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A Fated Life
Westoven.
Once a prosperous, magic-filled land.
Now, magic is a death sentence, destruction and starvation are widespread, and the gods have abandoned their people.
Eva Aldrich wakes on the night of her eighteenth year to her home in flames, her father brutally murdered, and her mother and twin sister missing. She and her two brothers are taken captive by the corrupt lords that rule their continent’s provinces, separated and fearful for each other’s fates.
Eva spends seven years in a harrowing prison, her days spent being tortured and brutally worked nearly to death. The only light in her nightmare is her guard, August. When August breaks her trust after fighting his own inner demons, he attempts to earn it back by freeing her. Their tumultuous relationship is put to the test when they are forced to work together to evade capture and find Eva’s lost family.
On their journey, Eva learns that she is a prophecy sent by the lost gods to end the bloody rule of the wicked Astaroth family. With August’s help, Eva will seek out her missing siblings and the magic-harnessing relics created by the gods that had previously forsaken them.
Eva will discover answers to the tragedies of her past while learning to trust a love that could consume her future. Her bonds will be tested, and her newfound magic will fight to take down anyone that threatens those closest to her. The prophecies only have one find their magic and destroy the Astaroth family for good.
Power. Love. Family. Betrayal.
Failure is not an option.
Once a prosperous, magic-filled land.
Now, magic is a death sentence, destruction and starvation are widespread, and the gods have abandoned their people.
Eva Aldrich wakes on the night of her eighteenth year to her home in flames, her father brutally murdered, and her mother and twin sister missing. She and her two brothers are taken captive by the corrupt lords that rule their continent’s provinces, separated and fearful for each other’s fates.
Eva spends seven years in a harrowing prison, her days spent being tortured and brutally worked nearly to death. The only light in her nightmare is her guard, August. When August breaks her trust after fighting his own inner demons, he attempts to earn it back by freeing her. Their tumultuous relationship is put to the test when they are forced to work together to evade capture and find Eva’s lost family.
On their journey, Eva learns that she is a prophecy sent by the lost gods to end the bloody rule of the wicked Astaroth family. With August’s help, Eva will seek out her missing siblings and the magic-harnessing relics created by the gods that had previously forsaken them.
Eva will discover answers to the tragedies of her past while learning to trust a love that could consume her future. Her bonds will be tested, and her newfound magic will fight to take down anyone that threatens those closest to her. The prophecies only have one find their magic and destroy the Astaroth family for good.
Power. Love. Family. Betrayal.
Failure is not an option.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 6, 2026
Thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing this eARC!
This was great! I loved the prophecy having to do with twins and the powers/magic is pretty cool too. I kind of enjoyed the love story too. It felt a little different because the MMC is just like, no, you’re going to love me eventually. It was endearing to me. He’s also INCREDIBLY considerate, like, melt my heart, except when he’s killing of course. 😆
I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!
This was great! I loved the prophecy having to do with twins and the powers/magic is pretty cool too. I kind of enjoyed the love story too. It felt a little different because the MMC is just like, no, you’re going to love me eventually. It was endearing to me. He’s also INCREDIBLY considerate, like, melt my heart, except when he’s killing of course. 😆
I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!
August 12, 2026
ARC Review (NetGalley)
Unfortunately, due to a family bereavement, this took me a little longer to get through than I originally anticipated. That said, this book was the perfect escape from reality when I needed it most. Thank you to the author, publisher, editor, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This had a slow pace to begin with, but I feel like it was imperative to really build up our main FMC, Eva, and MMC, August. Their relationship was turbulent, to say the least. I was constantly jumping between loving and hating August as a character, especially after some of his actions had me questioning Eva’s sanity. The emotional whiplash these two gave me was constant!
I loved the whole basis of following a prophecy, learning the lay of the land and slowly having different aspects of the magical system and abilities being introduced as we met new characters. It made the world-building feel gradual without being too overwhelming making it easy to keep up with all of the different elements. The brothers are by far my favourite characters of this story Alexander, although younger than Eva, really brought that big brother energy, and Alaric just had me laughing during most interactions.
However, that cliffhanger ending has me spiralling. Excuse me, but I NEED to know how they’re about to go full feral and destroy every Astaroth in existence because WHAT was that ending?!
Overall, there were definitely moments where I was questioning everything, but I really enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded, and now I’m left needing answers!
These will live rent free in my mind for the foreseeable:
🖤 “August," I say softly, "what are you going to do?" I ask with a broken voice, standing and running after him until my chain stops me. "Me and my demons are going to take care of it, Eva," and he walks out without another word.
🖤 "You are light in this dark place, and I hope you refuse to let them dim that. Hold onto that light: it's the only bright spot we have to live by around here."
🖤 "I need you like air. You're the only person who has ever been able to scare the shadows away. And godsdammit, Eva..." He lets out a breath through his nose, defeat flooding his eyes. "I want you. I've always wanted you."
🖤 "You have something that's mine, dickhead."
Unfortunately, due to a family bereavement, this took me a little longer to get through than I originally anticipated. That said, this book was the perfect escape from reality when I needed it most. Thank you to the author, publisher, editor, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This had a slow pace to begin with, but I feel like it was imperative to really build up our main FMC, Eva, and MMC, August. Their relationship was turbulent, to say the least. I was constantly jumping between loving and hating August as a character, especially after some of his actions had me questioning Eva’s sanity. The emotional whiplash these two gave me was constant!
I loved the whole basis of following a prophecy, learning the lay of the land and slowly having different aspects of the magical system and abilities being introduced as we met new characters. It made the world-building feel gradual without being too overwhelming making it easy to keep up with all of the different elements. The brothers are by far my favourite characters of this story Alexander, although younger than Eva, really brought that big brother energy, and Alaric just had me laughing during most interactions.
However, that cliffhanger ending has me spiralling. Excuse me, but I NEED to know how they’re about to go full feral and destroy every Astaroth in existence because WHAT was that ending?!
Overall, there were definitely moments where I was questioning everything, but I really enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded, and now I’m left needing answers!
These will live rent free in my mind for the foreseeable:
🖤 “August," I say softly, "what are you going to do?" I ask with a broken voice, standing and running after him until my chain stops me. "Me and my demons are going to take care of it, Eva," and he walks out without another word.
🖤 "You are light in this dark place, and I hope you refuse to let them dim that. Hold onto that light: it's the only bright spot we have to live by around here."
🖤 "I need you like air. You're the only person who has ever been able to scare the shadows away. And godsdammit, Eva..." He lets out a breath through his nose, defeat flooding his eyes. "I want you. I've always wanted you."
🖤 "You have something that's mine, dickhead."
August 6, 2026
Based on the synopsis, I had a suspicion that I would enjoy this book a lot, and I am happy to report that this is exactly what happened. Were there some elements that felt a bit rushed, and could the world-building have benefited from a bit more nuance? Yes, but the important part was that I did not want to put it down and was eager to find out how the story continued.
We have a world where magic is forbidden for ordinary people, and a few powerful individuals make sure that it stays that way. But then there is a prophecy telling us that two twins will be born, and they will have the power to change everything.
On one side, we have the rulers who are determined not to let this happen, while the children are hunted and separated when they come of a relevant age. Eva is one of them. She has been a prisoner for seven years, and what she had to endure was tragic and so devastating to me that I immediately rooted for her to find a way out of her situation. Over the years, she received help from August, whom she trusted deeply, until he betrayed her. Now she needs to trust him again to stay alive, and the dynamic between the two of them was heartbreaking. It became clear that there was something bigger going on and that neither of them had control over the situation. Eva's search for her missing siblings was a storyline I was particularly looking forward to following.
This is a fast-paced story with high stakes, and I am looking forward to seeing how the story continues.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have a world where magic is forbidden for ordinary people, and a few powerful individuals make sure that it stays that way. But then there is a prophecy telling us that two twins will be born, and they will have the power to change everything.
On one side, we have the rulers who are determined not to let this happen, while the children are hunted and separated when they come of a relevant age. Eva is one of them. She has been a prisoner for seven years, and what she had to endure was tragic and so devastating to me that I immediately rooted for her to find a way out of her situation. Over the years, she received help from August, whom she trusted deeply, until he betrayed her. Now she needs to trust him again to stay alive, and the dynamic between the two of them was heartbreaking. It became clear that there was something bigger going on and that neither of them had control over the situation. Eva's search for her missing siblings was a storyline I was particularly looking forward to following.
This is a fast-paced story with high stakes, and I am looking forward to seeing how the story continues.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest
Seven years of imprisonment, a prophecy, lost gods, missing family members, forbidden magic, and a romance built on broken trust? Sign me up.
A Fated Life delivers an emotionally charged fantasy adventure filled with family bonds, resilience, and a heroine determined to reclaim her life after unimaginable loss. Eva's journey from prisoner to prophecy-chosen savior kept me invested, and I especially enjoyed watching her grow into her power while refusing to give up on the people she loves.
The relationship between Eva and August is messy, complicated, and full of tension as they navigate betrayal, forgiveness, and survival. I was also drawn to the mystery surrounding Eva's missing family and the secrets hidden within the prophecy.
While I would have loved a little more depth in certain areas of the worldbuilding and lore, the story's heart, high stakes, and emotional moments kept the pages turning.
If you enjoy fantasy with prophecies, found family, powerful sibling bonds, hidden magic, and a slow-burn romance, this one is worth picking up.
review.
Seven years of imprisonment, a prophecy, lost gods, missing family members, forbidden magic, and a romance built on broken trust? Sign me up.
A Fated Life delivers an emotionally charged fantasy adventure filled with family bonds, resilience, and a heroine determined to reclaim her life after unimaginable loss. Eva's journey from prisoner to prophecy-chosen savior kept me invested, and I especially enjoyed watching her grow into her power while refusing to give up on the people she loves.
The relationship between Eva and August is messy, complicated, and full of tension as they navigate betrayal, forgiveness, and survival. I was also drawn to the mystery surrounding Eva's missing family and the secrets hidden within the prophecy.
While I would have loved a little more depth in certain areas of the worldbuilding and lore, the story's heart, high stakes, and emotional moments kept the pages turning.
If you enjoy fantasy with prophecies, found family, powerful sibling bonds, hidden magic, and a slow-burn romance, this one is worth picking up.
review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Fated Life ARC review: 3.5 stars
The premise of this book sounded very intriguing and the story did not disappoint. A family broken, broken trust and trying to find love, a powerful evil king calluding with death herself, and discovering magic within. There was a lot to unpack!
Parts of it seemed a little confusing in the beginning chapters with all the back and forth in the dungeon, there were times where I thought she was still shackled and all the sudden she wasn't or vice versa. Figuring out what August did was a tad repetitive, and I felt like a few of the beginning chapters could have been condensed, but overall I liked the story and the plot. The characters are all likeable in their own way and you find yourself wanting to champion for love.
**possible spoilers in the next section**
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*
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It really started to pick up in pace once the siblings started to come together. I feel like the story and the writing became more clear. Because it ends on a cliffhanger, it's hard to really know if this will fall into romantasy or just have some romance pieces in it. I definitely want to know how this story ends!
The premise of this book sounded very intriguing and the story did not disappoint. A family broken, broken trust and trying to find love, a powerful evil king calluding with death herself, and discovering magic within. There was a lot to unpack!
Parts of it seemed a little confusing in the beginning chapters with all the back and forth in the dungeon, there were times where I thought she was still shackled and all the sudden she wasn't or vice versa. Figuring out what August did was a tad repetitive, and I felt like a few of the beginning chapters could have been condensed, but overall I liked the story and the plot. The characters are all likeable in their own way and you find yourself wanting to champion for love.
**possible spoilers in the next section**
*
*
*
It really started to pick up in pace once the siblings started to come together. I feel like the story and the writing became more clear. Because it ends on a cliffhanger, it's hard to really know if this will fall into romantasy or just have some romance pieces in it. I definitely want to know how this story ends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley for A Fated Life by K.A. Hartford. This was an interesting read. It was full of messy dynamics between various characters. It started off a bit slow for me and was a bit wordy at times but picked up after a few chapters. Overall, a good, solid read. 3.5 stars. Thank you for the ARC!
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August 2, 2026If you love fantasy with prophecies, that is character driven, has found family, hidden magic, and a hint of a good slow burn, then A Fated Life is right up your ally!!!!
It is engaging and captivating and immersive, with great chemistry, tension, and good pacing!!!
Thank you NetGalley and K.A. Hartford for this ARC!!!
It is engaging and captivating and immersive, with great chemistry, tension, and good pacing!!!
Thank you NetGalley and K.A. Hartford for this ARC!!!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews