Giving this read 4 stars as I enjoyed it but it seemed to drag a little for me.

I was really excited to read Champion of Fate as I'd read Kendare's other series, Anna Dressed in Blood, and had really loved her style of writing. Champion of Fate is a very different read and I found myself almost telling myself at times to pick up my tablet and read. That isn't to say the book was bad, I just found it a little too slow for me.

I expected the classic romance elements and while there definitely were whispers of a romance throughout the story, the twist of the book really had me surprised. I hadn't expected that kind of outcome at all. Despite not having much time in the book I really enjoyed Gretchen's character and would have liked to have seen more of her as she resonated with me. I could see myself in Gretchen. I also wouldn't mind delving into Lyonese's backstory. I feel like she has more to give.

As for Reed I'm interested to see how her story is going to play out following the events of the end of the book.

I enjoyed this story but the Aristen reminded me of the Bene Gesserit. It's well plotted, fast paced and the world building is well developed.
The excellent storytelling kept me reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The magic of Kendare Blake strikes again. A new spin on the Chosen One trope set in a superbly unique world, this is fantasy adventure at its very best!

4.75⭐️

“Behind every great hero is an Aristene.
Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.”

This book had everything you’d want in a fantasy: found family, sisterhood, horses, romance, magic, and the list goes on. The world building was done so well by Kendare that it made imagining everything so easy and I was immediately ingrained in the story. Reed and Hestion’s relationship was so sweet, and seeing her struggling with her sense of duty and her longings made her feel that much more real. The found family was one of my favourite parts of this book and seeing how much Reed cares for those she loves only added to her strength, and her badass nature. I’m so excited to see where the story goes in the next book, I can’t wait!

Thank you to @netgalley, @oneworldpublications and @kendareblake for the opportunity to read this e-arc, all opinions are my own. The Champion of Fate is releasing September 21st!

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Oneworld Publications for giving me access to an e-arc copy of this book in return for my honest review!

This isn’t the first book I’ve read from Kendare Blake (I read the Three Dark Crowns series when I was younger) but this has definitely become my favourite.

This story follows Reed, who was made an orphan and taken in by two mysterious female warriors who came across the scene of the massacre that killed her family. She finds that they are the Aristene, a group of female warriors who are tasked by their goddess to lead heroes to gain glory. You follow Reed become an initiate as she is finally given her first quest with the hero which will solidify her place in the Aristene, if she can guide him to the glory he has been fated.

I absolutely loved the unique magic system in this book, with only full Aristene having the full powers with the initiates having to ‘borrow’ from their mentors. The story building was beautiful, and it felt as if it had some similarities to the Amazonians and Greek mythology.

I also loved the relationships Reed finds in this book, both romantic and platonic. The love from her mentor Aster as well as the friendship and sisterhood she finds with her other two initiates Gretchen and Lyonene. The relationship that I loved the most though is the one with her horse Silco, I loved Silco as he has been with Reed throughout the whole of the way to get where she is now and they are so well suited for each other.

I honestly could not put this book down, and the fight scenes were some of the best I have read in a while. It keeps you on your toes and you don’t know what to expect next, but you know it’s going to end up with someone having their ass kicked! The ending really hit me hard though, but in a good way as you could always tell that this would end to happening to Reed, as much as she doesn’t deserve it! The set up for the best in the series is so good, and I cannot wait to read!

I would highly recommend this to any fantasy readers out there, looking for a kickass female MC.

Champions of Fate was a refreshing spin on the 'chosen one' trope, as young Reed is taken in by the formidable Aristene warriors when her village and family are slaughtered. The Aristene are a sect of female warriors, devoted to the Goddess of Glory - supporting, training and advising Heroes on their path to glory. Their depiction, influenced by Amazonian and Valkyrie warriors, is that of a sisterhood, and our story follows Reed and her friends as they quest to join the holy order, helping their first Heroes.
Characters were compelling and well drawn, and you couldn't help but root for Reed and her hero. Slower paced in the first half while Reed is completing her training, the second half of the book is action packed as Reed and her hero head to war. The pace change might be disconcerting to some, but I thought it was excellently done as Reed was thrust from the quiet and monotonous role of an apprentice into the chaos and confusion of battle. I did, however, find it a little hard to guage timescale once Reed joined Hestion. I couldn't tell you if they were at war for days, weeks or months, as there were few time markers.
I love the fact that the ending is left open and hope there are more of Reed's journeys to come. Really, this format could lend itself to countless heroes, or continue with Hestion, so I can't wait to see what the author chooses to do!

Thank you to Netgalley and Oneworld for this e-arc!!

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The positives
- unique world
- female warrior society
- compelling characters
- political intrigue
- themes of identity, belonging, family
- horses!!!

Reed is one of those driven and hungry characters that demand your attention. She pulled me in with her need to prove herself, and her desire to gain glory was both charming and heartbreaking. Above all, Reed is a child of tragedy, who has lost her identity and struggles to find belonging. I emphasised with her struggle to learn how to forgive, and I think she teaches an important lesson in learning to see beyond the past.

Reed’s difficulty to chose between duty and love was so sad, and the ending left me wanting more. I’m so invested in seeing what else is in store for her.

The world created by Blake is rich and unique; the idea that each hero is given an almost guardian-like figure drew me to this book. What kept me was the political intrigue, and the multi-layered plot, which kept me guessing. All her characters are equally complex and varied, with some really interesting development.

In the end, this book is such a beautifully written story, and offers a fascinating story about a young women, who craves belonging and finds it in many different places.

This book is going great until it absolutely ripped me apart at the end. You’ve been warned! But in all seriousness, this was such an intriguing idea for a plot and I loved following the trio of initiate Aristene on their training and watching their interactions with each other. They’re not the most obvious of friends and their relationships don’t always run smooth but they’re bonded by their years together and their shared purpose. The concept of magical warrior women working to create heroes out of people is amazing and the way the Aristene society is set up and how it is sustained by glory is incredibly creative.

I became incredibly invested in Reed’s journey (and Silco’s - I love a belligerent horse) in this book and especially her first task to make a prince into a hero. She’s cunning and creative, and certainly badass, but there are bigger things at play that see Reed thrown into dangers bigger than anyone expected. And then - then! - she’s faced with a difficult truth that she must decide what to do with and if it wasn’t the definition of being between a rock and a hard place, I don’t know what is. My heart shattered for this warrior girl and I’m still seething on her behalf. I’m going to need to know what happens next so I’ll definitely be getting my hands on a copy of the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Champion of Fate, the first installment of a new duology by bestselling author Kendare Blake, is a captivating read that left me eagerly anticipating what's to come. From the intricate worldbuilding to the cast of complex characters, this book delivers a mesmerizing fantasy experience.

I requested this as Kendare Blake is an auto buy author for me, and as usual I’m not disappointed. Reed, an orphan has been training for most of her life as an Aristene, and is about to take part in her hero trial so she can be a fully fledged member of the order.
The world building is absolutely stunning, the battle scenes are full of thrilling and tense moments and the characters are very likeable. It’s definitely an epic fantasy and I can’t wait for the next instalment

Orphaned Reed has been training as an Aristene since she was a child, and is ready to undertake her Hero's Trial to become a full member of the legendary order. With excellent world building, this story is gripping and feels like a proper epic fantasy. Really enjoyed it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake is an enthralling conclusion to a gripping fantasy series. The book takes readers on an epic journey filled with action, magic, and high-stakes battles. The protagonist, a brave and determined individual, faces formidable challenges as they strive to fulfill their destiny and save their world. Kendare Blake's storytelling prowess shines through in this final installment, with vivid descriptions and well-crafted character arcs that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The pacing is excellent, blending intense moments with quieter, introspective scenes that deepen the emotional resonance. The author's ability to weave intricate plot threads together is commendable, resulting in a satisfying and impactful ending. Champion of Fate is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, offering a thrilling conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Kendare Blake's talent for world-building and storytelling is on full display, solidifying her place as a masterful fantasy writer.

I initially requested this book based on the cover and the books description. Having never read anything by this author before I didn't know what to expect.
But I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The world building is incredible. the characters are so well written.
I was fully immersed in this world.
Can't wait for the next book!

Champion of Fate, the first installment of a new duology by bestselling author Kendare Blake, is a captivating read that left me eagerly anticipating what's to come. From the intricate worldbuilding to the cast of complex characters, this book delivers a mesmerizing fantasy experience.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the author's talent for creating strong and multifaceted female characters with rich relationships. Reed, the headstrong protagonist, grapples with the conflict between her sense of duty and remaining true to herself. Her journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as she navigates a world filled with unexpected people and desires that challenge everything she thought she wanted. I appreciated the depth of her character and how her sometimes impulsive decisions have far-reaching consequences, making her journey all the more compelling.

Blake's worldbuilding prowess shines throughout the narrative. The battle scenes are executed with precision, showcasing her skill in crafting tense and thrilling moments. Each encounter leaves a sense of anticipation, propelling the reader forward and fueling curiosity about the bigger story yet to be unveiled. The Aristene, with their desire to bring glory to their goddess while maintaining political neutrality, are particularly intriguing. The divide between the world of men and the mysterious power of the Aristene sets the stage for a larger conflict that promises to unravel in future books. The threads of the story are masterfully woven, setting up a solid foundation for an epic fantasy series.

Reed is an orphan who is sheltered by the Aristene and trained to become a member of their order. She sets out on her initiate task, entering a battle which has more complications than are apparent at first sight.
Champion of Fate is a sweeping epic fantasy tale of heroes and goddesses which kept me interested until the very end. At over 400 pages it is lengthy but definitely worth the effort.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.