Daybreak

Fate's Forsaken #4

by Shae Ford

Midlan has awoken.

Soldiers pour from between the gates and monsters descend upon the Kingdom. When Midlan turns its eye to Copperdock, Kael quickly discovers that no realm is safe from the wrath of the King. But while he fights to keep Crevan’s soldiers away from his friends, other powers rise up behind him — including an army so terrible that it threatens to devour everything.

All paths lead to Midlan, every fate hinges upon a final battle, and the bloodshed will bring about a reckoning a thousand years in the making — a plan woven by Fate, herself. There’s only one soul she can’t cast for: a boy from the mountains who might undo everything, if he isn’t stopped.

When Kael’s journey carries him to the battle’s end, he doesn’t know that the fate of the Kingdom rests upon his shoulders. The choice he makes will forever change his world … and bring him to the story’s end.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Magic, Audiobook, Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

Audible Audio

First published September 17, 2015

About the author

Shae Ford is a USA Today bestselling author from a not-so-small town outside of Ft. Worth, Texas.

Her debut series, "Fate's Forsaken," follows the story of a young man who is gifted with extraordinary powers, but plagued by rotten bad luck. Having the chance to share his many (mis)adventures with readers all over the world has been the opportunity of a lifetime, and a journey she'll never forget.

To learn more about Shae's books, contact the author, or sign up for her newsletter, please visit www.ShaeFord.com.

Fate's Forsaken Series:

Book 1: Harbinger
Book 2: Slight and Shadow
Book 3: Dragonsbane
Book 4: Daybreak

Fate's Forsaken rating FAQs (taken from the official website):

Fate’s Forsaken was written with the Young Adult audience in mind, and contains no graphic nudity, sex scenes, or cussing. Though the characters must often overcome hardships, and their stories touch upon difficult themes, Shae’s purpose in writing the series was to provide her readers with an uplifting adventure, the means to escape the troubles of the “real world” — and perhaps even make a few friends along the way.

Anomaly Series:

Book 1: Charlie the Anomaly

This post-apocalyptic gunslinger series is set in ruins of north Texas. Taking place about 400 years in the future, readers will get to see what the world looks like after civilization is destroyed-- and read about how it all ended. Tag along with Charlie while she sets fires and wreaks havoc on the villains of the Nothing!

R-rated for violence, PG-13 for language, No nudity or sexual situations

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series ends right here, when long-forgotten legends ring true and numerous characters from the prequels reunite to defeat King Crevan (with Mage Ulrich) and Gildereck the bad-seed whisperer (with his fallow zombies).

The series gradually morphed from straight-up fantasy to romantic-fantasy. It lost its edge of personal suffering. Lost the darkness we saw in books 1 and 2, Harbinger and Slight & Shadow .

The book is too long, with too much time among the dragons Rua and His-Rua. Also, too many couples hook up. A cotton-candy sweet ending.

But good story and good series! Good battle strategies. Good job weaving varied plot threads together, including the roles played by Fate and Death and Argon the Seer.

Great secondary characters, and they get to be heroes, too. Kael and Kyleigh don't hog the limelight at all. Baird the Bard is one of the best secondary characters. He saved the day in a surprising way. Jake the Mage comes in second, along with Nadine the wee warrior. Coming in third: Aethred the pirate peg-leg and Countess D'Mere. And gotta love Gwen and those crazy-ass wild men? Even the annoying Knotter — his magical spirit dwells inside the knotty castle door — took me by surprise.

Dubbed YA, but I'm adult and enjoyed it. I'd rate it PG 13 for violence. No explicit sex and no swearing.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book of the four-book series, the story concludes Kael and Kyleigh's story about overthrowing a king.

The book started out pretty well, where it was quite peaceful, until crap went down. The beginning involved Kael's friends all being apart, each playing a role on the different events happening all over the place, until finally coming together on the final battle. Some of these mini-stories weren't really interesting, such as Lysander's and Jonathan's. I did really like Elena and Aerilyn's adventure though, really an interesting, contrasting pair. In the end, the conflict with the King wasn't really interesting, and really the best part of this book was probably the Motherlands arc, where we learn more about Kyleigh and the dragons.

