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Deck of Fate
Elora walks into the Assembly knowing full well that her chances of becoming anything other than a powerless Club, her family’s symbol, are close to zero, and she is grateful for it. She has no desire to become a Diamond, with their supernatural intelligence, or a Heart with elemental magic, or Gods forbid, one of those pretentious special-powered Spades. She has always been resigned to serving the symbols she loathes, hoping to escape poverty and provide a better life for her mother. But when the Assembly brands her as a Spade, Elora’s world is upended. Thrust into a deadly training base where survival is a test of will, she must navigate a world of privilege and power while grappling with her own prejudices.
Rhiya Evergreen, Elora’s best friend, has long dreamed of escaping Umbralyn, their shared city of the powerless. When assigned to serve one of the most prestigious families in Arcana, she believes she’s found her way out. But her newfound life of luxury comes at a cost, as she uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten to shatter everything she thought she wanted.
As Elora and Rhiya’s paths diverge, they must navigate the truth about their society, their symbols, and themselves. When the Clubs disappear and Arcana’s fragile balance of power starts to crack, Elora and Rhiya must choose between embracing their new roles or dismantling the system that defines them.
Rhiya Evergreen, Elora’s best friend, has long dreamed of escaping Umbralyn, their shared city of the powerless. When assigned to serve one of the most prestigious families in Arcana, she believes she’s found her way out. But her newfound life of luxury comes at a cost, as she uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten to shatter everything she thought she wanted.
As Elora and Rhiya’s paths diverge, they must navigate the truth about their society, their symbols, and themselves. When the Clubs disappear and Arcana’s fragile balance of power starts to crack, Elora and Rhiya must choose between embracing their new roles or dismantling the system that defines them.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 24, 2026
I am not normally a fantasy reader, but I could NOT put this book down. The world building was done perfectly, the characters were so complex and had so many connections and layers to them, and overall it had me on the edge of my seat.
I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series, as the ending left me wanting more and more. 10/10, you must read this book.
I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series, as the ending left me wanting more and more. 10/10, you must read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this was my first 5 star book of the year.
i was a lucky ARC reader for this book and i could not put it down. it has magic and betrayal. it has POV from 2 characters from different classes. i thought it would be like another war college story, but i was so much better. it has lots of twist, turns and surprises. just an amazing read. really hope there is a 2nd book.
i was a lucky ARC reader for this book and i could not put it down. it has magic and betrayal. it has POV from 2 characters from different classes. i thought it would be like another war college story, but i was so much better. it has lots of twist, turns and surprises. just an amazing read. really hope there is a 2nd book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deck of Fate is my first 5-star book of the year and this one will be hard to beat. With detailed world-building and mystery that gets readers instantly hooked, I wasn't able to put this book down.
Told from two perspectives - Elora and Rhiya - the author does a fantastic job of telling two separate but connected stories that introduce readers to the magic system and politics of the fantasy world of Arcana. Though Rhiya and Elora's stories are vastly different, both are intense, well-written, and captivating. The resilience and likability of both characters is something I enjoy reading in a fantasy novel.
Though many fantasy reads involve a female main character coming into their strength and powers suddenly and without training, Deck of Fate stands apart in the building of abilities over time. It is refreshing to read of the struggles and triumphs of characters training to gain their abilities rather than being granted them abruptly. This skill development, the excellent handling of injury recovery, and the portrayal of the impact of traumatic events all play a part in the creation of a sense of reality within this fantasy world.
Throughout the entirety of Deck of Fate, the author keeps readers on their toes. I encourage all fantasy lovers to give this one a read. Both the beautiful cover design and the wonderfully written story this book holds make it the perfect addition to any bookshelf.
Told from two perspectives - Elora and Rhiya - the author does a fantastic job of telling two separate but connected stories that introduce readers to the magic system and politics of the fantasy world of Arcana. Though Rhiya and Elora's stories are vastly different, both are intense, well-written, and captivating. The resilience and likability of both characters is something I enjoy reading in a fantasy novel.
Though many fantasy reads involve a female main character coming into their strength and powers suddenly and without training, Deck of Fate stands apart in the building of abilities over time. It is refreshing to read of the struggles and triumphs of characters training to gain their abilities rather than being granted them abruptly. This skill development, the excellent handling of injury recovery, and the portrayal of the impact of traumatic events all play a part in the creation of a sense of reality within this fantasy world.
Throughout the entirety of Deck of Fate, the author keeps readers on their toes. I encourage all fantasy lovers to give this one a read. Both the beautiful cover design and the wonderfully written story this book holds make it the perfect addition to any bookshelf.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW, MY GOODNESS!! WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?
I am so lucky to have been a beta reader for this story. Thank you to Lexy for giving me a chance ❤️✨
It’s got everything you could want in a book, from high-stakes action and deadly magic to swoon-worthy romance and an eerie mystery. Not to mention twists that will leave your jaw on the floor!
The writing was superb, all the details of the world easily digestible and beautifully crafted. I could easily get into the Elora and Rhiya’s heads with their distinct voices, and picturing the cut-throat, fend-for-yourself world was no problem at all.
This story takes tropes we commonly see in romantasy (like war colleges and magic systems), and adds new and addictive layers to them that will keep you up all night chanting, “just one more chapter!”
This book is definitely a 5 star read for me 🌟 if you’re considering adding this to your TBR, consider this a sign to read it ASAP! You’ll be doing yourself a favor!
I can’t wait for book 2!
I am so lucky to have been a beta reader for this story. Thank you to Lexy for giving me a chance ❤️✨
It’s got everything you could want in a book, from high-stakes action and deadly magic to swoon-worthy romance and an eerie mystery. Not to mention twists that will leave your jaw on the floor!
The writing was superb, all the details of the world easily digestible and beautifully crafted. I could easily get into the Elora and Rhiya’s heads with their distinct voices, and picturing the cut-throat, fend-for-yourself world was no problem at all.
This story takes tropes we commonly see in romantasy (like war colleges and magic systems), and adds new and addictive layers to them that will keep you up all night chanting, “just one more chapter!”
This book is definitely a 5 star read for me 🌟 if you’re considering adding this to your TBR, consider this a sign to read it ASAP! You’ll be doing yourself a favor!
I can’t wait for book 2!
June 3, 2026
I am not a fantasy reader. I have a hard time getting into something that could never be real or getting through world building to get to the story. This book wiped that slate clean. I couldn't stop reading! I loved this book from the very beginning and am still reeling. I am so excited to read the next one! Will recommend this one for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 15, 2025Writing this story was never about perfection...it was about telling the truth the best way I knew how. Deck of Fate came from late nights, messy drafts, and a lot of heart. It’s a story about power, survival, love, and what it costs to be seen in a world determined to label you.
If this book made you feel something (anger, hope, grief, or strength), then it did what I needed it to do. Thank you for stepping into Arcana with me.
P.S. Yes I gave myself 5 stars because I am immensely proud of myself for writing this, something I’ve wanted to do for years. 💛
If this book made you feel something (anger, hope, grief, or strength), then it did what I needed it to do. Thank you for stepping into Arcana with me.
P.S. Yes I gave myself 5 stars because I am immensely proud of myself for writing this, something I’ve wanted to do for years. 💛
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews