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Earth's Blood, Fate's Folly

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Blood that falls upon the earth,
Cannot end all folly’s curse.


In the palace grounds at Taernfane, the four Chosen are training — struggling to understand their newfound powers and wield them with purpose. But when the king of Drahkonia requests that they testify on the events of last autumn, not everyone is able to answer the call.

Lucien’s visions have returned, more frequent and confusing than before. Determined to follow the directions of his goddess, he abandons ship and ventures into shifter territory in search of answers. When an old love crosses his path, so does an old enemy…

For Dare, becoming a Warden of the Flame comes with a pervasive sense of guilt, made worse by the mysterious voice in his head. Is he truly a Chosen, or has he lost his mind? Weakened by uncertainty, he finds himself tangled in a lie that could leave him alone — and brand him a traitor — forever.

This is the second book in the Five Fates series by Lindsey Brounstein.

CLICK ‘BUY NOW’ TO GET LOST IN EARTH’S BLOOD, FATE’S FOLLY TODAY!

519 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2025

1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Lindsey Brounstein

3 books20 followers
Lindsey Brounstein worked in the publishing industry for fifteen years and now spends her days as a freelance editor and author in New Hampshire. For as long as she can remember, Lindsey has had a crazy cast of characters kicking around inside her head. Sometimes, she likes to put two of them in the same room to see what happens. When Lindsey’s not writing, she loves immersing herself in both board and video games, knitting and — of course — reading.

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5 stars
21 (72%)
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7 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie Marie.
11 reviews
June 23, 2025
I received an ARC of this second book in the Five Fates series in exchange for my honest review. So grateful to Lindsey for the opportunity to preview this!

I have struggled a bit with what to write for a review because, while I knew it was a 5-star read for me, I wanted to be able to point out how, but so much of this book was about the way it FELT. The way it made me feel, in ways that are hard to put to paper. I felt so much with this book. Seen and understood. Lindsey says it in the dedication: those who have ever felt like they are too much or not enough? Lindsey wrote this book for you. For me. For us.

Teary stuff out of the way, some things to love about this book were:
- the stuff before the story. Maps, pronunciation guides, recaps if it’s been a while since you picked up the last one. This is always SO appreciated by me when authors include them!
- falling even more in love with our original characters, and falling in love with the new ones (yes I’m absolutely talking about you, Ethriel!). I was a little worried with the MC shift that I’d miss out on our original characters more, but that wasn’t the way it panned out at all, and I’m so grateful I got more time to get to know everyone from FHFF better.
- the symmetry. Watch for it, Lindsey is subtle but masterful!
- the way that trauma and relationships are written feels SO honest and so real. Even as you’re on the outside shaking your head (DARE 👀) the decisions the characters make make sense.
- the way it makes you thing about your perceptions of people and the world, biases and complexities.

Everything you loved about book one is further explored in book two. I highly recommend this epic fantasy world and hope you pick it up!
Profile Image for Jasper Dewaelheyns.
9 reviews
May 28, 2025
Many thanks to Lindsey to providing me with an ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Well, this was all I've been waiting for in book two of the series. We set off some time after the events of book one, and I was there for it. While it may not start off full of action, there is a bunch of wholesome content of them coming to terms and exploring the aftermath of the first book.

But once the story here started rolling, it was like a boulder, unstoppable. There was one character in particular who constantly had me yelling because of choices made (if you know, you know). But the storylines all worked towards their conclusions, for now. Even if one of those brought a substantial amount of emotional damage in the epilogue. Curses on you, villain!

I can't wait to see what is bound to happen in book three, with the new responsibilities and self-discovery the characters went through in this book. And here's to hoping the person deserving it gets what's coming...
Profile Image for Sisa Mancera.
42 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2025
4.5/5
Ummm, once again I was eager to turn to the next page, not a dull moment! This book was a adventurous continuation of the first book. I can’t wait for the third book, ready to find out some things!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of your ARC team!
Profile Image for Sarah Hoodlet.
Author 4 books24 followers
June 9, 2025
Vire’s hells, this book took me for a RIDE.

I really, really enjoyed this book. You follow the same characters you fell in love with in book one, plus a few new ones along the way.

In a cast this big, it’s hard to not choose a favorite, and mine is absolutely Dare. From the minute we met him in book one, I fell in love with his morally gray antihero vibes, his wit, his backstory, and his EMOTIONS. Gods above and below, his emotions are so well done.

Dare is one of the leading MCs, while Lucien is the other. Lucien is just as complex as Dare, and we learn more of his backstory in this book. It’s heartbreaking and endearing and a little aggravating—kind of like Dare, but in a different way.

After the events from the battle at Taernfane, the cast is training with their newly-acquired magic. Eventually, the king asks them to testify to the events from that battle. Most agree, but Lucien decides to follow the visions from his goddess. He encounters many things from his past—some welcomed, others not, and all of it a challenge.

Dare and company make their way to Whitehollow, but of course the journey isn’t as easy as they hoped it would be. They encounter pirates, assassins, and happen upon a little bit of secrecy and deceit. Okay, that last one is mostly Dare.

So much happens in this book. The character development is wonderful, the plot is intriguing, the magic is mysterious, and the action is slow-building but so well crafted. Oh, and the villain… it’s been a long time since I’ve read a villain as deliciously evil as Tanithe Ash. She has this way of getting under everyone’s skin, even the reader. So well done.

Earth’s Blood Fate’s Folly is chock full of intrigue, forgotten magic, relationship dynamics, emotions, and action. Lovers of epic fantasy, with found family and a diverse cast, won’t want to miss this sequel.

I received an advance copy of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
2 reviews
August 6, 2025
Don’t miss the continuing adventures of the Chosen of The Known World and their allies and enemies

“Who am I? What am I?” These are the questions that bedevil the troop of found family as they recover from the ordeal of defeating Tanithe Ash and Corvin Crosse, at least temporarily, and of discovering that some of them are now the Chosen of the newly awakened elemental gods of The Known World. As the Chosen wrestle with their new-found powers and the (often absent) voices of their benefactors, the political situation in their world continues to complicate matters for them and the population as a whole.

The focus, this time, is on Lucien as well as Dare, although all of the friends get their “screen time,” as well as do people in Lucien’s past. The Shifters are starting to feel like they should be getting a better deal and Vire, the god of Chaos, is happy to help them. While Lucien struggles with his inner monster, Jae convinces him to reconnect with the family he abandoned because of the fear of harming them. I won’t reveal any more of that thread of the story because I don’t want to spoil it for those of you who enjoy Lucien as much as I do.

Dare continues to be a bit whiny. When will he realize that he can’t talk his way out of everything? And how does he manage to be both insecure and arrogant at the same time! I’m hoping for his redemption because, underneath, he really is a good guy.

The fight scenes are great, the discussion between the gods and their chosen ones are exasperating and illuminating all at once. The consequences of keeping secrets and failing to communicate in general with each other are dire.

In sum, if you’re looking for very well written, highly engaging adventure, you can’t do better than reading Lindsey Brounstein’s Five Fates series. This second outing is just as good as the first was (Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart).
Profile Image for Becca Mathis.
Author 9 books10 followers
June 23, 2025
I really enjoy the story that's unfolding as this series progresses, and I like the feeling of growth we get from numerous characters thought the book. With a huge cast of characters that have carried over from book one, Brounstein still manages to keep each one distinct and recognizable. The POV chapters from each of the characters were true to who they were, and I really enjoyed a certain POV that we got from a character we met in book one, but didn't get to have a POV chapter from. And the villain of this story? CHEF'S KISS. I hate her like I hate Dolores Umbridge, and that should really say something about the skill with which Brounstein portrays the character.

THAT SAID, this one frustrated me a bit with the way one group of characters were keeping secrets from each other, but the way the other group seemed to always talk about things in a reasonable timeframe was a welcome reprieve (with a cast as large as this, it makes sense to me to "split the party" as it were). I think it likely wouldn't have bothered me so much if there weren't such a stark difference in communication styles between the two groups, and I have personal history about lack of communication that very likely played into my frustration.

Ultimately, even though I personally liked the first book better, I would ABSOLUTELY read this again as part of a series reread, and I cannot WAIT for the next book!

(And fair warning, the book ends on a SLIGHT cliffhanger, but at least gives you hope with the epilogue that things are going to get better in the next book. I normally very much hate cliffhangers, but this one didn't make me want to throw the book (or ereader) like nearly all the rest do.)
Profile Image for Chapter Chirp (Jessica).
228 reviews2 followers
Read
July 2, 2025
ARC Review-
“Earth’s Blood, Fate’s Folly” is book two of the Five Fate’s Series, and is very much a book involving dealing with grief, healing from loss, coming to terms with the consequences from decisions made, and second chances. Book two begins with a prologue that gives readers a glimpse into the backstory of Lucien. Following the prologue, the story picks up where book one left off. The group of six including Verity, Dare, Gregor, Finn, Jae, and Lucien are reeling with the aftermath of the attack in Taernfane and the loss of their friend Solace. With reeling from the aftermath, those newly Chosen are also trying to understand and come to grips with their new-found abilities. The group eventually splits into two groups and set out to tackle various challenges. I really loved that we get to hear more about Lucien’s backstory in this book, his life before becoming a shifter and how becoming a shifter became about. We also get a more in-depth look into his relationship / friendship with Jae so their dynamics are clearer. One of my favorite parts of EBFF, was actually the depth of the different relationships and friendships that are uncovered and really how these dynamics essentially evolve and grow. I have begun to fall in love with these characters. I really look forward to seeing what happens next in the story, the epilogue had me in a literal chokehold as one of my favorite characters’ fates hangs in the balance. Author Lindsey Brounstein has a delightful writing style and is an extraordinary storyteller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for stephanie cox.
1,168 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2025
Earth's Blood, Fate's Folly by Lindsey Brounstein is a strong and satisfying sequel that builds beautifully on the foundation set in book one. We return to Taernfane with the Chosen still reeling from the events of last autumn, and now navigating both the weight of expectation and the complexity of their growing powers. It’s everything I love about YA fantasy sequels—more depth, more world-building, more character arcs that make your heart ache in the best ways.

The multi-POV structure really shines in this installment. Each chapter felt true to the character’s voice and growth, and I especially loved finally getting a POV chapter from a certain character we met in book one (I won’t spoil it, but wow—it was worth the wait). These inner perspectives added such richness and made it easier to connect with the emotional core of the story.

Lucien’s journey, in particular, was a standout. His visions, his devotion to the goddess, and his trek into shifter territory were all filled with tension, mystery, and emotional weight. Toss in an old flame and an old enemy? You know things are about to go sideways. And I loved every second of it.

The pacing was strong, the writing felt assured, and there’s this lingering sense that we’re building toward something huge. While a few threads left me hanging (in the best way), it only made me more eager for the next installment. I need answers. Soon.
Profile Image for Gina.
5 reviews11 followers
June 24, 2025
I loved reading Earth’s Blood, Fate’s Folly as a continuation of the Five Fates series. I couldn’t put this book down as the four Chosen started off unsure of their new powers, and I read even faster as they each faced struggles and succeses as they tried to hone their divine magic. The companionship that Gregor and Verity find in each other, the way I wanted to scream during the trial, and the heartwarming “normal” moments gathered around a cottage breakfast- I loved every word (even the ones that I wish went differently for my favorite found family).

I love Jae’s balance of wit and sincerity, I love Gregor’s determination, and I love Ethriel’s view of love and perspective itself. Additionally, it’s enthralling to see how the characters develop such varied connections with the gods newly in their heads. If you enjoyed reading Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy all the feels as Lindsey takes us on a wild ride to Whitehollow, the Heart, and more. Serioustly, she had me emotional about maple syrup and the grain in a wooden dining table. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this one!

(I had the pleasure of reading this book for free as an ARC reader and am leaving this review voluntarily)
6 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2025
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Let me start with this, the only reason this isn’t a full five stars for me is because a few moments felt a little rushed. I wanted a bit more time with certain scenes or emotional beats. Still, it’s a big improvement from book one. Nothing felt slow, and everything mattered.

I read the first book, FHFH, and absolutely loved it. This one builds on everything that made the first great. The world feels bigger, the magic system has more depth, and the character arcs really stood out. I’m so hooked on this series now.

There’s one character in particular whose spiral completely got me. Their arc pulled at my heart the whole way through. All the character development felt emotional and real, and I loved seeing how far everyone has come.

The dual plotlines were a great choice. Every time the story switched perspectives, it left things just tense enough to keep me flipping pages. Both sides of the story were strong, and the pacing overall kept things moving in a good way.

I can’t wait for book three. I need to know how one character gets out of their mess, whether another finally gets their redemption, and what happens when someone comes back and reveals who they’ve become.
Profile Image for Mikaela.
3 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I am now so invested in this series! I loved how much it's built upon the world building and the magic system from the last book, how the character arcs have developed, all the tension and spiralling for someone in particular that's pulling on all the heartstrings. The plot was great, I very much enjoyed how the story split into the two different plot lines and how with each location switch, there was almost a little mini cliffhanger to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat.

The only thing that is preventing me from giving it 5 stars is that there's still a little bit of a pacing issue. I feel like there were some parts that were glossed over that could have had some more explanation, but it was still a big improvement on the last book (definitely no dragging scenes)!

Can't wait for book 3 to see how a certain someone gets out of the bind they've found themselves in, for another's redemption arc and for someone else to reunite with the others and show off their new self ❤️
2 reviews
August 11, 2025
I read the first book in the series—Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart and was so impressed with it I grabbed a copy of Earth’s Blood, Fate’s Folly in pre-order. It arrived nicely packaged with a few extra goodies inside. The author clearly thought about her fans and ways to make them happy in addition to her book.

Like the first book, this novel is well-plotted, fast-paced and extremely well-written. Also, like the first in the series, this book was exceedingly hard to put down once begun. I found myself caring for the characters, I became deeply involved in their adventures.

All good books engage the reader and this novel was certainly no exception. I found myself rooting for some characters and wishing ill on others. But Ms. Brounstein has a knack for surprising some and the plot trajectory takes some brilliant turns that make you go: “Yeah, that was cool!”

So, now I am hooked and really looking forward to, almost need the author to hurry up and get me the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Whitney Blatsos.
3 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2025
“You are as a stone of the earth, little wolf. Pressure does not break you. It only serves to strengthen you.” Once again, I finish book two of Earth’s Blood Fate’s Folly feeling a deep connection to the characters. Each character’s unique personality, physical attributes, and now magical traits are vividly portrayed and captivating. Brounstein is a master at crafting a diverse cast that evokes every emotion imaginable. Although they are all so different, they are beautifully woven together in a tapestry that is impossible not to adore. I loved getting to know Lucien and Gregor better in this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and enthusiastically.
Profile Image for N.S. Chaudhury.
Author 1 book12 followers
July 1, 2025
The book starts off a little slow for my tastes but once it gets going, it was really hard to put down!

Loved all the character developments and the entire cast was fun to read about but I have to say Dare is still my absolute favourite.

That ending though… Waiting impatiently for book 3.

If you enjoy found family dynamics, a large cast of characters and a villain you would live to hate, do give this a shot. You won't regret it.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Owen Hera-Singh.
111 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2025
This book picks up where book 1 leaves off, and in a spectacular manner, Dare, Verity and the remaining Chosen and their team head off to save the world.
Can the Gods really help them? What does it mean to be a Chosen - and what about those who trust them? Can that trust be maintained?

I loved the continued character progress in this book, and even characters we love to hate end up working their way into our good books!

Bring on book 3, and the next step in the battles the world faces!
Profile Image for JodiMarie Meyer.
Author 2 books20 followers
June 4, 2025
Building on the first book in the series, this book delves more deeply into the characters' inner struggles and their relationships. It also builds on the mysteries of the gods and the current turmoil of the story world in intriguing and nail-biting ways. I am in love with how deftly Brounstein weaves plot, world and lore development, character arcs, and brilliant writing into such an immersive narrative. Once again, I closed the book feeling like I had gone on an adventure with the best of friends and cannot wait to continue discovering the true history behind everything that has gone wrong.

One wonderful surprise, and one of the best features of this book I think, was the depth added to one of the villainous characters in this installment. Without giving spoilers, I will just say that you may end up caring about someone you hated in the first book, and I think that it was done in a really realistic and sympathetic manner, especially the person's internal struggle with their past actions.

I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mary Brunet.
11 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2025
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. Book one, FHFH had been playing over in my head the last couple of years. I was not disappointed in the continuation of these characters stories. I look forward to the prequel and future installments.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
202 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2025
thank you to the author for the eARC!

Yet again, Lindsey had me unable to put this book down! I loved the expansion of the world. But that cliffhanger! What am I supposed to do while I wait for book 3?!
Profile Image for Brittanni Biega.
15 reviews
July 2, 2025
This book took me on a wild ride through fantasy and I truly loved it. This is one you don’t want to miss! I became so invested in Lucien’s journey that I felt like I was there. It is definitely a must read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
61 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2025
The last 150 pages had me holding my breath!

The found family continues to grow in book 2 of the Five Fates series, both in size and connections within.

Thank you for the ARC, and I’m excited for the next book!
2 reviews
July 6, 2025
The saga continues...it's riveting!
I'm invested in the characters.
Dare is one of the Chosen but by which god?
Well written. Can't wait for prequel, Book 3, 4 & 5. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Alexandrine.
84 reviews
July 14, 2025
This was simply amazing.

Me while reading:
Verity😍
wow Dare is so dumb but damn that’s a lot
Corvin redemption!!
Wolves🥺

That ending?? Honestly wow. Such a good book

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
77 reviews
September 26, 2025
I received an ARC for this book and this opinion is my own. 

If you loved Fire’s hand, Fate’s Heart then you will love Earth’s blood, Fate’s folly as well. Lindsey used everything that made me fall in love with book 1 and explored it further in book 2. 

I will try to keep my review spoiler-free. 

Book 2 follows our 6 MCs as they navigate what happened in Taerfane and its repercussions. Our two main characters this time are Dare and Lucien, even if we have chapters from everyone’s pov. 

I really loved how each character’s connection to their new magic was explored. I love that we are learning alongside them. They have still so much to explore and I can’t wait to see what’s done with it. 

I really loved getting to know more about Lucien and the shifters. He was the one we learned the less about in FHFH and the one I was most curious about. And this book did not disappoint on that aspect. 

I also really liked the evolution of all the friendships. How they are starting to rely on each other. A true found family. I love them all so much. 

The action was intense and well written as in book 1. I held my breath each time. 

Lindsey pulled at my heartstrings and left me sobbing, screaming, laughing, giggling, frustrated and every emotion in between.

If you are a fan of high fantasy, magic and found family, you have found the right book.
3 reviews
August 28, 2025
The second book does a great job building on the first. It takes the elements and interactions of the characters further and makes them even more full. The plots moves at a good clip and keeps you interested in each chapter. Looking forward to what happens in the next book!
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