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Fate and Fortune: The Gateway Saga, Book 3
Fate sets the path. Fortune has the final word.
In FATE AND FORTUNE, the third volume in The Gateway Saga, every desperate gamble only serves to bring the world one step closer to ruin.
Samara’s story is far from over. Nothing is more dangerous than a spurned former empress with powerful new allies, willing to risk everything to reclaim the greatest prize of all.
Consumed by vengeance, Anthea Conway’s fragile position is jeopardized as she works in exile to destroy Julian and Zhuana—and fulfill her late brother’s dream of saving the empire.
But unknown to her, Kendrick is alive and well, and finds himself in a forgotten land, where he will have to work with Bethany, Xander, and Charlton to survive and somehow find a way home.
Bethany uncovers a secret society manipulating this strange new world from the shadows. But the greatest threat is yet to come… and stopping it may prove impossible.
With Zhuana focused on confronting the peril in the south, it is up to Julian to keep the empire together, even as it fractures beyond recognition.
Darkness is coming. But it is the quest for power that takes precedence.
In FATE AND FORTUNE, the third volume in The Gateway Saga, every desperate gamble only serves to bring the world one step closer to ruin.
Samara’s story is far from over. Nothing is more dangerous than a spurned former empress with powerful new allies, willing to risk everything to reclaim the greatest prize of all.
Consumed by vengeance, Anthea Conway’s fragile position is jeopardized as she works in exile to destroy Julian and Zhuana—and fulfill her late brother’s dream of saving the empire.
But unknown to her, Kendrick is alive and well, and finds himself in a forgotten land, where he will have to work with Bethany, Xander, and Charlton to survive and somehow find a way home.
Bethany uncovers a secret society manipulating this strange new world from the shadows. But the greatest threat is yet to come… and stopping it may prove impossible.
With Zhuana focused on confronting the peril in the south, it is up to Julian to keep the empire together, even as it fractures beyond recognition.
Darkness is coming. But it is the quest for power that takes precedence.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
James Maxwell
160 books8 followersThere is more than one person in the Goodreads catalog with this name. This entry is for James ^ Maxwell.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 1, 2026
I didn’t realize the last book wasn’t out yet lol. I almost took a star away bc so many ppl kept getting killed and it was getting depressing!, actually I think I am, lol bc it was too much!!
August 27, 2026
Fate and Fortune is the eagerly awaited third installment in James Maxwell's Gateway Saga, picking up after the almost unbearable cliffhanger at the end of book two. Maxwell promised readers a "wild ride," and he absolutely delivers. In fact, this book redefines what a wild ride can be. His imagination seems limitless.
One thing I've learned from reading James Maxwell is never to get too comfortable. Just when I think I know where the story is going, he throws in a completely unexpected twist. Fate and Fortune is filled with surprises—even more than the first two books—and the action rarely lets up. By the final quarter of the novel, the suspense was so intense that I felt as if I were holding my breath until the last page...where Maxwell delivers yet another jaw-dropping surprise.
What I appreciate most about Maxwell's writing is how effortlessly he pulls me into his world. The pacing is excellent, never slowing or getting bogged down. His prose flows naturally from one scene to the next, and his vivid, often poetic descriptions make it easy to picture the characters, settings, and action. Every scene feels purposeful, and the characters I've come to care about continue to grow in believable—and sometimes surprising—ways.
James Maxwell has become one of my favorite fantasy authors because he consistently delivers compelling characters, nonstop adventure, and unforgettable endings. Fate and Fortune is another outstanding installment in an exceptional series. I can't wait for the next book.
One thing I've learned from reading James Maxwell is never to get too comfortable. Just when I think I know where the story is going, he throws in a completely unexpected twist. Fate and Fortune is filled with surprises—even more than the first two books—and the action rarely lets up. By the final quarter of the novel, the suspense was so intense that I felt as if I were holding my breath until the last page...where Maxwell delivers yet another jaw-dropping surprise.
What I appreciate most about Maxwell's writing is how effortlessly he pulls me into his world. The pacing is excellent, never slowing or getting bogged down. His prose flows naturally from one scene to the next, and his vivid, often poetic descriptions make it easy to picture the characters, settings, and action. Every scene feels purposeful, and the characters I've come to care about continue to grow in believable—and sometimes surprising—ways.
James Maxwell has become one of my favorite fantasy authors because he consistently delivers compelling characters, nonstop adventure, and unforgettable endings. Fate and Fortune is another outstanding installment in an exceptional series. I can't wait for the next book.
August 25, 2026
The story continues
And gets even better as it goes. I'm going to have a hard time waiting for the next book. But I guarantee I'll grab it as soon as it's here.
And gets even better as it goes. I'm going to have a hard time waiting for the next book. But I guarantee I'll grab it as soon as it's here.
August 4, 2026
Great plot, really loved the world building. The characters draw me in and the pacing is good. Unfortunately. some of the writing is poor, and this book could have used a much better editor. Some examples:
"With one hand for his reins, he was wiping his forehead and cheeks with the other." (Why not "he wiped"?)
"Looking down from the sky, she sighed." (She wasn't in the sky, she looked away from the sky.)
"After searching for Julian, she soon found him."
And typos like "we would be wise to stave of thoughts" instead of "stave off"...
I found many examples like this and they just kept me from losing myself in the story. I would still be open to continuing this series and possibly reading more by the same author, but I hope some additional care will be giving by him or his editing team.
"With one hand for his reins, he was wiping his forehead and cheeks with the other." (Why not "he wiped"?)
"Looking down from the sky, she sighed." (She wasn't in the sky, she looked away from the sky.)
"After searching for Julian, she soon found him."
And typos like "we would be wise to stave of thoughts" instead of "stave off"...
I found many examples like this and they just kept me from losing myself in the story. I would still be open to continuing this series and possibly reading more by the same author, but I hope some additional care will be giving by him or his editing team.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews