Gifted: Book one of The Fated Series

by K.D. Harding

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

About the author

K. D. Harding is a first-time fantasy author with a deep love for immersive worlds, complex characters, and stories that blend darkness, magic, and emotion. While she has no formal training in writing, her passion for storytelling and creativity led her to create a world of her own. In addition to writing, she works in the medical field, balancing her professional life with her love of art, imagination, and fantasy. When she is not writing, she enjoys creating art and spending time with her animals.

Reviews

[Racquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy from Author

Just wow! Was a bit of a slow start but that was necessary in building this awesome world of deception and magic. Merrin is such a strong, smart princess that was drastically underestimated by so many. Her journey in finding her true strength and growth is just amazing. You go through all her ups and downs with her, feeling her happy moments, harsh times and realizations. I really wanted to just give her the biggest hug!
Once I was drawn in I couldn't put this down. There is a cliffhanger but just wow it had me grasping for the next moment and now I'm waiting to see if my thoughts were right. Yes, there is a plot twist and omg, it really threw me!
This is a must read! Love, love, love!

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book but the farther I got into it the more I enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Honor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love ALL of the book and can’t wait to see what happens next! The twist took me by COMPLETE surprise even though I anticipated some big reveals at the end. I’m hoping to see more dragon action in future books and can’t wait to see how Merrin & Laya work things out!

The world building was perfect. Many books, I find, do it in a way that bores me to tears, but yours was perfect and kind of spread out, which makes that part much more enjoyable.

The storyline is so addictive and there is soooo much room for twists and turns and surprises! I just really am intrigued to see which direction she goes with the story and will absolutely be reading any book K.D Harding writes in the future. First book?! Ma’am?? I would have never known that from reading this book.

[Maureen Koepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
When I first started this book I actually almost gave up on it because it started off pretty slow. After deciding to pick it up again the I was pleasantly surprised at how it picked up after the first 50 pages or so.
We get to meet our FMC Merrin who goes into the academy to prove herself worthy to others to lead. We get to see her start to kindle friendships that eventually turn into more of a chosen family. However nothing is really as it seems because Merrin is a princess who is trying to learn and prepare to eventually become the next leader of Elkin. During this time Merrin learns that there is much she does not know and we find ourselves even at that end of the book trying to figure out what is going on however the plot twist won’t entirely be clear until the next book comes out.
Did this book suck me in? Not at first but eventually.
Was I completely able to follow along? Not completely because I knew there was something missing.
But am I going to get the next book to figure out what really happened? Damn straight I am!

[Sarah Brake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book by this author. It obviously is the start to a series, and I can't wait to read the next book. There were a lot of twists, and now I have so many questions, hopefully they will be answered in the next book!

[Marissa 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! The mysterious aspect of the storyline kept me hooked and so did the main character Merrin. She’s awesome. The ending really caught me by surprise and I can’t wait to continue on in this series!

[Pattyde1201 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review: That being said , I will be purchasing a copy of Gifted for myself and a few others for friends who will love it as much as I did. I ate this story up so quickly, sucked into the story and dying to find out how it ends, I had to go back and read it again to give the author a review it is worthy of her dedication to her characters.
Gifted is a breath of fresh air in a market of fantasy saturated with copy/paste tropes. KD Harding guides the reader through a mystery of self empowerment, found family, and no one is what they appear to be. Merrin a princess is trying to prove her ability to lead by entering the magical academy instead of just having the crown passed to her from her queen mother. There she not not only finds her own strength of character- but she meets a badass best friend Laya, tries to avoid her arranged betrothed, faces the changes in her childhood best friend, and learns that no one is what you think.
KD Harding takes you through past and present though glimpses via magic to build the characters and weaves emotional attachments to even the minor characters with seamless storytelling. Any part of the story that I felt was choppy and amateur is purposeful and partially explained by the ending. This debut novel shows that a good story told by a master does not need spice to keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I am excited to see how KD Harding continues this entrancing fantasy.

[Stacy Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC review**

Do yourself a favor and get this book! Available on KU March 25. This has been my most highly anticipated book since i first learned about it and let me tell you it did not dissapoint. I cant reccomend this book enough! I was telling people about it before I event started reading it and more so once I started. Its got magic, it's got dragons, its got fighting, its got mystery. Its such a good storyline and the world building is so good! There is a few twists at the end. If you pay attention you may see 1 or 2 coming but the others you'll never see coming. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book because I NEED it on my bookshelf and so do you!

[carrie bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every second of this book, it draws you in from the very beginning ! I love when a book hooks you right away and builds the world as you go. I have been in a bit of a reading slump but this cured it. If you like fantasy you definitely need to give it a try ! Great book and safe for those that don't want spice. Thankful I got the chance to be a arc reader for Gifted.,it is one I need to buy for my shelf.

[Briana Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth Wing meets From Blood and Ash meets The Black Mage series!!! An astounding world of magic and gods, good and bad. Going to be a favorite series of all ages!! New and unique takes on a favorite genre, with wonderful imagery and storytelling! 10/10 book that will have a dedicated spot in my personal library!! Cannot recommend this book enough to friends and family, hoping everyone reads this!!!

[Alanna So · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gifted is a compelling YA fantasy with a unique magic system that immediately sets it apart.

Merrin’s growth was one of the strongest elements of the book. Watching her gradually come into herself felt authentic and earned. The concept of the trials added tension and structure to the story, and I really liked how the two trials unfolded, they felt purposeful rather than just obstacles to move the plot forward. Her individual task in Orien’s desert was a standout moment for me, it challenged her in ways that deepened both her confidence and her understanding of who she is. Those quieter but intense moments of personal reckoning really elevated the story.

Her gang of friends was endearing, and I appreciated how their relationships evolved naturally over time. The found-family dynamic felt genuine, and each character had space for individual development rather than blending into the background.

Overall, this was an engaging and imaginative read. The magic system was fresh, the trials were compelling, and the character arcs were satisfying. A strong 4/5 stars from me.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t my usual genre, but I’m glad I gave it a try.

It definitely has a slower start, especially with the world-building. It takes some time to fully understand the setting and how everything works, which made it a bit harder for me to get into at first.

That said, once the story gets going, it becomes much more interesting. The biggest standout for me was the ending, the plot twist caught me off guard and completely shifted my interest. And the cliffhanger definitely did its job because now I’m curious to see where the story goes next.

Overall, not something I would typically reach for, but I appreciated the unique elements and the way it set up future books.

[Demri Lone Fight · Rating 5 out of 5]

ACTION PACKED

Chapter 20 was my favorite chapter for sure. Unlikely friendships, other friendships that you think would've lasted forever but life has other plans. Blood oaths and coming of age. Destiny be damned! Merrin ia headstrong and knows what she wants. But who is lurking in her dreams?

[Jonathan Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. Do yourself a favor and get this book, you will not be disappointed. Imagine being one of the first to start a new series that you know for sure will be on everyone's top 5 list. Grab your cup of coffee and favorite candy sit back and enjoy the journey this book takes you through. Recommend for everyone

[Leeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it was a little hard to follow along but that could have been my fault as I was tired while reading. I did really enjoy the story though and can't wait to continue following along!

[Lavender.and_literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was A- mazing!!!
I loved the whole thing the world building, the characters, the secrets, Trials everything!

Merrin the FMC is a bada$$ i love her character. I enjoyed that she grew from the beginning being closed off to fully opening herself up by the end.

The side characters were also great. especially Laya. She is a fierce friend even if there is some secrets.

I cannot wait to see what happens with Sieros in the future.

That ending geeze what a cliffhanger! So thankful for being to recieve an arc of this book. I hope book 2 is in the works I cannot wait ❤️

[Turtle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The novel sets out with an ambitious premise, but unfortunately struggles to deliver a cohesive or engaging reading experience. From the very start, the prologue feels misused—it reads less like a meaningful backstory and more like a random excerpt pulled from a later chapter. Rather than grounding the reader, it creates confusion and fails to establish a strong foundation for what follows.
The opening chapters only compound this issue. The pacing is slow to the point of feeling stagnant, with sections that drag on without adding meaningful development to the plot or characters. This sluggish beginning makes it difficult to become invested, and the lack of momentum continues to weigh down the narrative as the story progresses.
Editorial issues are also hard to ignore. Several passages feel clunky or underdeveloped, as if they were not fully refined before publication. Awkward phrasing and uneven paragraph structure disrupt the flow, pulling the reader out of the story instead of immersing them in it.
Character development is another major shortcoming. Despite the first-person perspective—which typically offers intimate insight—the reader never truly gets to know the protagonist or supporting characters. Their motivations, emotions, and knowledge remain vague, creating a disconnect that makes it difficult to care about their journeys or decisions.
The storyline itself lacks clarity throughout. Events unfold without sufficient explanation or context, leaving the reader questioning not only what is happening, but why. Multiple plot threads are introduced, yet the narrative jumps between them without effectively tying them together. This fragmented structure results in a story that feels disjointed rather than layered.
While the book attempts to incorporate twists and turns, they come across as predictable and underwhelming. Without clear context or strong buildup, these moments fail to deliver the intended impact. By the end, there is little sense of resolution or understanding, leaving the story feeling incomplete.
Overall, the novel shows potential in concept but is hindered by execution. With stronger editing, clearer narrative direction, and deeper character development, it could have been a far more compelling read. As it stands, it struggles to maintain coherence and engagement from beginning to end.

[Alva Ingelström · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book genuinely surprised me—in the best way. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, I’m usually pretty good at spotting the twists before they land. That wasn’t the case here. I kept thinking I had a handle on where the story was heading, and I was wrong more than once. That unpredictability alone made the reading experience feel fresh and exciting.

The pacing is fast, and at times the transitions felt a little abrupt or jumpy. That said, it never pulled me out of the story. If anything, it added to the urgency of everything unfolding around Merrin. For a debut novel, it’s impressive. The scope of the world, the political tension, the magic, and the emotional stakes are ambitious, and K.D. Harding handles them with confidence.

One of the strongest elements is the world-building. It’s layered in naturally rather than delivered in heavy blocks of exposition, which makes it easy to stay immersed. The academy setting, the trials, and the undercurrent of shifting loyalties all create a story that feels expansive without being overwhelming.

Merrin is a compelling lead—determined, flawed, and driven to prove she is more than her title. Her relationships, especially with Laya, add heart to the story. The dynamic between strength, vulnerability, and loyalty is handled well, and the side characters feel purposeful rather than decorative. There’s clearly more to uncover with several of them, which makes me curious to see how future books will develop their arcs.

What stood out most to me is that this story doesn’t rely on predictable tropes or unnecessary embellishments to hold attention. It’s character-driven, layered with mystery, and confident in its own direction. You can see the foundation for something much bigger being built.

For a first book, Gifted sets a high bar. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

[kizziisreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book as an ARC for free in return for my honest review. I was not paid, these are my own thoughts & opinions. Thank you to K. D. Harding for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Where do I begin? I honestly have no words. I....I literally just finished the book before I picked this up to write this review.

I had been honestly excited. I feel like Merrin could hold a candle to a character like Aelin. She is a fierce FMC, who isn't afraid to be brutal when she needs and gentle rhe rest of the time.

You follow Merrin as she enters the recruits for the Academy. Though she is the heir apparent, she doesn't feel like she's worthy if she won't also endure what her people would to prove themselves.

There's enough mystery in what is going on that you'll always find a new piece of information. I was so entrances in the book that I stopped annotating because I would forget to. The characters are diverse, all with their own struggles. I definitely thought she would end up with one character; all the typical signs were there. She did not, which completely surprised me.

K.D. Harding does a very good job at building the world. I'm excited to learn about the rest of the world, about the different classes and powers. This drew me in and I ate this up. I'm desperate for book two. I need it like I need to breathe. For me, this is easily a 6🌟 read!

[Heather Suckiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of Gifted from K.D. Harding. In this debut, K.D. Harding did not disappoint.
In order to build a better future, Merrin uses her strength and determination to learn the truth about the past and present in hopes of creating a better future. Merrin learns that family isn’t always blood. She must endure battles and trials, encounters with a Deathshroud, shifters, deals with a Druid, bloodbound oaths and dragons all while learning to control her gift and survive.
The author’s note captures the essence of Merrin and what can be within any of us. Honestly, the beginning of the book was difficult for me to get through. I felt there could have been even more elaboration and more detailed transitions to further enhance the reading experience; however, I am aware that this is only book one and am hopeful there will be more in the next book! I definitely will be reading the next book, I have too many unanswered questions.
As the story progressed, everything started pulling together and I flew through the rest of the book fully invested in Merrin and her “family”.
If you are a fan of S.J. Maas, H.G. Howard, Susan Collins, Claire LeGrand, Penn Cole, or Rachel Gillig you will devour Gifted and anxiously await the next book in the Fated Series. I would definitely recommend this book and give it 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Wendy Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review | 4.5⭐️

I really enjoyed Gifted, and it’s absolutely earning a spot on my ARC trophy shelf. I’ll be honest though, there were a few moments where I felt a little lost and wasn’t totally sure what was happening. That might’ve been intentional, because by the time I hit the end… the twist had me questioning everything.

Merrin is a princess determined to prove she’s worthy of leading, so instead of simply inheriting the crown from her queen mother, she chooses to enter a magical academy and earn her place. While she’s there, she doesn’t just find her strength, she’s forced to grow through every complication possible: meeting her badass best friend Laya (we love a strong side character), trying to dodge an arranged betrothal, navigating the unsettling changes in her childhood best friend, and realizing very quickly that no one is quite what they seem. There’s so much underlying tension.

The story kept me turning pages because it constantly felt like something bigger was building under the surface. Just hoping questions would be answered. There’s so much room for plot twists, turns, and surprises going forward, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the K.D. takes the next book.

Also… I’m going to need book two to come with way more dragons.

[Brittany Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book as a ARC read from the Author.
Don’t let her being a new author to the fantasy world, which is popular and a well loved genre.. discourage you.

She builds an immersive and fun fantasy world that keeps you involved and hooked!

I never wanted to put the book down and couldn’t wait for when I could pick it back up!

You get dragons, druids and the gods… add a complex magic system and academy with professors of magic and battle, it is intertwined with the elements… and it is unlike like any of the ones we’ve been reading!

Character and world building is descriptive and easy to picture and follow along!

Watching Merrins journey as she makes friends and learns who is really in her corner, as she learns who she is and she fights to prove her worth to her people.

0/🌶️ but you see some relationships start build and I can’t wait to see their growth!

Great YA fantasy that my daughter already itching to get her hands on!

Releases on 3/25/26

Don’t sleep on this series, it absolutely ate and is worth the read!

Can’t wait to get some answers after the plot twist at the end…

[NinaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this by the author prepublication. This is my first Arc to read and review. That being said I couldn’t have been happier to have this as my first arc. The detail and world building is absolutely amazing. It pulls you in giving a vivid picture of the magical world she has created.

If you love fantasy with academia and trials this book is for you. The FMC is a strong empowering female. The friends she makes along the way help her character grow and realize she isn’t as alone as she thought. She doesn’t like the status quo and is determined to change it.

I love most how detailed the book was. I never knew what direction it was going. I never knew what was going to happen next which is refreshing. The side characters to me are important. I liked the side characters that were created I wished there would have been more back story on some of them. We got snippets and I’m sure as the story unfolds through more books we will get them. Overall I loved the book and can’t wait for book 2!

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I stumbled upon one of K.D's posts on TikTok about this book, I knew immediately that it was one I wanted to read. And then when ARC signups were open I RAN to fill it out. And let me tell you- I'm so glad I did and so grateful to have been accepted.

It's been a long time since I've been immediately drawn into a story and invested in it from page one. PAGE ONE!!

I was constantly theorizing and making notes only for those theories to have been completely wrong 😂 and I'm not mad about it- cause that plot twist was way better than what I was thinking anyways lol.

If you love trials, an academy setting, witty banter, found family, magic and secrets- I highly recommend giving this one a go. It'll be out in the world for everyone to enjoy on March 25, 2026!

Thank you so so much, K.D, for allowing me the honor of ARC reading your debut! I cannot wait for everyone else to love it as much as I did and to see what you've got hidden up your sleeve for Merrin and Co next!

[Lit Coach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received Gifted as an ARC and was intrigued by the premise, but overall it didn’t fully come together for me.
The opening chapters focus heavily on the main character’s entry task for an academy, but the amount of information felt overwhelming and sometimes inconsistent with details later in the book. I also struggled with character development—many personalities felt vague, and I wished more was shown through dialogue and actions rather than explained.

At times, I felt lost in the plot, with multiple storylines introduced without enough depth. Some important moments felt rushed, while other sections dragged with unnecessary detail.

That said, there were a few standout chapters that were truly engaging and showed the story’s potential. While the concept is interesting, the execution felt uneven overall.

[Shelli Tessier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great adventure. Merrin goes against her Mother, the Queen's, wishes and enters the academy. There she learns who she can trust as she navigates trials that could easily kill her. This is Book 1 in a new series that promises a really good continuation! The ending made me super excited about book 2. There are some twists and mysteries surrounding Merrin amd her mother. The world building and magic system is well laid out and very interesting. I was concerned at first because I felt the beginning was slow, but it was mostly just because we needed the info to understand the rest.Do you love mysterious men, magic, dragons, and trials? Then check this out! This ARC was a gift from the author in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

4/5 stars!

[Elena Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

​Gifted by K.D. Harding is a journey that rewards the patient reader! While it starts off a bit slow, once the momentum builds, it becomes a total "can’t put it down" kind of story.

​I absolutely loved the FMC, Merrin. She is a strong, smart princess who is constantly underestimated by those around her, and watching her character growth throughout the book was a highlight for me. The plot is packed with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat!

​Be warned: it ends on a major cliffhanger. I’m already anxious to see what happens next in this magic-filled world!

​Internal Note: Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jordan Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I could have asked for and more. I knew within 50 pages that this was going to be a 5 star read for me.

With the few fantasy books I have read this one takes the cake. Every aspect of fantasy that I love made it into this book and had a killer FMC. The way the story progressed was just the right speed and in the end left me wanting more. I am already highly anticipating the release of another book.

The dynamic between the FMC and her mother was also very interesting and gave so much to the story but in the end really caught me by surprise in the last chapter.

I will be recommending this book to anyone who will let me talk about it!

[Brooklyn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually really interesting! Like the first book in a series, it was a bit slow because it was helping build up the rest of the story. It was still really good! The ending is not at all what I was expecting who is Sieros? Who is Laya really? What’s up with the bipolar queen? Who is Merrin’s dad? Where is her dragon? I’m soooo curious! The book at times got a little confusing. I had to guess who was speaking quite a few times and it took me a bit to figure it out sometimes. I also still don’t totally understand the Kakos and why it doomed Liam and Merrin’s relationship to be forbidden or impossible. I’m ready for the next book already!

[Jackie Cranfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! Thank you to Harding for the ARC e copy of this book! I absolutely ADORED this book! It was such a breath of fresh air to have a FMC that was actually a strong, independent character. I feel like most mainstream books follow the same trope of weak fragile woman that overcomes obstacles, and this was so refreshing and original.

I was a little hesitant when I heard “trials,” but these were so unique and essential to the character development of Merrin. I’m hoping she writes book 2 quickly, because I’m on the edge of my seat in anticipation!

This is a must read! You will not be sorry!