Whispers of Fate by Urriah Wright is the first installment in the Shattered Bloodlines series, an exciting, high-stakes fantasy that immediately captured my interest. With rich descriptive writing and thoughtful and impressive worldbuilding, you will find yourself instantly lost in the magical kingdom of Valcarta and completely unable to put this book down.
One of the first things that I noticed while reading this book was how real the characters felt, each one being unique and brilliantly crafted, including a plethora of strong female characters.
Tito, our protagonist, is the son of a fisherman, born and raised in the quiet seaside village of Ethyrae along with his sibling, the charming and mischievous Ro. Tito is courageous, loyal, and thoughtful. I enjoyed watching the siblings' bond evolve throughout the book.
The author’s descriptions of the seaside village in which Tito and Ro grew up filled me with a sense of nostalgia and a longing to be near the sea. As we follow the siblings on a journey to the kingdom's capital, Atheron, the reader is introduced to an entirely different scene, one replete with bustling streets, crowded markets, small food houses, and the constant sound of music, laughter, and shouting. It is a city teeming with life and dazzling light, and experiencing it for the first time with Ro and Tito was a pleasure. The author did an incredible job of conveying the novelty of the city to the reader, and you can feel the siblings' excitement and trepidation with every carefully chosen word. I must also note that the descriptions of food, in particular, stuck out to me! Smell, texture, and atmosphere are all described in detail, and the author’s lyrical writing style is really highlighted in such scenes.
The plot is unique and different from anything I've ever read before. The magic system and elemental powers are complex and constructed masterfully. We are partially acquainted with the history and lore of Valcarta, but enough is withheld from both the reader and Tito and Ro, building tension and leading up to the next book. The story ends on such a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! The ending is jaw-dropping to say the least, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since finishing the book.
I cannot recommend this book enough. This impressive YA debut novel is a story of magic, family, courage, and a fatal prophecy, perfect for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I look forward to continuing this series and reuniting with Tito and Ro on their journey!