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Seizing Fate: A Gargoyle Order Novel
Cora has lost everything—her family, her trust, and any hope of a normal life. Guarded and jaded, she keeps the world at arm’s length, unwilling to let anyone close enough to hurt her again. But when a brutal attack nearly claims her life, a mysterious stranger steps out of the shadows to save her.
Arik has always watched over Cora from afar. Feared by his enemies and burdened by a past steeped in betrayal, he is sworn to protect her—even if she can never know the truth. As a warrior of the secret Gargoyle Order, he has spent his life battling the Fallen Ones, creatures of pure evil. But Arik carries the blood of the Fallen in his veins, a truth that makes him both powerful and cursed.
Fate forces their worlds to collide, and Arik can no longer stay in the shadows. As passion ignites between them, Cora is drawn into an ancient war where trust is dangerous, and love is a risk neither can afford. When Arik’s ruthless brother sets his sights on Cora, she must walk away to protect the man she loves, or stand beside him and fight for their future—no matter the cost.
Their love was never meant to be. But some bonds are unbreakable.--
"The author has created an all-consuming plot and crafted two amazing characters who earned their redemption through their connection. The story crackles with emotional intensity and is sure to satisfy fans of romantic tension with the bonus of personal curses and conflicts." - Jessica Barbosa, Readers' Favorite
"Filled with unexpected confrontations that test courage and connections alike, Seizing Fate is a fine drama that unfolds new avenues of hope and possibility for its characters, as well as for readers interested in tales of how individuals grow away from familiar patterns to move upward and onward in their lives." - D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
Arik has always watched over Cora from afar. Feared by his enemies and burdened by a past steeped in betrayal, he is sworn to protect her—even if she can never know the truth. As a warrior of the secret Gargoyle Order, he has spent his life battling the Fallen Ones, creatures of pure evil. But Arik carries the blood of the Fallen in his veins, a truth that makes him both powerful and cursed.
Fate forces their worlds to collide, and Arik can no longer stay in the shadows. As passion ignites between them, Cora is drawn into an ancient war where trust is dangerous, and love is a risk neither can afford. When Arik’s ruthless brother sets his sights on Cora, she must walk away to protect the man she loves, or stand beside him and fight for their future—no matter the cost.
Their love was never meant to be. But some bonds are unbreakable.--
"The author has created an all-consuming plot and crafted two amazing characters who earned their redemption through their connection. The story crackles with emotional intensity and is sure to satisfy fans of romantic tension with the bonus of personal curses and conflicts." - Jessica Barbosa, Readers' Favorite
"Filled with unexpected confrontations that test courage and connections alike, Seizing Fate is a fine drama that unfolds new avenues of hope and possibility for its characters, as well as for readers interested in tales of how individuals grow away from familiar patterns to move upward and onward in their lives." - D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the ideas and storyline of this book. It started out strong and I was enjoying the world building and relationships. It slowed down for me around the 25% mark but I really wanted to see how the story played out. There was a lot of focus on the relationship. I didn’t ever feel connected to the relationship and I think if I had, I would have really enjoyed the book more. I enjoyed the initial world building and am curious about book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2025
Great Romantasy! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 7, 2025
3 out of 5.
An interesting take on dystopian post apocalyptic fantasy. With all the new world building and how cities fell, I really expected it to play a bigger role in the Fallen Ones - Gargoyle dynamic. I thought it was very interesting that there is no police or military force yet still libraries.
Arik reads minds so Kyler had to write in a way that displays it. Specifically why he picks up or hears, what he can see, what he tries to pry into. Lots of fantasy books include characters who can read minds, hear thoughts, see thoughts, etc. The way Kyler writes to focus on what Arik hears or which of Cora’s thoughts are known/heard is very unique. It is interesting to read, I think it makes the pace a little slow because we have to sift through drawn out scenes to cover what all Arik has gleaned from Cora’s mind. But it’s not necessarily bad. Just took a little bit to get used to.
Arik saved Cora, they officially met. Or Cora officially met Arik. Later he socially saves her from her ex and they go out on a date. But then it skips 10 days, which isn’t unusual. A story cannot always include a day by day because it would drag on, mess with the pace, bore readers, the list is unending. But those 10 days being unwritten and missing feels like a slight. To the reader they feel crucial because Arik and shy Cora spent every one of them together. Their relationship grew during that time. Cora’s internal monologue about being ready to invite him over gave us, the readers, some insight to how those 10 days went. But it still feels like an unfair gap that we didn’t get to see more of how she came out of her shell around him. Especially with how often it is emphasized to us that she is acting out of character, she trusts him and doesn’t know why, she feels safe with him and doesn’t know why, she has a past that keeps her from getting too close to people. It’s difficult to accept how much the author has emphasized to use how closed off Cora is, especially to men, and then to fast forward 10 days of a very fast growing relationship and we just have to go along with it. It’s unseen, unwritten character growth.
Some of the writing is very stiff. The pace changed, sometimes it’s plot focused or character focused so it breezes by because you’re so invested in the story. But in other parts it’s focused on creating this small town romance vibe and reveling in the local pizza shop in the part of town that has unreliable electricity, the town that fell when the governments fell.
But the writing also became a little tedious when Cora (or others) recount an experience and what someone said to her. Instead of writing, “He said, ‘Hold on Bumble Bee….’” It was written as, “ ‘Hold on Bumble Bee,’ he said.” This is an extremely unusual way of speaking. Nobody retells a story with quotes like this unless they’re reading from a book or paraphrasing. So to describe per personal experiences like this was so out of place and just stark, it pulled away from the story.
Overall the story itself was good. It was more of a cutesy vibe, not a deep trauma exploring, fantasy delving book. It was mafia with wings.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
An interesting take on dystopian post apocalyptic fantasy. With all the new world building and how cities fell, I really expected it to play a bigger role in the Fallen Ones - Gargoyle dynamic. I thought it was very interesting that there is no police or military force yet still libraries.
Arik reads minds so Kyler had to write in a way that displays it. Specifically why he picks up or hears, what he can see, what he tries to pry into. Lots of fantasy books include characters who can read minds, hear thoughts, see thoughts, etc. The way Kyler writes to focus on what Arik hears or which of Cora’s thoughts are known/heard is very unique. It is interesting to read, I think it makes the pace a little slow because we have to sift through drawn out scenes to cover what all Arik has gleaned from Cora’s mind. But it’s not necessarily bad. Just took a little bit to get used to.
Arik saved Cora, they officially met. Or Cora officially met Arik. Later he socially saves her from her ex and they go out on a date. But then it skips 10 days, which isn’t unusual. A story cannot always include a day by day because it would drag on, mess with the pace, bore readers, the list is unending. But those 10 days being unwritten and missing feels like a slight. To the reader they feel crucial because Arik and shy Cora spent every one of them together. Their relationship grew during that time. Cora’s internal monologue about being ready to invite him over gave us, the readers, some insight to how those 10 days went. But it still feels like an unfair gap that we didn’t get to see more of how she came out of her shell around him. Especially with how often it is emphasized to us that she is acting out of character, she trusts him and doesn’t know why, she feels safe with him and doesn’t know why, she has a past that keeps her from getting too close to people. It’s difficult to accept how much the author has emphasized to use how closed off Cora is, especially to men, and then to fast forward 10 days of a very fast growing relationship and we just have to go along with it. It’s unseen, unwritten character growth.
Some of the writing is very stiff. The pace changed, sometimes it’s plot focused or character focused so it breezes by because you’re so invested in the story. But in other parts it’s focused on creating this small town romance vibe and reveling in the local pizza shop in the part of town that has unreliable electricity, the town that fell when the governments fell.
But the writing also became a little tedious when Cora (or others) recount an experience and what someone said to her. Instead of writing, “He said, ‘Hold on Bumble Bee….’” It was written as, “ ‘Hold on Bumble Bee,’ he said.” This is an extremely unusual way of speaking. Nobody retells a story with quotes like this unless they’re reading from a book or paraphrasing. So to describe per personal experiences like this was so out of place and just stark, it pulled away from the story.
Overall the story itself was good. It was more of a cutesy vibe, not a deep trauma exploring, fantasy delving book. It was mafia with wings.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
October 16, 2025
Gargoyles... fallen ones... fated matches... a protective hottie who rides a motorcycle. The setup was definitely there. The idea of Gargoyles being actual beings who watched over humans was such a good idea. However, the mix in of "fallen ones" was a little too biblical and didn't fully make sense.
