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Unraveled Fate #2
Illuminance
A brewing war, and a prophecy to doom them all.
Lu’s life as she knows it is over. Her wishes of freedom have finally come to fruition, but at what cost? Her worst nightmares have become reality as monsters, fae, and dark magic corrupt the only home she’s ever known.
Old, broken memories come to light, and the war from long ago seems doomed to repeat itself, with Lu stuck in the middle. Torn between her prince and the man she once called her enemy, she’s left with questions she can’t answer. The scales threaten to tip when the Goddess of Vengeance puts Lu’s hard-won freedom more at risk than ever.
When an ancient prophecy offers a chance at peace, she must learn to control her magic before it’s too late. With all eyes on her, Lu will have to prove herself to her kingdom—or lose everything, and everyone, she loves.
Two kingdoms, divided by hate and corruption. Will darkness win?
Illuminance is the second book in The Unraveled Fate Series, a four-book romantic fantasy series that follows Lu, a strong, sassy, and independent female character in the fight for her freedom. This epic tale of enemies-to-lovers and found family series, is perfect for the fans of high-stakes, magic training, warring kingdoms, dragons and deadly creatures, witty banter, and romantic tension.
Lu’s life as she knows it is over. Her wishes of freedom have finally come to fruition, but at what cost? Her worst nightmares have become reality as monsters, fae, and dark magic corrupt the only home she’s ever known.
Old, broken memories come to light, and the war from long ago seems doomed to repeat itself, with Lu stuck in the middle. Torn between her prince and the man she once called her enemy, she’s left with questions she can’t answer. The scales threaten to tip when the Goddess of Vengeance puts Lu’s hard-won freedom more at risk than ever.
When an ancient prophecy offers a chance at peace, she must learn to control her magic before it’s too late. With all eyes on her, Lu will have to prove herself to her kingdom—or lose everything, and everyone, she loves.
Two kingdoms, divided by hate and corruption. Will darkness win?
Illuminance is the second book in The Unraveled Fate Series, a four-book romantic fantasy series that follows Lu, a strong, sassy, and independent female character in the fight for her freedom. This epic tale of enemies-to-lovers and found family series, is perfect for the fans of high-stakes, magic training, warring kingdoms, dragons and deadly creatures, witty banter, and romantic tension.
508 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2024
204 people are currently reading
2533 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
February 15, 2025
This actually shocked me with how good it was.
The world, magic system, the FMC and the SLOWEST BURN IN THE HISTORY OF SLOWBURNS. I love this maaaaan!
This series has been clearly plotted since book 1, so many things from book 1 tied in so well and the plot was paced steadily in this book, waaaay less repetition. I am in love with this world, love the wyvern storyline, the found family aspect, and the new connections we make.
I am curious how this next book is gonna make me feel about Evelina! The ending was brutal and I need the next book in this series so badly it hurts. 5 stars I can’t stop thinking about this book.
The world, magic system, the FMC and the SLOWEST BURN IN THE HISTORY OF SLOWBURNS. I love this maaaaan!
This series has been clearly plotted since book 1, so many things from book 1 tied in so well and the plot was paced steadily in this book, waaaay less repetition. I am in love with this world, love the wyvern storyline, the found family aspect, and the new connections we make.
I am curious how this next book is gonna make me feel about Evelina! The ending was brutal and I need the next book in this series so badly it hurts. 5 stars I can’t stop thinking about this book.
March 9, 2024
Kara knows how to write a fucking cliffhanger... shocked and rabid for more is all ill say
March 26, 2024
The romance plot pauses for nearly two thirds of the book and we are given long and boring world building/magic system development and backstory. The first book smoldered and then this book just let the whole flame go out. Then all of a sudden the romance plot is back and fired up … and then cliffhanger.
The first half really lacked action, tension, mystery, or anything remotely moving the plot forward. It was a story in stasis for over half the book. She trains and a few minor mysteries are foreshadowed but nothing with great tension or that wasn’t predictable.
Speaking of predictability … ugh. This was a mashup of the usual tropes and popular storylines. I really desperately hoped the author was going to replicate and expand some of those bursts of unique ideas in the first book, but alas, we didn’t get much of that.
I won’t continue this series.
The first half really lacked action, tension, mystery, or anything remotely moving the plot forward. It was a story in stasis for over half the book. She trains and a few minor mysteries are foreshadowed but nothing with great tension or that wasn’t predictable.
Speaking of predictability … ugh. This was a mashup of the usual tropes and popular storylines. I really desperately hoped the author was going to replicate and expand some of those bursts of unique ideas in the first book, but alas, we didn’t get much of that.
I won’t continue this series.
March 11, 2024
thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for my review!
I have been DYING to read this since Lunaria - eee!
As you can see, I read most of this in one day. Hehehe.
The world building in Illuminance was amazing. The folklore, the history, the descriptions of every parts of Penyth were so well thought out. Likeeee how do I visit?
While the majority of the book is character-driven, I really loved that aspect. We see so much personal growth that is a major key to how the story plays out. We get a lot of flashbacks of her childhood that are also very important.
I did not see one of the big twists coming until I thought back on all of the little nods to it & got so angry! Men suck tbh.
Graylen is a perfect specimen & he can do no wrong.
The magic & how it works with the world was incredible. I enjoyed how everyone has a place & there is no class system or rifts between the species. They are just living in harmony together.
I want to say more but can’t spoil anything heheh
I have been DYING to read this since Lunaria - eee!
As you can see, I read most of this in one day. Hehehe.
The world building in Illuminance was amazing. The folklore, the history, the descriptions of every parts of Penyth were so well thought out. Likeeee how do I visit?
While the majority of the book is character-driven, I really loved that aspect. We see so much personal growth that is a major key to how the story plays out. We get a lot of flashbacks of her childhood that are also very important.
I did not see one of the big twists coming until I thought back on all of the little nods to it & got so angry! Men suck tbh.
Graylen is a perfect specimen & he can do no wrong.
The magic & how it works with the world was incredible. I enjoyed how everyone has a place & there is no class system or rifts between the species. They are just living in harmony together.
I want to say more but can’t spoil anything heheh
March 26, 2024
Wow…
This book was an absolute RIDE. Book one was sparkly, whimsical, fun. And then book two came slamming through the door. It is action and mystery and not knowing who to trust. It is discovering new creatures and places and people and a WHIRLWIND of a time.
Our FMC is SUCH a delight. She is strong and witty and brave. She is kind and curious. Our MMC is…. Well he is Graylen and he is mine and you cannot have him. He is broody and moody, but also……. So dang sweet it kills me.
Go read Lunaria. Enjoy it. And then SPRINT to this book. Thank you and goodnight.
This book was an absolute RIDE. Book one was sparkly, whimsical, fun. And then book two came slamming through the door. It is action and mystery and not knowing who to trust. It is discovering new creatures and places and people and a WHIRLWIND of a time.
Our FMC is SUCH a delight. She is strong and witty and brave. She is kind and curious. Our MMC is…. Well he is Graylen and he is mine and you cannot have him. He is broody and moody, but also……. So dang sweet it kills me.
Go read Lunaria. Enjoy it. And then SPRINT to this book. Thank you and goodnight.
March 21, 2024
full review to come 🤭 i hope you’re excited hehe
March 21, 2024
This was an awesome sequel to the first book, Lunaria. Omg, I absolutely loved it. It was a complete change of scenery and pace compared to the first book. I don’t want to give too much away just in case you haven’t read the first book yet… but it is such a captivating story about a young woman’s journey in discovering more about herself and becoming the woman she was always meant to be.
The FMC is so resilient and strong yet her inner thoughts are full of anxiety and self-doubt which makes her relatable. She takes everything that is thrown at her head-on and fights with everything she has to protect the people she cares about.
The magic system and world building is so cool and interesting. This was all very different from book 1 since this book takes place in a different land. I loved reading about the different types of Fae, the creatures, the magic, and the gods/goddesses.
There is a major found family vibe and the tension and banter between the FMC and MMC is 👩🏻🍳💋. I absolutely love the side characters and the MMC is definitely book boyfriend material (he has a way with words) 🔥🥵.
I must say that the ending was insane!! It was so intense and OMG 🤯😭😵💫. (That’s all I’ll say about that…😂) I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book whenever it comes out.
I highly recommend this book if you love:
✨found family
✨prophecies and gods/goddesses
✨magic and combat school and training
✨awesome side characters
✨swoony slow burn tension and banter
✨mild spice🌶️ (one scene)
The FMC is so resilient and strong yet her inner thoughts are full of anxiety and self-doubt which makes her relatable. She takes everything that is thrown at her head-on and fights with everything she has to protect the people she cares about.
The magic system and world building is so cool and interesting. This was all very different from book 1 since this book takes place in a different land. I loved reading about the different types of Fae, the creatures, the magic, and the gods/goddesses.
There is a major found family vibe and the tension and banter between the FMC and MMC is 👩🏻🍳💋. I absolutely love the side characters and the MMC is definitely book boyfriend material (he has a way with words) 🔥🥵.
I must say that the ending was insane!! It was so intense and OMG 🤯😭😵💫. (That’s all I’ll say about that…😂) I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book whenever it comes out.
I highly recommend this book if you love:
✨found family
✨prophecies and gods/goddesses
✨magic and combat school and training
✨awesome side characters
✨swoony slow burn tension and banter
✨mild spice🌶️ (one scene)
March 21, 2024
The world and story that Kara created in Lunaria continues beautifully in Illuminance, the world building is amazing, with such vivid descriptions of Penyth that you can easily visualise everything add that with the folklore and history and it’s perfect. This is very much a world building and character driven book and while it might feel a little slower paced in the beginning I personally loved it and think everything was done really well to give justice to the plot development that unfolds.
The character growth from each character is excellent and so well done as it plays a major part in key developments in how the story plays out. I loved how we see childhood flashbacks that helps answer a few questions and gives insight into important moments.
I absolutely loved Lu’s personal growth in this book and how she learns to except who she is. The found family is still one of my favourite things and Graylen is perfect MMC 🫠 I loved seeing the relationship develop between him and Lu it is the perfect slow burn romance filled with so much tension their chemistry is so good and it leads to a rather rewarding outcome! 🥵🫠🫠
If you haven’t started this series yet please do as it’s so so good and wow does Kara know how to write such a beautifully engaging and enchanting story that captures you straight from the start you don’t want it to end. Though be prepared for the shocking cliffhanger ending as it’s brutal I’ll be patiently waiting for book three!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an arc I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The character growth from each character is excellent and so well done as it plays a major part in key developments in how the story plays out. I loved how we see childhood flashbacks that helps answer a few questions and gives insight into important moments.
I absolutely loved Lu’s personal growth in this book and how she learns to except who she is. The found family is still one of my favourite things and Graylen is perfect MMC 🫠 I loved seeing the relationship develop between him and Lu it is the perfect slow burn romance filled with so much tension their chemistry is so good and it leads to a rather rewarding outcome! 🥵🫠🫠
If you haven’t started this series yet please do as it’s so so good and wow does Kara know how to write such a beautifully engaging and enchanting story that captures you straight from the start you don’t want it to end. Though be prepared for the shocking cliffhanger ending as it’s brutal I’ll be patiently waiting for book three!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an arc I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
4⭐️!!!!
THIS ONE 🤯🤯🤯 i loooove a hiden identity trope and love hidden magic even more 😝😝 and then throw in political intrigue, a powerful fmc, whitty banter, and (potential🤞🏽) fated mates… CHEFS KISS 😙🤌🏽
this was so fun! i would 10000% recommend you read this one 🫶🏽
THIS ONE 🤯🤯🤯 i loooove a hiden identity trope and love hidden magic even more 😝😝 and then throw in political intrigue, a powerful fmc, whitty banter, and (potential🤞🏽) fated mates… CHEFS KISS 😙🤌🏽
this was so fun! i would 10000% recommend you read this one 🫶🏽
June 19, 2025
I simply devoured this book. I’m talking one sitting devoured. Ugh I loved it so much. It’s the slowest of slow burns but I didn’t even care- the tension was AMAZING. I can’t type anything else bc it’s all spoilers, but Kara, you know what you did. I need book 3 like yesterday 😂
March 10, 2024
4.75⭐️
I am going to try to keep this relatively spoiler free but I have to start by saying I AM UNWELL after finishing this.
Lunaria has been one of my top reads of 2024 and this was a fantastic continuation of the series! The beginning felt a little frustrating with Lu being thrust into this new world and no one really taking the time to help her adjust and explain things in the immediate beginning, instead she was just thrown into events and such.
But after I got past that, this was an AMAZING sequel and I need book 3 immediately!!!! It was so action packed and a complete change of pace from book 1 but it was exactly what it needed to be! Kara, you are a fantastic writer and I am truly obsessed with this world that has been created.
The world building and magic system was so extensive but so well explained and I loved having the glossary in the beginning to go back to as needed with all the gods and goddesses to keep track of. There were some things that we got clues to that I saw coming (and the revelations were fantastic) but there were so many more things that SHOCKED me and I was not expecting at all. The last 10% of the book was a WHIRLWIND of emotions (shock, fury, sadness, to name a few) and I wish I recorded my face because I could feel my jaw dropping. After that cliffhanger, I do not know what to do with myself until the next book comes out!
100% recommend
I am going to try to keep this relatively spoiler free but I have to start by saying I AM UNWELL after finishing this.
Lunaria has been one of my top reads of 2024 and this was a fantastic continuation of the series! The beginning felt a little frustrating with Lu being thrust into this new world and no one really taking the time to help her adjust and explain things in the immediate beginning, instead she was just thrown into events and such.
But after I got past that, this was an AMAZING sequel and I need book 3 immediately!!!! It was so action packed and a complete change of pace from book 1 but it was exactly what it needed to be! Kara, you are a fantastic writer and I am truly obsessed with this world that has been created.
The world building and magic system was so extensive but so well explained and I loved having the glossary in the beginning to go back to as needed with all the gods and goddesses to keep track of. There were some things that we got clues to that I saw coming (and the revelations were fantastic) but there were so many more things that SHOCKED me and I was not expecting at all. The last 10% of the book was a WHIRLWIND of emotions (shock, fury, sadness, to name a few) and I wish I recorded my face because I could feel my jaw dropping. After that cliffhanger, I do not know what to do with myself until the next book comes out!
100% recommend
April 3, 2024
Another KU book that is desperate need of more editing. We spend most of this book being bored to point of “crossing into Caelum.” 💀 World building shouldn’t be so painful and just because you can fill up 500 pages doesn’t mean you should. I liked the original concept of this series but unfortunately this one falls victim to the second book syndrome.
October 12, 2024
“You will be my undoing.”
This book was *my* undoing. 😭 Lunaria was good but Kara bought👏🏻the👏🏻heat👏🏻with this one!!! Illuminance had EVERYTHING I love in a fantasy romance!
-Badass FMC
-Dreamy MMC who will unalive anyone who hurts her
-Magic
-Magic training
-Found family
-Mystery and secrets
-Dark villains
-WYVERNS (YES I AM SCREAMING AT YOU)
Once again Kara’s phenomenal writing and world building immediately drew me in and immersed me into the beautiful world of Penyth. I forgot I was reading! I love the unique twists of the magic system and Fae people. The world is just beautiful and I’m moving to Penyth immediately. Our FMC has been through so much trauma but she is so resilient and I loved going on the journey with her to find herself and her purpose. The characters are so lovable, and once again the banter had me chuckling! 🤭
Phewwww get ready for a fantastic slow burn with angst and tension!! Don’t worry, it’ll pay off. 😉 I hope you all have room for a new book boyfriend!
The ending was so intense I think I held my breath for most of the last hour. 😅 I’m going to be thinking about this and processing it until Kara feeds me book 3!
If I haven’t convinced you by now that you NEED TO READ THIS then there’s no help for you. 😂
March 30, 2025
help that was so good
THIS BOOK. THIS BOOOOOKKKKK.
Wow. Lunaria was really fun but THIS. This book was on a new level. I loved being along for the ride as Lunaria starts to learn who she is and what she can become.
“I am violence.” Tattoo it on my forehead.
We get more of Graylen in this one and all I can say is that it really is always the quiet ones, hehe. I love him so much and he is the ultimate book boyfriend.
The world expands in this one and we get to learn a lot more about the different fae, which I really loved. I felt like each kind was fully fleshed out and I loved seeing th all in their element throughout different points of the story.
I can’t wait to see more.
THIS BOOK. THIS BOOOOOKKKKK.
Wow. Lunaria was really fun but THIS. This book was on a new level. I loved being along for the ride as Lunaria starts to learn who she is and what she can become.
“I am violence.” Tattoo it on my forehead.
We get more of Graylen in this one and all I can say is that it really is always the quiet ones, hehe. I love him so much and he is the ultimate book boyfriend.
The world expands in this one and we get to learn a lot more about the different fae, which I really loved. I felt like each kind was fully fleshed out and I loved seeing th all in their element throughout different points of the story.
I can’t wait to see more.
March 10, 2024
Omg this book was SO much fun to read!!! You get to learn about an entirely new world, all the magic systems that go along with it, all the new characters in that world, and see the main character grow a ton. There were so many times I was like blown away by the details of the magic system/their world. Then the new creatures that join the mix…. SPOILER AHEAD!!! There are wyverns!!!! Multiple of them!! The plot twists and reveals of the main storyline along the way did not disappoint, the slow burn had me kicking my feet, and the cliffhanger at the end left me screaming. I can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
RTC, but I just wanna say Kara slayed.
January 10, 2025
Hmmm. I have mixed feelings
I loveeeddd the lore and all the history the author put in this book. The explanation throughout the book about the two lands at war; the trials she has to go through. Some of the writting felt a bit off? But overall I liked it. I'm excited to see how the story continues in the next book, looking forward to it's release!
WARNING: there's one open door scene at the end (chapter 51) , it's not super relevant to the story so if you don't like those kinds of scenes I say skip that chapter entirely.
I loveeeddd the lore and all the history the author put in this book. The explanation throughout the book about the two lands at war; the trials she has to go through. Some of the writting felt a bit off? But overall I liked it. I'm excited to see how the story continues in the next book, looking forward to it's release!
