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Incandescent Fates
In Calathea, there are three laws punishable by death.
For Lady Emory Valorian, these have carved her a life of solitude, hunting monsters within the dark stretches of Bartane Forest, holding her family close and her secrets closer.
That is, before-before a vampire slipped through her fingers, before it murdered her family, and before she vowed vengeance, no matter the cost. Now, she'll do whatever it takes to reclaim blood owed. She'll fight in a Legion, befriend an old flame, work with witches-all in the name of revenge.
But one thing remains as important as ever, her lethal trove of secrets must stay far from sight, even as the eyes of the kingdom fixate upon her, or she may not survive to see her plan through.
And her story is not one of tragedy.
It's one of sharp, brutal revenge.
Incandescent Fates is an epic fantasy romance and the first novel in the A Destiny of Creatures series. This story features a morally grey FMC, a kingdom of dwindling magic and fierce monsters.
For Lady Emory Valorian, these have carved her a life of solitude, hunting monsters within the dark stretches of Bartane Forest, holding her family close and her secrets closer.
That is, before-before a vampire slipped through her fingers, before it murdered her family, and before she vowed vengeance, no matter the cost. Now, she'll do whatever it takes to reclaim blood owed. She'll fight in a Legion, befriend an old flame, work with witches-all in the name of revenge.
But one thing remains as important as ever, her lethal trove of secrets must stay far from sight, even as the eyes of the kingdom fixate upon her, or she may not survive to see her plan through.
And her story is not one of tragedy.
It's one of sharp, brutal revenge.
Incandescent Fates is an epic fantasy romance and the first novel in the A Destiny of Creatures series. This story features a morally grey FMC, a kingdom of dwindling magic and fierce monsters.
- GenresFantasy
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2026
Advanced copy received from NetGalley.
Can I just say WOW! What an amazing debut from Isabelle. Her writing was so elegant and intricate and it’s hard to believe that this is her first book!
This book is Blood and Steel x The Witcher. If you loved Blood and Steel, Incandescent Fates is for you. This first book was full of world building and character introductions. There are some predicable elements to this story and typical Romantasy tropes, but there’s a lot of surprise elements as well. That cliff hanger was absolutely brutal though! I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
Can I just say WOW! What an amazing debut from Isabelle. Her writing was so elegant and intricate and it’s hard to believe that this is her first book!
This book is Blood and Steel x The Witcher. If you loved Blood and Steel, Incandescent Fates is for you. This first book was full of world building and character introductions. There are some predicable elements to this story and typical Romantasy tropes, but there’s a lot of surprise elements as well. That cliff hanger was absolutely brutal though! I’m excited to see where the next book takes us.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Please tell me there is a book 2 because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING!!!😱😭😭😭
I am shooketh.
I hqve so many questions.
I’m so thankful I was given this ARC by the author. I knew I was going to like this book.
I freaking love Emory. She’s such a sassy badass, literally the kind of women I aspire to be. Shes definitely a lil hot headed at times but very understandable considering everything….
Now, I knew the prince wasn’t the MMC I was going to swoon over, because in comes Kal, the mysterious sexy Aloryian I didn’t know I needed. I really really hope there is a book 2 because I NEED more of Kal and Emory😭 I feel like Kal is hiding a lot of things that hopefully may come out in a second book….
The world building and the pacing was fantastic! I was not bored once, and really enjoyed learning about the world of Calathea.
If you’re looking to immersive yourself in a new world with witches, vampires, unique powers, secrets, royalty, and a bad ass fmc, read this book!
The tropes in this book: slow burn, kind of love triangle, hidden powers, secrets, witches, vampires, competition
Definitely a 5⭐️ read!!!
Some quotes I highlighted:
“I am Kal. And you must be the little lion I keep hearing about”
“I am a weapon. And if you play with weapons, you get hurt.”
“Did he touch you?”
“I knew it”. I smile to myself, a breath between my teeth. “What?”
“That you’re old as fuck”
I am shooketh.
I hqve so many questions.
I’m so thankful I was given this ARC by the author. I knew I was going to like this book.
I freaking love Emory. She’s such a sassy badass, literally the kind of women I aspire to be. Shes definitely a lil hot headed at times but very understandable considering everything….
Now, I knew the prince wasn’t the MMC I was going to swoon over, because in comes Kal, the mysterious sexy Aloryian I didn’t know I needed. I really really hope there is a book 2 because I NEED more of Kal and Emory😭 I feel like Kal is hiding a lot of things that hopefully may come out in a second book….
The world building and the pacing was fantastic! I was not bored once, and really enjoyed learning about the world of Calathea.
If you’re looking to immersive yourself in a new world with witches, vampires, unique powers, secrets, royalty, and a bad ass fmc, read this book!
The tropes in this book: slow burn, kind of love triangle, hidden powers, secrets, witches, vampires, competition
Definitely a 5⭐️ read!!!
Some quotes I highlighted:
“I am Kal. And you must be the little lion I keep hearing about”
“I am a weapon. And if you play with weapons, you get hurt.”
“Did he touch you?”
“I knew it”. I smile to myself, a breath between my teeth. “What?”
“That you’re old as fuck”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Incandescent Fates
by Isabelle M. Lang
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Incandescent Fates.
Wow. I can't believe this is a debut novel. Isabelle M. Lang's writing is so elegant and immersive that I was hooked from the very first chapter.
If Blood & Steel and The Witcher had a baby, it would be Incandescent Fates. This first installment does a fantastic job introducing the world, its magic, and its characters while laying the groundwork for what's to come. Yes, there are a few familiar romantasy tropes, but there were just as many twists that kept me guessing.
Lady Emory Valorian was such a compelling protagonist. She's ruthless, morally grey, and driven by revenge, making her impossible not to root for. I also loved the dark atmosphere, the dangerous forests, monster hunting, political intrigue, and constantly shifting alliances—it all made the world feel rich and immersive.
And that ending... absolutely brutal. That cliffhanger has me desperate for book two.
Overall, Incandescent Fates is a fantastic start to a new romantasy series. If you love morally grey characters, monster hunters, rich world-building, and books like Blood & Steel or The Witcher, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
by Isabelle M. Lang
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Incandescent Fates.
Wow. I can't believe this is a debut novel. Isabelle M. Lang's writing is so elegant and immersive that I was hooked from the very first chapter.
If Blood & Steel and The Witcher had a baby, it would be Incandescent Fates. This first installment does a fantastic job introducing the world, its magic, and its characters while laying the groundwork for what's to come. Yes, there are a few familiar romantasy tropes, but there were just as many twists that kept me guessing.
Lady Emory Valorian was such a compelling protagonist. She's ruthless, morally grey, and driven by revenge, making her impossible not to root for. I also loved the dark atmosphere, the dangerous forests, monster hunting, political intrigue, and constantly shifting alliances—it all made the world feel rich and immersive.
And that ending... absolutely brutal. That cliffhanger has me desperate for book two.
Overall, Incandescent Fates is a fantastic start to a new romantasy series. If you love morally grey characters, monster hunters, rich world-building, and books like Blood & Steel or The Witcher, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
July 27, 2026
⭒REVIEW⭒
♡Tropes: vampire & monsters, lethal consequences, mythical forest, feminine rage, morally gray characters, trials; magic, witches & creatures
This book was an absolute wild ride from start to finish! The worldbuilding is so rich and intricate and the author even created a Companion Guide for the world of A Destiny of Creatures; this level of care and dedication made me appreciate the story even more. There’s no slow burn when it comes to the action, you are thrown straight into high stakes drama right from the first chapters. The FMC, Emory, is a combination of badass and deeply complex which I really enjoyed. The character dynamics are chef's kiss and I am so curious to see how things evolve between her, Atreus, and Kal. (I might already have a favorite, let’s see if my intuition is right!!). The writing is really good, balancing between driving a fast paced plot and developing intricate character arcs. And that ending?! The revelations in the final chapters and that cliffhanger left me equal parts nervous and excited to see where the story goes next. I am officially stoked for the rest of the series💞
Advanced copy received from NetGalley
4.6/5⭐️
♡Tropes: vampire & monsters, lethal consequences, mythical forest, feminine rage, morally gray characters, trials; magic, witches & creatures
This book was an absolute wild ride from start to finish! The worldbuilding is so rich and intricate and the author even created a Companion Guide for the world of A Destiny of Creatures; this level of care and dedication made me appreciate the story even more. There’s no slow burn when it comes to the action, you are thrown straight into high stakes drama right from the first chapters. The FMC, Emory, is a combination of badass and deeply complex which I really enjoyed. The character dynamics are chef's kiss and I am so curious to see how things evolve between her, Atreus, and Kal. (I might already have a favorite, let’s see if my intuition is right!!). The writing is really good, balancing between driving a fast paced plot and developing intricate character arcs. And that ending?! The revelations in the final chapters and that cliffhanger left me equal parts nervous and excited to see where the story goes next. I am officially stoked for the rest of the series💞
Advanced copy received from NetGalley
4.6/5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Incandescent Fates is a sharp, atmospheric dive into a world where magic is dying and vengeance rules. Lady Emory Valorian makes for a compellingly ruthless and morally grey protagonist. Instead of a standard tale of tragic loss, the book leans hard into a narrative of cold, calculated, and brutal revenge.
The dark stretches of the Bartane Forest and the rigid, death-punished laws of Calathea build an immediate, immersive sense of danger. I loved the inclusion of shifting alliances—from the Legion to witches and old flames—that keep the pacing tight and unpredictable. The blend of monster hunting, high-stakes political tension, and a heavy shroud of lethal secrets makes it a fantastic start to the A Destiny of Creatures series.
The only minor drawback is that the world-building occasionally feels a bit cramped while juggling so many dense tropes (vampires, trials, and magic) all at once. Even so, the sheer feminine rage and momentum of Emory's quest carry the story effortlessly. If you love dark, monster-filled romantasy with a badass, vengeance-driven lead, this is a stellar read.
The dark stretches of the Bartane Forest and the rigid, death-punished laws of Calathea build an immediate, immersive sense of danger. I loved the inclusion of shifting alliances—from the Legion to witches and old flames—that keep the pacing tight and unpredictable. The blend of monster hunting, high-stakes political tension, and a heavy shroud of lethal secrets makes it a fantastic start to the A Destiny of Creatures series.
The only minor drawback is that the world-building occasionally feels a bit cramped while juggling so many dense tropes (vampires, trials, and magic) all at once. Even so, the sheer feminine rage and momentum of Emory's quest carry the story effortlessly. If you love dark, monster-filled romantasy with a badass, vengeance-driven lead, this is a stellar read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such an amazing book, I loved every second of it. Some of the chapters had me nearly crying my eyes out, they were written so well. I could feel the FMCs emotions as if they were my own.
The world building was good too. Love how there's so many bright coloured buildings instead of the usual dark ones. I think it's a great contrast against where the FMC lives. It shows how those that live in that city live happily and full of joy, whilst where she lived everything was all about learning to fight and survive. It shows how different their livelihoods are.
The characters were also written well. I could see how some had similarities to Emory's family, which is a nice thing to see because its like her family will always be with her no matter where she goes. I also like how Emory has friends and allies she can actually trust. There's so many stories where the main character is betrayed by those closest to them, so its a nice change.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
The world building was good too. Love how there's so many bright coloured buildings instead of the usual dark ones. I think it's a great contrast against where the FMC lives. It shows how those that live in that city live happily and full of joy, whilst where she lived everything was all about learning to fight and survive. It shows how different their livelihoods are.
The characters were also written well. I could see how some had similarities to Emory's family, which is a nice thing to see because its like her family will always be with her no matter where she goes. I also like how Emory has friends and allies she can actually trust. There's so many stories where the main character is betrayed by those closest to them, so its a nice change.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really solid start to a new fantasy romance series. I loved the darker atmosphere, the revenge-driven storyline, and the morally gray FMC. Emory is a strong character who's willing to do whatever it takes, and I was invested in her journey from the very beginning.
The world was interesting, with vampires, witches, monsters, and plenty of mystery. There were several twists that kept me turning the pages, and I definitely want to see where this series goes next.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was the pacing. There were a few sections that slowed down with world-building, and I found myself wanting the story to move a little faster. That said, the payoff was worth it, and I never lost interest.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy romance with revenge, morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and high stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I'll definitely be continuing the series.
The world was interesting, with vampires, witches, monsters, and plenty of mystery. There were several twists that kept me turning the pages, and I definitely want to see where this series goes next.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read for me was the pacing. There were a few sections that slowed down with world-building, and I found myself wanting the story to move a little faster. That said, the payoff was worth it, and I never lost interest.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy romance with revenge, morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and high stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I'll definitely be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I quite enjoyed this debut fantasy romance book! The story was fast-paced and the female main character’s quest for vengeance (which is well justified), the mysteries surrounding her and her powers, and the promise of an impending war kept me engaged throughout. There is a bit of a love triangle blooming between an old flame and a potential new flame but it doesn’t really come to a head in the first book, and wasn’t the main focus. The world includes magic-wielders, vampires, witches, sea dragons and a hint that maybe actual dragons will make an appearance. The world-building hit the right mark - giving us just enough to feel grounded and understand the context but wasn’t overwhelming and didn’t drag the story down. The book ends on a cliffhanger that felt a bit abrupt and many questions remain unanswered, which just means we will definitely have to read the next one!
Also, the cover is so pretty!
Also, the cover is so pretty!
August 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with this book. I enjoyed the beginning and was pretty optimistic about it, especially because I find fantasy books to be VERY hit or miss. I kept chugging a lot, generally enjoying the characters and the story, and then I got to the last chapter. When I saw I had read 99%, I thought to myself, “surely this is going to wrap up nicely and I will be pleased with it.” How naive was I. 😭 I truly did not like the ending. It had so much potential and I was really rooting for it, but damn. There were so many things going on at once that I felt like none of them were given enough attention to do them justice and then I was very let down by the end. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be awaiting a sequel. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for review purposes.
I feel like I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with this book. I enjoyed the beginning and was pretty optimistic about it, especially because I find fantasy books to be VERY hit or miss. I kept chugging a lot, generally enjoying the characters and the story, and then I got to the last chapter. When I saw I had read 99%, I thought to myself, “surely this is going to wrap up nicely and I will be pleased with it.” How naive was I. 😭 I truly did not like the ending. It had so much potential and I was really rooting for it, but damn. There were so many things going on at once that I felt like none of them were given enough attention to do them justice and then I was very let down by the end. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be awaiting a sequel. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for review purposes.
August 23, 2026
This book blew me away! I really enjoyed getting to know the main character, Emory, and watching her go through so many complicated emotions while also trying to deal with some of the worst losses of her life. All of the characters were well-developed and I enjoyed trying to predict what was going to happen with each one. I have no idea where things are going to go from here, as the book did end on a cliffhanger...but I can't wait to continue reading to find out. Some of the themes in this book - loss, vengeance, trust and friendship - were masterfully woven in and I found myself finishing this book in a very short amount of time just to see what happened next.
You absolutely will not want to miss starting this series. I don't know how many books there will be or what is going to happen next, but I cannot wait to find out!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You absolutely will not want to miss starting this series. I don't know how many books there will be or what is going to happen next, but I cannot wait to find out!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2026
This book is exactly what I want in a fantasy! A little magic, some fighting, family dynamics, mild romance, a strong and fierce FMC, and a mystery that keeps you wanting answers right alongside her. Seriously, what more could I ask for?! I thought this was so well written, and one of my favorite things about it was how easy it was to follow. Fantasy books can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the world-building, characters, and lore, but I never felt lost while reading this one. I loved following the FMC as she fought to uncover the answers to questions that everyone around her seemed determined not to answer. Overall, this was such a good read, and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fantasy with action, magic, mystery, family, and just a touch of romance!
Just a warning: this is book one and it JUST came out, so be prepared to wait for book two… even though I need the next book NOW! 😂
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC! 🩷
Just a warning: this is book one and it JUST came out, so be prepared to wait for book two… even though I need the next book NOW! 😂
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC! 🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, Incandescent Fates absolutely delivered. The world building is so well done - you can tell there's real thought behind the magic system, and I loved how it wasn't just window dressing, it actually shapes how the story moves.
The pacing is what really got me though, especially for this genre it was refreshingly fast. There's no hanging around here, no bloated middle, no filler - it just moves, chapter after chapter of momentum. Combine that with a heroine who's strong without it feeling performative, and I tore through this one.
Emory as the FMC is also a huge highlight for me. She's got backbone from page one, and it's so refreshing to read a heroine who feels strong without it being forced or performative, she just is. This was such a fun, fast read and I need the sequel immediately. I predict this one being a big seller, definitely get it preordered!
The pacing is what really got me though, especially for this genre it was refreshingly fast. There's no hanging around here, no bloated middle, no filler - it just moves, chapter after chapter of momentum. Combine that with a heroine who's strong without it feeling performative, and I tore through this one.
Emory as the FMC is also a huge highlight for me. She's got backbone from page one, and it's so refreshing to read a heroine who feels strong without it being forced or performative, she just is. This was such a fun, fast read and I need the sequel immediately. I predict this one being a big seller, definitely get it preordered!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Isabelle M. Lang has created a beautiful story full of grief, feminine rage, and the delicate dance of figuring out who to trust. There are also vampires, witches, and magic. Emory is a dyad, but no one knows except her family. When she’s bested by a vampire, her family is murdered, and war threatens their borders, she vows vengeance, no matter what it costs.
I flew through this book! The pacing was good for a fantasy novel; I usually find them to drag because there is so much world building. The world here is detailed without being cumbersome, and there was a bit of mystery to the characters that kept me wondering who to trust. (Probably no one.) I cannot WAIT to find out what happens next – this one ends on a cliffhanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an early copy of this book!
I flew through this book! The pacing was good for a fantasy novel; I usually find them to drag because there is so much world building. The world here is detailed without being cumbersome, and there was a bit of mystery to the characters that kept me wondering who to trust. (Probably no one.) I cannot WAIT to find out what happens next – this one ends on a cliffhanger!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an early copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
DNFing at 30% mainly because I didn't realize this was going to be a magic/deadly trials book, and I am so sick of deadly trials in general at this point. I did like the world of witches, hunters, and deadly vampires, but unfortunately Emory isn't enough to carry me through that and make me want to continue reading. I do think that if deadly trials are your favorite thing and you want a good romantasy, this is probably your read, but it's not for me.
DNFing at 30% mainly because I didn't realize this was going to be a magic/deadly trials book, and I am so sick of deadly trials in general at this point. I did like the world of witches, hunters, and deadly vampires, but unfortunately Emory isn't enough to carry me through that and make me want to continue reading. I do think that if deadly trials are your favorite thing and you want a good romantasy, this is probably your read, but it's not for me.
September 28, 2026
Wow wow wow wow.
listen listen listen. I am a worldbuilding/information girly ok!!! This right here! THIS RIGHT HERE!!!! This was such a great first book in the series for that. It was a nice simmer without boiling over and kept my attention the entire time. The setup, the characters, magic system, everything.
ALSO it has female rage and a trial based plot all while having secrets buried on the sideline. Seriously, who are some of these characters AND WHAT ARE THEIR MOTIVES? I NEED ANSWERS.
Isabelle writes (and ends the chapters) in a way that you HAVE to keep reading because it’s so intriguing. I usually don’t get pulled to too many FMC’s, but Emory just has ~something~ and I can’t put my finger on it (in a good way).
There’s so much tension and secrecy and I have SO MANY THEORIES but I have to wait until the next book to see if they’re true.
HELLO? THAT ENDING? WHAT.
I had such an amazing time reading this and cannot thank Isabelle enough for giving me the opportunity to read it and annotate! I hope you all have as great of a time as I did with this story!
listen listen listen. I am a worldbuilding/information girly ok!!! This right here! THIS RIGHT HERE!!!! This was such a great first book in the series for that. It was a nice simmer without boiling over and kept my attention the entire time. The setup, the characters, magic system, everything.
ALSO it has female rage and a trial based plot all while having secrets buried on the sideline. Seriously, who are some of these characters AND WHAT ARE THEIR MOTIVES? I NEED ANSWERS.
Isabelle writes (and ends the chapters) in a way that you HAVE to keep reading because it’s so intriguing. I usually don’t get pulled to too many FMC’s, but Emory just has ~something~ and I can’t put my finger on it (in a good way).
There’s so much tension and secrecy and I have SO MANY THEORIES but I have to wait until the next book to see if they’re true.
HELLO? THAT ENDING? WHAT.
I had such an amazing time reading this and cannot thank Isabelle enough for giving me the opportunity to read it and annotate! I hope you all have as great of a time as I did with this story!
August 19, 2026
What an amazing debut novel! I cannot wait to see Emory’s story continue to unfold. The next book cannot come soon enough!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews