Champion of Fate

This is the first in a duology set in fantasy world, where an order of eternal female warriors called the Aristene have a calling to become the protectors of heroes and lead them to glory.  The central character, Reed is saved by two of these warriors after all in her village had been killed and she was taken prisoner as a child. But this is only the start of her journey to become one of the Aristene and gain immortality.  This brief description in no way prepares the reader for the imaginative world building that the author has created and especially the contrast between the real world and the home of the warriors.  However, the characters still show many of the all characteristics that we see surrounding us in our world today.  This becomes even more apparent when Reed and her ‘sisters’ are sent into a world with warring kingdoms, where they are given heroes representing different participants.  What will happen when duty and personal feelings conflict and can the warriors find a way to fulfil their destinies?

What a wonderfully rich and well-constructed world, where you really believe in the people and event.  The plot is complex, but so beautifully written that it is easy for the reader to follow the twists and turns.  The pace of the story is always fast and keeps the reader on their toes.  However, it is the interaction between the characters that really makes this book.  There are layers of emotions, many developed over a long period, which highlight the great variety in the Aristene warriors.  Although they have been trained in a certain set of beliefs, some of them find it more difficult to actually follow the rules.  We see lots of conflict but also a real feeling of support and family, in the broader sense.  There is also a plot twist which will have the readers gasping, as Reed makes a decision that will have huge repercussions.   I am looking forward to the climax of this story in the second book.