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.

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!

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!

If you love the Romantasy genre, run and grab this book. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put this story down. I absolutely cannot wait for the second book and will be purchasing for my trophy shelf! The heroes, the world building, the villians, and the forbidden love come together to create a wonderful read. This makes it into my top reads of 2024!

If you’re anything like me, Fate and Fury will give you serious Fourth Wing vibes—and I mean that in the best way possible.
This book has it all: forbidden love, an “enemy from within” twist, a FMC coming to terms with how powerful she is with AND without her magic, a MMC that will die for her no questions asked, and a storyline that’ll have you reading way past bedtime.
Emily Colin created this tension between her characters who absolutely shouldn’t be together but somehow can't resist each other beautifully. The forbidden romance between the two main characters is written so well that every scene between the two feels charged, and you’re dying to know if they'll finally cross that line or hold back. (I could not put this book down at night, im so tired 🤣)

And let’s talk about that whole “enemy from within” trope. Emily did an incredible job of weaving it into the story, I was constantly wondering who’s really on the Katerina's side throughout the entire book.

I'm going to need this next book here asap. Like tomorrow would be ideal for me.

I fell in love with this book from the very first page!

The twists and turns in the plot kept me completely obsessed. The themes of witches, shifters, demons, magic, prophecies, and forbidden romance made the story feel truly magical.

The book explores the bond between a witch and the shifter who protects her. Their journey to safeguard their dark world is filled with adventure and emotional depth. The well-developed heroes, rich world-building, intriguing villains, and the tension of forbidden love all come together to create a wonderful read.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next book.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an eARC!

Fate and Fury 5:5 stars this book was absolutely fantastic and it kept me compelled the entire way through. Gosh it grips you and takes you on a wild intense adventure. Forbidden love, intrigue, unexpected twists and turns. Elemental magic. Shadows(shifters) but not like any shifters you have ever experienced. One of the best reads for me this year. I love reading something that takes me away to a place I’ve never experienced before. I can’t wait to see what happens next with this amazingly strong FMC and what her light shows us next! -Kerin

I honestly don’t even know where to start because Fate and Fury completely knocked me off my feet. This book is an absolute masterpiece of dark fantasy and forbidden romance, and it’s one of those rare stories that grabs hold of your heart and refuses to let go. Emily Colin has created a world and characters that are as breathtaking as they are devastating, and I am OBSESSED.

The kingdom of Iriska is unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s dark, beautiful, and steeped in magic and danger. Colin draws on Slavic folklore to create a world that feels ancient and alive, with layers of history, rituals, and prophecy that are woven seamlessly into the story. The details like the portals to the Underworld, the blood-bonded Shadow system, and the elemental magic are so vivid that you can practically feel the power thrumming in the air. This isn’t just a backdrop for the story.. it’s a living, breathing world that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

Katerina is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She’s a Dimi, capable of commanding the four elements, and she’s fiercely loyal to her people. But she’s not just defined by her power she’s complex, flawed, and carrying the weight of so much responsibility. You can feel the conflict inside her as she tries to balance her duty with her own desires, especially when it comes to Niko.

Then there is Niko. He’s her Shadow, bound to protect her by blood and magic, and he’s completely devoted to her. But it’s not just loyalty it’s love. Deep, soul-crushing, forbidden love. The prophecy that their love will bring about the return of an ancient Darkness hangs over every interaction they have, and it makes their connection so much more intense. Every glance, every touch, every moment they share is packed with tension and heartbreak. You can feel how much they care about each other, but you also know the consequences if they give in.

The story itself is a whirlwind. There’s action, betrayal, political intrigue, and so many twists that I was constantly on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something completely unexpected would happen, and I’d be left reeling. Colin does an incredible job of keeping the stakes high, not just for the characters but for the entire world of Iriska. The prophecy, the looming darkness, and the constant threat of betrayal make this one of the most gripping reads I’ve picked up in a long time.

The villains in this book are another standout. They’re not just one dimensional bad guys, they’re layered, dangerous, and so well-written that you can’t help but be fascinated by them. The challenges Katerina and Niko face feel insurmountable at times, but that just makes their determination all the more powerful.

Emily Colin’s writing is absolutely gorgeous. She has this way of painting scenes so vividly that you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The descriptions are lush without being overwhelming, and the emotions she captures love, fear, longing, anger are so raw and real that they practically leap off the page. The pacing is perfect, balancing intense action with quieter, more emotional moments that give the story so much depth.

The ending... I knew it was going to be intense, but nothing could have prepared me for how gut-wrenching it would be. Colin delivers a cliffhanger that is equal parts devastating and thrilling, and I’m honestly still trying to process it. It’s the kind of ending that makes you desperate for the next book because you NEED to know what happens next.

Fate and Fury is everything I want in a fantasy novel. The world-building is rich and immersive, the characters are complex and unforgettable, and the story is packed with tension, action, and emotion. Katerina and Niko’s forbidden romance is one of the most beautifully tragic love stories I’ve ever read, and I’m already counting down the days until the next book in The Bone Moon Duology.

If you love dark fantasy with epic stakes, lush writing, and a romance that will completely wreck you, this is the book for you. Emily Colin has created something truly magical, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you won’t regret it. But fair warning: you’re going to want book two immediately!

Goodreads Review:

This book is easily one of my top reads of the year. I was hesitant at first—similar to ACOTAR, it made me nervous—but wow, was I wrong. From the first page, it threw me straight into the deep end and refused to let go. The pacing is fast, the world-building is immersive, and the story grips you relentlessly. If you're a fan of intricate fantasy worlds and engaging plots, this is a must-read.

It has the dark allure of One Dark Window, the magic and character dynamics of ACOTAR, and the intensity of Fourth Wing—yet it stands strong with its own unique voice. The Slavic-inspired fantasy elements added a fresh and enchanting touch, making it a perfect read for me. My only complaint? The brutal cliffhanger. Now I’m left desperately waiting for Emily to release the next book in this duology.

This book made me cry, gasp, hold my breath, and even kick my feet in delight. While I usually prefer more explicit romance, the fade-to-black approach worked beautifully here—it still delivered tension and heat while keeping the focus on the story. I’d still classify it as having spice because of the emotional intensity and action-packed scenes.

An absolute masterpiece. 10/10. I’ll recommend it to everyone I know.