Axis of Fate

by Georgia C. Leigh

Three thousand years ago, a Fate foresaw the destruction of two worlds, and the birth of a new race.

Marina, a powerful Fate, is given a vision by her god detailing the eradication of three races, including her own people. She is asked to make a sacrifice, and in exchange her god will give her a chance to alter their fate. But as her oracle unwinds, its demands test the beliefs she holds dear, not only the tenets of her people, but her faith in her god. She must rely on her friends to dance the edge between saving her people and the will of her queen and her god. But sometimes the only way to forge a new future is to break the rules.

Gabriel and Pilar are the foundation of an elite fighting force in the emerging province of Araine. Together, they struggle against a strengthening faction in the east who seem determined to rid Berinia of people they consider invaders, unworthy not only of sharing their world, but of life itself. Gabriel and Pilar discover their family is at the center of Marina’s oracle, which overlaps with the discord in Berinia. Their efforts to fight the uprising are frustrated as they see their family’s fate touching both salvation and destruction. Together, they must bear the burden placed on them by the Drankoni, a race that may not have their best interests at heart. When a new entity emerges among the insurgents, an unimaginable force of destruction sweeps through Berinia, threatening the very existence of their people. A Fate’s gift can turn the tide and save thousands of lives, but at a cost that could forever destroy their family.

ebook

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Georgia spends most of her time lost in fantastical worlds, thinking up wild ways to entertain readers who love romantic fantasy.

The Shadows and Light series are Georgia's first published novels, a planned six book series of love, political intrigue, intricate worldbuilding, magic and mystical creatures, and legends and lore. The story is an epic fantasy, heavily focused on character-driven storylines, both heroes, the morally gray, and the despicable. Books 1-5 are now available on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon and Audible.

Disenchanted Tales is a dark(ish) and steamy series of novels inspired by fairy tales, myths and fables. Book 1 -3 are now available on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon.

Georgia lives in California and when not spending time with her family, working and writing, she is an avid competitive equestrian.

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Website: www.georgiacleigh.com

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to get sucked into the past and love everything about this! Also get ready to cry, yell, scream, love….its an emotional rollercoaster, but a necessary one. I begged for a book about the origins of this world and was so freaking happy Georgia nailed it!! These characters breathe life into the history of the characters we love so much. Knowing that Haven, River and Ryker are such a force thousands of years before, it’s just amazing!!! The downside? Now you’ve got more characters to love, more characters to hate and another cliffhanger that will make you wanna scream! I cannot tell you how much I love this series, do yourself a huge favor and dive in!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible piece of work by Georgia Leigh! 😍🤩🥹🥰

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this series is truly a must-read for fantasy readers and this fourth installment just continues to back up that declaration! I couldn't put this down! There's really something to be said for a book that tells a story of which you already know the outcome, and you're still just as enthralled as if you had no clue how things would end. Ms. Georgia continues to amaze me with her writing. The deep connections we get with these characters were just as fantastic as what we've already had cooking with her other characters from the previous books. Get ready y'all, because while it may feel like we're "starting over" with this volume of the seraphim's story, it's literally going back to the VERY beginning...before they even existed!

Before I get into the nitty gritty, a couple things of note:
~ There will be slight, out of context spoilers for the previous books in this series, specifically Light in the Shadows and Shadow Rising, so please proceed with caution.

~ You can find my review of Book 1, Light in the Shadows, here.

~ You can find my review of Book 2, Light Lost, here.

~ You can find my review of Book 3, Shadow Rising, here.

We get a preview of this story in Light in the Shadows (book 1) when Haven is being given a little history lesson about the seraphim. Then we get an even bigger preview at the end of Shadow Rising (book 3). That right there is reason #1 why I stay obsessed with this world/series/author. Her ability to weave this stuff together so intricately among all of these books has me OBSESSED. I love that sh*t. So we know the basic outcome of this portion of the story, but didn't know the parts of the equation to get there. I'm telling you, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The manipulations and maneuverings happening, the always incredible magic system and world-building, along with the numerous action scenes just left me clamoring for more. Every time I had to put it down was a struggle.

