The world teeters on the edge of destruction . . .
And I’ve just found my real purpose in all this . . .
Seven Princes of Hell. Seven Vindix—chosen warriors—to defeat them.
Now all I have to do is find the Vindix.
Easy right?
Not quite.
The Ordo Aeternum has it out for me and the Ringmaster has revealed herself to be more dangerous than ever. My enemies are great, but thankfully, my loved one are too.
Especially Tobias, a vampire, my fated mate. Who knew?
And I’ll need them all, and a whole lot of luck, to find the Vindix before the Princes of Hell take over our world.
Ashley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home. When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias. For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
This is book four of the Coven of Shadows and Secrets (S&S) series and things are not going well for the coven after Wrath was released. Their attempts to rescue Sara have ended with the other six Princes of Hell being released and making their way topside to the human realm! One of the main characters is Meredith and her cat familiar Benedict, who is a seeker and also a Vindix, one of the seven witches marked as being able to wield the power of one of the lapis caelesti. She was late to learn about her magic and her skills as a seeker, having worked for years as a thief for The Ringmaster, a dangerous person no one had even seen the face of, who controlled their criminal empire with an iron rod. When Meredith left their employment, she didn’t do it in the correct manner nor did she buy her way out, leaving her being stalked by her boss, who now wants blood. But she doesn’t realise that the Ringmaster has made an alliance with OA, the Ordo Aeternum who believe supernaturals should rule over humans! Prince Orien aka Wrath, the first Prince of Hell to be released Earthside, has managed to get two of the stones (lapis caelesti) before Meredith and her colleagues at the S&S coven could. Meredith and vampire Tobias have made their way to England and the Abscondite Coven for more answers about the stones and find two of their colleagues already there, but not with as open a welcome. Miriam Black is the leader of the Abscondite Coven and most of the other witches and wizards there are as well, with only a couple of younger ones. They have worked for hundreds of years, awaiting the day when the seven stones would be reunited with their Vindix, and they could finally fulfil their role in teaching them how to use the power of the stones for good. On top of searching for the other Vindix, Meredith finds her attraction to Tobias growing and working out if she can accept the blood bond with him as his fated mate and how that might change her in the future.
Harper Frenz is the alpha heir to the Midnight wolf pack, whilst her partner at S&S Gunner Bryant is the alpha heir to the Blood Moon pack of wolvea, from ancient lines of wolves from the realm of Isila and Wolf Island. Their fathers are not exactly friends and are based thankfully on opposite sides of the country. Harper gets an urgent call from her mother, asking for her to return home after her father was attacked by the Darkborn, wanting him and his pack to join them in doing the will of the Princes of Hell. When he refused, he was beaten badly and almost died and even his wolf is struggling to heal him, so severe was the beating. Harper may need to step into the role of alpha a lot sooner than she had hoped, with her father having to pass on as much information as he can, while he is still able to. Her mother Diana wants to do a Calling, a talk with the Old Ones, their ancestor’s spirits, which is something she is quite good at, whilst Harper has the same ability, just never really managed to get it to work for herself. Diana wants Harper’s brother and sister, Ethan and Henley, as well as Gunner to sit in for it. Her husband and the alpha, doesn’t exactly believe in all this talking to the Old Ones. Instead of the expected ancestor, they end up with a much older one who has a warning for Harper of upheaval and danger, which will shatter her life as she knows it! Both Harper’s mother and father take well to Gunner and her father even asks what his intentions are towards his daughter, knowing she needs someone strong like him to bond with. Both Harper and Gunner are realising there might be something between them only recently, but neither have said anything as yet. A shocking attack on the pack will certainly throw a spanner into the life Harper was expecting on top of her new role.
Miriam and her coven have strengthened the wards around their coven grounds, but a young woman makes it through and turns out to be another Vindix, but whose experience with one of the stones has brought tragedy to her and her family. She is even less experienced than Meredith was, so the coven have a huge job on their hands to prepare her. Hans, who most knew only because of his wizard skills, lost his wizard powers to another and now has to rely on his demonblood powers only. This puts him at odds with his S&S partner Shay who is a Nephilim, daughter of the archangel Uriel and part human as well. He has never liked his darker side and rescuing Shay from one of the Princes of Hell had him using his demon powers, which cause severe pain in others, for one of the first times in years! Meeting her father and him accepting Gunner as being a good person and someone he trusts with his daughter, should help him to accept that using his demon powers for good, will not make him the evil or bad person he thinks he must be. Uriel gives Shay something that will help to hopefully keep them safe, once they can get it to a certain person. They get called back to the S&S HQ, where their leader and powerful mage, Luca, has learnt that one of the Princes has taken LA and they can’t even contact anyone they know there. Meredith and Tobias will be joining them shortly, to seek the two stones they know that Wrath has! A very dangerous mission that will place all of them in dire danger and bring some shocking discoveries. So much more to come as some more Vindix and their stones need to be found and some are linked to people closer than expected, bringing a few surprises. Lots of romance, danger and unexpected adventures for everyone. Look forward to finding out more about the unexpected romances between some partners, as well as finding out where the next stones will be discovered and what dangers will be facing them all next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinions of the book above.
Coven of Shadows and Secrets is one of the series I look forward to most. I love the series, Marked by Fate is the latest addition and it was perfect, everything I've come to love about the series.
It appears that with every book the perspectives expand. Not only do we have Meredith, Tobias, Hans, Gunner, and Shay, Harper has joined as well. I loved seeing things from Harper's pov it was interesting seeing her thoughts and learning her feelings are softer than her stonier facade. She also has a bit of a mystical thing going on which makes me think that she may have a little witch on her mother's side, who turns out Haper is very similar to.
Something must be in the water because something weird is going on with a few of the members of Shadows and Secrets. Tobias and Meredith is that slow-burn who is finally speeding things up with the approval of a certain blonde vixen that Tobias cares about and it's about time I just hope they can make it over the finish line. Then there's Hans and Shay, both had feelings before his parentage was outed then Shay got mean because of all the prejudices nonsense that her mom put in her head and Hans doesn't need that with all his doubt about his worthiness. Hans is a good guy and Shay has finally gotten over her issues but they're back in the same place as before and I have a feeling they might be meant for more. Then there's Gunner and Harper who seem to have a little more going on even if Harper wants to deny it.
The guys of S&S are having a moment, Tobias has a swagger in this one, and his game is on-point with Meredith. Hans is hot and so adorably awkward with Shay. As for Gunner, he's a good southern boy who is super friendly, playful, and respectful, he was always my favorite. I have a feeling that Fate is at work and is gonna her way no matter what.
The apocalypse isn't nigh, it's here. The princes of Hell are free, demons are roaming the Earth, and the Darkborn are attacking. Overall, things are pretty crazy. Meredith and the Abscondita coven are closer to finding more Vindix, as well as the rest of lapis caelesti. The princes already have two of the stones and are continuously searching. Meanwhile, attacks are happening everywhere as the princes start to build their kingdoms. The princes aren't the only enemies out there, the Ringmaster makes another move and the royals of Isila are another threat heading their way. It seems like everyone is connected to that island and not in a good way.
Marked by Fate was a marvelous read. Readers get a better look at Tobias' sire, another one of Luca's secrets is revealed, Hans is learning about his dark powers, and Meredith is a target once more for her seeker skills. Readers even got a better look at the shifters in this world. There are spies, lies, traitors, and zealots, there's even a very famous alchemist. This series gets more and more exciting, and each book gets better as the series continues. In the last fourth of the book, my adrenaline really got pumping with all the action and crazy plot twists. I'm really excited to see how the story will continue to develop.
Marked by Fate is the fourth book in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series by Ashley McLeo. Marked by Fate like all the books before it starts off with a blast and never lets up from beginning to end. We get to see Marked by Fate through more than one character's point of view. It has plenty of secrets and twists to keep those pages turning.
From the moment I read that first page until the last I was hooked. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I had to know what would happen next and I had to know now. I couldn’t stop reading until I had read the last page.
Meredith, Tobias, and all the other characters kept me on my toes with all the suspense and secrets as I raced through each page waiting for it all to be revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed it when Meredith used her magic to find the stones that would hopefully lead her to the seven Vindix, chosen warriors before the seven Princes of Hell take over the world.
Their journey was not an easy one as there was always someone hot on their trail I loved seeing Meredith's magic work. I could see it all in my head as it was happening. I would like to this magical world on the big screen. In some ways, it reminds me of the world of The Witcher only they are set in two different time periods. I kept picturing everything like in The Witcher but then someone would use their phone and destroy the world I saw but only for a moment.
I love the world that was created for Coven of Shadows and Secrets with all the different paranormal creatures that live in this world together more or less. There are fae, vampires, shifters, witches, and so many more. The characters are all just as fantastic as the world in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets.
I can't seem to get enough of this magical world and can't wait for the fifth book Kingdoms of Sin due July 31, 2023, to see what waits for all our wonderful characters on their next quest or journey.
I highly recommend Marked by Fate to all fans of magic, witches, vampires, plus so many more creatures from the paranormal world. Grab your copy of Marked by Fate today!
There is a lot more action in this book, keeping you on the edge of your seat and i could not put it down. In this book with Hans and Shay escape the Princes of Hell with Shay's father, the Arch Angel Uriel. After Hans saved his life! He makes it very clear to his daughter that neither Hans’s demon magic or Hans himself is evil. His intentions are pure, and that's all that matters. Shay is pleased to hear this and is determined to make it up to him for her poor behaviour.
The chapters are not just told from Meredith and Tobias' points of view but Harper, Hans, Shay and Gunner as well and it was great how they all link together.
I love how Meredith is now thinking of and referring to Tobias as her “Mate”, and he is becoming increasingly protective of her as they get closer. Gunner & Harper and Shay & Hans are similarly getting closer though still denying the attractions between them.
A Vindix find her way to the witches Mansion in England causing Chaos as she does not know what she is or about the stone she carries, she needs the Witches to train her
The Manor in England is attacked, and Tobias' sire arrives there as well as other S & S members. A huge betrayal is unearthed.
Meredith is also getting closer to finding the other Vindix and their respective stones; with one virtually finding her and more being uncovered.
The characters and world Ashley has created in this series is fantastic and I highly recommend Marked by Fate to all those who love magic, witches, vampires, werewolves and more. But recommend You must read the first 3 books before enjoying this one to really know the characters.
I cannot wait for the fifth book Kingdoms of Sin due July 31, 2023,
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Is Edge of Your Seat Reading!😳😍😲🥵💥👹 Utterly Gripping and Just Keeps Getting Better!😍🥵💥⭐️ Marked By Fate: Coven of Shadows and Secrets, Book #4, Crowns of Magic Universe, Book 4.
We pick up in this book with Hans and Shay escaping the Princes of Hell with Shay's father, the Arch Angel Uriel. After Hans saved his life!🙏🏼✨️ Once he comes to, he makes it very clear that neither his demon magic nor himself is evil. His intentions are pure, and that's all that matters. Shay is especially pleased to hear this and is determined to make up to him for her poor behaviour.
A vindix and her stone are found. She needs training. The Manor in England is attacked, and Tobias' sire arrives there as well as other S & S members!😳 A huge betrayal has been unearthed.💔
Gunner and Harper are paired up as partners. They work well together.😉 Trouble has found her pack in California, so they go to assist. Unfortunately, there's an escalation that pits all of S & S against the Princes of Hell and their servants.
Who will survive? Who are all of the new Vindix being called? Will there be any more betrayals? Will more soulmates be found? Can my nerves cope with much more? I don't know.😳🤣
Another outstandingly good addition to this series. It's so addictive, I just want more as soon as I finish each book!😇 I highly recommend this series.😍
Once I started reading, I could not stop! Picking up where the previous one left off, with the demons making an unwanted appearance and the OA attacking Meredith and co, the Secrets & Shadows coven have a big to solve. I enjoyed Meredith learning more about her destiny...and the time she and Tobias spend getting to know each other, plus the addition of Tana to the crew. And her innocent flirting with a certain half demon to cause some issues with a half angel's feelings for said half demon. The story is filled with wonderful twists and turns, and plenty of surprises along the way as the S&S try to stop some demons (and demon sympathizers) from taking over the world! There's a bit more romance in this story, it's not explicit, but more detailed than some folks might like. There's also swearing and some violence. There are multiple POVs in the story and I liked hearing from Harper, her voice was a nice addition to the narrators. It is necessary to read the previous books before reading this one. You must read books one through three before enjoying this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a lot more action in this, keeping you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down. The chapters are not just told from Meredith and Tobias' points of view but Harper, Hans, Shay and Gunner as well and it was great how they all link together.
I love how Meredith is now thinking of and referring to Tobias as her “Mate”, and he is becoming increasingly protective of her as they get closer. Gunner & Harper and Shay & Hans are similarly getting closer in their "partnerships" though denying the attractions between them.
Meredith is also getting closer to finding the Vindix and their respective stones; with one virtually finding her and more being uncovered.
The characters and world Ashley has created in this series is fantastic and I would highly recommend Marked by Fate to all those who love magic, witches, vampires, werewolves and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our heroine has to find the seven warriors before all hell breaks loose. Fairly literally. No big deal, right? She is good at finding things, so this should be a piece of cake. Yeah, no so much.
This is book four of the series. It does pretty well as a standalone, but will be more enjoyable if you start from the beginning so that you get the full backstory.
This is an urban fantasy story with a hidden paranormal world. The story is well written and easy to read with a fascinating setting that really caught my attention. The characters are also well done with a smart heroine and an annoying hero, just the perfect combination. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of action and mystery to keep me turning pages. Overall, I enjoyed this latest installment to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Hell has come to Earth... literally. With the seven princes of hell. Earth will never be the same. The thing is, how do you fight the seven princes now that they are here and LA is suddenly veiled in an impressive invisible barrier that allows nobody to enter or leave? Meredith has this idea that these princes may be defeated by the seven vindix, except nobody knows where they are (except for two). It is rather obvious that finding these vindix has become an absolute priority. If only they knew where these other vindix are. But then, Meredith's vindix jewel has been stolen and is in hell. Or is it? Marked by Fate once again takes a turn to the worse. This time a hellish worse. Also awaiting are a couple of very big surprises that had me turning pages rather frantically...but I cannot divulge any of it as these surprises are simply too good to spoil thus. Enjoy.
Marked by Fate is the fourth book in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series and much like it’s predecessors, it did not disappoint.
New to this book was a very helpful summary of what happened in the previous books which was a good reminder for me and any reader who consumes a lot of books.
There was also a lot of action in this book which I really enjoyed and changing perspectives every chapter. For the most part, the perspectives were split within 2-3 groups around the world trying to stop the princes from hell from destroying the world. I did find myself enjoying some perspectives more than others which made me try to rush through some chapters a bit more but even the parts that I didn’t like as much were still interesting and necessary to the story.
4/5 stars
I received a copy of the book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm absolutely in love with this series; the characters are amazing and I love them all; the world building is fantastic and the plot, mysterious, twisted and enthralling!!! 😍 This installment has POV from all MC and I love that!, the understanding and progression of the plot is richier thanks to being able to get to know them in a deeper level! 🤗🥰 I dragged this book as much as I could, I didn't want it to end! 😫, the plot keeps getting better and so does the romance... I can see two more couples getting together soon, aaahhhh!!!, fingers crossed!!! 💕 Tobias is still my fav, so freaking hot!!!, now more that his overprotective side is out! #gimme #mine 🥵 But, Hans and Gunner are right behind... I think I will end with an harem! 😁#whychoose The next book can't come soon enough!, so looking forward to devour it!!! 🖤
Spice level goes up in this one, as do the stakes.
Meredith gets to go back to her seeker magic to look for more talismans and Vindix and I love getting to see her magic in action. The world expansion was great and getting to meet families of multiple S&S members really helps the reader understand just how important the coven and their members are.
My third maybe-ship from the last book sank almost instantly, so I'm glad I didn't name it 😆 but I am liking the couple-y things that are happening between some of the characters.
Super excited to read the next book and the spin off that I see is happening! Bummed about the wait because I want to keep going right now, but I have her Spellcaster Spy Academy and Bonegate books to read while I wait.
This is the 4th book in the Coven of Shadow and Secrets series. In this book we find our protagonists Meredith and Tobias battling the seven princes of hell and going on more adventures.
The author as always is good at character and world building. It is wonderful to get all these different POV from each of the characters. It really helps the reader understood what is going on.
I really had a hard time putting this book down and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received Marked by Fate(Coven of Shadows and Secrets#4) by Ashley McLeo through BookFunnel and love the series. In this book the world teeters on the edge of destruction and Meredith found her real purpose in this. There are seven Princes of Hell and seven Vindix-chosen warriors- to defeat them. As a seeker witch part of her job is to find the other Vindix. Her enemies are powerful but then so are her allies and she will need all the help she can get. Will it be on time? DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. This book is available on Amazon
This book is recommended for readers 18+ sure to adult content.
This has been a hard book to put down. The pacing feels fast and full of action. I am still loving the multiple POVs. They bring so much more to the interactions. Meredith and Tobias are on my list of favorite couples now. I love the levity added due to their differing ages. Also, calling Tobias Stiff delights me more than it should. The other developing pairings are completely making my day. The next book cannot come fast enough.
Book 4 continues this AMAZING series. As with the previous books I was captivated from start to finish and had a very hard time putting the book down. Told in multiple POV's we get to know these characters more deeply and I am truly invested in all of them. There is tons of action, suspense and a few twists. The authors detailed descriptions allow me to easily visualize the story taking place. I can't get enough of this journey and can't wait for the next book
What a read. Once I started, there was no putting this book down until the last page was read. It moves along at a pace that works perfect for the flow of this story. IT has interesting characters that you feel like you know and you cant help but love and a story that will grab you and keep you reading until the end. This book is a must read that needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
Book four and we hit the ground running! Captivating from the very start this grabs you from start to finish and does not let up. It’s an interwoven story that is thrilling and exciting as we follow Meredith and Tobias in their adventures to find the seven Vindix to deafest the seven princes of hell. There’s so much going on, it’s action packed, suspenseful and brimming with twists and turns and I just couldn’t put it down.
What can I say a great book. We follow more of the S & S coven’s members as they try to save the Vindix from getting into the hands of the Princes from Hell. There is a lot of action, many POVs so carefully look who is talking before starting each chapter. The world building continues, so does the romance between a few couples. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The action is starting to pick up again, which is good. There was a slow ending to the previous book and a slow start to this one, so I’m glad that things are starting to progress again. This is a true series, so it’s hard to talk about this book on its own because it needed what came before it, and the lackluster ending needs what’s coming next. Otherwise, I’m still enjoying the series and will finish it up in the new year.
The fourth book of the series has the S&S group split up into partners and going in all different directions. With the Princes of Hell now in this realm who will survive? Will Meredith be able to seek the other Vindix?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took me a bit to get into this one, I think just because there was a lot of points of view, and it had been a while since I read the last one, but once I got into it, I could not put it down. The story had so much going on with so many different characters, and the ending!!! I can’t wait for the next one.
Things are never easy in this series and this new book is just as good as the rest. Lots of action, danger, intrigue and wild characters to survive and enjoy along the way. So much fun to see how the Princes would add to all the fun. Add in a few surprises and twists and I got a great story that was hard to put down.
This was a Strong fourth entry in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets series. It does everything that I was looking for. And the characters were especially well done. I always look forward to Ashley mcleo's writing and can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love this book and series. My favorite part is getting all the different POVs, so that way you get to know each and every character from their own view. Ok, so much is going on that once you start reading you just can't stop. Things are changing so fast, your head will spin. I can't wait for the next one
Another installment that hits the ground running and never lets up. So much happening, plenty of twist and excitement everywhere. A paranormal ride filled with suspenseful secrets with magic intertwined. I’m so loving this series. It’s not to be missed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how this author crafted this series and this book. The vivid imagination has paid off in captivating scenes that painted a picture in my head as the story played out. I loved the characters. I loved the drama and suspense. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another entertaining adventure! Cool ideas and action! Enjoy the magical elements and that Meredith is a tough cookie. A lot of the characters are strong actually. Enjoying this series so far! A fun series!
Honestly, I don't understand all these five-star ratings here. This book was so chaotic, and 6 POV's are just too much. Even though this book focused more on the relationships of the characters, it just didn't keep me interested.
I actually got super invested in what was supposed to be a casual read, I devoured every booksthat was available. I only stopped as I waited for more of the story to release. Reminded me of Cassie Palmer.