4.5/5 stars | what a WILD adventure!

This was a freaking blast of a book, and I adored so, so much of it. This has a lot of video game inspiration infused throughout, and as a gamer, I appreciated this and felt it all throughout my experience with the book. Sparrow is a thief, and believes herself to be fated to work for the thieves guild for her entire life, never wanting or reaching for anything more. Little does she know, she has so much more to offer the world than she ever imagined… and fate doesn’t have anything to do with it at all.

This has the perfect balance of action, world building, magic, creatures, betrayal, friendship, budding romance, and epic feels. While the world felt reminiscent of lots of series I’ve enjoyed, the monsters and creatures made it entirely unique, and made the entire story unfold in ways I could never expect. I loved the found family between our main characters, and I loved all the gradual and immersive introductions to the different clans, species, and cultures throughout the world.

I really don’t have much of anything bad tos at about this book, just that I did want to feel a bit more I vested in the romance, and I’m excited to see Sparrow grow in her abilities. The very nature of who she is has made it rather… easy for her to get by compared to her companions, and while I don’t overly take issue with this, I think she has a lot of potential to grow into something even fiercer and more complex.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins for this eArc! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Fateless by Julie Kagawa

My first introduction to Julie Kagawa was several years ago, when her Iron Fey series got me through a particularly terrible week of the flu. Her books have a way of keeping you compulsively reading. Fateless had that same ability to capture my imagination and keep me burning through the pages.

The story is told from the POV of the main character, Sparrow, who was found as an infant and raised by the head of the Thieves Guild. As the story unfolds, we discover with Sparrow that she is no mere thief. I’d say that Fate holds more in store for her than that, but the truth is, no one can know what Fate has destined for Sparrow, not even Fate herself.

I enjoyed the Immersive World Building, sarcastic humor and action. But, I would’ve liked more background on her companions (the mysterious Raithe of the Iylvahn, happy-go-lucky Fatechaser Halek, and badass Kysa from the Scarab Clan).

4/5 Stars. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Kagawa, and Harper Collins for the opportunity to review the eARC. All opinions are my own.

intricately well plotted fantasy. it does possess many of the standard tropes, but they are made fresh by this story. super interesting. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

FATELESS is the first book in a new epic fantasy series. It introduces Sparrow who is a seventeen-year-old member of the Thieves Guild. She was found as an infant by the guildmaster and raised in the guild. She is a very talented thief.

She is given a mission by the Circle to travel to a buried city and retrieve an artifact. She'll either die on the quest or retrieve the artifact if she wants her mentor to survive. But what she doesn't know is that the artifact can be used to resurrect the Deathless King who wants to take over all life.

With the help of a fatechaser named Halek and despite the interference of the iylvaahn assassin Raithe, Sparrow does find the artifact and make it back to the surface. A former friend and fellow member of the guild steals the artifact from her and when she goes to the Circle to retrieve it, she is just in time to see him sacrificed and see the resurrection of the Deathless King.

She manages to flee the city as it is being destroyed along with Halek and Raithe but the Deathless King isn't willing to let her go. Apparently, she is fateless, her life's threads aren't tangled in the web that hold all other lives. That makes her the only one who can possibly defeat the Deathless King.

But what can one young woman who has known no future but that of the thieves guild manage to defeat a Deathless King? As Sparrow travels with Halek and Raithe to find answers, they are being pursued by agents of the Deathless King, chief among them being her mentor from the Thieves Guild so has been secretly engineering the return of the Deathless King. Sparrow needs to gather colleagues and allies if she will ever be able to triumph.

This story was packed with adventure. The world building was intriguing and the characters engaging. The only fault I can find with the book is the first in a trilogy. There is still so much adventure and growth that the reader will have to wait for in the rest of the trilogy.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I’m a somewhat casual Julie Kagawa fan (having read one or two books from her, but not having really dove into her backlist), so my attention was piqued when I heard she had a new book coming out. However, I became more excited when I learned Fateless had a treasure hunt/heist plot…which has been a recurring type of book I’ve been reaching for lately. And, just as I expected, I was immediately sucked in and blown away.
The world building is immersive and vivid, with well-drawn depictions of the city and environs the characters inhabit. I also enjoyed learning a bit about the power structure around the Thieves’ Guild and the Circle who control them, which drives a lot of the plot.
Sparrow is a solid protagonist, a competent thief, who is mostly in it for her own survival at first. I loved seeing her open up more throughout the book, letting others in and forging bonds as she and her fellow thieves embarked on their quest.
One of these fellow thieves is Raithe, with whom she has a bit of a romance, although it’s not a dominant element of the book. Their romance is fairly cute, and while she does develop bonds of trust with all the others in the group, Sparrow and Raithe’s interactions do stand out as fairly cute and romantic, if in a rather sweet, subdued way. Nothing to blow a primarily romance reader away, but it serves the narrative well in other aspects.
And when it comes to plot, there’s a lot going on, and it’s fast-paced, keeping the momentum going. However, while it’s fairly high-action, I do appreciate that the book also makes time for those nice, quieter bonding moments between the crew.
I had a lot of fun with this one, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! I recommend it if you enjoy fast-paced, fairly unique YA fantasy.

While Fateless didn't blow me away, it definitely shakes up the structure of a typical high fantasy novel, especially one with this kind of premise. As a reader, you're really just thrown into the mess, and it made the whole experience feel fresh and engaging. I wouldn't have been surprised if the reveal that happens around 20% in was an ending cliffhanger in any other book. Some of the concepts and core themes are nothing new, but the plot isn't afraid to play with the fantasy formula. There were definitely a few times Kagawa got me—I'll advise any prospective readers to question what they see.

As for the characters, Sparrow isn't an incredibly original protagonist, but she felt genuine and reasonable, like a real person making decisions, not a chess piece moved around by a higher power (which is oddly thematic). She doesn't hide her cowardice, but perhaps she's a little braver than she thought. While she didn't follow through on any of it, I appreciated that she considered giving in or running away. It makes her decision to stay feel both grounded and more impactful. There are three major side characters: Raithe, Halek, and Kysa. I really liked Kysa, specifically her connection to a greater culture and how she offered a window into that, as well as her occasional snark. Halek was...there. He wasn't bad or annoying, but he's kind of just...there. Raithe is the other half of Sparrow's romance, which was decent. I wasn't incredibly invested in it like some other couples I've read, but I found their development well-paced and their scenes quite sweet.

I would say that my only complaint is that I desired a little more complexity from the antagonists. Despite one antagonist in particular's attempts to get Sparrow on his side and rationalize his actions, that force as a whole is just cartoonishly evil. If I'm supposed to get conflict from Sparrow, perhaps the villain shouldn't be discount Sauron. In contrast, perhaps my favorite part of the whole book was the worldbuilding! Sparrow travels a decent amount in the story, and I love the setting. This is a completely barren world, populated by deserts in every temperature, even though it used to be lush and alive. Some characters have implied there's a reason the world became so inhospitable, so I hope there's more revealed about that in the next book, which I will definitely be reading.

I was so excited to receive this arc as Julia Kagawa was an author I grew up reading!

Fateless started off so strong in its introduction to characters and world building but I struggled a lot with much more jarring pacing than I was expecting. The plot never felt completely solidified as there were many pieces all moving at once that *could* be resolved in the next book but the foundation (for me) was not laid out in a way that made it intriguing and digestible enough to continue.

There is a romance subplot in this that had me really invested at first but it remained very underdeveloped and I was actually disappointed when things did finally culminate between the characters. Truthfully, they didn’t interact all that much for it to properly build up to a big chemistry pop so I felt underwhelmed. There’s also the matter of the mmc being an immortal entity of sorts (references to being hundreds of years old) and the fmc is 17…this gap is acknowledged on page and it seemed way too dismissive for me to be able to suspend disbelief enough to accept this as a relationship I could root for.

The author mentions taking inspiration from the world of the video game Assasin’s Creed and I can absolutely see this visually played out in the book! The way scenery is depicted is brilliant and transportive; I only wish the plot and characters could’ve followed suit for me.

Julie Kagawa has created another YA Fantasy Adventure masterpiece!

When seventeen-year-old Sparrow, a member of the Thieves Guild, is given a special mission from The Circle, a group of mysterious beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, she is determined not to fail and to impress The Circle members. What she doesn't expect is for the mission to send her on a dangerous and death-defying adventure. Sparrow must venture into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. But when she does, she unknowingly awakens a dark evil that will change the fate of the world as she knows it. To defeat this ancient evil, Sparrow must join forces with Raith, an alluring (and handsome) young assassin. Their lives, and the lives of those around them, hang in the balance as they try to defeat an evil that has not been seen in thousands of years.

Julie Kagawa creates an enchanting world full of mystical creatures, ancient cities and magic, and a scorching hot desert landscape. The characters are an intriguing mix of thieves, assassin's, magicians, and warriors who work with and against each other. There are strong themes of friendship, strangers/enemies to lovers, found family, betrayal, and self-discovery.

The quest Sparrow and her companions must go on keeps the reader fully engaged throughout the book. I was not bored for a second. The ending has a great cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting more.

Fantastic book!

Fateless is an engaging, high-energy fantasy that blends heist vibes with fate-driven mythology. The setting feels vivid and fresh, and Sparrow is an easy protagonist to root for—clever, determined, and layered with just enough vulnerability. I appreciated the girl-led crew dynamic and the threads of fate and choice woven into the plot.

While the action kept me turning pages, I did find myself wishing for more depth in both the world-building and character relationships. Some elements—especially the concept of fate and the tapestry—felt underexplored, and the pacing left little room for emotional beats to fully land.

That said, this is a solid start to what could be a very exciting series. I’m looking forward to seeing the world expand in future books, especially if we get more time to sit with the mythology and develop the ensemble cast further.

A daring thief, a deadly city, and a quest that could change everything—*fateless* is a thrilling, magic-laced adventure. Sparrow’s journey is tense, fast-paced, and full of twists. Fans of Sabaa Tahir will be hooked.

Fateless
by Julie Kagawa
Fateless #1
Fantasy YA Adventure
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
HarperCollins
Ages: 14+

Seventeen-year-old Sparrow was adopted into the Thieves Guild, and when she was old enough, she made a vow to the guild. A gifted thief, Sparrow is tested, then, after passing that test, she is sent on a quest by the Circle, the dangerous people who control the Thieves Guild.

Sent deep underground to an abandoned and forgotten city, all she has to find is a stone that is protected by the servants of a Deathless King. But there is an assassin who does not want the stone claimed because there is more to the little stone than just rock.


Starting off with a quick world and character building, the author pulls the reader right into the world, and they can't help but join Sparrow in her test. Sure, it did ramble a little, but... spoilers...

The MCs were great, though the other characters, especially one.. spoiler... while I felt the impact, it could have been harder with a little more development. And one of the bad guys really needs more to...spoiler...

I loved the mix of adventure and fantasy, the author did a great job creating this world and what it takes for the peoples to live in it. It does need just a little bit more history, though I could see that included in the next book, to increase the 'drama' and action.

This was a great book, and it moved along at that perfect pace that was quick but didn't leave the reader feeling overwhelmed.

There is violence and romantic interest, but it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.

I can't wait for the next book in this series... Highly recommend this book!

4 Stars

Fateless is a breathtaking, adrenaline-fueled fantasy that delivers everything I love in a high-stakes adventure—dangerous quests, ancient magic, secret guilds, and a fiercely determined heroine who refuses to back down.

Julie Kagawa builds a rich, mysterious world in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, filled with cursed tombs, terrifying relics, and secrets that practically drip off the page. The setting alone is worth the read—but it’s Sparrow who steals the show. Loyal, brave, and far more vulnerable than she lets on, Sparrow is exactly the kind of protagonist I root for. Her journey from determined thief to something much greater is both thrilling and deeply emotional.

The dynamic between Sparrow and Raithe, the enigmatic assassin with secrets of his own, adds a slow-burn tension that never overshadows the main plot. Their alliance—reluctant at first—evolves in a way that feels earned and layered, adding both depth and drama to the story.

Every chapter of Fateless is laced with danger, intrigue, and momentum. Kagawa doesn't just create a fantasy world—you feel the dust of forgotten tombs, the hum of ancient power, the chill of fate looming over every decision. The stakes are real, the battles are gripping, and the emotional payoff is worth every heart-pounding moment.

A phenomenal start to what promises to be an unforgettable series, Fateless is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, dark magic, and stories about choosing your own path—even when fate says otherwise.

Sparrow is a willing participant in the Thieves Guild and will do what it takes to be successful. She is offered a mission from the Circle and if she is successful, her position will be secure. She is now on her way to the forgotten city of the Deathless King with a team that isn’t trustworthy and a quest with ancient forces no one was expecting. What will Sparrow learn during this quest? Will everyone make it out alive?

Fateless is the first book in the series with the same name. This young adult fantasy takes readers into a new world with characters and obstacles that are breathtaking in their execution. Kagawa wove together her world-building and character development into a story that readers will be clamoring for the sequel. There is no cliffhanger, but the ending leaves no doubt that more is on its way.

I loved the author's introduction that explained her inspiration for the story. I've never actually played Assassin's Creed, but I have played other fantasy adventure/rpg games, so I could see what the author intended. As an Elder Scrolls fan, I definitely got nostalgic for Morrowind while reading Fateless. It also gave me vibes of the classic Dragonlance books I grew up reading. And I admit, I squealed and immediately became 100% invested when I learned the ilyvahn = dark elves/drow. I've always had a huge crush on Drizzt! It was a fast-paced story with almost non-stop action, which was great, but it didn't leave much room for a lot of character development. And as a character driven, slow-burn lover, I wish the romance was fleshed out more. Even though I was shipping them hard, I didn't feel much chemistry between them yet...and then all of a sudden they were kissing. But since I'm biased for dark elf romances, I loved the premise and look forward to the sequel.

