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These Fates that Bind Us: Evening Star Saga Book One

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Dreams and danger – that’s what the Unseelie Court holds. And I’ve fallen right into its king’s forbidden thrall.

Aster Quiin (aka Asteria Fairwae, the lost Seelie princess) likes to pretend her life is perfectly normal. And through a deal with her uncle, the regent king, that’s mostly possible.

That is, until she dances with a beautiful, silver-haired stranger at a nightclub.

The stranger turns out to be Nox Ether, the notorious King of the Unseelie Court and her uncle’s political enemy. Nox takes a darkly keen interest in Aster, his presence bleeding into more than just her waking hours. All the while, unrest stirs within the Unseelie Court as members of Nox’s inner circle disappear and whispers that demonic forces are at play begin to spread.

When Aster’s forbidden attraction to the Unseelie King and the threat of danger brewing in the courts become intrinsically linked, she is forced to face her fate… even if in the end, it’s the death of her.

– – – – –

For fans of Laura Thalassa and Scarlett St. Clair, this urban fantasy romance takes a twist on traditional faerie folklore and features a morally grey love interest, a snarky heroine, and slow-burn spice.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

302 people are currently reading
3479 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Tork

9 books85 followers
Rachel Tork is the author of fantasy romance and contemporary romance books, including the Evening Star Saga. She adores rainy days, Reylo, and early mornings snuggled on her couch.

She writes quick-paced fantasy with snarky, yet flawed, characters, as well as deeply emotional romance that proves love really can conquer all.

You can follow Rachel on Instagram and TikTok at @racheltorkauthor

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5 stars
115 (17%)
4 stars
186 (28%)
3 stars
227 (34%)
2 stars
89 (13%)
1 star
38 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for mags.
341 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
Made it about a third of the way through (I did, however, skim the rest) - I did not finish, and I will not finish. Referencing another (terribly accurate and horribly comedic) review I read, this is the Wish.com Crescent City. And also, much worse. In every way.

I just have questions? Why is Nox using the pet name “love” in every single sentence he says? Is he British (I don’t think even the brits use it that often)? Does he WANT to be British? Why does he creepy-stalk Asteria and talk about sex before chapter 6? Where is the banter? Where is the tension? Also, as a side note, I knew I wouldn’t like this book as soon as I found out that Asteria dresses like a 2014 tumblr girl.

Anyways. I hate to be rude, as I’m sure the author is lovely, but maybe we should have a bit closer look at our works before publishing. As in, mayhaps let’s not have our main character be a starlight fae who comes from an abusive and despairing past and also she magically finds a 500 billion year old mate who has just been waiting for her and only her, our 22 year old party girl turned royalty, who also works in a museum. At least she doesn’t have red hair.
Profile Image for Dazjon Ward.
55 reviews
August 13, 2024
I think the idea behind this book is a really good one. It just had very poor execution. There were many, MANY, grammatical errors, and Tork tried to fit too much into this one book. The smut was mediocre, at best so I really hope it’s not marketed as a spicy romance novel.


I could say more, I just don’t want to.
Profile Image for Han.
138 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2024
This was terrible. I’m so sorry to the author because it has the makings for a great story but it was just too rushed and that ruined it. I’m not sure if this was self published but I’m getting the vibe that it was because surely someone should have stepped in and suggested some changes.

Likes:
-the story has potential

Dislikes:
-the characters felt underdeveloped, there were many gaps that should have been filled to help create a desire to read any sequels
-the dialogue was just weird, you have this ancient MMC who gave off 20 something year old vibes and this long lost princess who gave off 15 year old vibes
-the story was rushed, like I had no idea what was going on half the time because the story kept jumping from one point to another
-this winnowing that was referred to as “flit” was just weird and I couldn’t see past the phrase “flit about” which just made something that other authors have made desirable sound pathetic
-the supporting characters were boring and lacked any real substance, I feel like there personalities are the FMC and that’s not enough for me

Honestly this is 0.05 🌟 for the concept behind the book but other than that it was terrible and I almost don’t want to include it in my 100 book goal for the year.
Profile Image for Courtney McLeod.
11 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2024
I thought this was fine - not great, not bad, but a fine read. I tackled this one quickly as it was entertaining. I did feel some elements were slightly rushed, and perhaps a bit predictable, but overall I did enjoy the book. A bonus that it was included on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Larns.
13 reviews
October 27, 2024
yeah look, I saw a page on tiktok and thought you know this might be good.

It was basically a watt-pad guilty pleasure type book. I wouldn’t even say it was guilty pleasure, it was just pure guilt. This book wasn’t great, it was messy and way too fast. The language of the characters was weird. I understand that the universe is set in a modern world with two different faerie courts co-existing which is also really weird for that matter. If you wanted to make this book interesting and more impactful, definitely don’t use modern day slang and also develop the characters better.

I’m sorry, I wanted to enjoy it and I do love Nox. I think he is a hot sexy character that had potential but, the story just wasn’t good.
Profile Image for Emily.
166 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2024
I actually haven't finished this book yet but honestly this thing could literally fart a unicorn into my bedroom and I would still give it 2 stars.

These Fates that Bind Us (or more accurately, the Wish.com Crescent City) was a doppelgänger of Sarah J. Maas series. Like verbatim. In fact, I'm actually wondering if this is like a prank or a joke? Or FanFiction? Idk but did she AT LEAST get a royalty????

FMC, Aster (a flower I actually like - last positive thing you'll read from here on out) is a pArTy GoRl. She likes tequila and vodka and hot boys. And she lives with her BEST FRIEND, Lili (who doesn't die bc that would be like waaaaaaay too obvious, copyright might actually pick that one up). They have one male friend, who was at one point estranged because the royalty didn't like being threatened named Raven (Ruhn Daanan, is that you?!?!).
Aster, was abused by her UNCLE (not her dad, again, copyright would be angy-face-pissy-voice over that one) who has usurped the throne from her because she's the STARLIGHT PRINCESS (lololololololololol please).

Nox, MMC, is literally the son of an angel, has wings and the actual sex-appeal/personality of a tin can. He's like 9-million-and-42 years old, but apparently he's been waiting for this 21 year old party girl who has never, not once NOT been a pick-me-bitch, for all 9 million of them. They might as well just say COPY PASTE Hunt Athalar but let's make the banter akin to like 2am Hinge boys with fish in their profile picture (read: hey, you up?) and lets make you just a fucking bore. I wouldn't risk $5, let alone DEATH for this wonder-bread fairy man PERIODT.

I'm wondering if anyone has the publishers address because I need a place to send the bill for the glasses I need after rolling my eyes so many times that they're stuck permanently rolled.

I literally don't care what the ending of this book is because it's such hot garbage that there's no saving it. Its unredeemable. It's a 3 day old tuna sandwich left on a park bench. Eating it is kinda weird for a dare, but you feel like shit once you did it and you have so many questions.

The character development: trash. The romance: makes me want to lay on an interstate. The clear copycat plot line: if I could sue I would.

It's like that Tik Tok trend where they're like "EVERYONES SO CREATIVE" but it's like a sculpture made of macaroni salad. That's this book. Your friends in book club were like "yaaaaas girl, write the book!" in the group chat, but you should stop being their friends because they fucking lied. I'm sosososo tired of picking up indie published books and having them be bad copies of extremely popular series, that you were obv inspired by, but have no original thoughts in them whatsoever. Please stop. We're begging.

TLDR: just read Crescent City and save yourself. And quit ordering shit off Wish.com - it's just not worth it. Obviously. just ask this book.
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,420 reviews72 followers
September 3, 2024
These Fates that Bind Us by Rachel Tork

Absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved it!


If you're a fan of dark fantasy with a touch of forbidden BUT fated mate romance, then These Fates that Bind Us by Rachel Tork is about to sweep you off your feet and plunge you into the enchanting yet treacherous world of the Unseelie Court and its war with the Seelie court and demons.

Aster Quiin (previously known as Asteria Fairwae) is the long-lost Seelie princess. living a life of relative normalcy under the radar, thanks to a deal with her evil, abusive uncle, the regent king.

But her life takes a sharp, dangerous turn when she encounters Nox Ether, the enigmatic and dangerously alluring King of the Unseelie Court. What starts as a drunk dance with a beautiful stranger at a nightclub quickly spirals into a dark, magical connection that binds Aster and Nox in ways she never imagined.

Rachel Tork has crafted a world where dreams blur with reality (truly in that sense as the fated mates see each other in their dreams) , and the stakes are as high as they come. The tension between Aster and Nox crackles with every encounter, pulling readers deeper into the mystery and intrigue of the Unseelie Court. Nox’s shadowy charm is irresistible, making him one of those dark, brooding characters you can’t help but fall for, even as you know you probably shouldn’t.

I loved Aster as a FMC. She is a badass and always has a reply on the tip of her tongue. The banter and quirky remarks between her and the rest of the characters was on point and out right funny. I also loved Lil’s character. An amazing friend that added more depth into this story.

it’s not just the romance and the family bonds that will keep you hooked, there’s a darker, more sinister plot brewing beneath the surface. As members of Nox’s inner circle begin to vanish and whispers of demonic forces rise, Aster finds herself at the centre of a deadly power struggle.

The pacing is tight, the stakes high, and the twists kept me engaged all the way through.

These Fates that Bind Us is a deliciously dark fantasy that explores the delicate balance between duty and desire, power and vulnerability.

In short, I loved this book. If you're in the mood for a story that will sweep you into a world of danger, passion, and dark magic, then These Fates that Bind Us is an absolute must-read.

A huge thank you go Azala Press for sending me a copy of this amazing book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Book.markedbyash.
475 reviews31 followers
August 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

✨NA Romantasy
✨Dream Magic
✨Forbidden Love
✨Found Family
✨Winged Men
✨Prophecies
✨He calls her “Love”

This was a Physical ARC from Azala Press

This story was entertaining throughout. The dream magic aspect was unique and I don’t think I’ve read anything like that. The FMCs actual power I don’t think I have ever read in a story before either.
The world building was beautiful. It gave me urban fantasy vibes. There was a modern aspect to it. I loved the first meeting between the two main characters and their banter.
I enjoyed the authors writing style. There characters are supposed to appear young so I do understand that modern slang, which was not an issue for me.
I do feel like I read have similar books. A few similar reads have with similar main points. I don’t want to give specifics because I don’t want to ruin the book.
Do I think that this book is an exact replica of the other books?….no. This book has unique parts to it that make it its own and I enjoyed those parts a lot.
If you love romantasies with possessive winged men that has a prophetic world building, you will love These Fates That Bind Us.
Profile Image for Camille Weltman.
29 reviews
October 23, 2024
I finished this book solely so I could write a review on it. This book pretty much read like a high school girls diary. It was a very fast easy read, and the concept of a modernized fantasy world is SO smart. A lot of it felt super relatable as a college girl….

However. The execution was pretty poorly done. There were so many scenes I physically grimaced at because it was so cringey to read. And a lot of it felt heavily copied from other famous fantasy books.


Most significantly.. For a book with so much sexual trauma and a message about “overcoming it and healing” this book did a really horrible job about exaggerating the importance of consent and healthy relationships, directly after talking about scenes of sexual abuse. I found this really upsetting, triggering, and honestly a bad message to send to anyone who’s dealt with it.

It’s a great concept of a book with great potential, I just don’t like the way it was executed.
Profile Image for Vanessa Dessources.
11 reviews
August 17, 2024
solid read with a few plot holes

I actually really enjoyed this read and would give more stars but I feel there were a lot of terms and such brought up out of thin air. They didn’t get explained really—which could be something that will be fleshed out in the second book but it left me wanting more. Not in the omg couldn’t put the book down way but hmm not really understanding how we get here way. But either way, I did enjoy the book and have high hopes for the rest of the series 🥹
Profile Image for Cait.
53 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2024
These Fates That Bind Us is a great but fast paced intro into a series. The plot and writing held my attention and I had a hard time putting this book down. Urban fantasy has become one of my favorite genres to read as of late. I did enjoy learning about the lore of the past and the twist towards the end.

My largest 'complaints', though not truly negatives, were that the characters sometimes were a bit juvenile in the actions despite being an adult book. I also wish there had been more world building. It's possible that will come in a later book but I would hope they avoid just info dumping this to build a plot.

Additionally, some of the narative felt similar to other novels I've read recently. There are a couple of scathing reviews of this book calling it the 'Wish.com Version' of an SJM book. I understand a certain level of this is unavoidable as certain tropes are included in this book but I felt as if that was unnecessarily cruel in relation to this book.

Thank you Azala Press for the PR Box in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Kimberlee.
75 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
3.75⭐️ Listen, I’m just a girl who is a sucker for all the tropes that were included in this book. Call me crazy, but this is the second book I’ve read by Rachel and I swear she is in my head. I feel she writes exactly how I would and with themes and tropes I love, so how could I ever hate any of her work. Sometimes fantasy’s can be heavy, that does not mean they are bad, I just mean in a sense that they can be a lot on the brain. This one was simple, easy to follow and could act as a pallet cleanser between other heavier fantasy reads.
Profile Image for Joanna.
175 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
3.5/5 🌟
Another book with great ideas and poor execution. I wouldn’t even conclude it to be execution, it’s more so an issue of grammar and the overall writing style that that author has used. I respect the story and its characters, it aspires to be in the leagues of the Cruel Prince with heavier adult themes and unfortunately it just falls too short.
Will I be reading the next one? Yeah, I would say so. Despite the writing and more required editing, the story is really engaging and interesting, I do enjoy it and would like to see where the characters end up.
Profile Image for Sydney Fox.
28 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
A really enjoyable read. I don’t know why authors who put modern tech in fantasy feel the need to use cringy slang but alas other than that it was good. I enjoyed the world and characters. Do I feel there is an aggressive amount of influence from crescent city.. yes i do … do i think the author needs to work on taking inspiration from other vs. basically putting their own twist on a lot of the same plot points and ideas, yes yes I do. Alas, excited to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Kern Amalia.
355 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2024
As i thought, it's like CC😮‍💨 Even though Bryce is more acceptable to me.
Kenapa sih author jaman sekarang harus bnget heavy inspired sama buku buku bestseller?

