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Markings of Fate
Not yet published
Expected 5 Mar 26Heir to two realms. A pawn between kings.
Caught between both, Isa is forced to protect the ones she loves—binding herself to the king she despises most to join his hunt for the Veilstone.
A stone that could alter their fate.
But her returning memories claw their way back, bleeding into her mind until she can’t decipher what’s truth and what’s dream. And with them, the knowledge of her second matemark. Something that shouldn’t exist.
Everything she thought she understood about fate, loyalty, and desire splinters as she’s drawn to the one male she should never want.
Between betraying Rydian and recovering a past she can’t fully remember, Isa is trapped between impossible politics, a rising war, forbidden desire, and the truth of who she really is.
Now she must choose which destiny she’s willing to burn for… and who she’s willing to become in order to survive it.
Caught between both, Isa is forced to protect the ones she loves—binding herself to the king she despises most to join his hunt for the Veilstone.
A stone that could alter their fate.
But her returning memories claw their way back, bleeding into her mind until she can’t decipher what’s truth and what’s dream. And with them, the knowledge of her second matemark. Something that shouldn’t exist.
Everything she thought she understood about fate, loyalty, and desire splinters as she’s drawn to the one male she should never want.
Between betraying Rydian and recovering a past she can’t fully remember, Isa is trapped between impossible politics, a rising war, forbidden desire, and the truth of who she really is.
Now she must choose which destiny she’s willing to burn for… and who she’s willing to become in order to survive it.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 5, 2026
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start with a warning wrapped in affection: if the ending of In the Dark made you stare at the wall questioning your life choices, this book will absolutely do it again. Same energy. Same emotional whiplash. Not a cliffhanger exactly, but that final line drops like a trapdoor and leaves you whispering, “WTF?!”
This book picks up immediately where book one ends, which I loved. No recap slog, no time jump, just straight back into the chaos. While we don’t get a huge expansion of the world building, that’s honestly fine because book one laid such a solid foundation. Instead, this installment leans hard into character work, and that is where it shines.
Isa. Poor, poor, overwhelmed Isa. I genuinely did not think her life could get messier than it already was. I was wrong. Spectacularly wrong. One overbearing mate would be enough to send anyone into a spiral, but two? Absolutely unhinged behavior from the universe. And no, I won’t tell you who mate number two is. You’ll have to suffer like the rest of us.
Let’s address the obvious: yes, Rydian being her mate is not a surprise. If that shocked you, I gently ask if you read book one with your eyes open. And while Isa is drowning in impossible choices, I can’t help but feel for Rydian too. Sharing is hard. Sharing your mate? Brutal. He is, without question, my favorite character and I am begging the author not to do anything in future books to change that. I’m emotionally invested now.
Mate number two, however? Strong feelings. Very strong feelings. Mostly negative. And honestly, the fact that I feel this intensely about these characters is proof of how well written they are. No one here feels interchangeable or flat, not even the side characters. Everyone has a distinct voice, motive, and emotional weight.
This story is less quest-driven than In the Dark. The quest is still there, but it takes a backseat to Isa reclaiming her memories and dealing with the fallout that detonates across every relationship. It’s messy, emotional, and incredibly compelling.
If you loved book one, this is an easy five stars. And if you haven’t started this series yet… what exactly are you waiting for?
This book picks up immediately where book one ends, which I loved. No recap slog, no time jump, just straight back into the chaos. While we don’t get a huge expansion of the world building, that’s honestly fine because book one laid such a solid foundation. Instead, this installment leans hard into character work, and that is where it shines.
Isa. Poor, poor, overwhelmed Isa. I genuinely did not think her life could get messier than it already was. I was wrong. Spectacularly wrong. One overbearing mate would be enough to send anyone into a spiral, but two? Absolutely unhinged behavior from the universe. And no, I won’t tell you who mate number two is. You’ll have to suffer like the rest of us.
Let’s address the obvious: yes, Rydian being her mate is not a surprise. If that shocked you, I gently ask if you read book one with your eyes open. And while Isa is drowning in impossible choices, I can’t help but feel for Rydian too. Sharing is hard. Sharing your mate? Brutal. He is, without question, my favorite character and I am begging the author not to do anything in future books to change that. I’m emotionally invested now.
Mate number two, however? Strong feelings. Very strong feelings. Mostly negative. And honestly, the fact that I feel this intensely about these characters is proof of how well written they are. No one here feels interchangeable or flat, not even the side characters. Everyone has a distinct voice, motive, and emotional weight.
This story is less quest-driven than In the Dark. The quest is still there, but it takes a backseat to Isa reclaiming her memories and dealing with the fallout that detonates across every relationship. It’s messy, emotional, and incredibly compelling.
If you loved book one, this is an easy five stars. And if you haven’t started this series yet… what exactly are you waiting for?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review
~~~~~~~SPOILER ALERT!!!!! ITS GOOD~~~~~~~~~
The Plot-THICK
The Tension-THICK
The MEN-THIICC
Phew I woke up with this arc in my email and I was cocked and locked. I inhaled this book like a asthmatic hittin' the nebulizer after an attack. Book one of the Unbound Fate was easily my most favorite read last year, and I was dying at the prospect of waiting forever. I love when a book makes you flop and huff and eek out loud and this series does just that!
We are catapulted right where we left of in book one. In Marking of Fate shit has hitith the fan. Isa is forced to wheel and deal with King Elion to keep her newly refreshed memories and her Mate (mates? cuz our girl has two marks) safe. Betraying Rydian with a Blood Oath to secure her plans to stay on course with finding her mother and saving young Theo while also trying to over throw Elions reign. We also try to solve the Mystery of the second mate mark on Isa's arm while she also wars with the ethics of two mates. Apparently I am gluttonous because I would never question the fates.
As per usual Rydian is the KING of domance, seduction and patience. Absolutely swoon worthy.He is the blue print for a Romantasy king. But if Rydian is the King than Ren is GODTIER. Slowburn? NO! This was EDGING!! The level of restraint and passion that is conveyed from Ren in this was enough to make me double back and re-read a scene because I was desperate for something or anything to happen and couldn't keep my eyes from racing to the dialog even with Ren as the strong and silent type.
I was dying for a Dual POV just to know what torture my guys were going through. However we were left with a massive cliff hanger and more questions from the fates left unanswered. 10/10 finger lickin good. I will be desperately and obsessively waiting for book three but I know art must not be rushed!
~~~~~~~SPOILER ALERT!!!!! ITS GOOD~~~~~~~~~
The Plot-THICK
The Tension-THICK
The MEN-THIICC
Phew I woke up with this arc in my email and I was cocked and locked. I inhaled this book like a asthmatic hittin' the nebulizer after an attack. Book one of the Unbound Fate was easily my most favorite read last year, and I was dying at the prospect of waiting forever. I love when a book makes you flop and huff and eek out loud and this series does just that!
We are catapulted right where we left of in book one. In Marking of Fate shit has hitith the fan. Isa is forced to wheel and deal with King Elion to keep her newly refreshed memories and her Mate (mates? cuz our girl has two marks) safe. Betraying Rydian with a Blood Oath to secure her plans to stay on course with finding her mother and saving young Theo while also trying to over throw Elions reign. We also try to solve the Mystery of the second mate mark on Isa's arm while she also wars with the ethics of two mates. Apparently I am gluttonous because I would never question the fates.
As per usual Rydian is the KING of domance, seduction and patience. Absolutely swoon worthy.He is the blue print for a Romantasy king. But if Rydian is the King than Ren is GODTIER. Slowburn? NO! This was EDGING!! The level of restraint and passion that is conveyed from Ren in this was enough to make me double back and re-read a scene because I was desperate for something or anything to happen and couldn't keep my eyes from racing to the dialog even with Ren as the strong and silent type.
I was dying for a Dual POV just to know what torture my guys were going through. However we were left with a massive cliff hanger and more questions from the fates left unanswered. 10/10 finger lickin good. I will be desperately and obsessively waiting for book three but I know art must not be rushed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I knew before I even immersed myself into the story, that I would be hooked. CJ doesn’t just have a way of pulling you in…she wrecks you in the most beautiful way.
