A Trial of Fate

Valdor #1

by J.E. Larson

One night can change your life. One decision can change...everything.

Our world is dying.

Every century, the High Fae venture past the magical veil in search of a shifter to compete as the champion in the trials of their Inner Kingdom. Only a shifter who completes the trials can unlock the healing powers of The Heart of Valdor, a magical stone that has the power to save our world. For five hundred years, no shifter has been victorious or returned alive. The dark magic of the wilt is steadily growing, devouring our world piece by piece with each passing day. The fate of all fae, shifters, and humans is at stake.

And somehow... this task has fallen to me.

Skylar Cathal is a twenty-two-year-old half-human, half-shifter with a curious mind and knack for bending the rules. Gilen Warrick, Skylar’s childhood friend and the next Alpha of the Solace pack, wants more than just her friendship– but fate has a will of its own.

When Skylar is marked as the shifter champion, she must overcome her darkest fears to leave her home and those she loves behind. Daxton Aegaeon, High Fae Prince of Silver Meadows, has sworn to protect Skylar as his ward, but only she can protect her heart.

A Trial of Fate is the first book in the Valdor Series, an epic romantic fantasy that follows a "spitfire" heroine who defies her darkest fears in order to save those she loves. This book will appeal to fans of character-driven adventurous romantasy tails such as Throne of Glass, Blood and Ash, and A Ruin of Roses.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Shapeshifters, Magic

551 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2024

About the author

"Alaska Grown", with a passion for creating my own worlds... which comes in handy when you live in a uniquely beautiful place such as my home state.

I started writing in middle school with a good old-fashioned pencil and paper. Jotting down ideas of characters, adventures, and different worlds.

In my thirties, with the encouragement of my husband, I began writing... and writing... until I finally created my first trilogy(That story is yet to be told).

After the birth of our two daughters and work, I had to find the quiet 5 am mornings and the secluded nights after bedtime to finally give voice to my ideas. My greatest wish was to write my stories and to have others read and enjoy them with me.

So please enjoy what I have created.

And thank you for taking a leap of faith into my world.

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I unfortunately this book is not for me"
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Series: Valdor series #1
Series Type: Series
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Fantasy Romance/Romantasy

Tropes:
- He falls first
- Morally grey MMC
- Shadow daddy
- Slow burn
- Tortured Hero
- Vengeful FMC
- He trains her
- Scenting
- She Tends to his wound
- She knows how to flight/wield Swords

Other:
- Fantasy Species: Fae, Human magic users, Humans, Mages, Shifters
- Format: Audible, Kindle Unlimited
- Plot/Character Driven: Both
- Pacing: Slow
- POV: Single POV
- Narration type: 1st person
- Character gender : F/M

To be as respectful as possible, this is not a glowing review for this book. It wasn't for me, and I had a lot of problems with it. However, please form your own opinion with other reviews, as I have Booktok friends who loved this book.

👨‍👧 Characters
**Skylar:** I just did not vibe with her character. I found her too brash and kind of annoying. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I just didn’t like her.

**Daxton:** I really liked the premise of Daxton. If he had shown up fashionably late to the series, I think I would have loved him more.

🌎 World Building & Magic for Fantasy
The way the magic system is laid out and the world-building is okay. Personally, I didn’t like how it was described. It felt really repetitive.

♥️ What I Loved
I loved that this book had shifters in a really different and original way that combined them with fae. I thought that was really cool. I really liked the start of the book and the premise of her already having a relationship. I wish this had been played out a bit longer.

💔 What I Didn’t Like
The dialogue was extremely repetitive. It was like the author had a quota for mentioning eye color in every chapter. By the end, I felt like I knew more about the characters’ eye color than their personality. I also felt like the author was trying to create a huge emotional impact at the start of the book, but we weren’t attached to the characters yet for that to happen. There were moments that should’ve been emotionally impactful, but they just weren’t because the character development and the book itself felt rushed.

📝 Overall Thoughts
I think the foundation for this series is good. Maybe the writing style just wasn’t for me. Sometimes, once you notice something that bothers you, it becomes a huge issue, and you can’t unsee it.

[Mo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry.

I got around 50% and I just couldn’t keep going. This started so interesting to me and I was SURE this was going to be at least a 4.

And then we completely lost the plot and the direction of the story. Like I almost felt I was reading another book entirely and certain things between characters felt like they were on a speedrun.

E.g Why is all this random buddy-buddy discussion happening? When are the trials actually happening? What is all this other nonsense going on?

In my opinion, it needs a good edit/editor with more focus put on story direction.

[Nancy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found your first read of the summer!

J.E. Larson builds a magical world that will consume your lazy day sitting on the porch with an ice cold drink and sun blazing from above. Readers are introduced to a spitfire of a young woman who owns her choices and lets no one dull her flame. She inspires one to consider their own independence. The dilemma of love and honor plague the main character throughout, making her relatable and easy to follow into the next page.

You may need sunglasses to hide your eyes from a couple of spicy+ scenes, but we're all adults here.

Although I am not one to choose a fantasy book from the shelf of my own volition, I will whole-heartedly support a local lady-boss author! Let's lift each other up! And, it turns out, it's not as rainbows and butterflies or flame throwing dragons as I thought it would be. The characters feel like real people with real dilemmas, they just have magical powers and an inner animal that serves as a moral compass. I mean, don't we all have spirit animals?

A must read if you grew up loving (or love-hating) books/movies like the Animorphs, Twilight, Hunger Games, Moana, Coco or Avatar.

Larson's got me hooked and anxiously awaiting the sequel--don't let Skylar linger in the forest forever...

[☆Amanda☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing! From the first chapter I was sucked into this world of shifters with a unique twist that the pack isn't consisted of just one type of shifter. When theae shifters come to a certain age, usually in younge adolescent, they can shift into any animal. The story follows a half shift half human woman who is chosen by the Fae realm to compete in trials to save their lands.
This book has shifters, sexy and scary fae, hunters who want to rid the world of shifters, love triangle and so, so, so much more! This is the first book in the series so we dont get to the trial part yet, but omg, the build up is so worth. I need book 2 immediately!
The FMC is likeable, quirky, fierce, stronger than she knows and is gifted with healing magic. There are multiple love interest but the one is delectable! I ate this story up!

[BookMarkedbyNicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off a tad slow, but then picked up. I could not put the book down after.

Skylar is a baddie! Ready for the second book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC

[Krisreadsbookz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely infinity stars!
What an INCREDIBLE book!
What a wonderful magic world!
This book gave me everything that I wanted and even more! With every turn of the page it was getting better and better! Incredible main characters, amazing side characters and the plot, it’s was just a “chef’s kiss”❤️
This is my new love! My absolute Roman Empire!
I got a new family with this book!
And I need the second one as an air!

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so phenomenal I can’t wait for the series to continue. You get shifters, mages and fae. Skylar is one of those main characters that you fall in love with immediately! Daxton is also pretty dreamy. This is going round be such a great series! I hope she writes faster so we are all blessed with the next book! I need to know what happens in Valdor!

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.25/5) A Trial of Fate by J.E. Larson is the first book in the Valdor series, a epic fantasy romance. This book should be on your radar as a worthwhile read shifter series.

What to expect:
🏹 Fantasy romance
🏹 Incomplete series (4 books)
🏹 1st person, single POV
🏹 Shifters, fae & other magical creatures
🏹 Plot twists
🏹 Chosen one
🏹 Fated mates
🏹 Found family

Let me start this review with three notes:
👉 I am very impressed that this is the author's debut novel!
👉 There is a lack of content warnings and this book contains torture scenes
👉 I chose to "tandem" read this book using Audible and Kindle Unlimited, and I enjoyed this experience!

A Trial of Fate begins fast and throws your right into the life of our FMC. J.E. Larson chose to begin the story with various scenes that help to add layers of complexity to our FMC ahead of the "meat" of the story—aka the trials (heads up, these don't occur in this book). It took me a bit to understand what she was trying to do since there is some pretty heavy scenes straight out the gate, but I appreciated these moments later on to build up the FMC.

The world and magic system are easy to follow, in my opinion—I felt like I was in the woods with the FMC in multiple instances. If you've read other fae and shifter books, you'll be able to jump right in.

Our FMC and MMC are lovable, and I'd describe their dynamic as charming. It gives slight instalove vibes, but I didn't mind since this is a slow burn for some light spice.

I plan to continue this series once book 2 is out!

A sincere thank you to J.E. Larson for providing me with an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke Rothenbuhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

This was an easy romantasy read with shifters and fae. The characters were likeable, and I liked the love interests. Oh and the character Castor? He was so funny! He reminded me of Carrion Swift from Quicksilver.

Our FMC gets chosen by the Fae to enter these trials to try and stop the Wilt that is plaguing the Fae lands. Every shifter who has competed in the trials before her have died, but she is determined to win.

Although this book is called A Trial of Fate there actually aren’t any trials (at least in the first book). Something traumatic happens to our FMC and a lot of the book is of her overcoming that, and the other half is her “training” for the trials. I do think we will see her competing in the trials in the next book though.

