We were meant to be seductive. We were designed to lure humans in.Fortuna Sworn is the last of her kind. Her brother disappeared two years ago, leaving her with no family or species to speak of. She hides among humans, spending her days working at a bar and her nights searching for him. The bleak pattern goes on and on… until she catches the eye of a powerful faerie.He makes no attempt to hide … eye of a powerful faerie.
He makes no attempt to hide that he desires Fortuna. And in exchange for her, he offers something irresistible. So Fortuna reluctantly leaves her safe existence behind to step back into a world of creatures and power.
It soon becomes clear that she may not have bargained with her heart, but her very life.
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Fortuna Sworn is a Nightmare. No seriously, with one touch, she can make your worst fear come to life. She and her brother have been living amongst humans all of their lives, learning about their powers and surviving. They’re the last of their kind, understanding how very valuable they can be. Two years ago, Fortuna’s brother, Damon, disappeared and although everyone has basically given him up for dead, Fortuna hasn’t lost hope. When a faerie comes along with an opportunity to reunite the siblings, she can’t pass up the chance. But a simple mission turns into so much more and Fortuna quickly realizes she didn’t understand what she was getting herself into.
I actually didn’t like Fortuna. I found her lacking in depth and for someone relying on the kindness of others, she didn’t listen, she was rude, she was disrespectful, and she was irreverent. Time and time again, people tried to counsel her, to guide her in this world she was unfamiliar with, and she punched them in the face. I get that she was all about rescuing her brother, but USE YOUR HEAD! What’s funny is that I liked everyone else. I’m a huge fan of the Unseelie king. There’s just something (a lot of somethings) that make him utterly devastating. Collith dreamed of a world of peace. He seemed to be all that was good. I wanted more from him and I hope he lets Fortuna go. I’m just saying. Then there’s Laurie. I’m hooked on finding out exactly what is going on with this man. Is he truly friend or foe? And let’s not forget Oliver. What is so obvious to us isn’t apparent to Fortuna. Again, this girl doesn’t use her head. But it’s all amusing in a way. With an entertaining cast of characters, it was impossible not to find myself completely obsessed with this story. I’m excited to see what’s next!
I’m intrigued by this story’s hidden depths, moments that don’t make sense now, but I’m sure will be clear as the story progresses. I’m enthralled with the characters, both the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’, although I don’t think there are any truly ‘good’ people to be found. I’m enchanted by the idea of a land of Unseelies living beneath our feet. Another world of fantastical beings, who are nothing like the fables say they are. If you’re a fan of magic and fantasy and heroines that don’t know when to quit, this read is for you!
4.5 Stars! What an original an unique story! This was very, well written and really drew me in from the start. I like that as much world and character building there was, it never felt bogged down by details. The action starts immediately and really just kept going all the way to the end.
I never really knew what direction it was going to take. I like that it was a surprise, but at times I wasn’t sure I liked the circumstances. By the end of this book, I don’t know how the heroine is going to be happy, which makes me wary.
Fortuna is stuck in a world she doesn’t want to be in. With a man, or I should say fairy, she doesn’t want to be with, but I also can see where he will eventually be someone she does want. Or will she? I’m not even sure of that.
Like I said, I have no idea where the author will take this but she has got me hooked. I need to know what happens in the next book. This is only the first book and does end on a cliffhanger.
4.5
I absolutely adored this book. It had everything I love in a good book. Supernatural beings, snarky humor, romance, action and many surprises along the way.
We deal with the Fae mostly but there are plenty of other supernatural groups as well. Overall I must say the world building was awesome, I loved their world mixed with ours. The author did a great job with world building, no info dumping but also not too slow or boring. I also enjoyed that some of the lore we know, does not apply in this world. Some do and others get a fresh spin on it.
The overall pacing of the book was good as well, there were a few times it just sped up out of nowhere but overall it was steady and great.
I loved Fortuna, she was strong, funny and still had a good head on her and made good decisions……. Most of the time. I liked that she stood her ground and did what she thought was best no matter what others said. She also accepted her faults and short comings and made it work.
