A Deceitful Fate: A Dark Romantasy Retelling

by TT Hanna

She has one goal. Protect her sister. At all costs.

Adelia was doing her best to lay low, working in a derelict tavern, taking care of her sister, and avoiding Toreshire’s raging gossip mill. When the king of Torglea arrives in search of a maiden to break a curse and save his people, the last thing she wanted was to be selected—but she was everything he needed.

With no choice but to obey, Adelia starts on a journey to break the magical curse. Not all is as it seems when she finds herself in possession of an enchanted lamp, forced to be in constant company of its mysteriously handsome occupant.
Adelia is drawn to Shade in a dangerous way—the intense pull between them immediate and magnetic, threatening to destroy the tight grasp on her responsibilities to her sister and the secret Adelia is keeping from her. Shade offers everything she has ever wanted but could never have.

With enemies closing in and her sister in grave danger, Adelia must decide just how far she is willing to go to keep her safe.

A dark romantasy and loosely based fairytale retelling that explores sacrifice and the value of prioritizing yourself.

This story contains dark themes, please check the content warnings on my website or at the front of the book. This is the first book in the series and ends on a cliffhanger—you have been warned.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

TT Hanna is first and foremost a reader, she enjoys all things romance and romantasy—the darker the better!

She lives in Australia with her husband and two children. Often found with a coffee in one hand and her kindle in the other.

Her stories feature strong FMC’s and men that are devoted to them.

Reviews

[Lauren Kitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just start by saying this book is incredible? For a debut novel, I'm speechless.

This book is an Aladdin retelling (which I now much prefer to the original!) The story is told from our FMC, Adelia's, POV and follows her as she struggles to care for and protect her younger sister, Eleanor. We get snippets of why this may be, but the author does well to keep the reader in suspense. To keep protecting Eleanor, Adelia is forced to assist King Terym in his efforfs to stop an ongoing war with a rival King. Which leads us nicely to our MMC, Shade....

Shade is the definition of shadow daddy. After living in a lamp for a millennia, he grants Adelia (and therefore King Terym) 3 wishes. Wishes aside, Shade's treatment of Adelia, the reverence, love, respect and acceptance he shows her, not only with his words, but with his actions, is simply beautiful. Shade encompasses attributes that many of us look for in a partner and we see Adelia struggle to understand why he shows this towards her, showing us that a lot of us have never experienced this for ourselves.

Adelia is determined, selfless, devoted and wonderfully, beautifully flawed (human). She is multi dimensional and as the book progresses, we see her learn, grow and adapt in a believeable way.

I will encourage people to check their trigger warnings as there are some graphic depictions of violence and SA on the page. BUT, they are handled with the utmost sensitivity and I appreciated the authors dedication to portraying Adelia's responses to her trauma with realism and delicacy.

The themes of sacrifice and working for the greater good, alongside discovering love and being accepted (flaws and all) are prominent throughout the book. I won't lie, it got me right in the feels.

Two further comments....
Who knew a 1000 year old dude in a lamp could be so sexy?
Also
King Terym is a douche.

I am frothing at the mouth at the thought of book 2, but rationally I know it's a good thing I have to wait, because I need to emotionally recover.

Easiest 5 stars I've given this year for sure.

[Joleen Turns Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to EverAfterPR for the ARC!

A Deceitful Fate was a strong debut that shows a lot of promise from TT Hanna. If you love dark fairytale retelling with twists this book is for you.

You can feel the ambition in this story from page one. The world has a darker edge, the stakes stay high, and there is an emotional undercurrent running through the book that gave the characters more depth than a standard romantasy.

One of the strongest elements for me was how the author handled Adelia’s anxiety and trauma. It added vulnerability to her character and made her reactions feel grounded in a genre that can sometimes skip emotional realism. Shade also brought the tension and intrigue I wanted, and their dynamic kept me invested.

TT Hanna clearly understands what readers love in romantasy: danger, chemistry, curses, secrets, and a romance that simmers beneath the chaos. The pacing dipped for me in some middle sections, and there were moments where I wanted a little more character development or plot payoff before the ending, but nothing took away from the overall experience.

This felt like a confident first release with a lot of potential, and I can absolutely see this series growing stronger with each book. If you love dark romantasy, cursed magic, possessive tension, and cliffhanger endings that leave you needing book two immediately, this is worth picking up.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved this!! So much fun and I really felt the FMC’s need to protect her sister. And the when she meets HIM, it all takes off. I can’t wait for the next book to see where they end up!

[Fantasy Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic debut by TT Hanna! I loved this dark Aladdin retelling, and I am already dying to know what happens next after that cliffhanger. 👀

There was so much to love in this book. We got - a shadow daddy 🖤, a fiercely protective FMC, forced proximity, possessive MCs, “mine”, a chosen one, “who did this to you”, a Gods destined relationship, he kneels for her, he also WORSHIPS her 🥵, and so much more!

Our FMC Adelia has already been through it before our story even begins. But then she’s chosen by the king to accompany him on a journey to break a curse, and she’s rewarded with finding a magic lamp that grants her 3 wishes.

Adelia was so fierce in her determination to protect her sister from not only the world and people around them, but also from a secret their mother entrusted to her with her last dying breath. She also had amazing character growth throughout this book, and she’s definitely stronger for it despite the trauma she unfortunately had to go through to get there.

Our MMC Shade was the perfect shadow daddy. Once released from the lamp, his sole purpose becomes protecting Adelia. And he respects and worships her like she deserves to be!

You could feel the chemistry between these two through the pages, and Shade is a consent king. We love to see it, and Adelia deserves nothing less.

I still can’t get over the fact that this was a debut novel! The plot was plotting, the world building was fantastic, the twists were twisting, and my heart was broken. 😅 all the truest signs of an incredible book!

‼️Make sure you check the content warnings before diving into this one to ensure this is the right book for you.‼️

Thank you so much to TT Hanna and Ever After PR for the gifted ARC! 🖤✨

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy recieved from Author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

What to expect
🧞‍♂️ Shadow daddy
✨ Forced proximity
🧞‍♂️ Possessive MC’s
✨ Chosen One
🧞‍♂️ He kneels for her
✨ ‘Mine’

Wow this book was so good!

Our FMC Adelia spends her days working at a derelict tavern and taking care of her sister.
The King comes to there town looking for a maiden to break a curse and save the people. Unfortunately it’s Adelia that gets chosen and she gets taken on a journey to find a magical lamp that allows the user 3 wishes.

Our MMC Shade is the man trapped in the lamp. Our literal shadow daddy! This man is so caring and respectful right from the beginning. 🔥

This book had me hooked right from the start!

The character growth in this book for Adelia was top notch! I loved seeing her turn into the woman she was always meant to be. A strong badass woman! That won’t be pushed around and used.

Loved the pronunciation guide at the start of the book.

There was so many great side characters in this book and I loved all the individual strengths they brought to the book.

The chemistry between this two is soo good! 🤌🏽

The worldbuilding was amazing.

The plot was fantastic, fast paced especially towards the end. High stakes!

The ending 🤯🤯
I need book two immediately!

Highly recommend 😊

Thank you so much to the Author for sending me an arc of this book.

[JordsReadingTales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This Aladdin retelling was absolutely incredible! As soon as I picked this book up, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down because I so invested in the story.

I was completely obsessed with the world-building, plot and pace of this book. For a debut novel, it really was perfection.

Our FMC Adelia - strong and fiercely protective of her sister. I absolutely adored their sibling relationship and bond. I loved reading Adelia’s character development, she went through so much but managed to come out even stronger. My heart was breaking for her during some parts of this book. She really was an amazing FMC🖤

Our MMC Shade - the perfect shadow daddy and I am OBSESSED. The way he cared for Adelia had me absolutely swooning🫠. The respect he had for her was just so heartwarming and I cannot wait to read more of their relationship!

I am SO excited for book 2! The ending had me on the edge of my seat!

If you like: a strong FMC, a shadow daddy, forced proximity, possessive MC’s, who did this, chosen one - I would HIGHLY recommend picking this one up but also make sure to check your trigger warnings!

[Keeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy! I was not expecting this from a first book. I’m so impressed with how this book turned out. Inspired from Aladdin mixed with a dark romantasy was perfect. If you haven’t added this to your tbh, do it now! Who doesn’t love a good shadow daddy? However, if you have triggered warnings please have a look at those first.

Normally dark Romantasys take me a while to get into, but I was hooked at the start. I flew through the first 40% and would have flew through the rest. Only if I didn’t have important real life commitments come up.

Ratings:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC of this book from T.T Hanna! It was really good and I really enjoyed it, the story was really entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. I feel like there were some slow parts to the story where the pacing just felt off but overall it was really good

[Emma Sinclair | The Second Draft · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

I’ll be honest from the outset. I didn’t enjoy this book. I wanted to, I wanted to be able to celebrate this debut author and give the big thumbs up but it wasn’t meant to be. This didn’t quite work for me, though I can see where other readers might enjoy it.

This review is about the book, not the author. Publishing a debut takes real courage, and I respect the work that went into getting it out into the world. So you know what TT Hanna, honestly bravo.

A Deceitful Fate is a classic trope-heavy, dark-romantasy. Bar worker Adelia, a 25 year old with a traumatic past and an obsessive need to protect her sister finds herself in the claws of the power-hungry ruler of the realm. Only she has the power to unlock ancient magic that could save the world from its long and blood hungry war. Enter the love interest, Shade, linked to Adelia by blood magic, their relationship blooms over time as if fated by the Gods. Mild spice. Big decisions. Adventure ensues.

Does that all sound familiar?

Well, it follows a very familiar romantasy structure, often without adding a distinct twist of its own. The characters stick so religiously to their tropes that there is little character progression across the book. The plot sticks so closely to the expected classical romantasy arc that there is no room for speculation. There is no ‘will she, won’t she’, it’s all ‘when will she, where is the…’.

I have no doubt that the author is very well read in dark romantasy. That familiarity shows, but it also limits the characters, keeping them one dimensional. This made the book even more frustrating because we all like the tropes, it is what keeps us coming back, but we want to see what the tropes do in their own story. What makes these characters original from others?

Well, there was one thing…

The single strongest literary feature of A Deceitful Fate was the realistic descriptions of panic attacks by the main character. The helplessness, the breath, the racing thoughts, the lost time- it was excellently done. As in real life these happened at the most inopportune times for Adelia and caused her to make some truly awful decisions. These are described with nuance, respect and realism that is seldom found.

My issue was not with the inclusion of panic attacks, but with their frequency. Because they occur so often, they repeatedly stall the narrative and reduce the protagonist’s agency, making it harder to stay invested in her choices. At times, the story feels as though it would benefit from shifting focus away from her, as her lack of agency limits the momentum of the plot.

Used more selectively, this would have had a much stronger impact.

There’s some spice. It’s well written. However, it’s difficult to feel invested in the romantic moments when the character development hasn’t fully earned them.

The consent between the 2 lovers of the book, Adelia and Shade, is well done, particularly in the aftermath of an experienced assault. There were a lot of lessons some readers could take from the consensual conversations in this book.

I’ll need to sort of plot-spoil without giving details here. Be warned.

This book does one of my most hated things in literature. It ends on a violent crescendo and a major cliffhanger.

After words on words, chapters on chapters of very little happening suddenly the villain reveals all it becomes very dramatic. Decisions need to be made. Characters' fates are decided. And it becomes very clear this was all just a giant set up for a second book.

Now I’ve seen cliffhanger endings. I’m big into Dungeon Crawler Carl right now and it was clear at the end of book 1 that it was going to be a series. But right at the start of the book it’s mentioned how the dungeon is over multiple floors, a floor a book sort of. The book is set up as a series.

A Deceitful Fate wasn't a book within its own right with its own ending. I enjoy a book series as much as the next reader (2025 I read the majority of the Dune series), but this doesn’t mean that the first book should have some sort of resolution within itself. This made the story confusing and the ending feel abrupt rather than satisfying.

Overall?

I wouldn’t recommend A Deceitful Fate unless you were looking for really niche examples of things done well, chiefly the mental health in the panic attacks. The characters feel too derivative of other stories in the genre and the plot isn’t anything vastly different from the norm.

This said, if you like a predictable and clearly well researched dark romantasy then maybe this is for you.

Despite what the ending tried, I won’t be going back for book 2.

[Kristi Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: Forced proximity, arranged marriage, touch her and die, prophesy and fate, the Chosen One, possessive MMC

Quotes:
"To those who have always put others first. Your dreams are important too." (Got me from the dedication!!)
"The way he looked at me... like he saw everything, like I was his entire world."
"I need it. I need you. Your touch grounds me. Your scent calms me. Your voice sends my heart beating from my chest. Your eyes make me feel truly seen for the first time in my life."
"If you touch her again, not even the gods will be able to save you from me."
"It means radiant sun. That's what you are, Adelia, my light after so many years in the dark."

Review:
Thank you very much to author TT Hanna for providing a copy of this book to read prior to the release date. This is my honest review and opinion.

A Deceitful Fate is a dark romantasy retelling (loosely) of Aladdin, and it. Was. INCREDIBLE. While I've read quite a few wonderful ARC's this year and a few that were 5 star reads, this was one that I was instantly engrossed in within a matter of a couple chapters--to the point where I inhaled this in under 24 hours. The writing was superb; while the book was very descriptive and immersed you within the world of Toreshire, it wasn't heavy and bogged down with unnecessary details or superfluous nonsense that can happen in some fantasy authors' writing styles.

We are immediately introduced to FMC Adelia, who in true eldest sister fashion carries the world on her shoulders and has the panic attacks to prove it. After surviving the trauma of her youth and taking on the responsibility of protecting her younger sister at all costs, she is left with intense emotional scarring that nobody should have to bear. When she is selected to help the king break a magical curse, she finds that things are not as they seem, magic is real, and the limits of what she will sacrifice to ensure her sister is safe are pushed to the edge.

Enter Shade, a mysterious and dreamy genie in a lamp. This character was SO well written-his complexity, back story, and level of yearning for Adelia, the one who summoned him is top tier. After being imprisoned in the lamp for a thousand years as a result of a bargain made, she is the one who brings light back into his world and his reverence and loyalty know no bounds. He protects her, champions her and supports her dedication to her family and ensuring her sister's safety. King Terym. The worst. Without any spoilers, that's all I'm going to say about this character, and all he deserves. Karma is a great thing...

This book also ends on a cliff hanger but for once it didn't make me angry! There was a great plot twist but there was a lot of resolution with things that needed to be tied up, and the ending creates the perfect bridge to the next story. I immediately bought a shelf copy after finishing this book because I loved it so much! A truly refreshing and original reimagining of one of my favorite childhood movies, highly recommend.

[Glitched.Havok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one hit in a way I was not expecting.
Adelia is the kind of FMC that will not work for everyone, and honestly that is exactly why she worked for me. She is not bold or fearless. She is anxious, guarded, and shaped by a life where survival meant staying small and staying safe. Everything she does comes back to one thing. Protecting her sister. Always. Even when it costs her pieces of herself.

As someone with panic disorder, I felt her. The spiraling thoughts, the fear that locks you in place, the overwhelming need to control what little you can. There are moments where she shuts down, where decisions are made out of fear instead of logic, and it felt real. Some readers may see weakness there, but I saw devotion and a quiet kind of strength that comes from loving someone so much you would burn your own life down to keep them safe.

Then there is Shade.

He completely balanced her in a way that made their dynamic addictive. He is sharp and powerful in his own way, but also patient, calm, and careful with her. He does not rush her, does not overpower her, and that softness made every interaction feel more intense. The connection between them is immediate, magnetic, and dangerous in the best way. You can feel how much it threatens everything she has built her life around.

I loved that he was not written as an untouchable, all powerful force. There is depth to him, and moments where you see what he is capable of when it comes to her. That contrast made me adore him even more.

The story itself has this dark, magical atmosphere with layered danger always creeping in. There is a sense that nothing is truly safe, and that tension builds as the stakes rise around her sister and the choices Adelia is forced to make. It leans into sacrifice, identity, and what happens when you are finally tempted with something for yourself.

My only struggle was with the pacing. Time moves quickly, with days slipping into weeks, and I wanted to sit in certain moments longer. I also craved more depth in some of the emotional conversations. When big things were revealed, I wanted to hear every word, feel every reaction, and really live inside those exchanges.

Even with that, I was hooked. The magic system, the darker tone, the emotional pull, it all worked for me. And that ending… I am both excited and a little nervous for what is coming next because I feel like everything is about to shift.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes & Keywords:
• Protective older sister
• Touch her and you are done energy
• Enchanted object magic
• Mysterious MMC
• Slow burn tension 🔥
• Forced proximity
• Hidden secrets
• Sacrifice and self worth
• Dark romantasy vibes 🖤

[Kaylene Weimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

~I received this ARC from T.T. Hanna through EverAfterPR. This is my honest review~

TW- this book contains a R*pe scene, verbal & physical abuse.

4.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️

I actually really enjoyed reading this! It kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Hanna definitely knows how to write a story that stays a bit mysterious throughout so that it’s almost impossible to put down. I definitely believe her writing style was y most favorite thing about this book.

It was refreshing to read about an FMC that was almost normal. Adelia’s portrayed as being the strong one but she’s really not, and she’s not a badass. She’s just a girl. And I really LIKED that. I want more writers to write FMC’s that show growth in ways that doesn’t involve becoming a crazy skilled assassin or something. There are other ways to become a badass that helps to save people. And it’s okay to be a woman that needs others. And I think people forget that. I’m not saying that’s the direction Hanna is going but that’s just what it felt like for this particular book and if that’s how it goes in book two I won’t be mad.

As someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks it was nice to read about a FMC who also struggles with them and the description of them was accurate. Though I felt like their frequency felt a bit much.

I found the r*pe scene very jarring but that’s my own fault because by time I had gotten to it I had forgotten about the warnings. And reading about Shades treatment of her and patience with her after it healed something in me.

My one complaint about the book and the reason I gave it 4.5 stars is how hard it was to really connect with the FMC and MMC. Which I KNOW it’s the mystery of it but… there was not much growth. And their attraction was INSTANT. It wasn’t built or earned. It was there the first time they looked at each other. There is still wonderful tension but the auto attraction with hardly any real conversation between them (again because of the mystery aspect) felt sort of awkward. However I believe it will be further explored in the second book as “god fated mates” is a listed trope. To me the strongest character with the most depth was Ellie. I REALLY enjoyed her character and I genuinely hope there’s some magical way she will be able to continue her journey in the next book.

I personally can’t wait for book two. I feel like this book is going to end up being really big.

[McKenzie Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deceitful Fate blew me away with the aspects of the Aladdin retelling. The way TT Hanna combined the lore of Aladdin with her own powerful world building, character development, and plot lines made this such an enjoyable read for me. For some reason, this book gave me Gild vibes in the sense of Adelia being faced with the atrocities of King Terym. She was continually up against vile and disgusting situations that Auren also faced in the Gild series. I don't think these series are the same, but they both gave me the same vibe of how the female main characters are faced with awful men that only view them as pawns/tools rather than a human being.
In reading A Deceitful Fate, Adelia displayed the complex balance of loyalty to her sister and her destiny to protect her while also trying to listen to herself in what she wants of her life. There were multiple scenes where Hanna did an excellent job in showing the inner conflict Adelia was faced with. In all the complexities of the female main character and the stressful cards she is dealt with, we have Shade to calm her. Shade, the male main character, is the silent but caring type that shows time and time again that he truly sees Adelia and will do anything to make her feel safe and protected. Whether that be the scheming partner in crime, a silent embrace in her times of pain and confusion, her confidant to share stories of happiness and loss, or her own dark knight in shining armor when she needs protection, he is there always. Which is exactly what Adelia needs.
While their love story is anything but normal, it is real and raw in their flawed backgrounds and the ways they show up for each other no matter the circumstances. Hanna made sure to write characters that complement each other in every way. Not only are you reading a jam-packed dark fantasy that shows the worst humans have to offer, but you are also reading a story that shows that love can overcome the most egregious situations. I am so looking forward to what TT Hanna comes up with in book two of the Emyrdeis Line. Make sure to read this one when it comes out April 30th!

[Charl Ormond · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first what an epic first novel…. Thank you so much for this ARC I fully enjoyed this. Rounded up 4.5 ⭐️

The story is about Adelia who is our very overprotective FMC with a younger sister called Eleanor. They have been left alone where she has had to be the main protector and keep her sister safe due to a looooot of secrets that she has kept hidden. And the writer does this too you are in suspense throughout the whole of the book trying to work out what is actually going on. Which made it impossible to put down.

They are living in a normal town and the king is searching for a maiden to ‘break a curse’ and she is chosen. Instead she goes to find a lamp which holds our MMC Shade. Who is a shadow daddy with a hurt her and die complex but also a soft shell for her. But he also is surrounded in secrets that you are still learning throughout the book. Their romance is subtle and sweet and everything is taken step by step but at her pace.

There is a lot of twists and turns and things where you NEED to check the trigger warnings as honestly even reading them I was shoooketh but everything was written so beautifully that even bad scenes flowed so gorgeously. The aftermath and dealing with what had happens… is really thoughtfully written as you deal with her emotions and you really feel for her.

As an FMC she is strong and selfless and overprotective but she’s also human she makes mistakes she does do things that she probably shouldn’t but I think that’s what made me like it so much. The MMC is just a perfect book husband honestly absolute perfection.

A times it can be quite slow paced with the building up of the characters and setting the scene and the world building, but I loved that. The backstory which slowly comes together throughout just starts to tie everything together building up to the absolute cliffhanger at the end that has you dying for me. I can’t wait to jump back into the next book. As it was shocking, emotional, and dying inside to find out what is going to happen

Amazing a fabulous very dark Aladdin retelling that you cannot put down with characters that you just love through and through.

[Nicole Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️.5

First things first—definitely check the trigger warnings before going into this one. It leans into darker themes and emotional tension throughout the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought the genie-inspired fantasy elements gave it a unique feel compared to a lot of romantasy I’ve read lately. The mix of magic, political tension, hidden motives, and slow-burn romance kept me invested once the story really got moving.

Adelia is such an emotionally layered FMC. Everything she does revolves around protecting her sister, even when it means sacrificing pieces of herself in the process. There were definitely moments where I wanted to shake some sense into her because her fear and anxiety sometimes clouded her decisions, but at the same time, her reactions felt realistic considering everything she’s carrying.

And then there’s Shade 👀
Mysterious, patient, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. The chemistry between him and Adelia builds slowly, but the tension is there from the start. I really liked that their relationship wasn’t rushed and that the emotional connection developed alongside the romance.

The beginning was a little slower for me while the worldbuilding and political dynamics were being established, but somewhere around the middle the story really picked up and held my attention through the rest of the book. I especially enjoyed the darker magical atmosphere, the enchanted lamp storyline, and the constant feeling that no one was being fully honest about their intentions.

The magic system and underlying themes of sacrifice, identity, and self-worth added a lot of emotional depth to the story, and by the end I was definitely invested enough to want to continue the series.

And that cliffhanger?? RUDE 😭

Tropes / Themes:
✨ Genie-inspired fantasy
🖤 Dark romantasy vibes
🔥 Slow burn romance
👀 Forced proximity
🪔 Enchanted object magic
⚔️ Political tension & hidden motives
❤️ Protective older sister
🩶 Mysterious MMC

I’m really interested to see where book two takes these characters because it feels like the story is only getting darker from here

[Chlo ✨⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to TT Hanna for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

I fear I may have to rearrange my list of favourite shadow daddies AGAIN after this (I know I said that after the last arc, but DAMN just wait until you meet Shade 😩😍)

Did someone say Aladdin retelling with a twist?? A Deceitful Fate was phenomenal. I’ve read so many Beauty and the Beast and other Disney retelling but have never come across an Aladdin retelling and oh my it did not disappoint.

Adelia has one goal in life, protect her sister at all costs and hide a deadly secret. The last thing she expected was to be chosen by the king, she is given an odd task of retrieving and opening a mysterious lamp. Not all is as it seems when she is forced to stay close to its handsome, shadow wielding occupant (enter SHADE 😍). Adelia must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her sister and her new found companion safe.

I loved this read! From the beautiful setting, to the raw emotion portrayed throughout, to the spice! Ugh it had me in a chokehold.
A Deceitful Fate doesn’t shy away from dark themes. Hanna’s portrayal of the FMC’s mental health was done thoughtfully and handled with so much care but without glossing it over bringing awareness to how it feels to live with such struggles. I felt every single emotion as if it were my own.
I love to see an MMC who cares and yearns so desperately, and prioritises clear verbal consent before ravishing his queen. AFTER CARE 👏🏻👏🏻 (that’s all I’ll say) The spice is *mwah* chefs kiss.
There are so many twists, and ends on a massive cliffhanger that has me wanting book 2 immediately!

A Deceitful Fate is out April 30th, and I’m telling you right now you’ll want to get on this one! 🖤

This book is a dark romantasy and explores some dark themes so please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏻

Tropes:
- Forced Proximity
- Chosen One
- Possessive MMC
- Gods Bound
- Shadow Daddy

[Heids_in_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deceitful Fate was incredible and an amazing romantasy debut from TT Hanna.

Adelia has one main priority, and that is protecting her sister. She is trying to keep her head down, work, survive, and avoid becoming the centre of attention in a world that seems to be looking for her. But when the king arrives looking for someone to break a curse, Adelia is thrown right into the middle of something she has been trying to avoid her whole life.
It’s clear to see how much of her life has been moulded around survival and making sure the person she loves most is safe. She holds onto her sister so much so that her sister can’t do anything without her, because she’s so scared to lose her.

And then we have Shade *sigh* , the mysterious, and very hard to ignore occupant of the enchanted lamp, and the connection between him and Adelia is immediate.
He sees Adelia in a way she is not used to, and even moreso the way he treats her. She is almost perplexed at why he would treat her that way, as if she doesn’t deserve that level of love and respect.

The Aladdin retelling elements were clever too. While of course there was the lamp and the wishes, it also had the curse, the corruption and the deceit.

This book does have some very heavy content, so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. There are scenes and themes that will not be for everyone.

Overall, I loved this book. It had magic, danger, a protective sister bond, a morally grey shadow daddy energy MMC, spice, secrets, and a cliffhanger that definitely leaves a gaping crevice in your brain.

A really solid debut, and I cannot wait to see what happens in Book 2.

🖤 forced proximity
🔥 he kneels for her
🖤 possessive mc’s
🔥 shadow daddy
🖤 chosen one
🔥 ‘who did this’ and ‘mine’ moments
🖤 Gods fated relationship

Thank you so much for the arc @everafterPR and @tthanna! I love that I could be part of this with you!

[Gina Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished A Deceitful Fate by T.T. Hanna, and I’m still sitting with that feeling you get when a story quietly lingers after the last page.

*Spoiler Free review**

This book pulled me in with its layered characters and didn’t let go. Adelia is such a fierce FMC who carries so much and is complex, yet unrelenting and just a character you love immediately. Shade is such an intense character and I loved the dynamic between the two. I loved how nothing, and no one, felt entirely straightforward. There’s a constant sense of tension between what’s real, what’s perceived, and what’s intentionally hidden, which made it hard (in the best way) to predict where things were headed.

What stood out most to me was the emotional depth woven throughout the twists of the plot, which was perfectly paced. It’s not just about deception in the plot, but in relationships, identity, and even self-understanding. You find yourself questioning motives right alongside the characters, which made the reading experience feel really immersive and truly like you were in the world right along with the characters.

Also, I have to say...I appreciate a book that trusts its readers. This one doesn’t spell everything out, and that subtlety made the payoff feel earned and made the plot, world-building, magic systems, character development and tension all the better to read.

If you enjoy stories that balance intrigue with emotional complexity (and leave you thinking a little longer than expected), this one is definitely worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and a half, honestly, because I’m still thinking about it)

[turnthedamnpage · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review:

First: The pronunciation guide is incredibly helpful. Do you know how hard it is to say “Reese” now instead of “Rise” when referring to Rhysand? I mean, come on. I wish every book had this.

We’re already off to a fab start and I haven’t. even. started. reading. 🤣

Okay, okay. The review you’ve actually been waiting for…

Adelia and her sister are at the bottom of the barrel in life. Working in a tavern and living next door to it isn’t exactly high society here. And the tavern just happens to be next door to a brothel so, of course, hateful folks automatically lump the two together and form opinions — but Adelia isn’t like that.

She’s 25, taking care of her sister, when the King selects her for a mission. She agrees given her one condition is met.

Naturally, one thing leads to another. Adelia is strong-willed and protective. I was sucked in from chapter one. Her character development was fantastic. She’s a fighter, never letting the things that happen to and around her break her down. And the buildup of anxiety? Relatable, girl.

Shade is *chefs kiss* —> What girl doesn’t want a guy to worship her? His entire part made him so enjoyable but, I mean…I’m also a sucker for a shadow daddy sooooo. 😅

“Is there something you need, Adelia?” My name is not Adelia but I need book two right now please and thank you. Such a needy girl, indeed. Oh, and I’ll need a trophy for my shelf. ASAP. 👏🏻 That’s a must-have with how I ate this up.

What do the kids say these days? You ate and left no crumbs? TT Hanna did that. 👌🏻

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the chance to read A Deceitful Fate as an ARC, and honestly, it was such an emotional ride 🤍🧞‍♂️

I do prefer a super high fantasy book, especially with dragons, dark magic etc so this book isn’t super in my genre but I loved the sound of it so wanted to give it a try!

This is one of those stories that really leans into its characters, and that’s where it shines the most. Adelia completely stole the show for me. She’s strong without being unrealistic, vulnerable without feeling weak, and her growth throughout the story felt genuine and satisfying.

What I really enjoyed was how layered everything felt, the relationships, the tension, and the choices the characters had to make. There’s a lot of emotion woven into the story, and it keeps you invested in what’s going to happen next, especially as things start to unfold and the stakes become clearer.

It’s not a massive, high-fantasy story, but I still found myself really appreciating the journey and the focus on character growth and resilience. It’s a slightly different pace and style, but one that’s easy to get drawn into if you enjoy emotional, character-driven reads.

If you love stories that focus on growth, complicated relationships, and strong character development, this is definitely one to get your hands on!

The pronunciation guide was perfect as it helped avoid any mishaps of butchering names 🤣

There are some trigger warnings so please read them before you dive in! Emotional distress/toxic relationships etc 🤍

[Shannon Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Aladdin-inspired retelling completely swept me up and refused to let go. It’s one of those stories that drags you through every possible emotion—rage, heartbreak, hope, and just when you think you’ve recovered… it hits you again.
At its core, this book thrives on its emotional intensity and character dynamics. The secret identities, the tension, and especially that devotion—it’s written in such a way that you feel every choice and every sacrifice. And yes, it absolutely delivers on that “who did this to you?” energy in the most satisfying way.
Adelia is such a compelling protagonist. She’s been through so much, yet her resilience never feels unrealistic or forced, it’s earned. You can’t help but root for her, even when things feel impossibly heavy. There’s a quiet strength to her that makes her journey even more impactful. I also love the mental health rep and portrayal of her panic attacks.
And then there’s Shade. His devotion is unwavering, intense, and honestly one of the standout elements of the story. The way his perspective is revealed in his epilogue adds so much depth to his character and elevates the emotional payoff in a big way.
What really stood out to me is how this book balances its darker, more emotional moments with threads of hope and anticipation. It sets up what’s coming next in a way that feels huge, and I already know the next installment is going to be something special.
If you love romantic fantasy with high emotional stakes, powerful character bonds, and that all-consuming devotion trope, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Couby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy provided by the author.

This entire book was such an emotional read. The amount of times I teared up and had to will myself to not cry is just crazy. Like why am I getting emotional for people that I don’t even know? Well that’s the thing— it felt like I’ve known these characters my whole life and have felt their pain as if they were my own. I honestly cannot remember the last time a book made me feel this way. And the ending??? Why would you do this to us??? (ugly cries) I need book 2 ASAP.

This book is a retelling of Aladdin where Adelia is ordered by the king to retrieve a lamp that contains Shade, a being that has been sealed in there for thousands of years. By successfully retrieving the lamp, Shade can grant Adelia (and by extension, the king) 3 wishes. As the story progresses, we find out how selfish the king’s wishes are, how Adelia struggles to protect her sister, and how her bond with Shade continues to grow.

The world building was done so well, the visual storytelling was on point. The description of the town the characters lived in was so vivid, I could almost smell the ale being served in the tavern. The way the cave was described, I felt like I was in there with Adelia. The history of their land was also rich and intriguing… because you don’t really know if it’s true or just a myth. As a side note, I loved the name of all the different towns and states.

Adelia is our FMC and she is THE MOST selfless person in existence. She always puts others first (especially her sister), worrying about their emotions and wellbeing while putting herself on the back burner. The dedication of this book is definitely something that inspired her character: “To those who have always put others first. Your dreams are important too.” I mean it when I say the dedication alone was enough to convince me to read this book. However, because she’s so selfless, I was so frustrated at her for NOT doing something. In an era where strong, badass FMCs are all the rage, it was definitely different to have an FMC who won’t make the decisions required to save herself because Adelia put protecting her sister above all else (Honestly, this makes her badass in her own way. But I’m begging you to put yourself first for once 😭). I may have screamed at the page several times wanting her to do SOMETHING to escape/ save herself but alas, this is what made her such a great character.

Shade is our MMC and he is everyone’s shadow daddy fantasy. Extremely protective? Check. Tall and ripped? Double check. Puts the FMC before himself? Check, check, check. I must say, Shade’s character wasn’t too unique but he somehow stood out to me. I can’t really put my finger on it…. But maybe it’s the fact that he’s bound by magic and can’t just delete everyone who dares hurt the FMC.

Overall, this was a FANTASTIC read and I still can’t believe we’re just expected to be left hanging until book 2 comes out.

[Amy Bale · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC**

Are you kidding me!?

That was a cliff hanger of all cliff hangers! I repeatedly tapped back and forth making sure I didn’t miss a page and that I read it right. *internally screaming* CMON!!!

The king btw, a D**k.
Wista, the mother of all that is kind and loving.
Eleanor, the forever excited little sister.
Harkin, Shady one turned A-hole.
Adelia, oh Adelia. The protective older sister.
Shade, Shadow daddy (Literally).

The story follows our FMC Adelia. Who Works nights at a tavern to get by and lay low. She carries a heavy promise to her mother and life changing secrets, in order to keep her sister, Eleanor safe.

Until one day, the king arrives in town searching for ‘The one’ who can break a magical curse to save his people.
With no desire to partake, Adelia ends up having no choice but to comply.

Upon the journey, she finds her self in possession of a lamp. And within that lamp, holds our MMC Shade. To whom has such a powerful, intense and desirable hold over her. She has the need to have him close. The WANT to have him close.
Ever loving, caring and protective, he, himself will do what he can to keep Adelia safe.

As the story unfolds, you’ll find your jaw dropping, eyes widening, fists clenching, feet kicking in excitement and your heart breaking.

The need of protection she has over her sister is truly something. She will go through anything to make that happen, even if it hurts herself (and us) in the process.

It was honestly remarkable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

**Thank you so much for this ARC from the Author**

[Euphonious Times · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from EverAfterPR

A Deceitful Fate is TT Hannah’s debut novel and the first instalment in The Emyrdeis Line series, ending on a cliffhanger. I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before starting this book as some triggering scenes are depicted in detail.

This book is a high stakes, dark romantasy, (loose) retelling of Alladin, with plenty of tension and twists, told from the FMC’s POV. Adelia’s priority is protecting and caring for her younger sister, Eleanor, and this is her guide as she reluctantly embarks on a journey to help the king break a magical curse and save his people. Shade is the occupant of a mysterious lamp that comes into her possession and the pair have an instant magnetic pull that threatens to unravel all Adelia has been working towards.

For a debut novel I thought this was great - the pacing is good, there is world building, character development and an engaging plot, even if at times I felt like things were a little predictable and trope heavy. The mental health representation stuck out, the portrayal of panic attacks being realistic and portrayed in a sensitive, but insightful manner. The writing was descriptive, easy to follow and engaging, keeping me invested in the story.

I’m definitely picking up the next book in the series and you should give this a read if you enjoy the following:

🧞 Forced Proximity
🖤 Shadow Daddy
🧞 Possessive MCs
🖤 Cliffhanger ending
🧞 Who did this
🖤 Mental Health Rep

Thank you EverAfterPR and TT Hanna for this advanced copy.

[Bethany Kilner-Lawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I want to start of by thanking TT Hanna for sending me this ARC and trusting me to read and review 🫶🏼

Five Star review from me this story will stick with me indefinitely and very excited to see where book 2 takes us 👀

This story follows our FMC Adelia who spends her days working in a run down tavern in a small village caring for her sister. The story is from Adelias POV where shes then forced to embark on a journey for the king to search for a magical lamp that allows the user 3 wishes. While unexpected things, out of her control turn her world upside down. Making her one goal in life, to protect her sister at all cost challenging.

Our MMC Shade! 👀😍 The man in the lamp, Our new shadow daddy 🔥 protective, caring, strong, stunning. He ticks all the boxes. One memorable thing he said that had me melting and i will always remember....

(SPOILER well not really but....)

"You. Will. Not. Touch. Her." Power pulsed with each word he spoke, landing on my skin in a cool sizzle. "She is mine. To protect. To worship. Mine."

The chemistry between the two of them is 🤌🏼

The way it dosent light up on the details throughout is amazing even on the trigger parts (please read trigger warnings before reading) i found this made the read so much better for me 🤔

For my first ARC im very happy (willing to offer an organ for book 2's quick release 😉) and look forward to the future stories TT Hanna may one day produce 🩷

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy for a review !

4.5 ⭐️ rounded to 5
2/5 🌶️

I couldn’t put this down. I almost finished in one day. But your girl gets motion sickness so couldn’t read in a car. But anyways, I loved this!! It drew me in immediately. This was such a good retelling of Aladdin. 👌🏻

Lia always putting others before herself. So strong all the time but inside falling apart. I connected to her so much. I couldn’t believe all the things she went through to protect her little sister. There were so many sacrifices. I felt like she needed to do something for herself for once and I’m glad she did later in the story.

Shade. Omg. Newest shadow daddy alert. ‼️ I adored him! How he treats Lia like she’s his whole world. The loyalty, devotion and love she shows her. How gentle he is with her. All the little light hand touches to reassure her that she will be okay. Asking her for permission and willing to end anyone who touches her. My heart. He is just perfect and I’m so happy they found each other.

The side characters were really nice. The maid who attended Lia was a favorite.

I’m hoping to see if there’s more about the past. See what happens to Shade and see if he and Lia will get to be together.

The ending of the story got me I’m left hanging and wanna know more. I can’t wait to read what happens in book two.

[timeleftinbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and Ever After PR for the arc.

An Aladdin retelling where the genie is a 1000yr old warrior king shadow daddy - erm yes?!

One of my favourite things about this story is the detail in which the author describes the setting. A scene in particular of ruined castle arches covered in purple flowers in the middle of a dark forest was beautiful and the world was brought to life through the writing.

I'm not usually a fan of a soft FMC but Adelia, albeit not strong physically had incredible mental and emotional resilience.

Our MMC Shade was brilliant! Broody, protective, flirtatious and dangerous. I would have loved to read some of the stories of his life that he told Adelia which didn't get shared with the reader, but maybe thats a surprise for book two!

The magic system is touched on briefly at the start of the book where a magical bargain was made but 1000yrs later magic is considered extinct except for the relic lamp - there are hints that the magic is simply lost and not gone completely from the world which I found interesting.

Overall, I enjoyed thid ok, it was a short read for me at approx. 400 pages and I found it a light read in terms of the plot, world and magic system but dark and emotional when it came to the relationships and key events in the story. Would definitley recommend and looking forward to book two!

[Dianisse Marrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book felt like walking through a candlelit hallway where every door leads to something beautiful… and really painful. I’m giving it four stars because while it completely pulled me in, it also left me emotionally stranded at the edge of that brutal cliffhanger, staring into the void and whispering, “that’s it?” and "what now?"

Adelia is the kind of protagonist who doesn’t just carry responsibility, she wears it like armor that’s slowly cutting into her bones. Her devotion to her sister is the heartbeat of the story, grounding all the magic and danger in something deeply human. Every choice she makes feels heavy, like it echoes beyond the page, and that tension kept me hooked the entire time. Also made me want to shake some sense into her…

And then there’s Shade… Mysterious, sharp-edged, and dangerously fascinating. The dynamic between him and Adelia crackles with intensity from the start. It’s not a gentle romance, it’s the kind that simmers, threatens, and occasionally burns. Their connection feels inevitable but also like a ticking clock, and watching Adelia struggle between what she wants and what she owes was honestly heartbreaking in the best way.

This book lingers. It’s emotional, tense, and quietly devastating. I closed it wanting more, needing more, and that’s exactly the spell it was meant to cast.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVEIW✨

A Deceitful Fate by TT Hanna
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

***Please read the trigger warnings before reading this story***

Adelia made a promise to her dying mother to protect her younger sister at all costs. She is being tested now more than ever to keep that promise, as she has been chosen by the King to lift a curse. But all is not as it seems and soon Adelia finds herself in possession of a magical lamp and entangled with the mysterious man, Shade, who is imprisoned inside.

A story of secrets, survival and sacrifice, A Deceitful Fate by TT Hanna is a dark and beautiful story inspired by Aladdin. The choices Adelia is forced to make show how far a person will go to keep their promises and protect their loved ones. I really enjoyed the sisterly affection and dynamic between Adelia and Eleanor, the elder/ younger sister bond is a position I know well myself and the fierceness with which Adelia protects her sister is incredibly relatable.

And did I mention the yearning in this book? Holy! The slow burn between Adelia and the oh so mysterious Shade is intense. A man who quietly notices everything and says “She is mine. To protect. To worship. Mine.”, you can guarantee I was squealing and kicking my feet!

A Deceitful Fate releases on 30th April 2026, make sure to add it to your TBR!

#arcread #adeceitfulfate #tthanna #darkromantasy #indieauthor

[DomsLitCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Think "Aladdin," but reimagined as a dark, high-stakes adult fantasy. This story is a beautiful paradox: it feels like rainbows and butterflies one moment and delivers a visceral gut punch the next. It is a heavy, challenging read, so please check your triggers before diving in.

Adelia, our FMC, is burdened by a devastating secret and a deathbed promise to protect her younger sister. As a result, she has sacrificed everything for family. Her love, devotion, and internal conflict is the heartbeat of the book.

Shade is the walking definition of the "red flag" you’re warned to avoid, yet he possesses a depth that makes him impossible to ignore. Initially a man of few words, he prefers observation over conversation, but his silence shifts into a fierce, all-consuming protectiveness as he grows closer to Adelia.

Watching him evolve from an observer to someone who would sacrifice everything for her safety is both captivating and intense. However, the true gut punch comes with the reveal of his backstory. Learning of the circumstances that led to where he is today is truly heartbreaking.

The ending is a whirlwind that left me with endless questions. I have no idea where this journey is headed, but I am fully committed to the next installment!

Thank you TT Hanna and Ever After PR for an advanced reader copy of A Deceitful Fate (publishing April 30,
2026).