Padhaal kalian punya bakat loh tp jd malah kyk kurang orisinalitas klo kyk gini. Hufth..

Hahaha dr awal- akhir elemen elemen yg dimasukin ga jauh beda sama CC
Bingung mau sambat apalagi huffthh. Berasa re-read CC

Btw, aku ga lanjut buku kedua 🙂
Profile Image for Paula.
93 reviews
January 8, 2025
This has a ACOTAR meets watt-pad romance feel to it.
Super easy fast read.
This could be great however it felt slightly rushed, so much need to be fleshed out.There wasn't much world building or character background information. I feel this would have benefited from a second pov from Nox, as you spend alot of time with Aster in a bedroom. Lacked alot of tension between the mfc and mmc which I think would have swayed this to being great.
Profile Image for MooDolphin.
332 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
Tired. Been done before. Im so bored. How I long for originality to fill the gapping hole in my chest that wishes for passion. Honestly just go read Throne of Glass or That one other Sarah j mass book, if you’re gonna read the same reused trope, at least do it from the one of the sources, however insufferable the characters might be, anything is better than this. Im going through a slump if you can’t tell.
Profile Image for Briannia Osorio.
18 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2024
A shadow daddy with silver hair.
A girl with serious family trauma.
And a crown to be claimed. SAY LESS

I really enjoyed this book. Even though there were some cringey parts (which was mostly just weird dialogue between the characters).

This book is super fast paced but I didn’t mind it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
1 review
September 10, 2024
Got me out of my reading funk

I saw a tiktok video about the first page and was immediately hooked, I finished this book in two days and could easily have read it in one sitting if not for my responsibilities (adulting sucks, why can't we all just live in castles and read smut)
Highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next!!
Profile Image for Morgan.
3 reviews
September 17, 2024
I actually really liked this book! The only thing was that the plot felt super rushed and I looked up and it was done…. I felt like if there was more time for like background and the romance to iron out with a bit more depth it would have been perfect! Still looking forward to reading the next one :)
Profile Image for Emily.
233 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024
I’m not sure I’ll read the rest of the series, I wasn’t 100% bought in but given how many fantasy books there are out there about the fae and the Seelie vs. Unseelie this book did a really good job of still keeping my attention and being enjoyable without making me feel like I’ve already read the same story ten times. I also really liked the FMC.
Profile Image for Savanna Lyons.
Author 3 books4 followers
October 22, 2024
At first I was unsure, the plot super similar to Crescent city not 100% but I know it’s hard to write a fantasy anymore. After getting to the last hour in the book the imagery, and descriptives this author writes is insane. The scenes are honestly gripping and had me on the edge of my seat. It ends on a cliff hanger and I honestly am super excited to pick up the next book!
Profile Image for Rae.
277 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2025
Fast Paced Romantasy

If you are in need of a quick fast paced book with fantasy and romance this is the book for you. There are lots of the tropes that come with romantasy like fated mates, war, and hidden royals. There is a balance of plot and romance but fast paced romance is at the forefront.

Please read content and trigger warnings: abuse, dead of parents, alcohol, ect.
Profile Image for Alanah.
26 reviews
July 31, 2024
Pretty good! Story line moved just a *tad* fast but that’s a personal preference. Written very well, great concept of a story too. Reads a teeny bit juvenile at times but overall I really enjoyed it, I’ll definitely read the rest of the series.
2 reviews
September 17, 2024
nice quick fantasy read

The story was very cohesive and easy to follow. I love the characters Nox def overuses the word love but I can easily get over that. The burn was slow but not too slow. It kept me intrigued. Will be reading book two as we speak.
1 review
October 6, 2024
first Fae book

Y’all this book was my first Fae book I normally read alpha/vampire or mafia but this blew all expectations out of the water I read the book in one day type of amazing now I’m looking for the whole series
Profile Image for Chey.
13 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2024
“I had cracked myself open for him and he had done the same for me. And now, as we stared at each other, bleeding and bruised, I realized this feeling between us was beyond words.”

I’m OBSESSED with this series y’all.
Profile Image for Ashly.
307 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2025
This book is an amazing way to wrap up my year in reading! I’m glad I stumbled across this author on Instagram. She really did a good job sucking me in!! Going to start the next one either tonight or tomorrow. I highly recommend this romantasy.
Profile Image for Teodora Gheorghita.
126 reviews
February 4, 2025
For a book I found on Tik Tok, this one was exceptionally good wtf I devoured it. Nox and Asteria are such well rounded characters I can’t even imagine. This one pulled me out of a reading slump, so kudos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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