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Fated
Book One of the Fated Series
A complete seven-book romantasy saga filled with fated mates, emotional slow burn, found family, and soul-deep healing.
Fate stole his memory. Fate shattered her world. But fate’s cruelest trick is still to come.
Areya wakes in a jail cell with her mother’s blood on her hands—and no memory of how it got there.
Then he arrives.
Ash is a shadow made flesh. A weapon without a past, bound by a curse that erased everything he once was. He has one deliver the girl to his king.
He’s never questioned an order.
He’s never failed a mission.
He’s never wanted to.
Areya is shattered hollowed by grief, broken by loss. But there's something electric in the space between them. A pull that cracks the edges of Ash's carefully controlled silence.
Then she learns the truth that breaks he’s the reason her mother is dead.
Now hatred is all she has left. The only thing keeping her alive is the burning need to survive long enough to make him pay.
But as pieces of Ash’s stolen memories return, the line between enemy and ally begins to blur. The man who destroyed her life might be the only one who can save it. And the girl he was ordered to deliver might be the key to breaking them both free.
Some truths cut deeper than any blade—and some bonds are written in blood long before they are born.
Perfect for fans of deeply romantic fantasy with emotional weight, found family, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fated mates connection that doesn’t skip the pain—or the payoff.
A complete seven-book romantasy saga filled with fated mates, emotional slow burn, found family, and soul-deep healing.
Fate stole his memory. Fate shattered her world. But fate’s cruelest trick is still to come.
Areya wakes in a jail cell with her mother’s blood on her hands—and no memory of how it got there.
Then he arrives.
Ash is a shadow made flesh. A weapon without a past, bound by a curse that erased everything he once was. He has one deliver the girl to his king.
He’s never questioned an order.
He’s never failed a mission.
He’s never wanted to.
Areya is shattered hollowed by grief, broken by loss. But there's something electric in the space between them. A pull that cracks the edges of Ash's carefully controlled silence.
Then she learns the truth that breaks he’s the reason her mother is dead.
Now hatred is all she has left. The only thing keeping her alive is the burning need to survive long enough to make him pay.
But as pieces of Ash’s stolen memories return, the line between enemy and ally begins to blur. The man who destroyed her life might be the only one who can save it. And the girl he was ordered to deliver might be the key to breaking them both free.
Some truths cut deeper than any blade—and some bonds are written in blood long before they are born.
Perfect for fans of deeply romantic fantasy with emotional weight, found family, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fated mates connection that doesn’t skip the pain—or the payoff.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
248 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
October 1, 2025
Thank You Netgalley and Cosette Verge for an ARC of this book!
This was a remarkable start to the Fated series. I wouldn't say this is super similar to ACOTAR but it lives in the same zip code and I think it will share a similar fan base.
Let me tell you, I am tapped out with fantasy. You know when you read too much of any genre and they all start to bleed together? I'm about 5 books past that and I'm in desperate need of a palate cleanser. However, this gorgeous girl has an archive date coming up on Netgalley and my anxiety doesn't let me wait until past the archive date 🙃.. This book had no problems standing out! I absolutely loved it here! The connection between the FMC & MMC!? oh my God, it's disgusting how much they made me feel things. Like these two really REALLY should want to kill each other and the way they fall together instead is just absolutely beautiful.. The storyline itself is nothing short of gripping and addictive.. The world building is great and will leave you wanting to live there. And honestly after reading the sneak peak of the second book that somehow sounds even better.
This is definitely a series I will personally be continuing and definitely recommend!
This was a remarkable start to the Fated series. I wouldn't say this is super similar to ACOTAR but it lives in the same zip code and I think it will share a similar fan base.
Let me tell you, I am tapped out with fantasy. You know when you read too much of any genre and they all start to bleed together? I'm about 5 books past that and I'm in desperate need of a palate cleanser. However, this gorgeous girl has an archive date coming up on Netgalley and my anxiety doesn't let me wait until past the archive date 🙃.. This book had no problems standing out! I absolutely loved it here! The connection between the FMC & MMC!? oh my God, it's disgusting how much they made me feel things. Like these two really REALLY should want to kill each other and the way they fall together instead is just absolutely beautiful.. The storyline itself is nothing short of gripping and addictive.. The world building is great and will leave you wanting to live there. And honestly after reading the sneak peak of the second book that somehow sounds even better.
This is definitely a series I will personally be continuing and definitely recommend!
July 19, 2025
DNF @ 25%
Here's why:
1. The perpetual use of passive voice.
Example: "So, it had been decided." It feels like you're "beating around the bush" so-to-speak; you aren't taking the direct approach to writing. You're inadvertently distancing both the reader and characters from the decision and actions taking place within the context of that particular moment.
Correction: "It's decided: ..." It's a direct, active, and working type of writing. It's immersive, which is where you want readers to be at all times.
Now could this just be the author's personal writing style? Of course. But it doesn't change the fact that I personally am not a fan. Reminder: This review is my personal opinion.
2. These chapters are VERY long and full of unnecessary description that takes away from any actual plot.
We often use the phrase "Show. Don't tell." However, there is a limit to how much description is necessary to achieve the image you're looking for. The Prologue of this novel starts with a murder, but then chapters 1 & 2 backtrack to a few days prior to said murder, and this covers the first 100 pages of the novel! Honestly, the Prologue and first 2-3 chapters could've been combined into one chapter for a smoother introduction to this fantasy world.
3. The characters don't fit. Their immediate acceptance of magic (the FMC) and realization of lies/deception by authority figures (the MMC) is just too unrealistic.
While I understand this is a fantasy and some things don't have to make sense according to "real life" logic, it is unbelievable that someone who was once human (knowing nothing about magic or other worlds at all) would immediately accept that magic is real, let alone that it flows within her AND SHE JUST "FIGURES OUT" HOW TO USE IT. (This all happened within the first 5 chapters of the book!) Additionally, the MMC has been created to be a drone-like enforcer for the king. Why is it that after just one incident with the FMC's magic he realizes he's been tricked? That's a rather abrupt change in character. It just doesn't work. These changes in character should be gradual and take some serious time.
I wanted to like this novel because the idea is great and it has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be continuing on with the rest of the series.
Here's why:
1. The perpetual use of passive voice.
Example: "So, it had been decided." It feels like you're "beating around the bush" so-to-speak; you aren't taking the direct approach to writing. You're inadvertently distancing both the reader and characters from the decision and actions taking place within the context of that particular moment.
Correction: "It's decided: ..." It's a direct, active, and working type of writing. It's immersive, which is where you want readers to be at all times.
Now could this just be the author's personal writing style? Of course. But it doesn't change the fact that I personally am not a fan. Reminder: This review is my personal opinion.
2. These chapters are VERY long and full of unnecessary description that takes away from any actual plot.
We often use the phrase "Show. Don't tell." However, there is a limit to how much description is necessary to achieve the image you're looking for. The Prologue of this novel starts with a murder, but then chapters 1 & 2 backtrack to a few days prior to said murder, and this covers the first 100 pages of the novel! Honestly, the Prologue and first 2-3 chapters could've been combined into one chapter for a smoother introduction to this fantasy world.
3. The characters don't fit. Their immediate acceptance of magic (the FMC) and realization of lies/deception by authority figures (the MMC) is just too unrealistic.
While I understand this is a fantasy and some things don't have to make sense according to "real life" logic, it is unbelievable that someone who was once human (knowing nothing about magic or other worlds at all) would immediately accept that magic is real, let alone that it flows within her AND SHE JUST "FIGURES OUT" HOW TO USE IT. (This all happened within the first 5 chapters of the book!) Additionally, the MMC has been created to be a drone-like enforcer for the king. Why is it that after just one incident with the FMC's magic he realizes he's been tricked? That's a rather abrupt change in character. It just doesn't work. These changes in character should be gradual and take some serious time.
I wanted to like this novel because the idea is great and it has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be continuing on with the rest of the series.
September 21, 2025
*ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
5/5 Stars
˗ˏˋ ꒰ Tropes ꒱ ˎˊ˗
❀ Enemies To Lovers
🩹 Slow Burn
❀ High Stakes
🩹 Last Of There Kind
𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights
-ˋˏ ༻”When I’m with you, Areya…I feel alive”༺ ˎˊ-
✦•┈๑⋅⋯”You make me want to be good, Areya. You make me believe I can be.”⋯⋅๑┈•✦
｡ ₊°༺”He was mine. I was his.”༻°₊ ｡
💭 Thoughts-
-ˋˏ✄┈┈Ohhh my gosh, this book. This book was honestly just amazing!! I loved it and was obsessed and could not stop reading it!!!
-ˋˏ✄┈┈The world building, and characters were just incredible and so immersive I felt like I felt what they were feeling, and did what they were doing.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈The character's growth was also just perfection and I need to immediately read the next one as soon as possible.
5/5 Stars
˗ˏˋ ꒰ Tropes ꒱ ˎˊ˗
❀ Enemies To Lovers
🩹 Slow Burn
❀ High Stakes
🩹 Last Of There Kind
𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights
-ˋˏ ༻”When I’m with you, Areya…I feel alive”༺ ˎˊ-
✦•┈๑⋅⋯”You make me want to be good, Areya. You make me believe I can be.”⋯⋅๑┈•✦
｡ ₊°༺”He was mine. I was his.”༻°₊ ｡
💭 Thoughts-
-ˋˏ✄┈┈Ohhh my gosh, this book. This book was honestly just amazing!! I loved it and was obsessed and could not stop reading it!!!
-ˋˏ✄┈┈The world building, and characters were just incredible and so immersive I felt like I felt what they were feeling, and did what they were doing.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈The character's growth was also just perfection and I need to immediately read the next one as soon as possible.
dnf
October 11, 2025Thank you so much to NetGalley and Cosette Verga for a copy of this book!
✧･ﾟ: 𝚙𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 ･ﾟ:✧ ↴
I am so excited to read this book! Can we talk about how the cover is so freaking pretty? I read the synopsis, and I already have questions like how did she end up in jail? What happened to her mother? I should probably start reading!
✧･ﾟ: 𝚙𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 ･ﾟ:✧ ↴
I am so excited to read this book! Can we talk about how the cover is so freaking pretty? I read the synopsis, and I already have questions like how did she end up in jail? What happened to her mother? I should probably start reading!
December 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and author Cosette Verga for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m so glad I got to read it. 💖
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
🌙 Review: Fated by Cosette Verga
𓍊𓋼𓍊 5 ☆♡
🗡 Update (12/15/25)
❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥
Fated opens Cosette Verga’s series with a clear promise: fast-paced romantic dark fantasy, a somber atmosphere, and a high-impact romance. From the very beginning, the author sets the emotional tone of the book, weaving themes such as love, forgiveness, resilience, and second chances into the core of the experience.
The narrative follows Areya and is built entirely from her perspective, which makes everything feel more intimate. Her insecurity, desire, fear, and courage are experienced from the inside out, greatly enhancing immersion.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ What makes the book work so well
● Immersion + fluid writing: Verga’s prose has a natural pull. The worldbuilding is delivered with Confidence, never turning into a lecture, and you can feel that there is a much larger universe behind the story, with extra care given to the setting (there’s even a world map).
● High-tension romance: This isn’t an endless “almost.” The dynamic between Areya and Ash is designed to be intense, filled with magnetism, confrontation, and emotional surrender. It works especially well because the tension is sustained through small moments, glances, reactions, subtle details.
● Emotionally compelling characters: Areya’s strengthening arc is deeply satisfying to follow, while Ash carries classic anti-hero energy: dangerous and complex, yet with cracks of humanity that make the relationship increasingly addictive.
● True page-turner pacing: The story moves at a fast clip, with constant tension and a sense of risk, the kind of book that makes you think, “just one more chapter.”
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Ash is simply perfect
Some characters win you over by what they do. Ash wins you over by who he is, and, above all, by the way he speaks.
Verga crafts Ash as that rare kind of anti-hero who never needs to beg for attention. He commands presence without raising his voice, dominates a room without becoming a caricature, and embodies a nearly cruelly appealing combination in a fictional man: danger paired with self-control.
What makes him “perfect” isn’t just his strength or his dark aura. It’s his emotional precision.
Ash speaks to Areya in a way that makes it feel like he’s always two steps ahead, not to control her, but to steady the world when she falters. He doesn’t deliver flowery speeches; he uses short, firm sentences loaded with intention. His words don’t ask permission to exist, and that’s exactly why they feel so grounding.
And then comes the most captivating blow: he doesn’t see Areya only as desire. He sees what she tries to hide.
The text gives Ash a kind of attention that isn’t “sweet,” but dangerous. He notices nuances, reads silences, understands what lies behind a look or a pause. This creates an intimacy that doesn’t rely on melodrama, but on being truly seen. And being seen in the right way is addictive.
Another reason he’s irresistible: he manages to be intense without being overbearing. When he provokes, it’s not to humiliate, it’s to draw closer. When he’s firm, it’s not to crush, it’s to stabilize. It’s in this balance that he becomes “perfect,” blending authority, care, and desire in the same tone without breaking character coherence.
In the end, Ash is captivating because he embodies a very specific emotional fantasy: someone who is a storm by nature, but who chooses to be shelter with you. And he completely stole my heart. ❤
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Areya is a protagonist who holds you
Areya doesn’t win you over by being “the strongest” from the start. She wins you over by being real.
Cosette Verga writes Areya with rare humanity. She has insecurities, fears, and a deeply sensitive heart, but none of this is used to diminish her. On the contrary, that sensitivity becomes the engine of her growth. Areya shows that strength isn’t the absence of fear; it’s continuing to exist even when fear tries to take over everything.
What makes her so compelling is that she isn’t an empty fantasy of perfection. She’s a far more addictive fantasy: someone learning to see herself through new eyes.
Her voice is intimate, honest, sometimes contradictory, like real people. You feel as though you’re following genuine thoughts and emotions, not a pre-packaged script. That creates immediate connection, because Areya doesn’t feel like a “constructed” character; she feels like someone trying to understand herself while the world demands answers too quickly.
Another major strength: the author gives Areya softness without turning it into passivity. She’s gentle, but not naive. She’s emotional, but not weak. There’s a quiet firmness between the lines, a kind of silent courage, that becomes more evident the more we get to know who she truly is.
And the most beautiful part: Areya doesn’t need to become someone else to be admirable. She only needs to embrace what already existed within her and had been silenced. That’s why she captivates, she doesn’t ask you to believe in an unattainable heroine. She invites you to believe in a protagonist who grows from the inside out, making you want to turn the page just to see the version of her that’s being born.
Areya is the kind of character who doesn’t shout strength. She reveals it.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Things that might not work for everyone
● If you prefer a very gradual slow burn, Fated may feel “fast” in how the couple comes together.
● As a dark fantasy, expect a heavier atmosphere and shadowy elements (this is fantasy romance with darkness, not a lighthearted tale).
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Verdict
Fated is the kind of book that doesn’t spend a hundred pages warming you up. It dives straight into atmosphere, tension, and emotion, pulling you into its universe with ease. The reading experience flows quickly, driven by a writing style that maintains high momentum and a constant sense of intensity, both in the worldbuilding and in the emotional dynamic between the protagonists.
The romance works because it doesn’t rely solely on big, dramatic scenes. It’s sustained by magnetism, contrasting personalities, and a connection that becomes increasingly impossible to ignore. At the same time, the dark fantasy tone adds extra weight, making the experience denser and more addictive, as if something larger is always looming in the background.
In the end, this is a book for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with strong romance, characters who captivate through presence, and a story that makes time disappear as you read. It doesn’t demand patience, it asks only one thing: that you allow yourself to be hooked right from the start.
I absolutely loved this reading experience. It was a very pleasant surprise, engaging from beginning to end, deeply immersive, and delivering the kind of intense romance that makes you want to keep turning pages. I’ll definitely be continuing the series and reading the next books.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (12/13/2025): I read the synopsis of this book and got so curious. I really hope I end up loving this read ❤️ I’ll come back later to tell you how it went :)
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
🌙 Review: Fated by Cosette Verga
𓍊𓋼𓍊 5 ☆♡
🗡 Update (12/15/25)
❝I choose you, Areya,❞ Ash whispered against my ear. ❝Not because of destiny or magic, but because you're my best friend. The lover of my life. The one I want to face everything with.❞
❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥
Fated opens Cosette Verga’s series with a clear promise: fast-paced romantic dark fantasy, a somber atmosphere, and a high-impact romance. From the very beginning, the author sets the emotional tone of the book, weaving themes such as love, forgiveness, resilience, and second chances into the core of the experience.
The narrative follows Areya and is built entirely from her perspective, which makes everything feel more intimate. Her insecurity, desire, fear, and courage are experienced from the inside out, greatly enhancing immersion.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ What makes the book work so well
● Immersion + fluid writing: Verga’s prose has a natural pull. The worldbuilding is delivered with Confidence, never turning into a lecture, and you can feel that there is a much larger universe behind the story, with extra care given to the setting (there’s even a world map).
● High-tension romance: This isn’t an endless “almost.” The dynamic between Areya and Ash is designed to be intense, filled with magnetism, confrontation, and emotional surrender. It works especially well because the tension is sustained through small moments, glances, reactions, subtle details.
● Emotionally compelling characters: Areya’s strengthening arc is deeply satisfying to follow, while Ash carries classic anti-hero energy: dangerous and complex, yet with cracks of humanity that make the relationship increasingly addictive.
● True page-turner pacing: The story moves at a fast clip, with constant tension and a sense of risk, the kind of book that makes you think, “just one more chapter.”
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Ash is simply perfect
Some characters win you over by what they do. Ash wins you over by who he is, and, above all, by the way he speaks.
Verga crafts Ash as that rare kind of anti-hero who never needs to beg for attention. He commands presence without raising his voice, dominates a room without becoming a caricature, and embodies a nearly cruelly appealing combination in a fictional man: danger paired with self-control.
What makes him “perfect” isn’t just his strength or his dark aura. It’s his emotional precision.
Ash speaks to Areya in a way that makes it feel like he’s always two steps ahead, not to control her, but to steady the world when she falters. He doesn’t deliver flowery speeches; he uses short, firm sentences loaded with intention. His words don’t ask permission to exist, and that’s exactly why they feel so grounding.
And then comes the most captivating blow: he doesn’t see Areya only as desire. He sees what she tries to hide.
The text gives Ash a kind of attention that isn’t “sweet,” but dangerous. He notices nuances, reads silences, understands what lies behind a look or a pause. This creates an intimacy that doesn’t rely on melodrama, but on being truly seen. And being seen in the right way is addictive.
Another reason he’s irresistible: he manages to be intense without being overbearing. When he provokes, it’s not to humiliate, it’s to draw closer. When he’s firm, it’s not to crush, it’s to stabilize. It’s in this balance that he becomes “perfect,” blending authority, care, and desire in the same tone without breaking character coherence.
In the end, Ash is captivating because he embodies a very specific emotional fantasy: someone who is a storm by nature, but who chooses to be shelter with you. And he completely stole my heart. ❤
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Areya is a protagonist who holds you
Areya doesn’t win you over by being “the strongest” from the start. She wins you over by being real.
Cosette Verga writes Areya with rare humanity. She has insecurities, fears, and a deeply sensitive heart, but none of this is used to diminish her. On the contrary, that sensitivity becomes the engine of her growth. Areya shows that strength isn’t the absence of fear; it’s continuing to exist even when fear tries to take over everything.
What makes her so compelling is that she isn’t an empty fantasy of perfection. She’s a far more addictive fantasy: someone learning to see herself through new eyes.
Her voice is intimate, honest, sometimes contradictory, like real people. You feel as though you’re following genuine thoughts and emotions, not a pre-packaged script. That creates immediate connection, because Areya doesn’t feel like a “constructed” character; she feels like someone trying to understand herself while the world demands answers too quickly.
Another major strength: the author gives Areya softness without turning it into passivity. She’s gentle, but not naive. She’s emotional, but not weak. There’s a quiet firmness between the lines, a kind of silent courage, that becomes more evident the more we get to know who she truly is.
And the most beautiful part: Areya doesn’t need to become someone else to be admirable. She only needs to embrace what already existed within her and had been silenced. That’s why she captivates, she doesn’t ask you to believe in an unattainable heroine. She invites you to believe in a protagonist who grows from the inside out, making you want to turn the page just to see the version of her that’s being born.
Areya is the kind of character who doesn’t shout strength. She reveals it.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Things that might not work for everyone
● If you prefer a very gradual slow burn, Fated may feel “fast” in how the couple comes together.
● As a dark fantasy, expect a heavier atmosphere and shadowy elements (this is fantasy romance with darkness, not a lighthearted tale).
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
❤ Verdict
Fated is the kind of book that doesn’t spend a hundred pages warming you up. It dives straight into atmosphere, tension, and emotion, pulling you into its universe with ease. The reading experience flows quickly, driven by a writing style that maintains high momentum and a constant sense of intensity, both in the worldbuilding and in the emotional dynamic between the protagonists.
The romance works because it doesn’t rely solely on big, dramatic scenes. It’s sustained by magnetism, contrasting personalities, and a connection that becomes increasingly impossible to ignore. At the same time, the dark fantasy tone adds extra weight, making the experience denser and more addictive, as if something larger is always looming in the background.
In the end, this is a book for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with strong romance, characters who captivate through presence, and a story that makes time disappear as you read. It doesn’t demand patience, it asks only one thing: that you allow yourself to be hooked right from the start.
I absolutely loved this reading experience. It was a very pleasant surprise, engaging from beginning to end, deeply immersive, and delivering the kind of intense romance that makes you want to keep turning pages. I’ll definitely be continuing the series and reading the next books.
⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂⁂⋆⁺⋆ ⸼ ⁂
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (12/13/2025): I read the synopsis of this book and got so curious. I really hope I end up loving this read ❤️ I’ll come back later to tell you how it went :)
March 1, 2025
"A Spellbinding Fantasy of Fate, Betrayal, and Undeniable Passion"
⚫️Cosette Verga’s Fated is a stunning mix of dark fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romance, drawing readers into a realm where destiny feels like both a curse and a temptation. With high-stakes adventure, forbidden magic, and a slow-burning yet explosive chemistry between its main characters, this novel is ideal for those who love gripping, emotional storytelling.
⚫️Areya’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. Thrown into a nightmare after being wrongfully accused of a crime, she finds herself at the mercy of Ash—a man forged into a weapon, his past taken by fate. Their connection is filled with animosity, yet an undeniable force pulls them together, creating a thrilling push-and-pull dynamic that keeps the tension alive on every page. As their destinies intertwine, the novel skillfully delves into themes of power, betrayal, and redemption, making each twist and revelation resonate deeply.
⚫️Verga’s worldbuilding is rich and immersive, crafting a dark and perilous kingdom where survival is never assured. The plot moves quickly, packed with unexpected twists, and the romance is as intoxicating as it is heartbreaking. The complexity of Ash and Areya’s relationship—rooted in pain yet tinged with the hope of salvation—makes this story impossible to set aside.
⚫️With its evocative prose, intense character dynamics, and a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, Fated is an unforgettable beginning to what promises to be an exciting series. Fans of passionate, high-stakes fantasy romance will find themselves completely captivated, eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Happy reading ❤️✨
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fated had me HOOKED from page 1. I never grew attached to two characters so quickly, ash and areya have my heart! This book was everything from slow burn to intense chemistry, plot twists that blew my mind and a world and magic described in such a brilliant way. Cosette Verga the author that you are! I can’t wait to finish this series I am obsessed!! 🤩
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! :)
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fated had me HOOKED from page 1. I never grew attached to two characters so quickly, ash and areya have my heart! This book was everything from slow burn to intense chemistry, plot twists that blew my mind and a world and magic described in such a brilliant way. Cosette Verga the author that you are! I can’t wait to finish this series I am obsessed!! 🤩
Thank you to NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! :)
February 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The premise had me really, really excited... and every single expectation I had, unfortunately crumbled down rather quickly. Till the very end, I was hoping that I will find something, anything that will make me round up to two stars, hoping to see that special spark, even if faint, but when I finally found it, it was both too late and it wasn't enough anymore.
There were few major flaws for me, that I feel like I need to divide into separate sections, just to give them justice (and to explain why I didn't like it, because I can't just say I didn't and leave it like that, right?).
One: the pacing
I felt like Fated was completely chaotic. The type of chaos you can sometimes find in short novellas, where the author is trying to fit as much of different activities into already cramped space. The same type that at the same time makes the book feel rushed, but you feel like nothing really happened despite making progress.
Two: the writing style
It were mostly the very short sentences, that quickly caught my attention. Personally, they weren't helping me in connecting with the book, especially with how often they were happening (I think I can risk taking a guess, that they probably took about one quarter of the book itself).
Three: the plot
There were simply too many things, that just didn't add-up to me. I feel like the main character was very... accepting of everything that happened in her life, not to mention the fact, that she seemed to take the whole part pretty chill for someone, who until few days ago had absolutely no idea about anything plus went through something traumatic. The changes in the characters seemed almost instant - something that would take most of the book happened in the spawn of few chapters.
There's also one more thing worth mentioning and that being... the whole enemies to lovers trope, that the book promised? (and yes, I double checked, to make sure I didn't imagine it) It was the shortest one I have ever seen in any book so far and if my math isn't as bad as it usually is (and on top of everything at this hour because at the time of writing the review it's almost midnight) it lasted whole .
Overall, I'm a bit curious what will happen next, mostly because the book ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm unsure if I will get a chance to finish the series, especially any time soon.
The premise had me really, really excited... and every single expectation I had, unfortunately crumbled down rather quickly. Till the very end, I was hoping that I will find something, anything that will make me round up to two stars, hoping to see that special spark, even if faint, but when I finally found it, it was both too late and it wasn't enough anymore.
There were few major flaws for me, that I feel like I need to divide into separate sections, just to give them justice (and to explain why I didn't like it, because I can't just say I didn't and leave it like that, right?).
One: the pacing
I felt like Fated was completely chaotic. The type of chaos you can sometimes find in short novellas, where the author is trying to fit as much of different activities into already cramped space. The same type that at the same time makes the book feel rushed, but you feel like nothing really happened despite making progress.
Two: the writing style
It were mostly the very short sentences, that quickly caught my attention. Personally, they weren't helping me in connecting with the book, especially with how often they were happening (I think I can risk taking a guess, that they probably took about one quarter of the book itself).
Three: the plot
There were simply too many things, that just didn't add-up to me. I feel like the main character was very... accepting of everything that happened in her life, not to mention the fact, that she seemed to take the whole part pretty chill for someone, who until few days ago had absolutely no idea about anything plus went through something traumatic. The changes in the characters seemed almost instant - something that would take most of the book happened in the spawn of few chapters.
There's also one more thing worth mentioning and that being... the whole enemies to lovers trope, that the book promised? (and yes, I double checked, to make sure I didn't imagine it) It was the shortest one I have ever seen in any book so far and if my math isn't as bad as it usually is (and on top of everything at this hour because at the time of writing the review it's almost midnight) it lasted whole .
Overall, I'm a bit curious what will happen next, mostly because the book ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm unsure if I will get a chance to finish the series, especially any time soon.
July 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was so addictive from the very beginning! I can’t wait to read book 2! I need more!
December 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75 stars
Fated was an emotional read with a really strong love at the center of the story. The bond between the two main characters is intense and clearly meant to be unbreakable, and that part of the book worked really well for me.
That said, some parts felt rushed — especially once we find out who she’s fated to. Their relationship moves very quickly, and I would’ve loved a little more time to see that connection grow. I also struggled a bit with the world-building. There’s a lot of information given all at once, and it was hard for me to fully process everything as I was reading.
On the flip side, I really enjoyed the amount of detail and backstory included. I loved learning more about the characters’ histories, and the friendships between old friends were one of my favorite parts of the book. Those relationships felt genuine and added a lot of heart to the story.
Overall, this book kept me interested, and I’m definitely curious to see what happens next. I’ll be picking up the next book to see where the story goes.
Fated was an emotional read with a really strong love at the center of the story. The bond between the two main characters is intense and clearly meant to be unbreakable, and that part of the book worked really well for me.
That said, some parts felt rushed — especially once we find out who she’s fated to. Their relationship moves very quickly, and I would’ve loved a little more time to see that connection grow. I also struggled a bit with the world-building. There’s a lot of information given all at once, and it was hard for me to fully process everything as I was reading.
On the flip side, I really enjoyed the amount of detail and backstory included. I loved learning more about the characters’ histories, and the friendships between old friends were one of my favorite parts of the book. Those relationships felt genuine and added a lot of heart to the story.
Overall, this book kept me interested, and I’m definitely curious to see what happens next. I’ll be picking up the next book to see where the story goes.
January 11, 2026
This book is both what I wanted and what I didn't. Super excited to read this as an ARC and loved the storyline itself, but had difficulty getting into it. The story has good bones and by the end of it I was very invested, however some of the random things happening or that the characters experienced seemed to have just been thrown in without thought to how it actually fit into the type of story/world that was being built. I will continue to read the series, albeit slowly, because I am interested in where it's going now.
December 29, 2025
I liked the writing and idea behind this but think I'm too old to be the target audience.
There was a rich history to the worlds.
There was a whole section in the middle that I didn't feel like drove the plot forward, and it pulled the age down for me (mall shopping and paintball montage).
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
There was a rich history to the worlds.
There was a whole section in the middle that I didn't feel like drove the plot forward, and it pulled the age down for me (mall shopping and paintball montage).
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
September 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I was drawn in literally after the first few chapters and couldn’t put it down! I love the different species that are within this book and the way the story came together at the end. I hate Cynthia with a passion that’s for sure! I can’t wait to read the next book!
December 4, 2025
Read as an ARC from NetGalley, OUT NOW
4.5 stars
Okay I did not expect to like this book as much as I did and now I’m dying to start the second book.
Had me hooked from page 1 cos WHAT A PROLOGUE 🫠
In the era of reading we are in right now I’m finding it hard to get into fantasy/romantasy books because I find that they are all just copies of one another with the same storyline however this one shook me to my core. The premise, the different kingdoms, the array of powers and THE RIPPERS. I’m shook.
Cosette you have me hooked
4.5 stars
Okay I did not expect to like this book as much as I did and now I’m dying to start the second book.
Had me hooked from page 1 cos WHAT A PROLOGUE 🫠
In the era of reading we are in right now I’m finding it hard to get into fantasy/romantasy books because I find that they are all just copies of one another with the same storyline however this one shook me to my core. The premise, the different kingdoms, the array of powers and THE RIPPERS. I’m shook.
Cosette you have me hooked
January 21, 2026
The first 25% was really hard to get through. I didn’t love the writing and the story felt very first then next (elementary paragraph). Once I got through the first 25% though, the writing got better and the story picked up and I fell in love with the characters and the magic!
February 8, 2026
A great intro into the series, this reminds me a lot of ACOTAR! It’s a wonderful romantasy book that drew me in immediately. I enjoyed the world building and felt the characters were relatable and lovable. I am deff going to look into book 2 next!
November 22, 2025
A pleasant surprise to read, the word building and creation of the world inside was so fun to read, especially cresenthia. i loved it!! The book kept me hooked with the enemies to lovers trope, and Areyas powers were SO COOL, i never once got bored throughout the book, which says a lot! ( I just wish it had more scenes where Ash and Areya connected more through dialogue), and i immediately wanted to read the next book in the series.
A huge thanks to the author and net galley for the ARC read.
A huge thanks to the author and net galley for the ARC read.
March 9, 2025
Bound by fate. Torn by hate. Consumed by passion.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overview
Cosette Verga's Fated is a dark fantasy romance that drops readers into a world of magic, betrayal, and forbidden desire. The tale of Areya, a young woman whose life is shattered when she awakens covered in blood—her mother killed, her innocence taken, and a deadly stranger lurking in the shadows. Charged with a crime she didn't commit, she's forced into a game of power and deception she never signed up to play.
Then there's Ash—a man with no past, beaten into a callous weapon, and the very demon behind Areya's torments. Cold, unforgiving, and irrevocably tied to her destiny in ways that neither of them could possibly understand. But as their secrets come tumbling out, secret powers arise, and their destinies merge, Areya and Ash find themselves facing an uncomfortable truth: they may be each other's savior—or their final doom.
Why Fated Is an Unmissable Read
✔ Addictive Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
• The tension between Areya and Ash is charged—a fight of loathing, passion, and begrudging trust. Each look is fraught, each touch a challenge, and the slow-burn tension will have you ensnared from the first page.
✔ Dark, Immersive World-Building
• If you're a fan of fantasy worlds soaked in mystery, peril, and forbidden magic, Fated brings a world that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The kingdom under curse, dark betrayals, and hidden prophecies create a world you won't want to leave.
✔ A Story of Power, Destiny & Redemption
• Aside from the romance, this is also a tale of confronting destiny, discovering secrets, and taking back control. Areya's transformation from victim to heroine is fascinating, and Ash's inner conflict between monster and man is heartbreaking and irresistible at the same time.
✔ Great for Dark Fantasy & Romance Enthusiasts
• If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, or Raven Kennedy, you’ll love Fated! It has the forbidden passion, high-stakes adventure, and morally grey characters that make dark fantasy so addictive.
Who Should Read Fated?
✔ Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance who enjoy slow-burning tension and explosive chemistry.
✔ Readers who love dark fantasy worlds with mystery, magic, and high-stakes conflict.
✔ All fans of morally ambiguous characters dancing around love, war, and fate.
✔ Anyone looking for a quick-moving, emotionally charged story that had you on the edge of your seat.
Final Thoughts:
Fated is dark, perilous, and totally addictive. Cosette Verga skillfully integrates a compelling romance into a thrilling fantasy, leaving readers hooked on twists, deceptions, and scorching tension. If you enjoy enemies who can't stay away from one another, a heroine uncovering her strength, and a tormented hero fighting his darkness, this book is a must-read.
Be prepared to be hooked, devastated, and completely obsessed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overview
Cosette Verga's Fated is a dark fantasy romance that drops readers into a world of magic, betrayal, and forbidden desire. The tale of Areya, a young woman whose life is shattered when she awakens covered in blood—her mother killed, her innocence taken, and a deadly stranger lurking in the shadows. Charged with a crime she didn't commit, she's forced into a game of power and deception she never signed up to play.
Then there's Ash—a man with no past, beaten into a callous weapon, and the very demon behind Areya's torments. Cold, unforgiving, and irrevocably tied to her destiny in ways that neither of them could possibly understand. But as their secrets come tumbling out, secret powers arise, and their destinies merge, Areya and Ash find themselves facing an uncomfortable truth: they may be each other's savior—or their final doom.
Why Fated Is an Unmissable Read
✔ Addictive Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
• The tension between Areya and Ash is charged—a fight of loathing, passion, and begrudging trust. Each look is fraught, each touch a challenge, and the slow-burn tension will have you ensnared from the first page.
✔ Dark, Immersive World-Building
• If you're a fan of fantasy worlds soaked in mystery, peril, and forbidden magic, Fated brings a world that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The kingdom under curse, dark betrayals, and hidden prophecies create a world you won't want to leave.
✔ A Story of Power, Destiny & Redemption
• Aside from the romance, this is also a tale of confronting destiny, discovering secrets, and taking back control. Areya's transformation from victim to heroine is fascinating, and Ash's inner conflict between monster and man is heartbreaking and irresistible at the same time.
✔ Great for Dark Fantasy & Romance Enthusiasts
• If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, or Raven Kennedy, you’ll love Fated! It has the forbidden passion, high-stakes adventure, and morally grey characters that make dark fantasy so addictive.
Who Should Read Fated?
✔ Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance who enjoy slow-burning tension and explosive chemistry.
✔ Readers who love dark fantasy worlds with mystery, magic, and high-stakes conflict.
✔ All fans of morally ambiguous characters dancing around love, war, and fate.
✔ Anyone looking for a quick-moving, emotionally charged story that had you on the edge of your seat.
Final Thoughts:
Fated is dark, perilous, and totally addictive. Cosette Verga skillfully integrates a compelling romance into a thrilling fantasy, leaving readers hooked on twists, deceptions, and scorching tension. If you enjoy enemies who can't stay away from one another, a heroine uncovering her strength, and a tormented hero fighting his darkness, this book is a must-read.
Be prepared to be hooked, devastated, and completely obsessed.
November 8, 2025
I genuinely loved this book. The prologue had me hooked instantly. The main characters Areya and Ash I love them so much , especially of how they took care of each other. Ash noticing the little things about Areya had my heart. The only thing I would say is that I don’t really think it was Enemies to lovers because she only hated him for a millisecond and then fell in love with him. But I too would quickly fall in love with Ash😩
Thank you so much NetGalley and Colette Verga for sending me this book!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Colette Verga for sending me this book!
July 20, 2025
This is a spoiler-free review! :)
As an avid Romantasy reader, I knew the second I saw this book on Instagram that I HAD to read it.
Areya is a young woman who woke up one night to find her entire world changed overnight- and that she is being framed for it.
Sitting in jail for a crime she knows she could never commit, she is taken from jail and swept away into an entirely new world by Ash and Calyx- two men forged into weapons. Though she fears them, she can't help but feel drawn to Ash, the brooding, handsome man she encountered while out with friends a mere few days before the events of this book.
As Areya is taken deeper into this world, the dichotomy between the pull and the fear she feels towards Ash continues to develop. What follows is a story full of surprise, magic, healing, and restoration.
One thing this story reminds us is that first impressions are not always accurate- and this shows in the development of these dynamic characters. I found myself unable to put this book down, as there were constantly moments as the story progressed where a character's true nature and potential were revealed, and it was not as I expected (in the best possible way!).
Cosette Verga's world-building is truly phenomenal- amount of detail and planning that must have gone into creating this series makes this world truly come alive.
So many surprises around every corner- and the details all weave together seamlessly. Cossete Verga is a fantastic author, and I'm so excited to see where she continues to take this series, and any of her future work!
I am now beginning the fourth book in this Fated series, and I can tell you- every single page is worth the read! You will NOT regret reading this series.
As an avid Romantasy reader, this series has everything!! Fated bonds, romance and passion in spades, enemies to lovers, found family, a strong FMC(Female Main Character), adventure, magic, and a reminder that in ALL of us, there is great potential to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us, each in our own special way.
I highly recommend this series! Romantasy lovers everywhere will be flocking to this series, and I can't wait to see it!
As an avid Romantasy reader, I knew the second I saw this book on Instagram that I HAD to read it.
Areya is a young woman who woke up one night to find her entire world changed overnight- and that she is being framed for it.
Sitting in jail for a crime she knows she could never commit, she is taken from jail and swept away into an entirely new world by Ash and Calyx- two men forged into weapons. Though she fears them, she can't help but feel drawn to Ash, the brooding, handsome man she encountered while out with friends a mere few days before the events of this book.
As Areya is taken deeper into this world, the dichotomy between the pull and the fear she feels towards Ash continues to develop. What follows is a story full of surprise, magic, healing, and restoration.
One thing this story reminds us is that first impressions are not always accurate- and this shows in the development of these dynamic characters. I found myself unable to put this book down, as there were constantly moments as the story progressed where a character's true nature and potential were revealed, and it was not as I expected (in the best possible way!).
Cosette Verga's world-building is truly phenomenal- amount of detail and planning that must have gone into creating this series makes this world truly come alive.
So many surprises around every corner- and the details all weave together seamlessly. Cossete Verga is a fantastic author, and I'm so excited to see where she continues to take this series, and any of her future work!
I am now beginning the fourth book in this Fated series, and I can tell you- every single page is worth the read! You will NOT regret reading this series.
As an avid Romantasy reader, this series has everything!! Fated bonds, romance and passion in spades, enemies to lovers, found family, a strong FMC(Female Main Character), adventure, magic, and a reminder that in ALL of us, there is great potential to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us, each in our own special way.
I highly recommend this series! Romantasy lovers everywhere will be flocking to this series, and I can't wait to see it!
October 24, 2025
I really enjoyed Ash and Areya’s story. It did take me a minute to get into the story, but I felt the potential, and once I kept reading, I was invested in the characters and the plot. I’m interested to see where Ash and Areya’s story goes and more of Areya’s character development because I feel like there’s so much growth to be had there. Overall, an enjoyable series that I will be continuing. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book.
February 6, 2026
FATED BY COSETTE VERGA
OUT NOW
Book 1
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Stunning cover.
Now that's how you write a prologue 👏.
I was dragged in from that alone and I just wanted to sit in my chair and read and be taken Into this world of magic (mama of 4 kids so these kids of mine had other ideas).
It's been a very long time since I've read any fantasy books and let me tell you this book has made me fall in love with the genre all over again.
I'm in love with this world and so excited to see where cosette will take me next ♥
Bring on book 2 AWAKENED
OUT NOW
Book 1
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Stunning cover.
Now that's how you write a prologue 👏.
I was dragged in from that alone and I just wanted to sit in my chair and read and be taken Into this world of magic (mama of 4 kids so these kids of mine had other ideas).
It's been a very long time since I've read any fantasy books and let me tell you this book has made me fall in love with the genre all over again.
I'm in love with this world and so excited to see where cosette will take me next ♥
Bring on book 2 AWAKENED
July 16, 2025
I’m speechless, I was hooked from the very beginning of the book. I got lost in the world the author has created and it felt like I was there with the characters. I completely connected with the MC and felt the grief that she goes through. Some things are repetitive in chapters but it didn’t affect the book at all.
Absolutely loved this book can’t wait to read more.
Absolutely loved this book can’t wait to read more.
January 22, 2026
ARC Review
Overall: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Plot: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
World Building: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Magic System 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Spice: 🌶️
Fated is an easy to read romantasy that could easily double as a summer beach read. There’s a kinda lightness to the way this is written, making it an easy gateway tale into the genre. Those fully immersed in world of Fantasy/Romantasy reading may struggle with this one.
The writing was rather basic and didn’t leave much to the imagination. Which can be both a good and bad thing depending on your preference. In some instances, I appreciate Fated didn’t take forever and day to get to a point. But there were some plot moments that deserved a little bit more time developing.
SPOILERS GOING FORWARD
I’m all for a little naivety among one of the MC, but Areya this man murdered your mother. Have a backbone girl. Make him grovel a little more. I mean he murders your mom and not even 15 chapters later you’re declaring your love for him. Geez 🙄 I wish the enemies to lovers trope was more intense and longer. It felt rushed in a way that was hard to ignore. Anyone describing this as a slow burn…had me thinking slow where?!?! The ‘I hate you’ to ‘I will burn the world for you’ happened so fast, I’m sure I got a bit whiplashed.
There is a good amount of world building, and I do love when there’s a map. I like that there’s a more futuristic/modern vibe in Ash’s kingdom than the usual Victorian-esque pageantry seen. I kinda wish there was a family tree to track the crazy genealogy of Areya and the other kingdoms. It all came together at the end, but when first introduced it took me a minute.
Pacing is quite fast for a 5-book series. So much happened in Fated that I can see how the series is being set up, but without more depth the story flies by in a way that almost does a disservice to the plot.
Ultimately though, Fated did what it needed to do to at least keep me entertained and engaged. I can see some being turned off by the simplicity of the writing especially those readers who yearn for more verse than prose. However, the story moves so swiftly that I’m ready to jump into book 2. I am interested in the side characters and how Areya will step into her queendom and powers to rescue her mate. I can see Calyx being a fan favorite. I hope we get to see how things play out between him and Ash’s sister. Cynthia as the ultimate villain is intriguing. What role will Pearl continue to play? And I just know Shae will be a problem!
Verga gave me just enough in Fated to make me hungry for more.
I wish this was a dual POV after reading Ash’s bonus chapters. It feels like it would add to the missing depth and fill some important gaps.
Overall, I enjoyed Fated. The quest to cure the curse and keep this found family together has my attention.
Tropes
* Fated Mates
* Enemies to lovers
* Found family
* Touch her and die
Overall: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Plot: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
World Building: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Magic System 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: 3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨💫
Spice: 🌶️
Fated is an easy to read romantasy that could easily double as a summer beach read. There’s a kinda lightness to the way this is written, making it an easy gateway tale into the genre. Those fully immersed in world of Fantasy/Romantasy reading may struggle with this one.
The writing was rather basic and didn’t leave much to the imagination. Which can be both a good and bad thing depending on your preference. In some instances, I appreciate Fated didn’t take forever and day to get to a point. But there were some plot moments that deserved a little bit more time developing.
SPOILERS GOING FORWARD
I’m all for a little naivety among one of the MC, but Areya this man murdered your mother. Have a backbone girl. Make him grovel a little more. I mean he murders your mom and not even 15 chapters later you’re declaring your love for him. Geez 🙄 I wish the enemies to lovers trope was more intense and longer. It felt rushed in a way that was hard to ignore. Anyone describing this as a slow burn…had me thinking slow where?!?! The ‘I hate you’ to ‘I will burn the world for you’ happened so fast, I’m sure I got a bit whiplashed.
There is a good amount of world building, and I do love when there’s a map. I like that there’s a more futuristic/modern vibe in Ash’s kingdom than the usual Victorian-esque pageantry seen. I kinda wish there was a family tree to track the crazy genealogy of Areya and the other kingdoms. It all came together at the end, but when first introduced it took me a minute.
Pacing is quite fast for a 5-book series. So much happened in Fated that I can see how the series is being set up, but without more depth the story flies by in a way that almost does a disservice to the plot.
Ultimately though, Fated did what it needed to do to at least keep me entertained and engaged. I can see some being turned off by the simplicity of the writing especially those readers who yearn for more verse than prose. However, the story moves so swiftly that I’m ready to jump into book 2. I am interested in the side characters and how Areya will step into her queendom and powers to rescue her mate. I can see Calyx being a fan favorite. I hope we get to see how things play out between him and Ash’s sister. Cynthia as the ultimate villain is intriguing. What role will Pearl continue to play? And I just know Shae will be a problem!
Verga gave me just enough in Fated to make me hungry for more.
I wish this was a dual POV after reading Ash’s bonus chapters. It feels like it would add to the missing depth and fill some important gaps.
Overall, I enjoyed Fated. The quest to cure the curse and keep this found family together has my attention.
Tropes
* Fated Mates
* Enemies to lovers
* Found family
* Touch her and die
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING and read this book!!! Seriously. Cosette Verga's Fated is not just a fantasy novel—it's an OBSESSION. I am completely blown away by this masterpiece, and I basically inhaled it in one sitting. I'm already mourning the fact that I've finished it and now have to wait for the next one!
First of all, the world-building? INCREDIBLE. I'm talking ancient magic, deep lore, and a universe so rich and detailed you feel like you've actually been there.
And Areya! Oh my gosh, Areya is my new favorite protagonist. She's so relatable, and her journey is an emotional rollercoaster that had me screaming, crying, and cheering for her from start to finish. And don't even get me started on Ash! The dynamic between them is pure fire—they're the kind of characters you just can't get enough of. (Rhysand and Feyre, who?)
For my fellow spicy romance readers, let's talk ratings: the spice level is about a 1 chili pepper. It's there, but not very descriptive. But the yearning? Oh... the yearning is at least 4 chili peppers, and it is EVERYTHING.
The rest of the supporting cast is just as amazing—each one is so well-developed and adds so much to the story. I'm completely invested in all of their relationships and their fates.
The plot is a wild ride of mind-blowing twists that I did NOT see coming. My jaw was on the floor multiple times. The pacing is absolutely perfect, keeping you hooked with heart-pounding action and then hitting you with these beautiful, quiet moments that just melt your heart.
If you love fantasy, if you love strong leads, and if you love a story that will consume your entire being, then you HAVE to pick up Fated. This book is everything, and I am not okay until the sequel is in my hands!
Cosette Verga, as an author, is sweet as can be, and she absolutely adores her fans! Show her some love and follow her on social media! You won't regret it!
(I also may have started to make my dream roster for the audiobook. Both GA and Duet versions. Yeah. It's that good.)
First of all, the world-building? INCREDIBLE. I'm talking ancient magic, deep lore, and a universe so rich and detailed you feel like you've actually been there.
And Areya! Oh my gosh, Areya is my new favorite protagonist. She's so relatable, and her journey is an emotional rollercoaster that had me screaming, crying, and cheering for her from start to finish. And don't even get me started on Ash! The dynamic between them is pure fire—they're the kind of characters you just can't get enough of. (Rhysand and Feyre, who?)
For my fellow spicy romance readers, let's talk ratings: the spice level is about a 1 chili pepper. It's there, but not very descriptive. But the yearning? Oh... the yearning is at least 4 chili peppers, and it is EVERYTHING.
The rest of the supporting cast is just as amazing—each one is so well-developed and adds so much to the story. I'm completely invested in all of their relationships and their fates.
The plot is a wild ride of mind-blowing twists that I did NOT see coming. My jaw was on the floor multiple times. The pacing is absolutely perfect, keeping you hooked with heart-pounding action and then hitting you with these beautiful, quiet moments that just melt your heart.
If you love fantasy, if you love strong leads, and if you love a story that will consume your entire being, then you HAVE to pick up Fated. This book is everything, and I am not okay until the sequel is in my hands!
Cosette Verga, as an author, is sweet as can be, and she absolutely adores her fans! Show her some love and follow her on social media! You won't regret it!
(I also may have started to make my dream roster for the audiobook. Both GA and Duet versions. Yeah. It's that good.)
January 25, 2026
𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓹 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓪 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓮...
Fated felt like a eating a cotton candy that sometimes sizzles on the tongue yk like those popping sweet candies. Wrapped in a cute cover, it was a surprise sometimes, really.
🅿🆁🅾🆂
💋The writing style (It was absolutely gorgeous. It pulled me in by my arms and soaked me in its fluidity. My eyes ran down the entwining sentences with extreme ease and I'm absolutely IN LOVE with the writing.)
💋The chosen one
💋Fated mates
🅲🅾🅽🆂
🚨The fmc's character (i really tired to like Areya, i swear I did but she made it really hard to. I think she lacked unique character and felt more like a self-insert y/n, which threw me off a bit)
🚨Not a slowburn (the description said that it was going to be a slowburn, so I went in completely expecting the YEARNING, the LONGING, but my hopes were dashed. The romance felt wayyyy too fast for a slow burn. I'm not saying it was bad, I'm saying that it wasn't a slowburn even though it was advertised so.
🚨
Ⓟⓔⓡⓢⓞⓝⓐⓛ Ⓝⓞⓣⓔⓢ
I was contemplating whether to put it in as a con, but decided against it cuz it's just a me thing. But please, my lovely dear authors, please, the love of gods, for the love of ANYTHING, JUST PLEEEEAAAASSEEE STOP using the phrase "I pressed my thighs together instinctively 😭😭😭 i BEG this of you. It's so cringyyyy 😭😭😭, it feels like an octopus is closing in it's tentacles whenever I read it. Like pls stop 🚨🚨🚨🚨
𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖
3.4-a-fairytale-for-real/5 (rounded to 3)
꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂
℘ꭈׁׅꫀׁׅܻ ꭈׁׅꫀׁׅܻɑׁׅ֮ժׁׅ݊
Locking in for the otherworldly...
Thank you NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the advance copy of the book!
Fated felt like a eating a cotton candy that sometimes sizzles on the tongue yk like those popping sweet candies. Wrapped in a cute cover, it was a surprise sometimes, really.
🅿🆁🅾🆂
💋The writing style (It was absolutely gorgeous. It pulled me in by my arms and soaked me in its fluidity. My eyes ran down the entwining sentences with extreme ease and I'm absolutely IN LOVE with the writing.)
💋The chosen one
💋Fated mates
🅲🅾🅽🆂
🚨The fmc's character (i really tired to like Areya, i swear I did but she made it really hard to. I think she lacked unique character and felt more like a self-insert y/n, which threw me off a bit)
🚨Not a slowburn (the description said that it was going to be a slowburn, so I went in completely expecting the YEARNING, the LONGING, but my hopes were dashed. The romance felt wayyyy too fast for a slow burn. I'm not saying it was bad, I'm saying that it wasn't a slowburn even though it was advertised so.
🚨
Ⓟⓔⓡⓢⓞⓝⓐⓛ Ⓝⓞⓣⓔⓢ
I was contemplating whether to put it in as a con, but decided against it cuz it's just a me thing. But please, my lovely dear authors, please, the love of gods, for the love of ANYTHING, JUST PLEEEEAAAASSEEE STOP using the phrase "I pressed my thighs together instinctively 😭😭😭 i BEG this of you. It's so cringyyyy 😭😭😭, it feels like an octopus is closing in it's tentacles whenever I read it. Like pls stop 🚨🚨🚨🚨
𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖
3.4-a-fairytale-for-real/5 (rounded to 3)
꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂꧁✮..🔮☽..✮꧂
℘ꭈׁׅꫀׁׅܻ ꭈׁׅꫀׁׅܻɑׁׅ֮ժׁׅ݊
Locking in for the otherworldly...
Thank you NetGalley and Cosette Verga for the advance copy of the book!
January 4, 2026
Rating: 3/5 Fated by Cosette Verga is a romantasy that I had the opportunity to read as an ARC. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong foundation and plenty of potential for the rest of the series.One of the highlights of the novel is the world-building. The setting is immersive and well thought out, making it easy to become invested in the story. I also enjoyed the characters and the premise, particularly the chemistry between the main characters. Their differing personalities play well off one another, and their interactions were engaging and entertaining.The ending was another strong point. It leaves the reader wanting more and eager to see what comes next, especially how the characters will face and overcome their next challenge.That said, I did struggle with a few aspects of the book. The relationships developed very quickly, which made it difficult at times to fully connect with the emotional depth of those bonds. I also found the beginning of the novel a bit challenging, particularly how the characters initially came to know each other—it felt rushed and could have benefited from more development.Additionally, I would love to see the main female character grow more confidence and independence as the series continues. While she has potential, I’m hoping her character expands and strengthens in future installments.Overall, Fated is a solid start to a romantasy series with compelling elements, and I’m curious to see how the story and characters evolve moving forward.
November 5, 2025
2.5⭐️
I'm not usually one for "vampire" books. However, going into this, the prologue hooked me instantly and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
The FMC wakes up covered in blood, only to find her mum dead, and no memory of what happened. In steps our MMC.
Within a few chapters I felt that the "vampire" aspect was forgotten about. When we arrived in Cresinthia it would have been good to see Ash's struggles with not feeding.
Ash became an MMC with great potential, a complete shift to who he was in the beginning of the book. Areya seemed to forget in about 3 seconds about her mum dying and came across very immature at times. I found her cringey and annoying, constantly putting herself down began to grate on me - if it wasn't for the bond she wasn't doing much to appeal to Ash.
I did find myself skim reading at times, I didn't enjoy the tiny sentences, or one/two words per line. I would have preferred more world building for a fantasy book, more character development compared to the sudden shift we did get.
Very grateful to Cosette Verga and NetGalley for the copy of Fated, but unfortunately don't see myself carrying on with the series.
I'm not usually one for "vampire" books. However, going into this, the prologue hooked me instantly and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
The FMC wakes up covered in blood, only to find her mum dead, and no memory of what happened. In steps our MMC.
Within a few chapters I felt that the "vampire" aspect was forgotten about. When we arrived in Cresinthia it would have been good to see Ash's struggles with not feeding.
Ash became an MMC with great potential, a complete shift to who he was in the beginning of the book. Areya seemed to forget in about 3 seconds about her mum dying and came across very immature at times. I found her cringey and annoying, constantly putting herself down began to grate on me - if it wasn't for the bond she wasn't doing much to appeal to Ash.
I did find myself skim reading at times, I didn't enjoy the tiny sentences, or one/two words per line. I would have preferred more world building for a fantasy book, more character development compared to the sudden shift we did get.
Very grateful to Cosette Verga and NetGalley for the copy of Fated, but unfortunately don't see myself carrying on with the series.
February 10, 2026
Fated by Cosette Verga
Star Rating: 4.5
Themes: Good v Evil, Identity/Self-Discovery
Tropes: Slow Burn Romance, Morally Gray, Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Fated Mates
Triggers: Grief/Loss, Murder, Violence, Sexual Content
Fated by Cosette Verga begins with the FMC, Areya's entire world being shattered. Her mother is dead, she's accused and then taken by a 'vampire' named Ash into the magic realm. Everything she thought she knew is over and she struggles with her grief, while trying to understand the hidden truth about herself and her captor that she can't seem to take her eyes off. Ms. Cosette Verga writes these characters like they could jump off the page. As a reader, you can feel the pain, confusion and joy that the differing characters experience throughout the story. At times the writing can feel information being heavily told rather than experienced but it does fit with the characters feeling the rush of time not on their side. The POV chapters at the end were great and could have also been paced throughout the book into more of a dual POV however I can appreciate the decision not to do so as to keep some of these feelings hidden until a later time. Finally, I loved the detail and attention given to character building of non-main characters. Can't wait to start the next book!
Star Rating: 4.5
Themes: Good v Evil, Identity/Self-Discovery
Tropes: Slow Burn Romance, Morally Gray, Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Fated Mates
Triggers: Grief/Loss, Murder, Violence, Sexual Content
Fated by Cosette Verga begins with the FMC, Areya's entire world being shattered. Her mother is dead, she's accused and then taken by a 'vampire' named Ash into the magic realm. Everything she thought she knew is over and she struggles with her grief, while trying to understand the hidden truth about herself and her captor that she can't seem to take her eyes off. Ms. Cosette Verga writes these characters like they could jump off the page. As a reader, you can feel the pain, confusion and joy that the differing characters experience throughout the story. At times the writing can feel information being heavily told rather than experienced but it does fit with the characters feeling the rush of time not on their side. The POV chapters at the end were great and could have also been paced throughout the book into more of a dual POV however I can appreciate the decision not to do so as to keep some of these feelings hidden until a later time. Finally, I loved the detail and attention given to character building of non-main characters. Can't wait to start the next book!
December 18, 2025
Fated by Cosette Verga completely stole my heart. This is one of those books that sinks into you and doesn’t let go, even after you’ve turned the last page. The emotions felt raw, intense, and deeply real, and I found myself genuinely attached to the characters and their journey.
The way the story explores love, fate, and choice was beautiful and painful in the best way. There were moments that made my chest ache, moments that made me hopeful, and moments I had to stop and just feel. The writing flows effortlessly and pulls you into the world so naturally that hours pass without you realizing it.
This book reminded me why I love reading — for stories that make you feel seen, moved, and emotionally invested. If you’re even considering picking up Fated, do it. I loved it, and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
The way the story explores love, fate, and choice was beautiful and painful in the best way. There were moments that made my chest ache, moments that made me hopeful, and moments I had to stop and just feel. The writing flows effortlessly and pulls you into the world so naturally that hours pass without you realizing it.
This book reminded me why I love reading — for stories that make you feel seen, moved, and emotionally invested. If you’re even considering picking up Fated, do it. I loved it, and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
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