What do you think?
Rate this book
Inevitable Fate
Mara Cassidy is going to die . . . again.
For seventeen years, Evan Kiernan’s life has felt like painting by someone else’s numbers, moving and transferring schools every time his mom has a breakup. But when he’s accepted into NYU’s Promising Young Artist program for his senior year, the future suddenly feels like a blank canvas.
However, it soon becomes clear that the city has peculiar ties to his past. A thunderstorm finds him under the same umbrella as an eerily familiar green-eyed girl. A visit to an art gallery brings him face-to-face with a heavily tattooed portrait of himself. He sees things that aren’t there―at least not anymore. And the girl he’s falling in love with is somehow at the center of it all.
When history suddenly points to a devastating future, Evan must race against time to figure out who is pulling the strings and change the green-eyed girl’s fate―a race he’s already lost twice.
For readers who enjoy Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh, The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, and The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye.
For seventeen years, Evan Kiernan’s life has felt like painting by someone else’s numbers, moving and transferring schools every time his mom has a breakup. But when he’s accepted into NYU’s Promising Young Artist program for his senior year, the future suddenly feels like a blank canvas.
However, it soon becomes clear that the city has peculiar ties to his past. A thunderstorm finds him under the same umbrella as an eerily familiar green-eyed girl. A visit to an art gallery brings him face-to-face with a heavily tattooed portrait of himself. He sees things that aren’t there―at least not anymore. And the girl he’s falling in love with is somehow at the center of it all.
When history suddenly points to a devastating future, Evan must race against time to figure out who is pulling the strings and change the green-eyed girl’s fate―a race he’s already lost twice.
For readers who enjoy Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh, The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, and The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye.
Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
17 people are currently reading
7489 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay K. Bandy
2 books152 followersLindsay K. Bandy lives in Lancaster County, PA with her husband, two daughters, and two cats.
Say hi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindsayfish...
View the teen-designed Inevitable Fate temporary tattoo collection: https://www.temporarytattoos.com/coll...
Say hi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lindsayfish...
View the teen-designed Inevitable Fate temporary tattoo collection: https://www.temporarytattoos.com/coll...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 26, 2024
As Lindsay's critique partner, I've been reading drafts of this book since before either of us were published, so I was super excited to recieve an advance copy of Inevitable Fate!
One thing that’s always blown me away about Lindsay’s writing is her ability to weave historical details into a narrative. This book is set in the modern day (mostly), but the peeks into Evan’s past lives feel so detailed and lived in, and I love how they tie into and expound on historical fact. I remember casually deciding to google something about the 1911 Dreamland fire and just going wait that was REAL? probably about half a dozen times. The way it all fits in makes Kieran and Mary’s story feel like a forgotten bit of history we’re uncovering alongside Evan.
This book is about fate and cycles and breaking free of them. No spoilers, but I love how even when it’s being dictated by godly forces, fate is just the path other people are determined to keep you on, and it can be broken free of. Watching the same cycles and patterns echo through Evan and Mara’s past lives make it so much better when you get to watch them break free of it and create their own future.
And the interior design is so cute!! All the little details in this book, inside and out, are amazing.
One thing that’s always blown me away about Lindsay’s writing is her ability to weave historical details into a narrative. This book is set in the modern day (mostly), but the peeks into Evan’s past lives feel so detailed and lived in, and I love how they tie into and expound on historical fact. I remember casually deciding to google something about the 1911 Dreamland fire and just going wait that was REAL? probably about half a dozen times. The way it all fits in makes Kieran and Mary’s story feel like a forgotten bit of history we’re uncovering alongside Evan.
This book is about fate and cycles and breaking free of them. No spoilers, but I love how even when it’s being dictated by godly forces, fate is just the path other people are determined to keep you on, and it can be broken free of. Watching the same cycles and patterns echo through Evan and Mara’s past lives make it so much better when you get to watch them break free of it and create their own future.
And the interior design is so cute!! All the little details in this book, inside and out, are amazing.
July 22, 2024
A tale that weaves across generations, Evan has finally found an anchor at NYU after being on the move constantly with his mother. It's a clean slate, but past ties keep popping up in his life, making him wonder if it's just a coincidence or fate that brought him here face to face with the tragedy he desperately wants to avoid.
There are several instances that interlink the connections from one life to another. The same fate has befallen them & the character's reluctance to come to terms with it added all the more pull to the story. Now as much as I was a fan of this plot, the timing of twists and the pacing felt a little off track. I continued reading just to know the end, but I can’t say I enjoyed the journey much.
There are several instances that interlink the connections from one life to another. The same fate has befallen them & the character's reluctance to come to terms with it added all the more pull to the story. Now as much as I was a fan of this plot, the timing of twists and the pacing felt a little off track. I continued reading just to know the end, but I can’t say I enjoyed the journey much.
July 15, 2024
BookSiren ARC
Quick read, full of cleverly devised mystical connections across generations. It has a definite YA feeling to it, but it's not categorized that way -- feels like fans of Percy Jackson who want something more grown-up, better written, edgier, and spookier would enjoy this. I mean that in a good way.
I enjoyed the book, in fact, i read it in a day because it was so engrossing. The characters were fun to spend time with and the story unfolds with some fun twists.
Quick read, full of cleverly devised mystical connections across generations. It has a definite YA feeling to it, but it's not categorized that way -- feels like fans of Percy Jackson who want something more grown-up, better written, edgier, and spookier would enjoy this. I mean that in a good way.
I enjoyed the book, in fact, i read it in a day because it was so engrossing. The characters were fun to spend time with and the story unfolds with some fun twists.
October 5, 2024
Thanks to Booksirens for an ARC of this book. Of course, I chose it because it looked interesting, but I wasn’t prepared for how phenomenal it actually is. It’s a mixture of fairytale and myth, combined with real life and contemporary characters trapped in a fate they don’t understand. There are so many brilliant details packed into this wonderfully-told, unique story.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1911 to present day, with a few stops at unknown periods of time. The basic idea is that Evan Kiernan and Mara Cassidy are doomed to repeat life as lovers who die tragically, and while Evan can see the past and the future, he doesn’t know how to explain it to Mara. And he doesn’t know how to change their fate, or if he even can. There are larger forces at work, and he feels that if he can figure out WHY, he can figure out how to fix things. As Evan is pulled from one time to another, he learns that each incarnation has shared certain details, changed minimally. For example, his last incarnation was as Kieran, while Mara was Mary, and before that, Maura. Another similarity was Mara’s left-handedness and her linkage to a cat, in every life. And he learns much of this with the help of Kieran, who somehow is able to reach across the century and trigger memories.
As I write this, I realize how ridiculous it sounds. And yet, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, it becomes an epic and emotional tale that seems utterly real. Kieran writes a journal for his future self, Evan, and hides it where he knows he will find it. And in it, he writes, “Reader, you know it is true because time is a trick, because once upon a time, you were me and I am you and we, together, were he.” It’s a little confusing when we first read this, but by the end, it’s clear. And this is the essence of the story. Time is a trick, and everything can change in an instant.
One of the things I enjoyed about the writing was little bits of commentary thrown in, like when Maura tells the young boy (past Evan) that her mother, a witch, has a power greater than her ability to heal. Her greatest power “...lay in her ability to mix and sell something far more powerful than herbs—fear.” This is a timeless truth. Those who wish to hold power quite often do so by creating fear and making people believe they are the only ones who can protect them, saying things like, “I alone can fix it.” Tale as old as time.
And I loved this conversation between Evan and Mara. Discussing what God must be like, Mara explains, “It’s like a narcissist works… Like, I have the ultimate truth, but I don’t owe you any proof of my existence. You have to do my will and believe every word I say, and even if I don’t say it, you’re supposed to know what I want anyway and worship me or I’ll send you to hell forever. See how much I love you?”
It’s a thought-provoking and exciting tale of fated love and the power of love to conquer forces that try to pull them apart. And honestly, until the end, I was never sure how things would go. I wasn’t even sure if it would finish with this one book. And I’m not going to tell any more than that. I’m anxious to read more from this author, and I’m adding this book to my list of favorites.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1911 to present day, with a few stops at unknown periods of time. The basic idea is that Evan Kiernan and Mara Cassidy are doomed to repeat life as lovers who die tragically, and while Evan can see the past and the future, he doesn’t know how to explain it to Mara. And he doesn’t know how to change their fate, or if he even can. There are larger forces at work, and he feels that if he can figure out WHY, he can figure out how to fix things. As Evan is pulled from one time to another, he learns that each incarnation has shared certain details, changed minimally. For example, his last incarnation was as Kieran, while Mara was Mary, and before that, Maura. Another similarity was Mara’s left-handedness and her linkage to a cat, in every life. And he learns much of this with the help of Kieran, who somehow is able to reach across the century and trigger memories.
As I write this, I realize how ridiculous it sounds. And yet, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, it becomes an epic and emotional tale that seems utterly real. Kieran writes a journal for his future self, Evan, and hides it where he knows he will find it. And in it, he writes, “Reader, you know it is true because time is a trick, because once upon a time, you were me and I am you and we, together, were he.” It’s a little confusing when we first read this, but by the end, it’s clear. And this is the essence of the story. Time is a trick, and everything can change in an instant.
One of the things I enjoyed about the writing was little bits of commentary thrown in, like when Maura tells the young boy (past Evan) that her mother, a witch, has a power greater than her ability to heal. Her greatest power “...lay in her ability to mix and sell something far more powerful than herbs—fear.” This is a timeless truth. Those who wish to hold power quite often do so by creating fear and making people believe they are the only ones who can protect them, saying things like, “I alone can fix it.” Tale as old as time.
And I loved this conversation between Evan and Mara. Discussing what God must be like, Mara explains, “It’s like a narcissist works… Like, I have the ultimate truth, but I don’t owe you any proof of my existence. You have to do my will and believe every word I say, and even if I don’t say it, you’re supposed to know what I want anyway and worship me or I’ll send you to hell forever. See how much I love you?”
It’s a thought-provoking and exciting tale of fated love and the power of love to conquer forces that try to pull them apart. And honestly, until the end, I was never sure how things would go. I wasn’t even sure if it would finish with this one book. And I’m not going to tell any more than that. I’m anxious to read more from this author, and I’m adding this book to my list of favorites.
July 25, 2024
I REALLY enjoyed this read!
It had me hooked from page 1 until the very end.
I loved that it was a mystery with a sprinkle of supernatural aspects. I couldn’t wait to find out what ended up happening to Evan and Mara.
I was completely shocked by the ending, and felt it was wrapped up very nicely.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my reader friends 😊
Thank you so much to booksirens for the ARC of Inevitable Fates
It had me hooked from page 1 until the very end.
I loved that it was a mystery with a sprinkle of supernatural aspects. I couldn’t wait to find out what ended up happening to Evan and Mara.
I was completely shocked by the ending, and felt it was wrapped up very nicely.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my reader friends 😊
Thank you so much to booksirens for the ARC of Inevitable Fates
July 29, 2024
Thank you Lindsay and BookSirens for a copy of this ARC!
I'll admit, I was drawn in by title and cover before I read the blurb. This book was definitely outside of my usual comfort zone of reading, less fantasy and more modern day mythical.
There were bits and pieces that I struggled with- some of the language was informal and more suited to the modern day spoken language (I swear I've never read the word yaaaaas ad an adult and NOT cringed). However the book developed and became more intriguing as you get past the 50% mark.
The plot twists were conceivable- you kind of see it coming but that didn't make it inenjoyable! The idea of inevitable soulmates- destined to be together no matter what was something that I loved and thoroughly enjoyed.
4 Stars, mainly because that last 100 pages REALLY drew me in and bumped it up a star.
Highly recommend to people who enjoy mythology mixed in with modern day ideas.
I'll admit, I was drawn in by title and cover before I read the blurb. This book was definitely outside of my usual comfort zone of reading, less fantasy and more modern day mythical.
There were bits and pieces that I struggled with- some of the language was informal and more suited to the modern day spoken language (I swear I've never read the word yaaaaas ad an adult and NOT cringed). However the book developed and became more intriguing as you get past the 50% mark.
The plot twists were conceivable- you kind of see it coming but that didn't make it inenjoyable! The idea of inevitable soulmates- destined to be together no matter what was something that I loved and thoroughly enjoyed.
4 Stars, mainly because that last 100 pages REALLY drew me in and bumped it up a star.
Highly recommend to people who enjoy mythology mixed in with modern day ideas.
October 8, 2024
Thanks to Booksirens for an ARC of this book. Of course, I chose it because it looked interesting, but I wasn’t prepared for how phenomenal it actually is. It’s a mixture of fairytale and myth, combined with real life and contemporary characters trapped in a fate they don’t understand. There are so many brilliant details packed into this wonderfully-told, unique story.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1911 to present day, with a few stops at unknown periods of time. The basic idea is that Evan Kiernan and Mara Cassidy are doomed to repeat life as lovers who die tragically, and while Evan can see the past and the future, he doesn’t know how to explain it to Mara. And he doesn’t know how to change their fate, or if he even can. There are larger forces at work, and he feels that if he can figure out WHY, he can figure out how to fix things. As Evan is pulled from one time to another, he learns that each incarnation has shared certain details, changed minimally. For example, his last incarnation was as Kieran, while Mara was Mary, and before that, Maura. Another similarity was Mara’s left-handedness and her linkage to a cat, in every life. And he learns much of this with the help of Kieran, who somehow is able to reach across the century and trigger memories.
As I write this, I realize how ridiculous it sounds. And yet, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, it becomes an epic and emotional tale that seems utterly real. Kieran writes a journal for his future self, Evan, and hides it where he knows he will find it. And in it, he writes, “Reader, you know it is true because time is a trick, because once upon a time, you were me and I am you and we, together, were he.” It’s a little confusing when we first read this, but by the end, it’s clear. And this is the essence of the story. Time is a trick, and everything can change in an instant.
One of the things I enjoyed about the writing was little bits of commentary thrown in, like when Maura tells the young boy (past Evan) that her mother, a witch, has a power greater than her ability to heal. Her greatest power “… lay in her ability to mix and sell something far more powerful than herbs—fear.” This is a timeless truth. Those who wish to hold power quite often do so by creating fear and making people believe they are the only ones who can protect them, saying things like, “I alone can fix it.” Tale as old as time.
