Lovin' los libros

A Matter of Fate (Fate Series #1)
   by: Heather Lyons

Publication Date: Aug. 30, 2012
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Purchased for Nook
Page Count: 550 pages
Order Links: Amazon| B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

I honestly don't know where or how to even start this. My heart is shredded. Completely shredded after reading this book. My emotions have been jerked around every which way and let me just say: this book was pure awesomeness. Without a doubt- this book has the BEST, MOST WELL-DONE love triangle I have ever read. Those of you that hate love triangles? You aren't going to be able to hate this one. You aren't. Because it makes SO MUCH FREAKING SENSE. Gahhhh. Ok.

This was a 5 star read for me and an incredible start to the series. It is a long one, but there is so much to learn and so much going on you really don't even notice how many pages you've read already! First of all- Heather has done an incredible job with the world building. The way that she introduces the characters and explains their crafts is perfect. I didn't once feel like it was info-dumping, even though she did present us with a lot up front. Her writing style immediately pulled me in and I was so interested in all of these side characters and their roles and couldn't wait to see how they functioned in the Magical society.

Chloe is our main character and overall I liked her. There were times she frustrated me to no end and I was yelling at her to stop being such a teenager (LOL, I know.) I think what I liked most is that Heather created a very real character in Chloe. Yes, she has her moments where she can be irritating and whiney. Yes, she can be indecisive and she makes some huge mistakes. But she is a fighter. She would risk herself and throw herself in danger if she knew it would protect the ones she loves. The thing is? Teenagers aren't perfect. They're not supposed to be. They make things into bigger deals than they really are. She's absolutely frustrated because her life is mapped out to the letter. She has no choice in anything. Her schooling, her job, where she is to live? All preordained. For any person that is extremely frustrating. But to be 17 and know all of this? Not to mention- her parents are so guarded and emotionally distant. They don't answer her questions about the future and when she needs parents to care and comfort her, she doesn't get that from them. She is told she is acting immature and needs to suck it up. Chloe is a bit obsessed with two boys. And when you find out why? Yeah, you can't really blame her. I can see where some people wouldn't like Chloe because of the constant back and forth with her feelings, but I think that's what I like about her. She's completely 100% realistic and if I can't relate to my characters, it's over for me. The book won't work. I didn't get hung up on that side of Chloe- she has so many other endearing qualities.

This book does deal heavily on the romance side. Chloe is torn between twin brothers Jonah and Kellan. She has known Jonah all her life, as they met and were able to communicate via dreams. Neither knew what it meant, but over the years they fell in love with one another. The last year Jonah stopped visiting her and she is absolutely shattered. The two not only fell in love, but they formed a bond with one another. Imagine her surprise when he shows up at school. Imagine her surprise when she discovers he also has a twin brother. A twin brother who she instantly connects with. Yeah. Love is messy. Like I stated or exclaimed above- the love triangle is handled so amazingly. I mean, my heart is broken, because Heather has already stated she doesn't believe in polygamy. So there goes that option. I loved both brothers. You couldn't force me to pick a 'team'. Kellan serves as Chloe's constant for a good portion of this book- she feels comfortable going to him. Kel is definitely the more impulsive twin. Jonah is much more calculated, calm. Both would do anything for Chloe and risk themselves to protect her. Chloe's decision is most definitely not cut and dry. You know who she's supposed to be with according to Fate, but there's definitely more to it. I know you love triangle haters are going to be all, "Just pick one already! Quit jerking them around!" Again. Not. That. Simple.

Even though I felt like a lot of the book was dealing with Chloe's love life, Heather weaves in this paranormal world that I adored. I didn't feel it was too out there or non-realistic. She introduced Elves, Fae, Goblins, Dwarves and did it in a way that completely made sense to me. I really enjoyed the idea of the Magicals and the fact there were different planes of existences. Every Magical has a craft and Ascends (gains full power) at the age of 18. Chloe's craft is quite unique, as there is only one other besides her. When a string of Magical murders occurs, Chloe finds herself a prime target and must take the proper precautions. She has some members of the Guard step in to watch over her and by far my favorite side character is Karl. He is only 21, so not much older than Chloe and her friends. Yet, he is so protective of her not because it's his duty, but because he forms an attachment to her and cares about her well-being.

This is a great start to the Fate series and I can't wait to see where Heather takes us in A Matter of Heart!