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Fate’s Last Melody

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The Final Threads – Book One

Her life was ordinary… until the night she was dragged into Hell.

Melody thought she was just another overworked, underpaid woman—until a shadow dragged her from a dark alley into a realm of fire, pirates, and gods. Shackled by golden cuffs she can’t remove and pursued by creatures that shouldn’t exist, she discovers that the Fates have bound her to a destiny she never chose.
Her captor is Nyx—scarred, dangerous, and impossibly alluring. He swears he’s here to protect her, but every glance feels like a threat wrapped in a promise. To survive the Underworld, Melody must endure infernal trials, outwit Hell’s pirates, and resist the Devil himself… all while caught between the scarred antihero who tempts her and rivals who would see her bound by fate forever.
Survival means surrendering to the path the Fates demand.
Escape means trusting the one man she swore she never could.
And in a realm where every choice twists the threads of destiny, one wrong move could cost her everything.
With enemies-to-lovers tension, a love triangle that burns hotter than the flames of Hell, and an epic battle against fate itself, Fate’s Last Melody by Vanessa Smith is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Laura Thalassa.

The Final Threads begin here. Once you’re tangled in fate… even love can’t set you free.

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

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14 people want to read

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Vanessa Smith

2 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
787 reviews236 followers
August 30, 2025
Imagine going out and then suddenly finding yourself prisoner in Hell…

Fate’s Last Melody is the first book in a Romantasy series called The Final Threads. The story follows Melody who, after a night out, is taken and imprisoned deep beneath the Earth, and by no accident either. She soon discovers she’s the last hope in a war between the forces that weave destiny—and the monsters determined to unravel it. To survive, she must journey through the circles of Hell, all the while discovering things about her destiny and powers she does not understand, and in the meantime she makes the journey with Nyx, a scarred warrior bound by fate and secrets.

One of the aspects that I enjoyed most about this book is the setting itself, which draws inspiration from Dante’s Inferno. I was also very intrigued by Nyx, who is the kind of broody hero that I systematically fall for in Romantasy. His connection to Melody is sizzling from the moment they meet, and I wanted to understand his motivations. Why is he so interested in helping her out? Our fox boy Rey also has some fun lines and I enjoyed his character, but I do still prefer Nyx. I would have preferred if things between the characters had been slowed down a little bit.

Here are some tropes!
⛓️ forced proximity
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
🫂 found family
🐉 dragon companion
🛏️ one bed
✨ chosen one

Rating 3.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Flower.
13 reviews
January 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this arc

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This is the first book in the Final Threads serie and I loved it. The beginning of the book did feel a bit rushed to me but when Melody finds herself in Hell it starts to get only better and better. I really liked the challenges and trials she faced while she has to survive Hell. I loved Melody, her character development throughout the book was really good. Also I've a soft spot for Rey, I love him so much, he's such a amazing character. This was such a fun and amazing read!
Profile Image for LitPick Book Reviews.
1,087 reviews44 followers
October 4, 2025
Melody is a woman who is abducted during a night on the town with some friends and a potential boyfriend. Her abductor is not a human psychopath. He is a demon named Nyx who takes her to Hell, where she learns that she is the daughter of one of the Fates from Greek Mythology. Melody has to find her way through Hell and learn how to use her inherited powers of seeing and changing other's Destinies before she meets The King of Hell who has his own agenda involving Melody.

Opinion:
Fate's Last Melody has a strong sense of setting and tone by depicting Hell with all of its overall darkness, graphic violence, scares, and ominous energy coming out from every corner. There is a sense of abandonment, hopelessness, and desolation that exists primarily throughout the book.

Melody’s first view of Hell is a dark desolate place shrouded in shadows. There are faint sources of light and that's it. The dampness and dankness stick to her, and there is a rancid metallic smell in the air. Cliffs and stone grounds make walking difficult and uncomfortable. Endless waves of sea engulf anyone who approaches. Sounds of tortured screams echo the caverns. Needless to say, it's not a pleasant experience.