And I loved this conversation between Evan and Mara. Discussing what God must be like, Mara explains, “It’s like a narcissist works… Like, I have the ultimate truth, but I don’t owe you any proof of my existence. You have to do my will and believe every word I say, and even if I don’t say it, you’re supposed to know what I want anyway and worship me or I’ll send you to hell forever. See how much I love you?”
It’s a thought-provoking and exciting tale of fated love and the power of love to conquer forces that try to pull them apart. And honestly, until the end, I was never sure how things would go. I wasn’t even sure if it would finish with this one book. And I’m not going to tell any more than that. I’m anxious to read more from this author, and I’m adding this book to my list of favorites.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1911 to present day, with a few stops at unknown periods of time. The basic idea is that Evan Kiernan and Mara Cassidy are doomed to repeat life as lovers who die tragically, and while Evan can see the past and the future, he doesn’t know how to explain it to Mara. And he doesn’t know how to change their fate, or if he even can. There are larger forces at work, and he feels that if he can figure out WHY, he can figure out how to fix things. As Evan is pulled from one time to another, he learns that each incarnation has shared certain details, changed minimally. For example, his last incarnation was as Kieran, while Mara was Mary, and before that, Maura. Another similarity was Mara’s left-handedness and her linkage to a cat, in every life. And he learns much of this with the help of Kieran, who somehow is able to reach across the century and trigger memories.
As I write this, I realize how ridiculous it sounds. And yet, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, it becomes an epic and emotional tale that seems utterly real. Kieran writes a journal for his future self, Evan, and hides it where he knows he will find it. And in it, he writes, “Reader, you know it is true because time is a trick, because once upon a time, you were me and I am you and we, together, were he.” It’s a little confusing when we first read this, but by the end, it’s clear. And this is the essence of the story. Time is a trick, and everything can change in an instant.
One of the things I enjoyed about the writing was little bits of commentary thrown in, like when Maura tells the young boy (past Evan) that her mother, a witch, has a power greater than her ability to heal. Her greatest power “… lay in her ability to mix and sell something far more powerful than herbs—fear.” This is a timeless truth. Those who wish to hold power quite often do so by creating fear and making people believe they are the only ones who can protect them, saying things like, “I alone can fix it.” Tale as old as time.
And I loved this conversation between Evan and Mara. Discussing what God must be like, Mara explains, “It’s like a narcissist works… Like, I have the ultimate truth, but I don’t owe you any proof of my existence. You have to do my will and believe every word I say, and even if I don’t say it, you’re supposed to know what I want anyway and worship me or I’ll send you to hell forever. See how much I love you?”
It’s a thought-provoking and exciting tale of fated love and the power of love to conquer forces that try to pull them apart. And honestly, until the end, I was never sure how things would go. I wasn’t even sure if it would finish with this one book. And I’m not going to tell any more than that. I’m anxious to read more from this author, and I’m adding this book to my list of favorites.
October 11, 2024
Inevitable Fate by Lindsay K. Bandy is a YA paranormal romance that spans multiple lifetimes.
Evan has been accepted into NYU's Promising Young Artist program thanks in part to a painting of a beautiful mystery girl in his portfolio. During a thunderstorm in the city, he finds himself under the same umbrella as an eerily familiar green-eyed girl. Will he be able to figure out who is pulling the strings and change her fate--a race it seem he's already lost at least once.
I love it when books play with the fates! There are a few separate timelines throughout the book, including epistolary vignettes in the form of journal entries.
I also immediately fell in love with this book's cover: it's gorgeous. The author does a great job using actual history (yes, Dreamland really did burn down in 1911), and I really enjoyed her prose and the general concept of the book.
The pacing felt a little off to me, but not enough to really ding my enjoyment of the read. I think the back half was a little stronger than the front.
If you're a fan of the Percy Jackson series, this could be a good option for you!
I received a complimentary review copy from CamCat. All opinions contained herein are my own.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Twitter.
Evan has been accepted into NYU's Promising Young Artist program thanks in part to a painting of a beautiful mystery girl in his portfolio. During a thunderstorm in the city, he finds himself under the same umbrella as an eerily familiar green-eyed girl. Will he be able to figure out who is pulling the strings and change her fate--a race it seem he's already lost at least once.
I love it when books play with the fates! There are a few separate timelines throughout the book, including epistolary vignettes in the form of journal entries.
I also immediately fell in love with this book's cover: it's gorgeous. The author does a great job using actual history (yes, Dreamland really did burn down in 1911), and I really enjoyed her prose and the general concept of the book.
The pacing felt a little off to me, but not enough to really ding my enjoyment of the read. I think the back half was a little stronger than the front.
If you're a fan of the Percy Jackson series, this could be a good option for you!
I received a complimentary review copy from CamCat. All opinions contained herein are my own.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Twitter.
July 28, 2024
3.5⭐️
Déjà vu is a feeling that you've already experienced or seen something before, even though you know that's not possible. But what if it's an event that actually happened, years before your birth, that you had no prior knowledge of?
And what if you painted a picture of a beautiful girl from your imagination, only to bump into her on a stormy NYC street several years later?
Evan believes his new, more stable life starts with his entry into the NYU arts program. Little does he know that his fate has brought him to this city, to find love and to finish what was started years ago. I enjoyed the romance and mystery of this unique story.
I did receive this as an advanced readers copy, and am happily writing this review voluntarily.
Déjà vu is a feeling that you've already experienced or seen something before, even though you know that's not possible. But what if it's an event that actually happened, years before your birth, that you had no prior knowledge of?
And what if you painted a picture of a beautiful girl from your imagination, only to bump into her on a stormy NYC street several years later?
Evan believes his new, more stable life starts with his entry into the NYU arts program. Little does he know that his fate has brought him to this city, to find love and to finish what was started years ago. I enjoyed the romance and mystery of this unique story.
I did receive this as an advanced readers copy, and am happily writing this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came across this on Libby, but I ended up enjoying it far more than I anticipated. The beginning is a bit slow, but the writing is strong and engaging. As an art history nerd, artist, and mythology lover, I appreciated how beautifully it wove together all of those passions. I especially loved the references to Goya and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as nods to other artists I admire. There were some great twists throughout, and even some nice nods to musicians.
Overall, if you’re into gothic-style stories infused with themes of fate, art, music, and reflections on love—this one’s for you.
Overall, if you’re into gothic-style stories infused with themes of fate, art, music, and reflections on love—this one’s for you.
July 20, 2024
When I first started this book, I honestly thought I was going to end up rating it 3 stars as it felt a little slow to me for a good part of the beginning. However, that has never stopped me from persevering and finishing a book and I am so glad I did! It definitely picked up speed and the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. The main couple was super cute and there were a few found family moments that made my heart so happy. I did receive this book as an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 21, 2024
First of all thanks to author and book sirens for the Advance Reader Copy. I didn't knew the author before and the way she writers is so beautiful, and how she describes things makes you feel part of the story as if you were another character.
I liked the characters and their stories and how they learn how to break the cycle they are in. I was hooked since chapter one and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the characters and their stories and how they learn how to break the cycle they are in. I was hooked since chapter one and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2024
so good i couldn't put it down, even though obviously i had to a few times ( kids). so i won from Good reads and i loved every min of this book. Mara and Evans story is crazy i love how they are connected through past lives. this book has Greek mythology, Time Travel, a great plot, a crazy twist, and characters that you will fall in love with. Highly recommend!! also Note to author Lindsay Please write more!! this book was wonderful and i have ordered your other book "chef Kiss" amazing job
January 4, 2025
2.5/5
I honestly don’t know what to rate this book, I did enjoy the characters, but I found it hard to connect with them. Though, following Evan on his journey was a fun time. Besides this, the pacing was off and on, one moment it was slow, the next it sped up only to slow down yet again, similar to a rollercoaster, but not as intense. I loved how his search brought him all over New York and the alternating POVs were very interesting.
I honestly don’t know what to rate this book, I did enjoy the characters, but I found it hard to connect with them. Though, following Evan on his journey was a fun time. Besides this, the pacing was off and on, one moment it was slow, the next it sped up only to slow down yet again, similar to a rollercoaster, but not as intense. I loved how his search brought him all over New York and the alternating POVs were very interesting.
September 14, 2024
Booksiren ARC
I really enjoyed it! The plot was intriguing and the characters were very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this! It was a pretty quick read but the plot didn't feel rushed. I would def read other books by this author.
I really enjoyed it! The plot was intriguing and the characters were very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this! It was a pretty quick read but the plot didn't feel rushed. I would def read other books by this author.
December 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It didn’t have many fantasy aspects of the book, which was a super nice palate cleanser!
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It didn’t have many fantasy aspects of the book, which was a super nice palate cleanser!
Read
November 14, 2025DNF... I am just not vibing with the writing style and it felt like I was going to get my teeth pulled instead of reading.
September 6, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to read The Inevitable Faye as an Advanced Reader Copy with BookSirens.
A very interesting concept with beautiful writing. I did also find some transitions between scenes were abrupt and choppy overall. Some grammar mistakes and interruptions to the flow, but overall did not detract from the experience. One trope that was essential to the plot was unreliable narrator, which I am not fond of and which is where the 3 stars come from.
A very interesting concept with beautiful writing. I did also find some transitions between scenes were abrupt and choppy overall. Some grammar mistakes and interruptions to the flow, but overall did not detract from the experience. One trope that was essential to the plot was unreliable narrator, which I am not fond of and which is where the 3 stars come from.
September 1, 2024
Absolute tell love the characters Evan and Mara. From their meet cute to their ending. The writing was so good it kept me engaged through the whole thing even Flynn’s pov.
August 25, 2024
BookSirens ARC Reader Review: 4.5 stars, rounded up!
This story of Evan and Mara is absolutely precious. I completely devoured it.
The end of the book has an incredible chapter song playlist - seriously every book should now have this!!
I truly loved the twists and turns of this book. It kept me guessing the entire time I was reading it!!
Highly recommend 💜💜
This story of Evan and Mara is absolutely precious. I completely devoured it.
The end of the book has an incredible chapter song playlist - seriously every book should now have this!!
I truly loved the twists and turns of this book. It kept me guessing the entire time I was reading it!!
Highly recommend 💜💜
September 14, 2024
I picked this up as an ARC from BookSirens and it was a really enjoyable read. It takes the ideas of fate and reincarnation/genetic memory and makes them into a new and interesting story. A 17 year old art student paints a photo of a girl he has never met and then meets her a year later, then finds a photo of himself from 100 years prior and starts investigating which leads to realizing that he had known her before, just not in this life. The flashbacks overtake him until he dreams of her future death, but he can't tell her any of this without her thinking he is losing his mind. Their fates are intertwined and she seems doomed, but can he change what is to come? Read more to find out...
July 10, 2024
If you loved Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children or Lemony Snickett, this is the tale for you!
Inevitable Fate is a thrilling read, full of grit and swoony gazes.
This book was so deliciously spooky devoured it in one day. What began as a seemingly innocuous meet-cute at the Black Cat Cafe turned into a spine-tingling mystery I couldn't put down. Old myths and fresh ideas combine in this twisted coming of age mystery.
For lovers of haunts and hollows, Inevitable Fate is a great starting place especially for YA readers.
Inevitable Fate is a thrilling read, full of grit and swoony gazes.
This book was so deliciously spooky devoured it in one day. What began as a seemingly innocuous meet-cute at the Black Cat Cafe turned into a spine-tingling mystery I couldn't put down. Old myths and fresh ideas combine in this twisted coming of age mystery.
For lovers of haunts and hollows, Inevitable Fate is a great starting place especially for YA readers.
September 20, 2024
I really enjoyed Inevitable Fate by Lindsay K. Bandy. The story gave sweet YA vibes, but the unexpected twist made the story feel fresh and new. This book will leave the reader asking, "Are we all bound by fate or do we control our own fate through the choices we make?"
The story itself has many twists and turns and just when it begins to feel a little predictable, Bandy throws an unexpected curveball to keep the reader guessing. Spanning generations, this sweet romance makes the reader want to believe in love at first sight (and second and third?) There was something so warm and inviting about this sweet little story. Even through heartbreak and tragedy, this romance felt like a comforting hug and honestly, I was here for it from beginning to end.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself has many twists and turns and just when it begins to feel a little predictable, Bandy throws an unexpected curveball to keep the reader guessing. Spanning generations, this sweet romance makes the reader want to believe in love at first sight (and second and third?) There was something so warm and inviting about this sweet little story. Even through heartbreak and tragedy, this romance felt like a comforting hug and honestly, I was here for it from beginning to end.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2025
When I got this book, it wasn't what I expected at all. When I started reading this book, I thought it was about a guy meeting the girl of his dreams. It got crazy when he started remembering other past lives of his and hers. What was worse was seeing Mara's death repeated in history. Poor Evan was going crazy trying to figure out why he was seeing himself in a picture at the museum, then having dreams about it. Evan who was a promising artist seemed like he carried a lot of pain and baggage with him. Mara who reminds of any small town girl trying to make it big with her written songs and her voice. I thought it was romantic how they meet in the rain even after Evan realized who she was. He didn't let that stop himself from falling in love with her. The other past lives of their love stories are so painful. I can't imagine after living without my other half because of death getting in the way. Kieran Flynn was the key to helping Even find out the truth and to having Mara's life. When I found out more about who Nora, the mentor, and historian file keeper was. It really shocked me. I got more hints after Kieran Flynn's clues and letters but after Evan was tricked then it started to make more sense. I believe the reason the goddesses made Evan suffer was just plain terrible. Finding out Mara was the daughter of all 3 of them, murdering in her past life so sooner or later she comes back home and forget about Evan. I got scared thinking the sisters were going to win. I was worried Evan and Mara would never see each other again and Evan's entire existence would disappear. Nora was the hero at the end, when realized her mistakes. She ended herself and her sisters so Mara could live a happy life. Thank you for the opportunity of the book. I really enjoyed it. Take a look at this book and find out what you think of it.
July 26, 2024
Once upon a time, three sisters were entrusted with the task of ensuring life balance in the universe. Their work was simple: to weave the fabric of human history, one life at a time. Threads were woven and threads were cut, but the pedal of life never stopped.
This story follows Evan and Mara across three lifetimes, each life cursed to end in tragedy. But the third time is a charm, isn’t it? Evan is given a chance to change the tragedy and correct the mistakes his previous selves couldn’t, with the clues they left behind. But are these clues given simply and directly? Maybe or maybe not. With clues that make him question his sanity while the tragedy ominously hovers over him and his love Mara, the inevitable fate aligns.
The writing style in this book is very immersive and easy to imagine. The story highlights the serene beauty of small moments in interactions with loved ones and found families; however, these moments also carry the heavy emotions of threat and fear. The story progresses slowly at the beginning and takes time to build momentum. Initially, the plot makes little sense and feels dragged out at some points, but as the end approaches, the narrative becomes clear and the story becomes very absorbing.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the small snippets of psychology and random facts thrown in between the conversations. The story is captivating, and fate is presented in a genuine yet playful manner (If some cosmic narcissist is ruling the world, we’re all screwed). One thing I would have appreciated in this book was the POV of Mara nonetheless I thoroughly recommend this book to those who enjoy a blend of historical fiction and contemporary romance.
I obtained an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review of my own volition.
This story follows Evan and Mara across three lifetimes, each life cursed to end in tragedy. But the third time is a charm, isn’t it? Evan is given a chance to change the tragedy and correct the mistakes his previous selves couldn’t, with the clues they left behind. But are these clues given simply and directly? Maybe or maybe not. With clues that make him question his sanity while the tragedy ominously hovers over him and his love Mara, the inevitable fate aligns.
The writing style in this book is very immersive and easy to imagine. The story highlights the serene beauty of small moments in interactions with loved ones and found families; however, these moments also carry the heavy emotions of threat and fear. The story progresses slowly at the beginning and takes time to build momentum. Initially, the plot makes little sense and feels dragged out at some points, but as the end approaches, the narrative becomes clear and the story becomes very absorbing.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the small snippets of psychology and random facts thrown in between the conversations. The story is captivating, and fate is presented in a genuine yet playful manner (If some cosmic narcissist is ruling the world, we’re all screwed). One thing I would have appreciated in this book was the POV of Mara nonetheless I thoroughly recommend this book to those who enjoy a blend of historical fiction and contemporary romance.
I obtained an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review of my own volition.
September 4, 2024
4.75
We met 17-year-old Evan, as one life changing portrait has turned his world upside down and got him a spot on the Promising Young Artist program at NYU. After one chance encounter, his fresh new start takes a turn he never saw coming. With a race against time, Evan must figure out how to change the fate of a green-eyed girl, but this race is one he’s lost before.
I was automatically hooked into this book after the first chapter, the writing is just so gripping and descriptive. The development of the story and all the intricate little links between past and present just worked so well and flowed so easily, I had to force myself to put the book down. This story had me smiling so much, my cheeks began to hurt but also had some really sensitive moments as well, that were represented so beautifully in the writing and had me tearing up. Both our characters are so intriguing, the way they act and how their personalities bounce off each other, in the most perfect manner. The tension was built up so well, that I felt like my heart was racing with the characters. And that ending was just *chef's kiss* perfect, for the story and characters. I was honestly so blown away with this story and highly recommend checking it out when it releases on 15/10/24.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We met 17-year-old Evan, as one life changing portrait has turned his world upside down and got him a spot on the Promising Young Artist program at NYU. After one chance encounter, his fresh new start takes a turn he never saw coming. With a race against time, Evan must figure out how to change the fate of a green-eyed girl, but this race is one he’s lost before.
I was automatically hooked into this book after the first chapter, the writing is just so gripping and descriptive. The development of the story and all the intricate little links between past and present just worked so well and flowed so easily, I had to force myself to put the book down. This story had me smiling so much, my cheeks began to hurt but also had some really sensitive moments as well, that were represented so beautifully in the writing and had me tearing up. Both our characters are so intriguing, the way they act and how their personalities bounce off each other, in the most perfect manner. The tension was built up so well, that I felt like my heart was racing with the characters. And that ending was just *chef's kiss* perfect, for the story and characters. I was honestly so blown away with this story and highly recommend checking it out when it releases on 15/10/24.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2024
Evan has moved around a bunch. Then he gets accepted into NYU and he thinks maybe he’ll have a more stable life. Sorry buddy, things are about to get weird for you and seriously fun for us readers.
New York has more secrets than answers, and Evan realizes that he and the city have a supernatural connection that is linked to the past.
He meets a girl that doesn’t just resemble the imaginary subject of the piece of art that got him into NYU, but is the subject of his painting, right down to her haunting green eyes.
He sees things that aren’t there, things from the past. The city, the past, and Mara, the green-eyed-girl, are all connected somehow, and time is marching them straight to a horrible fate that they have both lived before.
Evan must solve the riddle of what is happening and who--or what--is behind it all before Mara is taken from him again.
I really enjoyed this book. It takes the question of fate and destiny and spins it in an entertaining and fresh way. The mystery unfolded throughout the book in clever and interesting ways. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers, especially those of us that like our mysteries salted with the supernatural.
New York has more secrets than answers, and Evan realizes that he and the city have a supernatural connection that is linked to the past.
