What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Fate
Judit has one duty: to guard the chosen one, he who will unite two warring, star-spanning houses in marriage. Simple, if she wasn’t already in love with the bride-to-be. As far as anyone knows, Annika has been raised to be the perfect bride and future matriarch. Secretly, she’s an assassin ordered to usurp the chosen one’s mind and kill anyone who gets in her way.
When the political landscape shifts, murders and abductions threaten to tear the galaxy apart. Judit and Annika race to uncover the source of the strife. It must be someone powerful and bold enough to risk throwing whole star systems into ruin, someone who could change destinies and bring two lovers together, if they survive.
When the political landscape shifts, murders and abductions threaten to tear the galaxy apart. Judit and Annika race to uncover the source of the strife. It must be someone powerful and bold enough to risk throwing whole star systems into ruin, someone who could change destinies and bring two lovers together, if they survive.
312 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2017
6 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Wright
19 books195 followersBarbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to her enormous book collection or ranting on her blog. Her short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. Her first novel, The Pyramid Waltz, was one of Tor.com's Reviewer's Choice books of 2012 and was a 2012 Foreword Review Book of the Year Award Finalist as well as a Golden Crown Award finalist. It won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy and made BookRiot's 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors. She's won five Rainbow Awards total, and Coils was a finalist in the 2017 Lambda Awards.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 12, 2017
This was a good solid sci-fi adventure. I would consider this a NA book. I'm not sure of the characters exact age, I just know they are over 18. They seem a bit young in their view of the world, but both of the main characters are pretty bad-ass. This is not my favorite book by Wright, but it was enjoyable, entertaining, and kept me reading.
Judit, is the guardian of the "chosen one". As part of one of the most powerful families in the galaxy, it is up to her to protect her cousin Noal so that he marries the other "chosen one". Annika is the "chosen one" for her powerful family. She is to marry Noal and combine the two most powerful houses. But marring isn't her only job. Trained as an assassin and fighter her whole life, she is to mind control Noal and eventually rule both houses. It is a job she is not looking forward to doing. She likes Noel, and has feelings for Judit, but if she doesn't do the job, someone else will. When war starts to break out, can Judit and Annika find out what is really going on? And can Judit and Annika have a chance to be together, or will Annika's assassin roots be too much to overcome?
I hope my summary didn't sound too convoluted, because the actually plot is not. It was really easy to get into the flow of the book. It only took a few pages to get into it and I always felt like I understood what was going on. There was also no large info dumps, which I always appreciate in these kinds of books. I love sci-fi and am always happy to get my hands on a good lesfic sci-fi book. This was not perfect, but it was a really enjoyable read.
There is a ton of excitement in this book, also lot's of political intrigue. You are always trying to figure out who is doing what. The character of Annika being a trained assassin, she was a really cool character. Her scenes were packed with a lot of excitement. Judit, is the captain of a ship, as well as a guardian. So she has a strong moral military code. The two characters really balanced each other out. And besides lot's of excitement, the book did have time to slow down and add some romance. I really liked Judit and Annika as a couple. All I could think about the whole book, is will they get their HEA?
If you are a fan of Wright or a sci-fi fan, I'd recommend this book. The way this book wrapped up, I don't think Wright has plans for a sequel. But if she does, I would absolutely read it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
Judit, is the guardian of the "chosen one". As part of one of the most powerful families in the galaxy, it is up to her to protect her cousin Noal so that he marries the other "chosen one". Annika is the "chosen one" for her powerful family. She is to marry Noal and combine the two most powerful houses. But marring isn't her only job. Trained as an assassin and fighter her whole life, she is to mind control Noal and eventually rule both houses. It is a job she is not looking forward to doing. She likes Noel, and has feelings for Judit, but if she doesn't do the job, someone else will. When war starts to break out, can Judit and Annika find out what is really going on? And can Judit and Annika have a chance to be together, or will Annika's assassin roots be too much to overcome?
I hope my summary didn't sound too convoluted, because the actually plot is not. It was really easy to get into the flow of the book. It only took a few pages to get into it and I always felt like I understood what was going on. There was also no large info dumps, which I always appreciate in these kinds of books. I love sci-fi and am always happy to get my hands on a good lesfic sci-fi book. This was not perfect, but it was a really enjoyable read.
There is a ton of excitement in this book, also lot's of political intrigue. You are always trying to figure out who is doing what. The character of Annika being a trained assassin, she was a really cool character. Her scenes were packed with a lot of excitement. Judit, is the captain of a ship, as well as a guardian. So she has a strong moral military code. The two characters really balanced each other out. And besides lot's of excitement, the book did have time to slow down and add some romance. I really liked Judit and Annika as a couple. All I could think about the whole book, is will they get their HEA?
If you are a fan of Wright or a sci-fi fan, I'd recommend this book. The way this book wrapped up, I don't think Wright has plans for a sequel. But if she does, I would absolutely read it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
August 7, 2017
YA sci-fi. ('nuf said?) ;)
Edit:
Hmmm... I think my cryptic 4 word review might be selling the book short, since I was fairly well entertained, certainly more than many books I've read before. I did like it a lot actually, especially the writing. But, but....looking at the blurb, I had expected so much more...like..perfection perhaps, since it's written by the author of Coils. :)
This is what the blurb said and what sold me on the book: Judit is a devoted body guard to the 'chosen one', her cousin Noal, who has been foretold to be the one who will unite their great galactic house of Meridien with their most formidable age-old rival, the Nocturnas via an arranged marriage with one of their royals, Annika. The union will supposedly bring peace to the entire known universe or their corner of it anyway. Annika is the perfect princess bride: beautiful, sweet, charming. So much so that even Judit has fallen for her. But underneath all that innocence lurks a well-trained assassin. Even more insidious, she's been trained to surreptitiously take over the chosen one’s mind and kill anyone who gets in her way.
Who can resist such a compelling tale, promising betrayal and juicy intrigue? But what the blurb doesn't say is that Judit, Noal and Annika are teenagers. Sixteen to be exact. Now there's nothing wrong with teen characters in a book, but there is a teeny tiny subtle distinction between sci-fi featuring teenagers and sci-fi for teenagers. I felt that the book started as the former, but as the story went along, it veered more and more towards the latter.
If I were reviewing this book as a YA sci-fi, I'd probably give it a higher rating. The characterizations are excellent. The plot is unique and unpredictable. There's plenty of action to go around (though not as pulse pounding as The Girls From Alcyone). But as a reader who likes her characters more mature (even by just a little bit more, say, 20 something...;) ), I felt like I'd just picked up my nieces' sci-fi book. If I had read this book a few... erm..uh...sometime ago (lol), it'd probably be sitting on my all-time favorites shelf.
Characterization is the author's strongest suit. She has a special knack for creating memorable anti-heroes with just the right mix of good and gray. In this case, it's best exemplified by the princess/assassin/dutiful daughter/loyal Nocturnan Annika, who is torn between right and what's right for Nocturna, between love and duty, and between true love and arranged love. For me, her scenes carry the most appeal. Judit is a much more open and predictable character. WYSIWYG with this girl, and while there's no doubt she'll make an awesome girlfriend in real life, her scenes in the book pale in comparison to Annika's. A number of capable supports pick up the slack, though, like Noal, his friend, and assorted relatives.
The world-building is what you'd expect in a typical, competently written sci-fi novel. Action scenes are very well staged and described. The physics, pretty solid. I was specially intrigued with the clairvoyant class of people called hierophants and their mysterious exploits near the event horizon. In fact, I felt the universe created by the author was complex enough to support a multi-book or a multi-arc series, so it was with a bit of regret that the book ended with pretty much all the loose ends tied up. What I did find lacking were the political ramifications of the intergalactic conflict. I wouldn't have cared for too many details, since the book only revolves around the trio. But the ending brought about by their actions is just a little too saccharine and simplistic for my taste. Maybe I'm just too jaded. But more than anything else, it's the ending that made me realize this would make a great book for young adults.
4.3 stars
ARC from Netgalley.
Edit:
Hmmm... I think my cryptic 4 word review might be selling the book short, since I was fairly well entertained, certainly more than many books I've read before. I did like it a lot actually, especially the writing. But, but....looking at the blurb, I had expected so much more...like..perfection perhaps, since it's written by the author of Coils. :)
This is what the blurb said and what sold me on the book: Judit is a devoted body guard to the 'chosen one', her cousin Noal, who has been foretold to be the one who will unite their great galactic house of Meridien with their most formidable age-old rival, the Nocturnas via an arranged marriage with one of their royals, Annika. The union will supposedly bring peace to the entire known universe or their corner of it anyway. Annika is the perfect princess bride: beautiful, sweet, charming. So much so that even Judit has fallen for her. But underneath all that innocence lurks a well-trained assassin. Even more insidious, she's been trained to surreptitiously take over the chosen one’s mind and kill anyone who gets in her way.
Who can resist such a compelling tale, promising betrayal and juicy intrigue? But what the blurb doesn't say is that Judit, Noal and Annika are teenagers. Sixteen to be exact. Now there's nothing wrong with teen characters in a book, but there is a teeny tiny subtle distinction between sci-fi featuring teenagers and sci-fi for teenagers. I felt that the book started as the former, but as the story went along, it veered more and more towards the latter.
If I were reviewing this book as a YA sci-fi, I'd probably give it a higher rating. The characterizations are excellent. The plot is unique and unpredictable. There's plenty of action to go around (though not as pulse pounding as The Girls From Alcyone). But as a reader who likes her characters more mature (even by just a little bit more, say, 20 something...;) ), I felt like I'd just picked up my nieces' sci-fi book. If I had read this book a few... erm..uh...sometime ago (lol), it'd probably be sitting on my all-time favorites shelf.
Characterization is the author's strongest suit. She has a special knack for creating memorable anti-heroes with just the right mix of good and gray. In this case, it's best exemplified by the princess/assassin/dutiful daughter/loyal Nocturnan Annika, who is torn between right and what's right for Nocturna, between love and duty, and between true love and arranged love. For me, her scenes carry the most appeal. Judit is a much more open and predictable character. WYSIWYG with this girl, and while there's no doubt she'll make an awesome girlfriend in real life, her scenes in the book pale in comparison to Annika's. A number of capable supports pick up the slack, though, like Noal, his friend, and assorted relatives.
The world-building is what you'd expect in a typical, competently written sci-fi novel. Action scenes are very well staged and described. The physics, pretty solid. I was specially intrigued with the clairvoyant class of people called hierophants and their mysterious exploits near the event horizon. In fact, I felt the universe created by the author was complex enough to support a multi-book or a multi-arc series, so it was with a bit of regret that the book ended with pretty much all the loose ends tied up. What I did find lacking were the political ramifications of the intergalactic conflict. I wouldn't have cared for too many details, since the book only revolves around the trio. But the ending brought about by their actions is just a little too saccharine and simplistic for my taste. Maybe I'm just too jaded. But more than anything else, it's the ending that made me realize this would make a great book for young adults.
4.3 stars
ARC from Netgalley.
August 18, 2017
Liked it well enough. Lots of action, fight scenes, and general badassary. The political stuff kinda slowed me down but. I loved the way 'Dark' was turned into a curse word. That was cool. I'd only ever read Paladins of the Storm Lord from this author before. She's got her sci fi down pretty good :)
January 10, 2023
This was like reading a TTRPG transformed into the book. The characters had interesting backstories and handled the plot points with varying levels of finesse. The writing was well done but I felt like there was just too much going on that the parts that felt needed more space in the book ended up being held back too long. The pace for the first half of the book was good but once the second half hit it slowed down, with plot points being resolved well into the last chapter and epilogue.
There was quite a bit of action and so that was nice to see, I had to laugh because anytime there was an injury we also read about the first aid for it, in the heat of the action.
I liked the idea of the two main characters but really wished we had more time to spend on them and their relationship. I was impressed by how bold the book started off. The sci -fi was not overly pretentious and was not overly political/diplomatic. Wright does have a skill in making sure that balance stays interesting for a variety of readers.
Something I would recommend for anyone looking for a lighter sapphic read. I could see someone who is not always a fan of sci-fi/fantasy potentially enjoying this because of the non-intimidating the world and the lack classic fantasy traps such as excessive world building.
There was quite a bit of action and so that was nice to see, I had to laugh because anytime there was an injury we also read about the first aid for it, in the heat of the action.
I liked the idea of the two main characters but really wished we had more time to spend on them and their relationship. I was impressed by how bold the book started off. The sci -fi was not overly pretentious and was not overly political/diplomatic. Wright does have a skill in making sure that balance stays interesting for a variety of readers.
Something I would recommend for anyone looking for a lighter sapphic read. I could see someone who is not always a fan of sci-fi/fantasy potentially enjoying this because of the non-intimidating the world and the lack classic fantasy traps such as excessive world building.
October 31, 2017
This is a really good sci-fi story. Now I am a sci-fi fan and this was a really good solid story with lots of action. I really want to say bad ass but I'm not sure if that's a good descriptive word. Hell I'm using it because it was bad ass in places.
The politics took a little more concentration and definitely added to the story. The two main characters can definitely fight but they fight for different reasons. Judit is the guardian of the chosen one, who happens to be her cousin Noal. He is the head of a powerful family and he is meant to marry the chosen one of the other powerful family Annika. But Annika likes Judit and has been told to mind alter Noal so she gets all the power. But her feelings for Judit mars her mission. Then war breaks out and everything changes. OK, I've read what I just wrote and it sounds seriously confusing but it's not. It is a really easy to follow story.
My first and definitely not my last by this author. This was an easy to read, enjoyable sci-fi novel. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The politics took a little more concentration and definitely added to the story. The two main characters can definitely fight but they fight for different reasons. Judit is the guardian of the chosen one, who happens to be her cousin Noal. He is the head of a powerful family and he is meant to marry the chosen one of the other powerful family Annika. But Annika likes Judit and has been told to mind alter Noal so she gets all the power. But her feelings for Judit mars her mission. Then war breaks out and everything changes. OK, I've read what I just wrote and it sounds seriously confusing but it's not. It is a really easy to follow story.
My first and definitely not my last by this author. This was an easy to read, enjoyable sci-fi novel. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
August 8, 2017
I am not a massive sci-fi fan but do enjoy reading them on occasion. I thought this one was well done where you had a good balance of the action sci-fi with the romance. I felt there was good development for both characters as they went on a journey to discover who was creating the chaos in the galaxy. Both having to see some truths in their own House's and about themselves.
The connection between the two was instant and I as the reader I could feel it through the pages. This romance definitely shows us unconditional love which I thought was sweet in two strong characters.
Great entertaining read!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
The connection between the two was instant and I as the reader I could feel it through the pages. This romance definitely shows us unconditional love which I thought was sweet in two strong characters.
Great entertaining read!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
I’ve had this book on my to read list for a long time, but kept putting it off. Now that I’ve read it, I can’t believe I waited so long!
This was a really exciting sci-fi adventure. The characters were well written and I found the world building fascinating.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
This was a really exciting sci-fi adventure. The characters were well written and I found the world building fascinating.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
September 22, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley
I could not totally connect with this book because it seemed that a lot of the story was kind of a given and the reader should have already known that like the relation ship between the two Marion characters. Other characters kept saying things like "Just kiss already" or "you two should just sleep with each other" and so on but to me their relationship was not that clear yet. At the beginning the whole fictional universe and the different families and how it all worked was also a bit confusing. It was a nice story and it just has a lot of stuff going on that it could be easy to get lost but overall I would recommend that book!
I could not totally connect with this book because it seemed that a lot of the story was kind of a given and the reader should have already known that like the relation ship between the two Marion characters. Other characters kept saying things like "Just kiss already" or "you two should just sleep with each other" and so on but to me their relationship was not that clear yet. At the beginning the whole fictional universe and the different families and how it all worked was also a bit confusing. It was a nice story and it just has a lot of stuff going on that it could be easy to get lost but overall I would recommend that book!
August 11, 2017
*ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
If you have read The Pyramid Waltz and enjoyed it then this is definitely a book that should be on your to read list.
This book is Sci-fi, action and romance all wrapped into an intriguing story, with interesting and loveable characters.
Annika is my favourite character, especially because she was such a dark horse in the story, and if you like the loyal to a fault types then you will probably love Judit.
I do feel like this story could have been done more justice if it were turned into a series because too much was crammed into one book and some aspects of the book suffered because of the rushed pace but this is still a very well written book.
**4.3 stars
If you have read The Pyramid Waltz and enjoyed it then this is definitely a book that should be on your to read list.
This book is Sci-fi, action and romance all wrapped into an intriguing story, with interesting and loveable characters.
Annika is my favourite character, especially because she was such a dark horse in the story, and if you like the loyal to a fault types then you will probably love Judit.
I do feel like this story could have been done more justice if it were turned into a series because too much was crammed into one book and some aspects of the book suffered because of the rushed pace but this is still a very well written book.
**4.3 stars
September 15, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a great book if you love sci fi, romance and a thriller this is the book for you. The plot pulls you in, and you escape into this galaxy that you hope exists. Barbara Ann Write is the most amazing fantasy lesbian writer out there, and she did it again!
August 23, 2017
I loved this Sci-Fi and one thing I would not Ama for a grandmother :) I hope there is a next book though.
NetGalley for honest review.
NetGalley for honest review.
August 13, 2017
I rec'd an Arc from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. Previously, I enjoyed the Katya and Starbride series (Pyramid Waltz, etc.) and anticipated nothing less with this sci-fi/romance. The storyline with Judit and Annika is well written with excellent surrounding characters. A pleasant enough read. 3 stars.
March 18, 2022
3.5 stars.
Unlike some other reviewers, I loved the culture shock of simply being dropped into such an alien universe. I also really enjoyed the in media res nature of the introduction to Annika and Judit's relationship, I didn't find it unbelievable and it didn't stop me from clicking with the characters.
I also loved the varied adventures they go on throughout the book.
Ending spoilers below:
What I found unsatisfying was the ending: I just don't believe that everything would have resolved that simply. I don't believe that Meridian would have more-or-less voluntarily disassembled themselves.
Nocturna is a little more believable, their institutionalised paranoia and backstabbing means that once the power vacuums were open and the future was in doubt, the Blood would instantly take advantage. I still don't think it's adequately explored in the book, but the possibility is there. Meridian on the other hand, I do not see them willingly dissolving under a brand-new leader, nor do I see Judit's grandmother stepping down.
Much of this is framed as important people within the power structures of these houses realising the error of their ways, but I really don't think such moral criticism, if it lands at all (a big if), would be enough to overcome power structures and loyalty.
The fact that Noel and Judit were able to realise how bad things were and that they needed to take action is partially because they were intentionally shielded from the worst of their house's behaviour, and partially because they themselves are basically powerless and the direct victims of the bullshit. Annika, though not shielded, was horrified by being forced to be involved with some of the worst aspects of her house's behaviour, at her own expense. It makes sense why, given the opportunity, these three would want to cut ties with tradition.
But I just don't see *everyone else* stepping out of power like this.
Unlike some other reviewers, I loved the culture shock of simply being dropped into such an alien universe. I also really enjoyed the in media res nature of the introduction to Annika and Judit's relationship, I didn't find it unbelievable and it didn't stop me from clicking with the characters.
I also loved the varied adventures they go on throughout the book.
Ending spoilers below:
What I found unsatisfying was the ending: I just don't believe that everything would have resolved that simply. I don't believe that Meridian would have more-or-less voluntarily disassembled themselves.
Nocturna is a little more believable, their institutionalised paranoia and backstabbing means that once the power vacuums were open and the future was in doubt, the Blood would instantly take advantage. I still don't think it's adequately explored in the book, but the possibility is there. Meridian on the other hand, I do not see them willingly dissolving under a brand-new leader, nor do I see Judit's grandmother stepping down.
Much of this is framed as important people within the power structures of these houses realising the error of their ways, but I really don't think such moral criticism, if it lands at all (a big if), would be enough to overcome power structures and loyalty.
The fact that Noel and Judit were able to realise how bad things were and that they needed to take action is partially because they were intentionally shielded from the worst of their house's behaviour, and partially because they themselves are basically powerless and the direct victims of the bullshit. Annika, though not shielded, was horrified by being forced to be involved with some of the worst aspects of her house's behaviour, at her own expense. It makes sense why, given the opportunity, these three would want to cut ties with tradition.
But I just don't see *everyone else* stepping out of power like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: House of Fate Barbara Ann Wright
1) I really enjoyed this book. The scope of the plot and setting had me grinning extremely quickly, and I love, love, LOVE how the author treats the reader as though she is already familiar with the universe and plunges right in. The story didn't do what I expected it to. At first, I was a little unsettled by that, wondering how things would play out, but I realized quickly that this was a symptom of the dense plot and slick pacing. I ended up really appreciating not being able to predict what was going to happen. Most refreshing! The characters were all unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and the dialogue never felt stilted or forced; everything flowed organically, and nothing overtly manipulated or shoved the plot forward. Everything fit. I spent a whole evening rolling from spot to spot on my rug, reading and reading and reading because I didn't want to put the book down. And Annika. I adored Annika. Complex, almost innocent in a way (if you can be innocent and still be a trained assassin!), Annika went through the most complicated internal journey of everyone. I was deeply engaged with the way her views morphed and shifted, and grateful that the book did not denounce or apologize for who she had been before, but rather allowed her to grow into someone new.
2) Loved. This. Book. Wright weaves a complex, yet fast-paced adventure through the stars, taking her readers to a variety of unique and interesting places. Her plotting is completely on point, her universe is fascinating, and I cared greatly for her characters and their fate. All around a perfect read!
1) I really enjoyed this book. The scope of the plot and setting had me grinning extremely quickly, and I love, love, LOVE how the author treats the reader as though she is already familiar with the universe and plunges right in. The story didn't do what I expected it to. At first, I was a little unsettled by that, wondering how things would play out, but I realized quickly that this was a symptom of the dense plot and slick pacing. I ended up really appreciating not being able to predict what was going to happen. Most refreshing! The characters were all unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and the dialogue never felt stilted or forced; everything flowed organically, and nothing overtly manipulated or shoved the plot forward. Everything fit. I spent a whole evening rolling from spot to spot on my rug, reading and reading and reading because I didn't want to put the book down. And Annika. I adored Annika. Complex, almost innocent in a way (if you can be innocent and still be a trained assassin!), Annika went through the most complicated internal journey of everyone. I was deeply engaged with the way her views morphed and shifted, and grateful that the book did not denounce or apologize for who she had been before, but rather allowed her to grow into someone new.
2) Loved. This. Book. Wright weaves a complex, yet fast-paced adventure through the stars, taking her readers to a variety of unique and interesting places. Her plotting is completely on point, her universe is fascinating, and I cared greatly for her characters and their fate. All around a perfect read!
September 5, 2017
I felt so disconnected from this book, compared to the author's previous work that I adored, Coils. I did want to try one of her Sci-Fi novels and this seemed like a good place to start since it's stand-alone. However, while reading I just felt like I was coming in on the second or third book in a series--the world-building wasn't the problem, it was the relationships between characters. Judit, guardian of Noal is secretly in love with Annika, who is engaged to Noal. So far so good, but everyone in that triangle seem to be aware of everyone else's feelings and there are lines like "when are you two just going to sleep together?" uttered with casual frequency that made me wonder if I missed something. A long history between the characters is referred to, but without actually reading it, their interactions are flat for me. While the "main action" is a war between all of the houses in the galaxy, the relationships story, which is the heart of the book relies completely on telling and not showing. I honestly expected much more from this author, since Sci-Fi seems to be her niche. This one was a huge disappointment.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
May 20, 2018
What an amazing read. I'm usually not one for sci-fi, but this one absolutely enthralled me.
Judit and Annika as characters were deeply flawed and complex in beautiful ways and they absolutely worked both as a couple but as characters in their own right.
The characters have to fight against their abusive families and have to actively fight against the toxic upbringing, but they fight so, so hard to be good people and it's wonderful to see. This is a book about carving out your own space in the universe, about going against expectations and abuse and I was gripped from the start to finish. I'd love to read more about these characters.
Judit and Annika as characters were deeply flawed and complex in beautiful ways and they absolutely worked both as a couple but as characters in their own right.
The characters have to fight against their abusive families and have to actively fight against the toxic upbringing, but they fight so, so hard to be good people and it's wonderful to see. This is a book about carving out your own space in the universe, about going against expectations and abuse and I was gripped from the start to finish. I'd love to read more about these characters.
April 30, 2018
Worst lesbian book be read in a long time. I mean the last few chapters happened so fast I didn’t even get that they went back to the Eye and i te-read it several time. Boring and way too long and I hate books that end so abruptly where everything gets wrapped up way too neatly. I also hate when hey make the men out to be infantile or stupid and then kill them you don’t have to make men seem horrible for women in the book to seem so empowered. I hate that about these books. If your going to shit all over men I. The book you could just leave them out. So yeah his booked sucked.
May 20, 2021
Nice worldbuilding, compelling (and one very badass) characters and a good plot. My favourite parts were the ones in which Annika kicked ass; she was a fascinating character. Judit was nice as well, and she was pretty much the opposite of Annika, so it was interesting to see how differently the two reacted to various situations. So far I've read two books by Barbara Ann Wright and I plan on reading some more.
August 27, 2019
I liked the story about the houses. I also liked the sexual fluidity of the characters, oddly enough. I think it speaks to the times we currently live in now. Some of the story made me sad and some of the story made me chuckle so overall it was a good work of fiction. Besides i really loved the deep space travel and related shenanigans.
September 27, 2021
Love the story but Hated the entire ending sequences
I loved the heroines and plot line, but hated the entire ending sequences with what happened to the galaxy the house, their love etc…
I even didn’t care for the ultimate villain at the end.
Unity love hope and not destruction/ betrayal and fractured futures.
I loved the heroines and plot line, but hated the entire ending sequences with what happened to the galaxy the house, their love etc…
I even didn’t care for the ultimate villain at the end.
Unity love hope and not destruction/ betrayal and fractured futures.
May 29, 2019
Amazingggg!!! Well written, awesome world building, romance! Space! Politics! Secrets! Oh my!!! This is a new favorite, enjoyable as hell, imo. The side characters were good, the dynamics between noal Annika and judit was beautiful and there was no rushing. 💘👌🏼
August 24, 2018
House of Fate was recommended to me on twitter as an excellent sci fi romance. The novel lived up to my high expectations from start to finish.
Longer review coming soon.
Longer review coming soon.
Read
August 6, 2017DNF in the last 60 pages.
August 21, 2017
3.5 for the almost the Star Wars-y/Hunger Games world/costumes and feel of the book. But the story? Mmm...i don't don't like it but it was just too.. Mehh for the most part. Add the fact that Jude, one of the MC's felt like a goody two shoes and tight a**ed monarch who cringed at the thought of dealing with people who were lower than her rank. It made me cringe too.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews