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Threads of Fate
A Fate Unwoven
A heretical storyteller partners with an ancient spirit to undo the magic that subjugates her to the crown, in this chilling debut fantasy filled with monsters, forbidden rituals, and corrupt deities.
This gorgeous hardcover edition features foiled elements on the dust jacket and case, with a beautifully detailed map inside!
The Emperor of Wyrecia is dying, and 17-year-old Lena has just gained the power to control fate itself, binding her to the young prince Dimas as the empire's next Fateweaver. Hunted by the empire's most ruthless soldiers, Lena escapes with a handsome smuggler toward enemy territory. But a former lover betrays Lena, and her magic becomes agony—compelling Lena to submit to a gilded cage.
Still, an ancient spirit offers hope: to sever her bond to the throne, Lena must unroot a ritual hidden beneath the palace. As Prince Dimas struggles to forge friendship with Lena and bring his empire under peaceful rule, sinister cultists unveil a twisted plan to unleash an ancient evil that could tear the realm asunder. With every step Lena takes on her quest to freedom, she uncovers a troubling imperial past that tarnishes the nation’s matron goddess. Perhaps the oral histories passed down to Lena are not foolish heresy, after all.
Written with captivating mystery, queer romance, and a dual point of view narrative, this first entry in the Threads of Fate dark fantasy duology roots its magic system in mythological lore. An enchanting selection for young adult readers who don’t mind a little terror with their adventure!
This gorgeous hardcover edition features foiled elements on the dust jacket and case, with a beautifully detailed map inside!
The Emperor of Wyrecia is dying, and 17-year-old Lena has just gained the power to control fate itself, binding her to the young prince Dimas as the empire's next Fateweaver. Hunted by the empire's most ruthless soldiers, Lena escapes with a handsome smuggler toward enemy territory. But a former lover betrays Lena, and her magic becomes agony—compelling Lena to submit to a gilded cage.
Still, an ancient spirit offers hope: to sever her bond to the throne, Lena must unroot a ritual hidden beneath the palace. As Prince Dimas struggles to forge friendship with Lena and bring his empire under peaceful rule, sinister cultists unveil a twisted plan to unleash an ancient evil that could tear the realm asunder. With every step Lena takes on her quest to freedom, she uncovers a troubling imperial past that tarnishes the nation’s matron goddess. Perhaps the oral histories passed down to Lena are not foolish heresy, after all.
Written with captivating mystery, queer romance, and a dual point of view narrative, this first entry in the Threads of Fate dark fantasy duology roots its magic system in mythological lore. An enchanting selection for young adult readers who don’t mind a little terror with their adventure!
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
4454 people want to read
About the author
Rachael A. Edwards
2 books26 followersRachael A. Edwards first discovered her love of storytelling at a young age, when she got lost in tales of witches, fairies and magical realms. Hailing from England, she spends most of her days writing fantasy novels about morally grey characters in worlds filled with mythology, corruption and magic. Her debut novel, A FATE UNWOVEN, will be published in Fall 2025 by Peachtree Teen.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 17, 2024
I read an early version of this and LOVED it - such an incredible book and I can’t wait for everyone to read it and love it as much as I do!!
May 20, 2025
I enjoyed all the twists, and I love the lore / magic system. Dimas is a cutie and Lena... well, she has huge trust issue lol but it was amazing to see her character growth! I'm torn between punching and liking Finaen tbh but Maia is a sweetheart for sure. Ohhh and my fav boy Cassimir!!
May 7, 2025
In Rachael A. Edwards stunning fantasy debut, Lenora is a Fateweaver - but she doesn't want anyone else to know it. Because, as a Fateweaver, her life and freedom will be restricted solely to the desires and whims of the emperor who oppresses her people. So, when given the chance between revealing her powers to take her position or fleeing after the soon-to-be emperor and her destined partner discovers her whereabouts, she flees. Only to realize running might not save her at all, and neither will the powers she both reveres and hates.
I won this book in an ARC giveaway by the author (on accident, I didn't even realize I'd won until the book arrived in the mail), and I was incredibly happy to get it. However, I proceeded with caution due to being burned by ARC reads and their authors before. I'm happy to say that A Fate Unwoven (and the wonderful Rachael A. Edwards) are every bit as compelling and explosive as I hoped they would be. The characters were raw, conflicted, and morally gray. The world was wide, sprawling, and vivid with lush attention to detail. The plot was cunning and severe, and I couldn't stop reading the book after I got into it.
Edwards has a way of developing a magic system based on String Theory and the myth of Fate, and it's phenomenal of watching in action. I love how the characters were so flawed and so relatable (even when they drove me insane.) My only thought about "improving" the book would revolve around the pacing of the climax, which I found to be quite rapidly paced and a tad rushed. Otherwise, this book is the promising start to an excellent new trilogy, and I'm itching to read more!
I won this book in an ARC giveaway by the author (on accident, I didn't even realize I'd won until the book arrived in the mail), and I was incredibly happy to get it. However, I proceeded with caution due to being burned by ARC reads and their authors before. I'm happy to say that A Fate Unwoven (and the wonderful Rachael A. Edwards) are every bit as compelling and explosive as I hoped they would be. The characters were raw, conflicted, and morally gray. The world was wide, sprawling, and vivid with lush attention to detail. The plot was cunning and severe, and I couldn't stop reading the book after I got into it.
Edwards has a way of developing a magic system based on String Theory and the myth of Fate, and it's phenomenal of watching in action. I love how the characters were so flawed and so relatable (even when they drove me insane.) My only thought about "improving" the book would revolve around the pacing of the climax, which I found to be quite rapidly paced and a tad rushed. Otherwise, this book is the promising start to an excellent new trilogy, and I'm itching to read more!
October 14, 2025
I struggled with this book. It was in this uncanny place not bad enough to dnf, and not good enough to captivate me. It's very much "fine, but not amazing". I feel the biggest contributor here is slow pacing: it's a fairly long book for a YA (over 400 pages) and it feels like it suffers from the "extended prologue syndrome" where not that much of substance overall happens, it's all just a preparation / setup for the sequel. When I picked the book, I didn't know it was a series - only later I saw the publisher announce the second book. I feel like it started being interesting at 80%, but at this point it's way too late. Imo what happened at 80% should have been a midpoint twist and the whole story significantly condensed.
The first quarter has Lena trying to escape only to learn it's futile and instead she needs to find a specific plot mcguffin. The rest is a lot of searching not a lot of finding. And only after she completes her plan, an avalanche of reveals upends her world, pushing her to adjust her attitude. Which is very much what normally happens at the midpoint - old plans are upended and old beliefs shattered and the situation gets Real Serious(tm).
I felt before that mark the characters were a bit like pawns on the chessboard, moving in predictable patterns. Only after the shake up they started feeling like fully fleshed people who need to tackle a problem bigger than them and their petty grudges and insecurities. At this point I WANTED to read on, but there was barely any book left and it was all just building towards a sequel, no conclusions intended. I've read a similar book this year, The Prince Without Sorrow where also it doesn't stand alone and has a gay prince and a witch who's against the system but has to reluctantly work with him, but in that one I connected with the characters much earlier and easier, and the setbacks were spread out and character development was more gradual than an abrupt turn at the end.
In A Fate Unwoven, it feels like the characters are crafted to fulfill the roles, but aren't fully realized people yet. Even the romances between Dimas and Ioseph, and Lena and Casimir feel like ticking a box for obligatory romantic sub-plot in YA. Lena meets Casimir and is very suspicious of him, but in a few days she starts having signs of attraction to him out of the blue, as if the story reached the point when a romance switch needed to flip. There wasn't a specific bonding moment that would naturally progress the romantic development. Dimas and Ioseph are already close before the book even starts and there isn't much development there, the relationship is fairly static.
The story feels stretched and padded with repetition, for example Lena's constant thoughts of hatred towards her powers and the empire. There's also a lot of talking about gods, religion and the magic system, but it's mostly backstory / off-page stuff rather than propping up what happens on page. As a comparison, House of Dusk was a book with a lot of worldbuilding pertaining gods and religion where all that emphasized the story unfolding on page rather than only serving as a background.
And then we have the dreaded villain monologue explaining how everything the characters believed was wrong and what's the real deal in the climax. Why. Why is this always a trope. Can we for once have the twist revealed organically and not infodumped by a villain in a "haha gotcha" moment.
I still admit this wasn't a bad book. The characters were okay. The writing style was okay. The worldbuilding and magic system had interesting concepts. The last 20% showed a lot of promise for an interesting sequel. It just got there way too slowly.
3.5 star rounded up to 4.
Recommended for fans of court/political intrigue YA fantasy with a focus on religion/gods, readers who look for YA fantasy without a central romance focus but more of a side plot, and people who like fate/prophecy focused magic system.
Thank you Edelweiss and Peachtree Teen for the ARC.
The first quarter has Lena trying to escape only to learn it's futile and instead she needs to find a specific plot mcguffin. The rest is a lot of searching not a lot of finding. And only after she completes her plan, an avalanche of reveals upends her world, pushing her to adjust her attitude. Which is very much what normally happens at the midpoint - old plans are upended and old beliefs shattered and the situation gets Real Serious(tm).
I felt before that mark the characters were a bit like pawns on the chessboard, moving in predictable patterns. Only after the shake up they started feeling like fully fleshed people who need to tackle a problem bigger than them and their petty grudges and insecurities. At this point I WANTED to read on, but there was barely any book left and it was all just building towards a sequel, no conclusions intended. I've read a similar book this year, The Prince Without Sorrow where also it doesn't stand alone and has a gay prince and a witch who's against the system but has to reluctantly work with him, but in that one I connected with the characters much earlier and easier, and the setbacks were spread out and character development was more gradual than an abrupt turn at the end.
In A Fate Unwoven, it feels like the characters are crafted to fulfill the roles, but aren't fully realized people yet. Even the romances between Dimas and Ioseph, and Lena and Casimir feel like ticking a box for obligatory romantic sub-plot in YA. Lena meets Casimir and is very suspicious of him, but in a few days she starts having signs of attraction to him out of the blue, as if the story reached the point when a romance switch needed to flip. There wasn't a specific bonding moment that would naturally progress the romantic development. Dimas and Ioseph are already close before the book even starts and there isn't much development there, the relationship is fairly static.
The story feels stretched and padded with repetition, for example Lena's constant thoughts of hatred towards her powers and the empire. There's also a lot of talking about gods, religion and the magic system, but it's mostly backstory / off-page stuff rather than propping up what happens on page. As a comparison, House of Dusk was a book with a lot of worldbuilding pertaining gods and religion where all that emphasized the story unfolding on page rather than only serving as a background.
And then we have the dreaded villain monologue explaining how everything the characters believed was wrong and what's the real deal in the climax. Why. Why is this always a trope. Can we for once have the twist revealed organically and not infodumped by a villain in a "haha gotcha" moment.
I still admit this wasn't a bad book. The characters were okay. The writing style was okay. The worldbuilding and magic system had interesting concepts. The last 20% showed a lot of promise for an interesting sequel. It just got there way too slowly.
3.5 star rounded up to 4.
Recommended for fans of court/political intrigue YA fantasy with a focus on religion/gods, readers who look for YA fantasy without a central romance focus but more of a side plot, and people who like fate/prophecy focused magic system.
Thank you Edelweiss and Peachtree Teen for the ARC.
November 10, 2025
I'm obligated to review this one, so professional review loading, but for now: strong eh.
Like Dragonfly but not as good. The one dimensional side characters really bugged me, but it did end with a bang so that was fun.
YSBR review below:
YSBR official 3.5
What did you like about the book? Told in alternating/dual perspective third person, A Fate Unwoven follows two characters through a succession crisis in the fantasy setting of the Wryecian Empire. Dimas, the emperor-to-be, cannot reign until he has found his Fateweaver, a young woman gifted with magical abilities by the goddess, with whom he expects to share an ancient bond of trust and authority. In the poor and distant mountain communities, Lena has long suspected that she has magical abilities, but is now fleeing the imperial forces, fearful of becoming a weapon for a cruel empire. When Lena and Dimas meet, they distrust each other, and their complicated motives intersect with Lena’s training (as she plots to sever their bond) and Dimas’ preparation for becoming emperor.
Both characters’ narrative voices are shaped by the internal voices of a dead parent, and the contrast between Lena’s supportive and uplifting late mother versus Dimas’ cruel and judgemental father is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. The bulk of the fantasy worldbuilding is the religious lore, especially contrasting the backwoods “heretical” views Lena grew up with, the mainstream official story of the empire that Dimas has built his life around, and a dangerous centuries-old cult that becomes the enemy of the third act. The ending sequences are action-packed (violent but not graphically gory), and leave openings for the projected series. Race of the main characters is unclear or unspecified, though a side character mentioned as having ‘dark skin’ makes it likely that Dimas’s is lighter. Though romance is not in the forefront of the character’s minds for most of the book, Dimas is attracted to men only and Lena alludes clearly to a romantic history with a male character, and vaguely to romantic history with women.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Secondary characters, including potential love interests for both protagonists, were simplistic in their motives and traits and only served the plot. For example, Maia, a childhood friend of Lena’s, was used as a pawn three times by people trying to force Lena into a specific course of action, but Lena does not include her close friend in her palace schemes. A Fate Unwoven also suffered from genre-typical pacing lags common in first books of series/trilogies.
To whom would you recommend this book? Fantasy fans. This book reminded me of Julia Golding’s Dragonfly Trilogy or Kristen Cashore’s Graceling (but with less romance than those stories).
Who should buy this book? Libraries serving grades 7th and up with avid fantasy readers, especially if seeking LGBTQ main characters in genre fiction without homophobia (internalized or otherwise).
Like Dragonfly but not as good. The one dimensional side characters really bugged me, but it did end with a bang so that was fun.
YSBR review below:
YSBR official 3.5
What did you like about the book? Told in alternating/dual perspective third person, A Fate Unwoven follows two characters through a succession crisis in the fantasy setting of the Wryecian Empire. Dimas, the emperor-to-be, cannot reign until he has found his Fateweaver, a young woman gifted with magical abilities by the goddess, with whom he expects to share an ancient bond of trust and authority. In the poor and distant mountain communities, Lena has long suspected that she has magical abilities, but is now fleeing the imperial forces, fearful of becoming a weapon for a cruel empire. When Lena and Dimas meet, they distrust each other, and their complicated motives intersect with Lena’s training (as she plots to sever their bond) and Dimas’ preparation for becoming emperor.
Both characters’ narrative voices are shaped by the internal voices of a dead parent, and the contrast between Lena’s supportive and uplifting late mother versus Dimas’ cruel and judgemental father is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. The bulk of the fantasy worldbuilding is the religious lore, especially contrasting the backwoods “heretical” views Lena grew up with, the mainstream official story of the empire that Dimas has built his life around, and a dangerous centuries-old cult that becomes the enemy of the third act. The ending sequences are action-packed (violent but not graphically gory), and leave openings for the projected series. Race of the main characters is unclear or unspecified, though a side character mentioned as having ‘dark skin’ makes it likely that Dimas’s is lighter. Though romance is not in the forefront of the character’s minds for most of the book, Dimas is attracted to men only and Lena alludes clearly to a romantic history with a male character, and vaguely to romantic history with women.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Secondary characters, including potential love interests for both protagonists, were simplistic in their motives and traits and only served the plot. For example, Maia, a childhood friend of Lena’s, was used as a pawn three times by people trying to force Lena into a specific course of action, but Lena does not include her close friend in her palace schemes. A Fate Unwoven also suffered from genre-typical pacing lags common in first books of series/trilogies.
To whom would you recommend this book? Fantasy fans. This book reminded me of Julia Golding’s Dragonfly Trilogy or Kristen Cashore’s Graceling (but with less romance than those stories).
Who should buy this book? Libraries serving grades 7th and up with avid fantasy readers, especially if seeking LGBTQ main characters in genre fiction without homophobia (internalized or otherwise).
September 21, 2025
A Fate Unwoven by Rachael A. Edwards is the kind of fantasy debut that makes you want to underline passages and whisper “oh no” under your breath. Edwards drops us into Wyrecia at a moment of seismic change: the emperor is dying, a teen girl has been thrust into a role that literally warps reality, and every ally is a question mark.
Lena is a fascinating heroine equal parts defiant and vulnerable. Her new power, fateweaving, is no shiny gift; it’s a shackle, binding her to the heir of an empire she’s been taught to despise. When she flees with a rogueish smuggler, the book becomes a heady mix of cat-and-mouse thriller and myth-drenched quest. Betrayals hurt one in particular is a gut-punch, and the magic system is deliciously eerie threads of destiny, ritual sacrifices, and stories treated as blasphemy until they turn out to be the only truth left standing.
Edwards balances the political intrigue Prince Dimas is surprisingly sympathetic with monster-haunted set pieces and a creeping sense that Wyrecia’s goddess may not be what she seems. The prose has a folkloric quality without losing momentum; every chapter feels like it’s tightening a net around Lena.
If you like your fantasy morally grey, your magic double-edged, and your heroines actively clawing for freedom, A Fate Unwoven delivers in spades!
⚡️Thank you Peachtree Teen and Rachael A. Edwards for sharing this book with me!
Lena is a fascinating heroine equal parts defiant and vulnerable. Her new power, fateweaving, is no shiny gift; it’s a shackle, binding her to the heir of an empire she’s been taught to despise. When she flees with a rogueish smuggler, the book becomes a heady mix of cat-and-mouse thriller and myth-drenched quest. Betrayals hurt one in particular is a gut-punch, and the magic system is deliciously eerie threads of destiny, ritual sacrifices, and stories treated as blasphemy until they turn out to be the only truth left standing.
Edwards balances the political intrigue Prince Dimas is surprisingly sympathetic with monster-haunted set pieces and a creeping sense that Wyrecia’s goddess may not be what she seems. The prose has a folkloric quality without losing momentum; every chapter feels like it’s tightening a net around Lena.
If you like your fantasy morally grey, your magic double-edged, and your heroines actively clawing for freedom, A Fate Unwoven delivers in spades!
⚡️Thank you Peachtree Teen and Rachael A. Edwards for sharing this book with me!
October 10, 2025
“Somewhere beneath the gilded palace and its manicured grounds was the key to her freedom. All Lena had to do was find it.”
A Fate Unwoven follows Lenora “Lena” Vesthir and Dimas Ehmar as they learn to change and control their fates under the crumbling empire of Wyrecia. Lena has obtained the Fateweaver’s power, created by the goddess of fate, Næbya, and her sisters to protect the Ehmar bloodline and control the fates of the royals. After Dimas’ father passes, it is time for him to push aside the shadows plaguing his mind and take his place as the new emperor of Wyrecia with his Fateweaver by his side. Lena, opposed to everything the empire stands for, is forced to join Dimas and become the next Fateweaver. While Dimas attempts to strengthen their sacred bond, Lena tries to escape the fate designed for her. With a heretical cult threatening to take over the empire, Lena and Dimas must find a way to stop them—without compromising their own freedom in the process.
I found this story to be a refreshing addition to the YA fantasy genre. Both Lena and Dimas are incredibly distinct characters, which made it easy to connect with them. I liked that Lena and Dimas both had ulterior motives throughout the book, and I found them to be true depictions of morally-gray characters. One thing that frustrated me, however, was that Lena and Dimas never became friends. The bond between an emperor and a Fateweaver is meant to be special, but Lena never lets her guard down long enough for Dimas to prove himself trustworthy. I understand her motives, but I wanted more from their relationship, and I think I would’ve been more distraught if they had become best friends who hurt each other. It felt too easy for them to betray each other, and I wanted more complexity. Also, I thought the concept of a Fateweaver and the magic system as a whole was really interesting, although I wish there had been more description of it. Lena can see someone’s threads of fate hanging over them, and I wanted to know more about her experiences and what it felt like to manipulate the threads of another. When Lena arrives at the palace, it’s said that she goes through rigorous training for a few weeks, but that isn’t shown more than a handful of times throughout the story. Overall, this book was exciting, and I hope that the next one expands upon the magic system as Lena grows into her power.
A Fate Unwoven releases on October 14th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
A Fate Unwoven follows Lenora “Lena” Vesthir and Dimas Ehmar as they learn to change and control their fates under the crumbling empire of Wyrecia. Lena has obtained the Fateweaver’s power, created by the goddess of fate, Næbya, and her sisters to protect the Ehmar bloodline and control the fates of the royals. After Dimas’ father passes, it is time for him to push aside the shadows plaguing his mind and take his place as the new emperor of Wyrecia with his Fateweaver by his side. Lena, opposed to everything the empire stands for, is forced to join Dimas and become the next Fateweaver. While Dimas attempts to strengthen their sacred bond, Lena tries to escape the fate designed for her. With a heretical cult threatening to take over the empire, Lena and Dimas must find a way to stop them—without compromising their own freedom in the process.
I found this story to be a refreshing addition to the YA fantasy genre. Both Lena and Dimas are incredibly distinct characters, which made it easy to connect with them. I liked that Lena and Dimas both had ulterior motives throughout the book, and I found them to be true depictions of morally-gray characters. One thing that frustrated me, however, was that Lena and Dimas never became friends. The bond between an emperor and a Fateweaver is meant to be special, but Lena never lets her guard down long enough for Dimas to prove himself trustworthy. I understand her motives, but I wanted more from their relationship, and I think I would’ve been more distraught if they had become best friends who hurt each other. It felt too easy for them to betray each other, and I wanted more complexity. Also, I thought the concept of a Fateweaver and the magic system as a whole was really interesting, although I wish there had been more description of it. Lena can see someone’s threads of fate hanging over them, and I wanted to know more about her experiences and what it felt like to manipulate the threads of another. When Lena arrives at the palace, it’s said that she goes through rigorous training for a few weeks, but that isn’t shown more than a handful of times throughout the story. Overall, this book was exciting, and I hope that the next one expands upon the magic system as Lena grows into her power.
A Fate Unwoven releases on October 14th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
November 27, 2025
In A Fate Unwoven, Rachael A. Edwards weaves a captivating tale of love, destiny, and the uncharted territories of the human spirit. The novel centers around its protagonist, who finds herself at a crossroads in life, torn between the forces of fate and her own desire for independence. As the story unfolds, Edwards masterfully explores themes of choice, identity, and the tension between predestined paths and personal agency.
The plot is deeply engaging, with a blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy elements that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The central conflict—whether to embrace the life that fate seems to have planned or to break free and carve out a new destiny—provides a compelling narrative arc that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.
Edwards’ writing is both lyrical and accessible, and she excels at creating vivid, emotional landscapes. The characters, particularly the protagonist, are richly developed and full of complexity. There is an authenticity to their internal struggles, and their personal growth over the course of the book feels earned and meaningful. The relationships in the novel—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—are nuanced and add emotional weight to the plot, making the stakes of the story feel all the more real.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of fate and free will. The story poses profound philosophical questions about how much control we really have over our own lives, and whether the paths we take are truly of our own making. This is reflected in the intricate world-building and the layers of symbolism Edwards uses throughout the novel. For fans of books that blend emotional depth with speculative elements, A Fate Unwoven will be a rewarding experience.
However, at times the pacing can feel uneven. There are moments when the plot slows down for introspective musings, which may leave some readers feeling a bit disconnected from the main action. Additionally, while the overarching themes are powerful, certain elements of the story, such as some of the romantic tropes, may feel predictable to readers who are familiar with the genre.
Despite these minor issues, A Fate Unwoven remains a powerful exploration of love, fate, and self-determination. The book’s emotional resonance, well-drawn characters, and philosophical depth make it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate a blend of romance, fantasy, and self-discovery.
The plot is deeply engaging, with a blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy elements that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The central conflict—whether to embrace the life that fate seems to have planned or to break free and carve out a new destiny—provides a compelling narrative arc that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.
Edwards’ writing is both lyrical and accessible, and she excels at creating vivid, emotional landscapes. The characters, particularly the protagonist, are richly developed and full of complexity. There is an authenticity to their internal struggles, and their personal growth over the course of the book feels earned and meaningful. The relationships in the novel—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—are nuanced and add emotional weight to the plot, making the stakes of the story feel all the more real.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of fate and free will. The story poses profound philosophical questions about how much control we really have over our own lives, and whether the paths we take are truly of our own making. This is reflected in the intricate world-building and the layers of symbolism Edwards uses throughout the novel. For fans of books that blend emotional depth with speculative elements, A Fate Unwoven will be a rewarding experience.
However, at times the pacing can feel uneven. There are moments when the plot slows down for introspective musings, which may leave some readers feeling a bit disconnected from the main action. Additionally, while the overarching themes are powerful, certain elements of the story, such as some of the romantic tropes, may feel predictable to readers who are familiar with the genre.
Despite these minor issues, A Fate Unwoven remains a powerful exploration of love, fate, and self-determination. The book’s emotional resonance, well-drawn characters, and philosophical depth make it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate a blend of romance, fantasy, and self-discovery.
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars
A FATE UNWOVEN is a great debut where the leads' action make it harder and harder for them to work together.
I read this book back in 2020, before it was picked up for publishing, and it was so nice to return to this book after five years and see how the core had remained the same and also what changes have been made in the intervening years. It was like catching up with someone after a long time not seeing them, that feeling of things just clicking back into place. I sped through it, pages turning easily as I got sucked back into this world and these characters.
One of the things I've always loved about this book is how, despite having a male and female narrator, they do not fall in love. There's never any hint of a romance between the pair (Dimas is interested in someone else). It's so rare to find books like this, particularly at the moment with romantasy being all the rage. It's so nice to find books where there isn't a romance shoved down your throat and instead other dynamics can get centre stage - here we have enemies to very reluctant allies.
Instead of a romance, we have a tale about a world where there is no separation between church and state. Dimas needs the church to take the throne and Lena has no interest in being used that way. This puts them in immediate conflict - and Dimas is willing to use the might of the state to pursue his aims. As you might expect, there's a bunch of truths for them to find out - and their actions due to their starting positions means that there's a real reason for them to have to fight for even the smallest bit of trust. I liked that there was something more than ideology between them because it meant that the friction continues and only builds across the book, making it harder to bridge that gap.
There's a sequel coming next year, making this a duology. I'm very excited to see where this story goes (and to hopefully go to another land for a bit!)
A FATE UNWOVEN is a great debut where the leads' action make it harder and harder for them to work together.
I read this book back in 2020, before it was picked up for publishing, and it was so nice to return to this book after five years and see how the core had remained the same and also what changes have been made in the intervening years. It was like catching up with someone after a long time not seeing them, that feeling of things just clicking back into place. I sped through it, pages turning easily as I got sucked back into this world and these characters.
One of the things I've always loved about this book is how, despite having a male and female narrator, they do not fall in love. There's never any hint of a romance between the pair (Dimas is interested in someone else). It's so rare to find books like this, particularly at the moment with romantasy being all the rage. It's so nice to find books where there isn't a romance shoved down your throat and instead other dynamics can get centre stage - here we have enemies to very reluctant allies.
Instead of a romance, we have a tale about a world where there is no separation between church and state. Dimas needs the church to take the throne and Lena has no interest in being used that way. This puts them in immediate conflict - and Dimas is willing to use the might of the state to pursue his aims. As you might expect, there's a bunch of truths for them to find out - and their actions due to their starting positions means that there's a real reason for them to have to fight for even the smallest bit of trust. I liked that there was something more than ideology between them because it meant that the friction continues and only builds across the book, making it harder to bridge that gap.
There's a sequel coming next year, making this a duology. I'm very excited to see where this story goes (and to hopefully go to another land for a bit!)
December 20, 2025
Where to start? A Fate Unwoven was recommended by my friend. This book is incredible! You feel the raw emotions from all of the characters, and the contrast of the bleak, unforgiving wilderness, paired with the other main areas of the book (spoiler) allows for some very satisfying pacing.
Once you get a look into Lena and Dimas' lens, you instantly connect with the characters, relate to them, and in my case, start routing for some of them. I love a good map to help build the world I'm exploring through the pages, so that was also an awesome touch at the start of the book, and I found I was always going back to it as a reference xD
I love the magic system and that Lena also has conditions that I can't relate to myself, but can certainly empathise with, and it just makes her more badass.
All in all, one of my favourite reads (if not my favourite) this year and highly recommend to anyone who likes fantasy, morally grey characters, banter that leaves you both grinning and wanting more, and a harsh, intriguing world that opens your appetite up for more!
Once you get a look into Lena and Dimas' lens, you instantly connect with the characters, relate to them, and in my case, start routing for some of them. I love a good map to help build the world I'm exploring through the pages, so that was also an awesome touch at the start of the book, and I found I was always going back to it as a reference xD
I love the magic system and that Lena also has conditions that I can't relate to myself, but can certainly empathise with, and it just makes her more badass.
All in all, one of my favourite reads (if not my favourite) this year and highly recommend to anyone who likes fantasy, morally grey characters, banter that leaves you both grinning and wanting more, and a harsh, intriguing world that opens your appetite up for more!
October 18, 2025
4.5✨
An incredible dates woven YA fantasy debut. The magic system drips with intrigue, intwined with this dark worlds religion and politics that holds more devotion, corruption and secrets than first appears.
Lena is angry, she wants freedom for her people and for herself after being ‘blessed’ with the magic of a Fateweaver. Heresy and rebellion leads her to the divine connection with soon to be emperor, Dimas. Can she sever the bond as the sinister cultists threatens to release ancient evil into the world.
Rachael weaves such enchanting soul and body into these pages, creating deep characters with rich emotions that whilst at 17 years of age, they carry intelligence and intricacies (no annoying traits here!). A queer normative realm filled with mystery and gorgeous mythological style magic.
That epilogue…
(Thank you to Rachael & Peachtree for an early e-arc as part of the street team - this is an honest review!)
An incredible dates woven YA fantasy debut. The magic system drips with intrigue, intwined with this dark worlds religion and politics that holds more devotion, corruption and secrets than first appears.
Lena is angry, she wants freedom for her people and for herself after being ‘blessed’ with the magic of a Fateweaver. Heresy and rebellion leads her to the divine connection with soon to be emperor, Dimas. Can she sever the bond as the sinister cultists threatens to release ancient evil into the world.
Rachael weaves such enchanting soul and body into these pages, creating deep characters with rich emotions that whilst at 17 years of age, they carry intelligence and intricacies (no annoying traits here!). A queer normative realm filled with mystery and gorgeous mythological style magic.
That epilogue…
(Thank you to Rachael & Peachtree for an early e-arc as part of the street team - this is an honest review!)
September 5, 2025
A Fate Unwoven hooks you from the very first page with its intriguing premise and fast-moving plot. There’s never a dull moment, and I loved how quickly the story swept me up. My only wish is that with such a large cast, we had a bit more character development—I wanted the chance to connect with everyone more deeply.
August 20, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and The author for granting me this ARC!!
From the starts I was immediately drawn I to this world and loved the characters. The plot is so interesting and it kept me fully engaged! I definitely recommend if you're looking for a good fantasy book.
From the starts I was immediately drawn I to this world and loved the characters. The plot is so interesting and it kept me fully engaged! I definitely recommend if you're looking for a good fantasy book.
September 18, 2025
A stunning dark fantasy debut! The characters and world building are both spectacular, and by the time I hit the third act, I could not put it down until the very end. And that ending! I need the next book now!
November 18, 2024
I already know it'll be a 5 star read, so.
April 12, 2025
I would simply die for Dimas and Ioseph.
July 29, 2025
This would be a very good book for other people but in all honesty this just wasn't for me. The author has a very wonderful writing style and did a fantastic job.
Want to read
July 30, 2025a dark fantasy that actually sounds like a dark fantasy
August 4, 2025
This is a solid YA fantasy. I liked the mythos, the world-building, I like that there is a secret cult within the main religion, I liked the characters. I liked the book.
October 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
A Fate Unwoven is a magical, immersive YA fantasy novel.
I enjoyed many parts of this one. The world was lush and atmospheric, and the magic system was wonderful, brimming with delightful mythological lore. The characters were entertaining and vivid. I longed for a bit more development of the romance. The plot and pacing lagged at times, and I felt the story was a bit long. Rachael A. Edwards’ prose was beautiful and lyrical. Overall, I would recommend this one to YA fantasy fans!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
A Fate Unwoven is a magical, immersive YA fantasy novel.
I enjoyed many parts of this one. The world was lush and atmospheric, and the magic system was wonderful, brimming with delightful mythological lore. The characters were entertaining and vivid. I longed for a bit more development of the romance. The plot and pacing lagged at times, and I felt the story was a bit long. Rachael A. Edwards’ prose was beautiful and lyrical. Overall, I would recommend this one to YA fantasy fans!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
November 8, 2025
Destiny is finicky. Dimis has a some large shoes to fill considering his situation.
November 23, 2025
thank you for peachtree teen and walker books group for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
i have to say that the concept of this one was definitely an extremely intriguing draw for me. i love the concept of having someone able (and responsible) to read the fates of those around them and how that can manipulate the future. unfortunately, in reality this story felt a bit flat. i think, to me, the characters we followed (lena and dimas) were not strong enough personality wise to feel enraptured in the story as a whole. for lena, she had stronger motivators because i too would not want to be a pawn for an emperor, forced to do their bidding and then die when they do. for dimas, you could see that *he knew* the system wasn’t set up well but he didn’t really do anything to make change. he just continued to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors before him and use the fate weaver to show he was a strong ruler.
it made it tough for me to root for either of their characters since i didn’t really see any character growth from either of them. not even when they finally realized there was another way to fix their problem of having their destinies tied. it honestly required external brute force for them to truly realize and make a plan where they worked together. to me, it felt like a prime example of one truthful conversation between lena and dimas could have really helped themselves out.
i have to say that the concept of this one was definitely an extremely intriguing draw for me. i love the concept of having someone able (and responsible) to read the fates of those around them and how that can manipulate the future. unfortunately, in reality this story felt a bit flat. i think, to me, the characters we followed (lena and dimas) were not strong enough personality wise to feel enraptured in the story as a whole. for lena, she had stronger motivators because i too would not want to be a pawn for an emperor, forced to do their bidding and then die when they do. for dimas, you could see that *he knew* the system wasn’t set up well but he didn’t really do anything to make change. he just continued to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors before him and use the fate weaver to show he was a strong ruler.
it made it tough for me to root for either of their characters since i didn’t really see any character growth from either of them. not even when they finally realized there was another way to fix their problem of having their destinies tied. it honestly required external brute force for them to truly realize and make a plan where they worked together. to me, it felt like a prime example of one truthful conversation between lena and dimas could have really helped themselves out.
March 2, 2025
I've been lucky enough to read an early copy, courtesy of the author.
There's so much to love and enjoy in this book, which feels familiar and comforting whilst still keeping me turning the page - especially in the late stages! There is also a lovely amount of soft queer and bi rep, which I think is so so important to have in more YA reads, and which I absolutely ate up (DIMAS, MY SWEET BOY).
A thoroughly enjoyable read, AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW. PLEASE.
There's so much to love and enjoy in this book, which feels familiar and comforting whilst still keeping me turning the page - especially in the late stages! There is also a lovely amount of soft queer and bi rep, which I think is so so important to have in more YA reads, and which I absolutely ate up (DIMAS, MY SWEET BOY).
A thoroughly enjoyable read, AND I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NOW. PLEASE.
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