Honestly, I feel exactly like I did with all of the Three Dark Crowns books about this book: so, so close to greatness, but not quite there. It’s missing something, but I can’t quite pinpoint what it is. Maybe the meanderingness of the story, or not fully connecting to the characters, but it’s just not 100% there. As with Three Dark Crowns, the worldbuilding is impecable and the characters extremely unique (I haven’t met a YA fantasy protagonist so unique in a really long time). It’s definitely a fresh and interesting story, but it just wasn’t all the way there for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for the opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available September 19,2023.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s a take about The Aristene, hero-making female warriors. It is about Reed, an orphan who will be kicked out of her only home if she doesn’t lead her first hero through a series of trials.

This is full of action adventure, angst and wit. I thoroughly enjoyed it even if I won’t read it again. Reed is so human. I enjoyed reading a book from a female Warrior perspective

it was ok, the time jump was too large we have no option to draw our own conclusions on the girls strength, how they are treated or anything really regarding their training.
Reed had no sobering moments when it came to the glory of battle , no balking at the cruelty of war jus t that it must be write because her hero is meant to be great.
i didn't care for Hestion too much, I don't feel like we really know him, he felt more rounded when it was just reeds vision of him and the way everyone keeps persisting that Reed and Hestion should be together is also not my favourite I didn't get much chemistry between them.

This was an exhilarating ride! Rescued after her whole family is slaughtered Reed begins her journey to become an Aristene with a hero to support and bring glory to. However it does quite go as planned and the tough choices she has to make are unavoidable and heartbreaking. It was so cool to see these bad ass women be the reason the men were heroes through their support, guidance and sometimes brute physical force and magic. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

We start off in a village that gets attacked and it's a bloody ending. The one survive is taken in by the Aristene, woman trained to bring glory to heroes they are assigned to throughout their immortal lives. Reed becomes an Aristene-in-training, off the bat the premise was amazing! Woman in history are known to be in the background anyways but why not make it so that's what they want , while making the main man of history a. glorious hero that all will remember throughout time? The book starts off pretty slow and I honestly didn't like Reed at all. I was also confused about how rules were bent and broken while she was finishing her Aristene training. The book reiterated how important their rules, laws and ways are but they got broken with no repercussions? The story moved along nicely when they actually engage in the war and it was fast paced from there. The ending felt like a good ending but I keep thinking about the jaw that wasn't found, so maybe there's more to the series!

One of the best books I ever read! I adore Kendare Blake's books, so I was thrilled to be approved to read this! The story begins with Reed, who is a young girl who is struck by tragedy. She is found by female warriors, and thus begins her new life.

Reed was very relatable, especially to someone who has also lost her parents at a young age. The "family" she found never could truly replace her parents, but she was stronger because of it.

Truly one of the best books I have read this year. I'm so excited for any sequels that come out!

This book was ok. It was a book, and I guess that's something.

At times it was interesting, but at other times, it seemed convoluted. It felt as if the author bit off more than she could chew, and spiraled a little out of control. The beginning was very slow, and I understand the background was necessary to a point, but it just kind of dragged. It felt like the author was trying to write an epic but just didn't get the pacing right, it was both too slow and too fast at times.

I admire the lore and the world building, clearly inspired by Greek mythology. It was slightly predictable because Greek Heroes usually pay for their glory and legend with their lives.

It was very tropey and fully of Young Adult cliches. There are so many rules and "this is the way it is" that clearly the maincharacter was going to deviate from the norm. Even after finishing the book. I don't really understand everything I read or care very much about the characters. I ended up skimming some of this because it just continued to drag on and not really say much. The main character was interesting, but not enough that I want to keep reading about her. If there are more books, the ending kind of sets it up for a series and goodreads has it as #1, I don't know if I will read them.

This book feels like a pet project by an author who has a few books under her belt with an editor that lets her write whatever at this point. I think this book could have been improved if it was shortened and given better feedback during the writing process.

This has turned into a harsh review, which wasn't what I intended, but I want to be honest.

When Reed is a child, tragedy hits her family, leaving her an orphan. After she is rescued and taken in by the Aristene, a group a female warriors who are tasked with leading heroes to their victory, Reed grows up wanting nothing more than to join these warriors herself. When it's Reeds time to go through the challenge trials to join the order Reed doesn't expect the choices she has to make along the way.

Reed was a strong character who strives to complete her challenge and lead her hero to victory, but once Reed meets Hestion, she starts to question whether joining the order is something that she really wants or is she willing to throw it all away. I enjoyed seeing Reed train alongside her friends Lyonene and Gretchen. Lyonene who is just as determined at joining the order is a strong character as well and a good ally for Reed and I enjoyed seeing them work together to complete their trials. Gretchen questions joining the order and decided to forge another path for herself.

There is a lot of descriptions surrounding the Aristene and their ways of fighting and the order itself. The second half of the book deals with a lot of fighting and the beginning of the trials and leading the heroes to their victories. The romance between Reed and Hestion is a bit rushed, but I still enjoyed it.

I've enjoyed previous books by Blake and was looking forward to her latest release. Overall, I enjoyed this one, while there some slow scenes, this was a pretty steady paced book with an intriguing ending that leaves me curious to read the next book.

I was familiar with this author already, but I think this is Blake's best book so far. Very solid effort, I can recommend this to both readers of young adult and fantasy fiction.

This is my first book by this author and it didn’t let me down. Every single chapter was exciting and I couldn’t wait to get to the next one. I can’t wait for the next book.

Champion of Fate
By Kendare Blake

I haven’t read Kendare Blake since Anna Dressed in Blood back in my YA days. So I was excited to give her a try about a decade (now I feel old) later.

I loved the premise, gave Valkyrie/warrior woman vibes. Goddess of glory sends her women to help fulfill a hero’s potential and the resulting glory is what sustains her.

Of course nothing is that simple, though.

The main character was relatable and you really felt each choice she had to make and the consequences. I’m definitely interested in reading more. I also enjoyed the found family aspect and the sisterhood.

The romance aspect was a bit hit and miss. It was sweet, if a bit fast. And predictable, at least in this first book.

I’ll definitely pick up the next one when it comes out.

Thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A song that starts with cries of slaughter, is salted with clashing swords, and finished with triumphant bellows. Champion of Fate is nothing short of incredible.
Kendare has managed to create a world reminiscent of Amazonian and Valkyrie lore while simultaneously being completely her own. The Aristenes and their order inspire and ignite glory throughout the land of men for that is what powers their mighty goddess Gloria and ultimately themselves. Their heroes may be mortal, but their glory lives forever.
I devoured this book and was loathe to put it down. Every character had such a well written personality that I even fell in love with the horses.. Let's actually be honest, ESPECIALLY the horses (one fiesty colt in particular 😏 )
From start to finish, the unfolding of events within Champion of Fate will keep you guessing, loving, and cheering every step of the way. If you like awe inspiring battle scenes, strong FMC's, and delightfully intricate story building, this is 100% for you.

The story unfolds with the introduction of Reed, a feisty young girl who endures tragedy and is raised by female warriors whom their goddess blesses to guide heroes. These warriors, or Aristene, are the nearly immortal “Hero-makers,” sent on quests for glory, not for themselves, but to create legendary champions.
Reed graduates from basic training to pass and then strikes out on her first mission as an “initiate” phase of guiding a hero to glory. If she passes, she can join their order of sisters and be a hero-maker. Until then, she is mortal and at risk of physical and emotional danger.

Kendare Blake’s world-building combines similarities to Amazonians, Greek mythology, and epic fantasy. It is not a fluff piece but dives into thought-provoking concepts like overcoming prejudice, choices, and strategy. The pacing and craftmanship shine through as solid work, one of which I highly recommend.

I am delighted to get an advanced reader copy through NetGalley/Harper Collins Publishers (and Kendare Blake) and genuinely look forward to any future stories, 4.5 Stars.

An absolute masterpiece! This book cements Kendare Blake as one of the best fantasy authors writing today. I was enthralled by the world building and cast of characters. Reed’s struggle with her sense of duty and the yearnings of her heart will have readers racing to the end and screaming for the sequel!

Introduction:

Behind every Hero is an Aristene, a legendary female warrior who helps heroes achieve victory. While heroes are celebrated in stories, it is the Aristene who play a crucial role in their success, earning them the title of “Heromakers.”

Reed, an orphan who was adopted by the Aristene order, has always aspired to become an Aristene herself. As an initiate, she has to guide a hero to triumph on the battlefield to prove her worth and secure her place among her sisters. Failure could result in her expulsion from the only home she has ever known.

Determined to succeed, Reed faces her biggest challenge when she meets her assigned hero, Hestion. While initially an alliance, their relationship grows into something more, and as secrets of the order unravel, Reed begins to question the cost of becoming an Aristene. With the battle ahead, Reed must choose between fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an Aristene or pursuing a new path with Hestion.

Thoughts:

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake, the first installment of the Heromaker series is a good start to a promising YA Fantasy series. If you know me, you know I am always down for female warrior orders who kick ass and therefore this book appealed to me in so many levels. The concept of Aristene order not taking sides about who become heroes or whether that said hero’s kingdom who they helped to bring to glory, later falls to ruin in order for another hero to succeed was really compelling. The world building was fantastic, the characters were excellently developed, the plot advanced at a good pace and the mystery and intrigue was great too.

Also there were a lot of nuggets of goodness in this book. I appreciated the author’s way of conveying the notion that even if you hold negative feelings towards a particular group or country due to a past experience, it does not necessarily mean that every individual from that group or country shares the same traits or beliefs as the ones you have preconceived about them. Another thing was how authentic affection shared by two individuals need not always result in wedlock. It is plausible to separate from the other person while maintaining a positive and amicable relationship with them, devoid of any feelings of resentment or hostility.

Champion of Fate is a great read, but it’s not without its flaws. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the fighting techniques of the Aristenes, I couldn’t help but feel curious about their other areas of study, such as geography and strategy, which were only briefly mentioned. Winning a war requires more than just combat skills, and it would have been great to learn more about the other important elements involved. This lack of attention to said details became evident once Reed and Lyonene actually got to the battlefield along with their heros, Hestion of Glaucia and Alesander of Cerille. The book’s lack of focus on these important details became apparent when the characters, Reed and Lyonene, joined Hestion of Glaucia and Alesander of Cerille on the battlefield. The military campaigns seemed to lack any form of strategy, with no clear hierarchy among the soldiers or war council to coordinate a plan of action. As a result, the second half of the book, which mainly focused on the war, was underwhelming. I feel that a bit more research on medieval warfare, specifically on how sieges are won, would have greatly improved the story.

Reed was a great protagonist. I really enjoyed her story arc and character growth but if I am being honest I loved Gretchen and Lyonene more. I loved how Gretchen’s character was content not to pursue greatness, glory and immortality but to live a simple mortal life to the fullest and Lyonene was absolutely brilliant. She was competitive, independent, wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, was badass but vulnerable at the same time. The three initiates’ friendship was well crafted and relatable. I loved it. I honestly didn’t care much for both Hestion or Alesander. Perhaps it was because the rest of the female cast of characters were such huge personalities and they didn’t really get to shine. I can’t pinpoint what it really was but it is what is, right?

Overall, Champion of Fate is a satisfying book and a good start to a series that could benefit more with a little bit of research about warfare moving forward. Looking forward to reading the next installment and how Machianthe’s story continues.

My heartfelt thanks to Netgally, Harper Collins Publishers and Kendare Blake for providing me this advanced reader copy.

Champion of Fate, the latest novel by Kendare Blake, follows Reed, a young woman training to become an Aristene, an order of female warriors who guide heroes to their victories. Reed has been raised by the order and is eager to prove herself by shepherding her first hero to glory on the battlefield. However, her assigned hero, Hestion, proves to be a challenging partner, and their strategic alliance turns into something more.

Blake has crafted an epic duology starter that will appeal to fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard. The world-building is immersive, and the lore surrounding the Aristene and their heroic charges is fascinating. Reed is a well-rounded protagonist, and her struggles with her loyalty to the order versus her feelings for Hestion add depth to her character.

The action scenes are well-written and thrilling, and the pacing of the story is well-done, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The romance between Reed and Hestion is slow-burning and satisfying, and their banter and chemistry make them a compelling duo.

Overall, Champion of Fate is a strong start to a new series that is sure to please fans of YA fantasy. Blake's writing is engaging, and the story is well-crafted with interesting characters, immersive world-building, and plenty of action and romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new epic fantasy to dive into.