Grateful appreciation to Author: J.L. Hart for providing a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the story.
Fates Flames by J.L.Hart Genres: Fantasy, Political Fantasy, Romance
Series: Sins of the Wasteland #1
Pages: 164
Published by J.L. Hart on October 13, 2024
ASIN: B0DHT9L5G1
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Author: J.L. Hart
Goodreads
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Buy on AmazonTo secure her son’s future on the throne, Queen Cyarra will stop at nothing—including ordering the assassination of the desert’s most powerful protector, Judge Darius Dara. Tasked with this mission is the cold and calculating Gideon Draven, who enlists Rylan Kazir, an elite member of the King’s Hunters, to carry out the queen’s deadly command.
As Rylan infiltrates the Dara household, he is prepared to complete his mission without question. But when he crosses paths with Selene Dara, the Judge’s fierce and determined daughter, everything begins to change. Selene is poised to inherit her father’s spiritual legacy, and her deep connection to the mysterious Sunborn forces Rylan to question not only his mission but also his loyalty.
With tension rising, and the queen’s hunters closing in, Rylan finds himself caught between duty and desire. Selene’s fate—and the future of the desert itself—may depend on a decision that could cost Rylan everything.
Fates Flames is a dark fantasy, standalone novel in the Sins of the Wasteland seriesfilled with forbidden love, betrayal, and a deadly game of power. Will Rylan choose loyalty to his queen, or will he risk everything for a woman destined to challenge the kingdom’s future?
Thoughts on the book:
Fates Flames introduces readers to Selene and Rylan, whose first encounter is brief but sets the tone for the layered, intricate plot that follows. The story then shifts to Rylan, an assassin on a mission that slowly unveils the deep political intrigue running through the book. Rylan’s task is far from simple—he must infiltrate and understand the growing threat the Dara family poses. As he navigates the dangerous terrain of espionage, the weight of his mission becomes increasingly clear. The kingdom, on the brink of a bold and bloody uprising, is a direct result of the Queen’s ruthless ambition. Her greed and hunger for power have left the kingdom in turmoil, and Rylan’s role is to gauge just how deep this revolution runs.
Rylan, with his assassin’s precision and sense of duty, approaches his mission with full awareness of the stakes. His role is critical to the kingdom’s future, and the story deftly portrays the tension of a realm on the cusp of chaos. Political intrigue is at the heart of the plot, and the complexity of the Queen’s manipulations becomes more apparent as Rylan uncovers secrets and plots that stretch beyond simple rebellion.
Then we meet Selene, a poised and determined character who carries the weight of her family’s reputation on her shoulders. At first glance, Selene appears aloof, almost too distant to form a connection with Rylan. However, as the story progresses, layers of her personality are peeled back, revealing her intuition, confidence, and hidden vulnerability. Her initial detachment adds to the tension in her relationship with Rylan, as their interactions are charged with unspoken emotions and an underlying sense of danger.
This is where the real magic of the story lies—the evolving relationship between Rylan and Selene. Initially, it felt like something was missing in their early interactions, as if a chapter of dialogue or context was skipped. However, once the tension between them begins to build, it becomes almost unbearable. The forbidden romance aspect is at the heart of their dynamic, and each encounter between them brims with tension, as if they’re constantly teetering on the edge of being discovered. The stakes are incredibly high, and every scene between them had me holding my breath.
The political intrigue only amplifies this tension. As Rylan and Selene’s relationship deepens, they’re both trapped in the larger conflict between revolutionaries and the crown. Rylan’s mission puts him in direct opposition to Selene’s world, creating a deliciously tense push and pull between duty and desire. This intertwining of romance and revolution makes the book even more compelling, as every personal moment is shadowed by the larger political stakes at play.
As the story rushes toward its conclusion, the pacing ramps up, leading to a heart-pounding ending that left me reeling. The final twist is a true mind-bender, shattering expectations and stunned. The conclusion feels both complete and a setup for what’s to come, with soft but intriguing hints at the next phase of this gripping saga.
In Fates Flames, the writing shines, particularly in the vivid imagery that draws readers into the world of political intrigue and forbidden romance. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the emotional rollercoaster will keep you glued to the page. This is not a book you can start and stop—it demands to be devoured in one sitting. If you’re looking for a story that combines intense romance with political stakes and a world teetering on the edge of revolution, Fates Flames is a must-read.
Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:
- Forbidden Romance
- Political Fantasy
- Tragic Love
- Dystopian Fantasy
- Power & Corruption
- New Series to Follow
