The Library of Fates
To keep her kingdom from being invaded, Princess Amrita offers her hand in marriage to the conqueror, but when this offer is rebuked, she finds herself a fugitive and befriends Thala, an oracle who leads them on quest to find a mystical library that may help them reverse their fates.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Mythically Captivating | Review of ‘The Library of Fates’ (Review originally posted on Cyn's Workshop)
What’s remarkable about the novel is how it stands out. Expectation leaves the reader wondering if this is going to be another tale of a princess who is trapped in a marriage to an evil king as if that’s the only thing foreign literature can give us. But no, instead this story follows the fables, it follows its own destiny in a remarkable way to weave an amazing story not about a girl challenging her destiny, but of a girl willing to risk it all to save the lives of those she loves and change their destiny’s. There is so much mythology and symbolism in the tale that takes a step back from religion to focus on the fantastical. Because of this, the tale is fresh and as colorful as the cover itself.
Admittedly the beginning of the story shows another direction the story could have taken, but the way it moves, the way it functions and evolves sucks the reader in by taking them by surprise. It’s emotionally gripping and captivating. And the way it flows, like a stream in the forest, it’ enchanting. Personally, I think there is something so remarkable about a tale that starts off one way and ends in a completely different and unexpected way. Usually, there are always bumps on the road in a story like that, but here, everything was thought out so well that it’s not even something the reader even thinks about. It’s almost effortless how it moves along, how it throws in the twists and turns into the story without detracting from the story. Nothing comes out of left field here, it fits the narrative and builds it up.
As far as characters go, Amrita and Thala are both beautiful characters, and they compliment each other very well. One is hardened by slavery and heartbreak while the other is only now experiencing pain. But together they grow through the events. They change, they find hope in a world that has taken it from them. There are times in the book they could have been written just a tad stronger given the circumstances they are in, but nevertheless, they are a remarkable team.
A truly beautiful novel that offers up magic, mythology, and a bittersweet ending to make any reader’s heart ache for the characters. (★★★★★ | A)
What’s remarkable about the novel is how it stands out. Expectation leaves the reader wondering if this is going to be another tale of a princess who is trapped in a marriage to an evil king as if that’s the only thing foreign literature can give us. But no, instead this story follows the fables, it follows its own destiny in a remarkable way to weave an amazing story not about a girl challenging her destiny, but of a girl willing to risk it all to save the lives of those she loves and change their destiny’s. There is so much mythology and symbolism in the tale that takes a step back from religion to focus on the fantastical. Because of this, the tale is fresh and as colorful as the cover itself.
Admittedly the beginning of the story shows another direction the story could have taken, but the way it moves, the way it functions and evolves sucks the reader in by taking them by surprise. It’s emotionally gripping and captivating. And the way it flows, like a stream in the forest, it’ enchanting. Personally, I think there is something so remarkable about a tale that starts off one way and ends in a completely different and unexpected way. Usually, there are always bumps on the road in a story like that, but here, everything was thought out so well that it’s not even something the reader even thinks about. It’s almost effortless how it moves along, how it throws in the twists and turns into the story without detracting from the story. Nothing comes out of left field here, it fits the narrative and builds it up.
As far as characters go, Amrita and Thala are both beautiful characters, and they compliment each other very well. One is hardened by slavery and heartbreak while the other is only now experiencing pain. But together they grow through the events. They change, they find hope in a world that has taken it from them. There are times in the book they could have been written just a tad stronger given the circumstances they are in, but nevertheless, they are a remarkable team.
A truly beautiful novel that offers up magic, mythology, and a bittersweet ending to make any reader’s heart ache for the characters. (★★★★★ | A)
Princess Amrita of Shalingar is betrothed to the Emperor Sikander of Macedon to join their kingdoms despite political and moral differences. One fateful night, Amrita loses everything and everyone she loves at Sikander's hand. On the run from Sikander's men - as the Emperor knows that as long as Amrita lives or is not wed to him, there is a chance her people might be saved from his rule - with a seer/oracle named Thalia (who was a slave/gift for the Princess from Sikander), the princess quests to restore her life and kingdom.
This was a beautiful, captivating read. I cried hard for awhile when it was over! It was both sad and happy at the same time and those are the worst kinds of cries to have! It's the kind of book that is very, very smooth to read. It grabs onto you and makes you want to know what is going to happen at the end. And, at the end, you kind of have your soul hurt by the way things are wrapped up. I don't like to give spoilers, but if you cry easily whether it's happy tears, angry tears, sad tears, hopeful tears, etc., then you might want to be prepared for all of the tears! The best way I can put it is it's the type of wrap up to a story that I may not have wanted, but it was beautiful nevertheless and I accept it with only a few huffs here and there. There's really no way to put into words the way I feel with this kind of book except to say it makes my soul hurt. I both hate and love that at the same time!
I would recommend it for anyone that wants a very easy, but engaging fantasy read.
The only thing that kept it from being a complete 5 star book for me is that some things could have been fleshed out and expanded upon. This is one story that could have gone on a bit longer and I wouldn't have minded one bit!
"Some things are fixed, others are changeable. You can't change what's fixed or fix what's changeable." -Thalia
This was a beautiful, captivating read. I cried hard for awhile when it was over! It was both sad and happy at the same time and those are the worst kinds of cries to have! It's the kind of book that is very, very smooth to read. It grabs onto you and makes you want to know what is going to happen at the end. And, at the end, you kind of have your soul hurt by the way things are wrapped up. I don't like to give spoilers, but if you cry easily whether it's happy tears, angry tears, sad tears, hopeful tears, etc., then you might want to be prepared for all of the tears! The best way I can put it is it's the type of wrap up to a story that I may not have wanted, but it was beautiful nevertheless and I accept it with only a few huffs here and there. There's really no way to put into words the way I feel with this kind of book except to say it makes my soul hurt. I both hate and love that at the same time!
I would recommend it for anyone that wants a very easy, but engaging fantasy read.
The only thing that kept it from being a complete 5 star book for me is that some things could have been fleshed out and expanded upon. This is one story that could have gone on a bit longer and I wouldn't have minded one bit!
"Some things are fixed, others are changeable. You can't change what's fixed or fix what's changeable." -Thalia
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.