Emotionally rich, character-driven fantasy that stays with you.
Fated is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. What starts as a slow-burning fantasy romance quickly unfolds into something deeper—more human, more haunting, and more emotionally layered than I expected. I picked it up for the magic and the tension between Ash and Areya... and stayed because the characters felt real.
Areya is one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve read in a long time. She’s not a chosen-one stereotype—she’s thoughtful, uncertain, emotionally complex, and trying to make the best of an impossible situation. Her growth throughout the book is quiet but powerful, and the relationship between her and Ash is achingly good. The chemistry, the guilt, the restraint—it all builds so organically, and the payoff is worth every page.
What truly sets this book apart is the emotional depth. It doesn’t just skim the surface of grief, trauma, or love—it sits with them. The writing is immersive and breath-based, and the pacing mirrors the emotional journey of the characters. It’s beautifully done.
And the best part? The world only expands from here. I’ve already gone on to read the next books in the series, and each one adds new layers to the magic, the lore, and the cast. The scope gets bigger, but the emotional core stays personal.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy that puts character first—especially readers looking for slow-burn romance, found family, and protagonists who feel like people you could know.

This is a spoiler-free review! :)

As an avid Romantasy reader, I knew the second I saw this book on Instagram that I HAD to read it.

Areya is a young woman who woke up one night to find her entire world changed overnight- and that she is being framed for it.

Sitting in jail for a crime she knows she could never commit, she is taken from jail and swept away into an entirely new world by Ash and Calyx- two men forged into weapons. Though she fears them, she can't help but feel drawn to Ash, the brooding, handsome man she encountered while out with friends a mere few days before the events of this book.

As Areya is taken deeper into this world, the dichotomy between the pull and the fear she feels towards Ash continues to develop. What follows is a story full of surprise, magic, healing, and restoration.

One thing this story reminds us is that first impressions are not always accurate- and this shows in the development of these dynamic characters. I found myself unable to put this book down, as there were constantly moments as the story progressed where a character's true nature and potential were revealed, and it was not as I expected (in the best possible way!).

Cosette Verga's world-building is truly phenomenal- amount of detail and planning that must have gone into creating this series makes this world truly come alive.

So many surprises around every corner- and the details all weave together seamlessly. Cossete Verga is a fantastic author, and I'm so excited to see where she continues to take this series, and any of her future work!

I am now beginning the fourth book in this Fated series, and I can tell you- every single page is worth the read! You will NOT regret reading this series.

As an avid Romantasy reader, this series has everything!! Fated bonds, romance and passion in spades, enemies to lovers, found family, a strong FMC(Female Main Character), adventure, magic, and a reminder that in ALL of us, there is great potential to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us, each in our own special way.

I highly recommend this series! Romantasy lovers everywhere will be flocking to this series, and I can't wait to see it!

An awesome read for romantasy readers. Perfect for new readers as well as romantasy experts. Highly recommend for lovers of ACOTAR, Thorne of Glass, Fae Isles.

From the first page, Fated didn’t just pull me in. It transported me. I wasn’t just reading about this world, I was in it. Walking the broken kingdoms, breathing in the magic, carrying the same hope and fear as the characters. Every chapter made me feel everything: love, grief, rage, awe. Their battles felt like my own.
What stood out most is how this story takes the tropes we all love in romantasy and makes them feel new again. The fated love, the chosen one, the found family are all here, but they feel more raw, more layered, and more human. It is not just about destiny. It is about choice. About forgiveness. About the way love can heal and destroy at the same time.
The romance gave me everything I crave in this genre. It is slow-burning, charged, and emotional. But it was the depth that floored me. The characters feel like people I know, people I ache for. I laughed with them, broke with them, and more than once had to set the book down just to breathe.
I went in thinking ACOTAR was the top of the genre for me, and I came out realizing I was wrong. Fated does not just match it. It surpasses it. Each book only gets better, stronger, more gripping, more devastating and more healing.
This is not just a book you read. It is one you live through. And when you are done, you are not the same.

Wish I could do half stars because this book deserves 4.5 stars!
That was one heck of an introduction!! The style of writing and the setting was absolutely intriguing!
The spark between Ash and Areya were instant and the sexual tension was always there from the beginning. It’s definitely a slow burn but so worth the wait!
This book had me blushing and giggling so much but the ending 😭… I’m really starting to hate these Cliffhangers… but luckily I can move on immediately to book 2!

FATED BY COSETTE VERGA
Book 1
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Stunning cover.
Now that's how you write a prologue 👏.
I was dragged in from that alone and I just wanted to sit in my chair and read and be taken Into this world of magic (mama of 4 kids so these kids of mine had other ideas).
It's been a very long time since I've read any fantasy books and let me tell you this book has made me fall in love with the genre all over again.
I'm in love with this world and so excited to see where cosette will take me next ♥
Bring on book 2 AWAKENED
Cosette Verga

This book was fun, fast paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved how descriptive it was and how while reading it I felt as though I was inside the book, not just along for the journey but a part of it almost. As though watching a film rather than reading words on pages. I loved how much depth the characters have and how much care was given to creating the world and the story.

I saw this book making the rounds in a big romantasy Facebook group and decided to check it out. I read a lot since my sister runs an indie bookstore, and I like to know what might do well for her shelves. This one really stood out.
From the first chapter it grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. The story is fast to get into, the world feels big without being confusing, and the characters have real depth. There were moments that made me laugh and others that hit a lot harder than I expected.
I’m already into book 2 now and it’s even better. Definitely a series I’ll be recommending to my sister.