Collith, I really liked I also liked that he is somewhat of a mystery and we along with Fortuna have to figure him out.
Laurie was one of my favorite characters and I’m dying to know more about him.
Oliver, …. Hmmmm not sure to be honest, even at the end…….. Sometimes it just left me a bit confused.
Overall. I really loved this book. Going in, I had no idea this is a new series and when I saw the ending I knew…… But man, what an ending it was. We get a major cliffhanger that keeps you begging for more and that I, myself did not see coming.
If you like fantasy or even urban fantasy, I highly recommend this book I’m so glad I had a chance to read it and find a new series to look forward to.
I give it 4.5
I was drawn to read this book because of the blurb. Do not be misled by the cover, which looks like a fairy tale retelling and, on my phone, I found it impossible to make out the title. This was an exciting, fast-paced urban fantasy (as good as the Dresden Files) and Fortuna, the snarky heroine, has to be even more ruthless and cunning than the courtiers of the Faerie court to survive. I particularly liked the way the ‘slaying a dragon’ trope was handled. Why would you kill such a magnificent creature unless you had no choice? Even though that was her situation, Fortuna still bitterly regretted killing the dragon and I was on her side all the way. I had no idea where the plot was going and couldn’t stop reading. An exhilarating read.
Fortuna is desperate to find her brother, who disappeared two years ago. Kidnapped in the woods behind her house and taken to be sold to supernatural beings, Fortuna is saved by a dark and dangerous male. Collith knows where Fortuna’s brother is and agrees to take her to Damon in exchange for one thing. Fortuna must become Collith’s mate.
The last of her kind, Fortuna is a Nightmare, and with just one touch, she can learn your deepest fears. However, when she enters the Seelie court, she realizes there are worse things than being a Nightmare.
Fortuna is everything I love in a protagonist. She’s fierce and intelligent, a little impulsive, and a total bad-ass. She fights for those she loves and for injustices. I love her sarcasm, which she wears like a shield. I love her continually conflicted feelings, her complexity, and her determination to do right by others.
And Collith! He’s so mysterious and aloof and in control. I don’t understand some of his actions and inactions but feel like Collith knows what he is doing. He is a mask of neutrality, and I just want to see underneath it! At some point, he and Fortuna are going to let their guard down, and I can’t wait!
Laurie is another intriguing character who kept me guessing throughout the story. His motivations are so unclear, and I’m still not sure if he’s a benefit or a threat to Fortuna and Collith. He’s another character with a lot of secrets, and that air of mystery makes me love him and distrust him at the same time.
The world is fascinating. On top of the human world, we are thrust into the Unseelie Court, which is the stuff of nightmares. This is not a book for the faint of heart. It is gritty and dark and includes abuse, kidnappings, whippings, and more. It is in the Unseelie Court that Fortuna goes through many dangerous trials in order to prove her worth and save her brother. The underground court, the supernatural beings, and the unusual society create a unique and intriguing setting.
We are also taken to Fortuna’s dream world, which she shares with her best friend, Oliver. This is a fascinating realm with endless possibilities, and the relationship between Fortuna and Ollie adds another layer to Fortuna. It is here where we see glimpses of Fortuna when she lets her guard down. Of course, her relationship with Ollie adds to her constantly increasing confusion, and I’m interested to see how Fortuna reconciles her conflicted feelings.
I loved this dark and twisty fantasy. It has great characters, fascinating and unique settings, and a fast-paced, unpredictable plot. I have so many questions about Collith, Daron, Laurie, and several other characters, and I can’t wait to start the next book in the series! Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I kinda feel a little guilty that I waited so long to read this book. The author was so kind to offer me a free e-copy so I could write this review. And after reading the blurb I couldn’t say no. But the book has been on my e-reader for quite a few weeks. However, yesterday I was totally in the mood for this book and today I literally devoured it!
What a lovely story and what an amazing plot! Sutton was absolutely right that this totally would be up my ally. The book is incredibly plot heavy. Everything that happens, happens for a reason and is leading somewhere. And even though Fortuna is forming relationships and getting to know people, that’s absolutely not the centre of this story. There is more going on, a lot more going on and it’s interesting from the very first page until way past the last page.
That’s partly because the world building is incredibly vivid without there being huge info dumps. Things are explained along the way, mostly even shown instead of told and even though the world is quite complex and rich, it never becomes confusing or hard to understand. The atmosphere in this book also really helps to feel the world, literally. And even though most of this book takes place in the Unseelie Court, we also got a good impression of our world and society and what it looks like in this story.
On top of that, this book is filled with amazing, complicated and mostly morally gray characters. Not one character is a total good guy or a total bad guy and that kept me as a reader constantly on my toes. It was hard to know who to trust and who to distrust and who to believe and who not to believe and I think that even now, at the end of book one, there are so many questions still unanswered! I will certainly read the second book too!
If you’re looking for a slow burn, plot-heavy and well thought out portal fantasy, this is a must read!
It’s been ages since I read a really good paranormal romance. I have an insatiable thirst for folklore and legends of the Fae and – being Scottish – Kelpies etc.
I just love the thought of there being a whole world that we have no idea really exists.
Anyway, enough of my childhood dreams that I never grew out of, lol.
This book here was exactly what I was needing. It has a little bit of all kinds of magical creatures and kept me glued to my kindle all the way through.
FORTUNA
Fortuna Sworn is a Nightmare, and not in the way my husband calls me a nightmare. She is a creature that can discover your worst fear just by touching your skin and then make you feel as if you’re in your worst nightmare. Pretty nifty, right?
However, she is not evil. Nope, her parents raised her and her bro right. To have some respect and compassion for all living beings.
After they died Fortuna and her brother Damon looked after each other but two years ago Damon went missing and she’s been searching for him ever since.
One day she meets a sexy as fuck faerie who says he can take her to him.
Now, her momma didn’t raise no fool, so she knows that the faeries can’t be trusted but…she just can’t turn down the chance to find and save her brother.
What does the sexy as fuck faerie want in return?
For her to marry him!
Her whole world is turned upside down in the instant she agrees and she will never ever be the same again.
COLLITH
Now this dude…is a complicated faerie. He’s got secrets lassies! And you know how we love a tortured, brooding, secretive male with control issues, right?
Mmhmm. This lad had me hooked from the start. He’s mysterious and powerful and hot as sin.
And there are so many layers to him. Nothing is what it seems.
Unfortunately, it was all from Fortuna’s POV and so now I’m dying to know the thoughts going through his head!
He’s sneaky, that’s for sure.
He conveniently misses out some rather important information when he asks Fortuna to marry him and he keeps so much to himself.
I need to know hs mind!!!
SEX SCENES
Okay. How do you know you’ve got a good book?
You know because there was no full-blown kinky fuckery in this book but I still could not put it down.
There is a scene or two with an orgasm here and there that was intense and hot and left me desperate for more (well played Ms Sutton, well played) but I need more! I have a feeling it’s gonna be scorching hot when it comes around though…(see what I did there?)
Final Thoughts on FORTUNA SWORN by KJ Sutton
I very much enjoyed this book and am about to jump right into book 2 because I just can not wait to see what happens next. There were only two things that I feel were missing. (1) the sex – of course. And (2) I found Collith to be a little more passive than I would have liked.
Show me passion. Show me temper. Show me his feral streak.
I wanna see him get primal, not just caring and gentle, ye ken?
4 Stars
Fortuna Sworn introduces the reader to an intriguing world full of dangerous fae and other paranormal creatures. Our heroine is a literal nightmare and she is dropped into a dangerous world where you really cannot trust anyone.
Fortuna is a good character and it’s easy to sympathize with her. She will go to extraordinary lengths to save her brother and she doesn’t back down from a challenge. Then there is Collith and I’m not ashamed to admit he is my favorite. He has his secrets and he is playing a long game, but it’s clear to the reader that he has it bad for Fortuna and that at his heart he wants to do what is right and make changes for the better. I really think these two would work so well together if they could just get it together and get on the same page. The cast is rounded out with some intriguing secondary characters. Laurie and Oliver are probably the most intriguing of those and Damon just breaks my heart. I will say though, I could have done without the kinda sorta love triangle that’s going on here. But to be fair, I am super picky with my love triangles.
This book introduces the reader to an interesting world. We have the Unseelie and Seelie courts and this book definitely lays the groundwork for much more. I would have liked to have some of the world fleshed out a bit more in this one, but as this is the beginning of the series I have hopes that it will be expanded on as the series continues. With the way this book ended I am REALLY dying to see where this story goes.
All in all, Fortuna Sworn is a solid start to the series. There are intriguing characters and a dangerous world and look I’m a sucker for fae so I’m all in. if you too are like me and love these kind of worlds this is a good one.
Lovely writing, great world-building, and intriguing characters bring this uniquely dark and beautiful book to life. I actually haven’t read a ton of fae-centered books (gasp! I know!), but after reading this one, I suddenly want more–starting with book two in this series because OH MY GOSH THAT ENDING.
Fortuna Sworn Kindle Edition
by K.J. Sutton
Thank you to K.J. Sutton for the complimentary review copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
I was deeply impressed on how quickly this book started out and got us completely up to speed on the world-building and the magical system of Fortuna’s world. By chapter 2, I was so thoroughly hooked, I didn’t sleep that night.
Fortuna’s story is a wonderful version of the Heroine’s journey into the Underworld. Much like Alice who falls into Wonderland by following the White Rabbit, Fortuna falls into the Unseelie Court by following Collith, a Fae who has many deep and dark secrets. The labyrinthine underground world is hallucinatory, frightening and astonishing. The characters in the Unseelie Court are complex, fascinating and more than meets the eye of the reader.
Ms. Sutton utilizes the medieval concept that the Fae and other supernatural critters are either part of the cohort that fought the First War in Heaven and were expelled. This reminds me of the Irish folklore that 1/3 of the Angels fought for God, 1/3 fought for Lucifer and 1/3 took neither side. Legend says the 1/3 that took no side were banished to wander the Earth The Fae are beautiful and monstrous, alluring and terrifying, which captures the original feeling of the Fae. No one is purely good and no one is purely evil. Her writing carries the horrible beauty with some of the most stunning and darkest word paintings I’ve read.
Fortuna’s character is lifelike, complex and consistent. As a Nightmare, she can taste and manipulate other creature’s fears but her own fears and anxiety weigh on her. Some of her best moments are when she overcomes the person she was to become the person others need.
There was a simmering sexual tension between Fortuna and Collith that gives the story some of its pop. Oliver (wait to you meet him) also carries much of the romance and support Fortuna has.
All in all, pretty darn amazing. And I’m off to read the second book. This is a series I place to follow closely.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Fortuna-Sworn-K-J-Sutton-ebook/dp/B07TVFQYYC
4.5 stars
So I went into this book with no expectations . While I do venture into the genre, I actually don’t read a lot of fantasy/paranormal books but when I do I’ll only keep reading if they grip me and capture my attention quickly . And this one did !! I really enjoyed it !!
Fortuna Swan Is a ‘Nightmare’. People see her as their version of the most beautiful but her power is deadly.
“Nightmares always drew stares. Whenever someone looked at me, they saw whatever face they believed the most beautiful. Like the nightmares that came at night, we were meant to be seductive. We were designed to lure our victims in. Then, when it was too late to draw back, we struck.”
She is hiding in the human world away from the likes of goblins, werewolves , faeries. She is The last of her kind as her parents were murdered and her brother went missing 2 years ago. But she hasn’t given up hope that he’s still alive and she would do anything to get him back . And she proves this over and over :
“I could feel Collith looking at me intently. “It’s not too late to change your mind,” he murmured. At some point the guards had stepped back to give us the illusion of privacy. “Walking away isn’t an indication of weakness. Sometimes it’s the harder choice.”
Damon’s face rose up, the gaunt-cheeked stranger he’d become. “The only place I’m walking to is that creepy hole,” I said flatly.”
Fortuna is loyal to a T. She will never make a promise she doesn’t intend to keep . She’s fierce . And she’s Brave, doing what she has to despite being terrified, in the hope of saving the person the means the most to her and honoring a promise to her mother :
“They don’t come along often. Those people who truly know you, who’ve seen the beautiful parts of you and the ugly ones, too, and stay anyway. Sometimes it’s a romantic partner, like… like Viessa. Maybe it’s a friend. But usually they come in the form of family. A parent, an aunt, a grandfather.” “A brother.” Sorrow dug into my heart, a sharp pain akin to a fingernail jabbing skin. I just nodded. “And wouldn’t you do anything to protect a person like that? To keep them in your life?”
This book was full of angst, mystery, desperation , devotion and exploration of what all these mean. The world this author has created is tragic but fearfully and wonderfully made. I’m hooked and looking forward to continuing this story . With so many questions still left unanswered and a intrigued curiosity of what Fortuna will do with her new found position I’ll be starting the next book with Eager anticipation !
I had so much fun reading this book and I’m immediately moving on to book 2. This book was refreshing to read because it featured a strong, powerful heroine, which I’ve been missing lately… While Fortuna is strong it’s clear she’s still discovering her own power and how to wield it. I really hope future books in this series expand on Fortuna’s power as Nightmare.
For a New Adult paranormal romance (leaning close to YA-Adult) it’s nice that the heroine isn’t a Mary Sue. She has flaws. She’s reckless at times. There’s room for character growth and a character arc as this series progresses. I see some darkness in Fortuna, and the dark/twisted side of me can’t help but wish more of her evil side comes out in future books.
All in all this was a wonderful escape, and a pleasure to read. Thanks to the author for providing me a copy of the book to review! I’m now off to read Restless Slumber. I can’t wait to read more about Fortuna and her werewolf.
Fortuna Sworn is a Nightmare, a descendant of the Fallen capable of getting inside people’s minds with a simple touch, revealing their deepest fears and making them real through a complex illusion. Her greatest hope is to find her brother Damon, who has disappeared for two long years. When a mysterious fairy appears in her path and offers a deal to find him, Fortuna accepts no matter the cost. But descending to the depths of the Unseelie Court will be full of dangers and terrible challenges that will test Fortuna’s courage and resistance, leading her to a dark destiny.
As soon as I started reading this book, I realized that I was going to love it. It has a strong start full of action and darkness, with such an interesting topic. I loved the Unseelie Court of the fae and all the cruelty that was hiding inside of it. The darkness in this story is amazing, it has a creepy touch that was really fascinating. But it was the presence of a Nightmare what captivated me the most because it was so original, I had never read about such a creature. And Fortuna is a character that I loved, such a strong and stubborn girl who will do anything to get what she wants. She’s so brave and also has a really strong personality. Her power is impressive, it created some scenes full of creativity that blew my mind.
On the other hand, we have Collith, the mysterious fae. Quiet, very intense, with an impressive power and hundreds of secrets that he’s not willing to unveil, Collith was one of the most intriguing characters in the story. I loved his interactions with Fortuna and their special connection, their encounters are full of sparks and a lot of intensity. The romance in this book is really hot. Another very interesting and intriguing character that was always in the middle was Laurie. He’s not who he seems to be and that probably made him the most mysterious character in the book. But it was his playful personality what captivated me the most. He is a really charming character.
And then there was Oliver. He’s the boy that Fortuna sees in her dreams, who lives and exists only in her subconscious waiting every night for her to visit him, probably created by herself after the trauma of her childhood caused by the death of her parents. Of course there is much more in Ollie than it seems, and I suspect that his true nature is much more intricate. He’s so sweet and considerate, soooo beautiful that he made me sigh with his gestures. Ollie also created such a beautiful and original settings, a world full of creativity.
I think there are a lot of interesting secondary characters and really ruthless villains. Although all the characters in this story have a little of darkness inside and perhaps that made them even more complex and special. Something that I found very interesting was the diversity in this book, since different beings, personalities and even sexual preferences. I feel that the story was quite inclusive.
The plot of this book was absolutely captivating. I devoured this story from beginning to end in a completely addictive reading. It has a fast pace, there is constantly action and new situations full of adrenaline, a lot of epic battles and all kinds of creatures. New things happened all the time, each page brought new fights, tons of adrenaline, and many adventures. It was IMPRESSIVE. There is an amazing creativity in creating this world so dark and original. I loved the setting of this story, the author’s writing is really special. Her descriptions were beautiful. There is so much imagination in this story and I loved that.
Also, it has lots of drama and scenes that broke my heart, but there are also some fun parts. I loved the mystery and intrigue in this story, all the secrets that are slowly unveiling, creating suspense and making really good plot twists. And that end was so shocking! I loved this book so much and it left me desperate to continue this story.
Wow I loved this book.
My late teens and early twenties were spent reading sci-fi and fantasy written by the likes of Anne McCaffrey, Mercedes Lackey, Katherine Kerr, Andre Norton, Julian May and David Eddings. That is were I learnt the patience of waiting for the next installment in a series, where I learnt that a cliff-hanger is not something to be feared but can be a thing of beauty and fell in love with all things fae.
K.J. Sutton is a new-to-me author who has instantly secured a slot on my “must buy” list. The story of Fortuna Sworn reeled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. It took me a chapter or two to really get into the story, but once I did this became a book that I didn’t want to put down. In fact I became most irate when trivial things like work, kids needing food and sleep got in the way of my reading it.
This is a twisty tale of a Fallen one, a Nightmare, a seemingly normal girl with a hidden ability and her battle to rescue her brother. Damon has been missing for two years, when Fortuna discovers he is being held by an Unseelie fae she is prepared to do anything to win his freedom. That anything involves a mysterious fae who turns out to be a heck of a lot more important and powerful than Fortuna could ever have guessed.
Fortuna will face trials and battles that will stain her soul as dark as the blood she must shed. Those battles of wit, intelligence and cunning are woven into a complex tapestry of a story, one where you can never be sure if the person in front of her is friend or foe. Added into the mix is the mystery of Oliver, who should be just a figment of her imagination but who seems more real than it is possible for him to be.
Whilst Collith seems to be the forerunner as her love interest, there are hints at other possibilities too. The book is fairly slow burn and the sex scenes were fairly tame, making this a suitable read for older teens and upwards. I would recommend this to fans of Pippa DaCosta, Kate L Mary and Lexi C Foss, or anyone looking for a well written fantasy/paranormal story. I LOVED it and will be jumping straight in to reading the next one. I just hope book #3 is finished soon!
Fortuna Sworn
K.J. Sutton
Once Upon A Time Books, Jul 2019
580 pages, Kindle edition
Adult Fantasy (debut)
Provided by Authur (ARC)
I fell in love with the cover, as did so many other early readers of this book. The design and the colors are just beautiful. Maybe the artist will do t-shirts with it. If so, I will certainly buy one. Ms. Danae, are you listening? And Jesse Green, nice choice of font for the title. This cover will surely win awards. I’d give just the cover 5-stars!
And the story is right there with it. The author is known for her YA fantasy books. This is her debut adult fantasy book and it shows us that her time was well spent in the YA realm. Fortuna Sworn and her brother are the last of their kind, Nightmares. All they need do is touch the skin of someone and they can access that person’s worst fears. From there they can send that person into a nightmare loop with their worst fears that can break their minds or kill them. Fortuna tries very hard not to touch anyone’s skin in her daily life. Even an accidental touch can send her into someone’s mind, something she tries very hard to avoid. She’s working as a waitress at a local bar, but her brother Damon has disappeared and she’s been desperately trying to find him. She has no one else since their parents are dead. She keeps looking for clues. Then she’s grabbed by goblins, who really don’t know what she is but they recognize great power when they sense it. They try to sell her at the black market, but a faerie man helps her escape. Then he leaves her a mirror that shows Damon in it and offers to lead her to Damon if she will marry him. She doesn’t know who he really is, but she can’t lose a chance at saving Damon from the torture he seems to be suffering, so she agrees and goes with the faerie.
The characters develop as needed throughout the book. And the world is simply amazing. Just Fortuna’s magic is a good example of what it is like. So unique. I have never found a Nightmare in another book. Her magic has its limits, but within its limits, it is extremely powerful. She understands how to use it and has refined her use of it. Collith, her husband, had another unique power. It was a total surprise to Fortuna when he used it to save her, too. And his power was why he held the position he did with the faerie. To earn her place with the faerie, Fortuna must undergo a series of tests, which no one has ever survived. But Fortuna has decided she will face the tests and succeed. The brisk pacing and nerve-shredding tension of this book kept me reading right up to the end, both times I read it. Yes, I’ve read it twice!
And I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys fantasy books that will have you tearing at your cuticles and fingernails and drinking coffee to stay with it until the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley to give a voluntary honest review. This review contains only my own thoughts and opinions of this book.
I was so ready to fall in love with Fortuna Sworn (both book and character) early on. The story had a very intriguing and unique starting point, with Fortuna being a personified Nightmare caged and ready to be sold. Her soulful personality and sorrowful life, as well as the appearance of the very mysterious and charming Collith completely drew me in from the get go. I found myself wanting to fall in love the story and characters immediately. However, as much as I wanted to there were just something significant missing in the story for me to do just that.
For lack of a better explanation the book lacked personality, both story-wise and character-wise. I guess both of them kind of goes hand in hand though since a really good story needs complex, emotional and realistically flawed characters to give the story some soul. Now, I wouldn’t go so far as saying that there was no soul or zero personalities. In the beginning I actually really did feel for Fortuna and I could easily relate to her as a character being in a scary situation she had no control over. Collith being so mysterious was very interesting and had a bit of a sass to him. Both were in fact very enjoyable character to read about. When deceit and drama was thrown onto the mix I was one hundred percent invested.
I don’t know what happened after that though. It was like the book had reached its peak and had nowhere to go but downhill. All that drama and loose ends I expected Fortuna to deal with was just left in the air unacknowledged. She never really confronted Collith or showed any true anger towards him after what he let happen to her. There was perhaps some resentment and distrust, but that was it. She just let it go and focused on the trials and saving her brother instead. Building up such drama in one chapter only to completely let it go the next was so unsatisfying, but even more so when she treated Collith as an ally after what he had done.
From then on most of what made the main characters interesting and real sort of disappeared in the background. I was mostly disappointed with Collith. I really thought … no, actually I really expected him to have a bigger part and bigger impact to the story. He became almost a sideline character instead. There, but not really there and that charming sass he displayed in the beginning were nowhere to be seen. He didn’t show much of any emotion other than what we readers had to be told he felt. Fortuna on the other hand went a different way. From being slightly sorrowful but compassionate she became vengeful and cruel, exacting revenge on anyone who had wronged her, even just slightly. In a nutshell she became a typical case of the bullied becoming the bully. I don’t think I’ve ever gone from loving a character to being annoyed with said character so fast. Fortuna however managed it.
Do not let me mislead you though. The book was still much enjoyable despite all that and I really enjoyed all the mysterious “are they real?” characters such as Oliver and Laurie. There is also a lot of mystery behind Fortuna and Collith as well and because of the issue above I feel a bit deprived of a real romance between them. I am hopeful that the next book will clear up a lot of the unanswered questions and that a bigger and more impactful development will take place. I am looking forward to continue with the series.
WOW! I bloody adored this book.
Fortuna Sworn snuck up on me catching me completely unawares.
I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy this quite as much as I actually did, mega impressed here.
My only issue with this as I didn’t want it to end when it did.
It is so going to kill me to wait for book two but needs must and I will be eagerly anticipating it’s release like yesterday.
So Fortuna Sworn (totally digging her kick-ass name) a nightmare is last of her kind.
Whilst out searching for her younger brother on the anniversary of his disappearance she is snatched by goblins and taken to be sold on the black market.
There she is assisted by an unknown faerie in escaping her jailors.
Striking a bargain with the mysterious Callith for his assistance in rescuing her sibling sets off a chain of events that will change Fortuna’s whole life.
A set of circumstances that will take her deep into the intrigues and dangers of the Unseelie court where all have a hidden agenda and she must watch her back at every turn.
As this story unfolds the transformation that Fortuna undergoes is both brutal and merciless.
Strengthening her inner core into the pure steel she will need to go head to head with the fae courts cold cruelty and game playing.
This also had some many diversely intriguing players: characters like Laurie and Oliver.
Both adding their own unique spin on the ongoing proceedings.
Also, Collith himself is so much more than what he originally appears to be his character so much deeper and empathetic than what he outwardly portrays to others.
There is also somewhat of a slight love triangle: I say slightly as that is what in essence it is.
I myself am not a lover of this trope and it didn’t bother me one bit so if you are not a fan of this just know that it does not play a pivotal part in this book.
I also managed to read this in one sitting no breaks as I was that invested here.
This is told from Fortunas POV and though I do prefer dual this didn’t bother me too much.
It would have been nice to maybe get some insight from Collith to but no biggie I was so into this I could deal with this small flaw.
This really was such a page-turner of a read and I want to read the next book like right now it is really going to be a feat of patience to wait for its release.
A new author for me here but a definite keeper for sure: I do so love it when I get surprised like this.
Highly recommend this its such a fantastic book.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Fortuna Sworn.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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4.5 Cranky Stars
Fortuna Sworn is a Nightmare dressed like a daydream. Ok sorry for breaking out my inner Taylor Swift but it’s true. Fortuna is a species called a Nightmare and with one touch to your skin she can see your worst fears and project them into your head and make you scared. Her looks are based on what you find beautiful to make her more alluring to you. She’s a rare breed indeed. She made a promise to take care of her brother for always and when he goes missing, she doesn’t stop looking for him. When she is trapped and caged and finds herself in a market full of supernatural creatures for sale a mystery man appears and gives her the keys. This man will appear at many times and comes up with a proposition to help her find Damon if she does a favor for him as well. His name is Collith and he is fae. He is hiding many secrets and Fortuna soon learns all the fae lore she learned might not be a hundred percent true. It’s a journey full of trials and backstabbing and heartbreak and Fortuna is a formidable woman.
This was the first story I’ve ever read about a species called a Nightmare. What a crafty gift to have. Fear drives so many people so why not. It was a lot of story going on so it’s one you really must pay attention too. It’s not a light read. I felt at times Fortuna was very immature especially in her reactions to things. She was a force don’t get me wrong I just wish she’d act more grown up at times instead of constantly lashing out especially at Collith who I felt in his own way was trying to help her along. I hope that if this becomes a series that we see growth from her and I want Collith to really embrace who she is. Fortuna Sworn has something for everyone who loves fantasy reads including a lot of mystery and drama. I was glad I got a chance to read a unique book based on a character I’ve never had the privilege to read.
This is a first read for me by this author. The blurb really intrigued me. This at first sort of had ACOTAR series vibe in the beginning. I loved the initial banter between the main couple. I wanted more of a background or initial introduction/buildup in the story. I have to say a good chunk of the middle part was a bit slow. I thought this going to be a standalone, but it turns out its book 1 in a
unknown # in a series. I just can’t pinpoint exactly why I’m feeling indifferent about this book. This was an ok first book for me.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This was a great read. Fortuna was a creature called a nightmare. Her power was to cause fear. She lost her brother and would do anything for him including marry the king of the unseelie court. She goes through hell and back only to realize that she has just begun to suffer. I can’t wait til the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.