He meets a girl that doesn’t just resemble the imaginary subject of the piece of art that got him into NYU, but is the subject of his painting, right down to her haunting green eyes.
He sees things that aren’t there, things from the past. The city, the past, and Mara, the green-eyed-girl, are all connected somehow, and time is marching them straight to a horrible fate that they have both lived before.
Evan must solve the riddle of what is happening and who--or what--is behind it all before Mara is taken from him again.
I really enjoyed this book. It takes the question of fate and destiny and spins it in an entertaining and fresh way. The mystery unfolded throughout the book in clever and interesting ways. This book will appeal to a wide range of readers, especially those of us that like our mysteries salted with the supernatural.
June 9, 2025
Inevitable Fate
This book is more like 3.5 ⭐️, but ultimately, I decided to round down. I like the idea of the Fates that Bandy uses here. The book is clearly well-researched, and the characters are cute and seem authentic for their age. Honestly, I think what’s troubling me is more personal than critical. First: I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi, and this is definitely sci-fi. Second, and this matters when it comes to intent: I am an adult that reads YA. I read it because I love buldungsroman (coming of age) plots and there is something unique and special about character development and relationships during adolescence and early adulthood that has always captivated me. But this book is a little bit immature in all of those respects. Ultimately, it is cast on younger side of YA, and that fact made it less engaging for me. The character depth, the way the author wrote the romance, even the male main character, all seemed a little bit off. Simple. Young. Not bad necessarily, but, for other readers of my ilk, maybe just not enough.
This book is more like 3.5 ⭐️, but ultimately, I decided to round down. I like the idea of the Fates that Bandy uses here. The book is clearly well-researched, and the characters are cute and seem authentic for their age. Honestly, I think what’s troubling me is more personal than critical. First: I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi, and this is definitely sci-fi. Second, and this matters when it comes to intent: I am an adult that reads YA. I read it because I love buldungsroman (coming of age) plots and there is something unique and special about character development and relationships during adolescence and early adulthood that has always captivated me. But this book is a little bit immature in all of those respects. Ultimately, it is cast on younger side of YA, and that fact made it less engaging for me. The character depth, the way the author wrote the romance, even the male main character, all seemed a little bit off. Simple. Young. Not bad necessarily, but, for other readers of my ilk, maybe just not enough.
September 23, 2024
The artist and the songbird'
The Inevitable Fate centers around two 17yr olds who finding love in New York. This book however my friends, is one that goes deeper than teenage love and into fate, deeper than chance meetings over past lives and into a more sinister plot.
The story of Evan and Mara is cute to say the least. This is defintiely a young adult book however it is a light but great read for older readers too. The plot slowly deepens throughout the book at a regular pace. It keeps building and building and you think you can predict the twists and then its like omg, didn't see tht one. The first two thirds of the book was a nice read and it was all lovely, a 3-4 star read, but that ending, chefs kiss, I love it and will be going back and reading Lindsay's other book and anything else she brings out. I highly recommend!
Overall 5 stars
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book for free. This review was left voluntarily.
The Inevitable Fate centers around two 17yr olds who finding love in New York. This book however my friends, is one that goes deeper than teenage love and into fate, deeper than chance meetings over past lives and into a more sinister plot.
The story of Evan and Mara is cute to say the least. This is defintiely a young adult book however it is a light but great read for older readers too. The plot slowly deepens throughout the book at a regular pace. It keeps building and building and you think you can predict the twists and then its like omg, didn't see tht one. The first two thirds of the book was a nice read and it was all lovely, a 3-4 star read, but that ending, chefs kiss, I love it and will be going back and reading Lindsay's other book and anything else she brings out. I highly recommend!
Overall 5 stars
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book for free. This review was left voluntarily.
October 12, 2024
What would you do if you suddenly started getting visions of a life time you once lived? Well that’s what’s happening to our MMC Evan. Evan is an artist who one day catches a glimpse of a girl with bright green eyes in a vision he has and he paints what he saw which ends up being the piece of artwork that gains him admission to NYU. One day while on his way to get some lunch Evan runs into (quite literally) the girl from his vision our FMC Mara. After denial that Mara could be the exact girl from his vision Evan starts getting more visions of lives that they have lived together and how Mara has died in each life, only this time he is determined to save her from her fate.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole read. This book is categorized as a YA mystery/thriller which I think is an appropriate rating but I also think anyone would really enjoy this book. I devoured this in about 5 hours and I know for sure it wasn’t just the lack of cell phone but that it was because this book was that good! Inevitable Fate will be available for purchase on October 15th.
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole read. This book is categorized as a YA mystery/thriller which I think is an appropriate rating but I also think anyone would really enjoy this book. I devoured this in about 5 hours and I know for sure it wasn’t just the lack of cell phone but that it was because this book was that good! Inevitable Fate will be available for purchase on October 15th.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews