“If I’m the fire,” she whispered, “then you are the kindling that lights the flame. Mind yourself, Shadow. Fire wants nothing but to burn.”

4.25/5 ⭐️ I loved this book a lot more than I thought I would, it was a little slow to start, but really draws you in. Emily Colin really knows how to draw a slow burn romance out and it was agonising and heartbreaking and I nearly cried at one point.

The story follows Katerina and Niko, Dimi (witch) and Shadow (protector), bonded to one another but also hopelessly in love with each other without the other’s knowledge. Katerina is the strongest Dimi to grace the realm, and the pair are the only forces strong enough to drive back the Darkness that is threatening to destroy the entire realm, included the Underworld where the demons preside. Niko has been promised to another, a Vila (priestess), as the romantic relationship between Shadow and Dimi is forbidden. What ensues is a story of forbidden romance, demons and dark magic, deadly trials, and ancient prophecies. There are twists and turns you won’t expect, and some of them are absolutely gut wrenching. It is a fantastic story that builds and builds, and Emily does an incredible job of bringing you into the story and gripping you without embellished storylines or theatrics or throwing action at you. Minimal spice, more plot in this book; but I did squeal a little inside when Katerina and Niko finally gave into their desire for one another.

This was almost a 5 star read for me, but I dropped it down because the terminology used is a little different than you typically see in a fantasy/magic/bonded pairs book, which is totally fine. But the explanation for a lot of these terms is missing, I didn’t see a glossary of terms page, and the wording wasn’t well explained early on. I pieced it together fine, but it really detracted from that early storyline and world building for me. I also felt that while this book is excellently written and well edited, some of the inner dialogue writing feels immature, and just doesn’t suit the way the characters have been developed and interact with one another.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Emily Colin and Black Orchid Books for the e-ARC of this book 💕

“Fate and Fury,” by Emily Colin

So, I thought this book was good but there were too many things I didn’t like, or thought was confusing. I liked the Slavic lore for sure, the shadows and shifter stuff were interesting. It was a little Christian religious vibe for my taste, but it wasn’t too bad. I felt like a missed a bunch in this book and was confused it was book 2 in the series but it is book 1 so I don’t know why it was written like things were already established. A lot of action and moving part of this book and I didn’t like all of it. I absolutely hated the infidelity stuff, and he waited until after to then listen, and it made me so mad. I wasn’t in love with most of the characters and I just didn’t feel super invested. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Slavic Lore
-Magic
-Demons
-Shifters
-Angels

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

I am destroyed! I am not okay! I LOVED this book!
Witches, shifters, demons, magic, prophecies, forbidden romance….
This is about the bond between a powerful female witch and the shifter male who is devoted to defend her, and their journey to protect their dark world. There is an excellent blend of romance and plot with conflict brewing all over the place. The story telling is remarkably well done, weaving together the stories and situations experienced by a handful of characters written in third person, and we get feelings and experiences from all of them. There’s also just a sprinkle of sarcasm and humor peppered throughout that I appreciate.
This is a really sexy, haunting, forbidden romance that left me emotional and tired, but in such a good way. This book ends on a major cliffhanger and book 2 of this duology is supposed to come out in 2025, and whenever that is, it is not soon enough!

I think this is a decent start for a new forbidden romantasy series. I really liked the the way the author described Iriska. I prefer less descriptive world building because it's easier for me to follow along with.

Fate and Fury by Emily Colin was such a fantastic read! This was amazing and I loved every single second of it. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can.

This was a strong start to the Bone Moon Duology series, it had that feel that I was hoping for and enjoyed from the genre. I was invested in the world and how the characters worked in this. Emily Colin has a strong writing style and left me wanting to read more in this series.

This book sweeps readers into the darkly enchanting realm of Iriska, a Slavic-inspired world where magic and myth collide. The story follows Katerina Ivanova, a powerful Dimi, and Niko, her devoted Shadow, as they protect Iriska from demonic forces. Their connection runs deeper than mere duty, venturing into forbidden love—a love prophesied to unleash an ancient Darkness upon their world. I really loved them as a couple, but I have to admit, I am not used to romantasy books where the main characters are already in love right from the start so that took some getting used to, but it worked and the trials they went through for each other were really beautiful. The book expertly balances forbidden romance, intense stakes, and richly woven Slavic-inspired lore. The Slavic inspired lore was really unique and it was part of the story I really enjoyed.

Witches, demons and a sprinkling of forbidden romance. This is a really good fantasy book that will have you impatiently waiting for the next one. The writing style was easy to follow and engaging. Would recommend picking this one up

Thank you NetGalley and Black Orchid Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I definitely loved a lot of aspects of this book, but I also thought some parts just fell flat.

Things I liked
- The emotional turmoil between our FMC and MMC
- Ana and Katherina friendship
- Katherina losing Niko (definitely shed a tear or two)
- Elena’s jealously 💀

Things I did not like
- The writing was engaging when there was tension between characters, but otherwise it did not hold or capture my attention at times (e.g. inner monologue or descriptive paragraphs)
- The world building lacked a certain depth that I craved
- Not a fan of the ending; I know there is a second book, but the book doesn’t feel like it end at a cliffhanger, but rather it just ended mid-chapter and i was left feeling that’s it??

Overall, I would rate this book 3-3.5 stars because it did lack the action and depth of plot that I need from my fantasy books. It does hold potential though and it is an uncompleted series. Additionally, just because it wasn’t the book for me, does not mean it might not be the book for you!

I was in love with this book from the moment I started reading. The writing style of this author was so amazing that it just sucks you in and you don't want to stop. I had to because of work, if I could have faked being sick - I probably would have. I loved all the twists and turns in the plot and the development of the characters. It is definitely one of my favorite romantasies, and I can't wait to read the second book!

Book Review: Fate and Fury by Emily Colin

Emily Colin’s Fate and Fury, the first book in The Bone Moon Duology, is a thrilling and darkly seductive entry into the world of Slavic-inspired romantasy. Set in the mystical realm of Iriska, the story follows Katerina Ivanova, a fierce and capable Dimi who wields command over the four elements. She is bound by blood to Niko, her Shadow, with whom she shares a bond that is both magical and forbidden. Together, they guard portals to the Underworld, battling demonic forces that threaten to invade their world. But the emotional and supernatural connection they share treads dangerous territory, one that holds the potential to release an ancient Darkness with cataclysmic power.

Colin’s world-building is one of the book’s standout elements. The kingdom of Iriska is a darkly enchanting landscape inspired by Slavic folklore, filled with portals to sinister realms, elemental magic, and a history that haunts its people. Colin does an excellent job in weaving lore and legend into the setting, imbuing Iriska with its own mythic weight and depth. Readers will feel transported to this otherworldly place, a land ruled by rituals, magical forces, and age-old prophesies. The sense of foreboding that lingers in the air of Iriska amplifies the tension between Katerina and Niko, heightening the stakes in their relationship and in their duty as protectors of the realm.

Katerina and Niko are well-developed, complex characters, and the story digs deep into the emotional weight they each carry. Katerina is fierce and formidable, yet her feelings for Niko add a layer of vulnerability to her character. The bond she shares with him goes beyond mere partnership; it is an intense connection that both enhances and complicates their magical powers. Niko, as her Shadow, is equally compelling, torn between his loyalty to Katerina and the oppressive knowledge of the consequences their love could unleash. Colin masterfully explores their forbidden attraction, making it clear that their feelings are as much a danger as they are a source of strength.

The romance between Katerina and Niko is both intense and tragic, as they are forced to walk a fine line between desire and destruction. Their relationship is forbidden not simply due to societal taboos, but also because of a prophetic curse that promises disaster if their bond crosses certain boundaries. Colin explores the magnetic pull between them with tension and sensitivity, making their struggle to resist each other deeply compelling. This push and pull creates a powerful romantic arc, as the two wrestle with their emotions and the terrifying possibility of what their love might unleash.

The plot takes a darker turn when Katerina and Niko succumb to their desires, setting in motion a series of catastrophic events. The results are swift and devastating, unleashing forces beyond their control. Colin’s pacing is sharp and relentless, with the fallout from their one fateful night driving the story into a high-stakes battle to save their world. As they fight to contain the forces they’ve unleashed, they find themselves facing unexpected foes—including someone close to them willing to strike a dangerous deal with demonic forces.

Colin’s writing style is lush and atmospheric, with a lyrical quality that enhances the story’s dark fantasy elements. She skillfully blends romance, suspense, and action, creating a world that feels as alive and unpredictable as its characters. Themes of fate, sacrifice, and forbidden love echo throughout the narrative, underscoring the emotional and moral complexities of Katerina and Niko’s choices.

Fate and Fury will captivate fans of authors like L.J. Andrews, Carissa Broadbent, and Sarah J. Maas, offering a blend of rich fantasy, intense romance, and epic stakes. This book is a compelling entry into a series that promises even more intrigue, passion, and dark magic. For readers drawn to tales of star-crossed lovers bound by prophecy and duty, Colin has crafted a story that is both heartbreaking and intoxicating, leaving readers eager for the next installment in The Bone Moon Duology. With its powerful characters, intricate lore, and tantalizing romantic tension, Fate and Fury is a must-read for romantasy lovers looking for a journey into a dangerous, beautifully realized world.