Review: Fates by Lanie Bross

Fates

Author: Lanie Bross
Series: Fates #1
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: YA Fantasy/Mythology
Format: ebook
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Source: eARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 3 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.*** 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people's fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she is falling all over again--this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die. In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

My Review:

Fates was beautifully written with lush imagery and some seriously amazing worlds. The imagery is what really made me keep reading this book. There were so many different worlds that we got to see and each one exploded with color and descriptions that made me feel as if I was there.

The plot line was interesting. I expected it all to take place on Earth, but it didn’t which surprised me in a good way. I also loved that Corinthe didn’t immediately give up her quest to kill the human boy. She stays the course, though she has her doubts, throughout most of the novel. I loved watching her fight with herself and struggle against her developing human emotions. Even though the romance didn’t immediately develop, once it did, it still felt a bit insta-lovey to me and was just way too intense at the end. I was not buying it and I actually rolled my eyes.

I wanted more Greek mythology. So we know that Corinthe is a Fate, cast out from her world. But there honestly wasn’t much Greek mythology beyond that. Uh, what? Where are the explanations? Where are the other elements of the mythology? I was pretty disappointed with this aspect. And right along with that, I thought the world-building was pretty shoddy. The worlds themselves were beautifully described, but we didn’t learn much about them, what purpose each served, where they came from, etc. I felt like a lot of details and explanations were missed that could have made the book much stronger.

The characters were okay. I liked Corinthe and Lucas enough, but I never really felt attached to them. I felt like neither character went through too much development which was disappointing. I did love how protective Lucas was of his younger sister. A protective older brother will get me every time.

Overall, the book was just alright. A gorgeous world was created and an interesting plot unfolded. With better world-building and stronger characters this could have been amazing. I felt like it could have been a standalone, but apparently it’s the first in the series so perhaps we will get more information and answers about the world in subsequent books. Happy reading all!   

Have you guys read this one? What did you think of the characters? Were you disappointed with the mythology aspect as well? What other great mythology books should I read?