I read my first Kendare Blake book in August of 2020, and her Three Dark Crowns series quickly snared my soul, and became entrenched in my Top 5 list. But this review isn’t about that series (seriously, read it). It’s about her newest HeroMaker series, and it’s entrance into the ether, Champion of Fate.
Let me just get this out of the way: I adore this book. I devoured this book, reading late into the witching hour, and when I read the last page, I felt content. So there’s that.
Blake, as she does, does an excellent job building worlds and mythologies and characters with a richness and diversity that makes you feel familiar with them from the first page. The characters, even the animals, have flaws. Decisions are made that have consequences. The action moves quickly with enough detail to keep you interested, while allowing you to know the characters, while leaving you longing to know them just a little more.
I could have handled some detail of Hestion and Reed, but there’s just enough hint of heat to satiate me. It’s not Blake’s style to be graphic in that arena, and that’s okay with me.
It’s Found Family and Anti-Hero. It’s rebellion and belonging. And there’s a bratty animal to boot.
Champion of Fate is heart-wrenching and delicious. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Characters 5
Story 5
World-Building 5
Spice N/A
Diversity 5
Total Stars 5
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend? Yes
Will I recommend this book to readers? Yes
