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Profile Image for jessica.
2,534 reviews32.5k followers
June 9, 2021
this is ‘a curse so dark and lonely’ meets ‘from blood and ash.’

and it is everything. fantasy is such a good look for KAT.

this does have more of a YA vibe and isnt as steamy as what im used to with her books, but its still such a pleasurable read. its on the slower side and has a lot of info-dumps (the MC is thrust into a new world and the reader learns about it the same way she does - through dense history lessons), which i know are things that annoy some fantasy readers. but if you can overlook those things, this story wont let you down.

this is a book full of unique magic, a really interesting world, complex characters with palpable connections, vivid writing, and excellent storytelling. and based on this first installment, i think this genre will really serve KAT well. cant wait for the rest of the series!

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Arini.
772 reviews1,620 followers
January 21, 2022


3.5 Stars

It was a bit of a slog to get through and the politics, intrigue, and mystery have fried my brain cells leaving only two of them left, but—

DEAR AUTHOR, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING THIS SIDE OF YOU THAT WRITES . . .

INTRICATE PLOTS OF . . .

✓ gods & monsters
✓ kingdoms & otherworldly portals
✓ curses & prophecies
✓ bloodsucking creatures & elemental magic
✓ skilled thieves & broody kings

AS WELL AS A SLOW-BURN ROMANCE WITH TROPES, SUCH AS . . .

✓ mistaken identities
✓ chosen one/girl on a secret mission
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ marriage of convenience
✓ pretend lovers

??????????????????????????????????????????

Wherever it is, I’m beyond pleased that you’re finally letting it loose. You’ve found my weakness, and I’m gonna be here . . .



This book began in a contemporary setting, and I was slightly disappointed and worried for a second because I (didn’t read the synopsis) had expected I would be reading a full fledged fantasy story. However, things started to get more interesting after Romy wound up in the alternate universe. I was ~hOoKeD~ . . . even though my focus faltered here and there—starting a whole new fantasy (romance) series is always overwhelming.

Long story short, Romy (h, 21) is a skilled thief from New York City who has been *magically* transported into a fantastical realm where she is tasked with stealing a ✦ stone ✦ from a certain sacred garden. The person who ‘asks’ (this is an understatement) her to complete said mission and dumps her into said realm also inexplicably PUTS her inside the body of her evil doppelgänger—Princess Romeria of Ybaris. Yikes!

She’s done a great crime against the Kingdom of Islor aka THE enemy, namely poisoning the king and queen. The newly crowned king (Zander, H) who was originally her betrothed hates her, but he needs her help if he’s to uncover the growing plot against his ruling. Meanwhile, Romy has to survive this new world until she’s through with her business. So, their ruse begins. And what quickly comes after . . . you’ll have to read for yourself!

Romy was fierce, courageous, and independent. Even though she was quaking inside, she faced whatever was in front of her with a fighter’s spirit. She stood up for herself and what she believed in. Meanwhile, Zander was distrustful, broody, and a reluctant king. I liked both of them and all the side characters. However, I personally think Romy and Zander needed a little pop of color in their personality. Not so they were more bright and full of life.

“Even though I know there is something you continue to hide, I am fighting against this constant aching pull I feel toward you … fighting and losing.”

I mean, a quality that was uniquely Romy and uniquely Zander to associate them with. For example . . . oh, Romy was exceptionally stealthy and a fine seductress; or, Zander was the benevolent king with a villainous streak. Idk! Something that was a dominant in their characterisation. I feel like the supporting characters had more of a defining characteristic, namely Corrin the ill-tempered lady maid and Dagnar the vivacious, loose tongued tailor.

I think that the plot had them (the leads) too focused on talking about politics, conspiracy theories, and figuring out who their enemies were that not much of their wit, charm, sense of humor, and true personality shone through. Not that there weren’t moments of sweet fluffs, light banter, sexual tension, and hot make-out sessions—all of which I devoured. I’m just saying the book was plot centered, and romance was in the passanger backseat.

How did Princess Romeria meet that smile time and time again while plotting his murder and not waver in her plans?

The story was told mostly from Romy’s POV. It was confusing at the beginning because we were learning everything as she was, but they all started to come into place in the second half. I think my biggest issue was with Romy’s secret identity and operation. Her taking on Evil Romeria’s identity, pretending to have amnesia, and never told Zander about her being from another world created this sense of foreboding in me that wasn’t so nice to carry throughout the book until it was all revealed.

SHOULD YOU or SHOULD YOU NOT . . .

This book is hard to pin down. I can’t tell if it has more witchy, vampiric, elves-ish, or cult-ish aesthetic. I suppose there are mixes of those elements. In any case, I recommend it if:

↠ You love the ✦ Grishaverse ✦ for its Grisha factions, East/West Ravkan and The Fold setup. Certain people in this book possess elemental powers. The Kingdom of Islor and Ybaris is divided by a tear that’s called The Great Rift. There are beasts equivalent to the Volcra that are dubbed as daaknar.

↠ You love ✦ Blood and Ash ✦ series for its vampiric-ness, complicated history, and the romance. Romy & Zander is nothing like Poppy & Casteel, and the romance here is definitely not as steamy. But I’m just saying, it’s got the BAA vibes.

↠ You love ✦ Vampire Diaries ✦ for the doppelgänger storyline and Damon/Stefan dynamics. It’s merely Romy inhabiting (evil) Princess Romeria’s body, but there’s still the duality to Romy’s identity. Zander has a brother whom he often argues with. Also, both of them may or may not have *sordid* history with Princess Romeria.

↠ You love ✦ Throne of Glass ✦ for its ‘chosen one’ and the vengeful gods/prophecy plotline. Romy is walking through some shocking discoveries that eventually leads to her purpose of being. The gods of this world scheme and never hesitate to use their creations (Romy & Zander) as their pawn.

I NEED INTELS ON THE 2nd BOOK ASAP PLEASE!!! I’m starting to get attached to these characters and I want more Romy & Zander. I desperately need to know what happens next. Also, more info about the audiobook—if there’s going to be any.

“I no longer feel the desire to look backward. I only want to look forward with you.”
Profile Image for Paige ♠.
284 reviews846 followers
June 10, 2021
I really wanted to love this because it sounded amazing but I found it kind of underwhelming. There were parts I really liked and others that just didn't impress me very much

THE WORLD WAS AMAZING and it definitely gave me From Blood & Ash vibes, but was still unique and interesting! The world seems so expansive and we've only learned about a littler sliver of it so far so I'm excited to see where the next book takes us

I THOUGHT MOST OF THE BOOK was really slow. I'll be honest, I skimmed a lot and I don't feel like I missed much. It's a long book, so I think I would have liked it better had it been shorter and faster moving

THE CONCEPT WAS REALLY interesting and not something I've read before! I love how we were thrown into this completely ridiculous situation but it was definitely entertaining to see Romeria have to figure everything out

🆗 THE ROMANCE was just okay for me... I was expecting to love it but idk, there was just something missing and I can't really explain it. Zander was smitten with Romero’s and seemed like a good love interest, but I just was not obsessed with him like I usually am with fantasy love interests 😅

I REALLY DID NOT LIKE ROMERIA and I think that was my biggest issue with the book. She felt so bland to me. Like why was she even characterized as a thief when she never used her thievery skills?! She just kind of remained trapped in her room, attended meetings when she was requested to, talked to her new friends, etc. I was waiting for her to do something badass or surprising but it never really happened, which greatly disappointed me

I know it probably sounds like I didn't really like this book but I definitely enjoyed it - I just went in with very high expectations so was a little disappointed. The world and overall story were interesting, I'm just not invested in Romeria and felt the story was too slow, but other than that, I definitely recommend this if you're looking for what is likely going to be a very popular and epic fantasy-romance series!
Profile Image for alluringB.
239 reviews136 followers
Want to read
March 14, 2021
lol i just realized the title follows the classic ’A ___of___and___’ style 😴

liiiiike...authors really haven’t moved on from that trend? i’m curious, does it help increase their sales or sumn??📈 wtv it sure won't stop me from picking this up uwu
Profile Image for Aoife - Bookish_Babbling.
301 reviews306 followers
July 19, 2022
**July 2022**

Re-read complete & even better than I remembered so many breadcrumbs and hints scattered throughout that I missed when devouring this first time through....I cannot wait for book2 now 😈

****************

Despite utterly failing at the Buddy Read (super soz ladies) by starting late and then blowing through it because I could not put the book down sums up "right book // right time" 😇

Intro was a little sluggish for me, which I think I might be in the minority for. Then I was lowkey excited when I thought it might be a more urban vs medieval fantasy setting but once Romy (and we) get dropped through the portal; the ball gets rolling - intrigue kicks in, getting to grips with what happened and how to manoeuvre in this utterly foreign world kept me turning pages craving more - my desire for an urban fantasy setting vanished as I settled into Tucker's creation 🙃

As always I loved many of the side characters, some more than others but to actually name names might give too much away - more than happy to fangirl in spoiler tag comments tho 🤗
Also pleasantly for me in this book I did not hate nor roll my eyes at the MCs and their decision-making. Sure they sometimes do things I wish they wouldn't, but so much of what they do do (lolz, I'm an absolute child!) makes so much sense for the scenarios they find themselves in that it just keeps me all the more invested!
Romy is a great PoV as like us she is an outsider and am pretty sure our reactions to what she stumbles into would be similar although the chameleonic skill set she brings is a stroke of genius by Tucker - such fascinating choice for an MC 😈
Zander thankfully seems to think with his upstairs brain although am sure many, including Romy would rather he didn't at times 😉 - I am so curious to see where his character in particular goes after this ending 🤐
I thought Tucker did a great job fleshing out these characters with believable reactions & motivations for the choices they make in this series opener & I cannot wait for the next book! 🤩
Wish we had a release date *cough*HINT*cough* ... in the mean time I shall just reread and try to pick up on all that I missed when ploughing through first time around 😅

I really enjoyed her take on the Fates, not only from their descriptions but especially the names...read this and come back and tell me why I love them so 😎
Cannot wait to see what the rest of this series holds, the scope for where it can go is super fun, potentially meddling/scheming fates, portal hopping and all the other reveals I don't want to spoil make me highly anticipate the next release 🥰

4.25*

This may have been my first KA Tucker book, but I am curious to read more!

PS - prologue in 3rd person but most of book in 1st - these things don't bother me but know some don't like it....so heads up I guess 🤓

PPS - there's a map and 😍😍😍😍 that cover 🤤


********* "Pre-review" ********

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞 for my first K A Tucker read

3/4 of the Goodreads Gal Pals & I are undertaking another impromptu group read 🤗
Kimster, Jess & Franlopedia - apologies for starting 2days behind everyone else 😅🙈
Profile Image for Holly.
1,430 reviews984 followers
September 7, 2021
3.5 stars

This book has two interesting concepts:

1) What would you do if you were suddenly put in a new world where you don’t know anyone but everyone ‘knows’ you because your doppelgänger seemingly murdered some important people right before you showed up. That part was honestly resolved way too quickly unfortunately, so fair warning.

2) What you would you do if in that same new world there is a certain class of people who are in slavery? How do you change that when the obvious moral objections aren’t enough because those in power benefit too much from the current system? This is the first book in what will be a series so that point hasn’t been resolved yet and I’m interested in seeing where that part of the story leads.

There’s also some romance - which I enjoy in my fantasy books.
Profile Image for ✨ Helena ✨.
369 reviews977 followers
Want to read
December 3, 2021
- set in a world of gods and monsters
- a thief working for the NYC mafia
- a portal fantasy realm
- warring elven and elemental magic
- enemies to lovers
- a marriage of convenience
- pretend lovers


ok everything about this SCREAMS ME!!!
Profile Image for • Lindsey Dahling •.
292 reviews612 followers
December 28, 2022
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that I read it before the rest of the series is published and now I have to wait.

Seriously. I enjoyed this book so much that I forced myself to slow down during the last 100 pages because I didn’t want it to end.

THE SLOW BURN IS TO DIE FOR.

It’s even better because it’s both a slow burn romance and a slow burn plot, but not in a tedious way. I was on the edge of my seat, smiling like an idiot, stressing out over what was going to happen next.

The book reminded me a lot of From Blood and Ash (which I adore) and The Bridge Kingdom (which I also adore). It’s a giant fantasy world with a lot of key players and you’re never quite sure of who you can trust. Unless you’re me, which means you trust no one ever, so the book is even more stressful (in the best way).

I’m already jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time. I WISH I WAS YOU.
Profile Image for Koistyfishy.
144 reviews165 followers
December 4, 2022
5 Stars ⭐️

This book to me was absolutely stunning, brilliant, fantastic, and magical all rolled into one!

I was a little confused going into the book based on the info from the blurb as I wasn’t sure how Romeria (Romy), a girl who is a thief for a New York Crime boss and a magical world with warring kingdoms and elves were going to come together…but I think ultimately this confusion is pretty quickly wrapped up in a nice bow… basically Romy meets a mysterious woman called Sophie, and after a couple of circumstances, she makes a deal with her that takes her to a different universe. There Romy wakes up in the body of “dead” princess Romeria of Ybaris. The girl that has just killed the newly appointed King Zander’s parents. Zander also happens to be her fiancée.

The writing in this is excellent. It is easy to read but incredibly vivid. I can see why some people would get bored though, because the story does move very slowly in terms of plot, and because Romy is dumped into this world, and doesn’t understand the history, a lot of it is explained as “history lessons” instead of naturally being found out. However, I personally didn’t mind this as the political intrigue, the complex characters, excellent storytelling and amazing world and world building kept me captivated. I also in general love books that take place in parallel worlds as it gives the excuse for contemporary writing and language to infiltrate fantasy in an easy and natural way that makes it not feel out of place.

As said before the world building is captivating and in general is something to be commended. It has all the elements of what makes a good fantasy, great. It has lore, a unique magic system, supernatural races, Gods or Fates and is complex but easy to grasp a handle on.

Romeria is everything I love in a MC. She is compassionate, caring, strong willed, determined, independent and has a very powerful willingness to survive in any situation. My only irritation is we never really get to see her skills as a thief, it’s only ever mentions that she is good at stealing, but we are never shown this…and in two cases is caught trying to pilfer something….

Zander is broody, serious and extremely loyal to his kingdom and his responsibility to it’s inhabitants. He is also suspicious but strong willed and, given the circumstances, slow to trust but he has an innate need to do the right thing for his people.

The slow burn enemies to lovers romance between the two is angsty, full of tension and banter, and entirely full of chemistry.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves slow burn, forced proximity with a fake relationship. It just ticks all the boxes that need to be ticked including the only one horse and omg that bathtub…..

I am so glad the second book is already released because I would be dying right now if it wasn’t….
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,017 reviews12k followers
May 28, 2021
4 STARS
Why else does one kingdom fall but for another to rise?

I've been a devoted PNR reader for years, but fantasy has been a rare one for me. I don't even know why, considering I've fallen in love with the genre. And what better way to read more of it than starting with a brand new KA Tucker series? And dang. I was no prepared for this story at all.

Admittedly it took me a hot minute to get into. I even put it down for a day because I knew this was a story that I have to be in the right mood to get into. There's so much world building that takes place, and it took me almost 60% to fully wrap my head around all of it. Be prepared to be confused most of the story too. But that's quite intentional as we spent the majority of the book in the heroine's head, and she has no idea what's going on and you get to experience that with her.

As for the story. It was absolutely magical. Pun intended. This is not a standalone and it's looking to be one epic saga series. Rivaling kingdoms, elementals, gods, curses, and different worlds. The world building in this story was on another level. Romy is a skilled thief living in NY and just trying to survive. Her life is anything but ordinary but then it becomes otherworldly when a stranger with a secret agenda thrusts her into a realm that's a different world entirely.

Romeria of this world is engaged to a king, who she is also responsible for the murder of his parents and seems to be persona non grata. But when you wear the face of the enemy, it's tough to convince anyone you're not her. Especially when you're sworn to secrecy for fear of your life.

The chemistry between Romy and Zander is instant but the romance is very much a slow burn. As a matter of fact it felt almost secondary to the rest of the story, which I didn't mind at all, because there's just so much other things being revealed that the romance didn't feel lacking. DOn't get me wrong, it's still there, just more of a zing in the background. Zander and the Romy of this realm are enemies, and even though Romy isn't responsible for the monstrosities of the other Romy, she has to bear the brunt of the blame. She also has to struggle to understand because she has no memory of the other Romy or her agenda to fully grasp her current reality.

While the book took me about 40% to really get into, I couldn't stop reading for the final 60%. I was slowly but surely sucked into this world and then hooked, line and sinker. I'm absolutely desperate for the next installment to see what happens next.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Anna.
157 reviews130 followers
November 14, 2021
Okay, let me pitch you this book:

- The story is going to start out in present day New York City and move over to a magical, mystical, old-timey land ruled by a royal family of very shiny and symmetrical non-humans and creepy gods!

- There's plenty of political intrigue and a bloody backstory!

- There's a hot king and a mistaken identity and gorgeous ball gowns and a quest!

- There are secret passages and unseen enemies and about 10 different mysteries!

It’s been well documented how much I’m obsessed with K.A. Tucker’s books, so I couldn’t not love this one. Most of it was amazing.

I guess my one tiny hang-up would be that a lot of it was overcomplicated and there were maybe a touch too many history lessons. Also, there is a plot twist at the end that I thought was a little... much. You don't have to fit eeeeverything into a single fantasy book just for the sake of *fantasy*, right? But listen, I really liked it! I'm looking forward to see where Romy and Zander go from that crazy ending. ✨
Profile Image for Birjis.
435 reviews312 followers
June 1, 2021
This book was an utter perfection: top to bottom to corner to corner. I think the authors imagination is vast and she penned it imaginatively since I felt I was deep into this story. This is a fantasy romance. I'm shelfing this as time-travel for my future rememberance but it's not time-travel; the story is set from New York to a magic universe. In this alternate universe exists the vampires, demons, elves, humans and many new creatures. It's also a slow burn romance, two people from two different worlds and kingdoms are puppets to a prophecy. This book is a get-yourself-comfortable-because-you-are-going-to-be-sucked-in-it danger.

Romeria is born to a difficult childhood. She is a thief and it suits her. She works for an underworld dangerous mafia boss although reluctantly, her expertness saves her from getting killed. Coming back after an unsuccessful mission her life is upended when a mysterious woman, Sofie, with her mysterious talk offers her a job. Romeria knows she traded one dangerous boss for another but this time her world is literally changed for sure. Her mission was to steal a stone. She didn't expect to wake up in a strange land in strange clothes. She is now Princess Romeria, a murderess, who killed her fiance's parents on the day of their wedding. Trying to grasp her situation it is made more worse when she is declared a traitor and assassin and is thrown into prison no matter her pleas of innocence. Newly crowned a king, Zander, wants Romeria dead. Strange events differ Romeria as she used to be, Zander believes it's a ploy she plays to save her life. Zander uses Romeria to scheme a play and dish out the traitors and assassins in the castle. As Romeria tries to navigate in this strange world she finds answers to her situation.

Two rivaling kingdoms - Ybaris and Islor try to merge their enemity by marriage. Princess Romeria's father, the king of Ybaris arranges the marriage of his daughter with the prince of Islor, now King Zander of Islor for peace. But greed and evilness was schemed and things didn't go as planned. There is conspiracy and an army is raising to take the Islorian throne. Romeria of New York tries prove her innocence and for a fact that she has remembers nothing about being Princess Romerio.
There is also the war of Gods, the vandetta between the gods which falls on Zander and Romerio, how they might get their epic ending. Why would the God of fire, Malachi, want for a thief of New York? The side characters are superbly well done. There are two types of loyal people - one loyal to the throne, the other loyal to the king of that throne. I'm giddy with excitement. This book was exceptional for me. I hope the next book picks up with the same equal enthusiasm. This book ends in a kind of cliffhanger, there is more of the story!
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,349 reviews1,262 followers
June 5, 2021
★4.5★
"I no longer feel the desire to look backward."
description

A Fate of Wrath & Flame is a new fantasy with a complex plot, magic, monsters, and mythology. Romeria is a young woman who has fought hard to survive on the streets of New York. A thief with street smarts, she has learned to overcome and is a true survivor. When she meets a mysterious woman, her entire world is turned upside down. Thrust into another world full of magic, monsters, and a King that wants to kill her, Romeria doesn't know how or why she has been transported to this world. She only knows that she is despised by all and her life is in danger. As the secrets continue to unfold, Romi discovers that her fate depends on her ability to win over the heart of King Zander. Zander doesn't know why he is drawn to Romi. As they come together and the truth is revealed, it will take all that they have to survive.

description
"I'm used to being abandoned by those closest to me."
A Fate of Wrath & Flame is a complex story with politics, magic, and multiple worlds. Romi is a strong heroine who manages to survive despite everything fighting against her. The world that Ms. Tucker has crafted is intricately crafted and every detail is imperative to the plot. I jumped into this read completely blind and I was not expecting to be swept in so completely!
"Centuries ago, they burned women by the thousands for witchcraft..."
Overall, A Fate of Wrath & Flame is a stunning start to what promises to be an epic series. It will definitely appeal to paranormal fans who enjoy a strong heroine with an alpha male hero. With multiple twists and turns, this is one story you will not be able to put down. I cannot wait for more of Romi and Zander!




For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

description
description
Profile Image for Corina.
759 reviews2,128 followers
Want to read
June 5, 2021
What can I say - LOVE the cover, I'm not sure about the title, but will drop everything to read the book.

It's been 10 days and I still haven't read it....... Honestly, I'm nervous to be disappointed and bored out of my mind.
Profile Image for ⊹ Gabriela | asternyx ⊹.
468 reviews253 followers
August 12, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5🌟

What to expect:
∘ New Adult Fantasy Romance
∘ Royalty — Political Intrigue
∘ Gods — Prophecy — Curses
∘ Monsters
∘ Elemental Magic
Tropes:
∘ Enemies to Lovers
∘ Slowburn
∘ Forced Proximity
∘ Fake relationship
∘ Marriage of Convenience

Summary
Romy is a top thief in New York City, trying to buy her freedom from the mafia boss she's indebted to.
When she is magically transported from New York city to a fantastic world and tasked to steal a stone, she finds herself in the body of her doppelgänger, an evil princess in this world whose done a great crime against the Kingdom of Islor, the one she's currently in.
Zander, the princess's betrothed, hates her, but he needs her help and that makes it even more interesting. And so the adventure begins.

Plot & Worldbuilding
The book begins in a modern setting and not long after we are transported in another dimension.
Great worldbuilding, very well explained and it was easy to picture everything described. It's not the first book like this I read and I loved the transition between these two worlds, it was so well written.
Being thrown in a completely different world where Romy's lack of finesse and unusual colloquialisms was frowned upon, you can imagine it also was quite funny at times.
The secrets, the political dealings, the conspiracy theories all added to the intrigue of the plot.

Characters
Romy
She's a fighter through and through. Brave enough to go face to face with a creature she never knew existed. Kind enough to save people who don't care about her wellbeing. Smart, fierce and funny, all in all a good character. The only thing I didn't like about Romy is her refusal to accept that the world she's been thrown into really exists.
Zander
He's the broody, loyal and compassionate king, who doesn't trust easily.
He finds it hard to believe Romy is not Romeria, the princess who betrayed him. He hates her for what she did and it won't be easy to get over that hatred.
I really liked his character!

Romance
Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope, but combined with SLOWBURN? ✨ PERFECTION!
I loved the chemistry between these two and even though there weren't many spicy scenes, it was full of sexual tension 🔥

Conclusion
This was such an unpredictable story! I loved everything and I can't wait to continue this series.

«⋯ Fate & Flame series ⋯»
#1 A Fate of Wrath & Flame — 4.5🌟
#2 A Curse of Blood & Stone — *tbr
Profile Image for Robin.
310 reviews1,439 followers
May 26, 2021
vampires, magic, and k.a. tucker....enough said.
Profile Image for ✩ Yaz ✩.
494 reviews1,305 followers
July 3, 2021
3.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

While I may not be guilty, Princess Romeria is, and that’s the only person they see when they look at me. I’m a conniving murderess within their midst, who they’re now forced to guard and feed and serve for the sake of Islor.


A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book in Fate & Flame adult fantasy romance series by K.A. Tucker. Tucker introduces an intriguing world of elemental magic, gods, warring Elven kingdoms and political intrigue.

This book takes place in the modern world before you reach a point where it shifts to a fantastical setting. And I love that. I always love seeing authors play with parallels universes and we get into that journey of how a character from the modern world would adjust to a world of dangerous magic and supernatural beings.

Oh... did I mention that she was plunged into a world that considers her a murderess and is sentenced to death by none other than her betrothed?

While I do try not to compare books but I'd say this has a dash of From Blood and Ash and Throne of Glass into it yet it still feels authentic.

What I loved most about this book is the world-building and the magic system. It's intricate and original, elemental magic has always been my favorite type of magic but there is also more to it. Every type of magic or affinity is connected to a God or as they're called: a Fate.
• Malachi: the Fate of Fire.
• Aoife: Fate of Water.
• Vin’nyla: Fate of Air.
• Aminadav: Fate of Earth.


I only wish the magic was displayed more rather than explained, but also consider this book more of a build-up for the series.

I think the writing was excellent but my main issue was the info-dump. I was hooked in the first half but it's the second half of the book that lost me. The prolonged dialogue and the smalla amount of action did not help. I kept pushing myself to finish it. But was it a boring reading experience? I wouldn't say that. I think this book would've been better if it was shorter.

So let's meet our main character:
Romeira or simply Romy is a gifted thief from New York City. A mysterious woman called Sofie requests Romy's services which led from one thing to another and *poof* Romy ends up in a fantastical Kingdom ruled by its newly appointed King, Zander. Romy inhabits the body of the presumed to be dead and traitorous Princess Romeira of Ybaris and King Zander's betrothed.

To fulfill her quest, Romy must steal a sacred stone while maintaining the truth of her identity. And so, Romy takes on the role of Princess Romeira and play Islor's smitten Queen-to-be which brings her closer to the King who despises her with every fiber of his being.


“You’ve done everything wrong. You are hotheaded, you speak out of turn and do the opposite of what we agreed to, you antagonize me as if you have no fear of consequence. You continue to lie and deceive me. Your heart bleeds too much for the plight of mortals, and you seem willing to challenge anyone who doesn’t bleed the same.” He sighs, his hazel eyes settling on me, a brilliant kaleidoscope of gold in the setting sun. “You do everything wrong, and yet everything right.”


So, what should you expect of this romance?
• Sexual tension
• Slow-burn
• Enemies to lovers

While I'm not yet invested in this couple, but I like them and I'm curious to see where their relationship will go on the future.

I do think givinf this book a 3.5 rating is fair. I expected to give it higher but the info-dumps and the pacing is the reason I lowered it. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for AJ.
2,871 reviews931 followers
June 8, 2021
5 stars!

Wow, what a read! An exciting and unpredictable fantasy story with a chemistry-filled enemies-to-lovers romance, I couldn't get enough of this one, and I loved it!

KA Tucker has returned to fantasy, borrowing from her first series, Causal Enchantment, and twisting and expanding on it to create a complex, well-developed world of fae, fates, magic users and supernatural beings, in an exciting and intriguing story that had me hooked from start to finish. It’s the beginning of a brand new series, and I loved this world – and the characters that inhabit it - and I loved the ride that this book took me on!

Romeria is a young woman living in New York City, and is an expert thief. After a difficult childhood, she’s found a life that she’s well suited for, and though she’s under the thumb of a notorious underground crime boss, she has created a comfortable, though lonely, life for herself. But her life is upended when she accepts a job offer from a mysterious woman by the name of Sophie, and soon finds herself in a whole new world.

After one very strange encounter, Romeria wakes in the land of Islor, and her mission is to take a stone from the palace’s sacred garden, without anybody realising who she truly is. But her situation is made all the more difficult because she has landed in Islor in the blood-soaked body of the Princess Romeria – an assassin from a neighbouring kingdom who is betrothed to Islor’s Prince, and she has just murdered the king and queen.

Declared a killer and a traitor, she is thrown into prison, but her claims of innocence are helped by the fact that she remembers absolutely nothing of her life before waking up from what was most definitely a fatal wound, and she is clearly very different from the woman she once was. The newly crowned King Zander also needs her to weed out those conspiring against him, so he tentatively brings her back into court life with a story of her innocence, and pretending that their betrothal is still in effect while they wait for the evil Princess’ allies to make their move.

It’s a complex storyline, but a great set up, and I easily found myself lost in this whole new world. It’s a long book, and the story is slow moving, so we get to learn about the fantastical kingdom, its magic, its history and its traditions, in pieces alongside Romy. I’m not going to lie, it’s a bit overwhelming at times. There is so much story in this book, and there’s a lot to take in, and to remember, but Tucker writes the story well, and Romy’s wit, snark and sarcasm is relatable and hugely entertaining as she figures out her new world.

And in the middle of it all is King Zander. Gruff, serious, and understandably full of hatred for Romy. But despite all of that, the chemistry between them sizzles, and as they continue their fake relationship for the court, there are moments of intensity and anticipation that hint of what is to come. The romance is there, but not, and while there is certainly enough to keep romance readers satisfied, we know that it is just a hint of what is to come for these two, and I’m so excited to see how their story unfolds.

“Even though I know there is something you continue to hide, I am fighting against this constant aching pull I feel toward you … fighting and losing.”

There are so many twists and turns in this story. It’s unpredictable, with big reveals and surprises all the way through, and I never knew where the story was going to go. I love that, and even though it got a bit confusing at times, I was eagerly flipping pages waiting to see what was going to come next.

There’s a fabulous cast of side characters that Romy meets along the way - both friends and enemies, and sometimes a little of both - and I loved the different dynamics that all of those relationships bring.  There are scenes that made me smile and laugh, others that made my heart ache, and moments that shocked or had me on the edge of my seat. I feel like I’ve been on a huge adventure, and after that shocking ending, I cannot wait to see where Tucker takes us in the next book.

So well written, with wonderful characters and an incredible new fantasy world to explore, I loved this one!

5 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,346 reviews1,419 followers
May 25, 2021
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)

75D8E211-4D35-42D2-955D-8CB7AA012051

Romeria is a thief in New York who tries to remain unnoticed while she steals from her marks. She's a chameleon who is skilled at her job. She's learned over the years the only person she can truly count on is herself. She always feels controlled and indebted to someone, and longs for freedom. Then she's approached by a beautiful, mysterious woman who comes for her, and soon she's trading one dangerous life for another as she's thrust into a new, ruthless world where she's the enemy. She's been sent on a mission, and she's suddenly in unfamiliar territory surrounded by immense power. There's a king, a castle, and all the things she thought were only make believe. She is in the middle of a rivalry between two kingdoms where loyalty and trust are everything. As she attempts to complete her task her relationships with those around her grow more complicated. When truths are at long last revealed will she survive or will everything around her crumble to ruins?

38A83A94-EE98-4297-8AD4-C786CE0ACDD4

A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame #1) by K.A. Tucker is the first in her new captivating, unique series. This enemies to lovers, slow burn, royal fantasy romance is full of chemistry, danger, intrigue, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, magic and betrayal. I loved all the twists and turns and can't wait for the next book in the series! I need more Romy & Zander! <333

708800B6-901E-4A2B-8B1A-C8DCD774F259_zpsqkbfrd0n

***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Tjzqaz
Profile Image for Antonella.
3,405 reviews449 followers
November 7, 2021
the slow pace and info dump created a perfectly boring book...
too much of everything.. as of now I don't wish to read more books in this world..



Profile Image for Aviva’s Library.
257 reviews2,851 followers
October 19, 2022
3.5 ⭐️

This took me almost four days to get through. It was literally putting me to sleep… all the politics, history and world building bored me so much I actually took two naps while trying to get through this book (which is never a good sign) - but even though it took me a while to wrap my head around what was going on… once I did, I got pretty invested in the story and was intrigued enough to make it through all of the info dumping.

I’m really enjoying Romeria… but at the moment Zander doesn’t feel like anything special to me. I feel like his only character traits are that he’s a scorned lover, that he doesn’t trust anyone, and is aware that people are lying and deceiving him… yet he does nothing about it and even lets them into his inner circle —- Book two is really going to have to give him some sort of backbone for me to change my mind on him… because at the moment I’m not very impressed.

I also didn’t love how slow of a burn this first book was… I don’t have anything against making us wait for something to happen in that department, but it didn’t feel like it was smoothly built up for me. In the first 80% of the book we didn’t get a ton of interactions between the two of them and instead we got all of the other stuff (which was important to understand what’s going on, but put me to sleep nonetheless)… but then in the last 20% everything started to pick up and we actually started getting somewhere with the romance and with the story in general… so that last little bit did end up saving the story for me and I’m excited to see if book two ends up getting more interesting now that we have a lot of the initial plot and world building out of the way.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,090 reviews571 followers
May 30, 2021
Why yes I would like to read A Fate of Wrath & Flame.

Update:
As a fan of PNR fantasy and as someone who has read way too many paranormal fantasy romances (and will continue to read just as much), A Fate of Wrath & Flame felt like an old comforting hug yet utterly unique.
K.A. Tucker has written one of my favourite series, Wild series, and when I found that she was planning to write a PNR fantasy, I was all for it. A completely different genre but I love the way she writes.

A Fate of Wrath & Flame is a slow burn, enemies to lovers paranormal fantasy romance with a riveting storyline. I was utterly captured by the mystery, the suspense, the page turning twist and turns of magic and adventure.

I will put a non spoiler disclaimer that the start may be a tiny bit confusing, I felt a little out of place but a few chapters in, it will all make sense. Just hang in there. It’s worth it.
Profile Image for Kim.
689 reviews1,697 followers
July 13, 2021
I upped my rating to 5 stars because there was nothing I disliked about this book. If you like books like From Blood and Ash then this will be right up your alley.

Interesting world, characters you’ll love (but also some you’ll hate) and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Thank you to Jess for suggesting to read this <3
Profile Image for Melissasfandomworld.
580 reviews115 followers
October 16, 2021
She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the length one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.


As a huge fan of Fantasy romance and paranormal romance, a Fate of Wrath & Flame felt like ‘coming home’ in the best of ways. Reading this book was utter joy and had me constantly longing to pick it up again when I wasn’t able to read.

K.A. Tucker has been a fave romance author of mine for years now, so when I found out that she was publishing this romantic fantasy story, I couldn’t be More excited.

A Fate of Wrath & Flame is a slow burn, enemies to lovers fantasy romance with a riveting storyline, filled with politics and intrigues. I was utterly hooked right from the very first page and am so incredibly sad that I can’t yet continue with the next book as it hasn’t been published yet. The mystery, the suspense, the page turning twist and turns of magic and adventure is so incredibly well done. Tucker’s addictive writing style itself, is just icing to the cake.

I’m really happy with how this book turned out to be and am super excited for the next one. Romeria , Zander, but also some minor characters like Elisaf, have stolen my heart and I Cannot wait to see what’s going to happen next. With this book Tucker sets the bar high for the next one and I’m really hoping she’ll continue writing more fantasy romance because I’m Loving this author writing this genre!

If you’re into books like from blood and ash, this is without a doubt definitely one I’d recommend to pick up! This is the first in a new series, and a story you want to get aquatinted with. You’ll be bummed that book 2 isn’t here yet but you really shouldn’t postpone picking up this book, trust me ;)

—-

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Profile Image for Diana~ (Kiss Me Books).
380 reviews140 followers
May 18, 2021
A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book in a fantasy romance series by K.A. Tucker and it is a phenomenal and captivating one. Not only is there a slow burn romance between Romeria and Zander but there is magic, alternate universes, betrayal, gods & monsters, and destiny. This is not young adult. K.A. Tucker has built a world that is incredibly complex, special, and unique. The cast of characters are also multi-dimensional and layered with their own motivations and ambitions—including the antagonists. I was constantly questioning everything and everyone. Romeria is my favorite type of heroine: courageous, independent, curious, passionate, and innocent. Zander is her complete match and has all the qualities of a king: dutiful, loyal, compassionate, serious, and profound. Both characters have the potential to love deeply.
"I no longer feel the desire to look backward. I only want to look forward with you."

The story begins with a prologue that is intriguing and ultimately sets the stage for the events that will come. Romeria is a thief and she has the special ability to steal anything she sets her mind to. Unfortunately, this also gets her in trouble and she is now in debt to man named Korsakov. As she is studying her target, she meets a woman named Sofie who will irrevocably change her life. Without going into spoilers, Romeria is thrust into this new and parallel world of elementals, casters, fates, and immortals. She has inhabited the body of Princess Romeria from Ybaris who has seemingly come back to life after poisoning the king and queen of Islor. Zander, the previous Romeria's intended, now wants her dead.
"The old is now destined with the new, and there is no going back. There is only forward."

The story is intense, action-packed, magical, and full of passion. After being accused of things she did not do, Romeria now has to navigate this strange world while trying to earn the trust of those around her. Some of my favorite side characters include Elisaf, Corrin, Wendaline, and Annika. The chemistry between Zander and Romeria is palpable and electric. I looked forward to every scene they had together! At the heart of this story, there is a vendetta between the gods and I'm worried about what this will mean for Romeria and Zander now that their paths are intertwined. In the end, I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series. Fans of K.A. Tucker will absolutely devour this book because it is an exceptional one. If you love the enemies to lovers and fake marriage/betrothal trope, then I highly recommend this book!

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,132 reviews54 followers
November 12, 2022



Se que las comparaciones no siempre son buenas, pero cuando conoci este libro no pude evitar pensar en la saga From Blood And Ash de Jennifer L. Armentrout, y tal vez ese hecho fue el ultimo empujon que necesite para decidirme a empezar la lectura.

A Fate Of Wrath & Flame nos descubre un universo totalmente epico, no hay ni un solo detalle que K. A. Tucker no haya pulido hasta la perfeccion. En primer lugar, esta la trama, es tan intrigante y se vuelve tan adictiva que no es una sorpresa cuando la historia se hace corta pese a las 400 y pico paginas que tiene, ademas tiene una cantidad de detalle que merece una gran mencion.

Por otro lado, los personajes, tanto los principales como los secundarios son magnificos, me tomo por sorpresa lo muy completos que son, da igual que sean de los buenos o de los malos, su personalidad es inmejorable.

El romance es cierto que no me encanto tanto como espere, obviamente, Romeria y Zander son una buena pareja, tiene quimica y su relacion no deja indiferente, no obstante, me falto algo que hiciera su historia de amor mas memorable, aun asi, conservo las esperanzas con el siguiente tomo.

Ellos como personajes si que me encantaron. Ella no es la tipica protagonista femenina, ademas de tener un caracter que me gusto mucho, sobre todo al ser tan generosa y luchar por los mas desfavorecidos.

A el no lo llegamos a conocer tanto como me hubiese gustado, sin embargo, poco a poco demuestra ser mucho mas humano y generoso de lo que parece en sus primeras apariciones.

Un punto que no me convencio al 100% fue la falta de accion, hay algunos giros en la trama que sorprenden y todo el asunto de las traiciones, manipulaciones y venganzas me agrado muchisimo ( masoquista y retorcida que es una xDD ) pero siento que le faltaron unas cuantas escenas de lucha o guerra mas sangrientas para darle un toque atipico.

Mi parte favorita de la historia es el mundo tan retorcido que ha inventado la autora, todos estos seres sobrenaturales y de fantasia junto con las descripciones de los paisajes casi me han hecho creer que este universo puede ser real.

En conclusion, A Fate Of Wrath & Flame ha sido un comienzo increible, que ha mantenido mi atencion durante varios dias y que tendre en mi mente durante bastante tiempo, y no me hagan recordar ese desenlace, fue sumamente cruel que la novela termine justo en esa encrucijada, ya no tendre uñas cuando se publique el siguiente tomo.

4 Estrellas!!
Profile Image for Moon .
3,291 reviews206 followers
May 14, 2021
I've always loved K.A. Tucker's contemporary stories. She's wonderful at bringing her characters to life and pulling you into the story. A Fate of Wrath & Flame is no different. The story is captivating, pulling you in from the first page. You can't help but like Romeria, and root for her as she faces situations out of her control and handles them with aplomb.

The story is rich and multi layered. The world is well developed, and continues to develop as the story unfolds. The book is long, but it always stays fresh with new challenges both external and internal haunting Romeria and Zander as they try to stay one step ahead of multiple threats. I absolutely loved the push and pull between them. They truly are enemies in the beginning and it's hard to watch what Romy goes through at times.

I also can't tell you how many times I thought I knew what was going to happen, but there were twists and reveals that always added new depth to the story while keeping me on my feet! I absolutely can not wait to see where the story goes. I am already eager for more and can not wait to dive back into this world! If you're a fan of romantic fantasy, this book is a must read!
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