Sparrow is a thief who teams up with a wanderer and an assassin to try and save the world from an evil king. But Sparrow is much more than a thief and with out her the whole world may be lost.

I liked the unique world, it very much gives off assassin creed vibes at times. The history is explained well with just enough details to give depth to the story. Sparrow is interesting, I enjoyed her growth and development as the story moved forward. There is very little romance, and little page time was spent with the 2 getting to know each other. I would have liked more back story on the MMC, very little info is given, which does lean into his mysteriousness as an assassin but makes it very hard to understand his feelings for Sparrow and how they came out of the blue. It seems likely book 2 will spend more time with the MMC and we will get some backstory that was missing from this book.

3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC.

This is such a cool book. The world is fascinating and I really enjoyed learning about some of the fate based faiths and how they differ in the different cities. The whole concept of the dying world and how that ties into the magic system and fate is really fascinating. That said the book needed just a little more of that to be fleshed out in this first book. The story is so fast paced it feels like we've seen a lot without learning much, what we know is so cool but very surface level. Even from the main group it feels like we could have learned more about their cultures. There is still some really well done character development despite this and the ending is so satisfying and worked really well with how fast paced the book was. I just needed a little more exposition to fully connect with this world. I am really hopeful this will come through in the next book and I am excited to see where their journey takes this crew next in this fascinating world.

Julie Kagawa’s Fateless is a masterclass in YA fantasy, delivering the exact kind of immersive adventure I’m always searching for. From the first page, I was instantly captivated by the world Kagawa has woven; it’s a unique land full of harsh beauty, intrigue, and danger, brought to life with vivid, evocative descriptions. The worldbuilding is exceptional—not only does the landscape itself feel like a living, breathing character, but the underlying magic, hidden ruins, and ancient prophecies provide layers of depth that make the setting unforgettable. As a longtime fan of epic fantasy and imaginative environments, I was continually awed by Kagawa’s ability to create a place both new and nostalgic, echoing the edge-of-your-seat thrills found in Tomb Raider, The Mummy, and Indiana Jones.

The story doesn’t just rest on a superb setting—Fateless is also a pulse-pounding journey of high stakes and emotional resonance. Sparrow, the seventeen-year-old thief at the center of it all, is immediately relatable, and her journey blends adrenaline-fueled action with deeply-felt moments of vulnerability and betrayal. The friendships and found-family bonds she forges feel genuine, grounding the sweeping plot in compassionate, human connections. The pacing is expertly crafted—never letting up for long—and every twist surprised me even as I rooted for Sparrow and her crew through heists, battles, and mythic challenges.

What truly elevates Fateless for me is how it revels in the best elements of YA fantasy while adding its own flavor: layered politics, ancient forces, slow-burn romance, and the notion of destiny turned on its head. Kagawa balances all these threads, delivering a book that feels both comfortingly classic and refreshingly original. I loved every moment I spent in this world, and I can’t recommend Fateless enough to fans of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Five stars—this is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I adore YA fantasy!

Thank you to publishers for an e-ARC of this story via NetGalley!

I think this was very fun! I appreciate that the action started very quickly, and for the most part didn't let up the whole time. I haven't played Assassin's Creed but I can get how this was inspired by it - lots of sand, skeletons, and swordfights! It's a YA story, and it does fall into some of the standard YA pitfalls, such as the FMC being kind of whiny and occasionally making poor decisions, but I found those shortcomings easy enough to gloss over and still enjoy the story. An adventure through and through, and I'm keen to learn more about this world in the following books.

I will say, there were a good handful of typos (an additional comma here, a missing period there, nothing too major), like to the point I really hope they are caught and fixed because otherwise that's embarrassing, especially as a HarperCollins story. The author also really clings to their favorite words and phrases - the word "abomination" was used 71 times (thank you Kindle for doing that counting for me) and good god please find a synonym, like "creature" or "monster" was -right there-, so I would love to see it line-edited in that way before release.

Overall, this book was fast paced with lots of adventure and a cool world that has room to grow. Feels very YA, but plenty of fun!

I was a big fan of Julie Kagawa's Blood of Eden series 10 years ago, so I jumped at the chance to read another book by her. This story was really good. Very slow in the beginning but once it picked up I enjoyed it. I loved Sparrow., but I, like many others it seems, was a little confused about the fate tapestry and how it all works. I'm patiently waiting book two!

The landscape in which the main character lives feels like its own character, enhancing both the setting and the plot of the book. While reading, the author noticed similarities to works like Fateless, Tomb Raider, The Mummy, and Indiana Jones, which brought nostalgia. If you enjoy stories about fate, found family, heists, and politics, you'll love Fateless.