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The Forbidden Fate #1
A Forbidden Fate
A centuries long war, an enchanted wood, and a curse.
Idalia leaves her castle to marry the new king of the Deep, certain that this union will be the final step in saving her kingdom. She must travel through the Florian Wood, a mysterious place shrouded in legend and myth. Things go awry when the Princess is captured by a band of thieves, and they soon discover that the stories of the Wood weren’t just stories afterall. To make matters worse, she is stranded in this nightmare with her rival; A shameless bandit who likes to talk and drink too much. Despite the dangers of the Wood, there is a threat far graver to the both of them–each other. Apart from their warring lands, they have also been cursed by the gods. They can never touch, or they will die and their entire kingdoms with them. Join Idalia and a group of misfits on this harrowing journey. One full of sorrow, terror, forbidden love … and plenty of drinks.
Idalia leaves her castle to marry the new king of the Deep, certain that this union will be the final step in saving her kingdom. She must travel through the Florian Wood, a mysterious place shrouded in legend and myth. Things go awry when the Princess is captured by a band of thieves, and they soon discover that the stories of the Wood weren’t just stories afterall. To make matters worse, she is stranded in this nightmare with her rival; A shameless bandit who likes to talk and drink too much. Despite the dangers of the Wood, there is a threat far graver to the both of them–each other. Apart from their warring lands, they have also been cursed by the gods. They can never touch, or they will die and their entire kingdoms with them. Join Idalia and a group of misfits on this harrowing journey. One full of sorrow, terror, forbidden love … and plenty of drinks.
414 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2022
513 people are currently reading
15228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
April 29, 2022
As someone who has slept with the author, i can confidently say she wrote an accurate description of braizens considerable link.
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April 6, 2025This is a self-pubbed (? indie) release so I thought it'd be best to give the best feedback possible, even though I don't have much to say about this book.
This book is obviously not from a seasoned writer, but I'd rank it a little higher above the regular fare on Wattpad. The prose was nothing special, a little underdeveloped, but it served the story well, which is the best thing prose can do. There was nothing too distracting, which is the worst sin.
The world isn't very fleshed out politically and neither is the "racism" (I will not be getting into that, god bless), but you don't need to understand any intricacies to follow the story. The book is clearly focused more on character relationships more than any other sort of overarching plot or story. That can sometimes make the book feel like it's meaningless, but it really isn't trying to accomplish anything but entertain. That means if you like the characters, their wit and banter, then you will enjoy the story thoroughly.
I found the cast amusing, but at moments it became too much for me. It is very difficult to sustain a book all on banter, and it's often much much more fun to write than to read. I usually like long chapters of dialogue, but there were some moments during this book where I felt like it was dragging on too long and I found myself skimming just to get to the end. Those cornerstone conversations between central characters are so so so important, so I get dedicating more time to them, but then they risk meandering and losing the attention of the reader. But like I said, this is subjective, and you might enjoy prolonged banter much more than I do.
There was something about the main characters that felt flat to me. Maybe if I had more time to think about it, I'd put my finger on why, but for now that's the best I can do. It felt so long before I had a grasp on who the female main character was, because many of her early chapters were her reacting to a bad situation or flashbacks to a younger self or her going "I don't know". This could've maybe been fixed by giving both the main characters a tangible goal, something they want for themselves, so we get a better idea of what motivates them. The princess wants to save her kingdom, but we rarely see her worry about her marriage. Concern for her people is only a barb she uses to wound the enemy prince. She feels very passive for a lot of this novel. If she isn't being kidnapped or moved around by other people, then she's abiding by some other will that she doesn't understand. They both only seem to exist for each other, but everything could've hit so much harder if they were developed more individually.
That being said, I love seeing characters fight. I love drama. And I like how the characters actually argued and fought over stuff, and that each viewpoint was equally valid. Flawed, biased, and probably deeply incorrect, but valid nonetheless. A lot of the plot was stitched together vaguely to contort the main pairing into different positions, but I did like that this couple actually had real arguments. Did I believe that they ever hated each other? No. If the author managed to pull that off, this book could've been delicious (angst off the charts), but the fact that there was real drama was still neat.
There are a lot of questions that go unanswered at the end of this book, so much so that I couldn't believe that this book is meant to stand alone on its own. It's just like... that's it? It's a real test of wills. Do you find the characters compelling enough to pick up another book to get your questions answered? Gee, I hope so. The questions themselves are not that compelling unless you care about the characters.
I understand this genre of book very well, the fantasy romance that uses genre more as a setting than something to be explored. I know there is a readerbase that will enjoy this thoroughly, and all the issues with craft are things that can be honed through practice and honest feedback. It's average, nothing frustrating or distracting or particularly riveting, and that's a good starting point.
This book is obviously not from a seasoned writer, but I'd rank it a little higher above the regular fare on Wattpad. The prose was nothing special, a little underdeveloped, but it served the story well, which is the best thing prose can do. There was nothing too distracting, which is the worst sin.
The world isn't very fleshed out politically and neither is the "racism" (I will not be getting into that, god bless), but you don't need to understand any intricacies to follow the story. The book is clearly focused more on character relationships more than any other sort of overarching plot or story. That can sometimes make the book feel like it's meaningless, but it really isn't trying to accomplish anything but entertain. That means if you like the characters, their wit and banter, then you will enjoy the story thoroughly.
