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A Fate Defied
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 26Ezra has spent centuries carrying the weight of a love the heavens refused to allow.
Now fate is beginning to fracture and Ezra is the one tearing it apart.
As rebellion rises against the gods, the heir to the Sword of Wern is done obeying the heavens. They took something from him, and he intends to make them pay, even if the realm burns with them.
But someone is following him through the shadows—watching him, provoking him, and drawing closer with every step.
He once saved the realm. Now, the heavens will learn what happens when its protector becomes its destroyer.
Now fate is beginning to fracture and Ezra is the one tearing it apart.
As rebellion rises against the gods, the heir to the Sword of Wern is done obeying the heavens. They took something from him, and he intends to make them pay, even if the realm burns with them.
But someone is following him through the shadows—watching him, provoking him, and drawing closer with every step.
He once saved the realm. Now, the heavens will learn what happens when its protector becomes its destroyer.
Unknown Binding
Expected publication December 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I ever recommend a book series, best believe it will be The Gods of Gilyx series.
And if there's one thing I will say about 'A Fate Defied' is that it is absolute, utter perfection.
I simply adored every single page of this book and can honestly say - without a shadow of a doubt - that I got EXACTLY what I wanted from this ending.
Every. Single. Thing was amazing.
Ezra - our God of Souls MMC - certainly proved EXACTLY why he was made the keeper of the Sword of Wern.
Talk about power-FUL: "No. You will kneel." ... *swoon*
The emotions he experiences, particularly at the start of this book, (due to the events at the end of the previous book) were so raw, so real and so beautifully portrayed.
Every feeling was perfectly executed - I just wanted to make it all OK for him.
I adored Briar - our FMC - and learning more about her life, her pain and her struggles as the book progressed after she (literally) stole her way into Ezra's path.
And can we PLEASE take a moment to give a massive THANK THE GODS for Haden?!
Because WHAT THAT GUY DID... YES.
JUST YES.
As always, the pacing of the story was spot on, the writing was beautifully descriptive and the storytelling completely immersive.
Shay has that incredible ability to pull you into a world and make you feel as though you're living every moment alongside the characters.
I loved every single page and whilst I'm beyond sad that this series has now come to an end, I couldn't be happier with how it all unfolded.
I'm genuinely honoured to have been able to read this series and even more grateful that it introduced me to Shay's incredible writing.
What a journey.
What a series.
What an ending.
The Gods of Gilyx will most definitely be a series that stays with me for a long, long time.
And if there's one thing I will say about 'A Fate Defied' is that it is absolute, utter perfection.
I simply adored every single page of this book and can honestly say - without a shadow of a doubt - that I got EXACTLY what I wanted from this ending.
Every. Single. Thing was amazing.
Ezra - our God of Souls MMC - certainly proved EXACTLY why he was made the keeper of the Sword of Wern.
Talk about power-FUL: "No. You will kneel." ... *swoon*
The emotions he experiences, particularly at the start of this book, (due to the events at the end of the previous book) were so raw, so real and so beautifully portrayed.
Every feeling was perfectly executed - I just wanted to make it all OK for him.
I adored Briar - our FMC - and learning more about her life, her pain and her struggles as the book progressed after she (literally) stole her way into Ezra's path.
And can we PLEASE take a moment to give a massive THANK THE GODS for Haden?!
Because WHAT THAT GUY DID... YES.
JUST YES.
As always, the pacing of the story was spot on, the writing was beautifully descriptive and the storytelling completely immersive.
Shay has that incredible ability to pull you into a world and make you feel as though you're living every moment alongside the characters.
I loved every single page and whilst I'm beyond sad that this series has now come to an end, I couldn't be happier with how it all unfolded.
I'm genuinely honoured to have been able to read this series and even more grateful that it introduced me to Shay's incredible writing.
What a journey.
What a series.
What an ending.
The Gods of Gilyx will most definitely be a series that stays with me for a long, long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐ **ARC REVIEW — WITH SPOILERS!** ⭐
I’ve read all these books and have absolutely loved every single story, again and again. 🖤 So, knowing this was the last one, I was genuinely sad to be saying goodbye to this world and these characters. But Shay… YOU PULLED IT OUT OF THE BAG AGAIN! 🔥
Erza’s pain was so relatable, and the emotions in this book hit HARD. My heart went through so much reading this one! 🥹💔
The brotherhood between Abram, Haden and Cassius **TOP TIER.** 😮💨🔥 I could read about these men all day long!
And Briar’s character redemption… AMAZING! 👏🏼 I loved seeing that journey unfold. The moment I saw *B.F.V* on the dagger, I genuinely thought I’d figured out what was going to happen next… I was SO SURE of myself. 🤦🏼♀️😂
Turns out, I was wrong! And honestly? I LOVED IT. I love when a book manages to catch me off guard, even when I think I’ve worked everything out.
Shay, thank you once again for allowing me to be part of this incredible world as an ARC reader. It’s been such a privilege to experience these stories and fall in love with these characters along the way. ❤️🔥
I’m sad to say goodbye, but I cannot WAIT to see what you bring us next! 🖤
**5 ⭐️ — Another incredible story from Shay Taylor!**
I’ve read all these books and have absolutely loved every single story, again and again. 🖤 So, knowing this was the last one, I was genuinely sad to be saying goodbye to this world and these characters. But Shay… YOU PULLED IT OUT OF THE BAG AGAIN! 🔥
Erza’s pain was so relatable, and the emotions in this book hit HARD. My heart went through so much reading this one! 🥹💔
The brotherhood between Abram, Haden and Cassius **TOP TIER.** 😮💨🔥 I could read about these men all day long!
And Briar’s character redemption… AMAZING! 👏🏼 I loved seeing that journey unfold. The moment I saw *B.F.V* on the dagger, I genuinely thought I’d figured out what was going to happen next… I was SO SURE of myself. 🤦🏼♀️😂
Turns out, I was wrong! And honestly? I LOVED IT. I love when a book manages to catch me off guard, even when I think I’ve worked everything out.
Shay, thank you once again for allowing me to be part of this incredible world as an ARC reader. It’s been such a privilege to experience these stories and fall in love with these characters along the way. ❤️🔥
I’m sad to say goodbye, but I cannot WAIT to see what you bring us next! 🖤
**5 ⭐️ — Another incredible story from Shay Taylor!**
October 18, 2026
Shay really outdid herself with this one! I was absolutely blown away by Ezra and by Briar. I was not expecting the book to start out the way it did or end the way it did but the surprise of it all was totally worth it! I can definitely say that I am so sad this was the last book in the series but it was every bit worthy of the 5 star review! That ending was honestly everything I had hoped for in this series!
Learning more about Briar and her life throughout the book was very interesting. I loved the little hints of foreshadowing that were sprinkled throughout the chapters. I also loved seeing a different side of Ezra throughout this one.
This is going to be a top-recommended series! Absolutely phenomenal!
Learning more about Briar and her life throughout the book was very interesting. I loved the little hints of foreshadowing that were sprinkled throughout the chapters. I also loved seeing a different side of Ezra throughout this one.
This is going to be a top-recommended series! Absolutely phenomenal!
October 23, 2026
4.25⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you Shay for the final arc of this series!
This story took a direction I was not expecting that’s for sure. And I have somewhat mixed feelings on it because it’s a trope I’m normally not a huge fan of. Shay does handle it beautifully and it wraps up the storyline and still manages to bring in so many connections from throughout all her series.
Ezra loves with all his heart and while still badass and deadly in his own right, definitely our most cinnamon roll MMC ❤️❤️
I loved the little moments with Ezra, Cassius, Abram, and Haden 🥰🥰🥰 the 4 of them’s friendship and brotherhood. If anything, would have loved more of it.
Also, Shay, you totally set yourself up for more on this world FOR SURE! If you’ve read this, you know exactly WHO I’m talking about! Can’t leave us hanging there 🤣 (ps she did say she’s got more stories to tell in this world so I think for sure we’re getting what I think we will!)
2🌶️
Thank you Shay for the final arc of this series!
This story took a direction I was not expecting that’s for sure. And I have somewhat mixed feelings on it because it’s a trope I’m normally not a huge fan of. Shay does handle it beautifully and it wraps up the storyline and still manages to bring in so many connections from throughout all her series.
Ezra loves with all his heart and while still badass and deadly in his own right, definitely our most cinnamon roll MMC ❤️❤️
I loved the little moments with Ezra, Cassius, Abram, and Haden 🥰🥰🥰 the 4 of them’s friendship and brotherhood. If anything, would have loved more of it.
Also, Shay, you totally set yourself up for more on this world FOR SURE! If you’ve read this, you know exactly WHO I’m talking about! Can’t leave us hanging there 🤣 (ps she did say she’s got more stories to tell in this world so I think for sure we’re getting what I think we will!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
5/5 – Well-written with a great story.
It begins 224 years after Farris.
You find yourself empathizing more with Ezra. Blaire stalks Ezra because she wants to possess his god-like powers, and she is part of the rebellion. They frequently fight and bicker, but they also turn it into a kind of game. You get to see their relationship evolve into a friendship—and perhaps something more.
So much happens between them: secrets, pain, sorrow, love, and laughter. Ezra also grapples with feelings of guilt over various things.
He finds himself torn—caught between the legacy of Farris and his own personal feelings. With so many secrets being revealed and so many twists and turns, you’ll just want to keep reading.
It begins 224 years after Farris.
You find yourself empathizing more with Ezra. Blaire stalks Ezra because she wants to possess his god-like powers, and she is part of the rebellion. They frequently fight and bicker, but they also turn it into a kind of game. You get to see their relationship evolve into a friendship—and perhaps something more.
So much happens between them: secrets, pain, sorrow, love, and laughter. Ezra also grapples with feelings of guilt over various things.
He finds himself torn—caught between the legacy of Farris and his own personal feelings. With so many secrets being revealed and so many twists and turns, you’ll just want to keep reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emotionally damaging? 💔 YES!
Heartbreaking? 😭 YES!
Touch her and die? 🔥 YES!
Found family? 🖤 YES!
The perfect ending to an amazing universe? ABSOLUTELY 1000% YES!! ❤️
I laughed, I cried, I screamed, and I never wanted it to end! 😭❤️ This book put me through ALL the emotions, and I loved every second of it! I’m honestly so sad to say goodbye to this universe and these characters. 🥹💔
Shay Taylor just knows how to rip my heart out and somehow make me love her even more for it! 😂❤️ I absolutely adore her books, and this was such a perfect way to end an amazing universe! 🖤✨
Heartbreaking? 😭 YES!
Touch her and die? 🔥 YES!
Found family? 🖤 YES!
The perfect ending to an amazing universe? ABSOLUTELY 1000% YES!! ❤️
I laughed, I cried, I screamed, and I never wanted it to end! 😭❤️ This book put me through ALL the emotions, and I loved every second of it! I’m honestly so sad to say goodbye to this universe and these characters. 🥹💔
Shay Taylor just knows how to rip my heart out and somehow make me love her even more for it! 😂❤️ I absolutely adore her books, and this was such a perfect way to end an amazing universe! 🖤✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I’m unwell… finishing this series doesn’t feel right… I’m not ready to say goodbye… This series means so much to me and I love the way it ended. Everything felt so deep and powerful (in many ways) in this book. I love how all the characters keep coming back up into the plot and I love seeing them come back. I highly recommend reading this series all the way through starting with ‘secrets and curses of exile’ it’s a journey I wish I could start over for the first time again… JUST WOW SHAY…
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the ending! I’m so happy Ezra got his happy ending. Leading up to the ending was definitely suspenseful. Absolutely loved this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thank you Shay Taylor for the final ARC of this series. I loved every twist and turn. This was the perfect ending to an amazing series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews