Anarchic Destiny

Naturae #2

by Jan Foster

Family should be loyal – at least that’s what Fae Queen Aioffe and Joshua thought - but when one returns from the dead, he brings chaos to Naturae. In England, Edward VI has died leaving Henry Fitzroy, a forgotten heir and his bastard vampire brother, with the destiny he was promised in tatters.
A witch’s prophecy goes unheeded, and Joshua and Aioffe struggle to keep control of shifting allegiances, disruptive visitors and threats from the wider realm.

The price of an heir to bring them, and their Queendom, back together is a sacrifice… their marriage or their loyalty.
Denied his crown and place in the human world, Henry sets his sights on claiming what was due to him, even if that means hurting everyone who was loyal to him before.
Chaos will reign…

★★★★★Book 2 of the Naturae Series is a thrilling historical fantasy novel, weaving together Tudor times with magical realism. Discover an epic alternative history where love, loyalty and faeth are all that stand in the way of anarchy. Ideal for fans of Deborah Harkness, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory and unputdownable characters in gripping stories! ★★★★★

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

By day, Jan juggles consultancy work with her family, but by night she sneaks off, into the past. Her penchant for sprinkling history with magic is fueled by coffee and Cadburys. When not writing, Jan takes her dogs and small monsters into the countryside, especially if there is a castle or historic building there with a cosy coffee shop in which to escape the rain of Manchester, England.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.

4.5⭐️
Anarchic Destiny is the second book in the Naturae Series by Jan Foster and I think this is my favourite in the series so far!!
Queen Aioffe and her half human, half fae husband Prince Joshua are facing many pressures and obstacles in this book, leading to threats to the queendom, Naturae and the future. Queen Aioffe desperately wants an heir to succeed her but is struggling and losing hope trying to create one. She goes in search of help and information to another queendom but faces dangers and a fight for her freedom and life when she arrives there. So much happens in this book and I fear for some of the characters futures following on from this book, especially Nemis. Can Joshua and Aioffes love for one another prevale and get them through the dark times they're facing? I honestly can't wait for book 3!
If you love fantasy, Vampires, Demons and Fae then you really need to read this spellbinding series!

[Andrew Claydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't actually read the first book in this series, coming in at book 2, but I don't feel like I came in during the middle of a story. It was easy for me to catch up with events and characters.

I enjoyed the world building and very much liked the mixed of Tudor history and the supernatural. Jan created a fascinating world with engaging characters.
It was great seeing things from different characters viewpoints as opposed to following a single MC and the story was engaging.

I best go back and read book one now!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this story, it was so full of excitement and adventure and had a huge amount going on so I had no time to get bored! Although it is a second in series, I haven’t read the first book and feel that it works fine as a stand alone story as well. It felt like there was a little bit of everything in the book with some amazing world building and strong characters. I’m really looking forward to reading book 1 now!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Gary Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anarchic Destiny is a historical fantasy that expertly blends fae, vampires and other supernatural creatures into a single narrative in a way I have never read in any other series.

We follow Fae Queen Aioffe and her half-fae, half-human love Joshua, as she tries to rule the fae kingdom of Naturae in a more democratic and inclusive way. Despite her good intentions, all is not well with this, as she struggles to find a clear path through the different factions and agendas. More well-intentioned choices lead her away from her kingdom to the Fae court of Europe.

Meanwhile, vampire Henry has designs on ruling a kingdom with an iron will, which leads him to the Tudor court of Queen Mary.

Both end up embroiled in the political machinations of the place in which they find themselves, and the writing excels at drawing parallels between the human and supernatural worlds.

This imaginative world-building coupled with painstaking research into historical details, are perhaps the most impressive thing about this book, along with the diverse and distinctive characters.
The story is densely packed, which I always enjoy, even if I got a little hazy on what was going on a couple of times. It’s a story that asks the reader to pay attention for maximum reward, and I was definitely rewarded.

The author uses this narrative to explore complex and ideas such as inability to conceive, betrayal, quest for the power rule – even autism. Themes that ground this book and elevate it into something quite special.

As for the rating…it’s a tough one. I didn’t quite have the same joyous reaction that I had to the prequel, Risking Destiny, so it’s just shy of a 5 star rating, but it’s very strong 4.5 and I’ll definitely read Book 3 sometime soon.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! I totally enjoyed the Tudor setting and the worldbuilding with fae and vampires. It is very well thought out and quite intriguing. I was a little put off by the structure, which switches between several of the characters, but as I got used to it, it really started to work for me. Also, once I figured out why the multiple perspectives was necessary, I did actually enjoy it. I particularly like how Foster managed to get me invested in the villain's arc. I did not see that twist coming and it was fantastic!

Additionally, this is the second book in the series, but I didn't realize that until I was already a third of the way into the book. Foster bakes in the backstory very well so I never really felt lost during the reading and it can serve as a standalone. Granted, I am curious to know what happened in Book 1 because these characters are all so interesting, so I'm pretty sure I'll go back and read the first one while waiting for the next book in the series to be released.

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first in this series but didn't need to. I was swept into this alternate history featuring the vampire bastard son of King Henry VIII and the fae in their land of Naturae.
I really loved the worldbuilding, especially the fae with their island society and life cycles (the Pupaetory is such an awesome concept). Queen Aioffe is a fascinating queen, powerful but vulnerable.
Henry Fitzroy is pretty creepy. I tensed up every time he entered the story, wondering what he was going to do next.
This is a densely plotted, well-written historical fantasy, one that readers who like stories of political stratagems, magic, and suspense will enjoy.

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling page turner!
Author Jan Foster's writing style never disappoints!
Anarchic Destiny, Book 2 of the Naturae series, continues the captivating and intriguing storyline based in a fantasy world of fae and historical England. The world of Naturae, and the love story between Fae Queen Aioffe and her husband Joshua, are in jeopardy as they struggle with their Queendom's loyalty, dark and shady characters, and threats from the outside world.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat! Looking forward to book 3. What will happen next??
If you’re a fan of fantasy and historical fiction, you will love this book and the Naturae series.

I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this next installment in the series, and I wasn't disappointed. Aioffe and Joshua face a lot of obstacles, and Henry is about to be one of them. The characters are well-developed, and the world has just as much depth. I loved the tension Foster builds, with the fae and human worlds once again colliding, a prophecy, and the question of heirs front and center. While you don't have to read book one, you'll be missing out if you don't. Cannot recommend enough!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible triggers: inability to conceive, loss of a child, special needs children

I've mentioned in previous reviews how eloquent and articulate this author is, what a delight it is to read prose such as this. This book touches on real issues too, the inability to conceive or perhaps reproduce would be the correct term, loss of a child and autism. But too, that love is as powerful an emotion which has the capacity to conquer all, and there is an abundance of love in this book!

Having long been fascinated by British Royalty, it's always a thrill to read about their many facets, the brutally of the period, the rightful heir, the two churches pitted against each other. I love the accurate historical references, ok, maybe not ALL accurate.... Henry Fitzroy wasn't REALLY a vampire, or was he....hmmmm. I kept vacillating between my sympathy for his predicament and waiting for the shoe to drop. He's a bit of a shady character, outwardly amiable but inwardly extremely ambitious. He can be sensitive too, his relationship with Fairfax is alludes to that but he persues his agenda almost ruthlessly. His all encompassing urge to rule, to be king, takes a turn even I didn't see coming! Like, really Henry???

These characters have found way to firmly entrenching themselves into my very being. Although Aoiffe and Joshua are favourites, there's something about Uffer and Henry that resonates with me. Uffer because he stepped outside the norm, he aided Aoiffe, much against protocol, he shows real backbone throughout. And Henry, well, heck, he's been dealt a raw deal! And as for Lyrus, let's just say, if one has a sibling such as he, one doesn't need enemies! But she's got awesome friends, friends like Spenser and Nemis, even the chaotic Fairfax, who's something else! Not only his behaviour, he IS something else but I do love his character, he always brings a smile to my face. Although, my goodness are the visions coming in fast and furious for Nemis! And they're rather ominous....but who might the feared figure from her visions be is a mystery. My goodness all so fervently portrayed! At times threatening to stop my heart, with the menacing conflict, especially for Aoiffe, in her naivity for aid, could never have envisioned what would be inflicted upon her. The entire time she was in Illania's clutches, well geez! Illania is the antithesis of Aoiffe, just grrrrrrr...I so wanted to bop that.... that... woman!

With her and Joshua separated, Lyrus uses the momentum to, well, be Lyrus! Oh the intrigue! Oh the betrayals! Oh the horror! My head was reeling from all the action! Across the board, across the realms, what was playing out was akin to an intense tennis match, my head veering left and right following each of the characters, first Aoiffe, then Henry and then Joshua and Nemis! I'm not sure which one had me more at the edge of my seat. Although....the whole Joshua and Nemis scenario REALLY threw me! But not in despair, in pure unadulterated joy! Which is what I've come to accept as the norm from Ms Foster, she takes you up, drops your unceremoniously and then lifts you up on gossimer wings, to soar with the characters. To feel it all. To experience it all as if first hand. And you aren't even aware that you've been reeled in, the author does it so subtly, skilfully, it's only from the gasps I emitted and the clenching, did I realise how deeply I'd been immersed into the story. How entranced I was, almost as if Henry had stared deeply into my eyes...

It's really difficult to capture the magnitude of this story, there are numerous events playing out at the same time, all so immersive and compelling me to just read on! The richness of her characters is addictive, it's a richness so palatable, it leaves one wanting more, like a glutinous fiend. There is no clear distinction between good and bad, after all, isn't it true that everyone has a bit of both? The moment I start thinking, ok, that's a definite rotten apple, the author turns it on me and I'm left sympathising rather than cursing. And therein lies the beauty of her magnificent prose, not allowing me to get complacent for even a second, her creativity which blows my mind, I'm second-guessing myself. This is a story enriched by belief and faith, religion and a way of life most are clinging onto. A story of many facets, of righteousness, feelings if inadequacy, feelings of superiority, feelings of sheer confidence and greed. Hidden agendas are rife and play out dramatically, emotionally. The jostling for power is all consuming in those that will usurp it, as the battle lines are drawn, both in the Fae Realms as well as the human realm. The vividry of the brutally is shattering, the lengths some would go to just to keep their aganda going, mindbogglingly. Which is how I would describe this book and series, mindbogglingly good!

[Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Anarchic Destiny" by Jan Foster is an intricate blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, set in a world inspired by Tudor-era Britain. The writing is detailed and clean and will appeal to fans of historical fiction who relish political intrigue, magic, and suspense—though it may not satisfy those who prefer action and adventure.

The setting is creative, featuring a world of winged fae, witches, daemons, and fairies. Many characters are believable and intriguing, including Queen Aioffe; her consort, Prince Joshua, a human turned fae; their epileptic daughter, Nemis; Henry, a potential monarch reborn as an acolyte vampire; and Jeffries, a monk with magical healing abilities.

Queen Aioffe and Prince Joshua face numerous challenges and obstacles that threaten their land of Naturae. The queen is under pressure to produce an heir to ensure succession, but despairs of ever succeeding.

Despite its ambition, the novel sometimes feels unwieldy and overwritten, with prolonged periods where characters stand around thinking, or with excessive descriptions of the fictional world. These passages bog down the pace and plot, causing reader interest to wane.

Overall, "Anarchic Destiny" is a middling novel for this genre.

[Justin Alcala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anarchic Destiny is the sequel to Disrupting Destiny, a perspective changing narrative that takes place in Tudor, England during a time of cultural transformation and government reformation, making for an increasingly complex backdrop for our main characters. In our last book, Aioffe and Tarl (aka Annabelle and Joshua) hid their true identities until a ghost from Aiodfe’s past catches up to them. Now, in book 2, we return to our Fae soulmates. Aioffe, now Queen of Naturae, balances her rule while dealing with the supernatural plot orbiting England, as Edward VI has died. Henry Fitzroy, Edward’s bastard vampire brother, will stop at nothing in order to attain the power he feels he deserves, sending a malevolent ripple throughout all of the paranormal societies, including fairies, demons, and vampires. Can Aioffe thwart the wicked machinations of Fitzroy, and if so, at what cost? Check out Anarchic Destiny (book 2) if you’re a fan of Tudor England supernatural fiction that gravitates towards books like the All Souls trilogy and Her Majesty’s Royal Coven.

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know how badly I needed a book with Henry Fitzroy as a vampire. For those who may not know, Fitzroy was the bastard son of Henry VIII. The king was about to have Fitzroy legitimized and named the heir when the boy was thrown from his horse and died. I've always thought he would make a really interesting character in an alt-history, and he certainly does here. He's a marvelously compelling character.

Lyrus is also a compelling morally grey character. I love when books focus on sibling dynamics, especially weird ones, like the relationship between Aioffe and her sort-of-bloodthirsty, sort-of-loving brother.

Overall, this book strongly lived up to the promise of the first in the series. I especially enjoyed the interlocking politics of the human and fae courts. The writing and pacing is just as strong as in the first volume. A strong five stars, and I'm on to the prequel!

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little bit of everything—historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and paranormal.
The fae queen Aioffe and her half-human/half-fae husband Joshua are facing several threats to the Queendom of Naturae. There’s betrayal, hostage situations, pregnancy issues, lots of angst, etc. There was great character development and world building. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but that’s okay. There was enough backstory weaved in to keep me interested without bogging down the plot.
For reader who enjoy alternate history, you’ll love seeing Henry XIII’s illegitimate son as a vampire. Very intriguing!
4 stars

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite not having read the first book in the series, I didn't feel like I was barging into the middle of a story. It felt organic, and I appreciated that the story was structured well enough for that. It works well as a stand-alone, so feel free to dive in!

It was an interesting mix of Tudor worldbuilding, but with elements of the supernatural- fae and so on. The different perspectives threw me at first, but then I began to enjoy them and I understood why it was done. Overall, an enjoyable read!

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Second Book

This second book advances the storyline nicely with Aioffe now queen of Naturae, and a surprising strong addition to the Tudor England theme in Henry Fitzroy. There are fae, daemons, witches and vampires afoot in England and the author has made historical characters part of this mix. Queen Aioffe is more taken up with her emotions that make her decision a major storyline and has the reader wondering about this given what occurs in her absence from Naturae. Book three holds a promise of more surprises.

[Rebecca L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding was brilliant and the merging of history with fantasy was really well done. I loved how the fae community was based on honeybees and thought this was really original. For me, the character of Henry was the most interesting. I was never sure whether to like him or be a bit scared of him, so this was really well done. I'd definitely recommend this book, and the series!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Historical Fantasy Work

This is a novel that blends the history of England with fantasy. Even though this is the second book in the series, I was not confused. The pacing was slow but the characters were endearing. The different settings were beautiful. It is obvious the author put a lot of good work into creating "Anarchic Destiny". I recommend it to anyone fascinated with England's history and the fantastic.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read!

I didn't think that history and fantasy would work in this book but I was pleasantly surprised that it did. I did find myself flicking through some of the unnecessary bits but other than that, this is a must read. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Michael Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow up to Disrupting Destiny! We get to learn more about the other types of creatures and societies in Foster's world. Henry is a fascinating new character, but I haven't made up my mind of how I feel about him yet. Can't wait to see where book 3 goes with the story!

[Misty A Holder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn’t get into it