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The Fated: A Novel
A mysterious ship.
A promised paradise destination.
A voyage of dreams and nightmares.
Welcome aboard...The Fated.
Every sixteen years a luxurious ocean liner known as The Fated appears at the docks to carry a few lucky passengers to paradise. Yet when people onboard begin disappearing, one woman soon discovers their destination might not be paradise after all.
Amarra Obrel never expects to receive a ticket in the mail. Ever since failing her chance at becoming a concert pianist three years ago, she has spent her days as an elevator operator, resigned to the uninteresting future that seems set before her. When given the opportunity to embark on The Fated, however, she boards with the hope of starting a new life. Yet she soon senses something dark and sinister lurks beneath the ship's decadent halls, ornate ballrooms, and opulent jazz clubs. When people close to her begin disappearing, she is left with no other choice than to set out and uncover the vessel's secrets along with fellow passenger Kye-Shin Hura. But instead of providing answers, every discovery leads to more questions—questions about why they were selected for this voyage in the first place and more If not to paradise, then where exactly is The Fated taking them?
With cinematic and haunting prose that blends the genres of fantasy, magic realism, and paranormal, The Fated is the perfect suspenseful and atmospheric read for fans of The Night Circus, Titanic, Hotel Magnifique, and The Midnight Library.
*Semi-finalist of the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025.
A promised paradise destination.
A voyage of dreams and nightmares.
Welcome aboard...The Fated.
Every sixteen years a luxurious ocean liner known as The Fated appears at the docks to carry a few lucky passengers to paradise. Yet when people onboard begin disappearing, one woman soon discovers their destination might not be paradise after all.
Amarra Obrel never expects to receive a ticket in the mail. Ever since failing her chance at becoming a concert pianist three years ago, she has spent her days as an elevator operator, resigned to the uninteresting future that seems set before her. When given the opportunity to embark on The Fated, however, she boards with the hope of starting a new life. Yet she soon senses something dark and sinister lurks beneath the ship's decadent halls, ornate ballrooms, and opulent jazz clubs. When people close to her begin disappearing, she is left with no other choice than to set out and uncover the vessel's secrets along with fellow passenger Kye-Shin Hura. But instead of providing answers, every discovery leads to more questions—questions about why they were selected for this voyage in the first place and more If not to paradise, then where exactly is The Fated taking them?
With cinematic and haunting prose that blends the genres of fantasy, magic realism, and paranormal, The Fated is the perfect suspenseful and atmospheric read for fans of The Night Circus, Titanic, Hotel Magnifique, and The Midnight Library.
*Semi-finalist of the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2025
7 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read
About the author
Katelynsam
3 books24 followersKatelynsam is an award-nominated fantasy author whose lifelong passion for storytelling culminated in her debut novel, The Fated, which was a semi-finalist for the 2025 Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award. She writes for fellow dreamers and is dedicated to creating immersive worlds that transport readers far beyond their own lives. When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing sunsets, designing her book covers, and dreaming up her next thrilling story.
Subscribe to her newsletter at katelynsam.substack.com to receive the first chapters of her novel The Fated for FREE!
Subscribe to her newsletter at katelynsam.substack.com to receive the first chapters of her novel The Fated for FREE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 18, 2025
This was such a fun and quick read for me! It was a different sort of story than I usually read and it was a nice change of pace for me.
I really loved watching the relationship between the main character and her love interest change. The mystery surrounding all of what took place was so intriguing.
I would have loved to learn a bit more at the ending but that’s not a negative reflection on the author. Just me not ready for it to be over. It was well done. I just wanted more answers and closure. I would be all over a sequel if one ever came out.
I really loved watching the relationship between the main character and her love interest change. The mystery surrounding all of what took place was so intriguing.
I would have loved to learn a bit more at the ending but that’s not a negative reflection on the author. Just me not ready for it to be over. It was well done. I just wanted more answers and closure. I would be all over a sequel if one ever came out.
February 14, 2025
*SPOILERS*
I received a free ARC copy in advance, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has such a unique storyline that really had me hooked until the end!
I found the main characters to have good depth, I was really rooting for Amarra and Kye-Shin to escape, but I found that I would have liked more character description for some side characters, like Miyuni and Emory.
I loved that there was a balance to the magic on board The Fated. Lethia tempted people into giving up their most precious but painful memories to stay aboard and live in luxury, whilst The Stranger made sure she kept to her contract and helped to steer Amarra in the right direction. And I love that he remains mostly a mystery.
The author has been able to create some very atmospheric scenes in the book. When Amarra and her cousin Jaslene are shopping in the jewelry store onboard, it made me feel very uneasy that they were able to take whatever they wanted. It felt too good to be true. And in the end, it was.
I would highly recommend reading this if you would enjoy a real-world take on fantasy.
I received a free ARC copy in advance, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has such a unique storyline that really had me hooked until the end!
I found the main characters to have good depth, I was really rooting for Amarra and Kye-Shin to escape, but I found that I would have liked more character description for some side characters, like Miyuni and Emory.
I loved that there was a balance to the magic on board The Fated. Lethia tempted people into giving up their most precious but painful memories to stay aboard and live in luxury, whilst The Stranger made sure she kept to her contract and helped to steer Amarra in the right direction. And I love that he remains mostly a mystery.
The author has been able to create some very atmospheric scenes in the book. When Amarra and her cousin Jaslene are shopping in the jewelry store onboard, it made me feel very uneasy that they were able to take whatever they wanted. It felt too good to be true. And in the end, it was.
I would highly recommend reading this if you would enjoy a real-world take on fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from the author and these are my honest thoughts. Imagine entering a gorgeous cruise ship filled with amazing buffets, attractions and experiences. Your room is personalized to you and filled with beautiful and perfectly fitted clothes and accessories. The shops are free to shop and always open. However, something is wrong and you don’t know what. People go missing and return changed. It seems too good to be true. This is the premise for “The Fated” which is the name of this ship that probably blows those Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships out of the water.
Our heroine, Amarra, is lonely and struggling in a dreary dead end job. Girl, I feel for you. She receives the “golden ticket” to a new life. The story is told through her POV but I feel like she was an unreliable narrator. We had secrets and things revealed as she began to realize them. It led to a story that actually surprised me. I did catch a few of the surprises but there are quite a few.
The author did a great job describing every detail. The imagery was rich and I could see everything in my mind so clearly. (Yes, my brain works that way and yes, that could make me a witch) I enjoyed experiencing all of the ship with her and it truly would have tempted me if I got a ticket.
The story does end on a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where this goes as there are a lot of loose ends. I hope she is writing a sequel!
Our heroine, Amarra, is lonely and struggling in a dreary dead end job. Girl, I feel for you. She receives the “golden ticket” to a new life. The story is told through her POV but I feel like she was an unreliable narrator. We had secrets and things revealed as she began to realize them. It led to a story that actually surprised me. I did catch a few of the surprises but there are quite a few.
The author did a great job describing every detail. The imagery was rich and I could see everything in my mind so clearly. (Yes, my brain works that way and yes, that could make me a witch) I enjoyed experiencing all of the ship with her and it truly would have tempted me if I got a ticket.
The story does end on a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where this goes as there are a lot of loose ends. I hope she is writing a sequel!
March 1, 2025
4.5 stars!
This was a very interesting fantasy mystery, with a hint of romance. The Fated is a luxurious ship that carries passengers to paradise every sixteen years. Amarra, her aunt, and her cousin are three of the lucky passengers on The Fated’s current trip. While everyone is excited for their new lives, Amarra can’t help but doubt whether the voyage will really lead to paradise, especially when people around her begin disappearing.
This book blends so many elements into a beautiful, cohesive story. There’s mystery, magical realism, and romance seamlessly weaved together, while exploring topics like dreams and family relationships. I loved the message that this story delivered through its mystery and characters. The plot unraveled in a very suspenseful way, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what happened next.
Amarra was an amazing MC. I loved how she grew throughout the book. With immense grief and failed dreams burdening her life, Amarra didn’t seem to have much to hope for in life. Yet, seeing her fight for the truth and grow to embrace her past was very emotional.
Kye-Shin was an interesting love interest. He and Amarra were both similar, yet different, and their differing perspectives enhanced both the story and the romance. The romance was heartwarming. Although it wasn’t essential to the plot, it added depth to the characters and their development. It was also a bit of a slowburn, but I absolutely loved it!
The writing was so beautiful and added so much to the mystery and suspense. The ending wrapped up the conflict nicely, but it left an opening for a sequel. The fantasy elements of the world were really interesting, and I would love to see how the ideas introduced in this book are further developed in a sequel. Overall, this was a great read!
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
This was a very interesting fantasy mystery, with a hint of romance. The Fated is a luxurious ship that carries passengers to paradise every sixteen years. Amarra, her aunt, and her cousin are three of the lucky passengers on The Fated’s current trip. While everyone is excited for their new lives, Amarra can’t help but doubt whether the voyage will really lead to paradise, especially when people around her begin disappearing.
This book blends so many elements into a beautiful, cohesive story. There’s mystery, magical realism, and romance seamlessly weaved together, while exploring topics like dreams and family relationships. I loved the message that this story delivered through its mystery and characters. The plot unraveled in a very suspenseful way, and I found myself constantly wanting to know what happened next.
Amarra was an amazing MC. I loved how she grew throughout the book. With immense grief and failed dreams burdening her life, Amarra didn’t seem to have much to hope for in life. Yet, seeing her fight for the truth and grow to embrace her past was very emotional.
Kye-Shin was an interesting love interest. He and Amarra were both similar, yet different, and their differing perspectives enhanced both the story and the romance. The romance was heartwarming. Although it wasn’t essential to the plot, it added depth to the characters and their development. It was also a bit of a slowburn, but I absolutely loved it!
The writing was so beautiful and added so much to the mystery and suspense. The ending wrapped up the conflict nicely, but it left an opening for a sequel. The fantasy elements of the world were really interesting, and I would love to see how the ideas introduced in this book are further developed in a sequel. Overall, this was a great read!
Thank you to the author for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2025
Thank you to Katelynsam for the ARC.
Plot 4.5/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4.75/5
Interest 4.25/5
Overall 4.25/5
-I wasn’t too sure which genre this book would have fit in when I first started, and in some way, I’m still not sure. I feel like it could fit so many with the multiple aspects it has to the story. And it was a good story. I kept telling myself, why would people board? But if it were real, people would board it even knowing they might never go back. The ship itself was a great environment for the mysterious elements and I enjoyed it a lot.
-The characters all had their charm, some more than others. Amarra was the skeptical one and I definitely got that feel all along the book compared to any others. Kye-Shin was a very decent love interest. I wished that we had more scenes of them before they kissed but then again, they were still sweet together and didn’t need all that much to like each other. I do wish we had focused a little more on the side characters, not making them mains but get more detail and background on them to explain certain choices.
-I feel like this book is a standalone but if the author came out with a sequel I wouldn’t be surprised because there is so much potential for more to this world. I liked the ending because of the suspenseful elements to it but like some of the chacarters, I wish we knew slightly more about certain choices that were made. I would love to read more form this author and more from this world if there is more to tell.
Plot 4.5/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4.75/5
Interest 4.25/5
Overall 4.25/5
-I wasn’t too sure which genre this book would have fit in when I first started, and in some way, I’m still not sure. I feel like it could fit so many with the multiple aspects it has to the story. And it was a good story. I kept telling myself, why would people board? But if it were real, people would board it even knowing they might never go back. The ship itself was a great environment for the mysterious elements and I enjoyed it a lot.
-The characters all had their charm, some more than others. Amarra was the skeptical one and I definitely got that feel all along the book compared to any others. Kye-Shin was a very decent love interest. I wished that we had more scenes of them before they kissed but then again, they were still sweet together and didn’t need all that much to like each other. I do wish we had focused a little more on the side characters, not making them mains but get more detail and background on them to explain certain choices.
-I feel like this book is a standalone but if the author came out with a sequel I wouldn’t be surprised because there is so much potential for more to this world. I liked the ending because of the suspenseful elements to it but like some of the chacarters, I wish we knew slightly more about certain choices that were made. I would love to read more form this author and more from this world if there is more to tell.
February 23, 2025
This book is so different from anything I’ve ever read! katelynsam’s imagery and writing style is so beautiful and wrapped in mystery for the story of the Fated. I had no clue where it was going throughout most of the book until the ending, but then it was still surprising what happened at the end! Such a great book with lessons about choices and dreams!
July 23, 2025
I saw Katelynsam give a reading at the University of San Diego — the lively and mysterious world she conjured up stayed with me. I signed up immediately to get an advance reader copy of The Fated.
From its opening lines, The Fated announces itself as something rare — a beautifully written and original story, fully inhabited with a constellation of interesting characters with layered motivations. Their stories will converge in an original world complete in every detail: the scent of salt air, overheard dialogue set amidst bustling ballrooms, extravagances to make a Gatsby blush, mysterious and important clues and macguffins, suspicious looks, and increasingly magical delights and forebodings. The plot unfolds in images and it moves like a lucid dream — a dream that tilts, like the deck and belly of a glamorous ship drifting slowly into danger.
The surrealism here is never just for show. It’s earned, because it’s rooted in the psychological architecture of its characters — especially the narrator Amarra, whose emotional landscape folds perfectly into the shifting, creaking interior of the ship itself. What seems like an escape becomes a detective story, and then a hall of mirrors, and then a confrontation. This is a fantasy novel, yes — but one with sharp teeth, a broken mirror’s edge, and a deep understanding of how our inner lives are shaped by the world we try to flee.
The ship that appears every sixteen years is a brilliant conceit — a mystery, a myth, a marketplace, a generational marker, a memory. Inside it, The Fated builds a layered allegory about illusion, desire, consumerism, disappointment, the temptation of copping out, and, for those who need it, redemption — but it never moralizes. The novel floats, pulls, beckons, and envelops like a secret world bespoke for each reader. Its magic often lies in what it chooses not to explain, in how it compels us to contemplate the illusions we’ve agreed to live inside.
It reminds me of the best works of fantasy that smuggle wonder into the real world without ever betraying either — there’s something of a surreal jazziness here. It’s moody, mesmerizing, trippy, and chromatic, and I couldn’t decide what made it enjoyable more, the gripping story or the way it was told, the masterful writing.
The Fated isn’t just a good read — it’s a haunting experience, a story that surrounds you like the ship until you find yourself back in the real world. By the final pages, I realized the journey I’d taken was never just across a mysterious sea, but inward — into the systems, memories, and dreams that shape me.
Highly recommended. This is the kind of book you finish and immediately want to press into someone else’s hands, a new discovery, an exciting cult classic.
From its opening lines, The Fated announces itself as something rare — a beautifully written and original story, fully inhabited with a constellation of interesting characters with layered motivations. Their stories will converge in an original world complete in every detail: the scent of salt air, overheard dialogue set amidst bustling ballrooms, extravagances to make a Gatsby blush, mysterious and important clues and macguffins, suspicious looks, and increasingly magical delights and forebodings. The plot unfolds in images and it moves like a lucid dream — a dream that tilts, like the deck and belly of a glamorous ship drifting slowly into danger.
The surrealism here is never just for show. It’s earned, because it’s rooted in the psychological architecture of its characters — especially the narrator Amarra, whose emotional landscape folds perfectly into the shifting, creaking interior of the ship itself. What seems like an escape becomes a detective story, and then a hall of mirrors, and then a confrontation. This is a fantasy novel, yes — but one with sharp teeth, a broken mirror’s edge, and a deep understanding of how our inner lives are shaped by the world we try to flee.
The ship that appears every sixteen years is a brilliant conceit — a mystery, a myth, a marketplace, a generational marker, a memory. Inside it, The Fated builds a layered allegory about illusion, desire, consumerism, disappointment, the temptation of copping out, and, for those who need it, redemption — but it never moralizes. The novel floats, pulls, beckons, and envelops like a secret world bespoke for each reader. Its magic often lies in what it chooses not to explain, in how it compels us to contemplate the illusions we’ve agreed to live inside.
It reminds me of the best works of fantasy that smuggle wonder into the real world without ever betraying either — there’s something of a surreal jazziness here. It’s moody, mesmerizing, trippy, and chromatic, and I couldn’t decide what made it enjoyable more, the gripping story or the way it was told, the masterful writing.
The Fated isn’t just a good read — it’s a haunting experience, a story that surrounds you like the ship until you find yourself back in the real world. By the final pages, I realized the journey I’d taken was never just across a mysterious sea, but inward — into the systems, memories, and dreams that shape me.
Highly recommended. This is the kind of book you finish and immediately want to press into someone else’s hands, a new discovery, an exciting cult classic.
February 25, 2025
"Being wary of what is hidden from view is never foolish. For even the most familiar things can become alien and dangerous in the shadows."
Everything is not as it seems... The Fated is set in the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, in a world that is both similar and so unlike our own. Katelynsam seems to take what we know and turn it on its head. She examines an era that is well known for its economic prosperity, innovative inventions, rise in consumer culture, and social progress. But what if all of this was onboard a single ship?
Everyone desires to be onboard The Fated, but only a few are selected to journey to a new world of hope, where dreams can come true. It was easy to become engrossed in the lavishness of the story, yet Katelynsam appears to put your imagination on hold as she skilfully combines mystery and suspense into the narrative.
Amarra, our heroine, was a great protagonist, since her life has not gone as planned, and she is seen to be struggling and alienated from her aunt and cousin, who join her on The Fated. Amarra's life story has taught her to be cautious, so it's fascinating to watch her question the luxury and extravagance that everyone else takes for granted on the ship.
The characters were all so well-developed that I was unable to figure out why they were chosen. It might have just been me, as I'm terrible at solving mysteries, but I had no idea how everything fit together; believe me, I tried and failed terribly. But that merely added to the incredible twist at the end, which practically made my jaw drop. It's AMAZING!!!
Looking back at the highlights I made, there are easter eggs hidden throughout the novel that the eagle-eyed among you will likely notice. But it completely went over my head.
This is a wonderful novel; it is very unique, and I would strongly recommend it to any fantasy reader looking for a romance subplot and a setting reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. It is truly a test of humanity, of what someone is willing to sacrifice.
It is definitely a novel of dreams.
Everything is not as it seems... The Fated is set in the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, in a world that is both similar and so unlike our own. Katelynsam seems to take what we know and turn it on its head. She examines an era that is well known for its economic prosperity, innovative inventions, rise in consumer culture, and social progress. But what if all of this was onboard a single ship?
Everyone desires to be onboard The Fated, but only a few are selected to journey to a new world of hope, where dreams can come true. It was easy to become engrossed in the lavishness of the story, yet Katelynsam appears to put your imagination on hold as she skilfully combines mystery and suspense into the narrative.
Amarra, our heroine, was a great protagonist, since her life has not gone as planned, and she is seen to be struggling and alienated from her aunt and cousin, who join her on The Fated. Amarra's life story has taught her to be cautious, so it's fascinating to watch her question the luxury and extravagance that everyone else takes for granted on the ship.
The characters were all so well-developed that I was unable to figure out why they were chosen. It might have just been me, as I'm terrible at solving mysteries, but I had no idea how everything fit together; believe me, I tried and failed terribly. But that merely added to the incredible twist at the end, which practically made my jaw drop. It's AMAZING!!!
Looking back at the highlights I made, there are easter eggs hidden throughout the novel that the eagle-eyed among you will likely notice. But it completely went over my head.
This is a wonderful novel; it is very unique, and I would strongly recommend it to any fantasy reader looking for a romance subplot and a setting reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. It is truly a test of humanity, of what someone is willing to sacrifice.
It is definitely a novel of dreams.
February 25, 2025
The Fated by Katelynsam is a stunning, atmospheric journey that captivates from start to finish. The vivid descriptions within the novel are so richly detailed that they draw readers into a world that feels as if it were painted in front of their eyes. It's easy to imagine this story brought to life in a Studio Ghibli animation, with its magical qualities and intricate beauty. Katelynsam's ability to create such an immersive environment is truly a highlight, making it impossible not to be swept up in the world they’ve crafted.
The story itself unfolds with a slow burn, but it's a type of pacing that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s that kind of narrative that has you hooked, even when things seem to move at a steady pace. The twists, however, are worth every bit of the wait. About 60% into the book, I found myself completely caught off guard, with one scene in particular throwing everything I thought I knew out the window. The surprises that follow are sharp, well-placed, and make for some jaw-dropping moments. The complexity of the plot keeps you guessing, especially when it comes to the true mastermind behind it all.
One thing I couldn’t help but think while reading is that The Fated, with its deep lore and fascinating backstory, has the potential for an entire prequel. The history of the ship and its origins are just begging to be explored further, and I found myself craving more details about the lore and the world-building behind it.
The ending? A perfect mic drop, leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep the reader wanting more. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished, and I’m left eagerly hoping for a continuation. The Fated is an intricate, beautifully crafted story that is equal parts enchanting and surprising. If you enjoy slow burns with complex twists and an atmosphere you can almost touch, this is definitely a must-read.
*I received a free copy of The Fated in advance, however my review is honest and voluntarily written. I read and review with full honesty!*
The story itself unfolds with a slow burn, but it's a type of pacing that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s that kind of narrative that has you hooked, even when things seem to move at a steady pace. The twists, however, are worth every bit of the wait. About 60% into the book, I found myself completely caught off guard, with one scene in particular throwing everything I thought I knew out the window. The surprises that follow are sharp, well-placed, and make for some jaw-dropping moments. The complexity of the plot keeps you guessing, especially when it comes to the true mastermind behind it all.
One thing I couldn’t help but think while reading is that The Fated, with its deep lore and fascinating backstory, has the potential for an entire prequel. The history of the ship and its origins are just begging to be explored further, and I found myself craving more details about the lore and the world-building behind it.
The ending? A perfect mic drop, leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep the reader wanting more. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished, and I’m left eagerly hoping for a continuation. The Fated is an intricate, beautifully crafted story that is equal parts enchanting and surprising. If you enjoy slow burns with complex twists and an atmosphere you can almost touch, this is definitely a must-read.
*I received a free copy of The Fated in advance, however my review is honest and voluntarily written. I read and review with full honesty!*
February 24, 2025
I deespreately don't want the lower rating for this book to deter you from checking it out! I really, really enjoyed reading this book, there were just certain aspects of the book that weren't for me, and that's okay. It's still a great book, and I would definitely still recommend it to others, it just wasn't fully for me.
One thing that I absolutely loved with this book was the atmosphere. Everything was so vivid and well described, without being too much, it felt like I was really walking through this magical, fantastical ship. Everything was so beautifully described and it made me wish that a ship like this existed so I could experience walking the halls for myself in person.
The flirting and budding romance between Amarra and Kye-Shin was so cute and I would have loved to see more of their romance grow and blossom into more, but I also understand that romance was not meant to be the main plot of the story, and I respect that. Still, it's fun to imagine how it could've blossomed.
I loved the mystery/paranormal aspects of the story. Tryingt o figure out who/what was behind the passenger disappearances, and what was really going on behind the darker aspects of the ship was so fun (and creepy) to explore throughout the book. I loved trying to figure out mysteries and put together plot points as new information comes out, and this book gave me plenty of opportunites.
However, I know that with all of this gushing about the good, people are going to wonder about why I gave it a 3.5 star rating. The main thing for me, without giving any spoilers, was simply that by the end of the book, there was still quite a few unanswered questions. And while some people really love books with unanswered questions because it leaves room for speculation and theorizing, I am not one of those people. Of course, I always wonder about the events following a book no matter how neatly everything is tied up, but I don't like big things being left to interpretation or speculation. And that may even tie into my love of trying to figure out what's going on, I may just want a flat out answer to whether my theorizing the entire book was correct or not. However, I hate to fault the author for that, because I know that this is my own personal preference, and someone else will likely love the book even moer BECAUSE of the fact that things are left a little more open at the end.
With all of that being said, I do recoomend checking out The Fated if the get the opportunity. It was a beatifully written book, the imagry was incredible, and I was fully prepared to give a much higher rating until that ending, which just simply didn't resonate with me.
One thing that I absolutely loved with this book was the atmosphere. Everything was so vivid and well described, without being too much, it felt like I was really walking through this magical, fantastical ship. Everything was so beautifully described and it made me wish that a ship like this existed so I could experience walking the halls for myself in person.
The flirting and budding romance between Amarra and Kye-Shin was so cute and I would have loved to see more of their romance grow and blossom into more, but I also understand that romance was not meant to be the main plot of the story, and I respect that. Still, it's fun to imagine how it could've blossomed.
I loved the mystery/paranormal aspects of the story. Tryingt o figure out who/what was behind the passenger disappearances, and what was really going on behind the darker aspects of the ship was so fun (and creepy) to explore throughout the book. I loved trying to figure out mysteries and put together plot points as new information comes out, and this book gave me plenty of opportunites.
However, I know that with all of this gushing about the good, people are going to wonder about why I gave it a 3.5 star rating. The main thing for me, without giving any spoilers, was simply that by the end of the book, there was still quite a few unanswered questions. And while some people really love books with unanswered questions because it leaves room for speculation and theorizing, I am not one of those people. Of course, I always wonder about the events following a book no matter how neatly everything is tied up, but I don't like big things being left to interpretation or speculation. And that may even tie into my love of trying to figure out what's going on, I may just want a flat out answer to whether my theorizing the entire book was correct or not. However, I hate to fault the author for that, because I know that this is my own personal preference, and someone else will likely love the book even moer BECAUSE of the fact that things are left a little more open at the end.
With all of that being said, I do recoomend checking out The Fated if the get the opportunity. It was a beatifully written book, the imagry was incredible, and I was fully prepared to give a much higher rating until that ending, which just simply didn't resonate with me.
February 1, 2025
"Even while dreaming, I can never escape The Fated."
*A huge thank you to Katelynsam for allowing me to read an ARC of The Fated. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
A ticket to a luxury mystical cruise ship. A chance to leave the poverty and cruelty of your life behind. A promise of a better future in a lost civilization. Amarra and thousands of others risk it all on The Fated's voyage.
Equal parts enchantingly beautiful and eerily unsettling, The Fated begs the question, what are you willing to sacrifice to make your dreams come true? Katelynsam has crafted a story with gorgeously detailed imagery that makes the reader feel like they're on The Fated. The magical nature of the ship is perfect. Almost too perfect. The sense of wrongness on the ship creeps in slowly, creating a perfect mysterious atmosphere for the story.
I loved it. Loved every bit of it. The wonder and awe of The Fated. The found family that Amarra finds onboard. Amarra's journey in dealing with the loss of her mother and the complicated feelings she has with music. The mystery was well thought out and had me guessing throughout. I loved the magic and supernatural aspects of the story, which amped up the eeriness and danger. I especially loved the conflict resolution and the questions left unanswered! I would love another story in this universe, and appreciated the author left the possibility of this open.
The Fated in an incredible story, and I can't recommend it enough!! The Fated will be released on February 24th.
"Nothing but birth and death itself was as constant as The Fated, which had glided out from The Veil to dock at a different city every sixteen years ever since The Veil split the world in half a millennium ago."
"Exactly how much of myself had I lost in the years since my mother died and my dreams been destroyed if I could forget the meaning of my own name?"
"For the briefest instant, I wonder if everyone onboard has made a terrible mistake. If all the legends and stories have lied and instead of heading for paradise we are speeding towards certain death or some thing worse-"
"Being wary of what is hidden from view is never foolish...For even the most familiar things can become alien and dangerous in the shadows."
*A huge thank you to Katelynsam for allowing me to read an ARC of The Fated. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
A ticket to a luxury mystical cruise ship. A chance to leave the poverty and cruelty of your life behind. A promise of a better future in a lost civilization. Amarra and thousands of others risk it all on The Fated's voyage.
Equal parts enchantingly beautiful and eerily unsettling, The Fated begs the question, what are you willing to sacrifice to make your dreams come true? Katelynsam has crafted a story with gorgeously detailed imagery that makes the reader feel like they're on The Fated. The magical nature of the ship is perfect. Almost too perfect. The sense of wrongness on the ship creeps in slowly, creating a perfect mysterious atmosphere for the story.
I loved it. Loved every bit of it. The wonder and awe of The Fated. The found family that Amarra finds onboard. Amarra's journey in dealing with the loss of her mother and the complicated feelings she has with music. The mystery was well thought out and had me guessing throughout. I loved the magic and supernatural aspects of the story, which amped up the eeriness and danger. I especially loved the conflict resolution and the questions left unanswered! I would love another story in this universe, and appreciated the author left the possibility of this open.
The Fated in an incredible story, and I can't recommend it enough!! The Fated will be released on February 24th.
"Nothing but birth and death itself was as constant as The Fated, which had glided out from The Veil to dock at a different city every sixteen years ever since The Veil split the world in half a millennium ago."
"Exactly how much of myself had I lost in the years since my mother died and my dreams been destroyed if I could forget the meaning of my own name?"
"For the briefest instant, I wonder if everyone onboard has made a terrible mistake. If all the legends and stories have lied and instead of heading for paradise we are speeding towards certain death or some thing worse-"
"Being wary of what is hidden from view is never foolish...For even the most familiar things can become alien and dangerous in the shadows."
February 7, 2025
I received a free copy in advance, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
I would give this book a solid 3.5, but since Goodreads doesn't allow half stars, it definitely deserves to be rounded up.
The synopsis of The Fated, and even the pitch (Titanic meets the Night Circus, though I would also add a hint of Neverending Story 2) is right up my alley. I will note that it reads like YA. I'm not sure if it was meant to or not, and YA certainly isn't a bad thing.
I thought the author did a really great job of trickling information into the narrative when it was needed. There were a couple of times where I thought, "Well, what about this thing-" and the next page addressed it. At one point, I thought, "Man, why are these characters so irritable?" and literally the next chapter explained it.
The magic system and the mysteries were well thought out and written. Without giving any spoilers, when we find out what "goes missing," I thought it was very clever.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
I would give this book a solid 3.5, but since Goodreads doesn't allow half stars, it definitely deserves to be rounded up.
The synopsis of The Fated, and even the pitch (Titanic meets the Night Circus, though I would also add a hint of Neverending Story 2) is right up my alley. I will note that it reads like YA. I'm not sure if it was meant to or not, and YA certainly isn't a bad thing.
I thought the author did a really great job of trickling information into the narrative when it was needed. There were a couple of times where I thought, "Well, what about this thing-" and the next page addressed it. At one point, I thought, "Man, why are these characters so irritable?" and literally the next chapter explained it.
The magic system and the mysteries were well thought out and written. Without giving any spoilers, when we find out what "goes missing," I thought it was very clever.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
February 26, 2025
I read this book so fast because I couldn’t wait to know how everything came together.
This debut fantasy is based in the 1900s. The vibes are Titanic meets The Night Circus meets The Great Gatsby and also some parts even reminded me of the 2010 Percy Jackson movie in the Casino.
It blended some hints of romance, suspense, thrills, grief, and some paranormal all wrapped in a Titanic bow ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚢 slow burn, boat romance
🚢 Titanic Vibes
🚢 1920s/ 1930s
🚢 haunting & luxurious trip
🚢 mystery & suspense
🚢 shy but badass FMC
🚢 fantasy & paranormal
🚢 poetic love interest
✨Fave quote ✨ “You were like the heroine in a story I had never known I was searching for. A woman whose quiet strength pulled me into her life, who made me want to take control of my own again rather than simply letting it pass by like the faded pages of an uneventful book. For better or worse, you have changed me, Amarra Obrel, and no matter how much I have tried to ignore it, I am still reeling from the traces of you.”
This debut fantasy is based in the 1900s. The vibes are Titanic meets The Night Circus meets The Great Gatsby and also some parts even reminded me of the 2010 Percy Jackson movie in the Casino.
It blended some hints of romance, suspense, thrills, grief, and some paranormal all wrapped in a Titanic bow ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚢 slow burn, boat romance
🚢 Titanic Vibes
🚢 1920s/ 1930s
🚢 haunting & luxurious trip
🚢 mystery & suspense
🚢 shy but badass FMC
🚢 fantasy & paranormal
🚢 poetic love interest
✨Fave quote ✨ “You were like the heroine in a story I had never known I was searching for. A woman whose quiet strength pulled me into her life, who made me want to take control of my own again rather than simply letting it pass by like the faded pages of an uneventful book. For better or worse, you have changed me, Amarra Obrel, and no matter how much I have tried to ignore it, I am still reeling from the traces of you.”
March 1, 2025
4.5
I honestly really quite enjoyed this book. I think the concept was executed well and kept me intrigued the entire time. I LOVEDDDD the love interest and their interactions. The ambience and majority of the writing within the story were impeccable. I was incredibly close to giving The Fated five stars and am definitely looking forward to other books to be published by Katelynsam! Seriously wonderful. The fantastical elements were answered fluidly and the ending leaves enough room for a continuation if desired. Loved it.
The only thing that unfortunately kept me from giving this a five star was that I caught a handful of grammatical mistakes/misused words. (Maybe like three or four) It happens and, for me, didn’t necessarily take away from the experience, but just was a little jarring.
Regardless, I’d 1000% recommend this book and will be rereading it. So far a favorite that I’ve read so far this year. Looking forward to doing a further deep dive review in the coming days.
Congratulations again on the novel! More greatness to come :)
I honestly really quite enjoyed this book. I think the concept was executed well and kept me intrigued the entire time. I LOVEDDDD the love interest and their interactions. The ambience and majority of the writing within the story were impeccable. I was incredibly close to giving The Fated five stars and am definitely looking forward to other books to be published by Katelynsam! Seriously wonderful. The fantastical elements were answered fluidly and the ending leaves enough room for a continuation if desired. Loved it.
The only thing that unfortunately kept me from giving this a five star was that I caught a handful of grammatical mistakes/misused words. (Maybe like three or four) It happens and, for me, didn’t necessarily take away from the experience, but just was a little jarring.
Regardless, I’d 1000% recommend this book and will be rereading it. So far a favorite that I’ve read so far this year. Looking forward to doing a further deep dive review in the coming days.
Congratulations again on the novel! More greatness to come :)
January 31, 2025
When I was asked to read the Advanced Readers Copy of The Fated, I thought, "Sure, why not?"
Having read "Last Masquerade at the Carousel House," I had a feeling this would be a good book.
I wasn't wrong. In The Fated, the world is dystopian, and the only escape is a once-every-sixteen-year appearance of The Fated, a cruise ship of Titanic Grandeur that takes on a select group of passengers and disappears through the veil that separates the dystopian world from a mythical land of promise.
Amarra is one of those select passengers who hopes to escape into paradise, but once the Fated travels through the veil, strange things start happening. People disappear only to return, changed and forgetful.
Who is responsible for the disappearances and why?
The Fated is a page-turning mystery of epic proportions. It's every bit as good, if not better, than Last Masquerade.
Having read "Last Masquerade at the Carousel House," I had a feeling this would be a good book.
I wasn't wrong. In The Fated, the world is dystopian, and the only escape is a once-every-sixteen-year appearance of The Fated, a cruise ship of Titanic Grandeur that takes on a select group of passengers and disappears through the veil that separates the dystopian world from a mythical land of promise.
Amarra is one of those select passengers who hopes to escape into paradise, but once the Fated travels through the veil, strange things start happening. People disappear only to return, changed and forgetful.
Who is responsible for the disappearances and why?
The Fated is a page-turning mystery of epic proportions. It's every bit as good, if not better, than Last Masquerade.
February 10, 2025
I received a free copy in advance, and here are my honest thoughts in a review I'm writing voluntarily.
I’m amazed by the fascinating world that Katelynsam created. While reading, I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to be on the Fated, the ship that becomes the story's main setting. It’s just so much fun to picture it and wonder, what would I do if I were aboard?
Of course, I also loved the creepy and mysterious vibes that haunt the place. To be honest, I wish there was even more of it, but that’s me!
What holds me back is that, despite the intriguing hook at the beginning, the pacing lost momentum in the middle. Also, I found the protagonist to be a relatable average person, but I wished she did something more.
That said, "The Fated" is a great debut novel with solid writing. I’d give it a 3.50, which I’m rounding up to a deserved 4 stars.
I’m amazed by the fascinating world that Katelynsam created. While reading, I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to be on the Fated, the ship that becomes the story's main setting. It’s just so much fun to picture it and wonder, what would I do if I were aboard?
Of course, I also loved the creepy and mysterious vibes that haunt the place. To be honest, I wish there was even more of it, but that’s me!
What holds me back is that, despite the intriguing hook at the beginning, the pacing lost momentum in the middle. Also, I found the protagonist to be a relatable average person, but I wished she did something more.
That said, "The Fated" is a great debut novel with solid writing. I’d give it a 3.50, which I’m rounding up to a deserved 4 stars.
March 2, 2025
This is a fantastic debut novel by Katelynsam! Although I have read many fantasy sub genres in my time, this leaned very heavily into magical-realism mystery, something I feel like is not readily explored. (Or maybe I just haven’t chosen those reads) That was very refreshing for me!
Although it took a few chapters to warm up, once things began to unravel with the disappearance of a significant character, I was hooked. I had to know what secrets lied aboard The Fated. Prose and plot was well written. The ending was quite satisfying. This does read more of a young adult novel to me, but that is not a bad thing at all! If you enjoy mystery fantasy, titanic vibes, and a strong, smart female main character, this book would be for you!
All in all a solid story, and I look forward to so much more from Katelyn!
(I received a free copy in advance, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily!)
Although it took a few chapters to warm up, once things began to unravel with the disappearance of a significant character, I was hooked. I had to know what secrets lied aboard The Fated. Prose and plot was well written. The ending was quite satisfying. This does read more of a young adult novel to me, but that is not a bad thing at all! If you enjoy mystery fantasy, titanic vibes, and a strong, smart female main character, this book would be for you!
All in all a solid story, and I look forward to so much more from Katelyn!
(I received a free copy in advance, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily!)
February 5, 2025
“Even while drawing, I can never escape The Fated.”
Here are reasons to read the Fantasy book:
Dream - As an elevator operator at a department store, Amarra dreams of a better life
Ship - One day she receives a ticket aboard The Fated, a ship that only boards passengers every 16 years
Fantasy - Once aboard, everything seems to be a fantasy, and she cannot believe this is her new life
Missing - until her cousin goes missing and Amarra finds herself wondering if this ship is too good to be true.
I randomly found this author on social media and signed on to read her first book. I am a sucker for Titanic like stories so of course I had to read this one. This is what I call a dream fantasy, which means there are parts that feel like it is so “in the clouds” that you can’t ground yourself in what is happening. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and I liked the story of this a lot. However, I felt like I could never get enough of a connection with the characters as much as I wanted to. On the whole, I really thought this book was a good debut novel.
Here are reasons to read the Fantasy book:
Dream - As an elevator operator at a department store, Amarra dreams of a better life
Ship - One day she receives a ticket aboard The Fated, a ship that only boards passengers every 16 years
Fantasy - Once aboard, everything seems to be a fantasy, and she cannot believe this is her new life
Missing - until her cousin goes missing and Amarra finds herself wondering if this ship is too good to be true.
I randomly found this author on social media and signed on to read her first book. I am a sucker for Titanic like stories so of course I had to read this one. This is what I call a dream fantasy, which means there are parts that feel like it is so “in the clouds” that you can’t ground yourself in what is happening. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and I liked the story of this a lot. However, I felt like I could never get enough of a connection with the characters as much as I wanted to. On the whole, I really thought this book was a good debut novel.
August 20, 2025
Katelynsam creates a mesmerizing world of luxury, beauty, and happiness on The Fated, a magical ship where only a select few can escape the difficulties of the mundane world and be taken to start a new life in a paradise inaccessible to the rest of the world.
When Amarra and her family receive tickets on the fabled ship, she thinks her life will finally change for the better. Instead, as people start disappearing she begins to uncover the dark secrets of the Fated leading her to question if paradise worth the cost. I enjoyed the author's ability to contrast the whimsical descriptions of the ship and the scenes of mystery, darkness, and terror. The book was a quick and enjoyable read and I found it hard to put down.
When Amarra and her family receive tickets on the fabled ship, she thinks her life will finally change for the better. Instead, as people start disappearing she begins to uncover the dark secrets of the Fated leading her to question if paradise worth the cost. I enjoyed the author's ability to contrast the whimsical descriptions of the ship and the scenes of mystery, darkness, and terror. The book was a quick and enjoyable read and I found it hard to put down.
February 15, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this novel.
The Fated pulled me in from the very first page. The writing isn’t quite poetic, but it comes close—elegant, immersive, and full of depth. From the start, I was hooked by the mystery, constantly trying to predict what would happen next. I got close a few times, but the story always stayed one step ahead, keeping me on my toes.
If anything, I wish the ending had been expanded a bit more. It left me wanting just a little more closure—but at the same time, it opens the door for a sequel if that’s the author’s intent.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and I’d easily give this a solid 4 stars.
The Fated pulled me in from the very first page. The writing isn’t quite poetic, but it comes close—elegant, immersive, and full of depth. From the start, I was hooked by the mystery, constantly trying to predict what would happen next. I got close a few times, but the story always stayed one step ahead, keeping me on my toes.
If anything, I wish the ending had been expanded a bit more. It left me wanting just a little more closure—but at the same time, it opens the door for a sequel if that’s the author’s intent.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and I’d easily give this a solid 4 stars.
February 18, 2025
This book was exceptional! The writing just captures you and makes you feel like you are walking around on the ship with the characters. The more you read the harder it is to put down because you (at least I) NEED to know what is going on. I loved the characters and the mystery and cannot wait to read more from Katelynsam!
March 13, 2025
Thank you Katelynsam for sending me a copy of your debut novel for me to read! I enjoyed my journey with The Fated and the many mysteries it entailed. When I read the blurb, I got similar vibes to Voyage of the Damned that I read & loved: a mysterious ship that only allows certain people aboard, missing people, and a mystery that needs to be solved. Katelynsam did such a good job describing the scenery that I could imagine where the characters were. I wasn’t sure how the story would end but I was shocked when everything came together. I did want more of the backstory on the ship, but the mystery of it kept up with its reputation!
Def recommend checking out this mysterious debut novel!
Def recommend checking out this mysterious debut novel!
May 11, 2025
This book surprised me with how good it was. You can tell that Katelynsam has some incredible talent. I loved my trip on The Fated and would be happy to board again!
There were enough twists to keep me guessing and then one massive twist that smacked me silly. Just a really good book!
**I was gifted a copy of this book for my opinion but the opinions stated are mine and mine alone**
There were enough twists to keep me guessing and then one massive twist that smacked me silly. Just a really good book!
**I was gifted a copy of this book for my opinion but the opinions stated are mine and mine alone**
February 24, 2025
Thank you so much to Katelynsam for gifting me a copy of her book! When she told me it was a 1920s magical realism/paranormal story, I couldn’t wait to start reading!
Amarra Obrel’s sense of hope and resolve resonate clearly throughout this story. She is a girl eager for a better life and is willing face any obstacle to reach it. The wonder and magical atmosphere of the Fated is felt as soon as Amarra steps aboard. However an eerie feeling begins to settle as her journey goes from perfect to problem filled.
Katelynsam puts her readers in Amarra’s shoes as an unshakable sense of hidden danger lurks around every corner and page of The Fated. I loved how just immersive the writing in this story is! As you dive deeper into the mystery each moment feels high stakes and leaves you wanting more. I truly did not know how what the twist would be until the end!
Amarra Obrel’s sense of hope and resolve resonate clearly throughout this story. She is a girl eager for a better life and is willing face any obstacle to reach it. The wonder and magical atmosphere of the Fated is felt as soon as Amarra steps aboard. However an eerie feeling begins to settle as her journey goes from perfect to problem filled.
Katelynsam puts her readers in Amarra’s shoes as an unshakable sense of hidden danger lurks around every corner and page of The Fated. I loved how just immersive the writing in this story is! As you dive deeper into the mystery each moment feels high stakes and leaves you wanting more. I truly did not know how what the twist would be until the end!
May 27, 2025
Such beautiful, strong descriptions! As someone who loves and teaches poetry, I enjoy seeing it embedded in prose. With this book, I felt like such a word-nerd getting giddy over her language (hah!)
A unique, quick, and gorgeous read. Great work!
A unique, quick, and gorgeous read. Great work!
February 11, 2025
I received a free copy in advance, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
You can read my review here:
https://algunashistorias.substack.com...
You can read my review here:
https://algunashistorias.substack.com...
February 19, 2025
ARC review coming soon!!!
April 7, 2025
thanks to Katelynsam for the ARC! I really enjoyed this story, especially the extremely vivid visuals the author creates in every scene.
April 17, 2025
So surprised by this one, but from start to finish I was wildly entertained. Easy read.
June 18, 2025
A quick read that takes you on a journey where nothing is what it seems and makes you wonder what choice you might make. #goodreadsgiveaway
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