Isa is an heir, a pawn, and a girl forced to sacrifice everything for the people she loves (even Rydian). Watching her bind herself to the king she despises was heartbreaking, and the weight of her choices pressed down on every page. The political tension, the looming war, and the constant feeling that no choice comes without loss made this book impossible to put down.
Her returning memories are haunting. They blur the line between truth and dream until even you don’t know what to believe. Regardless of Isa’s choice to bind herself to Elion for the greater good of their realms, Rydian’s love for her is unwavering. He is possessive and gentle wrapped in one. And the forbidden desire between Isa and Ren is painful, slow-burning, and devastating in the best way. The revelation of a second mate-mark shattered everything Isa thought she knew about fate, loyalty, and herself.
This book is emotional, dark, and absolutely addictive. It left my heart aching, emotionally damaged, and desperate for more.
This story thrives in the in-between spaces:
⚔️ Between loyalty and betrayal
🔥 Between duty and desire
👑 Between who Isa was and who she’s becoming
I need the next book now! 🔥📖💔
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I knew before I even immersed myself into the story, that I would be hooked. CJ doesn’t just have a way of pulling you in…she wrecks you in the most beautiful way.
Isa is an heir, a pawn, and a girl forced to sacrifice everything for the people she loves (even Rydian). Watching her bind herself to the king she despises was heartbreaking, and the weight of her choices pressed down on every page. The political tension, the looming war, and the constant feeling that no choice comes without loss made this book impossible to put down.
Her returning memories are haunting. They blur the line between truth and dream until even you don’t know what to believe. Regardless of Isa’s choice to bind herself to Elion for the greater good of their realms, Rydian’s love for her is unwavering. He is possessive and gentle wrapped in one. And the forbidden desire between Isa and Ren is painful, slow-burning, and devastating in the best way. The revelation of a second mate-mark shattered everything Isa thought she knew about fate, loyalty, and herself.
This book is emotional, dark, and absolutely addictive. It left my heart aching, emotionally damaged, and desperate for more.
This story thrives in the in-between spaces:
⚔️ Between loyalty and betrayal
🔥 Between duty and desire
👑 Between who Isa was and who she’s becoming
I need the next book now! 🔥📖💔
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️6 stars!
Markings of Fate by C.J. Blair is everything I needed after that brutal cliffhanger in book one.
Book two raises the stakes in every way- emotionally, romantically, and politically. Isa is finally beginning to reclaim the memories that were stolen from her, and watching her process the truth about her past, her power, and her destiny is both heartbreaking and empowering. Her anger feels earned, explosive, and incredibly satisfying, especially as she starts to understand just how much was taken from her.
The romance is where the book truly shines. The tension, the secrets, and the complicated bonds between Isa, Rydian and Ren kept me completely hooked. The mate dynamics add depth rather than drama for drama’s sake, and I loved how the relationships were handled with honesty, emotional weight, and consent. Isa’s guilt, longing, and strength all feel very real.
On top of that, the action is fantastic- fast paced, intense, and perfectly balanced with characters development. Fate is clearly at work here, and watching the pieces move toward the unification of the kingdoms is incredibly satisfying.
🌶️ Spice level 3.5/5- well written, passionate, and memorable without overwhelming the story.
If you love romantacy with high stakes, powerful fmcs, fated mates, and morally complex relationships, this book is a must read. Do yourself a favor and read book 1 first, the sequel hits so much harder because of it.
🗓️ Release date is March 26
Markings of Fate by C.J. Blair is everything I needed after that brutal cliffhanger in book one.
Book two raises the stakes in every way- emotionally, romantically, and politically. Isa is finally beginning to reclaim the memories that were stolen from her, and watching her process the truth about her past, her power, and her destiny is both heartbreaking and empowering. Her anger feels earned, explosive, and incredibly satisfying, especially as she starts to understand just how much was taken from her.
The romance is where the book truly shines. The tension, the secrets, and the complicated bonds between Isa, Rydian and Ren kept me completely hooked. The mate dynamics add depth rather than drama for drama’s sake, and I loved how the relationships were handled with honesty, emotional weight, and consent. Isa’s guilt, longing, and strength all feel very real.
