What do you think?
Naturae #4
Discovering Destiny
On the hidden island of Naturae, where a living mist guards the last refuge of the fae, reluctant heir Hope has always been an anomaly. With blood-red wings and a dangerous hunger, she doesn’t fit the role she was born into, or the destiny the fae expect her to claim. While others fight, belong, and become what they were created to be, Hope questions who she truly is… and what she’s meant to become.
When her rare power awakens into something far more unpredictable, showing her visions of the future instead of the past, Hope glimpses a terrifying truth: the island’s magic is failing. While her parents, Queen Aioffe and Joshua, are preoccupied with rebuilding the future, and a new ruler of the witches is determined, Hope must decide whether to follow the path laid out for her… or risk everything to forge her own and save Naturae.
Beyond the island, vampire Henry Fitzroy walks a dangerous line between ambition and obsession, navigating human courts and rising political chaos in his ruthless pursuit of power. As his path takes him into Catherine de Medici’s court, his choices may decide not only the fate of kingdoms, but Hope’s future as well.
Perfect for fans of hidden worlds, chosen one with a twist, forbidden magic, morally grey characters, political intrigue, found family, slow-burn romance, and self-discovery stories, Discovering Destiny is a gripping, YA appropriate historical fantasy about identity, power, and choosing your own destiny - even when the fates predict otherwise.
When her rare power awakens into something far more unpredictable, showing her visions of the future instead of the past, Hope glimpses a terrifying truth: the island’s magic is failing. While her parents, Queen Aioffe and Joshua, are preoccupied with rebuilding the future, and a new ruler of the witches is determined, Hope must decide whether to follow the path laid out for her… or risk everything to forge her own and save Naturae.
Beyond the island, vampire Henry Fitzroy walks a dangerous line between ambition and obsession, navigating human courts and rising political chaos in his ruthless pursuit of power. As his path takes him into Catherine de Medici’s court, his choices may decide not only the fate of kingdoms, but Hope’s future as well.
Perfect for fans of hidden worlds, chosen one with a twist, forbidden magic, morally grey characters, political intrigue, found family, slow-burn romance, and self-discovery stories, Discovering Destiny is a gripping, YA appropriate historical fantasy about identity, power, and choosing your own destiny - even when the fates predict otherwise.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2026
About the author
Jan Foster
13 books50 followersBy day, Jan juggles consultancy work with her family, but by night she sneaks off, into the past. Her penchant for sprinkling history with magic is fueled by coffee and Cadburys. When not writing, Jan takes her dogs and small monsters into the countryside, especially if there is a castle or historic building there with a cosy coffee shop in which to escape the rain of Manchester, England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 2, 2026
Review to follow
September 11, 2026
I've got to hand it to Ms Foster, she takes a well known era, well known historical individuals, blends it with Fae and vampires and supernaturals and magic and delivers fantasy, never once veering from historical facts, just bending them to fit her narrative. And heck is it a compelling narrative! I appreciate the research that's gone into this and her ability to incorporate factual dates and people with pure fiction, while illuminating the volatile court and country politics of the time. This highly engaging tale spans across England, Scotland and Naturae, their Queens and courts, their trials and tribulations, all wanting the best for their people.
I was very excited for the next book in this series, especially as it highlights Hope, daughter of Joshua and Aoiffe. Hope is...different, not birthed by pupae, birthed by a woman, but royal none the less. Hope is on the cusp of adulthood and, as do most teens, craves independence. Teenagehood and all it's complications aside, Hope, being unique, has unique magical senses. I loved the evolvement of her magic, as she becomes more intune, aware of the mist as no one else, able to read changes in pressure, and I adore how observant she is, how much she notices and responds to the elements around her. I really felt for her, a loner because of who she is, seeing her inner turmoil, not knowing where she fits in, wanting more than what's served up, wanting freedom. But likewise, she's as impetuous as she is curious. When she notices certain things that burrow in her head to solve, she acts on her impulse. And unleashes very unexpected results.
As with all Jan's characters, they are fully fleshed out, interesting, complex. I enjoy the character representation the author presents us with, and, seeing Henry feature quite prominently, adds to the story. If ever there was a complex character, tis he.... I am still ambiguous about Henry, one minute I feel sorry for him, the next I want to off him, then I want him to find happiness, yes, Henry covers the entire spectrum. Hope said it best, “I can never work out quite where you fit.” One thing he just can't relinquish, is his burning desire for a throne. Any throne... The only one who gave him cause to pause, was Fairfax. They are so adorable together, I can feel their affection but, doomed to be apart. I adore Fairfax, no ambiguity there! He's charming and jovial and an all-round cool guy, so in love with Henry, who sees love as a weakness. I wanted to cry when Fairfax told Henry "After all these years, and leaving Naturae, I hoped maybe you tired of seeking power." And, although Fairfax is Henry's one weakness, he fights an inner struggle because Henry is all about... Henry. "To choose love over duty seemed… weak."
This is the type of prose that catches me unawares, inserted almost innocuously but oh so powerfully by this author. The weaves she clinches together bring forth a tapestry of diversity, of vivid imagery and a super compelling read, especially for a history nerd like me. The alternative history aspect is super cool, through the events of the Queens of the period, Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine, with added twists of vampires, Fae and witches, this is a series I highly recommend!
I was very excited for the next book in this series, especially as it highlights Hope, daughter of Joshua and Aoiffe. Hope is...different, not birthed by pupae, birthed by a woman, but royal none the less. Hope is on the cusp of adulthood and, as do most teens, craves independence. Teenagehood and all it's complications aside, Hope, being unique, has unique magical senses. I loved the evolvement of her magic, as she becomes more intune, aware of the mist as no one else, able to read changes in pressure, and I adore how observant she is, how much she notices and responds to the elements around her. I really felt for her, a loner because of who she is, seeing her inner turmoil, not knowing where she fits in, wanting more than what's served up, wanting freedom. But likewise, she's as impetuous as she is curious. When she notices certain things that burrow in her head to solve, she acts on her impulse. And unleashes very unexpected results.
As with all Jan's characters, they are fully fleshed out, interesting, complex. I enjoy the character representation the author presents us with, and, seeing Henry feature quite prominently, adds to the story. If ever there was a complex character, tis he.... I am still ambiguous about Henry, one minute I feel sorry for him, the next I want to off him, then I want him to find happiness, yes, Henry covers the entire spectrum. Hope said it best, “I can never work out quite where you fit.” One thing he just can't relinquish, is his burning desire for a throne. Any throne... The only one who gave him cause to pause, was Fairfax. They are so adorable together, I can feel their affection but, doomed to be apart. I adore Fairfax, no ambiguity there! He's charming and jovial and an all-round cool guy, so in love with Henry, who sees love as a weakness. I wanted to cry when Fairfax told Henry "After all these years, and leaving Naturae, I hoped maybe you tired of seeking power." And, although Fairfax is Henry's one weakness, he fights an inner struggle because Henry is all about... Henry. "To choose love over duty seemed… weak."
This is the type of prose that catches me unawares, inserted almost innocuously but oh so powerfully by this author. The weaves she clinches together bring forth a tapestry of diversity, of vivid imagery and a super compelling read, especially for a history nerd like me. The alternative history aspect is super cool, through the events of the Queens of the period, Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine, with added twists of vampires, Fae and witches, this is a series I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review!
When I was given the opportunity to read this as an arc I jumped at the opportunity. This is book 4 in the Naturae series and can be read as a standalone too.
This is an amazing adventure that weaves seamlessly between historical and magical elements in one journey that will take place across England and Scotland. It’s a magical fantasy about power, fate and destiny amongst the Fae, witches, vampires and humans. It’s full of politics, morally grey characters, family dynamics and destinies and following fate to find your identity.
The last of the Fae have taken refuge on a hidden island surrounded by a magical mist to keep them safe, however that mist is now at risk and so is their home. Hope is not only a fae but she shows other traits which she needs to understand. She doesn’t fit in on the island despite being the heir to the throne. Her wings are bright red and she is easily distracted on flying manoeuvres. She has a desperate hunger to find out who she really is and this will take her on a magical adventure of self discovery.
On the other hand we have Henry a vampire desperate for power. His obsessions and ambition will lead to consequences not only for the kingdoms but Hopes destiny too as she awakens magic deep within herself that is unpredictable and unprecedented.
I’m biased with the next bit - Best of all though I return as the character Becca Clish - a witch who came into magic late and now is on hand to help Beba with teaching Hope.
Jan foster has immense writing skill to be able to beautifully blend historical events and fantasy. The amount of research that must go into these books has to be phenomenal. Her characters are relatable, loveable and you will want to keep turning that page to find out what happens next!
This is a 6 star read for me I’m a total geek for history and fantasy and this book hits every single point. You won’t be disappointed
When I was given the opportunity to read this as an arc I jumped at the opportunity. This is book 4 in the Naturae series and can be read as a standalone too.
This is an amazing adventure that weaves seamlessly between historical and magical elements in one journey that will take place across England and Scotland. It’s a magical fantasy about power, fate and destiny amongst the Fae, witches, vampires and humans. It’s full of politics, morally grey characters, family dynamics and destinies and following fate to find your identity.
The last of the Fae have taken refuge on a hidden island surrounded by a magical mist to keep them safe, however that mist is now at risk and so is their home. Hope is not only a fae but she shows other traits which she needs to understand. She doesn’t fit in on the island despite being the heir to the throne. Her wings are bright red and she is easily distracted on flying manoeuvres. She has a desperate hunger to find out who she really is and this will take her on a magical adventure of self discovery.
On the other hand we have Henry a vampire desperate for power. His obsessions and ambition will lead to consequences not only for the kingdoms but Hopes destiny too as she awakens magic deep within herself that is unpredictable and unprecedented.
I’m biased with the next bit - Best of all though I return as the character Becca Clish - a witch who came into magic late and now is on hand to help Beba with teaching Hope.
Jan foster has immense writing skill to be able to beautifully blend historical events and fantasy. The amount of research that must go into these books has to be phenomenal. Her characters are relatable, loveable and you will want to keep turning that page to find out what happens next!
This is a 6 star read for me I’m a total geek for history and fantasy and this book hits every single point. You won’t be disappointed
September 23, 2026
I have been a fan of Jan Foster’s historical fantasy series for a couple of years, now, so when I saw there was a new release, I wasted no time in grabbing myself a copy.
In any long running series, after a while, it is important to shake things up by throwing a new element into the works, and that exactly what this book does so well. Several years have past since the last book, and Hope – daughter of Aioffe and Joshua – is a teenager. However, her genesis is more complex than that, giving her abilities and an outlook that is unique. That uniqueness leads to feelings of being ‘strange’ and ‘other’ as she struggles to find a place where she feels she belongs. The author captures her perfectly as, despite the fantastical elements, her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt are easily relatable.
At the same time, Naturae has two other children of trouble: first, new Fae are not being born and second, in the more immediate term, the shroud that hides their land from the human world is fading. Solving both problems leads to adventures in Britain and Europe where, all the while, the historical drama of queens and thrones is playing out.
Elizabeth is Sovereign over Protestant England while Catholic Mary is in Scotland. I won’t go too much into that – one can either read about it in the history books or, better still, here in Discovering Destiny. However, vampire Henry is up to his usual power-seeking business doing shady deals. Always a fascinating character. He deplores war and violence not from any moral standpoint but because he detests chaos. He much prefers manipulating events quietly, behind the scenes. Playing a long game.
His interactions with Hope spark with life. With her naivety against his experience, one might think he has the advantage – he certainly thinks so – but Hope is not to underestimated or ignored.
In short, this book immediately became a clear favourite in this series – a breath of fresh air – and I look forward to more in the future.
In any long running series, after a while, it is important to shake things up by throwing a new element into the works, and that exactly what this book does so well. Several years have past since the last book, and Hope – daughter of Aioffe and Joshua – is a teenager. However, her genesis is more complex than that, giving her abilities and an outlook that is unique. That uniqueness leads to feelings of being ‘strange’ and ‘other’ as she struggles to find a place where she feels she belongs. The author captures her perfectly as, despite the fantastical elements, her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt are easily relatable.
At the same time, Naturae has two other children of trouble: first, new Fae are not being born and second, in the more immediate term, the shroud that hides their land from the human world is fading. Solving both problems leads to adventures in Britain and Europe where, all the while, the historical drama of queens and thrones is playing out.
Elizabeth is Sovereign over Protestant England while Catholic Mary is in Scotland. I won’t go too much into that – one can either read about it in the history books or, better still, here in Discovering Destiny. However, vampire Henry is up to his usual power-seeking business doing shady deals. Always a fascinating character. He deplores war and violence not from any moral standpoint but because he detests chaos. He much prefers manipulating events quietly, behind the scenes. Playing a long game.
His interactions with Hope spark with life. With her naivety against his experience, one might think he has the advantage – he certainly thinks so – but Hope is not to underestimated or ignored.
In short, this book immediately became a clear favourite in this series – a breath of fresh air – and I look forward to more in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the fourth book in the Naturae series and releases on the 11th of September. It's a proper historical fantasy taking placing during the reign of Elizabeth I when she was dealing with Mary, Queen of Scots. It follows Hope, the "next generation" of Naturae fae, as she tries to discover who she really is and how her magic works.
I love this series so much. It has the perfect blend of history and magic, with a lot of little details and politics blending together to make this world of the past absolutely real. But it's more than just history; it's a story about family and hope and figuring out where you fit. There are characters that should be the villains and yet aren't. I especially enjoyed focusing more on the next generation, as it were. It let the previous generation evolve into a different role, become something more, while giving new characters time to shine. I appreciated the uncertainty that Hope had throughout as she was trying to discover herself and her purpose. That coupled with Aioffe’s steadiness, as she’d been through something similar, was really lovely to read. We also saw characters from other books in the series that I am so thrilled to see again (Becca and Bran! Yaaay!)
If you love stories that are rich in history, detail, and heart, than this series is absolutely for you. And this book continues that story with such richness that it's hard not to feel strange returning to reality. Worth a read!
I love this series so much. It has the perfect blend of history and magic, with a lot of little details and politics blending together to make this world of the past absolutely real. But it's more than just history; it's a story about family and hope and figuring out where you fit. There are characters that should be the villains and yet aren't. I especially enjoyed focusing more on the next generation, as it were. It let the previous generation evolve into a different role, become something more, while giving new characters time to shine. I appreciated the uncertainty that Hope had throughout as she was trying to discover herself and her purpose. That coupled with Aioffe’s steadiness, as she’d been through something similar, was really lovely to read. We also saw characters from other books in the series that I am so thrilled to see again (Becca and Bran! Yaaay!)
If you love stories that are rich in history, detail, and heart, than this series is absolutely for you. And this book continues that story with such richness that it's hard not to feel strange returning to reality. Worth a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an ambitious, sweeping saga spanning several years (1567–1572) and multiple countries/fantastical kingdoms! The history nerd in me delighted in learning more about the three Queens, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, and Catherine de Medici through the eyes of vampires, witches, fae and demons. I also enjoyed seeing the return of side characters from previous installments, like Beba, Becca, Fairfax, and Aioffe.
I do feel like the character arcs of Hope (FMC) and Henry Fitzroy (MMC) took a backseat in favor of detailing true history in this novel. For many scenes, the main characters are observing rather than making decisions, living the consequences, and therefore learning from their triumphs or mistakes. There were still enough surprises to keep me reading, however. I was also thoroughly invested in the fate of Naturae, whose mists are failing and whose vines are failing to produce more pupae (baby fae).
The last 20% was SPECTACULAR!!! I couldn't put my phone down!! Totally worth reaching the end!!
I recommend this whole series for fans of real history and alternative history!
Content: Rather bloody toward the end because real history was bloody at this time. Recommended for upper YA as the lower age limit.
I do feel like the character arcs of Hope (FMC) and Henry Fitzroy (MMC) took a backseat in favor of detailing true history in this novel. For many scenes, the main characters are observing rather than making decisions, living the consequences, and therefore learning from their triumphs or mistakes. There were still enough surprises to keep me reading, however. I was also thoroughly invested in the fate of Naturae, whose mists are failing and whose vines are failing to produce more pupae (baby fae).
The last 20% was SPECTACULAR!!! I couldn't put my phone down!! Totally worth reaching the end!!
I recommend this whole series for fans of real history and alternative history!
Content: Rather bloody toward the end because real history was bloody at this time. Recommended for upper YA as the lower age limit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love the inter-generational approach this author has taken for the Naturae series. In this volume, we follow the young fae princess, Hope, as she finds her feet amidst the chaos of Protestant-Catholic conflict in England and Europe during the reign of Elisabeth I. I truly enjoyed how the real historical events are interwoven with intriguing fantastical elements as the fae, vampires, and witches battle for power in the human world dominated by people without magic or even knowledge of its existence.
While it continues seamelessly from the previous book in this series, offering a new point of view in this one brought in so much food for thought. I love the exploration of difference and how intolerance undermines social order. Intolerance, no matter how pious its roots, leads only to bloodshed and opens the way for evil to thrive. It's a pertinent message and a wonderful reminder of all that history can teach us about ourselves so we do not go on to repeat the errors of our forefathers.
This is a wonderful historical fantasy series and I highly recommend reading all of it.
While it continues seamelessly from the previous book in this series, offering a new point of view in this one brought in so much food for thought. I love the exploration of difference and how intolerance undermines social order. Intolerance, no matter how pious its roots, leads only to bloodshed and opens the way for evil to thrive. It's a pertinent message and a wonderful reminder of all that history can teach us about ourselves so we do not go on to repeat the errors of our forefathers.
This is a wonderful historical fantasy series and I highly recommend reading all of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 4 in the Naturae series is another great instalment in Jan Foster's amazing fantasy series that seamlessly blends historical events with, well, fantasy.
When I open one of Jan's books, I know I am going to get a very immersive experience. Her descriptions really draw the reader in with all the detail you need to picture the events playing out in from of you. Coupled with some really compelling characters that are easy to invest in.
The 'Discovering Destiny' title is very apt for this one as Hope, the fae princess, as she tries to find where she fits between what's expected of her and what she wants to do. I don't ever say much about the plot in reviews...but there are twists, turns, action and emotional moments aplenty.
Enjoyable from start to finish.
When I open one of Jan's books, I know I am going to get a very immersive experience. Her descriptions really draw the reader in with all the detail you need to picture the events playing out in from of you. Coupled with some really compelling characters that are easy to invest in.
The 'Discovering Destiny' title is very apt for this one as Hope, the fae princess, as she tries to find where she fits between what's expected of her and what she wants to do. I don't ever say much about the plot in reviews...but there are twists, turns, action and emotional moments aplenty.
Enjoyable from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews