When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.
But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.
If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?
The Short Story? - A solid read. I liked Hunting Lila better but nevertheless Fated was an enjoyable read! A couple of things here and there that I would have changed but overall a very solid read. Alderson has ticked all the requirements of a good paranormal romance - I was looking for a little more originality with the romance aspect but the world-building definitely makes up for it! Fantastic novel, if you're a fan of "the star-crossed lovers" plot - this one is for you!
The Long Story? - I liked it but it didn't take my breath away like Hunting Lila - I felt it was too ordinary. I expected... more. After reading Hunting Lila which was truly brilliant, I felt Alderson has taken a step back with Fated. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable and exciting but for an author who wrote such a original debut to slip into "YA PNR" ranks - it's kind of degrading! However I have to praise Alderson on her world-building skills! In terms of a paranormal romance, I think she's really nailed to originality factor! Her supernatural beings are unique and I loved how she's woven the unnatural into a small town and in turn created an epic setting for a showdown between the hunters and the hunted! In terms of a plot, it was exciting, predictable yet fun and the ending suggests an awesome sequel which I can't to read!
I had a problem with the characterisation. I would have enjoyed Fated a lot more if I felt I would connect with the protagonist. It saddens me to say that I couldn't relate to Evie at all. She was just so angry ALL THE TIME. She's not a happy person and while the backstory suggests that she doesn't have a reason to be, I would have liked to see a little more light and shade in her personality. Quite frankly, I don't know why Lucas was in love with her because she was - for the lack of a better word - a bitch. Maybe this is what they call 'blind love' but I just didn't see the appeal in her! I DID like Lucas though! He had control over his emotions and he had that 'dark and mysterious' appeal and what he did for Evie ( why?) was really sweet! The romance was a nice touch, would have liked to see a little more build up but it was cute!
Overall, it was a fantastic novel but a little flawed. I really thought the characterisation let the novel down. If I liked Evie, I would have liked the novel so much more! However it was a great plot and like I said, the world-building was spectacular. It's original and it will stand out among other YA paranormals. I'm sure whatever Alderson has planned for us next in this series will wow me because she's a truly fantastic writer!
Rating - Squeeze into the Budget*
Badass Bookie xx
*This one comes down to personal preference that - read the review THEN read another review and then another before you decide whether it's worth your money.
The story doesn't really sounds like my cup of tea, but I love the cover. Very suspenseful!
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