Really good book! I couldn't stop reading! It had me at dark fairy prince and when I started it, it was so much more! The heroine is wonderful and her relationship with the hero is intense and so interesting. The story is fantastic. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.

From the first page of this book you're thrown into a fast paced plot full of action and it never gives you a chance to catch your breath. Winter is a strong female protagonist that I couldn’t help rooting for, add that to amazing world building and a plot that blew my mind. I couldn’t put this book down.
The plot twist had me on the edge of the seat and nothing is ever what it seems leaving me with some major trust issues with every character in this book.
A really strong start to a new YA fantasy and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley, and Rebecca L Garcia for my arc of Fate of Crowns in exchange for an honest review.
Published: 5th January 2021
In a world where Fae and Sorcerers stand against one another Winter, princess of Magaelor finds herself stuck in the middle of these warring factions. But when she is thrown into Mer filled waters, she finds herself stuck in the kingdom of Berovia, the kingdom whose army killed her brother. Now she must try to find her way back to seal the deal that is her marriage with the dark Fae prince and take her place on both thrones.

This book had lots of potential and I love the idea behind the story but I had a couple of problems with it which sadly made it a DNF for me.
Firstly, the pacing. It is fast and not in a good way. Within literally 9% of the ebook the princess has heard a prophecy and it's been fulfilled. Her love interest is killed immediately within a page of him being introduced, then her brother dies (not a spoiler as it's in the synopsis), her and her mother are exiled and then she's in the mer filled water. Just like that in less than 10% it's way way way too fast and really spoils any potential for a slow burn to draw the reader in.
Secondly, The main character Winter is only 15 she does turn 16 quite early on but even still all the tension, flirting and brooding going on feels a bit uncomfortable and I think she would have suited being at least a little older maybe 18.
Finally, it really does read like a bit of a mimicry of ACoTaR and FotA.
I think with a few revisits and editing this could have been really good but sadly it just didn't work for me.

Wonderfully written story with so much attention to detail you feel like you are immersed right there in this new magical world with the characters, and I never wanted to leave!

This is my first read from Rebecca L Garcia and it definitely not be my last, I loved every single part of this book, the writing is absolute perfection, the characters and storyline are strong and gripping, the words flow effortlessly across the pages, I couldn't put it down.

A fantastic strong start to a new series by a new to me author, and I cant wait to read more.

A wonderful novel with wealth of characters from all walks of the Fantasy World.

Winter Mortis, a Luna and Princess of Magaelor, finds herself promised to Blaise Lazarus, a Dark Fae Prince in what is hoped to be a union between Magaelor and Berovia.

Battles ensue between the lands and after Winter loses her dear friend Jasper through the murderous hands of her Father King Amos and then her beloved brother Andre whom King Amos sent into battle, Winter is sent to Berovia to prepare for he Wedding.

Winter finds herself in many dangerous situations and relies on Morgana, a Luna and seer whom she has know since she was a child, to show her what may lay in store for her but she can only glimpse what tragedies are ahead of her and even though she would like to be able to make friends with the many folke she meets she finds herself right back where she was in the beginning, dealing with the treachery of her Father and the mistakes she can't help but make.

After dealing with her Father, Winter is hopeful she can find a way to finally rule Magaelor the way it should be but we are left only imagining what will be in store for Winter and the many characters ewe have been introduced to in The Fate of Crowns.

A truly enjoyable book leaving you looking forward for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and give a true review.

This story had potential. Unfortunately, I felt like there was a lot of telling but not a lot of happening. I don’t really like that type of narrative. The main character was so clueless she was borderline stupid. She was quite young, but you’d think being in a family that treats her like crap and having watched her father kill a man just because she kissed him would clue her in to the fact that they are not good people. It just took her too long the figure herself out. The ending left in a bit of a cliffhanger. Maybe the next book will be better.

This books is a great read if you are looking for something fun and easy to read. I loved the main character and the magic in this book. It is the story of a girl figuring out who is and her place in the world in a fun and fantastical way. There was so many good characters in this story, I just wish the author flushed the side characters out more and made them more dynamic.

I really struggled to finish this book, as nothing in it was able to capture my attention. I found Winter to be a boring main character (and I'm really not a fan of eccentrically named characters that are so out of place with the rest of the character names) and couldn't connect to her. I also found the author's writing style to be stilted and overly pretentious, like they were writing to impress a professor rather than to actually tell a story to the reader.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Fate of Crowns in exchange for an honest review.

I'm fairly sure this is Garcia's debut and if it is, I'm insanely impressed. She has the YA fantasy narration voice down to a tee. The narration was honestly probably my favourite part of this because of how strong it was. I read an ecopy of this and I'm not entirely sure how many pages it is, but everything felt quick and engaging while still fleshing out the world and characters.

I do think there were a few pacing issues though. In chapter one we're introduced to a prophecy first being told that comes almost completely to fruition almost instantly. Our protagonist is set up to have a love interest who's removed from the plot the moment they first admit their feelings and one of the most important characters in the book who's introduced as a concept pretty early on doesn't arrive until the halfway point. I think starting the story with the prophecy and her feelings towards love interest #1 already established would not only get us into the important parts of the story quicker, but would also elicit a deeper response from both Winter and readers when the results of that prophecy and love interest are revealed.

The Fates of Crowns is described as for fans of Holly Black and SJM and considering we quickly learn that our MC is betrothed to a dark, broody, fairy prince you'd assume he's a big part of the story which is why it was so bizarre to me that he was introduced so late. When he is introduced, he becomes such a big factor in Winter's life and decision making that it ended up feeling rushed and I really think it would have made this book a lot stronger if he was introduced earlier, even if it were something as brief as an interaction earlier in the story where Winter meets him for half a moment so we could at least understand that there's a foundation there. Given the SJM and Holly Black comparison and Winter's betrothed's similar flirting and brooding styles to love interests in their works, I was really thrown off by her having just turned 16 for most of their relationship. I get wanting her to be young to excuse her naïveté and nothing super inappropriate happens, but being set up to expect that kind of romance meant every time anyone flirted with her I went into sheer panic that I was about to read a steamy romance scene with someone who was 15 like a week ago.

This was good! I know it sounds like I have a lot of negative feelings towards this, but it was so close to wonderful that the weaker points bothered me a lot more than they would have in something more mediocre. I'd be excited to read more from the author.

This is a fantastic start to a new YA fantasy series. With plot twists and reveals at every turn, the story focuses on a kingdom at war and a naive, sheltered princess uncovering truths that challenge everything she has been told.

I could not put this book down and I can see it being a huge hit with YA fantasy lovers. I will purchasing copies for my libraries.

The first book in The Fate of Crowns series, the story follows Winter, a young woman who finds herself embroiled in political intrigue and disturbing revelations that threaten all she knows.

Throughout the story, Winter is finding herself. A sheltered princess, Winter is naïve to the harsher realities of society. She lives under the protection of her parents and brother, and she spends much of her life sheltered. As Winter begins to learn the truth of her world, she has to reevaluate all she has ever known. She is smart and practical, and she feels a strong sense of honor. However, she is a bit judgmental and uncompromising as well. She is a well-layered and dynamic character and one of the highlights of the novel.

Blaise is a difficult character to understand. He’s pretty mysterious! His motivations seem complex and unclear, and he struggles to show his vulnerability. Throughout the story, I could never really tell if he was good or evil, and I suspect he is a bit of both. Determined to rule, Blaise holds his true feelings in, and I suspect he knows way more than he reveals to Winter. I’m curious to find out what secrets he’s keeping and where his loyalties lie.

Despite my suspicions about Blaise, I liked the relationship between him and Winter. They have amazing chemistry, and it is clear they have feelings for each other. However, they also have a total lack of trust, and nothing is ever what it seems with these two, which makes for a complex and unusual connection. Add secretive political machinations, and everything becomes even more complicated. I liked all of the layers to their growing relationship and am curious to see how it develops in future books.

I’m also fascinated by the political intrigue and the constant twists and turns. Winter has many revelations related to her father’s politics, as well as the political influence of other people in her life, including Blaise. I’m interested to see how Winter handles the political arena now that she’s gained more knowledge and has decided to rule.

This is an immersive and interesting story for readers who enjoy young adult fantasy. I also think that readers who like coming-of-age stories will appreciate the book. Thanks so much to Rebecca L. Garcia and NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely NOT what I was expecting, based on the description...but it was a great surprise!

Great for lovers of: YA fantasy, plot twists a-plenty, strong female lead

Winter Mortis is the crown princess of Magaelor, and we start the book with learning more about her magic and the kingdom. The story progresses quite quickly as we learn she is set to marry the prince of the dark fae prince Blaise. An unfortunate turn of events lead to Winter winding up in the rival kingdom of Berovia and we get to see her grow up quite quickly in order to get back to her kingdom.

I don't want to spoil too much, but nothing is what it seems, and there are plot turns that just really draw you in! These were definitely not expected twists either, so it really REALLY kept me on edge the whole duration of the book. I had to binge read this in one sitting, as it was just too good to put down. A solid 5/5 rating from me, and I can't wait to read more of this author and the series!

Thank you Netgalley, Victory Editing, and the author for providing me the ARC of this book.

An enjoyable read to the start of a new series, filled with magic, elves, faeries, plot twists, and much more! So many secrets are hidden within the kingdom of Magaelor, but that is only the beginning. Winter, the crown princess, has magic that is used through her staff, otherwise she is powerless. She has been sheltered for majority of her life, until she crosses paths with the merfolk and discovers much beyond the borders of her kingdom. Winter stubbornly refuses to see what is right in front of her, until it begins to destroy her from within. She is to be married to the dark fae prince, Blaise, but the knowledge she has causes her much doubt, for she is being used by her father for his own agenda. Winter's choices will impact many, including herself, for what she has learned could change everything.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own,

This book was received as an ARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been waiting for a good YA Fantasy novel and I am pretty sure I have found it in The Fate of Crowns. Murder in the family and a father being the most dangerous man in the kingdom and a whole other kingdom wants the family dead but you are the chosen one next to be queen. My jaw dropped many times throughout the book with my heart racing a mile a minute, even huffing and puffing too. I know our teen book club will be along for this thrill ride and will have intense conversations to come from it.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

The Winter we meet initially is perhaps a little shallow and most certainly very naive. She has a pampered life although I hasten to add its far from perfect with cold parents and a duty that prevents her experiencing everything that life can offer. Plus she is regularly given medication so sees life through a softer haze.
As the story progressed Winter found herself alone and needing to use her wits but she truly doesn't know who to trust as she's suddenly surrounded by enemies. This the first book shows that Winter has been far too trusting and her worth to those who should love her is sadly very little.
I didn't particularly enjoy the beginning of this book but did definitely prefer things towards the end. The Fae we meet are far from soft and the wars between them are manipulated with Winter right in the crosshairs. There is the possibility of romance but I'm not sure if the obvious choice is who Winter we will end up with. Essentially it's about a young woman embracing her place in the world and standing tall.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I really enjoyed The Fate of Crowns and can't wait to read the second book. The story was fast paced and it kept me engaged. I finished reading The Fate of Crowns within a day if that says anything how much I enjoyed it.

The main character Winter Mortis, a Princess of the Ash Court and Kingdom of Sorcerers is very naïve, head strong, and has some anger issues. I honestly could not blame her due to her relationship with her parents, the King and Queen. Throughout the book she grows and learns that maybe what she has been told and believes may not be true. Soon she finds herself making friends with ones she never thought could happen and a relationship she hopes that could become something more. In the end she has to decide to either follow her heart and be the ruler she should be for her people or allow things to stay as they are with a blind eye.

I want to thank Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a lot!

The story moves at a fairly fast pace. The main character Winter goes through tremendous growth from beginning to end as she realizes the truth behind all the lies her family has spun to keep her sheltered. At first Winter comes off as entitled, spoiled, and bratty, but her shallow-mindedness changes after one life altering experience that sets her on a wholly different course by fate. In a land of horrible and wicked fae, it’s hard to think your own flesh and blood could be the most wicked of them all.

New alliances are made. Unlikely friendships are forged. Your heart will break. A lot. And you’ll find yourself questioning just who you can truly trust when it seems everyone has their own agenda.

The writing in this book was beautiful, which made the world building even more magical. I could picture everything so well and felt like I was actually there with Winter as she makes this harsh journey of self-discovery. I highly recommend this book for anyone who’s a fan of The Folk of the Air.