I found the cast amusing, but at moments it became too much for me. It is very difficult to sustain a book all on banter, and it's often much much more fun to write than to read. I usually like long chapters of dialogue, but there were some moments during this book where I felt like it was dragging on too long and I found myself skimming just to get to the end. Those cornerstone conversations between central characters are so so so important, so I get dedicating more time to them, but then they risk meandering and losing the attention of the reader. But like I said, this is subjective, and you might enjoy prolonged banter much more than I do.
There was something about the main characters that felt flat to me. Maybe if I had more time to think about it, I'd put my finger on why, but for now that's the best I can do. It felt so long before I had a grasp on who the female main character was, because many of her early chapters were her reacting to a bad situation or flashbacks to a younger self or her going "I don't know". This could've maybe been fixed by giving both the main characters a tangible goal, something they want for themselves, so we get a better idea of what motivates them. The princess wants to save her kingdom, but we rarely see her worry about her marriage. Concern for her people is only a barb she uses to wound the enemy prince. She feels very passive for a lot of this novel. If she isn't being kidnapped or moved around by other people, then she's abiding by some other will that she doesn't understand. They both only seem to exist for each other, but everything could've hit so much harder if they were developed more individually.
That being said, I love seeing characters fight. I love drama. And I like how the characters actually argued and fought over stuff, and that each viewpoint was equally valid. Flawed, biased, and probably deeply incorrect, but valid nonetheless. A lot of the plot was stitched together vaguely to contort the main pairing into different positions, but I did like that this couple actually had real arguments. Did I believe that they ever hated each other? No. If the author managed to pull that off, this book could've been delicious (angst off the charts), but the fact that there was real drama was still neat.
There are a lot of questions that go unanswered at the end of this book, so much so that I couldn't believe that this book is meant to stand alone on its own. It's just like... that's it? It's a real test of wills. Do you find the characters compelling enough to pick up another book to get your questions answered? Gee, I hope so. The questions themselves are not that compelling unless you care about the characters.
I understand this genre of book very well, the fantasy romance that uses genre more as a setting than something to be explored. I know there is a readerbase that will enjoy this thoroughly, and all the issues with craft are things that can be honed through practice and honest feedback. It's average, nothing frustrating or distracting or particularly riveting, and that's a good starting point.
April 29, 2022
SPOILER FREE: This book gives you so much that you do not want to put it down. You are pining, cheering, laughing and just enjoying everything and want to be on the journey and adventure with all the characters. Honestly, Kaven has created a new "inner circle" (for those who are fans of the SJM universe) that you want to be part of. Banter in every capacity. Enemies, lovers, friendship, family. It's all there. After I finished it, I wanted to pick it back up and start it all over again. There are [redacted] that are integrated so seamlessly that having that information only adds to the story. The descriptions are wonderful where you can perfectly visualize the world without feeling overwhelmed with info-dumping. If you're a sucker for tropes and adventure, this is for you! I am so happy that this is not a stand alone and is truly just the beginning of these characters that will easily work their way into your hearts.
October 7, 2022
I mean good for the author for self publishing.. but this was just bad. All the 5 star reviews are just obviously from tik tokers who are fans of Kavens. I enjoy her tik toks. I did not enjoy this book.
It was just too much like a wattpad story, the writing was immature, the characters were flat and there was too much ‘banter’(not very well done) and not enough plot.
It was just too much like a wattpad story, the writing was immature, the characters were flat and there was too much ‘banter’(not very well done) and not enough plot.
November 6, 2022
Let me start out by saying I really wanted to love this book. But it turned out to be a great example that a passionate reader or funny tik toker doesn’t necessarily translate to a skilled writer.
About halfway through the book, I found myself getting so bored.
It was a cute but mostly unoriginal story. The characters were so under developed that it left me disinterested. Idalia’s personality seems to completely change from chapter to chapter. One minute she’s a trained warrior saving the lives of others, the next she’s an empty-headed fairytale princess. The plot is hard to follow at times and scenes/environments are not detailed enough to paint a vivid picture in my mind. The MCs’ love story is kind of bland and surface-level. Wayyy too much use of the exclamation point!! The whole book felt very adolescent. Unfortunately, I probably won’t be picking up the next book in this series.
About halfway through the book, I found myself getting so bored.
It was a cute but mostly unoriginal story. The characters were so under developed that it left me disinterested. Idalia’s personality seems to completely change from chapter to chapter. One minute she’s a trained warrior saving the lives of others, the next she’s an empty-headed fairytale princess. The plot is hard to follow at times and scenes/environments are not detailed enough to paint a vivid picture in my mind. The MCs’ love story is kind of bland and surface-level. Wayyy too much use of the exclamation point!! The whole book felt very adolescent. Unfortunately, I probably won’t be picking up the next book in this series.
October 22, 2022
At 25% of the way through the book:
I am bored. I am skimming through the dull banter between characters I haven’t been given a reason to care about. I am trying to get some sense of plot or history that will tell me why I should be invested in the story. The flashback of when the two MCs met is cringey. I thought this was supposed to be enemies to lovers but it seems more like love at first sight turned enemies, and I assume turned back to lovers?
I love Kaven’s TikToks but so far I am very disappointed in this book. It’s worse than many books I’ve read on kindle unlimited, so that’s also lame (since I totally spent $$ on this). I feel like a lot of people rated this book higher simply because they like Kaven and want to support her and I respect that but I won’t be basing my review off how much I enjoy her tiktok. If this review were about that, it would be five stars, obviously.
The world building is non existent. The characters lack true chemistry. There is too much annoying dialogue between characters that is meant to be endearing but is just cumbersome to read through since we have no reason to care for these characters yet. Oooooh also I despise the heavy use of flashbacks. It convolutes the story and it’s obviously being used to keep a secret from the readers, which is frustrating. The storyline probably could’ve been mapped out better to create more intrigue and actual chemistry with far less use of flashbacks.
85% done and the characters still lack depth, and they are moving through tropes as if they are following a checklist, however none of them have the proper set up to be truly satisfying. I’m actually getting confused why so many people gave this book such good reviews. I got to the “spice” scene that was advertised on tiktok…. And it left much to be desired. The two main characters— who have had NO real tension building, just shallow banter and a bunch of flashbacks but no actual actions and circumstances that have caused the tension to build in a natural way— very suddenly argue and immediately have a very awkward encounter that made zero sense whatsoever. And still we the readers have not been given a good reason to care for these characters. Honestly, they’re pretty annoying and entitled.
Ok 100% complete and the acknowledgements at the end got me in the feels. Also, the characters FINALLY became somewhat likeable, although the end felt rushed and went straight into a cliffhanger. I feel like the only reason I’m invested in reading the next one is to watch Kaven’s improvement.
I am cheering for you, woman. Despite not being impressed by this book, I AM impressed by you, your drive, your personal story, and your confidence to go after what you want. Every author has to start somewhere. I see a lot of potential here.
Overall: This book felt like a skit rather than a play. The premise is intriguing, but the characters and world needed to be fleshed out a lot more in order for the reader to become completely submersed in the story. We needed to be shown WHO these people are at their core through their actions rather than just descriptions and excessive dialogue. It felt like we were never given the chance to bond with these characters beyond the surface level, so it was difficult to become invested in the story.
I am bored. I am skimming through the dull banter between characters I haven’t been given a reason to care about. I am trying to get some sense of plot or history that will tell me why I should be invested in the story. The flashback of when the two MCs met is cringey. I thought this was supposed to be enemies to lovers but it seems more like love at first sight turned enemies, and I assume turned back to lovers?
I love Kaven’s TikToks but so far I am very disappointed in this book. It’s worse than many books I’ve read on kindle unlimited, so that’s also lame (since I totally spent $$ on this). I feel like a lot of people rated this book higher simply because they like Kaven and want to support her and I respect that but I won’t be basing my review off how much I enjoy her tiktok. If this review were about that, it would be five stars, obviously.
The world building is non existent. The characters lack true chemistry. There is too much annoying dialogue between characters that is meant to be endearing but is just cumbersome to read through since we have no reason to care for these characters yet. Oooooh also I despise the heavy use of flashbacks. It convolutes the story and it’s obviously being used to keep a secret from the readers, which is frustrating. The storyline probably could’ve been mapped out better to create more intrigue and actual chemistry with far less use of flashbacks.
85% done and the characters still lack depth, and they are moving through tropes as if they are following a checklist, however none of them have the proper set up to be truly satisfying. I’m actually getting confused why so many people gave this book such good reviews. I got to the “spice” scene that was advertised on tiktok…. And it left much to be desired. The two main characters— who have had NO real tension building, just shallow banter and a bunch of flashbacks but no actual actions and circumstances that have caused the tension to build in a natural way— very suddenly argue and immediately have a very awkward encounter that made zero sense whatsoever. And still we the readers have not been given a good reason to care for these characters. Honestly, they’re pretty annoying and entitled.
Ok 100% complete and the acknowledgements at the end got me in the feels. Also, the characters FINALLY became somewhat likeable, although the end felt rushed and went straight into a cliffhanger. I feel like the only reason I’m invested in reading the next one is to watch Kaven’s improvement.
I am cheering for you, woman. Despite not being impressed by this book, I AM impressed by you, your drive, your personal story, and your confidence to go after what you want. Every author has to start somewhere. I see a lot of potential here.
Overall: This book felt like a skit rather than a play. The premise is intriguing, but the characters and world needed to be fleshed out a lot more in order for the reader to become completely submersed in the story. We needed to be shown WHO these people are at their core through their actions rather than just descriptions and excessive dialogue. It felt like we were never given the chance to bond with these characters beyond the surface level, so it was difficult to become invested in the story.
April 29, 2022
SPOILERISH REVIEW
I was beyond excited when Kaven let me beta read this beauty and oh my was I in for a treat! Mt favorite thing about this is its starts off with a grip on you and doesn't let go. I remember reading and thinking okay whats going to happen next or thinking I knew what was coming and I was so wrong. It fun and hilarious and sweet and captivating and everything I want and more. I loved the part regarding Torrent and the mist (You'll see) I loved the dance which gave me so many Vampire diaries vibes and absolutely loved the tension between the two love interests. I still have the entire dance scene stuck in my head on repeat. Also I am still team F those kingdoms because I want them to be together so bad. Also I am Lachlans wife/main supportive/love interest you name it because I love that man! Great debut Kaven and I cannot wait for book 2 and anything you write. You have a fan for life.
I was beyond excited when Kaven let me beta read this beauty and oh my was I in for a treat! Mt favorite thing about this is its starts off with a grip on you and doesn't let go. I remember reading and thinking okay whats going to happen next or thinking I knew what was coming and I was so wrong. It fun and hilarious and sweet and captivating and everything I want and more. I loved the part regarding Torrent and the mist (You'll see) I loved the dance which gave me so many Vampire diaries vibes and absolutely loved the tension between the two love interests. I still have the entire dance scene stuck in my head on repeat. Also I am still team F those kingdoms because I want them to be together so bad. Also I am Lachlans wife/main supportive/love interest you name it because I love that man! Great debut Kaven and I cannot wait for book 2 and anything you write. You have a fan for life.
October 5, 2022
It’s either a solid 3.5, or a promising 4 stars. This review should be interesting because I just finished and it’s 1:30 am and I may be sleep deprived.
Is this book perfect. Definitely not. The writing is good, if a bit rough. The plot also I struggled to follow at a couple of points (although I did enjoy the twists and the overall plot all together).
But does this matter. Frankly no. Because if you are interested in reading this book, you likely follow Kaven. And if you follow Kaven you will enjoy this book flaws and all. BECAUSE VIBES (her words not mine). The character vibes, the setting vibes, the trope vibes. All fantastic. I couldn’t put this book down once I started flaws and all. Honestly SO MUCH FUN!
If you don’t follow Kaven on TikTok. I need you to go to TikTok and spend the best 5 hours of your life scrolling through her page and watching her skits. Then purchase this book and start reading and enjoy 12 hours of those vibes in novel format.
Final note: Vibes and flaws aside, I can see Kaven becoming an excellent writer and her stories being perfectly executed masterpieces. But I don’t need perfect execution, I need my next hit. Cannot wait for the next book, i have to know what happens next… are the suss people as suss as i suspect them to be. Once gonna happen to my new favourite found family avatars? Will the sexual tension ever end?!!! These questions are going to plague my dreams and haunt my next few days.
I will be going feral at book 2 release. Until then I will low key stalk her page to find out when I can pre order.
Is this book perfect. Definitely not. The writing is good, if a bit rough. The plot also I struggled to follow at a couple of points (although I did enjoy the twists and the overall plot all together).
But does this matter. Frankly no. Because if you are interested in reading this book, you likely follow Kaven. And if you follow Kaven you will enjoy this book flaws and all. BECAUSE VIBES (her words not mine). The character vibes, the setting vibes, the trope vibes. All fantastic. I couldn’t put this book down once I started flaws and all. Honestly SO MUCH FUN!
If you don’t follow Kaven on TikTok. I need you to go to TikTok and spend the best 5 hours of your life scrolling through her page and watching her skits. Then purchase this book and start reading and enjoy 12 hours of those vibes in novel format.
Final note: Vibes and flaws aside, I can see Kaven becoming an excellent writer and her stories being perfectly executed masterpieces. But I don’t need perfect execution, I need my next hit. Cannot wait for the next book, i have to know what happens next… are the suss people as suss as i suspect them to be. Once gonna happen to my new favourite found family avatars? Will the sexual tension ever end?!!! These questions are going to plague my dreams and haunt my next few days.
I will be going feral at book 2 release. Until then I will low key stalk her page to find out when I can pre order.
October 15, 2022
2.75 stars
At this point, I think booktokers should invest in good editors and beta readers who aint just their tiktok followers. This book would be amazing if had a good portion of it edited. It feels too first draft-like instead of a finished book.
At this point, I think booktokers should invest in good editors and beta readers who aint just their tiktok followers. This book would be amazing if had a good portion of it edited. It feels too first draft-like instead of a finished book.
October 30, 2022
NA Fantasy romance through and through.
I think this novel could have used a good development editor to help flesh out what we had. Personally I wish this was a KU read since I didn’t feel it was worth the 6.99$.
There is a very generous amounts of flashbacks going on (including the prologue) that took up a large portion of the first chunk of the book and it was difficult to connect to our characters because we were consistently jumping back in time.
The book was marketed as a enemies to lovers but I didn’t get that vibe at all - the characters have a solid bit of feelings for one another as children and our hero Braizen (horrible name) very obviously has feelings (mostly lust) for our heroine right away.
We did have some fun banter and I think if the author worked on a bit for characterization and scene building it would have made for a much better read. As it is now the scenes are very choppy and the writing doesn’t flow at points.
Unrelated to the author but this book is clearly being marked up review wise by fake reviews of people who haven’t read it. So buyer beware.
I think this novel could have used a good development editor to help flesh out what we had. Personally I wish this was a KU read since I didn’t feel it was worth the 6.99$.
There is a very generous amounts of flashbacks going on (including the prologue) that took up a large portion of the first chunk of the book and it was difficult to connect to our characters because we were consistently jumping back in time.
The book was marketed as a enemies to lovers but I didn’t get that vibe at all - the characters have a solid bit of feelings for one another as children and our hero Braizen (horrible name) very obviously has feelings (mostly lust) for our heroine right away.
We did have some fun banter and I think if the author worked on a bit for characterization and scene building it would have made for a much better read. As it is now the scenes are very choppy and the writing doesn’t flow at points.
Unrelated to the author but this book is clearly being marked up review wise by fake reviews of people who haven’t read it. So buyer beware.
December 4, 2022
If you are mentally ill, this book will make you mentally iller.
October 15, 2022
Rating: 4 solid ✨
Okay, so imagine being cursed to never be able to touch the heir and prince of the enemy kingdom, and if you do touch, your kingdoms will both PERISH. Should be easy right? Right????
This dual POV book was such an entertaining, lighthearted and quick read that I absolutely adored. Kaven created a world with such lovable characters that will have you laughing majority of the time, but will also have you swooning and smiling at the book non-stop.
The world-building was not complicated at all, which I think added to the lightheartedness of the book. It was mostly focused on the plot and relationships being built and/or evolving. What can I say besides this book was FUN and I truly enjoyed it. And also, that ending?? I need the next book, like, yesterday.
This book also had the "found family" trope in a way and I loved that about it. Seriously, I really do think all of the characters will own your heart because Idalia, Brazen, Torrent, Lin, Lorna, Lachlan, Teddy, Nuri, Stig, SO MANY lovable characters. Plus, the banter between Torrent and Lin is unmatched and one of my favorite highlights from this book.
If you love enemies-ish to lovers, this book is for you. If you love a book that has all the feels, ("aww moments", angsty moments and laughing moments) this book is for you! If you love a big, cinnamon roll type of man who is a literal warrior who can destroy everything in his path, but has a soft spot for animals, this book is FOR YOU! Yes, Torrent, I'm talking about you. Seriously, read this book. You will have an incredible time reading it 💚
Okay, so imagine being cursed to never be able to touch the heir and prince of the enemy kingdom, and if you do touch, your kingdoms will both PERISH. Should be easy right? Right????
This dual POV book was such an entertaining, lighthearted and quick read that I absolutely adored. Kaven created a world with such lovable characters that will have you laughing majority of the time, but will also have you swooning and smiling at the book non-stop.
The world-building was not complicated at all, which I think added to the lightheartedness of the book. It was mostly focused on the plot and relationships being built and/or evolving. What can I say besides this book was FUN and I truly enjoyed it. And also, that ending?? I need the next book, like, yesterday.
This book also had the "found family" trope in a way and I loved that about it. Seriously, I really do think all of the characters will own your heart because Idalia, Brazen, Torrent, Lin, Lorna, Lachlan, Teddy, Nuri, Stig, SO MANY lovable characters. Plus, the banter between Torrent and Lin is unmatched and one of my favorite highlights from this book.
If you love enemies-ish to lovers, this book is for you. If you love a book that has all the feels, ("aww moments", angsty moments and laughing moments) this book is for you! If you love a big, cinnamon roll type of man who is a literal warrior who can destroy everything in his path, but has a soft spot for animals, this book is FOR YOU! Yes, Torrent, I'm talking about you. Seriously, read this book. You will have an incredible time reading it 💚
October 7, 2022
This was a really fun and cute read!!❤️
For a first book, it’s well written and the plot is good. I loved the ennemies to lovers, forced proximity tropes. The dancing and tavern scenes?? Omg loved them. VD vibes for sure. The fact that they can’t touch!!!! Ugh, that tension is delicious and I want more of it. I loved the found family aspect of it too. Torrent is def my fave character!! I need more of him.
The first half of the book was a little slow and I sometimes felt like we skipped too fast from one scene to the next. I wish it delved deeper into the character’s individual backgrounds. I also think some plot points needed to be better tied together, but it’s only the first book of the series, so I get it. Can’t wait for what’s next!!
For a first book, it’s well written and the plot is good. I loved the ennemies to lovers, forced proximity tropes. The dancing and tavern scenes?? Omg loved them. VD vibes for sure. The fact that they can’t touch!!!! Ugh, that tension is delicious and I want more of it. I loved the found family aspect of it too. Torrent is def my fave character!! I need more of him.
The first half of the book was a little slow and I sometimes felt like we skipped too fast from one scene to the next. I wish it delved deeper into the character’s individual backgrounds. I also think some plot points needed to be better tied together, but it’s only the first book of the series, so I get it. Can’t wait for what’s next!!
October 14, 2022
It’s just meh,
Look I (like most other booktokers) wanted to love this book. But things don’t start picking up until like 80% and it ends in a cliff hanger. The characters were underdeveloped and the story felt a little spliced together and not cohesive. I love the concept of the story, but would have loved more tension between the main characters.
Look I (like most other booktokers) wanted to love this book. But things don’t start picking up until like 80% and it ends in a cliff hanger. The characters were underdeveloped and the story felt a little spliced together and not cohesive. I love the concept of the story, but would have loved more tension between the main characters.
October 9, 2022
AHHHH I enjoy every part of this book!! The banter was absolutely amazing, the characters are going to LIVE with me now, and I loved the plot. If you need a fantasy romance, read this one!!! It does end on a little cliffhanger, and I just really want the next book.
April 30, 2022
SPOILER FREE: This book gives you so much that you do not want to put it down. You are pining, cheering, laughing and just enjoying everything and want to be on the journey and adventure with all the characters. Honestly, Kaven has created a new "inner circle" (for those who are fans of the SJM universe) that you want to be part of. Banter in every capacity. Enemies, lovers, friendship, family. It's all there. After I finished it, I wanted to pick it back up and start it all over again. There are [redacted] that are integrated so seamlessly that having that information only adds to the story. The descriptions are wonderful where you can perfectly visualize the world without feeling overwhelmed with info-dumping. If you're a sucker for tropes and adventure, this is for you! I am so happy that this is not a stand alone and is truly just the beginning of these characters that will easily work their way into your hearts.
October 27, 2022
2✨
This book has basically all the tropes we love. Unfortunately it has way too many.
While right after finishing the book i was happy and surprised, today i realized this book is good, but not so good to give it 4 stars.
-character development: almost static. Characters seem to have a sort of development, while in reality they just get to know each other
This book has basically all the tropes we love. Unfortunately it has way too many.
While right after finishing the book i was happy and surprised, today i realized this book is good, but not so good to give it 4 stars.
-character development: almost static. Characters seem to have a sort of development, while in reality they just get to know each other
April 28, 2022
Can't wait to read your book its going to be glovey 🧤🧤
April 29, 2022
I can not wait to read this!!!
December 7, 2023
This book is gonna be in my mind rent free for a long time
October 13, 2022
Choppy, pacing wasn’t great, had a hard time clicking with the characters and their motivations.
Love Kaven tho and will 100% read every book she writes.
Love Kaven tho and will 100% read every book she writes.
November 17, 2022
**SPOILER-ISH?**
PROS
- Interesting premise.
- I'm too stubborn to DNF this book.
- Didn't know the author was big on TikTok.
- BookTok is a hype machine.
CONS
- Spacing seems like a strange attempt to make the book longer.
- Long flashbacks that did not move the story forward.
- It's not a cliffhanger if you leave most of the content unanswered.
- Character tension was lackluster and overdramatic.
- Character progression was an afterthought.
- World building is non-existent.
- BookTok is a hype machine.
OVERVIEW
It started out pretty well but the incessant time jumps were disruptive and the story felt scattered. Rather than jump back and forth in the timeline, I would have preferred a prologue that had the backstory and then start the book in present day. Sprinkle in a few flashbacks to add context/color (with the emphasis on there only being a few). Give your characters the opportunity to tell stories and memories to each other rather than use flashbacks. It gives them depth and let's them bond. Flashbacks should be used more strategically.
The most disappointing part is that all of the characters are flat. Rather than having a few characters that you can build upon, there are too many extraneous characters. I fail to understand the importance of or need for Stig or Lin. There are more characters that I can't recall and this is the only book I've read over the past 4 days (albeit painfully).
The MCs have forced chemistry that doesn't feel organic, and the tension is absurd. Since the characters lack depth, their "hate" is as shallow as their personalities, and their "love" comes across as immature and infatuation. The amount of text wasted to force you into believing they are enemies to lovers was astounding. There was 1 "spicy" scene (quotations are very intentional) that was ridiculous. Braizen and Idalia act like diluted Romeo and Juliet by professing their love in cloying paragraphs of thoughts and monologues.
Putting this story in the same realm as ACOTAR or VD is a far reach. This is Wattpad fanfic writing and it's evidently not a seasoned novelist. Sometimes it was trying too hard to be like ACOTAR. No, Torr isn't as endearing Cassian and nowhere near as charismatic. Idalia's attempt as a strong warrior-esque heroine, due to her father's misplaced anger/grief, is not the same as Feyre learning how to hunt out of survival that would later benefit her during Amarantha's tasks. Teddy is the only character I want to know more about and would make a better MC.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I commend the author for being ambitious but the story was bigger in theory and in thought than what could be conveyed. There was too much going on, and yet not a lot happened at the same time. The story was littered with unnecessary flashbacks, details, and banter. Of course it ended as a cliffhanger! There are so many plotholes that it will be a chore to write answers to all/most of them without this series being 3 books longer than it needs to be. I'm not normally this grumpy about books, but this was not it for me.
I will give the author the benefit of the doubt since it's her first book, and it's apparently self published. I completely understand that reading a book is different than writing one! I'm not a writer nor do I want to be one, but I work alongside various types of writers in my professional life. This was more like an creative writing assignment that had a word count requirement rather than a book with a well thought out storyline. It shows potential but there's also a lot of room to grow. An editor would be beneficial as well as unbiased beta readers that aren't your TikTok followers. Hoping the next book is better, but I'll read the reviews more critically before I'd consider buying it.
PROS
- Interesting premise.
- I'm too stubborn to DNF this book.
- Didn't know the author was big on TikTok.
- BookTok is a hype machine.
CONS
- Spacing seems like a strange attempt to make the book longer.
- Long flashbacks that did not move the story forward.
- It's not a cliffhanger if you leave most of the content unanswered.
- Character tension was lackluster and overdramatic.
- Character progression was an afterthought.
- World building is non-existent.
- BookTok is a hype machine.
OVERVIEW
It started out pretty well but the incessant time jumps were disruptive and the story felt scattered. Rather than jump back and forth in the timeline, I would have preferred a prologue that had the backstory and then start the book in present day. Sprinkle in a few flashbacks to add context/color (with the emphasis on there only being a few). Give your characters the opportunity to tell stories and memories to each other rather than use flashbacks. It gives them depth and let's them bond. Flashbacks should be used more strategically.
The most disappointing part is that all of the characters are flat. Rather than having a few characters that you can build upon, there are too many extraneous characters. I fail to understand the importance of or need for Stig or Lin. There are more characters that I can't recall and this is the only book I've read over the past 4 days (albeit painfully).
The MCs have forced chemistry that doesn't feel organic, and the tension is absurd. Since the characters lack depth, their "hate" is as shallow as their personalities, and their "love" comes across as immature and infatuation. The amount of text wasted to force you into believing they are enemies to lovers was astounding. There was 1 "spicy" scene (quotations are very intentional) that was ridiculous. Braizen and Idalia act like diluted Romeo and Juliet by professing their love in cloying paragraphs of thoughts and monologues.
Putting this story in the same realm as ACOTAR or VD is a far reach. This is Wattpad fanfic writing and it's evidently not a seasoned novelist. Sometimes it was trying too hard to be like ACOTAR. No, Torr isn't as endearing Cassian and nowhere near as charismatic. Idalia's attempt as a strong warrior-esque heroine, due to her father's misplaced anger/grief, is not the same as Feyre learning how to hunt out of survival that would later benefit her during Amarantha's tasks. Teddy is the only character I want to know more about and would make a better MC.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I commend the author for being ambitious but the story was bigger in theory and in thought than what could be conveyed. There was too much going on, and yet not a lot happened at the same time. The story was littered with unnecessary flashbacks, details, and banter. Of course it ended as a cliffhanger! There are so many plotholes that it will be a chore to write answers to all/most of them without this series being 3 books longer than it needs to be. I'm not normally this grumpy about books, but this was not it for me.
I will give the author the benefit of the doubt since it's her first book, and it's apparently self published. I completely understand that reading a book is different than writing one! I'm not a writer nor do I want to be one, but I work alongside various types of writers in my professional life. This was more like an creative writing assignment that had a word count requirement rather than a book with a well thought out storyline. It shows potential but there's also a lot of room to grow. An editor would be beneficial as well as unbiased beta readers that aren't your TikTok followers. Hoping the next book is better, but I'll read the reviews more critically before I'd consider buying it.
November 1, 2022
two and a half stars
*spoilers ahead*
I hate that I didn't love it more.
Idalia gets abducted on her way to meet her betrothed. For that, she has to travel through an enemy kingdom, where she gets kidnapped by the one man she can't touch (who is also the crown prince of her said kingdom). She and Braizen are cursed by the gods, and if they ever touch, they will die, and their kingdoms will fall.
This book has a solid foundation, but the ideas and concepts don't come across right. The Queen's murder and the whodunnit could've been a point of intrigue and mystery, but the characters weren't even trying to figure out who did it, and just ran with the first suspect they had. The curse that keeps Braizen and Idalia from touching each other is a solid idea, but it felt weirdly disconnected and random after a while, especially since magic isn't integrated into their societies.
Another thing I didn't enjoy were the characters, which honestly surprised me. I follow Kaven on insta, and it's clear that she is clever and dead funny, but the characters unfortunately fall into the same "tried but didn't quite succeed" category.
Braizen is very caring and a great friend and leader, but he lacks inner conflict. Kaven touches on that a little bit when Idalia and Braizen have their fight in the third act. Idalia accuses him of being a coward because he decides to run from his royal duties to play bandit instead. Again, interesting idea, but I didn't get the feeling that Braizen feels bad about that.
Idalia is brave, stubborn, and that's about it. She does go through a bit of an inner journey, where she realizes that the kingdoms (there are currently three important ones) can't be divided into good and evil, and that there is more to her own identity and her family than she thought. Well, she realizes that, and it changes absolutely nothing. She still believes the apparition of her dead mother when she appears in the woods and tells her that Braizen betrayed her.
Torrent is honestly the only one that I truly like. He has virtually no brain, loves animals, and is an asshole to Idalia in the beginning, which I really appreciate. The remaining members of the friend group also fell flat. They have one trait, and everything they said and did reflect that one trait.
Now to the romance...
I like the drama and tragedy of Braizen and Idalia not being able to touch. Still, something was missing, which feels like the motto of this book. They fell in love when they were children before they got separated due to the curse and the war between their kingdoms. When they meet again as adults, they are both awkward and hostile toward each other. That's about it. I didn't feel it progress much, and they just kept having more and more nasty fights. There is no doubt they are attracted to each other, but there isn't anything they receive from each other that they can't get somewhere else.
To be totally fair (and not sound like I'm taking a dump on this), A Forbidden Fate isn't a horrible book. Like I said, the foundation is there, it just needed a work. I think the banter is great; It feels natural, and I highlighted almost every scene where the friends are all together. Idalia and Braizen also have their moments, with the ladder delivering a great "I would burn the world down for you" speech. It was a fun read at times, it is just the in-between that lacks.
I feel justified in giving this book half of the five-star rating, because it also did half the job right.
*spoilers ahead*
I hate that I didn't love it more.
Idalia gets abducted on her way to meet her betrothed. For that, she has to travel through an enemy kingdom, where she gets kidnapped by the one man she can't touch (who is also the crown prince of her said kingdom). She and Braizen are cursed by the gods, and if they ever touch, they will die, and their kingdoms will fall.
This book has a solid foundation, but the ideas and concepts don't come across right. The Queen's murder and the whodunnit could've been a point of intrigue and mystery, but the characters weren't even trying to figure out who did it, and just ran with the first suspect they had. The curse that keeps Braizen and Idalia from touching each other is a solid idea, but it felt weirdly disconnected and random after a while, especially since magic isn't integrated into their societies.
Another thing I didn't enjoy were the characters, which honestly surprised me. I follow Kaven on insta, and it's clear that she is clever and dead funny, but the characters unfortunately fall into the same "tried but didn't quite succeed" category.
Braizen is very caring and a great friend and leader, but he lacks inner conflict. Kaven touches on that a little bit when Idalia and Braizen have their fight in the third act. Idalia accuses him of being a coward because he decides to run from his royal duties to play bandit instead. Again, interesting idea, but I didn't get the feeling that Braizen feels bad about that.
Idalia is brave, stubborn, and that's about it. She does go through a bit of an inner journey, where she realizes that the kingdoms (there are currently three important ones) can't be divided into good and evil, and that there is more to her own identity and her family than she thought. Well, she realizes that, and it changes absolutely nothing. She still believes the apparition of her dead mother when she appears in the woods and tells her that Braizen betrayed her.
Torrent is honestly the only one that I truly like. He has virtually no brain, loves animals, and is an asshole to Idalia in the beginning, which I really appreciate. The remaining members of the friend group also fell flat. They have one trait, and everything they said and did reflect that one trait.
Now to the romance...
I like the drama and tragedy of Braizen and Idalia not being able to touch. Still, something was missing, which feels like the motto of this book. They fell in love when they were children before they got separated due to the curse and the war between their kingdoms. When they meet again as adults, they are both awkward and hostile toward each other. That's about it. I didn't feel it progress much, and they just kept having more and more nasty fights. There is no doubt they are attracted to each other, but there isn't anything they receive from each other that they can't get somewhere else.
To be totally fair (and not sound like I'm taking a dump on this), A Forbidden Fate isn't a horrible book. Like I said, the foundation is there, it just needed a work. I think the banter is great; It feels natural, and I highlighted almost every scene where the friends are all together. Idalia and Braizen also have their moments, with the ladder delivering a great "I would burn the world down for you" speech. It was a fun read at times, it is just the in-between that lacks.
I feel justified in giving this book half of the five-star rating, because it also did half the job right.
June 13, 2023
I bought this book because I wanted to support Kaven because I love her on tiktok, and I ended up actually being really pleasantly surprised and EXCITED for the next book!! For this being a debut from someone who has stated herself that she’s just trying her best, her best was GOOD. I thought I’d find way more errors, or just plain cheesiness, but this was good writing, with good dialogue, good characters, and world building that didn’t feel overwhelming. Good job Kaven! Bring on An Endless Escape!
November 15, 2022
“To be with him is to die. But to be without him is no way to live.”
Loved this book! The ending?! I need book 2 now!
I knew I’m going to love this book and I was right this was amazing! I couldn’t put it down, it was fast paced and interesting.
I immediately fell in love with this story, this world and of course with Braizen. This book was so well written, it was adventurous and fun. I felt I grew so close to these characters I felt I was one of them. I need to know what’s happens next how can a book end like this?!
I highly recommend this book!
🌿 magic
🌿 curse
🌿 special nickname for her 🥹
Loved this book! The ending?! I need book 2 now!
I knew I’m going to love this book and I was right this was amazing! I couldn’t put it down, it was fast paced and interesting.
I immediately fell in love with this story, this world and of course with Braizen. This book was so well written, it was adventurous and fun. I felt I grew so close to these characters I felt I was one of them. I need to know what’s happens next how can a book end like this?!
I highly recommend this book!
🌿 magic
🌿 curse
🌿 special nickname for her 🥹
November 17, 2022
It took me a few chapters to stop feeling bugged by choppy/short sentences (it's a style thing) but once I did, let me tell you!!! I WAS HOOKED! I just love finding new authors to follow especially when they write my favorite genres, and knowing that Hirning is working on the second book to this makes me just so excited! I am not always in love with the books I find on BookTok, but this is an exception, and I am literally so ready to get answers to the questions and cliffhanger this book left me with!!
March 3, 2023
3.5- kaven my girl the cliffhanger that this left on… there’s going to be a second book right???
I love that the book was fast paced and the characters lovable. I really hope there’s a second obviously so we can see what happens to idalia and brazien, but also I feel like a lot of things were planted in this book that weren’t explained and i feel like she has a plan.
Also, it’s probably my first self published book that I’ve read but just knowing her from booktok the about the author, acknowledgments and reviews were a hilarious touch. I really appreciated it.
I love that the book was fast paced and the characters lovable. I really hope there’s a second obviously so we can see what happens to idalia and brazien, but also I feel like a lot of things were planted in this book that weren’t explained and i feel like she has a plan.
Also, it’s probably my first self published book that I’ve read but just knowing her from booktok the about the author, acknowledgments and reviews were a hilarious touch. I really appreciated it.
April 30, 2022
Can't wait to read this!! Saw this on your Instagram and immediately added it to my tbr 🥰
P.S: You make an amazing Cassian 💙
P.S: You make an amazing Cassian 💙
October 18, 2022
I wanted to like this so much 😭 the plot is there, but it fell so flat. I'll probably still read book 2 just to find out what happens with Braizen. There's a lot of room here for growth!
November 13, 2022
Dnf, this was so disappointing I cannot even begin to explain.
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