WARNING: there's one open door scene at the end (chapter 51) , it's not super relevant to the story so if you don't like those kinds of scenes I say skip that chapter entirely.
March 10, 2024
****ARC Review without spoilers***
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
I read Lunaria several months ago and I have been dying to get my hands on Illuminance since! If you love a mouthy, strong main character and a flirty but dangerous love interest, welcome. This slooooooowww burn series is the one for you!
Small details that I loved:
✨Pronounciation & world-building guides are the quickest way to my heart, and the ones included in this book were amazing!
✨GRAYLEN. Ohh my gods, Graylen. 🫠 I loved him after book one, but I would commit atrocities for him after this book. I need WAY more of him in the next one because I will be thinking about him non-stop until then.
✨Found family that will literally melt your heart.
✨Sassy wyvern antics 💜💜
✨Well-written trauma healing journey.
✨Juniper fizzzz (You’ll get the joke after you dive into the book). I’m honestly kind of desperate to try it. I’m going to need an Illuminance recipes book. 😂
In-depth review for my fellow nerds:
This series has a familiar feel but brings in interesting characters and creatures that make the story unique. The system of magic, the different fae races, and Penyth culture/traditions/history were so well organized that they could’ve been a plot on their own. I felt like I could have gone through the trials myself by the end, because the world building was so detailed! I found that the side-characters in this series are just as lovable as the main characters. Some parts were slow-medium paced, but things really pick up in the last third of the book. The spice is well worth the wait, especially if you are a good girl. 😈 Kara Douglas is incredibly skilled at destroying my peace with cliffhangers so I’m currently dangling off the ledge, trying to hold on until the next one. 😅
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
I read Lunaria several months ago and I have been dying to get my hands on Illuminance since! If you love a mouthy, strong main character and a flirty but dangerous love interest, welcome. This slooooooowww burn series is the one for you!
Small details that I loved:
✨Pronounciation & world-building guides are the quickest way to my heart, and the ones included in this book were amazing!
✨GRAYLEN. Ohh my gods, Graylen. 🫠 I loved him after book one, but I would commit atrocities for him after this book. I need WAY more of him in the next one because I will be thinking about him non-stop until then.
✨Found family that will literally melt your heart.
✨Sassy wyvern antics 💜💜
✨Well-written trauma healing journey.
✨Juniper fizzzz (You’ll get the joke after you dive into the book). I’m honestly kind of desperate to try it. I’m going to need an Illuminance recipes book. 😂
In-depth review for my fellow nerds:
This series has a familiar feel but brings in interesting characters and creatures that make the story unique. The system of magic, the different fae races, and Penyth culture/traditions/history were so well organized that they could’ve been a plot on their own. I felt like I could have gone through the trials myself by the end, because the world building was so detailed! I found that the side-characters in this series are just as lovable as the main characters. Some parts were slow-medium paced, but things really pick up in the last third of the book. The spice is well worth the wait, especially if you are a good girl. 😈 Kara Douglas is incredibly skilled at destroying my peace with cliffhangers so I’m currently dangling off the ledge, trying to hold on until the next one. 😅
March 10, 2024
✨Illuminance✨
Don’t mind me. I’ll just be sitting here, arms crossed, knees pulled to my chest, head fallen back against the wall as I stare at the ceiling daydreaming about this book and impatiently awaiting the sequel.
And now… possible spoilers for book one, Lunaria.
So, here we return! No longer in Crea, we follow Amira/Lunaria, Graylen, Addie, and Avery through the portal to Penyth. We get to throughly explore this vast and intricate country of magic and fae and monsters as Lunaria learns her heritage. Kara does such a magnificent job with the world building and unique magic system. Thank goodness for her notes up front to help, because it’s so thorough I wish it were real!
Through these pages, we get to learn so much more about the characters we fell in love with in book one as well as some priceless new ones all while war looms on the horizon. The sloooooooow burn is so tantalizing and well rewarded. I want to elaborate how delicious Graylen is but I think you just need to find out on your own. 😉 You won’t be disappointed. I promise. And if you are, more for me then. 😂
I have so many theories and I’m so eager to see them answered but I will tell you straight up, this book, this SERIES is one worth placing on your shelves. I’ve already preordered a signed copy! Some language. One spice scene. One cave. One cliffhanger that has me in my feels but hopeful. Found family. Witty, angsty banter. Tensssiooonnn. Ok, ok… now I’m going back to daydreaming.
Thank you so much, @authorkaradouglas, for blessing me with this gifted arc!!
Don’t mind me. I’ll just be sitting here, arms crossed, knees pulled to my chest, head fallen back against the wall as I stare at the ceiling daydreaming about this book and impatiently awaiting the sequel.
And now… possible spoilers for book one, Lunaria.
So, here we return! No longer in Crea, we follow Amira/Lunaria, Graylen, Addie, and Avery through the portal to Penyth. We get to throughly explore this vast and intricate country of magic and fae and monsters as Lunaria learns her heritage. Kara does such a magnificent job with the world building and unique magic system. Thank goodness for her notes up front to help, because it’s so thorough I wish it were real!
Through these pages, we get to learn so much more about the characters we fell in love with in book one as well as some priceless new ones all while war looms on the horizon. The sloooooooow burn is so tantalizing and well rewarded. I want to elaborate how delicious Graylen is but I think you just need to find out on your own. 😉 You won’t be disappointed. I promise. And if you are, more for me then. 😂
I have so many theories and I’m so eager to see them answered but I will tell you straight up, this book, this SERIES is one worth placing on your shelves. I’ve already preordered a signed copy! Some language. One spice scene. One cave. One cliffhanger that has me in my feels but hopeful. Found family. Witty, angsty banter. Tensssiooonnn. Ok, ok… now I’m going back to daydreaming.
Thank you so much, @authorkaradouglas, for blessing me with this gifted arc!!
November 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️{5}
🌶️🌶️{2}
KU ✅
Ummm EXCUSE ME MA’AM!! (Kara, I’m talking to you!) Da fuuu kinda crack did you put in this book?! So freaking good!! I may have whiplash from that ending 😅 but the world building, the way you weave the story together, the character development!!! Just ahhhh 🤌🏻🤌🏻 *chefs kiss*. Absolutely ᗪᗴᔕᑭᗴᖇᗩ丅ᗴ for the next installment of our baddy FMCs story, BUT I’m also so excited to finally dive into Undying Lands and learn a bit about the what happened in the past too cuz I REALLY need a few things answered 😅😅
And that’s all I’m gonna say cuz I don’t wanna risk any spoilers, however, here’s some tropes if my ranting and raving about how amazing this series is hasn’t convinced you to add it to your TBRs 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 yet!!
⚠️𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔, 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍⚠️
𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
💫 slow burn
🌙 found family
💫 magic training
🌙 sassy wyvern
💫 badass fmc
⭐️ touch her and ☠️
𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:
“𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰.”
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘭𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺. “𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦,” 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬. “𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.”
“𝘐 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴.. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦.”
🌶️🌶️{2}
KU ✅
Ummm EXCUSE ME MA’AM!! (Kara, I’m talking to you!) Da fuuu kinda crack did you put in this book?! So freaking good!! I may have whiplash from that ending 😅 but the world building, the way you weave the story together, the character development!!! Just ahhhh 🤌🏻🤌🏻 *chefs kiss*. Absolutely ᗪᗴᔕᑭᗴᖇᗩ丅ᗴ for the next installment of our baddy FMCs story, BUT I’m also so excited to finally dive into Undying Lands and learn a bit about the what happened in the past too cuz I REALLY need a few things answered 😅😅
And that’s all I’m gonna say cuz I don’t wanna risk any spoilers, however, here’s some tropes if my ranting and raving about how amazing this series is hasn’t convinced you to add it to your TBRs 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 yet!!
⚠️𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚔, 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍⚠️
𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
💫 slow burn
🌙 found family
💫 magic training
🌙 sassy wyvern
💫 badass fmc
⭐️ touch her and ☠️
𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:
“𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰.”
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘭𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺. “𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.”
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦,” 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬. “𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.”
“𝘐 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴.. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
3.5/5. This book is for the praise kink girlies.
In all seriousness, this had so much potential but the amount of info dumping made it so fucking boring. And it was so repetitive. Graylen did everything the same. The guy was mysterious and wistful and that was it. He has no other personality. Frankly no one has any personality than hyping Lu up. It got boring and redundant after the 1000th time someone placates Lu.
In all seriousness, this had so much potential but the amount of info dumping made it so fucking boring. And it was so repetitive. Graylen did everything the same. The guy was mysterious and wistful and that was it. He has no other personality. Frankly no one has any personality than hyping Lu up. It got boring and redundant after the 1000th time someone placates Lu.
April 13, 2024
Really slow.
May 1, 2024
My jaw was literally on the floor from 60% to the very end. The slow burn and plot twists were so intense. I cannot wait for the 3rd book.😩
March 20, 2024
Illuminance is the beautiful second book in the Unraveled Fate series. If you have read Lunaria, you know that the ending is wild and you’re left needing so much more to the story. Illuminance absolutely delivers on that.
The series name, The Unraveled Fate, is very appropriately named because things unravel as you read them. To think back to Lunaria and the storyline there, it blows my mind to see how far the story goes. Kara does such an excellent job immersing you in her fictional world and this book actually left me pretty hungry. The food, drinks and vibes are all amazing. There is a good mix of light and dark themes.
The politics and the tensions between the two kingdoms are well thought out. The creatures and different characters are interesting too, and it had all of the elements you could want from a fantasy series. I loved Kara’s use of mythology from many different countries and she created so many memorable plot points that it’s hard to choose a favorite moment.
Nightmares are a big theme in Illuminance as the main character learns more about herself and also the world that she thought she knew. I loved the nightmare scenes because they provided a lot of information to the plot in such an interesting way.
There is a small amount of romance in this book and I think it’s just enough to avoid taking from the main plot. It very much is a “touch her and 💀" situation with some “good girl” moments which I absolutely loved. And there’s such a beautiful full circle moment that had me teary eyed. Kara did an amazing job tying elements together from the first and second book. It’s a beautiful plot point and it’s a good slow burn 🔥
The book is around 500 pages, but it feels shorter because of all the action and shocking information you get along the way. I was hooked the entire time, and now I cannot wait for book three 🥰🥰
The series name, The Unraveled Fate, is very appropriately named because things unravel as you read them. To think back to Lunaria and the storyline there, it blows my mind to see how far the story goes. Kara does such an excellent job immersing you in her fictional world and this book actually left me pretty hungry. The food, drinks and vibes are all amazing. There is a good mix of light and dark themes.
The politics and the tensions between the two kingdoms are well thought out. The creatures and different characters are interesting too, and it had all of the elements you could want from a fantasy series. I loved Kara’s use of mythology from many different countries and she created so many memorable plot points that it’s hard to choose a favorite moment.
Nightmares are a big theme in Illuminance as the main character learns more about herself and also the world that she thought she knew. I loved the nightmare scenes because they provided a lot of information to the plot in such an interesting way.
There is a small amount of romance in this book and I think it’s just enough to avoid taking from the main plot. It very much is a “touch her and 💀" situation with some “good girl” moments which I absolutely loved. And there’s such a beautiful full circle moment that had me teary eyed. Kara did an amazing job tying elements together from the first and second book. It’s a beautiful plot point and it’s a good slow burn 🔥
The book is around 500 pages, but it feels shorter because of all the action and shocking information you get along the way. I was hooked the entire time, and now I cannot wait for book three 🥰🥰
March 21, 2024
This book was amazing. I have so many emotions in regards to this book I think I’m currently experiencing the 5 stages of grief. I think I’m just cycling through it I’m pretty sure I’m just in denial at this point. BUT with that being said I mean that in the best possible way. Illuminance is the type of book that invokes emotions in you and draws you in. It’s easy to relate to the characters because of their troubles and flaws which is one thing I loved. An easy 5/5 🌟for me!!
Watching Lu’s journey and growth in was inspiring. She struggled and fought with her self doubt and even though her troubles are different it was very relatable for me. Seeing her become confident in her abilities and learning that she can rely on others was one of my favorite parts I love the found family in this book.
The slow burn in this book was great. There was enough tension that it didn’t feel like it was dragging on but it wasn’t insta love even after the characters created chemistry in Lunaria. The banter between Graylen and Lu was another favorite part for me. The way Graylen purposely makes Lu flustered had me cracking up at parts 😂
Overall Illuminance was a great second installment and I’m SUPER excited to see where this series is going!! For now I’ll just have to hope that Kara has mercy on us and that there is a HEA in the future of this series!
Watching Lu’s journey and growth in was inspiring. She struggled and fought with her self doubt and even though her troubles are different it was very relatable for me. Seeing her become confident in her abilities and learning that she can rely on others was one of my favorite parts I love the found family in this book.
The slow burn in this book was great. There was enough tension that it didn’t feel like it was dragging on but it wasn’t insta love even after the characters created chemistry in Lunaria. The banter between Graylen and Lu was another favorite part for me. The way Graylen purposely makes Lu flustered had me cracking up at parts 😂
Overall Illuminance was a great second installment and I’m SUPER excited to see where this series is going!! For now I’ll just have to hope that Kara has mercy on us and that there is a HEA in the future of this series!
March 21, 2024
Lunaria has to discover a new world and also who she is. She has to overcome quite a bit of self doubt and, more things her father did to her while in Crea, in the beginning of this book. She fights against monsters, her new magic and even herself.
I loved the world building, the discovery of her magic and her slowly letting people in.
Graylen is top tier. You can’t change my mind. “Scared of a kiss, little soldier?” I tease. He huffs a laugh and brings his lips against my ear. “Be a good girl and stop talking.”
“A sword?” Graylen raises his and points it at me, the tip mere inches away from my heart. “Are you trying to seduce me?”
The wyvern was fun & the little adventure with the one cave but THAT ENDING?! 😫 cliff hangers are the worsttttt.
March 13, 2024
Kara is just brilliant beyond words.
This story she has created has taken a hold of me since the first page of lunaria and now with finishing with Illuminance. I don’t know what to do with myself. The whole time all I thought was I don’t want this to end ugh. The way she describes these worlds feels like a true escape of reality and instead of reading words on paper, you are truly there experiencing it yourself.
Please if you have not yet, read these books now!
Have fun falling in love with Graylen by the way
OH AND ENJOY THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!
Thank Kara for letting me apart of your arc team
This was such a magical experience 🌙
This story she has created has taken a hold of me since the first page of lunaria and now with finishing with Illuminance. I don’t know what to do with myself. The whole time all I thought was I don’t want this to end ugh. The way she describes these worlds feels like a true escape of reality and instead of reading words on paper, you are truly there experiencing it yourself.
Please if you have not yet, read these books now!
Have fun falling in love with Graylen by the way
OH AND ENJOY THE CLIFFHANGER!!!!
Thank Kara for letting me apart of your arc team
This was such a magical experience 🌙
March 21, 2024
First, thank you so much @authorkaradouglas for sending me your book baby to read! I am so in love with this story and already can’t wait to see what happened in book 3!!
I am so fully invested in this series. I love Lu, her new found family (and real family) and Graylen. The slow burn between Lunaria and Graylen keeps on burning but the payout of worth it I promise.
So much about Illuminance is Lunaria really finding out who she is, WHAT she is. I love being on this adventure with Lu but I also loved learning about all the different fae powers and how Kara played them out in this book.
I enjoyed the entire book but that last 150 pages was 😬😲🫠😮💨❤️🔥😡😰😩😭
I am so fully invested in this series. I love Lu, her new found family (and real family) and Graylen. The slow burn between Lunaria and Graylen keeps on burning but the payout of worth it I promise.
So much about Illuminance is Lunaria really finding out who she is, WHAT she is. I love being on this adventure with Lu but I also loved learning about all the different fae powers and how Kara played them out in this book.
I enjoyed the entire book but that last 150 pages was 😬😲🫠😮💨❤️🔥😡😰😩😭
March 21, 2024
Thank you to Kara for allowing me the privilege of reading an ARC of Illuminance!
The second installment in The Unraveled Fate series did NOT disappoint! Easily one of my favorite reads of the last 12 months.
In comparison to Lunaria, this book feels a little faster-paced and definitely has much more action. You'll see things like magical training (which I recently discovered I love thanks to another series), a sassy lil wyvern, and more swoon-worthy moments from our MMC. The magic system in this series is so unique and I like that it is introduced slowly and information is repeated as we are learning along with Lu. It really helped my pea brain keep everything straight! The end had a twist on a twist that I truly did not see coming.
You can really tell Kara's come into her writing style in this book. I could FEEL the love that she put into her craft coming off the pages. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK KARA PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
The second installment in The Unraveled Fate series did NOT disappoint! Easily one of my favorite reads of the last 12 months.
In comparison to Lunaria, this book feels a little faster-paced and definitely has much more action. You'll see things like magical training (which I recently discovered I love thanks to another series), a sassy lil wyvern, and more swoon-worthy moments from our MMC. The magic system in this series is so unique and I like that it is introduced slowly and information is repeated as we are learning along with Lu. It really helped my pea brain keep everything straight! The end had a twist on a twist that I truly did not see coming.
You can really tell Kara's come into her writing style in this book. I could FEEL the love that she put into her craft coming off the pages. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK KARA PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
March 20, 2024
Wow. I am not disappointed in this second book from Kara Douglas. Welcome to Penyth 😍
This book is fast-paced, and gosh, does a lot of information get thrown at us. I feel a lot like Lu feels during the book, overwhelmed with information and shocked at lies and revelations.
ALSO!!! WHY THAT ENDING!!! I NEED BOOK 3 NOW PLEASE!!
Don't sleep on this series. This second book gets spicier than the first, and it is definitely a sprawling romantasy.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is fast-paced, and gosh, does a lot of information get thrown at us. I feel a lot like Lu feels during the book, overwhelmed with information and shocked at lies and revelations.
ALSO!!! WHY THAT ENDING!!! I NEED BOOK 3 NOW PLEASE!!
Don't sleep on this series. This second book gets spicier than the first, and it is definitely a sprawling romantasy.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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