We already know a lot about the magic system and world from the previous books, but with this book, we get introduced to a new planet as well as a new race of people, the Drankoni (which give us the Fates). New pieces of their magic system and world are incorporated into our existing knowledge, and in my opinion, this was done seamlessly. I will say, it was really weird how pretty much everyone skimmed everywhere instead of flying while on Drankon, but that was just me getting used to the new people/place. We also see how the people of Praesia came to be there, in addition to the ethical/social implications of some of their placements, centuries down the road. Some heavier topics are addressed in the context of this larger subject, as well as the language used by some characters, so just be aware that not everyone is as welcoming as others. But it is an important piece of the story that must be told.

This book shows us what happened millennia ago, prior to Haven and Ryker's story beginning. But it's also only a portion of that story. We still have the other half to hear about in book 5 and I'm so excited for it. But for this book, the story essentially covers how Marina, Camille, Cipher/Rhion, Gabriel, Pilar, and Loeki came to be in their current situation as we know it at the end of Shadow Rising (well kind of, ha!). And while you may think there's a lot of new characters in here, we actually know these people already and are just getting an "expansion pack" on their story, if you will. We really get to see their origins: how the seraphim are created; how Cipher has his fall from grace, so to speak, that eventually leads to the druids being cast out to another planet; Gabriel and Pilar's complicated relationship and eventual sacrifice/deal that resulted in the Pales being created around Praesia and Terra; in addition to a new couple that enters the chat that had my heart ACHING the whole time, y'all! Seriously, I can't wait for you to meet Savin and Azure. *swoon*

I usually like to go into a little bit of character analysis but I feel like if I do that for this one, it's going to give away a lot more than I should and you need to experience these characters for yourself since it's the first time. I will say, Pilar was not necessarily how I thought she was going to be (back in the day she was giving them selfish vibes), and the journey of her and Gabriel's relationship was very different than how I thought it was going to be. But that was a great thing! Because it kept the story interesting. I did find Gabriel's character a tad bit flat overall, but our attention didn't seem to really be on him as much as it was on Savin, so that could have contributed to it. Of course I despised Loeki's character and his effect on Pilar (now that we now the deal with all THAT). I thought the incorporation of Gabriel's cousins (Raphael, Azrael, and Michael) was pretty cool, especially since we got to see how they all become "seraphim".

And of course I can't leave this review without commenting on the spice Ms. Georgia blessed us with in this one. Some really yummy spots but that slow AF burn with so much angst and tension and then explosion was just fantastic (you'll know who I'm talking about once you read it *wink wink*). I'll just leave you in suspense for now...LOL.

As usual, y'all already know I'm going to recommend this book/series, I don't even need to say it at this point, HAHAHA! But I'll take this opportunity to say again, GO READ THIS SERIES! It's damn good and there's truly something for everyone in here! Enjoy and happy reading friends! 🤙🏼💕

Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book! As always, this review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.

[Libby Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the story I didn’t know I needed but it was a must for the amazing series! I am so grateful Georgia gave us this backstory! Gives so much more light into the series. Seriously get ready to get sucked into this book and not want to put it down!! This writer blows my expectations out of the waters with every book. This is the BEST series ever written and I will always recommend it to everyone!

[Shauna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I sit up to 2am to finish this on the same day I received it? You better believe I did. Georgia once again knocked it out of the park with this fantastic prequel.

Going back 3,200 years to where it all began, the world building and character development is out of this world.

Lots of twists and turns with romance and heartbreak, but despite no brutal cliffhanger, I know I've a serious book hangover looming 😭

Roll on March 2025 for the next installment in this 5 star series ✨️

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 for me. At the end of book 3 we are introduced to this mysterious and dangerous figure who will bring about great destruction. This book goes into the past and shows us how some of these races, planets, the pale and even the story behind this dangerous individual and how they came to be and how it all ties into the future which would be books 1-3 as it stands. I found this to be so interesting and so compelling to read. I loved seeing how it all came to be, and the little ties and I am sure easter eggs that have played out in the previous books and the future ones as well. Now I would describe this series as high fantasy so there is a lot of material to absorb but Georgia as always does an amazing job with it. Even with all the world building and actions happening in the book I feel it was a little lighter than the previous ones, but I think that is because in the previous books we had a lot of political intrigue going on to keep track of as well as the world building to absorb. This book was a little more straight forward in my opinion even with free will and oracles coming into play I didn't have to keep track of the backstabbing and double agent political plots.

This book also had all new characters that I got to fall in love with, some I grew to hate and some I hated right off the bat. Georgia is amazing at creating these complex characters who go through great character development moments that really make them come to life. It's one of the reasons I loved her books so much.

this book starts 3000 years in the past when a fate saw the destructions of worlds but the birth of a new race. The fate who saw the destruction of multiple races including her own is asked to make a sacrifice which will allow her the opportunity to hopefully alter these futures she witnesses. But as her visions (oracle) come to pass her faith in her god and the tenants she lives by are tested. It is now that she has to rely on her friends as she balances these choices she must make and witness in order to save everyone even if it means breaking some rules. At the center of Marina's vision are two individuals Gabriel and Pilar warriors who when she gives a gift turns the tide saving thousands, but that gift came with a price that sets off a chain of events that will forever change their family and the world around them.

I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Kirkpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this installment of the Shadows and Light series we learn the entire history of Seraphim and how they came to be. We follow the Fates that change the fate of the worlds, beings, and events. The dynamic in which the Calypha work brings to life a new system of magic and rules that go along with it. It’s a very original system and unique in plenty of ways while also keeping you glued to the page. We also get the history of the Academy, Praesia… basically everything. We have complex relationships, simple relationships, and dynamics that you normally wouldn’t think of.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the blending of real world names/beings into the characters that they became in this series. It bears some resemblance to the story of luciphers fall, which is what made it so much more interesting to read. There’s many characters and times that this book takes place with and in, so in essence you’re getting several stories in one.

Axis of Fate pounds information that you need to understand the world in which the seraphim and other beings lie, while not being overwhelming or boring. It’s got a great storyline and I find that it’s a great and interesting way to go thru the history of a few worlds. It’s a great addition to the Shadows and Light series, answering questions you didn’t know you even had!

The only downside that I can really think of is it has a completely new set of characters in which we don’t know from the previous books that we have to learn about and wonder if they’ll be popping up in the future.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axis of Fate by Georgia C Leigh is book four in the Shadows and Light Series. Yes it’s book four but it’s a prequel so you must read these books in order. This is definitely an origins story to this wonderful series; I was hoping for this book because the worldbuilding is incredible. Now having a more detailed description on how everything began was just wonderful. I read this book so incredibly fast, each chapter just drew me in more and more. It took me on such an emotional ride; I went from smiling to my heart cracking and a touch of annoyance. I loved reading how puzzle pieces were falling into place. How certain characters came to be who they are. Seeing how everything is connecting was one of my favorite parts of this book. There’s actions, twists/turns romance and some sadness. This is one of my favorite fantasy world because it’s so rich in lord and character development. The next book is one of my anticipated reads because I need to know more! This book was wonderfully written with such an amazing plot that you can get lost in. Georgia C Leigh is an amazing author and can writes wonderful stories. Overall I had an amazing reading experience and didn’t want to put my kindle down. I highly recommend reading this series if you’re a fantasy fan. Two thumbs way up!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Kristi Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED!

I love how Axis of Fate went back in time to tell us how everything came to be from books 1 - 3. We learned the story of how the druids came to be and why they have so much hatred for the Seraphim, fae, and all other species. I loved reading about the creation of the Seraphim and what they were created to do.

This book introduces a whole new set of characters and I loved them! (And hated some!!) Georgia is brilliant with character arcs. Her characters are just so full and well developed. None of them are small side characters. They all have important roles throughout the story.

I enjoyed this book so much. I can’t wait for the next one! This is one of my top favorite series so far for the year. Georgia has created this wonderful world and I love escaping to it.

If you haven’t started this series or at least added it to you TBR do it now! It is so worth it!!

[Nicole Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my oh my!! The fact that we are going 3,200 years back to where it all began, getting things answered, everything making more sense, and falling into place was mind-blowing 🤯.

I have fallen in LOVE with this series and it is well written, the character development is WOW, world-building, fated mates, seraphim, demons all of it in the same book. Seeing all of the events being connected, and learning how it all began is HUGE to me when I read fantasy-type books, and Ms. Georgia does NOT point at all!! The fact knowing that Haven, River, and Ryker were such a force thousands of years before, is absolutely amazing!!

There are a lot of twists and turns with the romance and the heartbreak. I cannot wait till the next book is here!

You get more characters to love, more to hate, and of course a good ole cliffy lol!!

[Melanie Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What this book does is fills in a lot of gaps. There is so much backstory here that it’s almost overwhelming. A lot of dots were connected, but I was also left with a desire to start at the beginning of this series to refresh my memory on the role these characters played within the main story. Some of the magical scenes are very complicated to understand. These books are not for those looking for light fantasy romance reading.

Because of this, I definitely will be rereading this series once it’s complete, straight through. There are so many different plots and stories going on that this is going to absolutely necessary to wrap my head around everything.

But I assure the readers you will become immersed. You will have your favorites and your hated characters that the author gives too much leniency. You will love this series.

[MzNerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars Going back to move forward ❤️

Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024

First off, I loved books 1-3. They are an amazing story that has lived rent free in my head this whole past year. Axis of Fate is a great example of how going back to the beginning to move a story forward can be the best option. It adds so much more depth to the world and character's history. Loved every minute!

The slow burn romance, the emotional roller coaster, and the amount of screaming I did at this book while reading is why I happily give 5 stars.

The new viallian made me want to reach through the pages and throat punch him every time he spoke. Absolutely an a-hole for the sake of being an a-hole.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost let me say that I did not realize I could fall even more in love with this series but I did and if I could give this 300 Stars I absolutely would this book is just so good you have to read it for yourself to understand what I am talking about and I highly recommend you start from the beginning of this series to actually understand what is going on and what is happening and why things are happening I just could not put this down and I am surprised I read this book so fast like I literally devoured this book within a matter of 24 hours I am just so grateful to the author and I cannot wait to read more by this phenomenal person

[LeAnn Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got so many answers with this book for the series! I still have a million more questions but the story was so good! There were alot of moving parts to each characters story and to Solis' vision as a whole. I liked how we got to know how the sephriam and their world started! The story didn't suffer because of it at all. She introduces so many characters but gives them a part in the story. I knew Gabriel and Pilar's story and I still cried! Savin and Azure's love story broke my heart over and over again! The spice was wild! We got introduced to the masquerade club and I wanted to know more! 😏 Great story overall and I cannot wait for the fifth book!

[Kristin Hinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster!! This prequel gave such incredible details and insight to the world of my favorite characters from the rest of the series. I loved getting more details of the past in this high fantasy series, something that was just touched on in a history lesson in book 1. Every new tidbit I gained in this book made me love this series even more. And even though I knew how things would end, I still wanted to follow the journey. The writing is incredible, as always, and the story is just so beautiful from start to finish.

Thank you to the author for an early copy!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series. I do have a note for readers. Please don't get bogged down in the first few chapters. Push through. This background is needed. The main characters will come to the front and you will be able to go back to the beginning and connect with them. Ms. Leigh gives readers a good foundation. Though this book is in the same world as the previous books, it almost feels like it is a prequel or several thousand years before the first three books. These are different characters. I can't wait to see how the people we have grown to know and love fit in with the new characters.

This book gives you everything readers are used to getting from Ms. Leigh. There are adventures and romance. Battles and Wars. Betrayals and Forgiveness. She gives you everything. To create the beginning after you have established a story is amazing to see and read. This book precedes all that readers know and brings us the answers we didn’t even know we needed.

[Linnea Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story we all needed!!! I am so excited for a continuation to Georgia C. Leigh's Shadows and Light series. Axis of Fate acts almost like a prequel to the first three books in the series. Here, Leigh introduces you to a new and additional cast of characters.

Leigh provides us readers with a much needed backstory to past events in the Shadows and Light storyline including backstory on seraphims and their history. Axis of Fate is filled with worldbuilding, intrigue, and will leave you emotionally wrecked, in the best way possible as Leigh usually does.

[Vin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read if you're reading the Shadows and Light series.

I rarely enjoy prequels, but this was a masterpiece. This expanded on small pieces of the story I had questions about in the last three books. I loved seeing the entire backstory of the seraphim, the other worlds, the Pale, Pilar and Gabriel, Marina, Camille, Alevoia, and the druids.

Hopefully, we'll see these characters again in future books!

Excited for Ryker and River's book, so many questions on how they fit into the story.

[Tracey Cashman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story. I think my brain was too focused on the previous storyline, but when it finally started to relate more the the first lot a lot of I get it now moments began to hit

As per the original three. I loved it all. I enjoyed the origin story helping me to understand why the trilogy story was occurring.

Thank you for the opportunity of experiencing your world and I look forward to reading what ever you publish next

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, how do you do it?? Many ohhhhhh moments and finally getting things answered and in place, making more sense. I even had a oh hell no moment the last word of chapter 42!! lol. Talk about mind blown!! 🤯

World building, fated mates, seraphim, demons all in one book! Book 5 please?!?! My birthday is in March when release is due for book 5…lol

[Danielle Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness.

I love everything that Georgia writes and I will forever recommend her to everyone.

Book 4 of the Shadows and Light series took us back to the very beginning and the origins on how everything came to be. What a freaking roller coaster. I absolutely loved it. We were introduced to many new characters and now we just have more to love.

The SLOW BURN romance in this one was everything. (I'm not going to say who, you'll know when you read it!) I was waiting and itching for it to happen!

The way Georgia writes leaves you wanting more and more and I can't wait for book 5!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!! This was a necessary book for me as it really did help me understand the world building of the first books so much more. I fell in love with the characters and their story just as much ( maybe even a little bit more) as the characters in the first 3 books. It’s a definite read and I will read it again.

[Kristens_korner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The origin of the story you didn't know you needed until you did! It's such a fanstatic edition to the series. The rollar coaster of emotions and questions is brought to light. There is so much turmoil and decisions to be made shedding some much needed light on the history of this amazing world. I can't wait till the next book to see where the story goes next!

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does this story keep getting better? I swear each time that the one before is the best but she's somehow keeps managing to top it. I'm not often a repeat reader but this series is one I can definitely see me revisiting from time to time!

[Jacq Flash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just another wonderful addition to a TOP TIER series. It’s always so fun when we get a change in time setting, this prequel only lets us learn more about what happened to lead us to the “present day” storyline. I will keep recommending this series to everyone! 100 out of 10 recommended!

[Justaunna Sperry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! I didn’t think I could love this series anymore, but I do! This book has all the twists and turns and leaves you eagerly anticipating book 5!!! Excellent book for sure

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ wow! This book was great! It goes in the past and explains everything that happened before books 1-3! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Dahlena Sampson PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Origins story of the Seraphim, Berinia, and the wonderful world and characters brought to life by Georgia this is your next read. Obviously books One through three are 3000 years after this story takes place so many questions you didn't know you had are answered. New characters, new emotions (a lot) and new hated characters bring this book directly in line with the development that is always given in Georgia's writing and drags you into the book... before you know it there are no more pages to turn and you need more. If you haven't read any of the Shadows and Light Series, please do your self a favor and add this amazing fantasy set to your library.

[Tay (Read With Tay) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review*

WELL. Ms. Leigh does it again. I loved the expansion in this book and, truly, it feels like the best one yet. Georgia has created such a unique and enveloping world that I can’t imagine *isn’t* real because of the detail she provides. And the emotions she makes you feel? I won’t even get started on how much my heart wrenched throughout the book.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 4 1/2⭐️ I really enjoyed it. This book has a prequel feel to it, but is really important to the story and we are see all the events are connected. It’s masterly twisting and turning and still wanting more can’t wait for the next book

[Lee Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Pale, back to when the Seraphim were made, before our beloved Haven, Ryker and River were born. This is where this book takes us. Back to its origins, where it all began. New characters to love and hate. New worlds to envision. Filled with conflict, battles, love, heart mates, Fates who intervene and make life changing sacrifices for their people. A wonderfully executed story that will bring about an exciting conclusion to this series! A must read series that will captivate you and have you wanting more after each book!