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jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
Prophesies, magic, and working to prevent the end of the world seem to be commonplace for an unforeseen hero in Kel Kade's Fate of the Fallen.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mathias is a charismatic young man who seems able to make anyone adore him, so it makes perfect sense that he should be the Chosen One to fulfill a longstanding prophesy to save the world, which his Grams only just now revealed to him as they prepare to rather suddenly depart their town. Pulling in his best friend, and brother in all but blood, Aaslo, who is a respected forester, will prove to change both of their lives in unfathomable ways as Mathias seeks the adventure of saving the world while Aaslo leaves his home and forest out of loyalty to his friend (and to keep him in line). Up against relentless attacks from magi and other magical creatures might bully many into being willing to succumb to the evil forces bent on destroying their world, but Aaslo's determination to keep fighting for survival seems to forestall much of the inevitable end the prophesy foretells.
An intriguing dynamic, which plays with the generic epic fantasy quest story line, with the leading characters proved to be rather entertaining and humorous despite the danger frequently surrounding them. The characters and their perspectives were captivating in the depth of the evident emotional attachments they formed with one another as well as the humorous dialogue that provided some levity to a gloomy situation; though at times the transition between their POVs was a little rough. While the story pokes fun at and plays with the basic adventuring/quest story archetype, there wasn't much concrete about just how the world is going to be saved, which left the journeying feeling a bit aimless for most of the text. World building and the incorporation of magic, gods, and other realms was generally well-done, making it easy to envision the story's events.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Mathias is a charismatic young man who seems able to make anyone adore him, so it makes perfect sense that he should be the Chosen One to fulfill a longstanding prophesy to save the world, which his Grams only just now revealed to him as they prepare to rather suddenly depart their town. Pulling in his best friend, and brother in all but blood, Aaslo, who is a respected forester, will prove to change both of their lives in unfathomable ways as Mathias seeks the adventure of saving the world while Aaslo leaves his home and forest out of loyalty to his friend (and to keep him in line). Up against relentless attacks from magi and other magical creatures might bully many into being willing to succumb to the evil forces bent on destroying their world, but Aaslo's determination to keep fighting for survival seems to forestall much of the inevitable end the prophesy foretells.
An intriguing dynamic, which plays with the generic epic fantasy quest story line, with the leading characters proved to be rather entertaining and humorous despite the danger frequently surrounding them. The characters and their perspectives were captivating in the depth of the evident emotional attachments they formed with one another as well as the humorous dialogue that provided some levity to a gloomy situation; though at times the transition between their POVs was a little rough. While the story pokes fun at and plays with the basic adventuring/quest story archetype, there wasn't much concrete about just how the world is going to be saved, which left the journeying feeling a bit aimless for most of the text. World building and the incorporation of magic, gods, and other realms was generally well-done, making it easy to envision the story's events.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
forever_king's review against another edition
1.0
Started off solid with an interesting premise.
DID NOT DELIVER ON THAT PREMISE.
ALSO STOP TALKING TO PEOPLE WHO AREN"T THERE IT GOT ANNOYING AROUND THE HALFWAY MARK
AND WHY DOES IT JUST IMMEDIATELY JUMP INTO A DRAGON FIGHT RANDOMLY
THE LAST HALF OF THE BOOK IS EDITED COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY.
DID NOT DELIVER ON THAT PREMISE.
ALSO STOP TALKING TO PEOPLE WHO AREN"T THERE IT GOT ANNOYING AROUND THE HALFWAY MARK
AND WHY DOES IT JUST IMMEDIATELY JUMP INTO A DRAGON FIGHT RANDOMLY
THE LAST HALF OF THE BOOK IS EDITED COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY.
justingar72's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mschrokosch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I got an ARC during SD Comic Con, and l have to say I loved this book; the storyline is Unique and has the dark humor I enjoy. I like all the characters personalities, and the weird and wacky turns the story keeps taking. Poor Aaslo! Can't wait for book 2.
mingreen's review against another edition
dnf @ 22% /// i have to stop as soon as the "forester" mc describes an alpha/beta pack dynamic in wolves and men. I only accept this in omegaverse. otherwise, it's just common red pill bullshit in the manosphere.
umairah's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Fate of the Fallen was a fantasy book that subverted the 'chosen one' trope and managed to strike a balance between end-of-the-world bleakness and light-heartedness. At the start, the writing and plot felt a bit immature but the story strengthened as it progressed and more characters were introduced.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Aaslo was a forester (a person tasked with caring for the forests) and all he wanted was to save the trees- but he ended up trying to save the world. One fateful day, his friend and brother in all things, Mathias, discovered he was chosen. According to prophecy, he was the only one capable of saving the world from evil. It wasn't that much of a surprise, he was skilled and much loved by all, so of course he was destined for greatness... right? Wrong. When he met his untimely end, the very distraught Aaslo decided to take up Mathias' mantle and give their world a fighting chance.
When there wasn't a 'chosen one' anymore, everyone gave up and prepared for doom. Aaslo, however, thought if he was fated to die he might as well do so fighting for the greater good- not hiding away. Generally, I thought that was a good message because in real life so many things don't go to plan but it's not an excuse to give up but more of a reason to move forward with resilience, tenacity and hope for the future- like Aaslo.
As a character, Aaslo was solemn and serious but also extremely genuine in a likeable way- there was not an ounce of deception in him. Some of the other characters were quite endearing too, most notably the two thieves Peck and Mory and an ex-mage called Teza. However, there were a few different points of view, some of which I didn't care about at all (like that of the reaper called Myropa) which made my progression through the book quite forced at times.
The plot was just... a lot. I think if it just focused on Aaslo it would have been fine but the meddling gods kept making appearances and they made the plot more confusing. There was magic, mages, prophecies, fae, zombies and a dragon arm (yes, just an arm) and while it sounds fun, it would have been more fun if the plot was better developed and there was less of what felt like seemingly unnecessary filler.
In conclusion, Fate of the Fallen was a rather humorous read that had a nice twist on a well-known trope. It wasn't spectacular but would make a refreshing read for someone tired of the same old, same old.
Thank you to Tor Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Fate of the Fallen was a fantasy book that subverted the 'chosen one' trope and managed to strike a balance between end-of-the-world bleakness and light-heartedness. At the start, the writing and plot felt a bit immature but the story strengthened as it progressed and more characters were introduced.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Aaslo was a forester (a person tasked with caring for the forests) and all he wanted was to save the trees- but he ended up trying to save the world. One fateful day, his friend and brother in all things, Mathias, discovered he was chosen. According to prophecy, he was the only one capable of saving the world from evil. It wasn't that much of a surprise, he was skilled and much loved by all, so of course he was destined for greatness... right? Wrong. When he met his untimely end, the very distraught Aaslo decided to take up Mathias' mantle and give their world a fighting chance.
When there wasn't a 'chosen one' anymore, everyone gave up and prepared for doom. Aaslo, however, thought if he was fated to die he might as well do so fighting for the greater good- not hiding away. Generally, I thought that was a good message because in real life so many things don't go to plan but it's not an excuse to give up but more of a reason to move forward with resilience, tenacity and hope for the future- like Aaslo.
As a character, Aaslo was solemn and serious but also extremely genuine in a likeable way- there was not an ounce of deception in him. Some of the other characters were quite endearing too, most notably the two thieves Peck and Mory and an ex-mage called Teza. However, there were a few different points of view, some of which I didn't care about at all (like that of the reaper called Myropa) which made my progression through the book quite forced at times.
The plot was just... a lot. I think if it just focused on Aaslo it would have been fine but the meddling gods kept making appearances and they made the plot more confusing. There was magic, mages, prophecies, fae, zombies and a dragon arm (yes, just an arm) and while it sounds fun, it would have been more fun if the plot was better developed and there was less of what felt like seemingly unnecessary filler.
In conclusion, Fate of the Fallen was a rather humorous read that had a nice twist on a well-known trope. It wasn't spectacular but would make a refreshing read for someone tired of the same old, same old.
Thank you to Tor Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
efrady777's review against another edition
DNF: Page 78. The beginning of this book was amazing and I was really loving it but then I slowly stared loosing interest. I've picked up a few times and made no progress so I don't think I'll give this another try.
faded_ink's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75