Reviews

Fate's Fables by T. Rae Mitchell

andyn5's review against another edition

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4.0

This review was previously published on NetGalley.

A great storyline and imagination with a memorable set of characters. A refreshing novel that I couldn’t put down!

Fate Floyd truly believes that the world of books is way better and far more adventurous than hers. Driven by her passion for the fantasy genre, Fate is tricked and sent into a world where not all fairy tales have a happy-ending. Trapped in the Book of Fables, she most find a way to return home in one peace. How to do that? Turn the unfortunate endings to happily-ever-after. How hard can it be? Changing one’s fate never easy but if you include sorceresses, not very nice fairies and a mysterious male companion, things tend to get a bit more complicated.

Having read Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories I was a bit worried that the story would turn out to be in the same line. I was pleasantly surprised and I loved every minute of this incredible story.

I loved the reality that this takes place, or, more correctly, realities. Travelling through fairytales is probably what little children want to do, and this story-line just proves that not all fairytales are for children, they also exist to send messages to adults. This world proved to be full of colour even in its most dramatic parts. It’s action-packed and in some occasions fast paced but not always. The story builds up slowly, it’s not rushed. The writing style really helped me get through the big descriptions and more steal moments, it’s absolutely amazing!

Fate is a great main character; she’s a badass writer with a huge imagination and energy that it’s contagious. She is the link between the secondary characters and they all come together very nicely. The good thing is, not only I was able to follow the characters throughout the story, but I also enjoyed reading how they had to work and go around solving problems and rescuing friends in danger, even if in middle it got predictable. Finn, the male lead, didn’t do much for me. I would have appreciated a bit more background story and to see a build-up in his relationship with Fate. For me it happened too fast: she knows him, trusts him even though he burns books (oh the horror!).

This is a novel I recommend for all ages and specially for those that like to read something a little bit more on the steady-paced side.

foreverinastory's review against another edition

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4.0

Fate is a 17 year old author and has loved inventing stories since she can remember. When something calls her back to her Gran's bookstore, she can help but answer the call. Once there a mysterious old lady throws her and a stranger named Finn McKeen into the Book of Fables. Fate & Finn are trapped and the only way they can make it out is if they rewrite the ending of all eight fables in the book.

This was a highly enjoyable read! I loved the fables--while they are not the exact fairytales I grew up on, aspects are familiar. Some of them were so dark, I really loved it. I think my favorite was The Lightning Sword, though to be honest I probably wouldn't have changed the ending of that one too much haha.

Fate was an interesting character and her story arc was really impressive. She does complain a lot at the beginning of the story, but it was to be expected. Normally authors don't find themselves in such a crazy adventure, but safely at home writing about said adventure. She was pretty tough, but by the end, I definitely would not want to mess with her.

I really liked Finn's character. However, the relationship between him and Fate was a bit too instalove and wishy washy for me. I could see some of the chemistry between the two, but it didn't always click. I felt like I had missed the beginning of their relationship and they jumped straight into the middle of it.

There are some great side characters in this story. Namely Sithias, a snake with wings who leaves the first fable to become Fate & Finn's friend and accomplice. He was hilarious and ah I loved him so much. He was so relatable and had the right idea when it would be time for them to run.

The ending was pretty crazy. Sometimes Fate is a bit too much damsel in distress, but I'm hoping that can change. I'm curious to learn more about the Keep and the Inkwell family!