4,5/5 stars.

I really loved this book. It was everything I hoped for and even more than that. I can't fathom that this was a debut novel, it was so well written. It's also one of the best books I've read this year and can't wait to get my hands on the next parts of the series. And I know for sure I'll reread this one in the near-future.

The story was amazing, but what stood out for me was the romance between the main characters. Even though their love was forbidden, they made it work because they can't live without one another. The banter and spicy scenes between them were also chef's kiss.

I love the concept of this story, however, I feel like there could be more done to build the storyline. this felt really rushed to me for the amount of concepts that are within this story. And don't get me wrong, I LOVE spice/ open door romance in my books, but there seemed to be a lot of it just to have it. I just wish there was more to the plot, and I know there are more books to this. So I may give those a try later on.

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.

Book Review: The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead
Eliza Hampstead’s The Nephilim's Fate combines the thrilling allure of urban fantasy with the steamy intensity of forbidden romance. Set in a shadowy London teeming with supernatural intrigue, this first installment of Hampstead’s new series delivers a compelling mix of action, love, and dark secrets.

A Forbidden Love for the Ages
At the heart of the novel is the tumultuous romance between Alissia, a young woman whose life takes a supernatural turn, and Nate, the enigmatic Nephilim whose existence is tied to ancient celestial laws. Their love is doomed from the start—cursed by divine decrees that prohibit unions between their kinds—but that only adds to the tension and stakes.

The chemistry between Alissia and Nate is electric, brimming with longing, defiance, and passion. Hampstead captures the essence of forbidden love with scenes that alternate between tender and fiery, making their connection impossible to ignore even as the odds against them mount. Fans of Shadowhunters or Crescent City will appreciate the sizzling dynamic between these star-crossed lovers.

A Dark, Gritty World
The London of The Nephilim’s Fate is a rich tapestry of the mundane and the supernatural. Hampstead’s world-building is immersive, introducing readers to an underworld of vampires, witches, and celestial beings. The city feels alive, pulsing with danger and intrigue, its foggy streets and shadowy corners the perfect backdrop for a tale of love and war.

Through Alissia’s journey, readers are introduced to a broader conflict brewing between Heaven, Hell, and the in-between. The factions’ old rivalries and their intertwining histories lend the story a sense of depth and weight, setting the stage for larger battles to come.

Unforgettable Characters
Alissia starts as a relatable, grounded protagonist, but her transformation into a witch adds layers to her character. Her struggle to embrace her newfound identity while grappling with forbidden love makes her an engaging heroine. She’s courageous yet vulnerable, a balance that keeps her relatable even as she’s thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Nate, the brooding Nephilim, is equal parts protector and tragic figure. Haunted by his past and his cursed love for Alissia, his internal conflict adds richness to his character. His role as both warrior and lover makes him the perfect foil for Alissia’s journey.
The supporting cast, including rival vampires, scheming celestial beings, and Alissia’s witch allies, adds depth to the narrative and sets up intriguing subplots for future installments.
Themes of Love, Fate, and Defiance
Hampstead delves into timeless themes of destiny and defiance. The idea of a love forbidden by cosmic laws feels fresh under her pen, especially as the stakes transcend personal struggles and threaten to ignite a celestial war. Through Alissia and Nate’s relationship, the novel explores the idea of fighting for love even when it seems impossible—a theme that resonates universally.

Action and High Stakes
The novel doesn’t shy away from intensity. From the opening vampire attack to the high-stakes confrontations with celestial foes, The Nephilim’s Fate delivers plenty of heart-pounding moments. Hampstead’s action scenes are cinematic, blending brutal combat with supernatural flair.

However, the violence and darker themes are not for the faint of heart. Readers should heed the content warnings, as the story tackles graphic topics such as abduction and torture. These elements add to the stakes but might feel overwhelming for some.

A Cliffhanger Ending
Be warned: The Nephilim’s Fate ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving readers hungry for more. While the main conflicts of this installment are explored, significant questions are left unanswered, promising further twists and revelations in the series’ next entry.

Strengths
World-Building: Hampstead creates a vivid, darkly enchanting supernatural world.
Romance: The chemistry between Alissia and Nate is intense and compelling.
Plot Twists: The narrative is packed with surprises that keep the reader hooked.
Weaknesses
Pacing: At times, the story slows to delve into backstory or internal monologues, which can disrupt the momentum.
Graphic Content: While fitting for the genre, the graphic depictions may deter some readers.
Final Thoughts
The Nephilim’s Fate is a gripping and emotionally charged start to a promising series. With its blend of steamy romance, intricate world-building, and high-stakes action, it’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and forbidden love stories.

