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Your Dark Fate
Position, influence, authority. Everything Captain Jade Ni'ihm has worked for is within her grasp, but only if she can keep her secret.
Rising quickly as a top intelligence agent, Jade hunts the assassin responsible for murders among those vying for the throne, spurred on by a mysterious informant she's only ever heard from through notes. Jade's position, rocked by her informant's undeniable allure and the reappearance of her first love, is tenuous as the threads of the assassin's web pull in close around her.
Blood spills in a kingdom torn by prejudice and paranoia as Jade's secrets spin out of her control, leading her to a truth better left undiscovered.
Rising quickly as a top intelligence agent, Jade hunts the assassin responsible for murders among those vying for the throne, spurred on by a mysterious informant she's only ever heard from through notes. Jade's position, rocked by her informant's undeniable allure and the reappearance of her first love, is tenuous as the threads of the assassin's web pull in close around her.
Blood spills in a kingdom torn by prejudice and paranoia as Jade's secrets spin out of her control, leading her to a truth better left undiscovered.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Angela Knotts Morse
5 books57 followersANGELA KNOTTS MORSE is a lover of fantasy, musicals, good food, and cats. Though her background lies in laboratory science, she is living her dream as an author writing magical stories. Her days are filled with taking care of her three young children, her greatest blessings, but she manages to squeeze in time for writing late at night when the house is quiet.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 7, 2026
Firstly, thank you to the author for sending me this early copy to read and review before its release date. This story was amazing & I’m excited to see it flourish when it’s out to the public!
This story follows Jade, a military captain who specializes in espionage and intelligence. She’s been receiving anonymous tips that help her on her mission to allow the rightful heir to take power when the king meets his end. From here we are thrown into a world of dark secrets, assassinations, and a minor love triangle that keeps you sat and entertained. In my opinion, this is definitely more of a romantic subplot, but the actual mystery and plot of the story kept me well intrigued so it didn’t feel like it was lacking too much. I would highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of phantom of the opera, or military inspired fantasies.
Tropes:
🎭: secrets & mystery
☠️: love triangle
🖤: political intrigue
: phantom of the opera style vibes
This story follows Jade, a military captain who specializes in espionage and intelligence. She’s been receiving anonymous tips that help her on her mission to allow the rightful heir to take power when the king meets his end. From here we are thrown into a world of dark secrets, assassinations, and a minor love triangle that keeps you sat and entertained. In my opinion, this is definitely more of a romantic subplot, but the actual mystery and plot of the story kept me well intrigued so it didn’t feel like it was lacking too much. I would highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of phantom of the opera, or military inspired fantasies.
Tropes:
🎭: secrets & mystery
☠️: love triangle
🖤: political intrigue
: phantom of the opera style vibes
October 14, 2025
ENDORSEMENT:
This book was as dark and romantic as the tale that inspired it. Morse weaves a story unique yet familiar, filled with love, betrayal, and secrets. It's perfect for fans of the original tale as well as new readers.
This book was as dark and romantic as the tale that inspired it. Morse weaves a story unique yet familiar, filled with love, betrayal, and secrets. It's perfect for fans of the original tale as well as new readers.
October 10, 2025
WOW! This murder mystery Phantom of the Opera retelling was FANTASTIC!
The story follows Captain Jade Ni'ihm, a military woman keen to protect the true line of succession to the throne in the midst of a bloody conflict between members of the royal family. An assassin is at large, and Jade will stop at nothing to find out who it is. Jade is smart, fierce, and loyal—and afraid of failure—and when she starts getting notes from a secret informant with critical information pertaining to the conflict, she finds herself involved in a way she never bargained for.
The rich world-building, complex web of relationships, and well-developed "who-done-it" aspect makes this a phenomenal read. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the assassin was and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. Also, who doesn't love a good love triangle? (Which was VERY well done btw. I'm typically not the biggest fan of love triangles, but this one was executed with so much thought and intention.)
I'm super impressed by the book as a whole. You can tell how much time the author put in making every aspect of this book *just right.* Apparently I need to go read more of Angela's books now. 5 stars!
Go pick this book up if you love Phantom of the Opera, or murder mysteries, or messy royal conflicts.
*I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
The story follows Captain Jade Ni'ihm, a military woman keen to protect the true line of succession to the throne in the midst of a bloody conflict between members of the royal family. An assassin is at large, and Jade will stop at nothing to find out who it is. Jade is smart, fierce, and loyal—and afraid of failure—and when she starts getting notes from a secret informant with critical information pertaining to the conflict, she finds herself involved in a way she never bargained for.
The rich world-building, complex web of relationships, and well-developed "who-done-it" aspect makes this a phenomenal read. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the assassin was and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. Also, who doesn't love a good love triangle? (Which was VERY well done btw. I'm typically not the biggest fan of love triangles, but this one was executed with so much thought and intention.)
I'm super impressed by the book as a whole. You can tell how much time the author put in making every aspect of this book *just right.* Apparently I need to go read more of Angela's books now. 5 stars!
Go pick this book up if you love Phantom of the Opera, or murder mysteries, or messy royal conflicts.
*I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
I struggled with this rating. From a writer perspective, there were DEEP webs in this book. Intense familial ties, secrets that have been covered, planning and execution that dominoes over a decade of time in the book.
I would not call this book a dark romantasy, I wouldn’t call it a dark ‘who done it’. Yes, deaths happen, but mildly described.
If you’re reading this book with the goal of a love story or lust story intertwined in the mess…. I’d say sure there are some moments within the book, but if anything, it made the rest of the story feel choppy. The progression over the “lust” relationship in the book, even under an “influence” (like phantom in phantom of the opera) feels like it does not progress or grow, it feels very sudden. And then you turn the page and we’re on to something else.
Now, finally thoughts. THIS IS A GOOD BOOK for thinker readers. You can tell the author put a lot of time into the “evidence board” with misdirections and the “coming together” moments. I do feel like the blurb is misleading as to what the book’s “vibe” is, but other than the choppy ‘romance’ I enjoyed the book!
I would not call this book a dark romantasy, I wouldn’t call it a dark ‘who done it’. Yes, deaths happen, but mildly described.
If you’re reading this book with the goal of a love story or lust story intertwined in the mess…. I’d say sure there are some moments within the book, but if anything, it made the rest of the story feel choppy. The progression over the “lust” relationship in the book, even under an “influence” (like phantom in phantom of the opera) feels like it does not progress or grow, it feels very sudden. And then you turn the page and we’re on to something else.
Now, finally thoughts. THIS IS A GOOD BOOK for thinker readers. You can tell the author put a lot of time into the “evidence board” with misdirections and the “coming together” moments. I do feel like the blurb is misleading as to what the book’s “vibe” is, but other than the choppy ‘romance’ I enjoyed the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
Your Dark Fate by Angela Knotts Morse is an awesome fantasy Phantom of the Opera retelling, and I really enjoyed this one! This story follows Jade, our FMC, who is a Captain with the military investigating assassinations of the candidates vying for the crown. Meanwhile, she’s receiving information from a secret contact that has helped her in her investigation. As more and more people are assassinated, she finds her loyalty torn between the secret contact and her superiors, all while trying to keep the nobility alive.
This book is full of political intrigue, some slow burn romance, magic, betrayal, lots of action, amazing world building and so many amazing characters. I loved this book, and I loved finding the similarities between this and Phantom, even though the storylines are so different.
Overall, this book was absolutely fantastic. I really love fantasy murder mysteries, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Great read! I can’t wait to check out more of this authors work.
This book is full of political intrigue, some slow burn romance, magic, betrayal, lots of action, amazing world building and so many amazing characters. I loved this book, and I loved finding the similarities between this and Phantom, even though the storylines are so different.
Overall, this book was absolutely fantastic. I really love fantasy murder mysteries, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Great read! I can’t wait to check out more of this authors work.
January 18, 2026
Talk about immediately sucking your reader in with that prologue!
Actual strong female lead is top tier, Jade is well fleshed out and likeable. Loyal, smart, strong, yet still relatable. Jade is genuinely such a strong female lead, she is a badass while still being human and having true honest feelings and you don’t see that often… but let me stop going on and on about her, I just love her. I was Also impressed with a woman leading the military!👏🫰🏻
Eloquent writing, beautifully descriptive but still digestible and I love the mystery and intrigue.
I fully enjoyed the story, characters, and world but I will say the twist wasn’t really a twist because of the prologue and the second twist was hinted where I saw it coming but it was a still a good one. Even with that predictability I truly loved this book!
Actual strong female lead is top tier, Jade is well fleshed out and likeable. Loyal, smart, strong, yet still relatable. Jade is genuinely such a strong female lead, she is a badass while still being human and having true honest feelings and you don’t see that often… but let me stop going on and on about her, I just love her. I was Also impressed with a woman leading the military!👏🫰🏻
Eloquent writing, beautifully descriptive but still digestible and I love the mystery and intrigue.
I fully enjoyed the story, characters, and world but I will say the twist wasn’t really a twist because of the prologue and the second twist was hinted where I saw it coming but it was a still a good one. Even with that predictability I truly loved this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phantom of the Opera and a murder mystery, what's not to love!
'Your Dark Fate' will keep you guessing alongside Captain Jade as she risks her life to catch a poisonous assassin, and face her conflicted feelings for her first love Theo, and the brooding stranger who's helping her.
Jade is desperate to prove her skills and rise in the ranks, and will use everything she can including the anonymous tips she's been receiving.
The assassin is targeting connections to the royal family and the line of succession, and with rumours of forbidden magic and family tension, Jade is sent undercover to spy on the royals and capture the assassin.
Caught between her childhood friend turned lover Theo, and the charming informant she's drawn to, Jade is torn between danger, desire and duty.
Royal secrets, forbidden magic, betrayals, and an elusive assassin - who will survive?
'Your Dark Fate' will keep you guessing alongside Captain Jade as she risks her life to catch a poisonous assassin, and face her conflicted feelings for her first love Theo, and the brooding stranger who's helping her.
Jade is desperate to prove her skills and rise in the ranks, and will use everything she can including the anonymous tips she's been receiving.
The assassin is targeting connections to the royal family and the line of succession, and with rumours of forbidden magic and family tension, Jade is sent undercover to spy on the royals and capture the assassin.
Caught between her childhood friend turned lover Theo, and the charming informant she's drawn to, Jade is torn between danger, desire and duty.
Royal secrets, forbidden magic, betrayals, and an elusive assassin - who will survive?
January 4, 2026
I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC (I received a free digital copy in return for unbiased review), and I absolutely loved it. This retelling of The Phantom of the Opera was beautifully done—emotional, and utterly captivating. Every encounter between the FMC and a certain mysterious male had me on the edge of my seat, heart racing and mind spinning.
Without giving anything away, I was screaming for Jade to uncover the truth and get the answers we were all desperate for. The tension was perfection, the mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional pull never let up. And that finale? Chef’s kiss.
A haunting, romantic, and gripping read that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Highly recommend!!!
Without giving anything away, I was screaming for Jade to uncover the truth and get the answers we were all desperate for. The tension was perfection, the mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional pull never let up. And that finale? Chef’s kiss.
A haunting, romantic, and gripping read that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Highly recommend!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my GOSH. My jaw is still on the floor as I recover from this book!! I was so thankful to be selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I can honestly say it’s my new favorite. I am an avid Phantom fan, and as such, I appreciated all that Angela poured into this book. The story was new and fresh while still holding the familiar undertones and characters found in the traditional Phantom of the Opera story. I found the pacing to be excellent, the world building was so immersive, and I truly cared for each character! This is an absolute five star read for me, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know for months to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for sending me an early copy of this book to read and review before its release date!
I've got to say that I'm not as familiar with Phantom of the Opera as much I would like to be, and I've always wanted to watch it! But I knew I wanted to dive into this book as soon as I possibly could, and I loved reading it! This is the first murder mystery I've read in a while, and I have to say it has easily become one of my favorite reads! I would definitely re-read it again someday (and I love re-reading books to help me get back into reading again if I ever fall into a reading slump).
I've got to say that I'm not as familiar with Phantom of the Opera as much I would like to be, and I've always wanted to watch it! But I knew I wanted to dive into this book as soon as I possibly could, and I loved reading it! This is the first murder mystery I've read in a while, and I have to say it has easily become one of my favorite reads! I would definitely re-read it again someday (and I love re-reading books to help me get back into reading again if I ever fall into a reading slump).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2025! The twists, the action, the emotions?! This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Morse is an incredible author who paints scenes so vividly I forgot I was reading so many times! I was immediately sucked into the storyline and wasn't able to break free until the book was finished. Incredible.
Morse is an incredible author who paints scenes so vividly I forgot I was reading so many times! I was immediately sucked into the storyline and wasn't able to break free until the book was finished. Incredible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I funded this book on Kickstarter. I saw Phantom retelling or Phantom adjacent and figured, sure, I need more Phantom of the Opera like stories in my life.
Honestly, I d0n't need this one. While this is a loosely inspired Phantom of the Opera story, our 'Phantom' character isn't deformed, the strange thrall he has over the 'Christine' character is weak and doesn't make sense (or give any sort of pity). The 'Raoul' character is perhaps the strongest written character, but I feel he and the female lead don't really deserve one another.
The writing is clunky (the dialogue suffers the most because they talk very info-dumpy), the world building is pretty basic and could have gone somewhere with more details. The fact that here appears to be a sequel to this is a little concerning, but I'm sure things aren't over yet with the trio.
I just won't be sticking around for it.
Honestly, I d0n't need this one. While this is a loosely inspired Phantom of the Opera story, our 'Phantom' character isn't deformed, the strange thrall he has over the 'Christine' character is weak and doesn't make sense (or give any sort of pity). The 'Raoul' character is perhaps the strongest written character, but I feel he and the female lead don't really deserve one another.
The writing is clunky (the dialogue suffers the most because they talk very info-dumpy), the world building is pretty basic and could have gone somewhere with more details. The fact that here appears to be a sequel to this is a little concerning, but I'm sure things aren't over yet with the trio.
I just won't be sticking around for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This action-based retelling of the Phantom of the Opera will have you deep in palace intrigue. This story is dripping with romantic tension and dressed in ball gowns. Follow Jade as she skillfully goes on missions guided by a mysterious helper.
I received a complimentary copy of this book directly from the author for review purposes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book directly from the author for review purposes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great military based mystery. A contested throne, a mysterious assassin, and a captain who is undercover trying to figure out what is really going on. The story was engaging and very well written. I enjoyed Jade and Theo so much. They make an excellent team.
February 19, 2026
An enjoyable debut full of intrigue and surprises. Jade is a FMC you cannot help but root for. There are definitely subtle nods to The Phantom of the Opera, which elevates the story if you know them, but doesn't detract from the story if you don't. A clever, fun read.
October 25, 2025
Your Dark Fate is the Phantom of the Opera-inspired murder mystery fantasy that we all knew we needed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great combination of fantasy and who-done-it intrigue with themes from (and nods to) The Phantom of the Opera. Props for a strong female lead. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
February 14, 2026
This was FANTASTIC! I did not want to stop reading! I was hooked from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to read more from this author!
February 14, 2026
Wow, if you’re looking for a creative and fun retelling of the phantom of the opera - give this one a read! I can’t get enough of Gem and Theo - I would love more of their story, which is why I love that it looks like there might be a second…. ‘Miss me?!’ I was shook at the ending! Great world building, vivid imagery and fantastic espionage experiences! 🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews