A Fate Cursed

by Shay Taylor

TBD

Unknown Binding

Published November 4, 2026

Reviews

[MybookworldbyJoyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️ 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨: 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

Rating: 💀💀💀💀
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ | 🔥🔥🔥

First of all, I would like to thank the author, Shay Taylor, for giving me the opportunity to be a permanent ARC reader for her.
I absolutely love this series. This is the 7th book I’ve ARC-read so far, and the third book in the Gods of Gilyx series. In this book, we follow Ezra and Farris.

Starting off strong with this beautiful dedication:
"For the sacrifices no one sees, the choices no one understands, and the love that makes them worth making."

✨ Fated mates
🎭 Hidden identity
🖤 Forbidden love
🌶️ Good boy
🔥 FMC in charge

Love Ezra! He is so loving and caring. He aims to please. He even closes the book he’s reading the moment she walks in. That’s some dedication, right?

It is so unfair how much Farris hurt him. For him to doubt himself like that when he is so amazing and has the biggest heart. She did him dirty! 💔

"They know you're a god. But they know I am what you worship."

This book tore my heart out. It does not have an HEA.

If you love dark romance and fantasy/romantasy, please give this series a chance, because this is the best of both worlds. This series deserves so much more attention than it is currently getting on Boekstagram. 💜

🗡️

[stacey Elizabeth Coombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fate cursed follows Farris the nameless Blythe sister as she follows her part in the prophecy her mother spoke of all those years ago. Fate has never been kind to Farris, controlling her path until she became a shadow within her family, making sure she never got to experiencing life the way her siblings had and it seems her adulthood follows in the same lonely path until she meets someone her mother forbid her from ever crossing paths with and she just can't keep away. Unfortunately the heavens have their own way of manipulating fate and she has no choice but to listen to their warnings even though she will hurt the one person she's ever loved over and over again and be forced to leave the only place she's ever felt like she belonged. This book absolutely broke my heart! The emotional rollercoaster is soul destroying on a whole different level. The plot twist completely floored me and I struggled to pick myself back up to write this review. It's difficult to explain without giving spoilers but just trust me when I say you won't come out of this book the same way you went in. There's no HEA here! I hope for Shay's sake she fixes this in book 4 because my heart can't take much more. As always the world building is so immersive and the riddles and plot keep you guessing right till the end. I've truly fallen in love with the characters in this series and that's why this book has completely destroyed me. I'm not sure whether I need therapy or a rage room at this point but I need something!!!

[Judy Kadri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie, this book took me a while to start only because I know a little bit about the backstory of Farris and Ezra from the other books. But once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! I honestly knew this was going to be gut wrenching but it was also beautiful at the same time. After finally starting it and then finishing it I was so mad at myself for waiting to start this. I cannot wait for book 2.
I definitely recommend reading the books in order and I seriously envy whoever is just starting this series.

Thank you Shay for sharing these beautiful stories with us! I cannot wait to see the end of their beautiful story

[Jimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keeps getting better! Shay has made me cry in almost every book and left me waiting for the other shoe to drop every single time. This book did not disappoint! I screamed “WHY?!” and “GET YOURSELVES TOGETHER!” more times than I can count.

Emotionally destroyed? Yep, yep, yep! 💀😭

A must-read!

[ABookADayReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 a fate cursed | 5⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“For the sacrifices no one sees, the choices no one understands, and the love that makes them worth making.”

Tropes & Features: Gods, fantasy, multiple POVs, fated mates, emotional trauma, and an immersive map of the other realm.

Trigger warnings: Check the author’s content warnings before reading.

If you thought books one and two were emotional, THIS ONE WILL DESTROY YOU. 😭

We’ve heard so much about Farris in the previous books, and Shay has done such an incredible job setting up her story. But finally getting to experience everything Farris has endured firsthand? My heart was NOT ready.

From the very beginning, I was completely invested. The longing, the impossible circumstances, and the ache of wanting someone you can’t have had me desperate to know how their story would unfold. And Erza? The little details, the flowers, the way he sees her soul… excuse me while I melt. 🥹❤️

I also loved getting the full picture of Farris and Erza’s history. We heard pieces of their story before, but seeing everything unfold from their perspectives adds so much depth and meaning to what we thought we knew.

And then there’s the present-day storyline. The sacrifices Farris makes, the weight of knowing what fate has in store, and the loneliness of carrying things no one else can understand. I thought Bex was strong, but Farris? SHE TAKES THE CAKE.

Have tissues ready. Seriously. I’m not usually a book crier, but this is one of the very few books that has genuinely made me cry. The emotional writing is phenomenal. Even when characters haven’t been in your life for very long, Shay makes you feel their pain, their love, and every heartbreaking choice as if you’ve known them forever.

The pacing was fantastic, the plot kept me invested, and the emotional payoff was EVERYTHING. In the previous books, I wanted to fight certain characters. In this one? I just wanted Farris and Erza to get the happiness they deserved. 😭

And THAT ENDING?! I’m still not okay.

Shay has a way of making you care so deeply about these characters that every revelation and every sacrifice hits harder than you expect. This book took everything I loved about the first two and delivered an emotional punch I wasn’t prepared for.

Now I’m desperately waiting for the final book! Thank goodness these releases are coming one month at a time, because I need answers… but I’m also not ready to say goodbye to this world.

⭐️ Rating: 5 stars
🌶️ Spice: 4/5

Final verdict: An emotionally devastating, beautifully written fantasy romance that will have you falling in love, holding your breath, and possibly crying into your pillow. If you’re reading this series, do NOT skip Farris’s story. ❤️‍🔥

[Simone B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know when you finish reading a book and you have tears rolling down your face?

Yeah, well…THAT.

I don’t think I’ll be getting over this book for a LONG time thats for sure - there is no happily ever after here thats for sure... *cries*

I’ve said it with every one of Shay Taylor’s books that I’ve read and I'm sure I’ll keep saying it with every one that I’m yet to devour…she is simply an outstanding author and I would recommend her books to absolutely EVERYONE.

'A Fate Cursed' is the third book in the Gods of Gilyx series and this time we follow the paths of Ezra - The God of Souls, and Faaris - the nameless Blythe sister.

We delve into their initial meetings, which take place before and alongside the events of the first two books.
Once we have a real grasp of the beginning of their story, we then move into the present time and pick up the timeline after the events of the previous books in the series.

Both Ezra and Faaris are individually powerful and strong-willed, but together - together they are amazing with this incredible connection.

Ezra, who has spent his long existence alone, is the all-powerful God of Souls.
Yet he learns that nothing Faaris asks of him is too much - caring for her, cooking for her, obeying her…it’s everything he wants.

Everything he chooses.

And Faaris, who has also known a lifetime of loneliness, craves the care, the love and the stability that Ezra so easily offers.

In return, she wants nothing more than to please him.

(And together they really bring the spice too...)

TRUE. FATED. MATES.

But their story is far from simple and the reasons they’re fated to be together, along with the secrets that must be kept and the truths that remain hidden…

THEY BROKE MY HEART.

And I mean that in the best possible way.

Their story is written so beautifully (have I mentioned that Shay is EPIC?!) but it is also absolutely heartbreaking.

I especially loved getting more of an insight into Faaris and her story within this book.
After spending her entire life hiding in the shadows, never even having her name spoken, she finally gets her moment.

And boy, does she make it count.

She makes sure she stamps her name into the world - loud and strong - for everyone to finally hear.

I loved this book.
I loved these characters.
I loved their connection.

And I am absolutely not okay after finishing it.

ANOTHER MUST-READ FROM SHAY TAYLOR!

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2.5🌶️

This was Shay’s most emotional, heart-wrenching book to date. It’s so differently set up from every book leading to this because fate is finally colliding and not everyone will make it out alive.

After giving us the twist of a lifetime at the end of book 2 of this series (end of Bexla’s story), we are diving into Farris and Ezra! These 2 have been across practically everyone else’s in these 3 series and they’re finally getting their spotlight.

The book is broken into 2 sections really: their past and their present. We get a more in-depth look into their interactions that we’ve gotten 2nd hand accounts of during other books and how it’s led to where we left off at the end of Bexla’s story.

They have a realm to kill and Ezra is the key. But Kilryn demands sacrifice and the gods of Ellowyn, Velanyth, and Gilyx will all be required to pay up.

I’ve teared up in other books of Shay’s for sure, but not like this. She warned us this one would wrench our hearts out and she delivered 😭😭😭

My only reasoning for not another 5 star rating as usual, comes down to one point for me….

This is definitely giving a “Avengers assemble” vibe. We’re getting everyone from previous books together and I was SO excited! And while the book still focuses on Ezra and Farris, I was disappointed to feel like the other gods almost felt too weak to me. Like, they all are badass in their own ways and have their own books to prove it, and it felt like all of them took SUCH a backseat this book, that it’s like you swear they all don’t have these badass powers and personalities 🤷‍♀️

We still have a lot of answers we need in book 4 and I’m SO intrigued to see where this story goes from here because the ending doesn’t not exactly end on rainbows and sunshine. Ezra and Farris’ story has a long way to go!

[Felicia Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. WHAT. WAS. THAT?! 😭😭 Emotional damage. That’s what it was.
Book 3 follows Ezra and Farris and their tragic, star-crossed love story, and I was absolutely NOT prepared for the emotional devastation these two were about to put me through.
I have been obsessed with Ezra since he was first introduced in the Secrets of Curses series, so I have been DYING to finally get his story and, more importantly, watch this man finally get the HEA he deserves. And somehow, after everything I’ve read, that HEA seems more impossible than ever. 😭
We already knew a little about Ezra and Farris from the previous books, including the fact that they had once been together before Farris walked away. But getting to actually see their relationship unfold and finally understand the reasons behind everything that happened between them made their story hit SO much harder. Their love is beautiful, heartbreaking, and just… cruel. Fate really looked at these two and said, “Let’s see how much suffering they can handle.” 😭
This book also brings together so many of the characters we’ve met throughout the previous books and series as they face an absolutely deadly journey to save the world from Kilryn. There are secrets revealed, sacrifices made, and SO many moments that had me sitting there like, “Surely this author is not about to do this to me.”
And Farris… GIRL. 😭😭 I cannot even say much without giving things away, but just know that my heart was shattered for these two.
I am DYING for the next book because I NEED to know how this story ends. I have waited this long for Ezra to get his HEA, and I refuse to believe all of this emotional suffering is for nothing. 😭
Please. PLEASE let these two have their happily ever after. They have suffered enough. I have suffered enough. 😭

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart. Broken.
Oh my gosh, this was such a heartbreaking cliffhanger but in the best way. Amazing job by the author with continuing the intricacies of the storyline line for the Gods of Gilyx series. This is the first book of a two part story, so if you can't stand a cliffhanger with a wait until the next book releases to start this one. This story had me up all night to finish it, and it was amazing. The feelings it pulled from me had me crying a 3 a.m. and then when I finally finished it, I knew the second was going to be just as good.
Farris is the 3rd sister, a veylanthi guardian, and the one that no one knew about. She had never seen the daylight with her family, and was sent to live in an orphanage in another realm to keep her safe. Never close to her family, she only wants one thing, someone to choose her. She's supposed to stay away from her fated mate, Ezra, but one unlucky day in market, she sees him, and she's.a goner. Ezra is so drawn to Farris, he can't seem to stay away or stop thinking about her. Ezra is fated to kill the realm Kilryn in order to save the universe. Farris is needed to guide everyone to the heart of Kilryn so Ezra can use the sword to end it before it swallow the other realms. Only Farris is still keeping secrets, and they are absolutely devastating.

[Sierra Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin... A Fate Cursed is Book 3 of the Gods of Gilyx series. This begins a bit different than the other books giving a past POV of Farris (one of the three fated sisters) and Ezra (Farris's fated mate). These past POVs give a large background into how Farris and Ezra came to be, but we quickly learn (and somewhat know from the previous books), Farris should have never truly been with Ezra.

The Fate that has been given to Farris is a heavy burden. She was hidden away her entire life, forced to be kept a secret because otherwise she would have been hunted down along with her sisters and killed in order to stop them from completing what they were born to do. Born to stop.

Farris has been given the sight of the future to know how to complete her fate, but she also has to bear the weight of the truth. The loss of friends... Family... Sacrifices being made for the greater good, but nothing makes it any easier than what it is, especially when Farris has to bear it alone...

Ezra loves her, has always loved her, and will always love her... But what he doesn't know, is his love will never be enough...

Now I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil anything... But I can not wait until Book 4. This is the perfect series with a mix of love, passion, magic, sacrifice and devotion.

Once you start, you won't be able to stop!

[Courtney ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨fated mates
✨gods
✨emotional trauma
✨hidden identity
✨forbidden love

Oh my god, that was a rollercoaster of emotions.
I was stressed, I was happy and now I’m just sad and don’t know when I’ll stop crying.

A fate cursed Is book 3 in the gods of Gilyx series and definitely my favourite 🥹
This book follows our nameless Blyth sister, Farris and the part she is to play in the prophecy her mother told her about all those years ago. Farris has had a hard life. She was kept hidden as a child so no one would know she existed. No one ever spoke her name, she wasn’t allowed outside during the day and was labelled the forgotten sister. Farris was always told that she must stay away from her fated mate, and that was her plan, untill they met.
We also follow Ezra who is the god of souls. I have no words for this man. I just wanted to wrap him up and keep him safe, my heart broke for him. When he realises Farris is his fated mate, he has never been happier. She is all he has ever wanted. But the heavens had different plans.
This book broke my heart. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and completely soul shattering. I don’t think Ive cried so much because of a book in the longest time. The YEARING in this book had me in a chokehold. I ate it all up.
Forever grateful to shay for writing her first ever book because what an emotional rollercoaster it’s been.

[Lacey Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this masterpiece. Ezra is absolutely chefs kiss and dangerously swoon worthy. I need my own Ezra after this book. There is so much emotion and yearning throughout this book that you literally cannot put it down. Try it, I dare you. Shay Taylor writes another freaking masterpiece. Farris absolutely deserved to be seen and the author lets you see her. She is fierce, brave, unbelievably selfless and absolutely deserves happiness. Ezra is unbelievably HOT 🥵.

DEFY your fate! The heavens should not have a say in who you love. Fight for the one you love and that’s exactly what these two continue to do!

HOW DARE YOU emotionally destroy us in this book?! I am absolutely wrecked. Just rip my heart and soul out along with those lives. Leave Daddy Cassius alone Shay! You made us fall in love with him from THE VERY beginning! Don’t even think about it!

I cannot wait to see where the final book in the series takes us. The anticipation is absolutely real and I will be anxiously waiting for the next book. I won’t be able to think about another book until I know what happens.

[eliko · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about this book is how it absolutely gripped my heart, twisted and pulled until my heart broke in pieces. I sat and ugly cried so much I had to put the book down to calm the fuck down before continuing.
The ending to this book was very satisfying to me, and the feelings it left is greatly appreciated. Heading in to the next book, I know these feelings will play a huge part.

I started this book with frustration for the FMC, I straight up didn’t like her. I won’t give you my reasons because I need you to see it for yourself! The more information I got, the more guilty I felt about disliking her. Closer towards the end I was angry for her sake, and I wanted to defend her. I actually sat and yelled at another character.
However, I liked the MMC the same through the whole book. Sweet, charming, caring man. When he cares for someone, it shows so well and I admire him for it.

Overall, it was lovely to get to know them better. It was also wonderful to see old faces show up. My beloved was in it, my Ares! ♥

[Quinty Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 – beautifully written, with a lovely, compelling story.

It covers how she finds him—sometimes even stalking him—and how they reconnect after a while when she ends up in his world. She finally believes she has found someone who loves her—and whom she loves—thinking that perhaps her fate was wrong after all. Then comes the heartbreak of having to leave; both their hearts are shattered. I hate that this is her fate and what she is forced to do. It involves so much pain and sorrow for both of them; he doesn't even understand why she is acting this way or why she is breaking his heart, while he has to endure it all, keeping his pain and grief hidden away.
Then there is the pain she carries, knowing exactly what is going to happen—what *must* happen—yet being unable to say a word. And the ending... it made me want to cry; it was written so beautifully, yet so painfully.
It is truly a book that draws you in, immersing you in pain, sorrow, and love.

[Ink & Fairytales 📚✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fate Cursed is Book 3 in Shay Taylor’s Gods of Gilyx series and I really enjoyed it a lot! The story had me completely hooked!

This book felt a little different from the previous two ones, but I actually liked that. The first half, in particular, was much slower than usual, and it was a gentle start. I got into the story very easily again, and this third book really moved me, especially on an emotional level.

I’ve really grown to love the characters, and it was wonderful to learn more about them and get to know them better. Their fates deeply moved me and broke my heart. I shed a lot of tears while reading this book, so have some tissues ready when you read it!

The second half was more like what we’re used to from the series, with plenty of action, twists and moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was sooo exciting and I just couldn’t stop reading! The ending was also very moving, and I really enjoyed A Fate Cursed. I can’t wait to continue the series!

[Karissa Tallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from an advanced reader’s copy

I’m going to be honest, this book took me a little longer to start or get interested in because I knew very little about Farris and Ezra. But I will say that, once I got further in, it was really hard to put down. I’m not usually a huge fan of when authors either continue a story but switch characters for each book or every few chapters, but I didn’t mind this switch. I think it was needed for the story to continue. I will say that surprisingly, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this couple or book, but I have to say it’s my favorite book she’s written so far. I think that she made Farris into this extremely incredible character that somehow fights her inner demons to do what is necessary and not be selfish, which you can just tell the character wants to be, but knows can’t happen. I really, honestly, can’t wait for the next book. This is a MUST read!!!

[Renata · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

From the preview in the last book and bits of Ezra’s story throughout previous volumes, I knew I was in for massive heartbreak, but it turns out I gravely underestimated how massive.

I’ve read books before where I’ve been crying, but never before have I cried for most of the story and read through tears. Wow... I admit I’ve loved that experience - being so deeply rooted in the story and characters and just breaking with them. I honestly never thought I’d live through something like this, after all, this is just a book 😳 and yet I wish to feel it more.

Ezra and Farris’s story is so much more heart-wrenching because you genuinely fall in love with both of them, you see how perfect they are for each other, and it kills you to read how fate messes with both of them. And the worst part is - they don’t deserve it at all. ... 😫

Oh god, I already can’t wait for the final book.

[Marta Vieira · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Shay Taylor has knocked it out of the park once again.

I must confess I was extremely curious to read Farris’s story, and the book did not disappoint. I loved how the character was built and how she evolved—seeing her internal feelings, her growth in isolation, and how she navigates not only her relationship with Ezra but also her family dynamics.

I’ve always adored Ezra, and he goes through so much throughout the book. Even though I like the female lead, he suffers a great deal because of her actions. The mystery woven throughout the story also made it all the more compelling.

I highly recommend it, but be warned: you’re going to need tissues!!

I truly hope there’s a happy ending in the next book—and that the characters who were sacrificed make a return!

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

[Jessica Bookbestiejessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin… there were so many scenes where I could hardly read the pages because they somehow got blurry? 🥺 also I gave myself a headache from said blurry emotions… Shay is such a powerful writer and This book really felt reminiscent of secrets and curses with it’s similar themes and wow… if you are a Shayverse lover it’s going to be a hard(but obviously in the best way)read… I think Ezra is just a yearning master and I love him sooooo much… as usual dual pov is so great for seeing both sides of the story and learning so many hidden details to the story. Also this book gives soooooooooooo many details about prior books so you definitely want to have read the other books before reading this one.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for a good cry?? Because this book WILL MAKE YOU CRY AND CRY!! I loved this book so much! It was really worth so many more stars than 5 but this book will rip your heart right out!! Be prepared to cry!! I was an emotional wreck after this book!! I can’t wait for book 4! I love Shay Taylor so much and her books are absolutely AMAZING! I think this is one of the most emotional journeys I’ve ever been on with her books and in general with any book! I don’t want to give away who the secret sister is! The FMC and MMC are so amazing and it’s taken me extra days to sit on this review because of how emotional wrecked I was after this book!! It is AMAZING! It needs to be read but be prepared to cry 😭 I love you Shay Taylor!! I can’t wait for book 4!

[Jocelyn Urbaez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advanced copy from Author

A fate cursed

It finally happened.. my heart finally snapped in half with this Author! I’m in shock and don’t even know where to begin. This 3rd out of 4 book series really did me in. You think you have the story figured out, you think you know characters and then a bomb is dropped. This plot is just amazing to me. Thicker on the plot rather than smut and I prefer that for romantasy💯 I honestly have no idea where this series is going to end and it terrifies me, I am so invested into this realm I’m about to start writing producers to give them their next multimillion dollar project! Shay Taylor has the brightest future ahead of her and I cannot wait for her big time success! I HIGHLY recommend this author and series! Thank me later!

[Tynieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC reader review
Littler vipers stream team*

🌶4
🌟5
✔️fated mates
✔️yearnig
✔️multiverse
✔️plot twist
✔️begging

Oh how my heart beats for Ezra and all he endures. I may or may not have gotten a little mad at Shay for this one.

We finally get to see what Ezra has been throught with his little thief who we get to see little glimpses of in the other books and man oh man does he go threw it! The way he begs for her and greives her absence was so well written I was actually sobbing.

If you haven't read the rest of the books/series in this universe I highly recoment going back a reading them before starting this one.

[Alice Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m broken after this! I genuinely don’t know how to think or feel right now. 😭

Shay has really outdone herself AGAIN! Every time I think she can’t possibly top the last book, she proves me wrong.

Having the other characters appear throughout the story was such a great throwback. Getting to relive little pieces of their stories while continuing with this one was something I absolutely loved.

And THAT ending?! I’m not okay. I have so many feelings, so many questions, and absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to do with myself now.

So I’ll just be over here, rocking back and forth in a dark room until Book 4 comes out. 🫠😂

Shay… WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

[Mybookish.odyssey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Gods of Gilyx. I have been fortunate enough to read the books prior to this, and I can tell you that this one really tore me up.
From the very start , the tug of war of emotions consumed me!!
Author Shay Taylor, is astounding at creating characters I emotionally bonded with.
There is so much that I want to say about the book, and I can not do so without spoilers… so with that being said. If you have not read the amazing immersive world Shay Taylor has written .. I 💯 recommend you do!!!
I truly cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Once again thank you Shay Taylor for my advance reader copy and the emotional anguish that resulted for this read 😜.

[Anais Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!!!

I absolutely loved this book! The two main characters stole my heart, and the enemies-to-lovers aspect made everything even better. The way these two interact with each other is honestly astonishing. Their dynamic, the tension between them, and the way they are with each other made their relationship so enjoyable to read.
I love when characters challenge each other, push each other’s buttons, and have a connection that makes you want to keep reading just to see what happens between them.

The mystery through out the series has been on of my favorite thing it keeps me on my tippy toes waiting to see what happens.

[Kacie I · Rating 5 out of 5]

💔 Heavy and Heartbreaking 💔

The penultimate book of the Gods of Gilyx series leaves EVERYTHING on the table. Every secret leading up to this point, every decision, every heartache...the truth behind it all is finally brought to light, and it proves that fate can be unimaginably cruel. Not everyone may make it out in one piece. What do you do when the weight of the world and its destiny was always yours to bear? You do what you must.

✨️Fated mates
✨️Forbidden romance
✨️Star-crossed lovers
✨️Slow-burn romance
✨️Forced separation
✨️Mutual obsession
✨️Possessive/ Protective MMC
✨️Powerful FMC
✨️Secret identity
✨️Hidden powers
✨️Secrets and forbidden truths
✨️Yearning/longing

​I can’t even begin to describe the emotional roller-coaster that was A Fate Cursed. The stakes have never been higher. As the final pieces of the prophecy fall into place, the sacrifices made along the way to save the realm hit so much harder. Every truth uncovered literally left my jaw on the floor and my heart a little more broken. I was left hanging on every single word, completely unable to put this book down!!!

​A Fate Cursed is the final prophetic puzzle piece, as well as a peek behind the curtain of what happened in the shadows...it made everything make sense, but it also made every feeling so much heavier. Having followed the Shayverse since the very beginning, I can safely say this is peak storytelling. I cannot recommend this series enough!!! 🖤⚔️

The Gods of Gilyx series can be read independently, but for the full overarching plot and immersion experience, I recommend reading ALL of the Shayverse series starting with Secrets & Curses, then Fourth Born, to Gods of Gilyx.

[Tracy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am emotionally destroyed. Shay what have you done to me!

After seeing glimpses of Farris and Ezra’s interactions we *finally* start to understand the true dynamics of their relationship. I have to say my opinion of Farris completely changed throughout this book. The strength, the isolation, the yearning.

Ezra is such a sweetheart. Fierce, determined and so unconditionally in love with Farris. Despite her best efforts to push him away.

But man after that ending, I’m not sure I can cope. I need and I mean need to know what happens next. Because that just can’t be the end, can it?!

[Yadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever I pick up a Shay Taylor book, I know I’m in for an emotional rollercoaster. This series has kept me on my toes and I love it.

Farris and Ezra go through so much agonizing turmoil. Every time I thought they might finally catch a break, the plot twisted. Farris knew exactly what was at stake, and honestly, I am so happy she did everything she did.

And that ending? Utterly heartbreaking. I did not see it coming. Shay Taylor knows exactly how to tear your heart out and make you love her for it.

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely emotionally distraught after finishing this book… 😭💔
I adored watching Farris and Ezra’s relationship develop — their bond felt so authentic and beautifully written.
Being inside Farris’s POV was heartbreaking; witnessing all she has suffered through the years, only to be told she must leave Ezra…
My heart aches for them both — the suffering and heartbreak is palpable throughout.
And that ending?! Completely devastating. I was left reeling and desperate for what comes next. Shay Taylor truly knows how to wreck her readers. 💔

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say this every time but this time I'm serious. Shay outdid herself on this one. This was beautifuly written and ripped my heart out. I have been waiting so long for this story and now I understand why! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! I have been reading Shay's books since 2024 and I will never stop. She is so creative and the story lines are amazing. This one however by far one of my favorites! Well done. ❤️❤️