At times, Hell shapes itself for specific victims. Melody, who is acrophobic, has to face various high spaces like cliffs and bluffs. Some are tormented by enemies or their own actions in life. Others are deprived of food and water that are within reach. Others are made to do mundane tasks for eternity. People who have some form of super power on Earth find their abilities don't work or are too overwhelming.

The landscape changes so going through Hell seems insurmountable which makes reading about the character's journey at times intentionally endless and repetitive. It's torture for them, so we have to suffer too.

Smith makes her version of Hell a composite of different mythologies most notably Abrahamic religions and Hellenic Mythology. It is led by The King of Hell who is so vaguely described that he could be either Lucifer or Hades, so it could go either way.

The Judeo-Christian influence can be found throughout the book. There are some eerie moments where Melody and her traveling companions encounter personifications of the 7 Deadly Sins such as attractive lustful demons sexually forcing themselves on victims and gluttonous spirits so hungry that they try to eat each other and anyone who comes near them.

The Greco-Roman aspects are also present. Melody is the daughter of one of the Fates, the goddesses who weave destiny for mortals. There is a character named Nyx, named for the Goddess of the Night. In an early chapter, Melody sees the Titans such as Atlas and Prometheus continuing their anguished punishments.

There is an overall feeling of helplessness and abandonment until the end when Melody and other characters are inspired to fight against The King of Hell. But there are some potential questions about the actions that were taken to do this. Melody discovers a much more troubling aspect to her ability such as not only predicting other's destinies but changing them too without their free will. While rebellion is in the air and Melody has the leadership skills to inspire various denizens of Hell to follow her, there is some concern that instead of overthrowing one dictator, Hell might end up with another one, one who will also torture others for eternity, inflict pain, and control others.
Profile Image for Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ).
2,219 reviews80 followers
October 27, 2025


Melody’s life was ordinary—until the night it ended. Dragged from a dark alley into a world of fire and shadows, she awakens in a cavern carved from nightmares, her wrists bound by golden cuffs that pulse with strange symbols. The air tastes of blood and smoke; the walls whisper with ancient cries. Each step she takes through the gloom brings her closer to the truth—that she has been claimed by the Fates themselves and bound to a destiny written in the fabric of the Underworld.

Her captor, Nyx, is a scarred and enigmatic man whose piercing gaze both terrifies and fascinates her. He walks through flames, speaks in riddles, and claims to be her protector. Yet every movement, every glance, feels like a blade pressed against her skin. As Melody navigates her prison of shadows, she learns that Nyx serves powers older than gods—forces that have woven her into their eternal design. Her world of logic and light shatters as she’s thrust into a realm where myths breathe, and divine punishment is carved in stone.

The caverns of Hell hold horrors beyond comprehension. The “Unfrozen”—souls condemned for their crimes—hum eternally from their icy tombs, and colossal Titans lie chained in the abyss, their pain echoing through the darkness. Amidst this infernal landscape, Melody must fight not only for survival but for the truth of why she was chosen. Every discovery pulls her deeper into the secrets of the Fates’ tapestry—a divine puzzle where her existence may be the flaw that unravels everything.

As her journey unfolds, Melody is forced to confront her greatest fears, face impossible trials, and navigate treacherous alliances. Her heart becomes her most dangerous weapon as she’s drawn into a perilous dance between desire and destruction. Nyx’s touch ignites a fire she can’t resist, yet his secrets threaten to consume her. And when rivals emerge—each with their own claim over her fate—Melody realizes that love and survival might not coexist in a world ruled by gods and monsters.

In this haunting tale of power, passion, and defiance, Fate’s Last Melody by Vanessa Smith unravels the unforgettable story of a woman who dares to fight the very destiny that seeks to control her. Set in a darkly seductive Underworld where every heartbeat defies fate, every shadow conceals temptation, and even love must battle to survive, this story will captivate readers who crave danger, desire, and the thrill of rebellion against the gods themselves.
Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
698 reviews347 followers
September 14, 2025
Thank you to the author for the gifted paperback copy. Opinions are my own.

Fate's Last Melody follows Melody, a young woman who finds herself abducted after a night out with her friends and chained in a dark world below the earth. And not by accident: Melody appears to be the last hope in a war between the forces of fate and those who would unravel it. To survive, she must venture through the circles of Hell in the company of Nyx, a brooding warrior with secrets...

This book was a very fun time! Despite the dark setting, I appreciated the levity of Melody's narrative voice and the wonderful contrast it created with Nyx, who instead is the sort of secretive, quiet, fascinating romantasy MMC that we all love to see. I also really appreciated the weaving of mythological elements into the magic system, and if you're even slightly curious about all things fates and destiny, you will definitely enjoy this too!

Another element I enjoyed was the addition of Rey's character. He is a fox (who also has a hot humanoid form) who befriends Melody and helps her in her journey. He was such a fun, sassy, snarky character and a true delight! And as someone who loves a little romantic drama...he definitely added (and perhaps will continue to add?) some spice and obstacles to the relationship between Nyx and Melody.

Admittedly, I will say I would have enjoyed if the romantic storyline has had more time to delve deeper into a connection between Nyx and Melody that went beyond the physical attraction. I did enjoy the romance, but I am very open to the possibility of Melody's heart being pulled into different directions.

Here are some tropes to look forward to:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- A dragon companion
- Found family
- Spice

Rating: 3.5 stars
1,323 reviews62 followers
July 3, 2025
“Fate’s Last Melody” by Vanessa Smith is a compelling and immersive read. The story follows Melody, a young orphan whose life has been marked by profound loss—her mother died when she was a child, and her father passed away two years ago. In an attempt to cope, Mel buried herself in work. One evening, she agrees to a night out with her colleague Sarah. But during the outing, she is abducted from a dark alley and wakes up in a mysterious cave.

The world she finds herself in feels surreal. Food appears out of nowhere, shadows flicker and vanish into thin air, and haunting images are etched into the cave walls—each one telling a story of pain and sorrow. Mel eventually meets a shadowy figure named Nyx, who reveals that she has been summoned by the Fates. In this realm, no one refuses their call, for the Fates hold power over all life paths. Mel struggles with the injustice of having her life altered to influence someone else's destiny.

As the narrative unfolds, Melody is forced to confront her fate and uncover the true purpose behind her calling. The story is fast-paced, intriguing, and emotionally rich—it kept me glued to the pages. The cover art is appealing, and the title perfectly fits the tone of the story. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself especially drawn to Melody’s strength and resilience.
322 reviews18 followers
July 3, 2025
Few books manage to grip readers right from the first page and Vanessa Smith’s Fate’s Last Melody does exactly that. The story introduces us to Melody, a character who instantly wins your sympathy—she’s lost both parents and has no close family to lean on.

Her mundane life takes a terrifying turn when she’s suddenly abducted and awakens in a cave dripping with blood. Strange metal bands are clamped around her wrists, engraved with mysterious symbols. Soon, she uncovers the existence of the Fates of the Underworld—ancient beings older than time itself. They've been waiting for her, and she’s been brought there for a purpose.

A chill ran down my spine when I discovered, along with Mel, that she was surrounded by frozen corpses in the cave. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself asking countless questions, all of which unravel gradually and compellingly.

This novel marks the beginning of The Final Threads series, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The plot is captivating, the cover is visually striking, and the title fits the narrative perfectly. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up—you won’t be disappointed.
130 reviews12 followers
July 3, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Vanessa Smith, and I’m truly impressed by her vivid descriptions and the captivating setting she’s created. The story follows Melody who was stuck in a monotonous routine, wholly consumed by her work.

When her former high school friend Sarah invites her out for drinks, Melody agrees—hoping for a break from her dull life and perhaps a chance to spark something with Jake. But the night takes a sinister turn. After Jake leaves, Melody is abducted. She may have wanted excitement, but certainly not to find herself trapped in a dark cave surrounded by frozen corpses.

Kidnapped, drugged, and chained, she faces a horrifying fate. Just as she’s about to be carved up, she manages to cry out for help. Read this book to find out who exactly is Nyx, and what part does he play in her life?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story pacing is spot-on, and the narration flows smoothly and powerfully. Vanessa Smith has crafted a compelling story that completely absorbed me—I found myself lost in its pages, forgetting the world around me. I highly recommend this book to fellow readers.
Profile Image for Elise.
90 reviews
December 9, 2025
Had a quick look at some of the other reviews for this book and some of them feel hella-ChatGPT-written loll. I say this so often in reviews it’s starting to loose meaning but this book did have ‘potential’. I like the concepts & melody genuinely sweet and interesting character in the opening chapters.
…. UNFORTUNATELY… that’s lowkey where the appreciation/enjoyment stopped for me. The plot made like…. No sense… like there was definitely the outline of a plot but the execution? Lacklustre at best. + Nyx (mmc) is so fucking boringgggg. I just didnt care for the man, hes such a stereotypical shadow daddy but without the pizaz. Possibly the worst crime of this book was the absolutely dismal romance. These ppl have no chemistry. Why are they kissing immediately after meeting?? Im so confused?? The one star is genuinely entirely owed to the spicy scenes which were the only saving grace for me.
Profile Image for Kate R H.
13 reviews
November 19, 2025
Thank you NetGally Arc for letting me read this book.

Melody leads a pretty ordinary, underwhelming life until one night she’s abducted from a dark alley.
Her captor is Nyx, a scarred, dangerous man who claims to guard her.
There are romantic complications Nyx isn’t her only connection, and her heart becomes both a weapon and a vulnerability.
The romance power dynamics are compelling, but the book also cares deeply about fate, choice, and identity, which gives it more depth than just a love story.
Profile Image for Candice Willman.
404 reviews66 followers
November 27, 2025
Okay. Shadow daddy anyone? Yes this has a dark setting. I mean she is abducted and taken to Hell. Forced through deadly trials and creatures and dragons that shouldn’t be real but they are. And Nyx is the one who has forced her into all of this but now is protecting her. And the tension. The slow burn. Found family. Oh my. Did I mention one bed? If you love a good slow burn Romantasy with trials and ancient magic. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Emziethebookworm .
475 reviews14 followers
January 3, 2026
Was an extraordinary book to read from netgallery, the books plot was absolutely amazing and I can't believe I was hooked into this new amazing book.
The plot was abaolutely amazing, along with the characters they were amazing also.
I honestly can't wait to see if there will be another book cause I enjoyed this one a bit too much.
Thank you to netgallery for allowing me to read this book.
Profile Image for Ve (ve_xo).
672 reviews112 followers
December 8, 2025
Fate’s Last Melody threw me headfirst into a blazing underworld in the best way. This is perfect for lovers of Brooding “dangerous” love interest and a resilient heroine. If you like danger, magic, myth, and romance that hits hard this is for you!

Starting out ordinary, our heroine Melody gets dragged into Hell itself (yes, literal demons, fire, gods), and what follows is a wild ride of survival, power, and choices that twist fate. I loved the raw contrast between harsh, terrifying settings and Melody’s fierce, sarcastic, resilient heart. The dark magic, the mythic weight of destiny, and the looming mystery of why she was chosen kept me turning pages. The brooding, scarred warrior love-interest (you know the type) added spicy tension, but Melody never loses herself and I love that! Her voice and strength shows and she uses it well.

Tropes you’ll find:

-Dark fantasy romance
-Forced proximity
- chosen-one vibes
-Enemies-to-lovers

Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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