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Gift of Fate
One American woman.
Two modern-day Vikings with a supernatural secret.
Twelve centuries of waiting.
After my last disastrous attempt at dating and growing restless in a life that doesn’t feel like my own, I needed an escape. I’ve always wanted to visit Scandinavia, and my company offered the trip of a lifetime as long as I attended a business conference.
The moment my flight touched down, my dreams were filled with Vikings, battles, and a landscape so vivid it’s hard to believe my psyche made it all up…
But everything became a nightmare when a strange man cornered me in the bathroom, claiming to know more about me than I knew about myself.
Thanks to the scorching hot security at the convention, I was able to get away. Unfortunately, things only got stranger from there. Now I’m trapped with two huge Norse men who keep looking at me in a way that should be forbidden from a pair of lovers. The way I’ve always wanted to be looked at but never felt before.
Can I escape?
Or is there no outrunning my Fate?
Two modern-day Vikings with a supernatural secret.
Twelve centuries of waiting.
After my last disastrous attempt at dating and growing restless in a life that doesn’t feel like my own, I needed an escape. I’ve always wanted to visit Scandinavia, and my company offered the trip of a lifetime as long as I attended a business conference.
The moment my flight touched down, my dreams were filled with Vikings, battles, and a landscape so vivid it’s hard to believe my psyche made it all up…
But everything became a nightmare when a strange man cornered me in the bathroom, claiming to know more about me than I knew about myself.
Thanks to the scorching hot security at the convention, I was able to get away. Unfortunately, things only got stranger from there. Now I’m trapped with two huge Norse men who keep looking at me in a way that should be forbidden from a pair of lovers. The way I’ve always wanted to be looked at but never felt before.
Can I escape?
Or is there no outrunning my Fate?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 20, 2025
There was basically no plot, just sex scenes after sex scenes. I really like the idea of fated mates meeting in every lifetime, but the author didn’t do much with it, which was disappointing.
March 31, 2026
DNF’d at 50%. Gift of Fate by Maeve Marlow absolutely had me in a chokehold at the start. I was locked in, invested, and fully committed (staying up until 2am on a work night committed) while everything between the three main characters was building and unfolding. That part? Elite. No notes. But the second they actually got together… the book kind of fell off a cliff. It’s like all the energy went into the romance (which, fair, it was doing its job), and then the plot was just… a faint whisper in the background, fighting for its life. Once the relationship was established and there was nothing left to chase, I realised there wasn’t really anything else holding the story up, and I simply could not continue.
December 11, 2025
I loved the concept of this, but the execution not so much. Before I started this I did see that it was a book one and I wasn't sure if it was going to be a series of standalones or if the series would follow Mattie, Soren, and Erik, but either way the pacing was really weird. Now that I know the series will follow the three of them I am not quite sure where it's going to go plot wise.
For me this book didn't spend enough time delving into their relationship, both past and present, and it also didn't expand enough on the conflict. I love the idea of reincarnation and the relationships that follow us through those lives, but I feel like this relied too much on the relationship that was already built in their past life. Which isn't bad, but we didn't really get to see much of how their relationship was built in the past. Even though we get flashbacks, there are plenty of times where Mattie says she remembers something that we don't get to see. This made it to where we as the reader weren't experiencing the relationship building.
As far as the conflict goes, there were two and frankly the whole psycho "ex-boyfriend" thing lasted too long. I was more intrigued by the enemies they faced in their past lives that were now showing up in the present. And like the relationship aspect this conflict relied too heavily on what happened in the past without really explaining anything. Now this may be explained more as the series continues, but to me the first of the series should be able to stand on it's own in the way of world building and I feel like this just didn't do that.
The last thing I need to complain about is that despite not having any training or explanation of how the whole shifter thing works, somehow Mattie is able to shift and fight flawlessly. I understand that a big part of that was because she was remembering these things from her past live, but I just don't buy that someone who in this life has never had to fight anything or anyone can suddenly kill other shifters with no problem. Pair that with the fact that it seems both Erik and Soren, who have both spent 15 lifetimes as shifters, really know nothing concrete about the history of shifters is really a let down. I simply wanted to know more, but it's hard to know more as a reader when the characters don't know anything.
Overall this wasn't bad, but I really wanted more especially in the world building aspect. I have no idea when the next book will come out but I can pretty confidently say I will not be continuing this series.
For me this book didn't spend enough time delving into their relationship, both past and present, and it also didn't expand enough on the conflict. I love the idea of reincarnation and the relationships that follow us through those lives, but I feel like this relied too much on the relationship that was already built in their past life. Which isn't bad, but we didn't really get to see much of how their relationship was built in the past. Even though we get flashbacks, there are plenty of times where Mattie says she remembers something that we don't get to see. This made it to where we as the reader weren't experiencing the relationship building.
As far as the conflict goes, there were two and frankly the whole psycho "ex-boyfriend" thing lasted too long. I was more intrigued by the enemies they faced in their past lives that were now showing up in the present. And like the relationship aspect this conflict relied too heavily on what happened in the past without really explaining anything. Now this may be explained more as the series continues, but to me the first of the series should be able to stand on it's own in the way of world building and I feel like this just didn't do that.
The last thing I need to complain about is that despite not having any training or explanation of how the whole shifter thing works, somehow Mattie is able to shift and fight flawlessly. I understand that a big part of that was because she was remembering these things from her past live, but I just don't buy that someone who in this life has never had to fight anything or anyone can suddenly kill other shifters with no problem. Pair that with the fact that it seems both Erik and Soren, who have both spent 15 lifetimes as shifters, really know nothing concrete about the history of shifters is really a let down. I simply wanted to know more, but it's hard to know more as a reader when the characters don't know anything.
Overall this wasn't bad, but I really wanted more especially in the world building aspect. I have no idea when the next book will come out but I can pretty confidently say I will not be continuing this series.
June 30, 2025
Title: Gift of Fate: The Children of Urth (Book 1)
Author: Maeve Marlowe
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Fantasy
Pages: 381
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“Fate really is a cruel mistress.”
Mattie thought a business trip to Scandinavia would be the perfect escape—from failed relationships, burnout, and a life that no longer feels like her own. As a web designer for small businesses, she’s used to solving problems, not unraveling the mystery of vivid Viking dreams and the strange men who seem to be following her. Everything shifts when she meets Erik and Soren—fierce, magnetic, and far too intense. They look at her like they’ve been waiting centuries… and the way they look at each other? Let’s just say the spice is real—man, woman, both, together. As ancient myths begin bleeding into her reality, Mattie must confront who she really is and why her fate is tied to legends that refuse to stay buried.
Now imagine modern-day Viking warriors—inked, intense, and walking among us. It sounds wild, but this author brings it to life with stunning ease. Norse mythology and shapeshifting magic are woven into a fast-paced story that’s rich with heart and heat. The flashbacks are perfectly placed, offering just the right depth without dragging down the momentum. The characters feel real, layered, and unforgettable—like people you’d want to meet (or maybe run from). Whether you’re here for the action, the mystery, or the spice, this story delivers on all fronts. A refreshingly original read that stays with you long after the last page!
A big thanks to Maeve Marlowe for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released today, 06/30/25, on Amazon, KU, and in paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Maeve Marlowe
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Fantasy
Pages: 381
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“Fate really is a cruel mistress.”
Mattie thought a business trip to Scandinavia would be the perfect escape—from failed relationships, burnout, and a life that no longer feels like her own. As a web designer for small businesses, she’s used to solving problems, not unraveling the mystery of vivid Viking dreams and the strange men who seem to be following her. Everything shifts when she meets Erik and Soren—fierce, magnetic, and far too intense. They look at her like they’ve been waiting centuries… and the way they look at each other? Let’s just say the spice is real—man, woman, both, together. As ancient myths begin bleeding into her reality, Mattie must confront who she really is and why her fate is tied to legends that refuse to stay buried.
Now imagine modern-day Viking warriors—inked, intense, and walking among us. It sounds wild, but this author brings it to life with stunning ease. Norse mythology and shapeshifting magic are woven into a fast-paced story that’s rich with heart and heat. The flashbacks are perfectly placed, offering just the right depth without dragging down the momentum. The characters feel real, layered, and unforgettable—like people you’d want to meet (or maybe run from). Whether you’re here for the action, the mystery, or the spice, this story delivers on all fronts. A refreshingly original read that stays with you long after the last page!
A big thanks to Maeve Marlowe for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released today, 06/30/25, on Amazon, KU, and in paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
June 1, 2025
OMG! This story! Modern Vikings! I repeat, modern, big, tattoo, piercings Vikings😮💨😮💨😮💨 the way this author brings Vikings into the modern world. I love her writing. I love the characters she created: Mattie, Erik and Soren. I will not give to much of the storyline away. But if you love paranormal romance. And spice, beautiful finger licking spice. Man with man, with woman. Group spice. Yes, you read correctly. But all so fluently that you don’t have to hold your book upside down or reread the scene to figure out who is doing what or with who and how. And there’s more! The storyline! Who is Mattie? What are Erik and Soren to her? Who are these men? Why are the other men following her? Was that a wolf attacking her…. So if you love battle scenes with blood and drama, shapeshifters, history …. Want to learn abit about folklore Vikings? Or just want to read spice? It’s all in there, nicely bounded in this beautiful book. Go read!!
June 30, 2025
This is a stunning blend of Nordic mythology and shapeshifter lore, with reincarnation, mate bonds, and eternal devotion.
The RH romance is perfection, with Soren and Erik's unyielding bond together and their push and pull for dominance, finally paired with Mattie to complete their soulmate bond and balance their group.
I loved the flashbacks to their previous lives and showing their original love story and connection. It has a great balance of mystery, action, drama, spice and intrigue as it navigates Mattie discovering her true identity and destiny, and finding her rightful place again with her pack. It's a beautiful journey exploring a world of Vikings and their reincarnations, and following their destined paths.
The RH romance is perfection, with Soren and Erik's unyielding bond together and their push and pull for dominance, finally paired with Mattie to complete their soulmate bond and balance their group.
I loved the flashbacks to their previous lives and showing their original love story and connection. It has a great balance of mystery, action, drama, spice and intrigue as it navigates Mattie discovering her true identity and destiny, and finding her rightful place again with her pack. It's a beautiful journey exploring a world of Vikings and their reincarnations, and following their destined paths.
June 20, 2026
This was a completely fresh take on the Shifter genre.
It’s a decent story. I did feel like it lagged in pace a few times and I was chewing through it to get to the good parts. But once it got going again, I did enjoy the story.
I was not expecting the general polyamory with her other clan members, to be honest. I’m not usually a fan of other women in a harem, personally, so bear that in mind with this story if you think it might bother you.
The characters are also decent, but something felt like it was missing in the story. Erik always felt like he had more of a relationship with Sorren. Which I guess he did, given the circumstances. But the dynamic between the three was a tad off. I cannot quite put my finger on what was missing exactly.
⭐️ Plot: 3/5
🌶️ Spice: 3,75/5
📖 Genre: Shifter Romance
🏞️ Setting: Norway / Denmark
🗣️ POV: Multiple POV
🛏️ Tropes:
- Shifters
- Norse mythology / Vikings
- Reincarnation of souls
- Fated Mates
- MFM / MM / MFFFM
- Different Timelines
- Discovering who she is
Mattie is at a business conference in Oslo when strange things begin happening. She’s dreaming vividly of another time, another life, men she doesn’t know. Until she bumps into a stranger and recognizes him from a dream.
Soren and Erik cannot believe they have finally found her again. But it’s clear she doesn’t know who they are. Or even who she really is.
Slowly, they start to show her the truth, until she cannot deny what they tell her.
But now, ancient enemies are resurfacing, their clan is not whole, and she is in danger.
It’s a decent story. I did feel like it lagged in pace a few times and I was chewing through it to get to the good parts. But once it got going again, I did enjoy the story.
I was not expecting the general polyamory with her other clan members, to be honest. I’m not usually a fan of other women in a harem, personally, so bear that in mind with this story if you think it might bother you.
The characters are also decent, but something felt like it was missing in the story. Erik always felt like he had more of a relationship with Sorren. Which I guess he did, given the circumstances. But the dynamic between the three was a tad off. I cannot quite put my finger on what was missing exactly.
⭐️ Plot: 3/5
🌶️ Spice: 3,75/5
📖 Genre: Shifter Romance
🏞️ Setting: Norway / Denmark
🗣️ POV: Multiple POV
🛏️ Tropes:
- Shifters
- Norse mythology / Vikings
- Reincarnation of souls
- Fated Mates
- MFM / MM / MFFFM
- Different Timelines
- Discovering who she is
Mattie is at a business conference in Oslo when strange things begin happening. She’s dreaming vividly of another time, another life, men she doesn’t know. Until she bumps into a stranger and recognizes him from a dream.
Soren and Erik cannot believe they have finally found her again. But it’s clear she doesn’t know who they are. Or even who she really is.
Slowly, they start to show her the truth, until she cannot deny what they tell her.
But now, ancient enemies are resurfacing, their clan is not whole, and she is in danger.
November 24, 2025
This book was absolutely AMAZING. When I saw someone talking about it and it mentioned Vikings, reincarnation, and a mmf relationship, I was sold instantly. I went in with zero expectations and I didn't even read the blurb so it was a blind read, and my god, it did not disappoint.
Everything about this book was just utter perfection. The plot was engaging and intriguing. It had the perfect amount of dolling out information, but holding things back to keep you guessing. The characters were beautifully written. The longing, the tension, the angst, was just *chefs kiss*. The MMCs YEARNED. And that's something I have felt lacking in my reads recently.
The relationship between all of the characters was both beautiful and equal. For an MMF, i felt like we spent just as much time showing the men's connection and relationship, as we did with the FMC and each of the men, which sometimes isn't the case in a lot of MMF stories. The characters were older and it was fantastic having an older FMC and not a barely 18 character.
And boy was it SPICY. Dear lord. We were fed, and fed well. But for me it never crossed that line of too much. Yes, we got a lot of spice, but it did not take away from the plot and the characters. And that is a hard balance.
In the end, this was an absolutely phenomenal read. I need everyone to download this IMMEDIATELY and read it. I am salivating for the next story and cannot wait!
Everything about this book was just utter perfection. The plot was engaging and intriguing. It had the perfect amount of dolling out information, but holding things back to keep you guessing. The characters were beautifully written. The longing, the tension, the angst, was just *chefs kiss*. The MMCs YEARNED. And that's something I have felt lacking in my reads recently.
The relationship between all of the characters was both beautiful and equal. For an MMF, i felt like we spent just as much time showing the men's connection and relationship, as we did with the FMC and each of the men, which sometimes isn't the case in a lot of MMF stories. The characters were older and it was fantastic having an older FMC and not a barely 18 character.
And boy was it SPICY. Dear lord. We were fed, and fed well. But for me it never crossed that line of too much. Yes, we got a lot of spice, but it did not take away from the plot and the characters. And that is a hard balance.
In the end, this was an absolutely phenomenal read. I need everyone to download this IMMEDIATELY and read it. I am salivating for the next story and cannot wait!
July 1, 2025
This story sucked me in.
It's a masterclass in weaving together the past, present and an unseen future. The tension, the SPICE, all of it combined into something wild and comforting.
The best parts were the relationship dynamics between both men and their woman. It wasn't messy or chaotic, both sides loving, as well as the relationship between the men. Everyone had their part, no one felt left out. It was hooooottttttt too. They worshiped their woman and completely bowed for her. A girl could get used to that.
This story is what a hug feels like. Warm, comforting and loving. Just completely amazing read.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. Because that ending?! WHO IS FENRIR!?
Read it. This is a PNR/Fantasy series to DIE for.
It's a masterclass in weaving together the past, present and an unseen future. The tension, the SPICE, all of it combined into something wild and comforting.
The best parts were the relationship dynamics between both men and their woman. It wasn't messy or chaotic, both sides loving, as well as the relationship between the men. Everyone had their part, no one felt left out. It was hooooottttttt too. They worshiped their woman and completely bowed for her. A girl could get used to that.
This story is what a hug feels like. Warm, comforting and loving. Just completely amazing read.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. Because that ending?! WHO IS FENRIR!?
Read it. This is a PNR/Fantasy series to DIE for.
December 15, 2025
I mean, it's good.
Eu gosto que a história nao é centralizada nos Estados Unidos. foi bem legal essa coisa da cultura nórdica, os casais nao serem heteronormativos e tal.
mas a sensação de que tem algo na história faltando, de que tava superficial demais. sempre focado no despertar da Maija...sei lá.
alem disso, as transições entre o passado e o presente sao no meio do capítulo, sem aviso, as vezes com cenas se misturando. confesso que enfrentei dificuldade de acompanhar e entender o que era o que.
Eu gosto que a história nao é centralizada nos Estados Unidos. foi bem legal essa coisa da cultura nórdica, os casais nao serem heteronormativos e tal.
mas a sensação de que tem algo na história faltando, de que tava superficial demais. sempre focado no despertar da Maija...sei lá.
alem disso, as transições entre o passado e o presente sao no meio do capítulo, sem aviso, as vezes com cenas se misturando. confesso que enfrentei dificuldade de acompanhar e entender o que era o que.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
Really good book! It was well written. The story was perfectly paced and kept my attention. The character and world building was amazing. There were flash backs at the perfect time to give you all the information you needed to follow along without feeling like youre missing half the story. The concept of this book was amazing! I've personally never read a book that had a similar plot line. I would definitely read the book again.
September 30, 2026
Book 1 (of 2) in unfinished duet. Currently not linked to a series in Kindle Store but author unveils upcoming Book 2 at the end of this one. I absolutely LOVED this. Characters are brilliant, concept interesting, spice spicy. Vivid, compelling, gripping. Up there as one of my favourite reads of 2026. I am so excited about re-reading this whenever Book 2 lands.
November 11, 2025
Modern day Vikings. A bad@ss FMC who can absolutely stand on her own and save herself. And it’s later in life?! SOLD!!
I am *obsessed* with these characters and absolutely cannot wait for the next book to hit my kindle. I haven’t stopped telling my friends about Mattie and her men.
I am *obsessed* with these characters and absolutely cannot wait for the next book to hit my kindle. I haven’t stopped telling my friends about Mattie and her men.
November 24, 2025
Glorious!!!!
Holy hell! I absolutely loved this book! I hope therell be more of this world it was just too amazing to put down. And the RESEARCH!!!! im so amazed by the research and lore that went into this. It was a beautiful story and every minute was amazing
Holy hell! I absolutely loved this book! I hope therell be more of this world it was just too amazing to put down. And the RESEARCH!!!! im so amazed by the research and lore that went into this. It was a beautiful story and every minute was amazing
May 24, 2026
Dnf, I love the concept of finding your soulmate in every timeline but it just wasn’t executed very well☹️. It was really hard to follow and I was reading the same page over and over again to try and figure out what was happening.
September 29, 2026
Meh. It was ok. Flashbacks weren’t for me
July 21, 2025
OMG this story. The way that it hit my heart. I don't want to give any spoilers but trust me, it will give you all the swoon.
There is some reaaaal good spice too- Erik and Soren together- I was worried my kindle would catch fire they were so hot. And then add in Mattie and PHEW.
I am obsessed with Vikings (I mean, aren't we all) and this story hit perfectly!
There is some reaaaal good spice too- Erik and Soren together- I was worried my kindle would catch fire they were so hot. And then add in Mattie and PHEW.
I am obsessed with Vikings (I mean, aren't we all) and this story hit perfectly!
November 20, 2025
This was soooo good!!! I found the title when watching a reel from a book reviewer. I’m so glad i read the book and i can’t wait to read the second whenever it releases. It’s an original storyline, a fabulously paced medium burn plot, plenty of banter, and no infuriating cliffhangers. Take a chance on Mattie, Soren, and Erik. You won’t regret it!!
August 6, 2026
3.75/5 ⭐️
I’m really happy I decided to give this book a try! I mean, who can resist two big Viking men?
While the plot did slow down significantly when the relationship was established, I still found myself hooked into the story and relationship dynamics! I can’t wait to see what is to come with the rest of the series!
I’m really happy I decided to give this book a try! I mean, who can resist two big Viking men?
While the plot did slow down significantly when the relationship was established, I still found myself hooked into the story and relationship dynamics! I can’t wait to see what is to come with the rest of the series!
April 20, 2026
This is an amazing book. This author literally has a way with words. She makes you feel all the feels. You can feel the angst, I just love all of it. The plot, the growth the characters they all just literally feel like your a flying the wall watching. Amazing!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews