book.

Another problem was the evil guy.
Yes, that was a great twist into the story, but no, it didn’t work for me. It seemed forced  (and they could have been done with it once and for all), so I was a bit disappointed by their decision at the ending.

If you ask me if I'll read the next book in the series (supposing there will be another one), I think that I probably will. After getting done with the falling-in-love-in-an-instant thingy, I can see this story getting better.


This review can also be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com

____________________________________________

Blog (EN) | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Blog (RO)
____________________________________________


Graphics used: blue eyes, baseball girl, blue room

[Sofija · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh… A waste of time. Didn’t like it at all.

Where should I start? This book was supposed to be new Buffy.

Into every generation she is born: one girl in the entire world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Hunter.

See, just like Buffy. Evie even got a mentor, only instead of English accent he has French.
I am a huge fan of Buffy, and as a fan I know, that you cannot outdone Joss Whedon. And this book didn’t even come close.

It was a collection of everything bad that there is in a YA books.

Let’s count:

1.Instant love. Evie and Lucas had four conversations top throughout the book. And it was very very brief conversations. They don’t know anything about each other but they are already in love and will die for each other. At least Evie get to actually meet Lucas before the arrow of Amour got her, but Lucas felt in love when he saw her photograph!

2.Stalker tendencies. Yes, Lucas secretly watched her in her sleep. It’s like Edward is teaching some dating class and creepy sleep watch is the main thing in getting the girl. And Lucas also stalks her. Of course it is for her own “protection”. How did she managed to live 17 years without his constant supervision is a mystery.

3.Cheating ex. And of course he wants Evie back and of course there is jealousy both from the ex and from Lucas

4.Dead parents. Evie is orphan. Her parent died trying to protect her. But we couldn’t expect anything else, could we? But the author decided that is was not enough and therefore Lucas is also orphan. Guess why his parent’s died?

5.Super-duper special heroine. Yep, she alone have all the power, she alone can save the world, all prophesies is about her alone and she is humanity only hope. Well let me tell you, humanity is doomed.

If it not enough we don’t know anything personal about characters. What does Evie love to do in her free time? What her beliefs are? Her world views? What does she love to eat? What music does she listen? We don’t know anything beside how old she is, where she works and where she lives. The same thing with other characters. Not developed at all.

And Evie was a terrible main character. She was always gloomy and moody. She wasn’t a fighter. Every time she met challenges, she whined and became depressed and in the end just gave up. Plus she obviously had suicidal tendencies. But so did Lucas. Only he wanted to die for her and Evie just wanted to die because life was hard.

The only reason I didn’t quit reading it is because I am behind my reading challenge. Don’t waste your time; you will never get it back.

[Steph Sinclair]

Am I the only one to notice the blurb makes this book sound like Mortal Instruments?

[Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray and his team of fellow demonic misfits are sent on a mission to kill an untrainted, teenage demon hunter... well, it should be a piece of cake, right? Wrong. While Evie Tremain is saved by a Hunter named Victor, she still manages to put up an impressive fight against her enemies. But facing a group of monsters isn't the scariest part, despite that one of them has a wicked deadly tail. She's about to learn she's the last in a line of Hunter's who have fought for thousands of years against the Unhumans - a varied mix of shapeshifters, demons, vampires and every other creature that goes bump in the night. And they want to make our messed up mortal world their home. Evie may have survived that first attack, but that's just the catalyst to her life becoming all kids of crazy. Enter the new lodger at her house: Lucas Gray. Evie doesn't know he's part of the Brotherhood, an Unhuman. Since he's still half-human, Lucas is able to slip through the Hunter's watchful eyes. And grow closer to his prey. What he doesn't expect is for his prey to ensnare his heart before he can stake hers.

Evie is a fantastic protagonist. She may not be the best of the best as far as Hunters go (yet!), but the girl can kick ass. She stands up for herself and others in the face of danger, but that doesn't mean she's not totally unafraid. She puts on her tough face, but sometimes emotions slip through the cracks. Yet despite who she is and the dangerous world she's now apart of her, she's still so down-to-earth and likable. She'll make you laugh and force you to become invested in her journey, the good and the bad. Both as a Hunter-in-training and of course, the emotionally conflicting journey she goes through with a certain Unhuman.

Oh Lucas... *licks lip* You delicious piece of flesh and shadow. You can be my Warrior any hour of the day. Despite everything I said above about Evie, Sarah knows how to make you hate her protagonists (just a tiny bit). Because she makes even swoonier guys. Guys who get the girl. The girl who is not you. Yeah... Evie, darling? Maybe you should go visit that pretty mixen demon over there, I'm sure she'd love to chat with you. (But I still love you, Evie, honest!). I loved being able to read from Lucas's point of view aswell as Evie's, because it's important to see what's going on inside his head as he found himself growing to care for the girl he planned to kill. Love changes a person, sometimes it blinds them, but other times it makes them question their motives and everything they've been led to believe.

Lucas and Evie's relationship was a slow burn and I loved that she was very reluctant to even have that gorgeous hunk stay in her house. Moody, snappy and downright rude to him in the beginning, it made for highly amusing tension. Which eventually involved into tension of the sexual kind, building and building until it reached the point where neither could deny it anymore. So they did the only thing a young, sexually-charged Shadow Warrior and Demon Hunter can do; unleash their inner animals on each other. And oh, was that first kiss worth the wait!

Sarah's writing is so addictive. Fated brims with pulse-pounding action, compelling plot and steamy romance. She's going to become one of those authors who deliver knockout after knockout and it's going to get to the point where I won't have any choice but to kidnap her so can write me a never-ending stream of books. Because I need to see what will happen to Evie and Lucas next (and Alex and Lila). If you're unaware, patience is not my strong point. Whether you're new to the Awesomeness of Alderson or already a convert from Hunting Lila, Fated will hook you in the moment you open the book. Don't even try deny it, your love for this book is fated. And there's no messing with fate.

[~Tina~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun!
Fast paced, action packed and tons of energy. These characters were amazing and I loved how different the paranormal-twist was. Very cool stuff.
Evie and Lucas had some great moments, but I do wish the relationship was developed a tiny bit more then what it was.
But other then that, I loved this one. It's sharp and clever and I'm dying for a sequel. There is just no way it can end here. I need more!!!

[Braiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a good half hour wondering how I was going to write this. So I ended up thinking…and thinking…and thinking. But I just couldn’t find the words. Brodie said: “Fated will hook you in the moment you open the book.” That’s true! As for what Sarah Alderson said: “I hope you like it…” which was really in the style of, “I hope you like it but I know you won’t like it because there’s another steamy scene and steamy scenes don’t digest well with you because, clearly, you need to have that sort of pleasurable experience yourself (which is just as steamy as it is between Evie and Lucas).” I can’t help it if I haven’t been fated to be with someone, or have some guy or girl move into my house. Obviously I’m missing out on something because…I enjoyed this way more than Hunting Lila!

Evie Tremain is a wonderfully crafted character and protagonist, both in how she is and what she says. First the “how she is”: It takes Evie a long time to accept that she was born to be a Hunter, to hunt and slay demons—the Unhumans—that are after the Hunters just as much as they are after them. It wasn’t easy for her to accept the truths and to also bury the lies that she has been told—really not her whole life as she felt normal and thought her parents were her parents—but the truths and lies that had been revealed from that moment she was told she was a Hunter. It was difficult because her human life, her plans to escape her little Californian town, felt real, believable. She felt like they were finally happening…until that gang of Unhumans came and terrorised her, and set the wheels of Fate in motion with no way of stopping until the war between the Hunters and the Unhumans finally ends. She is strong yet vulnerable, her emotions able to squeeze through that chink in her defensive armour.

‘You are Evie Hunter,’ she said out loud to the shaky-looking girl in the mirror, the one who was trying to look a whole braver than she felt. It felt strange calling herself a Hunter. Hunters were killers – was that then bound to be their fate for always? Her fate? All because of a name? Because of who her parents were? [p.202]

But then you think about the humour and the sarcasm that comes out of the smart-mouth that Evie possesses: rather than symbolising her character and the way in which she can question things by “being” sarcastic, this jocular self of hers could quite possibly be a façade, a barrier, that assists her in hiding her feelings and emotions from ever really surfacing. Besides this deep-thinking and thought, what Evie says—or what jokes Sarah Alderson has conjured up—will keep that toothy smile/grin of yours glued in its place while you read the book (except at those moments where death is plentiful). Some of my favourite lines and sarcastic humour that should be in Evie Tremain’s Book of Sarcasm are:

‘Vampires?’ Evie smirked. Her head hit the leather cushion of the banquette behind her. ‘Are you trying to tell me that that was Edward Cullen outside? Because, you know, I thought he was supposed to be hotter than that. And a whole lot more romantic.’ [p.26]

And…

‘Oh great.’ Evie threw her hands up in the air. ‘I’m an untrained demon hunter with only crap half-powers, suddenly expected to go all Buffy and save the world.’ [p.62]

You get the drift. But it’s not only Evie that has the best lines in the book. Lucas has some great ones too, which though, are really only—strictly—said to his fellow Unhumans.

We also get Lucas’s point-of-view instead of only Evie’s, and because of this we are given a well-rounded story with thoughts and feelings from both characters. One that is a Hunter where we learn about the Hunters and is preyed on by the Unhumans, and the other, an Unhuman—Shadow Warrior to be precise—and we learn about the inner circle of The Brotherhood of Unhumans and which is hunted by the Hunters. It really is a dichotomy of all sorts. Knowing the thought processes that runs through Lucas’s head involved in the alteration of his goal in being an Unhuman and killing Evie to being himself and choosing to protect Evie. It gave for some great drama not only between Evie and Lucas but also between Lucas and his fellow Unhumans—Shula the Mixen demon, Caleb the Scorpio emon, Joshua the Thirster (vampire), Neena the Shapeshifter, Grace the Sybll (psychic), and Tristan their “boss”—and also even between Lucas and one of the other Hunters Jocelyn.

Even those characters above and the other Hunters that I have not mentioned are three-dimensional, and not one of them is there within the book doing absolutely nothing to cheat the system—in Sarah’s mind—to stay alive and out of trouble. They all have a reason to be involved.

Sarah’s writing is believable and rich. And the plot throughout the book just gets thicker and thicker full of action, mysteries, truths, lies, and betrayals. It is great to see someone stray away from the endless numbers of first person young adult novels and setting her own prose apart from the rest. I have been influenced to continue to use third person as its better in order to fully examine every character’s worth and vulnerabilities. I’m looking forward to what Sarah delivers next as I’m sure they will just keep getting better and better as her writing, characters and stories flourish into beauties needed to be read. Even that erotica she’s writing I’d be interested in.

The sequels to Fated are currently for the moment titled Severed and Shadowed. Anyone for a petition to get them out now? Anyone?

If you want to find out more about Fated go and watch Sarah Alderson talk about it in the video for the Aussie Blog Tour of Fated

[Sarah (saz101) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excitement! Action! Gorgeous boys and obscure prophesies! Add to that a kickass heroine, and Sarah Alderson’s Fated has it all.

Seventeen year old Evie Tremain is a waitress in a backwater diner, and she’s just trying to make it through the day... so she can make it through the week, the month, the end of school, and get the hell out of the town she grew up in. The town that has grown way, way too small. Meanwhile, Lucas—half human, half Unhuman Shadow Warrior—knows nothing but revenge. Hunters killed his family... and Evie Tremain is his next target.

Evie doesn’t know she’s a Hunter, the last in the line of hundreds of generations of demon slayers. She doesn’t know the life she wants to escape from could never last, even if she wanted it to. But when she’s attacked in the alley behind the diner by a girl with green skin and a boy with a tail, Evie’s plunged into a world she never knew existed and embroiled in a millennia-old war... the outcome of which rests firmly on her shoulders. Now Evie’s training to kill Unhumans—beings from another dimension... and she has to deal with the new boarder at her house... a beautiful boy named Lucas.

Evie! Evie! Evie Let’s Her Hair Down... After Losing An EAR:
Training to be a kickass hunter is tough.
After her father’s death, a year ago, Evie became numb, an icy, crystalline shell enveloping her heart. She didn’t think anything could hurt her anymore. Months later, her best friend is killed. The pain and the betrayals stack up and now she’s just angry. It’s this anger, coupled with the fact that she’s so jaded, that makes Evie so fun to read. She’s never without a smartass retort, and her anger drives her. She takes nothing lying down, and she’s tough. Watching her come into her own, and discover her own strength—both the physical and inner kinds--is a journey I'm so glad to have witnessed.. One of the things I loved most about Evie—and Lucas—is that they ask questions: Of themselves, of each other, of the people around them. And they ask the right questions. I love smart heroes.

I don’t know if anyone’s a Buffy fan, but I got serious Buffy vibes from Fated. Which I LOVED. From Evie’s cheerleading history and smart-mouthed sass, to her reluctant acceptance of a destiny thrust upon her and a world filled with monsters she has to fight, I loved this side of Fated. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Chosen One. Meet Evie Tremain. She even has a stake.

Fated is an emotionally intense journey for Evie, and I felt her pain throughout it. When the icy numbness she’d shed begins to creep back in, I felt her emptiness. She has to make tough choices, but when she finally makes her own choices I was so damn proud of her.

Romeo:
Fated is told in dual narrative: Evie’s and Lucas’s. While we definitely see more of Evie (who I loved), I loved being in Lucas’ head. Equally as broken and tortured as Evie, Lucas turns up to assassinate Evie... but finds he can’t. He’s drawn to her instantly, and finds himself torn between his oath to The Brotherhood—the Hunter-killing organisation he belongs to—vengeance for his parent’s deaths, and protecting this strange, fierce girl. There’s a Romeo & Juliet vibe going on with this pair, which I loved. The two are drawn to one another by forces almost outside of their control. And Lucas? *sighs* Another swoon-worthy male lead. Fierce, gorgeous, tortured... we watch him grow into himself, choose his own path and discover something worth living—really living—and dying for again.

Cloaks and Daggers... and Tails:
I love the world Alderson’s created in Fated. The history of conflict, the six other realms, the acid-skinned Mixen demons and razor-tailed Scorpios. The whole history of the Hunters. While we get only sketchy details—the conflict is mainly centred on Evie and Lucas in the here and now—we get teasing glimpses into a far larger world. There’s a large cast of secondary characters for a 300-page book, but they’re fascinating. They add layers and depth to the world, and repeatedly surprised me by revealing sides and agendas I didn’t know were there. Not everyone is what they seem.

The Verdict:
Smart, fast-paced and relentlessly entertaining, Fated delivered everything I want from a book and more. From the sharp, witty dialogue and kickass action, to the bone-melting romance and long awaited kiss, Fated never failed to keep me enthralled. I fell in love along with Evie and Lucas, and, while there’s nothing certain at this point in time, I’m hoping for a sequel. Sarah Alderson provides a satisfying conclusion to Fated, but with a prophecy to fulfil, destinies to claim, and foes left undefeated, Fated holds all the keys to a fantastic series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is just a normal waitress, desperately saving money so she can leave her small town behind and move to New York. That is until she comes under attack from a group of demons (or Unhumans as they prefer to be known). Now she is thrown into the supernatural world, discovering she is the last born Hunter (or demon slayer) and it is her job to protect humanity. Lucas is half human and half Shadow Warrior and he works as an assassin for the Brotherhood (the Unhuman assassins who are set on destroying the Hunters). His latest job is to kill Evie but can he actually go through with it?

Sarah Alderson's debut Hunting Lila was one of my favourite books of the 2011 so although I'm desperate to get my hands on the sequel Losing Lila I was just as excited to read her stand alone novel Fated. I'm going to say it right now - I wasn't disappointed! In fact I think I liked Fated even more which really is saying something! As with Hunting Lila the action in Fated starts on the first page and is pretty much non-stop until the end making it a gripping read.

I loved the world building, Sarah has created a great selection of different types of Unhumans (or demons) that I enjoyed learning about. I'm also curious to learn more about the Hunters and their history. What I liked most is that you get to see things from both Evie and Lucas' points of view so you get to know the characters on each side of the war. It soon becomes clear that neither side is purely good or evil, there is definitely a mixture of good and bad on both human and unhuman sides so it's hard to know which team you should be routing for. You get the feeling that the two sides have spent so many years at war that neither of them really knows why they started fighting in the first place.

Evie is a great main character, she is thrust into the whole supernatural world with a sharp shock when she is attacked and although she takes time to adjust to this new world she doesn't just sit around complaining. She also doesn't just blindly trust what other people tell her, she is determined to do some investigating of her own and make sure she finds out the real truth. If you loved Alex from Hunting Lila you'll love Lucas just as much but in a different way. Lucas is just as protective as Alex was but has more of a bad boy vibe going for him (don't you just love a bad boy?!), the only thing that was missing was a motorbike lol. I loved the way things build up slowly between Evie and Lucas, there is instant lust but not instant love so their connection is much more believable. The tension between the two of them is very well written and although you're made to wait a long time for the kissing scene it is well worth the wait! Yes, I do have a new book crush in Lucas!

Although the story doesn't end on a major cliffhanger there is definitely room for this to be the first installment of a series. When I asked the author she confirmed that she has actually already written a further two stories about these characters but they haven't been contracted yet. I for one am praying that they get picked up by a publisher because I desperately want to know what happens next with Lucas and Evie! My only complaint with Fated is that I wanted more, Sarah Alderson could have doubled the page count and I'd have been happy. If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed paranormal story with a fantastic romance then you need this book. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the author's next book, Losing Lila, it's definitely at the top of my wish list.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5:

"It was you that taught me I could choose," he said softly, so softly she had to lean into him to hear better. "That I could choose who I was and who I wanted to be. I would die for you, Evie Tremain, because I love you."

Sarah Alderson had me hooked with her first novel Hunting Lila and now Fated has left me knowing that only good things can come from this author. Fated was a whirl-wind of excitement which was dangerous, thrilling and full of romance with action packed scenes and awesome characters. This novel is a must read for 2012!

Fated is told in a third person narrative which follows the lives of Evie and Lucas. Evie is a young waitress who is trying to get out of her small home town so she can move to New York. While working one night, Evie is thrown into an extremely dangerous situation where she soon finds out that she is a Demon Slayer. Not only that, but she is the last in her families line….and soon becomes the number one target for the Brotherhood.

Lucas is a member of the Brotherhood determined to get revenge on his parent’s killers. When Evie becomes his next target, Lucas does the one thing he never expected..…he starts to fall for her and is soon left with no choice but to chose between her and the Brotherhood.

Where do I start with Fated? Well, I just knew this was going to be awesome even before I read it and you know what, I’m 100% right…..and Sarah Alderson doesn’t let us down one little bit. It was very easy to step into Evie and Lucas’s world because they are so imaginable. Sometimes I feel that authors can get swept up in telling us too many details to start with but no, there is no room in this book to be confused because it’s just easy to follow and I LOVED IT!

Our characters were fantastic, very likable and yes of course Lucas….what a babe! The attraction between them is intense because even though they fight it, it’s so completely obvious. There is so much heat being thrown around that I was sitting on the edge of my seat dying for something to happen and when it does….WOW….it was absolutely perfect. I loved the whole forbidden romance and I just want more. I do however wish that this book was told from a first person’s narrative rather than a third person narrative. I just enjoy a first person’s narrative more but nonetheless, this novel was still awesome.

After finishing this novel I was speaking with the author who told me it’s currently a stand alone novel. OMG!!! Nooooo this can not happen. I want more! I need more! I believe there are so many different avenues that the story can go and although Sarah finished up Fated really nice, I still want more. I’m not ready to leave these awesome characters behind and I’m hoping Simon and Schuster pick up more books.

Overall, Sarah Alderson is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and if you haven’t read any of her books yet…please do it! Read them, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Alderson strikes again! With a new heart-pounding adventure, Alderson has amazed me yet again with her brilliant story-telling and fantastic writing. Fated is definitely a book all paranormal lovers out there should look out for!

You know, I’m incredibly impressed with the paranormal creatures Alderson has created in Fated. There’s an organisation called the Brotherhood, comprising of different types of demon assassins, or Unhumans; there are vampires, shapeshifters , MIXENS (who have acid on their skin *shudders*), Scorpio Demons and Shadow Warriors. Then of course, there are the "good guys".Those who kill demons, are called Hunters; and there’s been a century-long war between the Unhumans and Hunters. Lucas is half-human and half-Shadow Warrior, and Evie, is the last full-blooded descendent of the Hunters. I won’t spoil the plot for you, but I’m sure you all have an inkling of what’s about to happen…

Evie is one hell of an insanely awesome, kick-ass protagonist! She’s level-headed, determined and the girl does not back down without a fight. Seriously, she’s plain amazing. Plus, she says the most hilarious things; check out her snarky Twilight comment:

“Are you trying to tell me that was Edward Cullen outside? Because you know, I thought he was supposed to be hotter than that. And a whole lot more romantic.”

Tell me you don’t like her after that. I dare you.

And wow, Alderson knows how to write sexy, badass , drool-worthy guys – LUCAS. (And just to be clear, I am NOT sharing him with ANYONE. Trust me, you do not want to mess with me; I fight dirty :D Just sayin’) Why, Why, WHY is he so perfect? The guy is willing to sacrifice himself ( and I mean literally die) for the girl he loves. *sigh* So, my question: Why don’t guys like Lucas exist in real life?

With a fantastic storyline, incredible characters, and might I add, very imaginative creatures, Sarah Alderson has delivered yet another spectacular novel for her readers to enjoy. Impeccably written, in addition to a sizzling hot romance, Fated is sure to impress! I’ve had my share of spontaneous outbursts of laughter and near the end, an out-of-the-blue ‘YES! FINALLY!’. Anyway, guys, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS. You won’t regret it!

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rough start to the series, Evie discovers she is a Hunter/from a long line of Hunters and meets Lucas (a half shadow warrior and half human unbeknownst to her). The romance was very insta, love at first sight kind of thing. Super weird but it works since it’s such a short book (nice touch with the cheating jealous ex boyfriend to speed up Lucas’ realisation lol). Training/fighting scenes were OK, I understand she didn’t really want her “destiny” so there weren’t any badass fighting/training scenes so I’m holding out for the next book and am excited to see where the story takes them in the next book!

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this whole book was as good as the last 100 pages, I would be a happy camper. Alas, it wasn't.

The beginning really dragged for me. It took way too long to get into the obvious story. From early on, you could tell what was going to happen... Evie was going to fall for Lucas and he was going to fall for her. It took 200 pages for this to happen and we only get one somewhat steamy scene?!!?!? Seriously?!?!?! All that build up for one stinking scene?!!?!?! AHHHH!!!!

Anywho: Spoilers ahead

A very brief summary:
We get to know Evie at a tough time emotionally. She has just lost her bestfriend Anna, who was in the car with her supposed boyfriend Tom (yep, they were having a 1 time fling). Evie is irrate with Tom. She is just angry. Out of the blue a new farmhand comes into town and will be lodging with Evie and her Mom. Lucas is apparantly drop-dead gorgeous. He is also a Shadow Warrior, a member of The Brotherhood who just happen to have sent him to kill Evie. Yep. But, he is drawn to her and keeps helping her and saving her. He battles himself daily. Evie has also just found out her family legacy- she is to become a Hunter. And guess what she's "hunting"??? You know it, members of The Brotherhood. She knows they are after her. She is learning to fight them. But, yet one is living under her roof and she has no clue.

What do you think is going to happen? Is Lucas going to kill her. Is he going to betray her? Or is he her saving grace?




That flipping ending!!!! Ugh. 300 pages read and I'm still left on somewhat of a cliff-hanger! AHHHH!

3 stars

If you can plow through the beginning and get to the last 200 pages it's worth it. For some reason I feel like there is more to this story. There is no indication that this is a series, but if there is a book #2 I would read it.


Bottomline: I'm not just jumping up and down excited over this one, but I don't hate it either. I am feeling a little higher than a "Meh" moment.

Recommend this for Twilight fans looking for something to sink into not too far out of that comfort zone. Or for someone looking for a Light, clean supernatural experience.


Thanks Tina for letting me read this!

[Reynita ★ The Night Reader ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just finished this book few hours ago,and i dont know what to say...
THIS BOOK DESERVES 5 STARS
THIS BOOK IS REALLY WORTH MY TIMES AND MY DAYS

rounded down to 4 stars

[Jessica (Goldenfurpro) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd

MY THOUGHTS
Sigh. Lately, I've been feeling burned out by the ebooks on my 2012 shelf. I was hoping this one would break that, and for a bit it seemed like it would, but it just fell into so many different tropes.

Evie wants nothing more than to escape her small town and move to New York. She's been working multiple jobs trying to make enough money to leave, but one day after work she is attacked by strange creatures. They look sort of human, but it turns out they are the Unhuman, demons, and Evie is a Hunter. A Hunter is meant to hunt the demons, but Evie did not sign up for this life. She doesn't want to kill, but the Unhuman want her dead and she has to learn to protect herself. Lucas is half human, half Unhuman and is meant to kill Evie. He grows close to her, with the intention to learn Hunter secrets and betray her, but why is he protecting her?

There were interesting parts to this book and for a little while it felt like the book was giving a new spin on the demon hunter trope. There were new creatures and lore, but then there was no world-building really behind that. What started out feeling new turned into tired YA tropes. Both Evie and Lucas are orphans. Evie has one adopted parent still living, but she might as well not be in the book. Evie is the chosen one. There's a prophecy. It's just, I've read books like this before.

There just really wasn't any real development to the characters. It's almost like the book begins and the characters hadn't existed before. Sure, they both have tragic backstories, but a person is more than that. Evie is supposed to be seventeen (I think?) but there's barely any mention of school. I know that this is supposedly during the summer, but she also did not act like a seventeen-year-old. And why does she really want to go to New York? She's escaping her small town, but why New York? What does she expect to do there? There were other characters in the book that I really wanted to know more about. I already mentioned the mom, but I also really didn't get enough background information on the dynamic between those in the Brotherhood. And Risper, a Hunter a few years older than Evie with a strange hatred for her, was a super interesting character. She hardly got any time but I really wanted to know her backstory! Why couldn't she be the main character?

The romance was what really made me lose enjoyment in this book. 2012 wasn't that long ago but back then every YA book seemed to need romance. I'm not usually a big fan of romance in books because it's so easy to screw up and because, as someone who never wants to be in a romantic relationship, I sometimes want to see books where there is none. Lately, there are so many YA books without romance or if there is, there are less that rely on tropes. So, reading this book was disappointing. There was no build whatsoever for the romance. Yes, they start out kind of hating each other, but it was clear from the get-go that they were going to fall for each other. There is no given reason for why they fall in love! They just do! Lucas could've been a really interesting character, but he turns out to be a stereotypical love interest. He's superhot, so hot that all of the girls immediately get crushes on him and stare at him. The girls will glare at any other girls who talk to him because how dare they talk to the hot guy! UGH! Why do I see this sexist crap in books still? GIRLS DON'T ACT LIKE THIS! Lucas also stalks Evie, even spying on her when she is in her undies. Just what you want in a boyfriend.

MY THOUGHTS
I sound really angry, but I'm really just tired. I'm tired of seeing these cliches and this book honestly started out decently, but by the end I really didn't care what happened. I'm not going to continue the series, but I won't let this deter me from reading other books by Sarah Alderson.

[Eunice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4 stars

The first novel I've read of Sarah Alderson was Hunting Lila and I enjoyed it so much. I was really amazed on how she wrote the story and she instantly became one of my favorite authors then. So when I read a featured excerpt of Fated by the end of Hunting Lila I was instantly hooked up. I had it on my to-read list right away and had become one of my most anticipated reads for 2012. And finally I've read it! Although I did notice some flaws in this book I still find this really gorgeous. With all its awesome characters, exciting twists, and unique paranormal plot I really did have a lot of fun reading this!!

This was written in third person, narrating both Evie and Lucas point of views. I really loved reading a book in multiple POV. Having both perspective made it easier to connect with them and understand the situation. I adore Evie. She could be really whinny and naive at times and sometimes it could be really annoying but with all she'd been through I think it was pretty understandable. She still was a kick ass heroine. Although she had not known the truth about her family until she was attacked by the Unhumans and nearly died, she was able to handle and accept it boldly. She's strong, determined and wasn't afraid to say things and her thoughts.

Well, Lucas, from the first time you heard his thoughts you would instantly know he was different. He was nothing like the Unhuman he was supposed to be. The way he thinks and acts - when he first time he saw the picture of Evie, when he realized what he feels and want to do, when he became so determined on protecting Evie, when he was so willing to sacrifice himself - you would really fall hard for him (though I must say I fell harder for Alex in Hunting Lila). And aside from that, of course he was a total mind candy. He was absolutely hot and drool worthy.

I loved how Lucas and Evie's relationship developed. It wasn't at all an insta-love but there was an insta-attraction that both characters tried to fight and rationalize the first time they felt it and until they can't keep it anymore. We weren't rewarded with a kiss scene right away but when it came... oh boy was it steaming hot!

The paranormal plot here was also interesting. The Unhumans (demons) were Lucas belongs were creatures from other realms - scorpio demons, mixen, thirsters, psych, shapeshifters and shadow warriors - which I really enjoyed learning about. The Hunters, were Evie belongs were the one who hunt and kill the Unhumans preventing them to spread out and take over the human realm. There wasn't really a good and bad side here. I kinda figured that out during the last parts. Both sides have their own wrong and incorrect ways. So were left not to side with anyone but only to Evie who made a choice to stop it - not siding with anyone and not as a Hunter.

One thing I so noticed Anderson was so good about was writing an action scene. She did it in Hunting Lila that I seriously felt like I was watching and action-packed movie. The whole time I was tensed and excited. And she did it here again. The way she wrote it would make you imagine it so vividly and you'll absolutely be engrossed.

Alright, you might wonder why I gave it a rating like 3.75 leaning to 4 when all I've said about it were positive. I was actually a little torn. As I have said earlier I think there were little flaws I noticed in this book. Well, maybe it was just me but there were parts that I think were pretty obvious that Evie should have figured it out already or at least doubted it. But she didn't and she was like really clueless. And also the when Lucas told Jocelyn how he felt for Evie and that he would betray the brotherhood for her, Jocelyn believed him right away, which I think was pretty fast since she was a hunter. Yet when Evie thought Lucas betrayed her Jocelyn didn't defend him. I guess they had a deal since Lucas believed that Evie should hold on to anger than on numbness and with that she'll continue to fight. I was a little confused though before realizing that. but the entirety of the book was really good that I can over see those little flaws and still love the book.

Overall, this was a really fun and thrilling read! Anderson did a really good job again. This was a lot different from Hunting Lila but Anderson's captivating writing stayed the same and still as good as in Hunting Lila. Looking forward for the next book and more books from this great author. ^^

This review is also posted at Book Overdose

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Anderson has done it again. 'Fated' is her 2nd book published, the 1st one in a series that so many readers, including me, are eagerly looking forward to.

I don't know where to start. I'm not good at writing reviews, mainly because I tend to fangirl a lot, and because in my life I only review books that have touched my heart. This one did it. 'Fated' is one action-packed book. As soon as I started reading, I knew I was in for the game.

Evie is a waitress who's working her ass off so she can leave her small town behind and move to New York. As soon as the book starts, she comes under an attack from a group of demons (Unhumans). She discovers she is the last Hunter whose job is to protect human kind. Lucas is half human-half Shadow Warrior. He is part of the Brotherhood, a group of Unhumans sent to destroy all Hunters in the world. Their latest mission is to kill Evie at all cost, but Lucas finds himself failing at this job ever since he set his eyes on Evie. He is falling in love with his enemy: Evie.

Just like it happened with 'Hunting Lila', I felt like I've returned from a training camp after reading 'Fated'. This story has action written all over the pages. And it's awesome! Sarah Alderson knows how to write action scenes. She doesn't just throw it at us, but made us feel every move and kick as if we were the ones making them. She's really good at writing these scenes, it makes me wonder if she were a fighter in her previous life. Or if she only watched so many karate kids movies in the past. Whichever it is, she delivers these scenes well. ;)

The other thing the book doesn't lack is: romance. *sighs* The romance in this book was powerful. It doesn't start right away. When Evie and Lucas meet, sparks fly. Even though they're attracted to each other, they won't act upon these feelings because Evie doesn't want to trust as easily as she did before and because Lucas is set to kill her, not to fall in love with her. They start spending time together. They develop something stronger than just an attraction as days go by. And soon, they find themselves in love with each other.

Evie and Lucas were so much fun to read. I loved that we get to know what the two main characters are thinking and feeling. There was just so much raw emotions, confliction, feelings. *sighs* Their story felt truly alive to me. There was one scene that made my cry. Yes. I teared up in one scene because it was filled with intense emotions, I couldn't hold it back anymore. And for that, for making me cry, Sarah Alderson is at the top of my favorite authors. I've read hundreds of books, hundreds of authors, but only two have managed to touch my heart: One of them being Richelle Mead and the other one is Sarah Alderson. :) I don't know if this'll make her happy or scared because I fangirl a lot over the books I love and the authors I adore. Hehe.

The rest of the characters are as fun to read as our two protagonists. There was one character I hated with so much passion. GAH! This is another proof of how awesome Ms. Alderson is. She gives life to her characters. ^^

Should you read this book?: DEFINITELY. Should you pursue others to read it?: Do. Not. Hold. Back and do it! ;)

PS: There is this one kiss scene that I gave it a 10 out of 10 points. I called this the 'Powerful kiss' scene. ;)

PSS: This copy of 'Fated' was given to me by the very own Sarah Alderson, who sent it along with some post-it notes and some hand writing notes in the acknowledgements part that I loved. :) Thanks you, Sarah! ^^

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to win Fated through the You Give=We Give campaign, as well as Alderson's debut novel Hunting Lila published in 2011 which has gained a lot of praise.

Fated is a blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance aimed at a young adult audience. Seventeen year old Evie Tremain dreams of moving to New York and escaping the reminders of her tragic losses. Her plan is ruined when she discovers she is the last pure blood Hunter of the hidden Unhuman races that threaten to overrun the Earth. Thrown into a life of danger, secrets and deception, Evie must to learn to fight to survive.
Half Unhuman Shadow Warrior, Lucas, has sworn to avenge his parents murder and destroy the Hunters but for reasons he cannot explain he is compelled to protect Evie from his own allies, even at the cost of his own life. For Evie and Lucas to survive, the pair must find a way to defeat their enemies and fulfill the prophecy of the 'White Light'.

There is plenty of action in Alderson's first installment of the Fated series. She introduces her characters, mythology and world with a pitched battle between a shocked Evie and a group of nightmarish creatures including a green skinned Mixen, blood crazed Thirster and Scorpio Demon. The Brotherhood are members of a hidden race known as Unhuman by the Hunters that are the guardians of the human realm.
When Evie escapes their attack her history is revealed to her by Victor who intends to train her to join the fight for good against evil. Both Evie's training and continued skirmishes between the Hunters and Unhuman provide action through out the novel culminating in a battle finale that not everyone survives.
The world Anderson is building is interesting - a mix of accepted and original mythology with a touch of SciFi about it. The author gives just enough detail without bogging down the story with set up.
The title not only relates to Evie's prophesied destiny but also the nature of the romance that develops between Evie and Lucas. I am not really a fan of insta-love, particularly when the couple have good reasons to be enemies. What is lacking for me here, is a solid reason for the inexplicable devotion between the two teens, attraction based on the physical I can buy but being willing to die for each other within days or even weeks of meeting, not so much. Perhaps there is one hiding in the parts of the prophecy that have been lost (presumably to be found further on in the series) but I would have preferred that Anderson have allowed the relationship to simmer into the next book than force the immediate love connection when Lucas's desire to end the war would have been believable as enough motivation.

I thought the writing was of a high standard, and the story fast paced and exciting. Fated is an entertaining novel with a mix of action and romance that is sure to appeal to young adult readers.

[Sam (FallingBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Fast paced and action packed.

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it.

When I saw Fated I was immediately curious. There has been many great things said about Sarah Alderson and I wanted to read one of her books to see what everyone loves about her. As soon as I read the first chapter, I couldn't put it down. The book just got better and better. There was action, boy problems, forbidden romances, strong characters and a great plot. Sarah dragged me into her world of paranormal creatures and locked me there.

Evie, the main character, was full of determination and blossoming beauty. She refused to fall in love with the boy who was living in her spare bedroom, and, damn, that takes a lot self-control since that boy is the most gorgeous boy she's ever seen. Lucas *Girls start screaming and grannies start fainting* was one of my favourite characters. Why? You all ask. It's because he is irreversibly hot with a smile that will knock you off your feet. He has secrets and emotions that he keeps locked up inside of him, but can Evie set them free? Of course she can! Blue eyes and dark brown hair. Lucky girl, many women would kill for that kind of that combonation. I loved the chemistry between the two, sure, it was tense at times but I could see that something beautiful was forming!

We even see a Twilight joke!
“Are you trying to tell me that was Edward Cullen outside? Because you know, I thought he was supposed to be hotter than that. And a whole lot more romantic.”

Fated was a brilliant read which made my heart pound against my ribs. It was full of great scenes, they were all described really well, I had a really clear picture of the action in my head. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a paranormal read before they go to bed.

[Samantha (A Dream of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Fated' is an incredible action-packed ride which was so deliciously good that it definitely left me wanting more. It opens with a shocking prologue which really grabbed my attention from the very first opening sentence. This led onto a couple of explosive chapters which set the pace for a story which was tense, gripping and exciting.

Sarah Alderson has created an incredible cast of characters. I was immediately intrigued by the Brotherhood who are made up of a number of demons or Unhumans including a Mixen whose skin is poisonous to the touch, Thirsters who drink human blood, shape-shifters and Scorpio demons. There's also the mysterious and enigmatic Lucas Gray, who is half-human and half Shadow Warrior. I enjoyed discovering more about the history of the battle between the Hunters and the Unhumans and I shared Evie's amazement about a whole world she never even knew existed.

Evie, as the main protagonist, is the last purebred Hunter on earth. She's a brilliant heroine because she's headstrong and determined and although she's lived the majority of her life ignorant of her true heritage, she's ready when it really matters to face up to what she has to do. The Brotherhood want to kill her before she can fulfil a prophecy which they believe to be about her. Lucas thinks that he is the only one who can get close enough to her to kill her but as he gets to know the real Evie his feelings about her start to change.

My absolute favourite thing about this book was the romance between Evie and Lucas, the latter whom I fell for hook, line and sinker. The development of their romance is slow-building and simmers away throughout the majority of the story, the tension building to an epic and extremely hot first kiss which will enable you to practically feel the steam coming off the pages! Although their love is forbidden and there are a whole host of barriers between them, there are so many sparks whenever they're in the same room together that you feel they could overcome anything to be with each other.

Sarah Alderson really can do no wrong following her stunning debut 'Hunting Lila'. Although she's taken a change of direction in 'Fated', she's created a story which will stay with you long after the final page and which will leave you begging for more. If you're a fan of the paranormal romance genre then grab this one now and if you've yet to discover Sarah's books then you're missing out on a very special author who will quite literally blow you away with her talented and incredible writing.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated should firmly go in the "must read" category of 2012 with it's driving plot, compelling characters and abundance of action I loved every single freaking minute of it.

Evie Tremain is desperate to get out of her small town, she works two jobs so that she can get to New York and start her life over after losing her father and best friend in a relatively short space of time. However, the course of Evie's life changes dramatically one night after work when she finds herself under attack from a group of demon assassins. Evie has always been naturally faster, her reflexes much sharper because as Evie is about to find out, she is the last in a long line of hunters or demon slayers and Evie is now the number one target of the Brotherhood, a group of Unhumans who have been at war with the hunters for the last thousand years.

Lucas is half human, half Shadow Warrior and fully paid up member of the Brotherhood who has been sent to spy on Evie and ultimately kill her before she fulfils her prophecy, but as he gets to know the real Evie can he actually go through with killing her?

Part of what made this book an amazing read was the fantastic main characters. Evie is a strong willed, independent, natural ass kicker but she also has a really vulnerable side and my heart literally ached for her as she tries to comes to terms not only with her hunter heritage but that she is being hunted by the Brotherhood and as a result, a normal life with a husband and kids is no longer an option for her and she has no say in the matter. And Lucas... what can I say about gorgeous, swoon worthy Lucas? He's the kind of male character that takes your breath away. He arrives all set for revenge but ends up conflicted about his role in the Brotherhood (kill all hunter's and ask no questions) and the feelings he eventually has for Evie that he never expected. So when he eventually breaks out that protective side I was completely a goner! A new book boyfriend? I think so.

Overall, Fated is definitely the kind of book you should be buying with your Christmas vouchers on January the fifth!  It's fast paced with tonnes of action and a delicious romance. I'm really hoping Sarah Alderson has a sequel planned as I desperately want to know what's in store for these characters. A must read for 2012.

[Ferdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - Spoilers

YA/UF revolving around teenagers Evie and Lucas, both take turns narrating.
Seventeen year old Evie is nursing a broken heart, grieving over her dead best friend and father, missing her ex boyfriend and bitter about her ex cheating on her with her best friend. So yea, like all YA heroines, she's 'deep' because she has problems.
Lucas is part of a brotherhood of unhumans (demons), he's half human and half shadow warrior — he's able to disappear into shadows and travel through them. The brotherhood have been at war with Hunters - humans who are trained from an early age to kill unhumans — for centuries. Lucas and co are sent to kill Evie, who unbeknownst to her is a hunter.
Evie is thrown into the century long war when she's attacked by the brotherhood, she's saved by a mysterious man called Victor. Victor informs Evie of her true identity — that she's a speshul snowflake with a speshul snowflake destiny.
Lucas manages to bulldoze his was into Evie's life by renting a room from her mum, for some reason instead of killing her when he has the opportunity he falls in wuv her.
Naturally, Evie was reluctant at first to embrace her calling, but after some convincing and cheesy lines about fate and bravery and shit, she goes for it and turns out to be the bestest Hunter that ever was.
Evie was angry and resentful for the majority of the book, it got pretty annoying but I guess I could understand why she was such a bitch considering her best friend and boyfriend were having an affair behind her back.
Lucas was like every other YA love interest — good looking, older, more experienced, powerful, mysterious and tortured by a past event… so nothing new.
Lucas and Evie's romance didn't feel overly rushed even though it did develop over a week or two..Like most romances I found it hard to see why they fell for each other in the first place. To be honest, their relationship wasn't too bad — it wasn't great but I've read worse.
It was predictable in places, the characters were the same old cliches and the romance was so so but even with it's faults, I still quite enjoyed it.

[Isamlq · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Sarah Alderson has a knack for stories of this kind. And by stories of this kind, I mean those that pair up unlikely people together in a story that if not mystery-filled then with some pretty interesting twists in them. Plus the action, when there was some, went non-stop. Plus have I mentioned how hot most of them seem to be? Definitely, no wilting wall flowers here or scrawny barely there boys either. And sure I wasn’t blown away by her Hunting Lila, yet I surprise myself yet again, because despite FATED not being that different in theme from the former, it wasn’t bad at all. It read like an action movie, which was just what I was in the mood for; in fact, I rather enjoyed most of it.

It’s a quick trip through a world split, filled with people with their own intentions. Now don’t read that deeply into any of them - the story and the people do have flaws, but if you can take an alpha type who’s taken to a loner type. Having them fall for each other despite the numerous reasons for the same not to do so well this is the one for you. And it was for me, this time around, at least.

I could forgive Evie’s Dru-esque (from the Strange Angels 2 through 4) impersonation somewhere in the middle of the book. Because if at first, she’s tough and prickly, and all gung ho about going with the program, her falling into slumps of ‘don’t expect me to be happy’ were points that made the most sense in this book. And I was all yes, I feel what your saying girl when she fell in those moments. Yet it was one step forward and two back for her with me because when Tom was in the picture, well I was scratching my head.

Then take Lucas. Oh, please do take Lucas, who - pardon my being extremely superficial – read hot, hot, hot. If at first, he was pretty standard in being one of the best at what he did and being motivated by past pain then doing what needed be, the turn in events in his department while not a surprise (at all) still felt inexplicable. Because, yes, in this one is yet another ‘I love you and shall die for you’ tale. It’s still fun though.

[Avon Bernabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Another great book of Sarah Alderson. She once again created a very new and interesting world in the paranormal scene. She really is a great author.

I love this book just as much I love Hunting Lila. I cant even choose between Lucas and Alex! #DamnHotBoys

But going back to this book, there's so much potential in here. This book couldn't be a standalone. It just can't be. There are still many things to happen and anyone who have read/will read this would agree with me. There are still so many things to happen and we can't wait for those things!

What I really loved about this book the most, besides from Evie and Lucas' romance, is the too many revelations and turn of events. Those things are what I really like in a book and Fated never failed to give me lots of it. Just great. And also, you will not get bored reading this because it's so fast paced and exciting. You might wanna grip your chair for support. There was really a part wherein you can't handle the hotness. LOL. But I would shut up and stop right there :D

Anyway, I can't say anything decent right now. All I know is I would support this if ever (and hopefully it does!) becomes a series.

As always, KUDOS SARAH! You never fail to amaze me :)

[Noe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was honestly not as good as I thought it would be. I generally really enjoy Sarah Alderson's books, by this one just wasn't for me. It didn't seem like neither the characters nor the world they lived in were developed fully. The plot was very predictable and sorta cheesy. 2 stars because this book wasn't horrible and just left me with a "meh" feeling.

My recommendation is to read Sarah Alderson's other books. Those are great; this one, not so much.

[Chelsea Moreen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Insta-love alert :/

[Gonzalezgkurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is very captivating