Reviewed: June 8th 2023
Released: June 1st, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Adelais was raised in the far north, learning stories of the old gods and the skill of weaving runes into magic. Now, she is locked in a convent far from home, forced to kneel to a foreign god.
When inquisitors arrive with plans to torture an innocent man, Adelais cannot stand by. She aids an attack to free the prisoner and joins the raiders as they flee into the night.
Her new companions are the last of the Guardians—once a powerful holy order, now ragged fugitives, hunted almost to extinction.
The knights carry a secret treasure, precious and powerful enough to shape kingdoms. Their pursuers, desperate to possess it, will crush any who stand in their way.
Nowhere is safe—in city or chateau, on the road or in the wilds. And even disguised as a boy, Adelais draws attention wherever she goes. Is she angel or demon, priestess or witch?
Adelais must summon all her courage and all her memories of the old gods’ magic as the noose tightens around her and a thunderous final reckoning approaches.
Helen’s thoughts: 5/5
Hammer of Fate is a gripping, epic fantasy tale set in a world remniscent of the french renaissance era, with a definite nod to the mysterious Knights Templar. The main protagonist, Adelais is truly a masterful character. She leaps of the page, a woman wronged by her own own people, banished to a house of worship she is desperate to escape, but fate has another path for her. A much more dangerous and challenging path, and yet their is the possibility for her to find love on the way.
Adelais finds herself travelling with the Guardian brothers, each of whom sacrifice much in fulfilling their duty and beliefs. They seem to get a poor return for their dedication, and some of the scenes are harrowing. The Anakritis are truly vile and despicable in their pious justification of their actions. I hope they all get their comeuppance in due course.
A dark and gritty novel, beautifully written and carried by its characters, all of whom are wonderfully developed and stand on their own. The magic is deceptive, almost hidden as Adelais tests her knowledge, and you are still left wondering, does she have magic or is it just circumstance? A wonderful start to a new epic fantasy trilogy. I can’t wait read more of Adelais and her adventures.
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published. Or if you prefer a stronger romance sub plot then you’ll love my Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series
Helen Garraway 