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Fateless #1
Fateless
Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.
When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.
What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.
Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.
When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.
What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.
Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2025
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12109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
July 31, 2025
« Or maybe Fate just likes me better. »
I’ll be honest it took me the longest time to get into this story. I kept snapping out of it… I became invested in the plot around page 130 or so. I was very underwhelmed but I never thought to DNF.
I think the plot and the world building on their own make this book worth a read. I will admit the plot moves at a snail pace but I liked what it entailed. The hidden underworld grabbed my interest and I’m considering reading the rest of this series just for that.
Sadly, the romance & characters were weighing this book down. The characters had one layer - and their traits were undistinguished. The only thing that distinguishes the FMC from every other character is the fact that she’s a 17yo who succeeds in everything she does the first time. She’s good at everything. (Which was rather irritating to be quite honest). At some point, I wondered if the characters were robots. I went back to check on the synopsis… I wouldn’t of been surprised if that’d been a reveal at the end 😂 my mind was wandering through this read.
I’ll be honest it took me the longest time to get into this story. I kept snapping out of it… I became invested in the plot around page 130 or so. I was very underwhelmed but I never thought to DNF.
I think the plot and the world building on their own make this book worth a read. I will admit the plot moves at a snail pace but I liked what it entailed. The hidden underworld grabbed my interest and I’m considering reading the rest of this series just for that.
Sadly, the romance & characters were weighing this book down. The characters had one layer - and their traits were undistinguished. The only thing that distinguishes the FMC from every other character is the fact that she’s a 17yo who succeeds in everything she does the first time. She’s good at everything. (Which was rather irritating to be quite honest). At some point, I wondered if the characters were robots. I went back to check on the synopsis… I wouldn’t of been surprised if that’d been a reveal at the end 😂 my mind was wandering through this read.
July 1, 2025
wow. I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again; Julie Kagawa single handedly wrote the fantasy book I have always wanted.
I started reading Fateless and was instantly captivated. The atmosphere and setting Julie Kagawa created was something I have never read before, and something I have always been intrigued by. The baron landscape our main character lives in truly felt like it was its own character and added so many extra layers to not only the setting of the book but the plot as well.
while reading the book, I kept finding similarities to Fateless and other media such as the Tomb Raider games and movies such as The Mummy and the Indiana Jones franchise. All three of these are piece of entertainment I have loved my whole life and grown up with, so reading Fateless, while it was entirely its own thing, felt very reminiscent and nostalgic for me.
overall, reading Fateless was such a fun enjoyable experience and I think if you love books about fate, found family, heists, and politics you will love this book. (there is also a small subplot of romance for all my romance lovers, and yes it is such a good slow burn)
I started reading Fateless and was instantly captivated. The atmosphere and setting Julie Kagawa created was something I have never read before, and something I have always been intrigued by. The baron landscape our main character lives in truly felt like it was its own character and added so many extra layers to not only the setting of the book but the plot as well.
while reading the book, I kept finding similarities to Fateless and other media such as the Tomb Raider games and movies such as The Mummy and the Indiana Jones franchise. All three of these are piece of entertainment I have loved my whole life and grown up with, so reading Fateless, while it was entirely its own thing, felt very reminiscent and nostalgic for me.
overall, reading Fateless was such a fun enjoyable experience and I think if you love books about fate, found family, heists, and politics you will love this book. (there is also a small subplot of romance for all my romance lovers, and yes it is such a good slow burn)
unreleased
November 30, 2021more julie kagawa!!!!
April 13, 2025
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THERE WAS A NEW JULIE BOOK COMING OUT?!?!
July 16, 2025
I’ve been aware of Ms. Kagawa since 2010, when her first book was published, and I’ve had quite a few of her books on my TBR list for a while now. And yet, I had never read one of her books until this one. The plot and setting are reminiscent of some other successful YA trilogies, so I was wondering how the author would spin a new tale…and she delivered. A lot of time and effort has gone into worldbuilding, and you can feel the blistering heat of the twin suns during Demon Hour in the first few pages. It only gets better from there.
Sparrow is a 17 year old orphan who has only ever known the thieves guild. Raised there since she was an infant, she understandably becomes very, very good at “procuring” items. The book opens with Sparrow attempting to steal a heavily-guarded item on a rare solo mission.
After that mission, she learns about a secret, ancient underground city wherein lies a priceless treasure, and is told that if she fails to retrieve it, her life and that of the Thieves Guild Master will be forfeit.
Mass chaos ensues, and Sparrow’s world turns upside down.
Because you can’t roam through a Deathless King’s palace and escape unscathed.
This is the start of a very good trilogy! I look forward to book two.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
Sparrow is a 17 year old orphan who has only ever known the thieves guild. Raised there since she was an infant, she understandably becomes very, very good at “procuring” items. The book opens with Sparrow attempting to steal a heavily-guarded item on a rare solo mission.
After that mission, she learns about a secret, ancient underground city wherein lies a priceless treasure, and is told that if she fails to retrieve it, her life and that of the Thieves Guild Master will be forfeit.
Mass chaos ensues, and Sparrow’s world turns upside down.
Because you can’t roam through a Deathless King’s palace and escape unscathed.
This is the start of a very good trilogy! I look forward to book two.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2025
Julie Kagawa returns to the fantasy landscape with Fateless, the first installment in what promises to be an enthralling new trilogy that masterfully blends high-stakes adventure with intimate character development. Known for her acclaimed Iron Fey series and the Blood of Eden trilogy, Kagawa demonstrates her evolution as a storyteller by crafting a narrative that feels both familiar and refreshingly original in the crowded young adult fantasy market.
A World Built on Threads and Shadows
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where ancient Deathless Kings once ruled through dark magic, Fateless introduces us to a society built on the ruins of a forgotten empire. The world-building is impressively layered, revealing a civilization where the goddess Maederyss weaves the Tapestry of the World, binding every soul's fate into an intricate pattern of destiny and purpose.
Kagawa's attention to detail shines through her creation of Kovass, a desert city where thieves operate in the shadows while mysterious forces known as The Circle pull strings from the darkness. The author's descriptions of the Dust Sea and the underground City of the Deathless Kings create an atmosphere that feels both ancient and immediate, drawing readers into a world where magic and mystery lurk beneath everyday survival.
The mythology surrounding the ma'jhet (the former servants of the Deathless Kings) and their continued influence adds political intrigue that elevates the story beyond simple adventure fantasy. Kagawa demonstrates remarkable skill in revealing world-building details organically through character interactions and plot progression, never overwhelming readers with exposition dumps.
Sparrow: A Protagonist Worth Following
Sparrow, the seventeen-year-old thief protagonist, embodies the evolution of Kagawa's character writing. Unlike many YA fantasy heroines who discover their specialness early, Sparrow's journey toward understanding her identity as the Fateless unfolds with genuine uncertainty and self-doubt. Her initial reluctance to accept her role feels authentic rather than manufactured for dramatic tension.
The character development throughout the narrative is particularly compelling. Sparrow begins as someone whose "only thought was of her own survival" but gradually transforms into someone willing to "put herself in danger for others." This transformation doesn't happen overnight but occurs through carefully crafted moments of choice and consequence.
Kagawa excels at writing Sparrow's internal voice, capturing the cynical street-smart perspective of someone who has learned to trust no one. The protagonist's relationship with Vahn, her mentor-turned-betrayer, provides emotional depth that resonates throughout the story. The pain of discovering that the father figure who raised her was willing to sacrifice her for a greater cause adds layers of complexity to Sparrow's character arc.
Supporting Characters That Breathe Life Into the Story
The supporting cast demonstrates Kagawa's improved ensemble writing. Raithe, the iylvahn assassin, avoids the typical "mysterious love interest" trope by maintaining clear motivations beyond romance. His dedication to protecting the Fateless stems from genuine belief in prophecy rather than instant attraction, making their developing relationship feel earned rather than obligatory.
Halek the Fatechaser provides comic relief without becoming a caricature, while his unwavering faith in fate adds philosophical depth to the narrative. Kysa, the insect rider, brings practical wisdom and cultural diversity that enriches the world-building while serving as a strong female character who operates independently of romantic subplots.
The antagonists, particularly Vahn and the emerging threat of the Deathless King, represent more than simple evil. Vahn's betrayal carries emotional weight because his motivations stem from a genuine belief that he's protecting both Sparrow and the world from chaos. This moral complexity elevates the conflict beyond good versus evil into more nuanced territory.
Romance That Enhances Rather Than Overwhelms
Kagawa handles the romantic elements with notable restraint and maturity. The developing relationship between Sparrow and Raithe builds slowly through shared experiences and genuine emotional connection rather than instant attraction. Their first kiss occurs naturally within the narrative context, and their relationship develops alongside rather than at the expense of the main plot.
The romance benefits from both characters having clear individual goals and agency. Sparrow's feelings for Raithe don't override her survival instincts or independent decision-making, while Raithe's protective instincts stem from duty that evolves into genuine care. The romantic tension enhances character development without overwhelming the fantasy adventure elements.
Pacing and Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Tension
The novel's pacing deserves particular praise. Kagawa maintains momentum throughout the narrative without rushing character development or world-building. The opening sequence in the underground city immediately establishes stakes and atmosphere, while subsequent chapters balance action sequences with quieter character moments.
The revelation of Sparrow's true nature as the Fateless unfolds with perfect timing. Rather than revealing this information early and spending the book exploring its implications, Kagawa builds mystery around Sparrow's identity before delivering a climactic revelation that recontextualizes everything that came before.
The final confrontation manages to be both emotionally satisfying and narratively complete while clearly setting up future installments. The resolution addresses the immediate threat while acknowledging that larger conflicts remain unresolved, striking an ideal balance for series fiction.
Writing Style: Evolved and Confident
Kagawa's prose has matured significantly since her earlier works. The writing maintains accessibility without sacrificing sophistication, and her action sequences are particularly well-crafted. The author's descriptions of magic and combat are vivid without becoming overwrought, while dialogue feels natural and character-appropriate.
The narrative voice captures Sparrow's perspective effectively, balancing cynical street wisdom with moments of vulnerability and wonder. Kagawa's ability to write from the perspective of someone who has lived rough while maintaining reader sympathy demonstrates her skill as a character writer.
Themes That Resonate
Fateless explores themes of destiny versus free will with genuine sophistication. The concept of the Fateless—someone whose thread doesn't appear in the Tapestry of the World—provides an excellent metaphor for individual agency in the face of predetermined fate. Sparrow's journey toward accepting her role while maintaining her independence speaks to universal themes of growing up and accepting responsibility.
The book also examines the nature of family and loyalty through Sparrow's relationships with both Vahn and her new companions. The question of whether blood ties or chosen family matter more provides emotional depth that elevates the fantasy elements.
Themes of redemption and second chances permeate the narrative, particularly through Raithe's character arc and Sparrow's willingness to trust again after betrayal. These themes feel organic to the story rather than artificially imposed.
Minor Criticisms
While Fateless succeeds on most levels, a few elements could have been stronger. Some secondary characters, particularly among the Circle, could have used more individual development to distinguish them beyond their role as antagonists. Additionally, certain world-building elements around the iylvahn culture feel underdeveloped, though this may be intentional setup for future books.
The magic system, while atmospheric, could benefit from clearer rules and limitations. The distinction between different types of magic and their costs isn't always clear, which occasionally makes magical solutions feel convenient rather than earned.
Final Verdict
Fateless represents Julie Kagawa at her most confident and sophisticated. The novel successfully launches a new series while telling a complete and satisfying story on its own merits. With its compelling protagonist, rich world-building, and mature handling of romance and themes, this book should appeal to both longtime Kagawa fans and newcomers to her work.
The story succeeds in creating a fantasy world that feels both epic in scope and intimate in character focus. Sparrow's journey from cynical thief to reluctant hero provides excellent character development, while the supporting cast and world-building create a foundation for what promises to be an excellent series.
For readers seeking fantasy that balances adventure, romance, and character development while exploring meaningful themes, Fateless delivers on all fronts. Kagawa has created something special here—a series opener that leaves readers eager for more while fully satisfying as a standalone narrative.
A World Built on Threads and Shadows
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where ancient Deathless Kings once ruled through dark magic, Fateless introduces us to a society built on the ruins of a forgotten empire. The world-building is impressively layered, revealing a civilization where the goddess Maederyss weaves the Tapestry of the World, binding every soul's fate into an intricate pattern of destiny and purpose.
Kagawa's attention to detail shines through her creation of Kovass, a desert city where thieves operate in the shadows while mysterious forces known as The Circle pull strings from the darkness. The author's descriptions of the Dust Sea and the underground City of the Deathless Kings create an atmosphere that feels both ancient and immediate, drawing readers into a world where magic and mystery lurk beneath everyday survival.
The mythology surrounding the ma'jhet (the former servants of the Deathless Kings) and their continued influence adds political intrigue that elevates the story beyond simple adventure fantasy. Kagawa demonstrates remarkable skill in revealing world-building details organically through character interactions and plot progression, never overwhelming readers with exposition dumps.
Sparrow: A Protagonist Worth Following
Sparrow, the seventeen-year-old thief protagonist, embodies the evolution of Kagawa's character writing. Unlike many YA fantasy heroines who discover their specialness early, Sparrow's journey toward understanding her identity as the Fateless unfolds with genuine uncertainty and self-doubt. Her initial reluctance to accept her role feels authentic rather than manufactured for dramatic tension.
The character development throughout the narrative is particularly compelling. Sparrow begins as someone whose "only thought was of her own survival" but gradually transforms into someone willing to "put herself in danger for others." This transformation doesn't happen overnight but occurs through carefully crafted moments of choice and consequence.
Kagawa excels at writing Sparrow's internal voice, capturing the cynical street-smart perspective of someone who has learned to trust no one. The protagonist's relationship with Vahn, her mentor-turned-betrayer, provides emotional depth that resonates throughout the story. The pain of discovering that the father figure who raised her was willing to sacrifice her for a greater cause adds layers of complexity to Sparrow's character arc.
Supporting Characters That Breathe Life Into the Story
The supporting cast demonstrates Kagawa's improved ensemble writing. Raithe, the iylvahn assassin, avoids the typical "mysterious love interest" trope by maintaining clear motivations beyond romance. His dedication to protecting the Fateless stems from genuine belief in prophecy rather than instant attraction, making their developing relationship feel earned rather than obligatory.
Halek the Fatechaser provides comic relief without becoming a caricature, while his unwavering faith in fate adds philosophical depth to the narrative. Kysa, the insect rider, brings practical wisdom and cultural diversity that enriches the world-building while serving as a strong female character who operates independently of romantic subplots.
The antagonists, particularly Vahn and the emerging threat of the Deathless King, represent more than simple evil. Vahn's betrayal carries emotional weight because his motivations stem from a genuine belief that he's protecting both Sparrow and the world from chaos. This moral complexity elevates the conflict beyond good versus evil into more nuanced territory.
Romance That Enhances Rather Than Overwhelms
Kagawa handles the romantic elements with notable restraint and maturity. The developing relationship between Sparrow and Raithe builds slowly through shared experiences and genuine emotional connection rather than instant attraction. Their first kiss occurs naturally within the narrative context, and their relationship develops alongside rather than at the expense of the main plot.
The romance benefits from both characters having clear individual goals and agency. Sparrow's feelings for Raithe don't override her survival instincts or independent decision-making, while Raithe's protective instincts stem from duty that evolves into genuine care. The romantic tension enhances character development without overwhelming the fantasy adventure elements.
Pacing and Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Tension
The novel's pacing deserves particular praise. Kagawa maintains momentum throughout the narrative without rushing character development or world-building. The opening sequence in the underground city immediately establishes stakes and atmosphere, while subsequent chapters balance action sequences with quieter character moments.
The revelation of Sparrow's true nature as the Fateless unfolds with perfect timing. Rather than revealing this information early and spending the book exploring its implications, Kagawa builds mystery around Sparrow's identity before delivering a climactic revelation that recontextualizes everything that came before.
The final confrontation manages to be both emotionally satisfying and narratively complete while clearly setting up future installments. The resolution addresses the immediate threat while acknowledging that larger conflicts remain unresolved, striking an ideal balance for series fiction.
Writing Style: Evolved and Confident
Kagawa's prose has matured significantly since her earlier works. The writing maintains accessibility without sacrificing sophistication, and her action sequences are particularly well-crafted. The author's descriptions of magic and combat are vivid without becoming overwrought, while dialogue feels natural and character-appropriate.
The narrative voice captures Sparrow's perspective effectively, balancing cynical street wisdom with moments of vulnerability and wonder. Kagawa's ability to write from the perspective of someone who has lived rough while maintaining reader sympathy demonstrates her skill as a character writer.
Themes That Resonate
Fateless explores themes of destiny versus free will with genuine sophistication. The concept of the Fateless—someone whose thread doesn't appear in the Tapestry of the World—provides an excellent metaphor for individual agency in the face of predetermined fate. Sparrow's journey toward accepting her role while maintaining her independence speaks to universal themes of growing up and accepting responsibility.
The book also examines the nature of family and loyalty through Sparrow's relationships with both Vahn and her new companions. The question of whether blood ties or chosen family matter more provides emotional depth that elevates the fantasy elements.
Themes of redemption and second chances permeate the narrative, particularly through Raithe's character arc and Sparrow's willingness to trust again after betrayal. These themes feel organic to the story rather than artificially imposed.
Minor Criticisms
While Fateless succeeds on most levels, a few elements could have been stronger. Some secondary characters, particularly among the Circle, could have used more individual development to distinguish them beyond their role as antagonists. Additionally, certain world-building elements around the iylvahn culture feel underdeveloped, though this may be intentional setup for future books.
The magic system, while atmospheric, could benefit from clearer rules and limitations. The distinction between different types of magic and their costs isn't always clear, which occasionally makes magical solutions feel convenient rather than earned.
Final Verdict
Fateless represents Julie Kagawa at her most confident and sophisticated. The novel successfully launches a new series while telling a complete and satisfying story on its own merits. With its compelling protagonist, rich world-building, and mature handling of romance and themes, this book should appeal to both longtime Kagawa fans and newcomers to her work.
The story succeeds in creating a fantasy world that feels both epic in scope and intimate in character focus. Sparrow's journey from cynical thief to reluctant hero provides excellent character development, while the supporting cast and world-building create a foundation for what promises to be an excellent series.
For readers seeking fantasy that balances adventure, romance, and character development while exploring meaningful themes, Fateless delivers on all fronts. Kagawa has created something special here—a series opener that leaves readers eager for more while fully satisfying as a standalone narrative.
September 24, 2025
A fantastic fantasy with a cracking pace and characters to fall in love with.
I'll be real - there's not a lot that's particularly new here, but you give me Aladdin vibes and I'm usually gonna be pretty happy.
Sparrow is a Top Thief, contracted to The Most Dangerous Job ever. It naturally goes horribly awry and she finds herself fleeing her home with her Funny Friend and Brooding Protector in tow.
In spite of the cliche characters, I kinda loved them. *blush* I mean, there is a reason why they are reoccurring stereotypes - they are loveable, if done right.
Kagawa allows us to get to know the characters, and fall in love with them slowly but surely. They work well together, and there is a great balance of sass and tenderness. I'm quite vocal about not really liking romance but I did get sucked into this one completely because it was written well as a side-effect of the story instead of the entire plot. Masterfully done.
The story is great fun, with plenty of action keeping our characters on their toes. There's challenge and high stakes and magical creatures that will make your skin crawl with their creepiness.
It's a really fun story that kept me invested, so I'll be keen to check out the sequel.
I'd say similar vibes to two of my faves - The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief but not quite as epic as those. This is a little more YA.
Highly recommend for fantasy fans that like the action and magic to feature, with a small serve of romance on the side.
With thanks to Harper Collins for an ARC
I'll be real - there's not a lot that's particularly new here, but you give me Aladdin vibes and I'm usually gonna be pretty happy.
Sparrow is a Top Thief, contracted to The Most Dangerous Job ever. It naturally goes horribly awry and she finds herself fleeing her home with her Funny Friend and Brooding Protector in tow.
In spite of the cliche characters, I kinda loved them. *blush* I mean, there is a reason why they are reoccurring stereotypes - they are loveable, if done right.
Kagawa allows us to get to know the characters, and fall in love with them slowly but surely. They work well together, and there is a great balance of sass and tenderness. I'm quite vocal about not really liking romance but I did get sucked into this one completely because it was written well as a side-effect of the story instead of the entire plot. Masterfully done.
The story is great fun, with plenty of action keeping our characters on their toes. There's challenge and high stakes and magical creatures that will make your skin crawl with their creepiness.
It's a really fun story that kept me invested, so I'll be keen to check out the sequel.
I'd say similar vibes to two of my faves - The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief but not quite as epic as those. This is a little more YA.
Highly recommend for fantasy fans that like the action and magic to feature, with a small serve of romance on the side.
With thanks to Harper Collins for an ARC
August 10, 2025
3.75 stars
August 12, 2025
In dit boek komen twee werelden samen, boeken & games. Super leuk om te zien hoe ze inspiratie heeft gehaald uit Assassins creed & Prince of Persia (oke ook uit Thief maar die heb ik niet gespeeld). Ik stelde me ook echt voor dat Sparrow in de kleding van Assassins Creed rondliep.
De wereldopbouw is goed gedaan. Je kan je het landschap en de wereld goed inbeelden, de grotendeels dorre en woenstijnachtige wereld, waarin tijdens het demonenuur zelfs twee zonnen zijn. Je voelt tijdens het lezen nog net niet je eigen huid wegbranden. Ik vond het wel jammer dat er geen map in het boek zit.
Er zitten veel diverse stammen en volken in het boek, die hun eigen cultuur hebben. Van een aantal krijgen we ook een kijkje in hun wereld. De diversiteit sprak me enorm aan en de personages zijn goed neer gezet. Ik vond de meeste karakters erg leuk en sommige krijg je een hekel aan. Iedereen heeft zo zijn eigen doel en bestemming.
De FMC, Sparrow, is een dief en ziet zichzelf ook niet als meer dan dat, maar wel als de beste dief van het gilde. Later in het boek gaat ze tijdens het avontuur anders naar zichzelf kijken en komen de daarbij behorende struggles en onzekerheid naar boven. Langzaam vind er persoonlijke ontwikkeling plaats.
Het boek heeft een hoog tempo en er zit veel actie en spanning in. Door het hoge tempo en de vlotte schrijfstijl vlieg je door het boek heen.
Julie heeft wederom een heerlijk boek vol actie, spannende avonturen, nieuwe vrienden, magie, enge monsters en vijanden weten neer te zetten. Ik heb nu al zin in deel 2, ik ben zo benieuwd hoe dit verhaal verder gaat! En ik denk dat dit boek gamers aan het lezen kan krijgen.
De wereldopbouw is goed gedaan. Je kan je het landschap en de wereld goed inbeelden, de grotendeels dorre en woenstijnachtige wereld, waarin tijdens het demonenuur zelfs twee zonnen zijn. Je voelt tijdens het lezen nog net niet je eigen huid wegbranden. Ik vond het wel jammer dat er geen map in het boek zit.
Er zitten veel diverse stammen en volken in het boek, die hun eigen cultuur hebben. Van een aantal krijgen we ook een kijkje in hun wereld. De diversiteit sprak me enorm aan en de personages zijn goed neer gezet. Ik vond de meeste karakters erg leuk en sommige krijg je een hekel aan. Iedereen heeft zo zijn eigen doel en bestemming.
De FMC, Sparrow, is een dief en ziet zichzelf ook niet als meer dan dat, maar wel als de beste dief van het gilde. Later in het boek gaat ze tijdens het avontuur anders naar zichzelf kijken en komen de daarbij behorende struggles en onzekerheid naar boven. Langzaam vind er persoonlijke ontwikkeling plaats.
Het boek heeft een hoog tempo en er zit veel actie en spanning in. Door het hoge tempo en de vlotte schrijfstijl vlieg je door het boek heen.
Julie heeft wederom een heerlijk boek vol actie, spannende avonturen, nieuwe vrienden, magie, enge monsters en vijanden weten neer te zetten. Ik heb nu al zin in deel 2, ik ben zo benieuwd hoe dit verhaal verder gaat! En ik denk dat dit boek gamers aan het lezen kan krijgen.
August 31, 2025
Dit boek was een beetje een koortsdroom. Er gebeurde zo ontzettend veel, zo veel actie, zo weinig romance. Het is een goede YA en als je niet van slome dingen houdt, is dit 100% een aanrader. Wel vond ik er juist iets te veel in gebeuren, miste ik een kaart, miste ik wat meer world building en ook iets meer diepgang in de gebeurtenissen. Het plot was vrij mager en dat vond ik stiekem wel jammer 🥲.
July 19, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good start to a new YA fantasy series by Julie Kagawa. This is my first book with the author, and she usually has high ratings for her books, so I am interested in reading more by her. It's aworld filled with a thieves guild, assassins, treasure plundering adventures, and betrayal. It is fast-paced and very engaging, making you want to know more. I wish there was a little more world building as I feel that was a little lacking, but maybe we'll get more in the second book. It definitely has the YA feel to it, but it's enjoyable enough for adults as well. Sparrow is an interesting character, and I can't wait to see how she develops further in the books. Great audiobook!
This was a good start to a new YA fantasy series by Julie Kagawa. This is my first book with the author, and she usually has high ratings for her books, so I am interested in reading more by her. It's aworld filled with a thieves guild, assassins, treasure plundering adventures, and betrayal. It is fast-paced and very engaging, making you want to know more. I wish there was a little more world building as I feel that was a little lacking, but maybe we'll get more in the second book. It definitely has the YA feel to it, but it's enjoyable enough for adults as well. Sparrow is an interesting character, and I can't wait to see how she develops further in the books. Great audiobook!
August 3, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers.
Fateless is a new YA dystopian fantasy book filled with adventure, magic, and monsters.
Sparrow has been a thief working for the Guild since childhood when she was found, orphaned, and alone. Now, seventeen and one of the best thieves the Guild has, she is given a mission that could give her a higher position within the ranks. The mission is both risky and dangerous, but Sparrow can't turn it down even if she wanted to. And what she unleashes during her mission will change not only her future but awakens a Deathless king who'll stop at nothing to have her in his grasp. For she is the Fateless and the only one who can be his ultimate undoing.
This is such a fast-paced thrill ride that had my heart pounding, head spinning, and heart aching. I loved the rag-tag group of friends Sparrow makes on her journey and can't wait to read more in book 2! Julie Kagawa has been a huge favourite YA author ever since I picked up her Iron Fey series many years ago, and this book has me so excited for another spellbinding adventure!
Fateless is a new YA dystopian fantasy book filled with adventure, magic, and monsters.
Sparrow has been a thief working for the Guild since childhood when she was found, orphaned, and alone. Now, seventeen and one of the best thieves the Guild has, she is given a mission that could give her a higher position within the ranks. The mission is both risky and dangerous, but Sparrow can't turn it down even if she wanted to. And what she unleashes during her mission will change not only her future but awakens a Deathless king who'll stop at nothing to have her in his grasp. For she is the Fateless and the only one who can be his ultimate undoing.
This is such a fast-paced thrill ride that had my heart pounding, head spinning, and heart aching. I loved the rag-tag group of friends Sparrow makes on her journey and can't wait to read more in book 2! Julie Kagawa has been a huge favourite YA author ever since I picked up her Iron Fey series many years ago, and this book has me so excited for another spellbinding adventure!
November 19, 2024
I received a copy through harpercollins/netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story was spectacular. It took no time to take off and kept an intense pace to the end.
The world building is so descriptive and well done. You can see it, smell it (though not always a pleasant thought), and feel it.
If you're looking for:
Betrayals
An unlikely bond of friendships
Intense pace
Thieves and assassins
Mythical beasts
A chance to defy fate and prophecies
Then this is a read for you.
This story was spectacular. It took no time to take off and kept an intense pace to the end.
The world building is so descriptive and well done. You can see it, smell it (though not always a pleasant thought), and feel it.
If you're looking for:
Betrayals
An unlikely bond of friendships
Intense pace
Thieves and assassins
Mythical beasts
A chance to defy fate and prophecies
Then this is a read for you.
September 1, 2025
Once again, Julie Kagawa does not dissapoint! I used to love (and still do) the whole world of The Iron Fey. The Blood of Eden is also one of my favourites, Talon was pretty fun (but not as good as the previous two) and now this book lived up to the comparison as well. Each of the author's books are great in their own way and very different from each other.
This story was awesome - gripping, adventurous, romantic and amazingly told.
This story was awesome - gripping, adventurous, romantic and amazingly told.
September 17, 2025
I received the Audio Arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
Fateless follows Sparrow, a young girl who belongs to a Theives Guild and is tasked with retrieving a priceless artefact from the last era of Deathless Kings which changes the course of her entire life, embedding her right in the centre of a fight for the very future of the world.
The world building was the highlight of this book for me, I loved learning about the concept of the Fateless and how Sparrow’s revelations relate and challenge those notions. I loved how Kagawa tied this as well into the history of the Deathless Kings and how she detailed this history within the story made it feel very real from my perspective. I liked how the history and the historical artefacts were used to further the plot and the scenes where the characters were uncovering these stories together. The world itself also had some really cool elements, I really enjoyed the scenes where they were in the desert and I thought Kagawa did a good job at creating vivid imagery that felt fantastical, especially with the giant scorpions!
As for the not so good elements, I don’t think there was anything particularly bad about the book, but I didn’t really think the actual plot was all that interesting. It’s very formulaic and predictable, following a rather standard plotline for YA books. Even the initial set up of following a member of a thieves/assassin’s guild reminds me a lot of series like Throne of Glass. The plotline was rather predictable and I didn’t feel myself anticipating picking the book up again as I felt I knew what was going to happen. I didn’t care for the romance at all, I didn’t fee like there was any depth to the relationship, it felt very ‘baby’s first relationship’ which I don’t think is necessarily terrible for a YA book but was personally something that I did not enjoy. I didn’t think the characters were particularly well done either, Sparrow felt like a very generic main character and was rather boring. I do think that this may still be enough for the target audience as I am not a teenager so, that audience may connect better with the character, but as someone who has read many upon many of YA novels, Sparrow was a rather lack lustre main character.
Overall, Fateless was an enjoyable book, the worldbuilding in particular really shinned but the actual story and character’s itself were quite generic in comparison. I do however think that this would be a great recommendation for younger readers who are searching for unique worldbuilding and lore and aren’t too pressed over characterization.
I also listen to this via audio and I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. The author’s accent changed a lot and I feel like none of the voices she used actually fit the characters. Her male voices in particular were not enjoyable and often broke the immersion with the story.
Fateless follows Sparrow, a young girl who belongs to a Theives Guild and is tasked with retrieving a priceless artefact from the last era of Deathless Kings which changes the course of her entire life, embedding her right in the centre of a fight for the very future of the world.
The world building was the highlight of this book for me, I loved learning about the concept of the Fateless and how Sparrow’s revelations relate and challenge those notions. I loved how Kagawa tied this as well into the history of the Deathless Kings and how she detailed this history within the story made it feel very real from my perspective. I liked how the history and the historical artefacts were used to further the plot and the scenes where the characters were uncovering these stories together. The world itself also had some really cool elements, I really enjoyed the scenes where they were in the desert and I thought Kagawa did a good job at creating vivid imagery that felt fantastical, especially with the giant scorpions!
As for the not so good elements, I don’t think there was anything particularly bad about the book, but I didn’t really think the actual plot was all that interesting. It’s very formulaic and predictable, following a rather standard plotline for YA books. Even the initial set up of following a member of a thieves/assassin’s guild reminds me a lot of series like Throne of Glass. The plotline was rather predictable and I didn’t feel myself anticipating picking the book up again as I felt I knew what was going to happen. I didn’t care for the romance at all, I didn’t fee like there was any depth to the relationship, it felt very ‘baby’s first relationship’ which I don’t think is necessarily terrible for a YA book but was personally something that I did not enjoy. I didn’t think the characters were particularly well done either, Sparrow felt like a very generic main character and was rather boring. I do think that this may still be enough for the target audience as I am not a teenager so, that audience may connect better with the character, but as someone who has read many upon many of YA novels, Sparrow was a rather lack lustre main character.
Overall, Fateless was an enjoyable book, the worldbuilding in particular really shinned but the actual story and character’s itself were quite generic in comparison. I do however think that this would be a great recommendation for younger readers who are searching for unique worldbuilding and lore and aren’t too pressed over characterization.
I also listen to this via audio and I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. The author’s accent changed a lot and I feel like none of the voices she used actually fit the characters. Her male voices in particular were not enjoyable and often broke the immersion with the story.
July 13, 2025
Prince of Persia meets Assasin’s Creed in this high stakes fantasy that I thoroughly devoured!
With ancient, ruin-filled deserts, long dead kings (and the catastrophic magic that destroyed both.) To the endearing cast of characters who forge their own paths (in a world ruled entirely by fate); Julie Kagawa has crafted a rich, dangerous and plot twisty world that I couldn’t get enough of.
Firstly I adored our protagonist, Sparrow, a cynical thief who inadvertently finds herself at the centre of a dangerous plot to resurrect a Deathless king. I won’t go into too much detail on this, but fantasy adventure lovers are gonna be in their element as she dodges long extinct beasts, ancient curses and even an assassin (who she reluctantly teams up with alongside a cinnamon roll Fatechaser, and a badass rock beetle rider.)
An orphan raised by the Thief guild, Sparrow’s no stranger to abandonment and betrayal. So her journey, in letting down her guard and learning to trust others (despite her ingrained survival instincts that say otherwise) was a pretty emotional one.
Though, I would’ve liked to have learnt more about the “Fateless”.This is the first in a new series though, so I’m sure we’ll get to in book 2.
I did, however, love the focus on fate and free will! And felt the exploration of power and corruption, (in a system that thrives on exploitation and hoarding resources) brought a much needed sense of depth, that made rooting for Sparrow both satisfying and anxiety inducing.
The romance between Sparrow and Raithe was good too, if a little brief. But the real draw for me was the world building, which included so many things I loved: immersive landscapes (the Prince of Persia-vibes are strong), interesting lore and mythical creatures I’d love to get a bestiary on.
Overall, an enjoyable read that fans of Sabaa Tahir, found family dynamics or (heart-poundingly) pacy action don’t want to miss.
Also, thanks to HQ stories for the proof.
With ancient, ruin-filled deserts, long dead kings (and the catastrophic magic that destroyed both.) To the endearing cast of characters who forge their own paths (in a world ruled entirely by fate); Julie Kagawa has crafted a rich, dangerous and plot twisty world that I couldn’t get enough of.
Firstly I adored our protagonist, Sparrow, a cynical thief who inadvertently finds herself at the centre of a dangerous plot to resurrect a Deathless king. I won’t go into too much detail on this, but fantasy adventure lovers are gonna be in their element as she dodges long extinct beasts, ancient curses and even an assassin (who she reluctantly teams up with alongside a cinnamon roll Fatechaser, and a badass rock beetle rider.)
An orphan raised by the Thief guild, Sparrow’s no stranger to abandonment and betrayal. So her journey, in letting down her guard and learning to trust others (despite her ingrained survival instincts that say otherwise) was a pretty emotional one.
Though, I would’ve liked to have learnt more about the “Fateless”.This is the first in a new series though, so I’m sure we’ll get to in book 2.
I did, however, love the focus on fate and free will! And felt the exploration of power and corruption, (in a system that thrives on exploitation and hoarding resources) brought a much needed sense of depth, that made rooting for Sparrow both satisfying and anxiety inducing.
The romance between Sparrow and Raithe was good too, if a little brief. But the real draw for me was the world building, which included so many things I loved: immersive landscapes (the Prince of Persia-vibes are strong), interesting lore and mythical creatures I’d love to get a bestiary on.
Overall, an enjoyable read that fans of Sabaa Tahir, found family dynamics or (heart-poundingly) pacy action don’t want to miss.
Also, thanks to HQ stories for the proof.
April 16, 2025
My Thoughts
For me the hardest part of starting a new series/trilogy by an author I enjoy is worrying whether or not the first book ends on a cliffhanger or has its satisfactory resolution with a lead in for a sequel.
I feel like that worry was for nothing as not only is this first story arc wrapped up but Sparrows’ work is not done and both anticipating but also dreading waiting for book two as I want it now not later!
The action throughout was both thrilling and at times scary, the characters given life in this story were interesting to learn about and the storylines crafted within their world intrigued and kept me guessing what would happen next.
As a lover of Fantasy and Magic this first foray into the authors new Trilogy delivered on its promises quite well for me.
[EArc from Netgalley]
July 29, 2025
This was one was rough. Majorly rough....
How many times does one need to bite their lip?
If I took a shot for how many times the word 'abomination' was used in chapter 24...
The insta-love was hard to get through. Blech.
A fae who is 100's of years old who is somehow enamored with a 17-year-old girl that he just met, even though her personality is as absent as her parents...enough said there.
Annoying FMC who has no backbone, doesn't believe in herself, and doesn't think she's pretty even though she obviously is. Blech, blech, blech.
Lots of childish dialogue. I'm not even sure why I have it two stars. Oh well.
How many times does one need to bite their lip?
If I took a shot for how many times the word 'abomination' was used in chapter 24...
The insta-love was hard to get through. Blech.
A fae who is 100's of years old who is somehow enamored with a 17-year-old girl that he just met, even though her personality is as absent as her parents...enough said there.
Annoying FMC who has no backbone, doesn't believe in herself, and doesn't think she's pretty even though she obviously is. Blech, blech, blech.
Lots of childish dialogue. I'm not even sure why I have it two stars. Oh well.
June 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this fast-paced YA fantasy. There were never any boring moments, and the world-building is deep, authentic, and perfectly developed throughout without ever being overwhelming. The action scenes were so well-written and engaging. The characters are lovable and well-developed with space for more development in future books, which I can't wait to read. Halek brought such light relief to dark moments, and I really want to learn more about Kysa and her story/background. The perfect balance of pacing, world-building, and character construction and development is exactly why Julie Kagawa remains one of my favourite YA authors. It was a brilliantly adventurous read, and I can't wait for Book 2.
The dialogue and Sparrow's inner monologue could be repetitive at times, and I would have loved more build up in the relationship between Sparrow and Raithe, but these did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story at all.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys action-packed YA fantasy in desert settings.
eARC provided by HQ.
The dialogue and Sparrow's inner monologue could be repetitive at times, and I would have loved more build up in the relationship between Sparrow and Raithe, but these did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story at all.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys action-packed YA fantasy in desert settings.
eARC provided by HQ.
July 3, 2025
The plot of this story was enjoyable and I liked the world it was set in; granted, I am no video game expert, but I liked the Assassins Creed inspirations and the desert setting.
The book had some flaws, in my opinion, and they made the story not feel fleshed out enough. Firstly, this book is a fast-paced book. So much so that I’d view this book as probably similar to what other series try to cover in 2 books. Part 1 and 2 made sense to be split up, but so much happens in each despite that the book is only 400 pages. But at the same time it doesn’t feel like much happened. The FMC is a thief and goes on 2 major missions in Part 1, both said to be impossible and others who attempted them before died. The FMC however manages them in about 50 pages. This doesn’t make sense, and it skimmed on stuff that was interesting to me. Raiding a tomb is fun to read about, yet it felt so insignificant.
Secondly, the book has “one word title”-syndrome. The word fateless appears too many times on the page in Part 2, which annoyed me a lot.
Also, I found the FMC quite confusing in that she trusted literal strangers and supposed enemies without a single doubt. I love a reluctant allies trope, but they weren’t reluctant; it seemed a lot like found family but it was just too quick considering they are enemies. In that same vein the romance felt rushed. It is YA and only a kiss happens but the buildup was just not there for me.
Overall, I think a book that has potential though the execution felt sloppy. I would say that younger readers or those who may not have read much fantasy may enjoy this more than me!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review before the release in exchange for my honest thoughts*
The book had some flaws, in my opinion, and they made the story not feel fleshed out enough. Firstly, this book is a fast-paced book. So much so that I’d view this book as probably similar to what other series try to cover in 2 books. Part 1 and 2 made sense to be split up, but so much happens in each despite that the book is only 400 pages. But at the same time it doesn’t feel like much happened. The FMC is a thief and goes on 2 major missions in Part 1, both said to be impossible and others who attempted them before died. The FMC however manages them in about 50 pages. This doesn’t make sense, and it skimmed on stuff that was interesting to me. Raiding a tomb is fun to read about, yet it felt so insignificant.
Secondly, the book has “one word title”-syndrome. The word fateless appears too many times on the page in Part 2, which annoyed me a lot.
Also, I found the FMC quite confusing in that she trusted literal strangers and supposed enemies without a single doubt. I love a reluctant allies trope, but they weren’t reluctant; it seemed a lot like found family but it was just too quick considering they are enemies. In that same vein the romance felt rushed. It is YA and only a kiss happens but the buildup was just not there for me.
Overall, I think a book that has potential though the execution felt sloppy. I would say that younger readers or those who may not have read much fantasy may enjoy this more than me!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review before the release in exchange for my honest thoughts*
November 26, 2024
This book was underwhelming, although I appreciated the nod to Assassin’s Creed throughout. I personally didn’t feel any connection to the FMC and felt that the storyline just generally fell flat. It was fast paced but almost too much (a lot of action but simultaneous I felt like not much happened).
I like the overall concept of the book (reminds me a little of Divergent) but I’m not sure what to expect in the remaining books. Unfortunately, for me, this book was just okay.
I like the overall concept of the book (reminds me a little of Divergent) but I’m not sure what to expect in the remaining books. Unfortunately, for me, this book was just okay.
July 21, 2025
Voor HarperCollins Holland mocht ik dit boek vooruitlezen en recenseren en wat heb ik er ontzettend van genoten!
Ik heb al een aantal mensen dit boek zien omschrijven als de boekversie van de game Assasin’s Creed. Aangezien ik die game nooit gespeeld heb, kan ik daar geen uitspraken over doen, maar ik kreeg juist heel erg Star Wars Tatooine en Aladdin vibes van dit verhaal - het speelt zich namelijk af in een woestijnachtige omgeving. Door de gedetailleerde beschrijvingen en acties van de personages die Kagawa in haar verhaal heeft opgenomen, zowel van de zandwereld als van de Aladdin-achtige gebouwen, kan je je tijdens het lezen ook helemaal in de juiste sferen wanen. Ik vond dit erg fijn, omdat ik meteen een goed beeld had van de setting en daardoor goed kon focussen op het plot. Wat ik daar ook erg fijn aan vond is dat het plot en de setting gewoon heel goed matchen - het is niet zo dat de personages gaan ijsklimmen, maar er zijn echt woestijnachtige gebeurtenissen - en het daardoor als een heel vanzelfsprekend en rustig voortkabbelend verhaal aanvoelde.
Daarnaast vind ik het buiten een YA fantasy ook heel erg iets weg hebben van een dystopische wereld. Het verhaal is niet zo zeer actief dystopisch, maar er zijn bepaalde elementen aan de setting en het plot waar je toch een spannend dystopisch tintje in kan lezen. Het verhaal draait om een gevallen en verlaten koninkrijk, maar ook om de vlucht weg van moordaanslagen en politieke onderdrukking en een leven vol angst en wantrouwen. Als ware dystopieliefhebber ging mijn hart hier uiteraard sneller van kloppen en was ik erg enthousiast om door te lezen. It’s safe to say dat ik van de world building in ieder geval fan ben!
En dan het plot en de personages! Het boek gaat over een meisje dat is aangesloten bij een Dievengilde. Zij wordt op een queeste gestuurd om een belangrijk artefact uit een verloren rijk te halen. Helaas gaat bij terugkomst zo ongeveer alles mis wat mis kan gaan…
Ik vond het echt super leuk om eens te lezen vanuit een ander perspectief dan normaal: dat van de bad guys - or are they? De hoofdpersoon is dus een dief en ziet zichzelf ook als niet meer dan dat. In deze wereld geloven mensen dat je levenslijn is vastgelegd in Het Lot en dat je dus nooit meer kan worden dan dat wat je was toen je werd geboren. De innerlijke conflicten die de hoofdpersoon ervaart op dit vlak, maar zeker ook de denkwijze van een Dief vond ik erg interessant om te lezen. Aan de ene kant is de hoofdpersoon ervan overtuigd de slechtheid zelve te zijn en aan de andere kant blijft ze twijfelen of dit alles is wat ze in het leven kan bereiken. Die innerlijke tweestrijd en daarmee eigenlijk de kwestie van identiteit vond ik heel goed omschreven. Ik denk ook zeker dat dit een heel actueel thema is en jongeren die per ongeluk op het verkeerde pad terecht zijn gekomen écht kan motiveren om hun leven te beteren, want het verhaal laat heel goed zien dat je lot en persoonlijkheid niet in steen gebeiteld zijn en je dus daadwerkelijk altijd de kans en keuze hebt om je leven te beteren.
Het plot vond ik niet per se het meest originele dat ik ooit gelezen heb, maar wel echt ontzettend leuk! Daarbij had het dus wel de originele twist dat de verteller een 'slechterik' was in plaats van de held die deze avonturen normaal gesproken zou beleven en dat maakte het an sich al een interessant verhaal om te lezen.
De hoofdpersoon is dus lid van een Dievengilde en krijgt de kans om haar waarde als Dief bij De Kring - de grote opperbaas - te bewijzen. Hiervoor moet ze naar het gevallen/verloren koninkrijk afdalen en een artefact mee terugnemen. Ondertussen wordt ze ook nog eens gevolgd door een moordenaar en belaagd door eeuwenoude en ondode wezens... Nou sorry, maar met deze beschrijving heb je me meteen! Qua plot moest ik heel erg denken aan Stad van Beenderen van Cassandra Clare - een van mijn favoriete YA fantasy verhalen. Ik vond het echt een heerlijke combinatie aan fantasyelementen (zoals hierboven opgesomd), maar ook met de juiste dosis historie, spanning en plottwists. Verder stond vriendschap en vertrouwen als thema ook goed op de voorgrond, wat voor jongeren nu ook een erg belangrijk thema is. De liefde in het verhaal was voor mij wat overbodig, zeker omdat de love interest in mijn hoofd veel ouder was dan hij daadwerlijk was en ik dus eigenlijk heel erg in de war was.
Ik hoef het eigenlijk niet nog eens te benoemen, maar ik ga het toch doen: dit is echt een dikke aanrader en ik hoop ergens een fysiek exemplaar te kunnen scoren. Dit is namelijk een serie die ik graag aan mijn kast toevoeg!
HarperCollins Holland, enorm bedankt voor het e-recensie exemplaar! 🫶🏻
Ik heb al een aantal mensen dit boek zien omschrijven als de boekversie van de game Assasin’s Creed. Aangezien ik die game nooit gespeeld heb, kan ik daar geen uitspraken over doen, maar ik kreeg juist heel erg Star Wars Tatooine en Aladdin vibes van dit verhaal - het speelt zich namelijk af in een woestijnachtige omgeving. Door de gedetailleerde beschrijvingen en acties van de personages die Kagawa in haar verhaal heeft opgenomen, zowel van de zandwereld als van de Aladdin-achtige gebouwen, kan je je tijdens het lezen ook helemaal in de juiste sferen wanen. Ik vond dit erg fijn, omdat ik meteen een goed beeld had van de setting en daardoor goed kon focussen op het plot. Wat ik daar ook erg fijn aan vond is dat het plot en de setting gewoon heel goed matchen - het is niet zo dat de personages gaan ijsklimmen, maar er zijn echt woestijnachtige gebeurtenissen - en het daardoor als een heel vanzelfsprekend en rustig voortkabbelend verhaal aanvoelde.
Daarnaast vind ik het buiten een YA fantasy ook heel erg iets weg hebben van een dystopische wereld. Het verhaal is niet zo zeer actief dystopisch, maar er zijn bepaalde elementen aan de setting en het plot waar je toch een spannend dystopisch tintje in kan lezen. Het verhaal draait om een gevallen en verlaten koninkrijk, maar ook om de vlucht weg van moordaanslagen en politieke onderdrukking en een leven vol angst en wantrouwen. Als ware dystopieliefhebber ging mijn hart hier uiteraard sneller van kloppen en was ik erg enthousiast om door te lezen. It’s safe to say dat ik van de world building in ieder geval fan ben!
En dan het plot en de personages! Het boek gaat over een meisje dat is aangesloten bij een Dievengilde. Zij wordt op een queeste gestuurd om een belangrijk artefact uit een verloren rijk te halen. Helaas gaat bij terugkomst zo ongeveer alles mis wat mis kan gaan…
Ik vond het echt super leuk om eens te lezen vanuit een ander perspectief dan normaal: dat van de bad guys - or are they? De hoofdpersoon is dus een dief en ziet zichzelf ook als niet meer dan dat. In deze wereld geloven mensen dat je levenslijn is vastgelegd in Het Lot en dat je dus nooit meer kan worden dan dat wat je was toen je werd geboren. De innerlijke conflicten die de hoofdpersoon ervaart op dit vlak, maar zeker ook de denkwijze van een Dief vond ik erg interessant om te lezen. Aan de ene kant is de hoofdpersoon ervan overtuigd de slechtheid zelve te zijn en aan de andere kant blijft ze twijfelen of dit alles is wat ze in het leven kan bereiken. Die innerlijke tweestrijd en daarmee eigenlijk de kwestie van identiteit vond ik heel goed omschreven. Ik denk ook zeker dat dit een heel actueel thema is en jongeren die per ongeluk op het verkeerde pad terecht zijn gekomen écht kan motiveren om hun leven te beteren, want het verhaal laat heel goed zien dat je lot en persoonlijkheid niet in steen gebeiteld zijn en je dus daadwerkelijk altijd de kans en keuze hebt om je leven te beteren.
Het plot vond ik niet per se het meest originele dat ik ooit gelezen heb, maar wel echt ontzettend leuk! Daarbij had het dus wel de originele twist dat de verteller een 'slechterik' was in plaats van de held die deze avonturen normaal gesproken zou beleven en dat maakte het an sich al een interessant verhaal om te lezen.
De hoofdpersoon is dus lid van een Dievengilde en krijgt de kans om haar waarde als Dief bij De Kring - de grote opperbaas - te bewijzen. Hiervoor moet ze naar het gevallen/verloren koninkrijk afdalen en een artefact mee terugnemen. Ondertussen wordt ze ook nog eens gevolgd door een moordenaar en belaagd door eeuwenoude en ondode wezens... Nou sorry, maar met deze beschrijving heb je me meteen! Qua plot moest ik heel erg denken aan Stad van Beenderen van Cassandra Clare - een van mijn favoriete YA fantasy verhalen. Ik vond het echt een heerlijke combinatie aan fantasyelementen (zoals hierboven opgesomd), maar ook met de juiste dosis historie, spanning en plottwists. Verder stond vriendschap en vertrouwen als thema ook goed op de voorgrond, wat voor jongeren nu ook een erg belangrijk thema is. De liefde in het verhaal was voor mij wat overbodig, zeker omdat de love interest in mijn hoofd veel ouder was dan hij daadwerlijk was en ik dus eigenlijk heel erg in de war was.
Ik hoef het eigenlijk niet nog eens te benoemen, maar ik ga het toch doen: dit is echt een dikke aanrader en ik hoop ergens een fysiek exemplaar te kunnen scoren. Dit is namelijk een serie die ik graag aan mijn kast toevoeg!
HarperCollins Holland, enorm bedankt voor het e-recensie exemplaar! 🫶🏻
June 17, 2025
Fateless
by Julie Kagawa
Fateless #1
Fantasy YA Adventure
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
HarperCollins
Ages: 14+
Seventeen-year-old Sparrow was adopted into the Thieves Guild, and when she was old enough, she made a vow to the guild. A gifted thief, Sparrow is tested, then, after passing that test, she is sent on a quest by the Circle, the dangerous people who control the Thieves Guild.
Sent deep underground to an abandoned and forgotten city, all she has to find is a stone that is protected by the servants of a Deathless King. But there is an assassin who does not want the stone claimed because there is more to the little stone than just rock.
Starting off with a quick world and character building, the author pulls the reader right into the world, and they can't help but join Sparrow in her test. Sure, it did ramble a little, but... spoilers...
The MCs were great, though the other characters, especially one.. spoiler... while I felt the impact, it could have been harder with a little more development. And one of the bad guys really needs more to...spoiler...
I loved the mix of adventure and fantasy, the author did a great job creating this world and what it takes for the peoples to live in it. It does need just a little bit more history, though I could see that included in the next book, to increase the 'drama' and action.
This was a great book, and it moved along at that perfect pace that was quick but didn't leave the reader feeling overwhelmed.
There is violence and romantic interest, but it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
I can't wait for the next book in this series... Highly recommend this book!
4 Stars
by Julie Kagawa
Fateless #1
Fantasy YA Adventure
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
HarperCollins
Ages: 14+
Seventeen-year-old Sparrow was adopted into the Thieves Guild, and when she was old enough, she made a vow to the guild. A gifted thief, Sparrow is tested, then, after passing that test, she is sent on a quest by the Circle, the dangerous people who control the Thieves Guild.
Sent deep underground to an abandoned and forgotten city, all she has to find is a stone that is protected by the servants of a Deathless King. But there is an assassin who does not want the stone claimed because there is more to the little stone than just rock.
Starting off with a quick world and character building, the author pulls the reader right into the world, and they can't help but join Sparrow in her test. Sure, it did ramble a little, but... spoilers...
The MCs were great, though the other characters, especially one.. spoiler... while I felt the impact, it could have been harder with a little more development. And one of the bad guys really needs more to...spoiler...
I loved the mix of adventure and fantasy, the author did a great job creating this world and what it takes for the peoples to live in it. It does need just a little bit more history, though I could see that included in the next book, to increase the 'drama' and action.
This was a great book, and it moved along at that perfect pace that was quick but didn't leave the reader feeling overwhelmed.
There is violence and romantic interest, but it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
I can't wait for the next book in this series... Highly recommend this book!
4 Stars
June 24, 2025
eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Rating - 3.75⭐️
Firstly, I have to say, the worldbuilding felt like the author’s strongest aspect in the book and I could tell she really wanted to portray a similar atmosphere to Assassin’s Creed since she has mentioned that she was inspired by the video game because she loved it so much. Even though I’ve never played the game, I did watch a few gameplay videos just before reading the book and I can say that Julie Kagawa’s really got that Assassin’s Creed setting down to a T. I loved visualising the setting as I was reading and reading this book felt like a cinematic experience.
Sparrow, the main protagonist grew up as a thief, who is one of the best in the thieves guild. She was taught to survive only for herself and to not care for others out of cowardice and selfishness but throughout the book she learns to trust others and become more brave to help others around her.
The plot essentially begins when she catches the eye of the higher ups in the guild and is tasked to steal a dangerous artifact from a long forgotten cursed city and the plot unfolds from there. There’s secrets, betrayal, and a journey across a post-apocalyptic world that a group of characters, who end up working together, must take.
Meanwhile, there is a subplot romance. The love interest, Raithe, an assassin, had a lot of potential but I wish he had a bit more backstory to himself. I wanted to know more about him since he was so mysterious. Although, I did think Raithe and Sparrow were cute together and I smiled and squealed most of the time but I didn’t feel invested enough with their relationship.
Rating - 3.75⭐️
Firstly, I have to say, the worldbuilding felt like the author’s strongest aspect in the book and I could tell she really wanted to portray a similar atmosphere to Assassin’s Creed since she has mentioned that she was inspired by the video game because she loved it so much. Even though I’ve never played the game, I did watch a few gameplay videos just before reading the book and I can say that Julie Kagawa’s really got that Assassin’s Creed setting down to a T. I loved visualising the setting as I was reading and reading this book felt like a cinematic experience.
Sparrow, the main protagonist grew up as a thief, who is one of the best in the thieves guild. She was taught to survive only for herself and to not care for others out of cowardice and selfishness but throughout the book she learns to trust others and become more brave to help others around her.
The plot essentially begins when she catches the eye of the higher ups in the guild and is tasked to steal a dangerous artifact from a long forgotten cursed city and the plot unfolds from there. There’s secrets, betrayal, and a journey across a post-apocalyptic world that a group of characters, who end up working together, must take.
Meanwhile, there is a subplot romance. The love interest, Raithe, an assassin, had a lot of potential but I wish he had a bit more backstory to himself. I wanted to know more about him since he was so mysterious. Although, I did think Raithe and Sparrow were cute together and I smiled and squealed most of the time but I didn’t feel invested enough with their relationship.
July 16, 2025
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Fateless is the first installment in author Julie Kagawa's Fateless trilogy. As a New York Times bestselling author known for series like The Iron Fey and Shadow of the Fox, Kagawa delivers an immersive tale that draws inspiration from the likes of Assassin’s Creed, Dune, and An Ember in the Ashes. Fateless centers on seventeen-year-old Sparrow, an orphan raised by the Thieves Guild in the city of Kovass, where survival hinges on cunning, loyalty, and a touch of luck.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Fateless is the first installment in author Julie Kagawa's Fateless trilogy. As a New York Times bestselling author known for series like The Iron Fey and Shadow of the Fox, Kagawa delivers an immersive tale that draws inspiration from the likes of Assassin’s Creed, Dune, and An Ember in the Ashes. Fateless centers on seventeen-year-old Sparrow, an orphan raised by the Thieves Guild in the city of Kovass, where survival hinges on cunning, loyalty, and a touch of luck.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
July 10, 2025
Ik begon gisterenavond in dit boek en vanmorgen heb ik ‘m uitgelezen. Ik kan dan ook niet anders dan 5 sterren geven, want de laatste keer dat ik een fantasyboek zó snel uitlas, kan ik me bijna niet eens herinneren 🫡 Julie Kagawa SLAY, ik kan niet wachten op het volgende deel 😍
Want to read
September 7, 2025How did I not know that one of my favorite childhood (teenhood?) authors just came out with a new YA fantasy book?!
August 13, 2025
This was ok but I never felt connected to it. it was fine . maybe as I did the audio , I dont know.
World building was nothing special, a little lost at times.
World building was nothing special, a little lost at times.
August 21, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the ARC!
OMG I am kicking my feet, giggling. I loved this story! We get to see the FMC actually be talented and skilled, not just told. The world-building gets so much attention, but not in an overbearing way, but in a "hey so this is why the story is happening and also I loved this world" from the author kinda way. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, worried for the Sparrow and whether she would survived. I do like how naive she was, because while I loved this story, it was so obvious who the bad guy was. But, had she been smart and not just talented, we wouldn't get a story, so that's fine.
If you liked The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, I think you'll like this one.
OMG I am kicking my feet, giggling. I loved this story! We get to see the FMC actually be talented and skilled, not just told. The world-building gets so much attention, but not in an overbearing way, but in a "hey so this is why the story is happening and also I loved this world" from the author kinda way. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, worried for the Sparrow and whether she would survived. I do like how naive she was, because while I loved this story, it was so obvious who the bad guy was. But, had she been smart and not just talented, we wouldn't get a story, so that's fine.
If you liked The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, I think you'll like this one.
August 23, 2025
If you are into stories packed with action from beginning to end and love the vibes of The Mummy movie then I will totally recommend this book ☝🏼!!!!
The world was my favorite part so many vivid scenes I could picture every scene perfectly since the author did an amazing job in describing everything with perfection. The mythical creatures were fascinating at times I couldn’t stop turning pages.
I love the little sprinkling of romance in this story and really looking forward to see how this story develops in the future books.
The narration was amazing the narration did an amazing job bringing all these characters to life and it wasn’t difficult to follow along with the story.
💕Thanks to @Netgalley and Harlequin Audio and the Hive for the gifted ALC.
The world was my favorite part so many vivid scenes I could picture every scene perfectly since the author did an amazing job in describing everything with perfection. The mythical creatures were fascinating at times I couldn’t stop turning pages.
I love the little sprinkling of romance in this story and really looking forward to see how this story develops in the future books.
The narration was amazing the narration did an amazing job bringing all these characters to life and it wasn’t difficult to follow along with the story.
💕Thanks to @Netgalley and Harlequin Audio and the Hive for the gifted ALC.
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