Final thoughts on characters:
- Lysander and Aerilyn: I'm not really sure what to think of these two. I don't think they got much character development, especially on Lysander's side, but Aerilyn had some interesting bits when she was with Elena. Overall, I feel meh about this couple. I did like the scene when they finally met for the first time in a while, Aerilyn scolding him when Lysander was drinking.
- Nadine and Declan: Another couple I'm not sure what to say. I really didn't like this couple too much, and I felt they just got together just because they were attracted to each other. Nothing wrong with that, but really it's not interesting. Declan's proposal for marriage was great, and him accepting Nadine as barren, calling the mountain children as his own was quite heartwarming however.
- Jonathan: I really don't like his character. He's like one of those whose using up all the luck he's given on his life. I wasn't sure what's the end goal of him going with Elena when she was searching for Jake....
- Theldred/D'mere - Uhhh wtf happened here? I really disliked their "kiss" because it felt so weird and forced. Like.. why? Individually, they had some great scenes. I really liked the scene when D'mere got caught and the twins tried to rescue her for the Fallows, where the two probably had some emotional attachment to her. Her scene on giving Theldred the final push was great too. Of course Theldred firing the arrow on the bridge to end Gilderick's army was probably one of the best scenes of the book, seeing it in both Theldred and Lysander's perspectives.
- Gwen: This fool. I was pretty frustrated about her when Midlan was trying to invade the Wildlands (which was the point I guess since Kael was too). Her character development was so-so, and I'm glad that her and Silas finally got together in the end (but really another couple...).
- Elena/Jake: They were my fave couple in the last book, but after the development about Kael/Kyleigh, they'l' have to come by second. Their opening scene, about Elena trying to get together with Jake but getting cold due to her past was so good. Sadly we didn't get to see them much interact later. Elena's POV when she was with Aerilyn was great, talking about how their lives are entirely different. Why did she freeze on that one time when she was about to get hit by an arrow though? Her reunion scene with Jake, when he was trapped with the iron curse was somewhat anticlimactic, where I was really expecting Jake to die. Oh well, I guess we can just solve that by cutting off his arm.... I really didn't like how Elena's issues in the end weren't resolved, or more like it was just skipped. What happened to all that drama that began on the first chapters of the book? There was SO MUCH potential there, bracing myself for the feels, but nope, they just got in a room and apparently it was all solved this time.... ugh.

- Kael/Kyleigh:

I definitely loved the development of these two on their stay during the Motherlands. At first, it was hella annoying that Kyleigh just goes up and does whatever she likes, not telling Kael anything. I'm not sure how it's fine for her to just go away for long periods of time. Like Kael said, I thought dragons were supposed to stay with their mate once they found them? If she was doing this to not hurt Kael, apparently it didn't go through her about his worries when she was away or not communicating to him properly.

I thought there was gonna be some drama (finally) once Devin/Dorcha was introduced, but nope valtas conquers all. I wished Kael displayed some jealousy to actually make things normal, like your telling me this guy didn't get jealous one bit? Though I guess Dorcha trying to kill Kyleigh didn't give Kael too much room for that. And I guess he hella trusted the dragon's bond thingy, such as her blood not burning him. But still, I wish he had some thoughts about it, because it's really weird.

As I said, I loved their stay in the Motherlands. It really came outta nowhere, and I wish it was handled better (though not sure how). Kael learning about Kyleigh's past, afraid of what it might do to her if she knew, if it would change her, was such a real worry. I wish in the end he told her though, so he didn't have to hide things from her (Kyleigh hiding things should be enough for the two of them). The relationship of the draega and the dragons finally made sense, which I didn't get til I read some chapters twice. It's such an interesting concept, dragon and the shape-shifters of dragons on war with each other. I'm surprised the author didn't do more development about Kyleigh's dragon color, such as Kael actually seeing it. Would have been nice.

Some fave scenes:
- Elena and Jake taking a break from seeing each other (ch. 2: Something Broken). Here, we see Elena's feelings overflow and make a move on Jake, surprisingly very forward and aggressive. However, her past about Holtham makes her cold when Jake touches her, where eventually Jake breaking it off, misunderstanding that it was his mage nature that was causing the issue. In the end, Elena confessed to Jake, but it wasn't enough to keep him from leaving. Jake did tell her he loves her too, creating that oh so sad and bittersweet moment. I felt Elena's feelings, about how she loved him so much but can't get over her past, was very real. Those inner monologues were so good. The author knows her female characters very well. Sadly, this issue between them never got resolved.... probably one of the biggest disappointments on the book.
- Baird, with the help of Griffith, trying to save the wildmen from the mages (ch. 19: Voice of the Mountains). This scene was epic. Baird time and time again said the power of words is probably the most powerful power of all. Here we see him tell the mages what to do, making them vanish into nothing. His words of "courage" resounded to me while I was reading. I thought he really died in the end, sacrificing himself to save his fellow whisperers, and I wished he did to add that impact on his actions, but nope towards the end we learn he didn't, apparently the author deciding no one would die in the book.
- Kael going inside Kyleigh's mind to learn the names of her human and dragon sides, meeting the dragon half inside (ch. 36: A Dragon's Fury). This meeting was so simple, but I really liked it for some reason. It was very heartwarming to see the dragon's feelings laid bare to Kael, not holding back on her love for him. "Hello, my love" always gets me. The feels were there when she talked about the first time she showed her form to him, which was the scariest moment of her life, fearing that he would hate her. This scene is basically where we start seeing the more true, forward half of Kyleigh, unlike the human side usually it hides her overflowing feelings, scared that Kael might find it weird.
- Kyleigh's POV, finally telling Kael how much she loves him (ch. 44: A New Fire). Probably the most heartwarming scene of the book, if not the series. Again, another gold in Kyleigh's perspective (the author is really great with her female characters). Here, we learn a lot of Kyleigh's feelings about her love with Kael, how she loved him fiercely but couldn't bring it out, scared that she would overwhelm him. A dragon's love is different afterall, and Kael is only human. In the end, Kael held her, her eyes, and there she saw how much he loved her too, where he loved her as much as she loves him. (I think I said love too many times). This scene broke the final wall between Kyleigh and Kael, and here's the time where I thought the two were being true with each other.

“I love you, Kael.”
His face came closer. “How much?”
The words were out before she could stop them, bursting free with all the force of the dragon’s wings: “More than the sun loves the dawn. You are my sky — my whole horizon.”


Final thoughts on the book/series:
The series' main strength is on the interactions of the many different characters. There's a lot of character development involved, especially on Kael and Kyleigh. I really don't have much to say other than that, since most of my reviews are mostly all about the characters and my thoughts on what happened to them.

The overall plot, on the other hand, was very weak. First, the Sovereign Five was interesting at first, acting as bosses until the final boss, and had some character. I felt they were all power hungry, and were evil just for the sake of being evil. No backstory on their motivations whatsoever. I liked Gilderick as a villain, however it was again anticlimactic to see how he was finally defeated (arrow from Theldred of all things, who would've thought of that?). D'mere is probably the most interesting villain in the book, where I was surprised that she was the mother of Aerilyn. The author could've done a lot more with that, but oh well. But other than that, I didn't really feel anything about the others. Crevan, which I feel is probably the main villain, did not even get any character development at all, and is just evil for the sake of being evil. He didn't even have any good qualities, where all that's holding together power is the cursed shackles he basically put on everyone. With this, I felt the plot to overthrow him was empty. As I was reading the final battle, I didn't feel that excitement I would normally associate it with, and I felt I was just waiting for it to be over. Really, it's all about Kael and friends' experiences on their journey to stop Crevan, and not really about stopping Crevan himself.

So, in the end, plot was meh, but the character interactions made up for it. I think the author was kinda going for this epic journey on overthrowing an unjust King, but kinda changed her mind later on and just concentrated on the characters. The romance between Kael and Kyleigh is definitely the highlight of the series, never failing to make me excited from start to finish. It ended very well too, which I'm glad (read too many books recently that hasn't ended yet). Sometimes I feel the series is really about the love story between the two. I didn't really like how in the end there's so many couples it's ridiculous. Lysander/Aerilyn and Jake/Elena couples would've sufficed. I felt there were too many plot holes that didn't get resolved, mainly on the side characters, such as Elena's past seemingly getting resolved just like that even after such dramatic scenes to show it (really really disappointed in this).

I would rate this book and series 4/5, even though the plot was ehh, I enjoyed reading it for the characters and romance.

[Todd Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entire series.
As stated by some other reviewers, the plot line is not as complex as others of this genre, but that is actually what I liked about it.
Shae Ford does a terrific job telling the story.
What I mean is this. Some fantasy authors get REALLY wordy describing every little detail about every little aspect of every rock, tree, building, article of clothing, and on and on. While some description is necessary to create the image in your mind, when they drone on and on about it, my mind wanders, and I just want them to get on with the story.
Shae Ford tells the story. There is plenty of detail to create a vivid image of each scene, each event, but the story moves along. That leaves more time to develop the character, give insight into their thoughts and emotions.
I also loved the periodic, subtly humorous quips, events and mischief from some of the characters. I enjoy a rye wit, and sarcasm. There were little things here in there that actually made me laugh out loud as I listened.
But my favorite thing of all, (and for me to really enjoy a book, it is critical) is that I really began to love the characters. I was rooting for them. Hoping for them. Wanting certain things to happen for them.
If I care about the characters, I become invested in the book. This series did that for me.
The only slight criticism I would offer is that there were a couple scenes that were a little ambiguous as to the outcome. I don't want to inject any spoilers here, but there was one event where I was uncertain if something had been actually resolved permanently, until near the end of the story, when it became obvious that the villain was not going to re-emerge. Maybe I was just a little slow at grasping it, but it seemed like the door was left open for him to pop up again, but the story progressed, ended and , well...I guess it was actually resolved. It didn't really detract from the story. It just left me wondering.
The narrator, Derek Perkins, is exceptional. Each voice for each character is distinct and very well done. He is absolutely brilliant.
Bottom line. I enjoyed this tale very much, and recommend it highly.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is satisfying ending to a good series.
My only complaint is that things were so convenient throughout the series, especially in this final book. The stakes doesn't seem so severe if the heroes fail their quest since it's so...general? I just don't feel the suspense if ever the King wins. Some stuff has been rushed, some were dragging. I have to admit I skipped a few paragraphs here and there just to get to the good part.

Still, I absolutely loved the characters, especially their banters and their relationships with each other. I could have done without the blatant pairings though. Feels like everyone has been paired off to live happily ever after Disney Style and though I mostly enjoyed it (especially Elena and Jake), sometimes I feel that some of the scenes between these pairings are forced or just generally distracts from the plot.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It's a great first try for the author considering she's only in her early twenties when she wrote this.

[Dave Ricchiazzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In all, a satisfying end to a decent series. It's sweet, almost to point of nausea, but for a quick, fun, heroes battle evil romp this does quite well. Parts dragged, and I think overall there was just a bit too much going on, but the book moved quickly enough that it wasn't too much of an issue.

Would recommend series to teens voracious for fantasy.

[Tomas Grizzly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying at 90% as with all the previous books.
After the end of the third book, this one starts on a positive note - but stuff goes downhill quickly. Some of the plot lines took a while in the 'story time' but I found the pace pretty good even in the slower parts. Despite all that's on stake in the final battle, it has probably the largest share of funny moments of the whole book.
Also, there's a relatively long 'outro' - maybe 10% of the book.

[Kristen Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent end to a harrowing tale

The entire series had be on the edge of my seat, but this final book... put such a wonderful end to all of the individual stories. I hope anyone who considers reading this, reads this comment and gives it a go. You’ll fall in love with the characters, and have a fantastical journey along the way.

[Dee Cuadra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series!

This series was thorough and refreshing. Reading as Karl and Kyleigh grew both in strength of character and strength of love was most enjoyable. I had a hard time putting the book down. All of the characters were well written and grew throughout the series. The ending was most satisfying.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a bit too dramatic for my taste- the author’s unrealistic similes and metaphors became tiring by this fourth book, and the inevitable romantic pairings of all of the books’ main characters was, at best, cliche. Still, it was a satisfying ending to an overall enjoyable series.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stressed me out. But in the end I got the ending that i wanted.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good series. The ending could have been better.

[Shellbelle19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. I really loved this series. It was witty and different. The characters were very fun and likable. Very clean as well!

[Marianne Boutet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this if you want all the loose ends in the series wrapped up. Loooong book.

[Janella · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series was enjoyable to listen in audiobook. will gladly read again once I have the actuals in my hands

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldiers pour from between the gates and monsters descend upon the Kingdom. When Midlan turns its eye to Copperdock, Kael quickly discovers that no realm is safe from the wrath of the King. But while he fights to keep Crevan's soldiers away from his friends, other powers rise up behind him - including an army so terrible that it threatens to devour everything. All paths lead to Midlan, every fate hinges upon a final battle, and the bloodshed will bring about a reckoning a thousand years in the making - a plan woven by Fate, herself. There's only one soul she can't cast for: a boy from the mountains who might undo everything, if he isn't stopped. When Kael's journey carries him to the battle's end, he doesn't know that the fate of the Kingdom rests upon his shoulders. The choice he makes will forever change his world ... and bring him to the story's end.
This was a outstanding ending to a great series. The author doesn't leave you wondering what happens after the big battle. the charaters develope though the first two and by the end of the third book, I really felt like I understood each of the characters and felt a connection with them. To me, that is a sign of great books, and by the end of the fourth book, I was sorry the story had ended, I definitely felt a connection with these characters. I found the action scenes all very well written, and as a plus the book had many scenes that were very funny, it had me laughing many times.
This was a great series and I highly recommend it! If you don't read this series, you are missing a great set of books. Great Reading Everyone?

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daybreak is the next book in the Fate's Forsaken series and piles on the action and humour throughout! :D Kyleigh and Kael take a more even approach in this book with many formerly secondary characters taking a front line role! :D Characters like Jake and Elena are in there in the thick of it with Lisanda and Ayrlin, Aethred and Countess D'Mere and add wallop in there scenes and everyone's favourite barbarian woman Qwen and the Mountain Men are back! :D

This all combines brillaintly, with side trips to visit dragons, and creates a really great continuation of the story with it taking unexpected turns and twists but at all the time keeping the humour throwing throughout which marries brillaintly with all the high adventure taking place! :D

The 'allies' victory is brilliantly handled and the events after will have you in stitches Kyleigh becoming pregnant and the rapid exit of the Mountain Men, Guards and every other battled hardened professional is hilarious as one such example! :D Lol

Daybreak is brilliant, fun creative fast paced, will keep you hopping and action packed! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D

[Billr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent finish to the journey

The author did an excellent job weaving the secondary characters into the conclusion of the story. The resolutions to the different conflicts didn't rely heavily on the protagonist solving every problem, each character had an opportunity to shine. To be candid, I almost didn't finish the book. There was a moment when one of the shape changers (no name to avoid spoilers) was struggling with their duality of souls, previous relationships, soul mates I thought the author was going in a direction a human not being able to meet the needs of the animal side. I was happily wrong, and am glad I finished.

[Joseph Vanucchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Yeah I'm sure that half the people reading this think it's a pretty paint by the numbers book. I honestly don't know any more what is "typical". I do know that I loved this book and series. And I wasn't thinking at all that I knew what was coming next, and quite a few things caught me by surprise. Characters are mostly likeable, very diverse. A really good ride! I should say, any final book of a trilogy or series usually gets five stars from me; they better be good, after I'm so emotionally invested...

[Fire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is definitely for young female readers. It is simplistic in its story telling but not a bad story. The main problem I had with this series is that Kael is a wimp. I think Shea should talk to her "guy" friends to try and get a male prospective on how men act and think. Kael the way he is written sounds like what a women would act like in tough situations their feelings, crying etc. He has no hard edge given what as a man he has gone through. If men acted this way our civilization would go extinct in one generation.

[Craig Cuillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Couldn't Put it Down

I love the series. I have it 4 stars because there were very few grammatical errors and the stories flowed together perfectly. My only issue is that I have read 12 other books between book 3 and book 4. Some of the people mentioned I didn't remember., but with the descriptions at the end of the book, I was able to review who they were. Looking forward to another book by Me. Ford.

[MEG Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

I cannot believe these characters are not written about in a few more books, but it's over in this fourth book. I could read about these people for a long time to come.
For all you readers out there be forewarned, this book will not disappoint. This story has been amazing to read.
Again, I'm sad to have finished it. But glad I got to read it.

[Milan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good ending to a good series. A happy ending, everyone found their love and Kael and Kyleigh had a baby girl. Loved the protective side of Kyleigh at the end and the her denial of the pregnancy. Devin becoming king was a nice touch. There were several things that I had issues with but overall it was a fun read.

[Baroness Ekat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good wrap up for the series, thought parts felt a bit rushed in order to tie up all the ends.

It was not as intense as previous books in the series but it worked for me.

As an ending, it left me satisfied and not wishing there were more in this particular tale, though I would happily return to the world, either as prequels or follow ups in another time or place.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to the series. After reading through all 4 books back to back I'm kinda lost in what to start now, worried I'll have a hard time finding a book that can match up to this amazing series.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wrapped up the series nicely while still leaving some room for another series in the same universe. I really enjoy the relationship between Kael and Kaleigh and the fact that both are independently developed characters.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. The story and its characters were wonderfully written. This final book I couldn't put down until It was finished and the last words left me with warm happy shivers running down my spine. I feel a strong pull to dive back into the first book and read them all again.

[Maria De lellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this series tho end was a bit muddled still good overall

[Paulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series overall but it could have been done in 2 or 3 books. At times it was just too slow or had too many unimportant details and secondary arcs. Despite this small problems I enjoyed it.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this series. I'm sad it over but it was so enjoyable. Exciting, funny, and sad at times but well worth it.

[Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still quite entertaining after the third installment