While I enjoyed this book I did think it was predictable (probably because I read too many romantasy books). The FMC a lot of the times wasn’t sure why something was happening, but I think because I’ve read a lot of books like this then I knew why it was happening.

I do think this is a great book to read if you are just starting to get into romantasy! The world building was easy to understand, and I love the Far and shifter aspect.

[Carmon Rorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was good, it kept me reading the book. It was just…a lot of words. Nah mean? Like we kept getting needless very detailed descriptions or repeated descriptions on who this character was and why they were important. There was also an issue with switching from 1st person to 3rd person randomly that made me a little dizzy.. and the character development seemed a little forced. It honestly seemed like it was missing 1 or 2 REALLY good edits and this book would have been easily 5 stars.
I will definitely be following this author, I see in her writing she has amazing talent for writing, and is very capable of making a book that brings you in. I loved how this story didn’t follow the same formula you see in every other book coming out lately.

[Brina's Emotional Borrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this 3.5 stars.

Alys Wilde absolutely did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook. She’s expressive, emotional, and so good at shifting between male and female voices that I never once got pulled out of the story. Her accent fits the world perfectly. Honestly, she’s a huge part of why this landed at 3.5 stars for me because she elevated scenes that might have felt slower on the page.

Skylar was such an interesting heroine to follow. She’s bold and powerful and free spirited, but she’s also vulnerable in ways that make sense for someone who has spent her whole life hiding her magic and downplaying her strength. She’s impulsive, intuitive, and sometimes a little naive, but in a way that feels human. I really liked that mix. She’s strong, but she’s not invincible, and that balance made her feel real.

One thing that really stood out to me was how the first person POV worked with Daxton’s character. Skylar is often confused about what he’s thinking or why he reacts the way he does, but as a reader, I felt like I could see his intentions more clearly than she could. It is rare in first person to feel like you understand a character better than the narrator does, but it totally worked here.

Daxton is such a great MMC. The way he shows up exactly when she needs someone, the way he gives her space to stand in her own strength, the way he offers help without ever trying to control her. There is a line about him always finding her that really stuck with me. Nothing is spelled out, but the emotional undercurrent between them is hard to miss. His patience, his attunement to her needs, and his willingness to let her choose her own path made their dynamic one of my favorite parts of the story.

Gilen has a long and complicated history with Sky, and the book lets you sit in the uncertainty of that instead of revealing everything upfront. It adds a layer of emotional tension to the pack dynamics that I think will matter even more in later books.

The worldbuilding was another highlight for me. The shifter lore, the Fae politics, the elemental magic, the mystery around the trials, and the implications of Sky’s abilities all felt fresh. I am especially intrigued by the High Queen and the growing sense that things in this world may not be what they seem.

My only real struggle was the pacing. I was invested the whole time, but there were definitely stretches where things felt slow. I think this might just be “book one syndrome,” the necessary setup for a multi book romantasy with a big world and a lot of different magic. Because of that, I do not want to be too harsh about it.

The ending leaves off on a major cliffhanger, and the implications for Sky’s identity and the trials are huge. I am definitely hooked enough to continue. In fact, I have already borrowed book 2 on KU because I need to know what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, Tantor Audio, and J.E. Larson for this ALC.

[Brit Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a shifter romantasy and I am officially a fan. J.E. Larson did an excellent job crafting a fantasy story that felt fresh, which is an amazing feat in a genre that is heavily saturated.

This story was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I had moments where I was so mad I had to out my kindle down for a few minutes because I felt personally upset with a character, or other moments whereI was laughing along with the FMC because the banter is witty and fun.

The world building in this story is so, so good. Larson gave us amazing details and I had no problem picturing what the FMC was seeing, from the scenery to what every person or animal looked like. (I wish I could visit Sky’s favorite spot IRL)

The characters were all so well thought out and even the ones you hate, you feel conflicted about. Larson gave us a variety of character dynamics and they all work with the story. From family, to friends, to enemies, every character made sense to the story and I wanted to learn more about all of them (future stories/novellas maybe??)

That cliffhanger ending was jaw dropping and I seriously cannot wait to read more of this series !

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brandy Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a little like a dark fairytale and unlike any other fantasy series I’ve read. I could fully imagine the setting of this book the entire time I was reading. The images in my head were beautiful at times and gut wrenching the next.

There is definitely a part in this book that made me feel physical ill from the writing ✍️ and really developed the story further.

I loved seeing the characters work through their trauma, and there is one side character in particular that had me laughing out loud 🤣 and I loved him.

Tropes:
✨ found family
✨ very unique magic
✨ fae, shifters, humans, magical beings
✨ possessive MMC
✨ protective MMC
✨ banter
✨ sacrifice
✨ betrayal
✨ slow burn 🔥
✨ 1.5 🌶️ spice

[Lacy (BookBunLady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this one down. This medium to fast-paced book gives you so much in just the first 150 pages and keeps that pace throughout.

The character development was done so well. I was instantly attached to the character's. 

I absolutely love the world Larson has created in this book. I was completely surprised when the "pack", come to find out, are not just wolves, but all animal shifters, making this a unique and diverse magic system. 

I can't wait to get to the next book and get into the trials! 

[shaelinslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had way too much fun reading this. This story was like if the shifters from Zodiac academy were placed into a ACOTAR-like world.

The action of this story was so fun, the heart wrenching parts were just that, heart wrenching, and the MMC was all you could possible want from a gorgeous fae male love interest.

I loved the banter, and I cannot wait for the next book!! 4.75 stars! Such a great romantasy rec!

[Lauren Roemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5✨ I really loved this one. I’m a sucker for werewolf/shifter Romantasy as well as fae Romantasy and this has both. There is an element of a love triangle, and it really reminded me of another book that is my favorite series. I loved the banter and how nothing was as I expected it to be. The MMC gave major Shadow Daddy vibes, and the FMC lives up to her nickname of “Spitfire”.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Acotar vibes for sure!! A character that gave Tamlin vibe. A character that gave Rhysan vibes. A character that gave Cassian vibes. Found family, shifters, fae, humans and a bit of spice! I loved this!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constant action. Constant feeling of wanting to know more. Constant questions that I still have. Loooved Daxton. Loved this book so much!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of romantasy, I’ll be the first to admit the genre can sometimes feel repetitive — the same MMC, the same story arc, just with different names. A Trial of Fate doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does everything so well that it didn’t matter. And in a genre where eye rolls have become increasingly common, I didn’t have a single one — which honestly says a lot.
J.E. Larson brings a fresh energy to shifters and high fae with characters that genuinely drew me in. At the centre of it all is Skylar, a strong and intelligent FMC who rises to every challenge rather than shying away — exactly the kind of heroine the genre needs more of. The banter between the leads is witty and playful, and the will-they-won’t-they romance had me flying through the pages desperate to find out.
The story is well crafted and does a wonderful job setting up what I have high hopes will be a fantastic series. If I’m being honest I would have loved a little more action, but as a first book it lays a great foundation.
I couldn’t wait to get back to Skylar and Daxton every chance I got, and finished it far too quickly. Could not wait to pick up book 2!
On the audiobook side, the narrator delivers a solid performance. I did wish for a little more range between characters, but overall it was a very enjoyable listen.
Highly recommend for any romantasy fan!

[Ashley Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development and world building are what really pulled me in. It does start off a little slow, but once everything clicks, I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down.

Daxton has my full attention and I need so much more of him moving forward. Cas brought such a fun energy to the story and had me laughing more than I expected. And the dynamic between Spitfire and Magnus filled my heart.

I listened to this on audio and it elevated the entire experience. Alys Wilde did an incredible job bringing each character to life and made it so easy to stay immersed in the story.

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yes this was a Trial
KU
DNF 54%
Ok first issue with this book is the writing. Ch 1 starts with "I stretched out my long limbs and basked in the warm sun. My golden brown hair draped across my shoulders"
Sooo first person. I don't think I have ever thought "oh my slightly plump thighs rest on the couch while I read, scratching my messy bun full of chemically lightened hair"......because no one thinks in narrator voice! Make it first person or make it omnipresent!
Then we get introduced to the trial thing to Tm " save the world" but by my abandon ship moment...we had not yet got to the trials, or been told what the trials where truly about, or anything, and the book was more than half way.
It's as if the author went - these are the check boxes of the kind of characters I want and these are the things that will happen then just dot pointed it into the page. Not ideal
Now we also have two creeps that like to watch our main gal sleep " because they are protective " red flags
Then we have a mmc who is #sointouchwithmyfeelings but is terrible at actual conversation.
We have random torture that this far hadn't served any purpose

Yeah just no
I hate leaving books part way through, I really feel bad for leaving negative reviews, because it's not like I could write a master piece either and someone's time and effort and thoughts went into this. But I just didn't care for it at all

[JensBookishWays · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will find you. We will always find each other.”

I ate this book up! This book had all the feels and I loved every second of it.

This Romantasy book is centered around Skylar, the FMC, who is half animal shifter, half human. She is content in her pack, surrounded by loving family and friends, until the High Fae arrive to select a shifter to compete in the trials to unlock the Heart of Valdor. Skylar is very protective of the ones she loves and very empathetic to those around her. She decides to go compete in the trials (the trials start in the next book). She forms a connection/friendship with High Prince Daxton Aegeon (the MMC) and the tension and slow burn between them is perfect!

I would say tropes you will find are:
- touch her and die
- slow burn

The pacing in this story is medium to fast. The character development throughout, especially for Skylar, was very well done. I really felt the deep love and connection between Skylar and her friends, family and her pack.

Without giving spoilers and to convey the right vibes of each character, I would compare Skylar to Katniss Everdeen; Gilen to Dain Aetos, and Daxton to Rhysand.

There is spice in this book, but when I say slow burn, I mean it.

So excited to read the next book, A Trial of the Heart!

[Kavuyi Chivunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Found family
Trauma rep
Fantasy romance
Slow burn
Dying world
Banter
Warrior Prince MMC x Shifter FMC
Fae
Shifters
Human
Touch her and you ☠️

Fate always has a way.

Fate intervenes with Skylar, half shifter half human when she meets the high fae and her life is turned around.

Fate always has a plan.

Fate turns around choices when Skyler‘s best friend and crush finally believes they are meant to be mated.

Fate cannot be stopped.

The world is dying and only one unturned shifter can help the high fae stop the wilt. Who will it be this time?

Fate can change paths.

Skyler will do anything to save those she loves. Daxton will do anything to protect her from danger. Never leaving her side.

Fate always wins.

I love this book. I didn’t know what to expect and I’m happy I read it. I loved how strong Sky was and how she could work through trauma. Daxton though, he was amazing. I loved how with her, he was someone else and with everyone else you could see the true silver shadow that he was.

This book is about strength and resilience and it’s a slow burn like truly slow burn.

Book 2 you’re next.

[Fireheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I named my new dog Skylar.

People need to give this book a read. I seriously see this book on the same level of obsession that I rank Throne of Glass, and that’s my Roman Empire.

To address someone’s review on the first book crying about how the first book was named “A TRIAL of Fate” but that the trials didn’t begin until the second book, here’s a definition of Trial:

Trial- a person, thing, or situation that tests a person's endurance or forbearance.
"this winter has been a trial for me, physically and emotionally”

I’ve been through many trials in my lifetime, and I’ve never competed in extreme life or death games. Novel idea! Weird how words have multiple and expansive meanings and how good writers will use them broadly.

Now, tell me again how Skylar didn’t go through trials in the first book.

[YourNextBookObsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow!

This book was such a breath of fresh air and easily one the best books I've read this year. It takes a lot for me to rate a book a true 5 star. I need to be able to connect to the characters emotionally, get sucked into the plot, and know for a fact it will be a re-read. This book did all those things and more! The fluidity of the character and world building was perfect. Oftentimes, the first book of a fantasy series is a data dump, but this one gave just enough to start the foundation and then gave you more throughout the story to put all the pieces together. Also Daxton... my god what and incredible MMC! I'm completely obsessed and will die a slow death until the second book is released!

[Ashley Noss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trial of Fate will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, holding your breath in suspense. The world building, action, and love tension is a perfect balance in this wonderful work of art. It captivates you and makes it feel as if you’re standing right next to Skylar during her adventures in the world of Valdor!

Looking forward to the second book and getting swept away in Valdor once again!

Make room Rowan, Dax is here to stay(;

**Disclaimer**

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Stefanie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow! I’ve heard great things about this book & I am in love! J.E Larson did a great job describing this world & really grabbing your attention from the beginning. The magic systems, the creatures & the characters - amazing. I love the family aspect & sacrifices that were made, very emotional to read. The MMC is super protective & possessive. The banter & angst 😬😬😬.. I loved it all! This is definitely binge-worthy & will definitely pick up book 2 when it drops.

•protective MMC
•found family
•unique magic system
•sacrifice
•betrayal
•cliffhanger ending


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Milena Foxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book! I did like the different concepts about shifters in general. I was a bit disappointed in Gilen actions. I hope he finds a way to redeem himself in future. Also, the queen reminds me of a softer version of Amarantha. The FL is a bit impulsive and somehow childish in some situations, but this has its own charm. The right description of the book would be when Acotar meets Shadows & Bones & The Witcher. It's a slow burn in general and has a low spice level. I can't wait to see what book 2 brings in regards to FL character and action development.

Milena 💖💕

[Alannah Revels · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️!!! I am not typically a shifter romantasy girlie but I loved this! I loved her writing style and the layout of the plot, it felt like we were able to drop right in without extreme world building right off the bat and I loved that! Definitely got around to the world building later in the book which I also liked- I loved the world and its magic, the shifters, fae, the dark magic creatures! I am really invested now and can’t wait for book 2!