The time period was also hard to pin down. According to the MC, Cora, the world had shut down, and the place she was living (Amara) had been rebuilt. That in itself was fine, but there were no cars but still power? And within that, if there were no cars, how could her One, Arik, drive around on a motorcycle? Life was supposedly different, but apparently it was still important for their rebuilt society to have pizza and a club? It didn't quite fit with the world the author was trying to build.
The story itself was an interesting idea, but there were a lot of plot holes. What are the Fallen Ones after? Who created the Order? Was there going to be a battle? How did they have special powers? How did Arik's mom (who was human) have special powers?
None of these questions were really answered... the only thing that really happened in the book was that Arik kept telling Cora how much he loved her. Like, repeatedly. For about four chapters straight, all that really happened was the couple describing their feelings about each other and how much they were there for the other. While there's nothing wrong with emotional reassurance, a little more investment in the plot wouldn't have hurt.
The characters were sadly underdeveloped as was the world building. The plot was lost in the midst of professed emotions. Solid idea at the beginning, great thought to use Gargoyles as protective beings, but again, it just felt underdeveloped.
The time period was also hard to pin down. According to the MC, Cora, the world had shut down, and the place she was living (Amara) had been rebuilt. That in itself was fine, but there were no cars but still power? And within that, if there were no cars, how could her One, Arik, drive around on a motorcycle? Life was supposedly different, but apparently it was still important for their rebuilt society to have pizza and a club? It didn't quite fit with the world the author was trying to build.
The story itself was an interesting idea, but there were a lot of plot holes. What are the Fallen Ones after? Who created the Order? Was there going to be a battle? How did they have special powers? How did Arik's mom (who was human) have special powers?
None of these questions were really answered... the only thing that really happened in the book was that Arik kept telling Cora how much he loved her. Like, repeatedly. For about four chapters straight, all that really happened was the couple describing their feelings about each other and how much they were there for the other. While there's nothing wrong with emotional reassurance, a little more investment in the plot wouldn't have hurt.
The characters were sadly underdeveloped as was the world building. The plot was lost in the midst of professed emotions. Solid idea at the beginning, great thought to use Gargoyles as protective beings, but again, it just felt underdeveloped.
November 19, 2025
(2,5/5, rounded up)
Before I start my actual review I must mention that I personally enjoy first person narrators a lot more than third person narrators. So that, for me, took away from the enjoyment (it always does, nothing to do with this book in particular).
I was really intrigued by the story, but a bit confused in the beginning. I felt like a bit more word-building or explanation would have been welcome to make sure the reader knows what's going on in the world. It does become clear as the story progresses, obviously, but maybe not as soon as I would have liked?
What was also a bit confusing was that this sometimes read as an 80s sitcom. The language that was used, by the MMC mostly, made me laugh sometimes. At the start of the story he does mention that he knows he's being over the top (which I appreciated), but it didn't change much after that. Adding to my confusion was that their dialogues, even when they were about love, felt a bit childish and dramatic at times, because of which I expected a *fade to black* or closed door scenes. But that wasn't the case. Not that this was 5 peppers or anything, but definitely not closed door.
Anyways.
Enough about my confusion, because I was definitely intrigued by the story, the tension, action and the MC's background. I liked that Arik could read minds and Cora wasn't an exception just because she was his One. (She handles that wayyyy better than I would have, but I'm obviously not his One haha.)
All in all, not a bad story by far, just a bit confusing (-1 star), dramatic (-0,5 star) and third person narrators (-1 star), so 2,5/5 rounded up it is.
Before I start my actual review I must mention that I personally enjoy first person narrators a lot more than third person narrators. So that, for me, took away from the enjoyment (it always does, nothing to do with this book in particular).
I was really intrigued by the story, but a bit confused in the beginning. I felt like a bit more word-building or explanation would have been welcome to make sure the reader knows what's going on in the world. It does become clear as the story progresses, obviously, but maybe not as soon as I would have liked?
What was also a bit confusing was that this sometimes read as an 80s sitcom. The language that was used, by the MMC mostly, made me laugh sometimes. At the start of the story he does mention that he knows he's being over the top (which I appreciated), but it didn't change much after that. Adding to my confusion was that their dialogues, even when they were about love, felt a bit childish and dramatic at times, because of which I expected a *fade to black* or closed door scenes. But that wasn't the case. Not that this was 5 peppers or anything, but definitely not closed door.
Anyways.
Enough about my confusion, because I was definitely intrigued by the story, the tension, action and the MC's background. I liked that Arik could read minds and Cora wasn't an exception just because she was his One. (She handles that wayyyy better than I would have, but I'm obviously not his One haha.)
All in all, not a bad story by far, just a bit confusing (-1 star), dramatic (-0,5 star) and third person narrators (-1 star), so 2,5/5 rounded up it is.
December 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Tracey Kyler for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the idea of this book, but unfortunately it was a confusing slog. I struggled to finish it.
The worldbuilding was so vague at times, and I really didn't understand what was going on or why things were happening. I ended up finishing the book with more questions than answers. It felt a bit like we were dropped in the middle of an ongoing story. Maybe a prequel novella would be good to help clear things up?
This was very romance heavy, to the point it felt like it took over the plot. I did enjoy most of the characters though, and there were lots of funny moments too. It was way too insta love for my taste. I don't know that these characters would have ended up together if the situation was different. Arik's mind reading powers were really interesting, and provided some insight into how his brain works. I that that was a really cool way to add powers to a story without it being flashy magic.
Overall this was interesting, but not a series I would continue reading if there are future books.
I loved the idea of this book, but unfortunately it was a confusing slog. I struggled to finish it.
The worldbuilding was so vague at times, and I really didn't understand what was going on or why things were happening. I ended up finishing the book with more questions than answers. It felt a bit like we were dropped in the middle of an ongoing story. Maybe a prequel novella would be good to help clear things up?
This was very romance heavy, to the point it felt like it took over the plot. I did enjoy most of the characters though, and there were lots of funny moments too. It was way too insta love for my taste. I don't know that these characters would have ended up together if the situation was different. Arik's mind reading powers were really interesting, and provided some insight into how his brain works. I that that was a really cool way to add powers to a story without it being flashy magic.
Overall this was interesting, but not a series I would continue reading if there are future books.
October 27, 2025
I made it to the 75% mark of the e-book (Chapter 25) -
I normally don't give feedback to unfinished books, but considering how far i got into the book, I think it's fair to explain why I didn't finish it;
The first part of the book had me hooked; the whole Gargoile vs. Fallen ones war going on, the apocalyptic world we are in, the dark atmosphere - it was amazing and I had really high hopes, that we were going to learn more and dive deep into this world and it's history.
But unfortunately the romance in this book took over completely, and that's just not for me.
I'm confident that readers who primarily read romance will love this book, but that is just not for me. The trope of the broken and fragile girl that's saved by the strong and handsome half breed is just not to my taste.
It's well written, the world building and most characters are excellent! Just way to much romance for me - I would definitely give a go to another book by this author, because she really nailed it with the atmosphere and world building.
I normally don't give feedback to unfinished books, but considering how far i got into the book, I think it's fair to explain why I didn't finish it;
The first part of the book had me hooked; the whole Gargoile vs. Fallen ones war going on, the apocalyptic world we are in, the dark atmosphere - it was amazing and I had really high hopes, that we were going to learn more and dive deep into this world and it's history.
But unfortunately the romance in this book took over completely, and that's just not for me.
I'm confident that readers who primarily read romance will love this book, but that is just not for me. The trope of the broken and fragile girl that's saved by the strong and handsome half breed is just not to my taste.
It's well written, the world building and most characters are excellent! Just way to much romance for me - I would definitely give a go to another book by this author, because she really nailed it with the atmosphere and world building.
December 13, 2025
This book felt like an installment in a larger series with the Gargoyle Order, but either I dove into the series already in progress, or there is a lot more to learn about this world.
Cora has led a life filled with tragedy and loss. The world is now something completely different after some big catastrophic event. Now things have gone back to basics, which means Cora can hide away from life in a much needed library, missing the technology they used to take for granted. Arik, a member of the “Gargoyle Order,” has a bit of mixed heritage. He is part of the order, but comes from a line of evil demons. It’s some of those that end up attacking Cora, but Arik has already realized that she is his fated mate, so is there to rescue her.
This seemingly random meeting ends up setting off a series of events where the demons are only a step away from getting Cora a few times. One of these times, however, after Cora and Arik have already become a true couple, they have used up all their good fortune. Arik has to risk it all to get back the woman he loves.
Cora has led a life filled with tragedy and loss. The world is now something completely different after some big catastrophic event. Now things have gone back to basics, which means Cora can hide away from life in a much needed library, missing the technology they used to take for granted. Arik, a member of the “Gargoyle Order,” has a bit of mixed heritage. He is part of the order, but comes from a line of evil demons. It’s some of those that end up attacking Cora, but Arik has already realized that she is his fated mate, so is there to rescue her.
This seemingly random meeting ends up setting off a series of events where the demons are only a step away from getting Cora a few times. One of these times, however, after Cora and Arik have already become a true couple, they have used up all their good fortune. Arik has to risk it all to get back the woman he loves.
November 8, 2025
3 stars
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Okay, so I feel like the major thing for me in this book was that the timeline was very odd. I was so confused at the beginning of the book because there was very little world-building, and we were given very small but largely different things about the world that made me more confused than anything. If the author had spent more time in the beginning to lay all of that out, then it would have been more enjoyable.
Also, while I like an insta-love book here and there, this is an insta-love, fated mates romance. If you do not like that, then you really will not like this book. They both said I love you by the 30% mark, and this was before we had learned any backstory on either of the MCs.
I think that this story and world have so much more potential, and I think that the author will just continue to improve with time and with her upcoming works.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Okay, so I feel like the major thing for me in this book was that the timeline was very odd. I was so confused at the beginning of the book because there was very little world-building, and we were given very small but largely different things about the world that made me more confused than anything. If the author had spent more time in the beginning to lay all of that out, then it would have been more enjoyable.
Also, while I like an insta-love book here and there, this is an insta-love, fated mates romance. If you do not like that, then you really will not like this book. They both said I love you by the 30% mark, and this was before we had learned any backstory on either of the MCs.
I think that this story and world have so much more potential, and I think that the author will just continue to improve with time and with her upcoming works.
November 11, 2025
“Great idea, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.”
I really loved the concept — dystopian world, Gargoyles as protectors, fallen ones, and a fated romance? Sign me up! But the execution felt uneven. The world-building was interesting but confusing — no cars, yet Arik rides a motorcycle? A collapsed society, but still pizza shops and clubs?
Arik’s mind-reading ability was written in a really unique way, and I appreciated that, even if it slowed the pace a bit. What bothered me most was the 10-day time skip when his and Cora’s relationship grows off-page. Since Cora’s so closed off, I really wanted to see her open up instead of being told it happened.
The romance was sweet, but after a while, it felt like the plot got lost in all the “I love you” moments. So much potential here — Gargoyles, powers, mystery — but not enough follow-through. Still, I enjoyed the vibe and the softer, emotional side of it.
I really loved the concept — dystopian world, Gargoyles as protectors, fallen ones, and a fated romance? Sign me up! But the execution felt uneven. The world-building was interesting but confusing — no cars, yet Arik rides a motorcycle? A collapsed society, but still pizza shops and clubs?
Arik’s mind-reading ability was written in a really unique way, and I appreciated that, even if it slowed the pace a bit. What bothered me most was the 10-day time skip when his and Cora’s relationship grows off-page. Since Cora’s so closed off, I really wanted to see her open up instead of being told it happened.
The romance was sweet, but after a while, it felt like the plot got lost in all the “I love you” moments. So much potential here — Gargoyles, powers, mystery — but not enough follow-through. Still, I enjoyed the vibe and the softer, emotional side of it.
November 6, 2025
An interesting take on dystopian post-apocalyptic fantasy. I enjoyed the world-building and the fall of cities, though I expected the setting to play a bigger role in the Fallen Ones–Gargoyle dynamic. It’s intriguing that there’s no police or military, yet libraries still exist.
The story had a compelling premise but left many questions unanswered: What are the Fallen Ones after? Who created the Order? How do the characters have powers? At times, the plot felt overshadowed by Arik repeatedly professing his love for Cora.
Arik’s mind-reading is written uniquely, showing exactly what he perceives and how he pries into thoughts. It slows the pace a bit, but it’s an interesting approach.
The romance develops quickly, with a ten-day gap that feels significant yet unseen. Overall, a unique, emotional story that could have benefited from stronger plot development.
The story had a compelling premise but left many questions unanswered: What are the Fallen Ones after? Who created the Order? How do the characters have powers? At times, the plot felt overshadowed by Arik repeatedly professing his love for Cora.
Arik’s mind-reading is written uniquely, showing exactly what he perceives and how he pries into thoughts. It slows the pace a bit, but it’s an interesting approach.
The romance develops quickly, with a ten-day gap that feels significant yet unseen. Overall, a unique, emotional story that could have benefited from stronger plot development.
December 20, 2025
This book delivers a powerful blend of paranormal romance, emotional depth, and high stakes conflict that keeps you hooked from the very first page. Cora is a compelling heroine, wounded, resilient, and fiercely guarded after devastating loss, while Arik is the perfect dark protector, torn between duty, bloodline, and forbidden love. Their chemistry is intense, heartfelt, and beautifully earned.
The world building is rich and immersive, weaving the secret Gargoyle Order and the Fallen Ones into a mythology that feels both ancient and dangerous. The author does an excellent job balancing action with emotion, allowing the romance to grow naturally amid betrayal, curses, and an escalating supernatural war. Arik’s internal struggle, especially his battle against his own cursed blood, adds a layer of complexity that makes him impossible not to root for.
The world building is rich and immersive, weaving the secret Gargoyle Order and the Fallen Ones into a mythology that feels both ancient and dangerous. The author does an excellent job balancing action with emotion, allowing the romance to grow naturally amid betrayal, curses, and an escalating supernatural war. Arik’s internal struggle, especially his battle against his own cursed blood, adds a layer of complexity that makes him impossible not to root for.
October 16, 2025
First time entering the gargoyle world. The book is a dystopian world ended scenario. I found Arik and his powers interesting. The story had promise considering the fantasy system in the book. The storyline was also good. Arik a hybrid being- comes across his ONE . He protects her without her knowing and eventually they start to date. It’s interesting how their stories connect . But unfortunately, I struggled with the writing. Usually in a dual POV, the characters switch from chapter to chapter. But in this book, you switched POV multiple times within the same chapter. It made it hard to focus and as a result I lost interest. This one change would have improved my experience with this book tremendously.
October 7, 2025
This book has the base for a really good series. Cora and Arik’s relationship is fun and the bit of lore we get about Gargoyles and The Fallen Ones creates a really great starting point. However, there was a real lack of world building. Where did these beings come from? Why is the city the way it is? What is Arik’s mother classified as with her powers?
I also found that timelines were a bit hard to follow. Arik’s professions of love were a bit repetitive and boring after a while.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but just need that world building aspect. Hopefully if there’s a second book, we get that.
I also found that timelines were a bit hard to follow. Arik’s professions of love were a bit repetitive and boring after a while.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but just need that world building aspect. Hopefully if there’s a second book, we get that.
October 19, 2025
DNF @ 40%
Not finishing a book is rare for me, but I couldn’t quite connect with this one.
My thoughts on what I read:
While the premise of a post-apocalyptic world involving a doomed romance and an ancient war between Gargoyles and Fallen Ones intrigued me, the concepts just didn’t click for me. I found the different groups (Gargoyles, Fallen Ones, and humans with abilities) under explained and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. This may be a matter of my personal taste than quality, and I encourage readers to sample it for themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC.
Not finishing a book is rare for me, but I couldn’t quite connect with this one.
My thoughts on what I read:
While the premise of a post-apocalyptic world involving a doomed romance and an ancient war between Gargoyles and Fallen Ones intrigued me, the concepts just didn’t click for me. I found the different groups (Gargoyles, Fallen Ones, and humans with abilities) under explained and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. This may be a matter of my personal taste than quality, and I encourage readers to sample it for themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the ARC.
October 20, 2025
DNF at 44%, the pace started to drag and Cora began to annoy me. So many questions- what do the fallen ones want? whats the plot of the book? Almost halfway and i still don’t know what the book is really about. I feel like the pace could have moved a little quicker but it was mostly about Cora and her insecurities and Arik having to read her mind and reassure her. The concept of this book is sooo good and could have been executed better to create a unique new type of fantasy/dystopian story.
Thank you netgalley & Tracey Kyler for sending me this ARC
Thank you netgalley & Tracey Kyler for sending me this ARC
October 29, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of Seizing Fate in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw the summary of the book I was very interested as to how the plot would lay out. A main character and a warrior who's romantic happy ending is at stake? Sign me up! When I started reading, I was hooked on the first chapter, then the plot depth fell flat. Truthfully, I felt the first half of the book could be condensed into a few chapters and still get the same point across. The first half of the book didn't give me anything that would keep me reading and the characters had very basic personalities. Although, I was happily surprised when at about 50% of the way through the book the characters started developing nicely and the plot deepened. Just when the plot and characters started to develop, the book ended, so I wish there was more of the story after the development. Overall, the first part of the book could be cut down immensely, but the ending did meet the expectations that I had.
When I first saw the summary of the book I was very interested as to how the plot would lay out. A main character and a warrior who's romantic happy ending is at stake? Sign me up! When I started reading, I was hooked on the first chapter, then the plot depth fell flat. Truthfully, I felt the first half of the book could be condensed into a few chapters and still get the same point across. The first half of the book didn't give me anything that would keep me reading and the characters had very basic personalities. Although, I was happily surprised when at about 50% of the way through the book the characters started developing nicely and the plot deepened. Just when the plot and characters started to develop, the book ended, so I wish there was more of the story after the development. Overall, the first part of the book could be cut down immensely, but the ending did meet the expectations that I had.
October 28, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for the chance to read Seizing fate by Tracey Kyler. I love the idea of a romantasy with gargoyles and looked forward to reading this dystopian story. I enjoyed the beginning of the story, especially because Cora worked at a library but the pacing was really slow, and the world building seemed a bit weird; (no cars, but Arik, the main male character drove around on a motorcycle). It picked up halfway through, and I enjoyed the rest of the story. 31/2 stars.
December 20, 2025
A powerful blend of paranormal romance and emotional depth, Seizing Fate completely swept me away. Cora’s resilience and guarded strength make her instantly relatable, while Arik’s dual nature, protector and cursed warrior, adds rich complexity to the story. The tension between love and destiny is beautifully written, and the ancient war woven into their relationship raises the stakes in all the right ways. Passionate, dark, and deeply moving, this is a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy who crave high emotion, unforgettable characters, and a love worth fighting for.
October 4, 2025
Seizing Fate was a good read with some great moments. I really liked the dynamic between Cora, who’s been through so much, and Arik, the gargoyle warrior sworn to protect her. Their chemistry stood out and kept me turning the pages.
Some parts felt a little uneven in pacing, but overall I enjoyed the romance, the tension, and the Gargoyle Order world. If you’re into fantasy romance with danger, destiny, and slow-building trust, this one is worth checking out.
Some parts felt a little uneven in pacing, but overall I enjoyed the romance, the tension, and the Gargoyle Order world. If you’re into fantasy romance with danger, destiny, and slow-building trust, this one is worth checking out.
October 31, 2025
This book had a lot of promise in my opinion. Post apocalyptic world where Gargoyles watch over humans in a world with no order. The story was there but lacked in development for me. There were too many plot holes and it became a little frustrating. The love aspect of this book took over for the action the story could have had. I believe this book could have been something great but the plot holes lost it for me.
November 20, 2025
I wany to thank NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to review this book
Cora is broken by her past, has no family or any support system. Arik is bound to protect her from any harm. Being that he is warrior of the gargoyles order, he has battled a lot of bad in his time. The story was chalked full of romance and action. The romance between Cora and Arik is sweet and makes you root for them throughout the story. I would recommend this to anyone that is seeking action and romance.
Cora is broken by her past, has no family or any support system. Arik is bound to protect her from any harm. Being that he is warrior of the gargoyles order, he has battled a lot of bad in his time. The story was chalked full of romance and action. The romance between Cora and Arik is sweet and makes you root for them throughout the story. I would recommend this to anyone that is seeking action and romance.
April 13, 2026
Seizing Fate is an emotionally charged paranormal romance that blends passion, danger, and destiny into a gripping narrative. Tracey Kyler delivers a story filled with compelling characters, supernatural intrigue, and high emotional stakes. A captivating read for fans of romance woven into dark and immersive fantasy worlds.
November 6, 2025
This story gripped me from the beginning! Cora is such a fascinating character and very relatable. Arik comes in and saves her and then he is there!
Good/bad boy conflict, powerful but evil runs in his veins. Old war interferes and what will happen?
Pick up the book to find out?!
Good/bad boy conflict, powerful but evil runs in his veins. Old war interferes and what will happen?
Pick up the book to find out?!
October 25, 2025
Great story and pace! Absolutely looking forward to the next installment to continue on this journey!
December 5, 2025
Honestly I love a good dystopian book. As a millennial girlie this book hits the spot and it sits right along side Divergent, The Hunger Games, Silver Elite for me.
I honestly can’t wait to read more.
4/5 stars.
I honestly can’t wait to read more.
4/5 stars.
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