For those who enjoy tales of star-crossed lovers and battles between celestial forces, Eliza Hampstead’s novel offers an enthralling escape. Just be prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions—and the wait for the next book.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommended for fans of Shadowhunters, Fallen, and Crescent City.

The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead, the first book in the War of the Nephilim series, is a fantasy romance that centers around forbidden love and supernatural conflicts. The story follows Alissia, a scientist who discovers she is a witch after a dramatic encounter with vampires. Her rescuer, Nate, is a Nephilim (a being with angelic and human ancestry), whom she has dreamed about for years. However, ancient laws prohibit their union, placing their relationship at the center of a dangerous, hidden world of angels, demons, witches, and vampires.

The plot is driven by high-stakes conflicts, with Nate and Alissia’s love threatening to ignite a celestial war. The setting juxtaposes contemporary London with age-old magical traditions and battles, blending modern elements with ancient conflicts. Readers are drawn into a complex world where different supernatural beings—like Nephilim, witches, vampires, and demons—navigate power struggles, personal motives, and deeply embedded grudges.

The book’s themes include fate, forbidden romance, and self-discovery, appealing to fans of dark fantasy with strong emotional and romantic elements, similar to Shadowhunters but with more mature content that readers will love.

The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead was a lovely read! Such a good book to read on a cosy evening. Loved every single second of it.

Great read, lots of action, suspense. Supernatural creatures fighting for domination. It is a cliffhanger. When a woman finds out she’s a witch, she falls in love with forbidden species.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

Big thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read The Nephilim's Fate - A Forbidden Love Fantasy Romance by Eliza Hampstead! This book is such a fun ride, blending fantasy and romance with a unique twist on Nephilim and angelic lore. The forbidden love story between the main characters is intense and heartwarming, and the world-building really pulls you in. It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked from start to finish, with just the right mix of action, passion, and emotion. Definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a little magic and a lot of heart! I’m excited to see what Hampstead has in store next!

This was my first experience with this author and I did enjoy it. The book was very fast-paced and interesting. While the action keeps you engaged, there are moments when the pacing feels rushed. A bit more breathing room for character development would enhance the emotional impact. I enjoyed the forbidden aspect to the story and loved all the different creatures.
Overall, I liked the concept but I had a hard time getting fully into the story.

Loved the plot, I thought it was novel and interesting.
I had trouble with some of the phrasing, not sure if it was editing issues or the fact that the story is written in British English. Some examples:
"The witch screamed authority and respect, but in a good way. Like when you had enough, you could be kind."
"Everybody can watch you are mine."
It was hard for me to really get into this story at the beginning. Lots of potential but it felt like a huge story was pretty rushed. The fight scenes were lacking in intensity and didn't seem to flow well. However, the ending came together nicely though and I enjoyed the last fight scene. A bit of a cliffhanger.
Features: voyeurism, fated mates, love at first sight, mentioned orgies, description of torture, mention of rape (not of the mc)

Y'all, The Nephilim's Fate was a wild ride from start to finish! Imagine discovering you’re a witch and that your rescuer is a Nephilim—a half-angel, half-human warrior who’s got a mysterious past. That’s exactly where Alissia finds herself after a vampire attack. Alissia and Nate’s story hooked me hard; there’s this intense forbidden love vibe between them that’s totally swoon-worthy and yet darkly complicated.

What’s unique about this book is how it blends the whole angels-vs-demons setup with genuine, relatable character moments. Alissia isn’t just thrown into this world; she’s got real doubts, strengths, and growth. Nate? Chef’s kiss. He’s stoic, powerful, but there’s this softness underneath that peeks through every time he’s around Alissia. Their chemistry? Fire! You can feel it in every glance and every moment they have to pull away from each other because of all the crazy ancient rules keeping them apart. It’s the ultimate "can’t-have-you" tension, and it’s sooo good.

The side characters add a lot too, making the world feel rich and lived-in. Every twist was unexpected, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Hampstead threw in more surprises. The ending was satisfying, but it leaves enough open for the next book, and you know there’s going to be even more drama and tension in the sequel.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’re into forbidden romance with a dash of supernatural danger. If you love stories with a dark edge and a mix of action and romance, this one’s for you. Can't wait to see what happens next!

I’m trying to decide how I feel about this book!
While I really liked the plot, it was interesting and the story the spice was pretty off putting to me personally.

Kinda wish orgies and voyeurism were in the description, so I’m adding to it mine that way people know going in. It’s just not my style.
It made the romance odd to me, a whole species who will do anything, with anyone, at anytime and never care, never have feelings about sex but then fall in love due to having it? Doesn’t seem likely. But hey if that’s your thing, you might dig it .
There is also a pregnancy trope and it just don’t know how I felt about that either