On top of that, the action is fantastic- fast paced, intense, and perfectly balanced with characters development. Fate is clearly at work here, and watching the pieces move toward the unification of the kingdoms is incredibly satisfying.
🌶️ Spice level 3.5/5- well written, passionate, and memorable without overwhelming the story.
If you love romantacy with high stakes, powerful fmcs, fated mates, and morally complex relationships, this book is a must read. Do yourself a favor and read book 1 first, the sequel hits so much harder because of it.
🗓️ Release date is March 26
January 14, 2026
ARC Review:
Book two of the series starts with everyone reeling from Isa’s declaration that she is a daughter of both realms. Her “father” aims to exploit this and marry her off to Rydian, not knowing their existing relationship. Ren is sent as an informant, as the King doesn’t know his loyalty is also to Isa. With two mate marks, Isa doesn’t know where her heart belongs, who her mates are, and what her future holds. As she works with Aurelia to find the veilstone, answers start to come to light.
Ren’s story takes more of the forefront and we learn about his background through glimpses of Isa’s memories and Ren’s disclosure. The whole series Ren has stood by and “hated” Isa, when in reality he was staying as close as possible to protect her. I can’t fathom the pain he went through and his yearning is written to perfection.
We meet a variety of new characters that enhance relationships across the board. We get environmental development for Aurelia, whereas book one gave us the development of Elderheim.
Review wise, my heart may never recover from this one. Every chapter leaves something to be desired and pulls you into the next chapter. But to not spoil anything, I can’t reveal anything more. Just read this one!!
Book two of the series starts with everyone reeling from Isa’s declaration that she is a daughter of both realms. Her “father” aims to exploit this and marry her off to Rydian, not knowing their existing relationship. Ren is sent as an informant, as the King doesn’t know his loyalty is also to Isa. With two mate marks, Isa doesn’t know where her heart belongs, who her mates are, and what her future holds. As she works with Aurelia to find the veilstone, answers start to come to light.
Ren’s story takes more of the forefront and we learn about his background through glimpses of Isa’s memories and Ren’s disclosure. The whole series Ren has stood by and “hated” Isa, when in reality he was staying as close as possible to protect her. I can’t fathom the pain he went through and his yearning is written to perfection.
We meet a variety of new characters that enhance relationships across the board. We get environmental development for Aurelia, whereas book one gave us the development of Elderheim.
Review wise, my heart may never recover from this one. Every chapter leaves something to be desired and pulls you into the next chapter. But to not spoil anything, I can’t reveal anything more. Just read this one!!
January 16, 2026
What the actual hell—this book is just as good as the first one.
I went in a little hesitant because I loved Book 1 so much, and when I found out this was a why-choose, I was nervous. But wow… the way the author handled it was phenomenal. Nothing felt forced, everything fell into place naturally, and it completely worked.
This installment leans more into political intrigue and missions, which adds depth but also creates intentional confusion—and that’s actually a strength. Isa is getting her memories back while simultaneously trying to figure out what’s real, who to trust, and where she truly belongs. The disorientation mirrors her internal struggle perfectly and pulls you even deeper into the story.
And the men… listen. I don’t even know who I’m supposed to be rooting for—but if I’m being honest, I’ve always been Team Rydain. The way he’s written? He had me kicking my feet and giggling. I want one of him, immediately.
The romance, the plot, the emotional payoff—it all hits. And then there’s that cliffhanger. Again. Why does this author keep doing this to me? I need Book 3 like yesterday.
I went in a little hesitant because I loved Book 1 so much, and when I found out this was a why-choose, I was nervous. But wow… the way the author handled it was phenomenal. Nothing felt forced, everything fell into place naturally, and it completely worked.
This installment leans more into political intrigue and missions, which adds depth but also creates intentional confusion—and that’s actually a strength. Isa is getting her memories back while simultaneously trying to figure out what’s real, who to trust, and where she truly belongs. The disorientation mirrors her internal struggle perfectly and pulls you even deeper into the story.
And the men… listen. I don’t even know who I’m supposed to be rooting for—but if I’m being honest, I’ve always been Team Rydain. The way he’s written? He had me kicking my feet and giggling. I want one of him, immediately.
The romance, the plot, the emotional payoff—it all hits. And then there’s that cliffhanger. Again. Why does this author keep doing this to me? I need Book 3 like yesterday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟ARC REVIEW🌟
Holy. Fucking. Shit. This book. This series.
I thought I could not get any more emotionally invested after In the Dark, but here we are. I’m going to try to avoid spoilers, so I will keep my review short, and to the point.
This picked up perfectly where In the Dark left off and the story of Isa, Rydian, Ren, Witt, and the rest of the gang did not disappoint.
You need to read this book. It has all the drama, all the spice, all the emotion. At one point I literally dropped my phone into the container of Trader Joe’s Canoli Dip that I was using to stress-eat mini ice cream cones because this book was just that intense. (and if you don’t know what that is then I suggest you to go TJ’s and get some so you can also enjoy this perfect snack with this perfect book)
TLDR: if you like spice, adventure, political intrigue, love triangles, and lost memories this book is for you.
🔪Family Drama
🖤Love Triangles
🍾Lost Memories
🖤Assassins
🔪Magic
Stars: 5/5
Spice: 5/5
Cannot wait to see what happens next!
Holy. Fucking. Shit. This book. This series.
I thought I could not get any more emotionally invested after In the Dark, but here we are. I’m going to try to avoid spoilers, so I will keep my review short, and to the point.
This picked up perfectly where In the Dark left off and the story of Isa, Rydian, Ren, Witt, and the rest of the gang did not disappoint.
You need to read this book. It has all the drama, all the spice, all the emotion. At one point I literally dropped my phone into the container of Trader Joe’s Canoli Dip that I was using to stress-eat mini ice cream cones because this book was just that intense. (and if you don’t know what that is then I suggest you to go TJ’s and get some so you can also enjoy this perfect snack with this perfect book)
TLDR: if you like spice, adventure, political intrigue, love triangles, and lost memories this book is for you.
🔪Family Drama
🖤Love Triangles
🍾Lost Memories
🖤Assassins
🔪Magic
Stars: 5/5
Spice: 5/5
Cannot wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know when you read book and it's good, and then you read the second book and it's even better than the first? Well, you're welcome. :)
In 'Markings of Fate', CJ Blaire's second book in the Unbound Fate series, the story picks right up where book 1 ended. Without giving away too much, there's political intrigue, revelations, and questions answered (which leads to more questions). The writing is good and you will be pulled in the moment you start reading.
I highly recommend this and book 1 "In the Dark" if you are a fan of romantasy, fantasy, romance, magic, found family, and more! I cannot wait to read book 3 and see where it goes!!
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Spoiler Comment (read at your own risk)
I do have to mention this...the book ends up having the reverse harem trope. Personally I am not a fan of this trope and rarely read a book that has this, but how it's developed in the story fits the plot and makes sense. Even if that turns you off, give this book a chance - it's still really, really good!
In 'Markings of Fate', CJ Blaire's second book in the Unbound Fate series, the story picks right up where book 1 ended. Without giving away too much, there's political intrigue, revelations, and questions answered (which leads to more questions). The writing is good and you will be pulled in the moment you start reading.
I highly recommend this and book 1 "In the Dark" if you are a fan of romantasy, fantasy, romance, magic, found family, and more! I cannot wait to read book 3 and see where it goes!!
--------
Spoiler Comment (read at your own risk)
I do have to mention this...the book ends up having the reverse harem trope. Personally I am not a fan of this trope and rarely read a book that has this, but how it's developed in the story fits the plot and makes sense. Even if that turns you off, give this book a chance - it's still really, really good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m honestly blown away by this follow-up to In the Dark. I already liked the first book, but Markings of Fate really dug deeper and made everything feel fuller. The first book laid the groundwork for the world and characters, and this one built on it in a way that felt natural.
I was locked into Isa emotionally the entire story — her frustration, confusion, and hurt. Experiencing the reveals alongside her, with the memories slowly coming back and seeing how she handled each truth, made the story even more engaging.
If you loved Throne of Glass but wished it was spicier, this series will probably hit for you. Rydian reminds me of Dorian Havilliard — witty, charming, a little flirty, but still carries authority — while Ren has Rowan Whitethorn energy: harder around the edges, selfless, protective, and very much the warrior type. And Isa is more like Lysandra, surviving a traumatic past, and recognizing her strengths.
In the Dark ended on a brutal cliffhanger, but this one just left me hungry for the next book and really excited to see where the story goes.
I was locked into Isa emotionally the entire story — her frustration, confusion, and hurt. Experiencing the reveals alongside her, with the memories slowly coming back and seeing how she handled each truth, made the story even more engaging.
If you loved Throne of Glass but wished it was spicier, this series will probably hit for you. Rydian reminds me of Dorian Havilliard — witty, charming, a little flirty, but still carries authority — while Ren has Rowan Whitethorn energy: harder around the edges, selfless, protective, and very much the warrior type. And Isa is more like Lysandra, surviving a traumatic past, and recognizing her strengths.
In the Dark ended on a brutal cliffhanger, but this one just left me hungry for the next book and really excited to see where the story goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Our book pics up where book 1 with the reveal that Isa in King Elion’s daughter and he wiped her memories. Her mother is still held captive by him. Isa knows she had 2 mates out there because she has 2 mate marks. But should she have 2? Why does she have 2? How can she choose if 2 are fated for her?
She settles into an unwanted bargain with King Elion, to spare her mate Rydian.
Ren, her captain at the brotherhood where she trained as an assassin, continues to brood along and is a man of few words. As Isa gaines her memories back slowly, after stealing her memory stone from King Elion, her memories are filled with Ren. Almost as if Isa and Ren were friends once. Real or not?
As they cross into Aurelia, there’s a connection that grows stronger and more curious between Isa and Ren. King Elion is forging “new magic” by making crystals and harvesting essence. Isa realizes that maybe she’s meant for more than being a dutiful queen…
She settles into an unwanted bargain with King Elion, to spare her mate Rydian.
Ren, her captain at the brotherhood where she trained as an assassin, continues to brood along and is a man of few words. As Isa gaines her memories back slowly, after stealing her memory stone from King Elion, her memories are filled with Ren. Almost as if Isa and Ren were friends once. Real or not?
As they cross into Aurelia, there’s a connection that grows stronger and more curious between Isa and Ren. King Elion is forging “new magic” by making crystals and harvesting essence. Isa realizes that maybe she’s meant for more than being a dutiful queen…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
👏👏👏 WOW! CJ Blaire has done it again!!! The story takes an epic turn, and the heat is kicked up! I love how the story is able to keep your attention and want more with every turn of the page. The FMC Isa is such a power house. I love her boldness and how she's not some damsel in distress.
I cannot spoil anything. ...but I have two favorite MC characters now...iykyk .. 😉.
Over all the story is well written. A perfect blend of adventures, romance and some bad ass fighting. The plot and climax of the story flow beautifully and leaves you with a feeling of excitement and anticipation for the next book!
Not to mention the spice is chefs kiss delicious.. 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🥵
CJ Blaire has been a favorite indie author of mine since I read the first book of this series, I truly appreciate her dedication to her readers. Her hard work and love show with each page she writes.
Bravo 🌹 👏👏! 10/10 recommend.
I cannot spoil anything. ...but I have two favorite MC characters now...iykyk .. 😉.
Over all the story is well written. A perfect blend of adventures, romance and some bad ass fighting. The plot and climax of the story flow beautifully and leaves you with a feeling of excitement and anticipation for the next book!
Not to mention the spice is chefs kiss delicious.. 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🥵
CJ Blaire has been a favorite indie author of mine since I read the first book of this series, I truly appreciate her dedication to her readers. Her hard work and love show with each page she writes.
Bravo 🌹 👏👏! 10/10 recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of getting Markings of Fate as an ARC. I absolutely loved book 1 & just knew C.J. Blaire was going to blow me away with book 2 & I was right.
Whew. What a ride. I finished Markings of Fate and it was SO good. From the first chapter it had me hooked, needing just one more page every time I tried to stop. The twists blindsided me in the best way, and the relationships I was secretly hoping for started slipping into place and I was eating it up. The politics stay messy, the tension stays high, and Isa being trapped between loyalty, desire, and a truth she can't fully remember had me stressed out in the fun way. Then the plot bombs hit and I just sat there like... excuse me?? And that ending. A cliffhanger that left me with way too many questions. I need book 3 ASAP because I'm not okay.
Whew. What a ride. I finished Markings of Fate and it was SO good. From the first chapter it had me hooked, needing just one more page every time I tried to stop. The twists blindsided me in the best way, and the relationships I was secretly hoping for started slipping into place and I was eating it up. The politics stay messy, the tension stays high, and Isa being trapped between loyalty, desire, and a truth she can't fully remember had me stressed out in the fun way. Then the plot bombs hit and I just sat there like... excuse me?? And that ending. A cliffhanger that left me with way too many questions. I need book 3 ASAP because I'm not okay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being an ARC reader has its down sides....example....I need book 3 NOW and this book is set to release March 24th!! The upside is that y'all have time to read book 1 "In The Dark" and be ready for the release of Markings of Fate!!!
The Unbound Fate Series is perfection. We have two fated mates, stolen memories, a badass FMC who is in her late twenties, two of the most delicious MMC's, and magic.
As we continue on Isa's journey, we have so much more revealed to us and her. More found family, more banter, more political intrigue, more betrayal, and more spice!! The spice doesn't overshadow the plot and it is deliciously steamy and explicit.
Me and Miss C.J. Blaire need to have a conversation about that cliffhanger in the epilogue (so read it) and that very last sentence though!!! My brain melted and I stared at the wall for 20 minutes.
As much as I complain... I do love a good cliffhanger....just don't tell her!!! 🤫
The Unbound Fate Series is perfection. We have two fated mates, stolen memories, a badass FMC who is in her late twenties, two of the most delicious MMC's, and magic.
As we continue on Isa's journey, we have so much more revealed to us and her. More found family, more banter, more political intrigue, more betrayal, and more spice!! The spice doesn't overshadow the plot and it is deliciously steamy and explicit.
Me and Miss C.J. Blaire need to have a conversation about that cliffhanger in the epilogue (so read it) and that very last sentence though!!! My brain melted and I stared at the wall for 20 minutes.
As much as I complain... I do love a good cliffhanger....just don't tell her!!! 🤫
January 24, 2026
Thank you CJ for once again granting me an ARC (and also emotionally devastating me).
This series just keeps getting juicier. Our girl, Isa, continues to battle with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Is she impulsive? Sure. But she gets things done. Homegirl also has lots to process as she uncovers her missing memories and finds out just how little of herself has been leftover. I love the found family she gets to build in this story. There are also many elements of not knowing exactly who to trust, which makes for an interesting page turner! The best part of all though? The tension and yearning radiating from Ren. I found myself always wanting more information from him, wishing we could dig into his mind for answers. He will not disappoint.
4.5⭐️
This series just keeps getting juicier. Our girl, Isa, continues to battle with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Is she impulsive? Sure. But she gets things done. Homegirl also has lots to process as she uncovers her missing memories and finds out just how little of herself has been leftover. I love the found family she gets to build in this story. There are also many elements of not knowing exactly who to trust, which makes for an interesting page turner! The best part of all though? The tension and yearning radiating from Ren. I found myself always wanting more information from him, wishing we could dig into his mind for answers. He will not disappoint.
4.5⭐️
February 13, 2026
🌟ARC REVIEW🌟
OMG!
I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series. One of my favorite reads of 2025, so needless to say my expectations going into this one were SKY HIGH… and it somehow EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!! This is everything a great romantasy book should be! The political intrigue is top notch. The twists and turns keep you guessing and enthralled. CJ has a way of making what’s happening to the characters feel like they’re happening to us. We feel everything that our FMC feels, all the emotions. This book is filled with complex emotions and self discovery… Oh and did I mention it’s a why choose!?!? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
OMG!
I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series. One of my favorite reads of 2025, so needless to say my expectations going into this one were SKY HIGH… and it somehow EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!! This is everything a great romantasy book should be! The political intrigue is top notch. The twists and turns keep you guessing and enthralled. CJ has a way of making what’s happening to the characters feel like they’re happening to us. We feel everything that our FMC feels, all the emotions. This book is filled with complex emotions and self discovery… Oh and did I mention it’s a why choose!?!? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sequel was everything I wanted and needed but also soooooo much more. Ren and Rydian are definitely top tier book boyfriends.
Isa really bloomed in this book and we saw a lot more character development than I thought we would. Although she’s incredibly stubborn, she’s also soft hearted and opening her heart to this new found family she’s surrounded herself with.
All in all, this was a 6 star read for me and has quickly become one of my all time favorite stories and series. I absolutely love CJ’s writing and can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
Also, f**k Witt Dralor.
Isa really bloomed in this book and we saw a lot more character development than I thought we would. Although she’s incredibly stubborn, she’s also soft hearted and opening her heart to this new found family she’s surrounded herself with.
All in all, this was a 6 star read for me and has quickly become one of my all time favorite stories and series. I absolutely love CJ’s writing and can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
Also, f**k Witt Dralor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Damn damn damn! Obsessed! And in love with it! CJ Blaire is amazing! And I will forever read anything she writes!
Book 1 was amazing and book 2 was even better!
This series is amazing!
If you love
A feisty FMC
Not one but 2 hot MMCs
Fae, magic, love, heart break, a roller coaster of a ride, sexy shirtless training where he trains her, hidden memories, tension and yearning, mates.
You will devour this!
Damn damn damn! Obsessed! And in love with it! CJ Blaire is amazing! And I will forever read anything she writes!
Book 1 was amazing and book 2 was even better!
This series is amazing!
If you love
A feisty FMC
Not one but 2 hot MMCs
Fae, magic, love, heart break, a roller coaster of a ride, sexy shirtless training where he trains her, hidden memories, tension and yearning, mates.
You will devour this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Six stars. Ahhh!!! I’m speechless. As a certified Ren girl (if Rydian has no more haters I’m dead) this book was for me and I absolutely devoured it. I could not get enough. The angst?? The yearning?? The tension?? The DEVOTION?? Be still my heart.
Beautifully done. All of it. C.J. Blaire, girl, I see the vision and the setup for Book 3 and I await it with bated breath.
To anyone on the fence about diving into this series: just read it.
Six stars. Ahhh!!! I’m speechless. As a certified Ren girl (if Rydian has no more haters I’m dead) this book was for me and I absolutely devoured it. I could not get enough. The angst?? The yearning?? The tension?? The DEVOTION?? Be still my heart.
Beautifully done. All of it. C.J. Blaire, girl, I see the vision and the setup for Book 3 and I await it with bated breath.
To anyone on the fence about diving into this series: just read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, holy 💩, she's done it again!
🔥🔥🔥
This book was just as good, if not better, than the first; and just when I thought I couldn't love these characters more (Ren...I'm talking to you! 😍), I was proven wrong.
In The Dark made it into my top 3 reads of 2025, and though it's early, I can already say Markings of Fate will be up there as well, for 2026.
Please excuse my babble, I am just too stunned for adequate words.
I can't wait for the next book!
🔥🔥🔥
This book was just as good, if not better, than the first; and just when I thought I couldn't love these characters more (Ren...I'm talking to you! 😍), I was proven wrong.
In The Dark made it into my top 3 reads of 2025, and though it's early, I can already say Markings of Fate will be up there as well, for 2026.
Please excuse my babble, I am just too stunned for adequate words.
I can't wait for the next book!
February 12, 2026
Loved the first in the series so was so excited to read this!! It did not disappoint. I don’t like to give much away with reviews so I like to keep it very simple. So I’ll just say if you love a good fantasy series with twist and turns this is it!! And it’s steamy!!!!!
February 2, 2026
well, that just wrecked me. Brb 😫
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