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Fate of the Gods #1.5
Tempting Fate
Mia's lived in her sister's shadow long enough. Now that Abby is getting married to a Frenchman, Mia scents freedom. In fact, Jean DeLeon, the groom's too-charming cousin, seems like the perfect place to start. But the House of Lions is full of secrets, and what started out as an exciting fling is quickly becoming more frustration than fun. Mia wants answers, or she wants out, and it isn't like she doesn’t have other options. Ethan Hastings, for example. Tall, handsome, and gray eyes like nothing she's ever seen before.
The fact that Jean seems to hate him is just a bonus.
(This novella takes place during the events of Forged by Fate).
The fact that Jean seems to hate him is just a bonus.
(This novella takes place during the events of Forged by Fate).
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
About the author
Amalia Dillin
28 books286 followersAmalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course.
Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy, and the Orc Saga, beginning with HONOR AMONG ORCS. She also writes historical fiction under the name Amalia Carosella.
You can find links to all her work online at http://blog.amaliadillin.com/p/public...
Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy, and the Orc Saga, beginning with HONOR AMONG ORCS. She also writes historical fiction under the name Amalia Carosella.
You can find links to all her work online at http://blog.amaliadillin.com/p/public...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 7, 2016
I still REALLY don't like Mia. But I liked the perspective this gave me on Adam when I thought he was just being a manipulative little jerk-face at the end of the first book... My cheering section is now all muddled! Curse you Amalia! Very well written I must say. Totally had me hooked.
August 2, 2013
"Tempting Fate" is a fast, easy read that can be read well within an hour.
Going into it, and despite it being the 1.5 installment of the series, I had no idea going into this that it would somehow correlate to the first book. So yes, Adam, Eve, and Thor are all present and as usual, Adam is up to his schemes. Eve and Thor aren't particularly active characters in this so don't expect much from them BUT Adam is much very present within it so be on the lookout for him.
....
The plot in 3 Sentences:
To me, the story line of "Tempting Fate" is very simple. Mia, has always lived under the shadow of her sister Abby and sees Abby's wedding as an the perfect opportunity to break out of the mold. Only when she comes across her sister's new extended family, she finds herself caught amidst in a love triangle and a sticky situation that extends to mythic proportions!!
My thoughts:
Personally, I thought that Mia was kind of "just there" to me. She kind of has no personality (*outside of being whiny at times) other than spending the book trying to outlive the barricade of her sister and find her own.
I kind of didn't get her because through the majority of the time she's attracted to this one fellow and then in a split of a second she totally jumps ship!! I know there's "divine intervention" at play but I still didn't get her or the guy's reasoning too much on their choice of relationship. It still baffles me a little...
As for Jean and Ethan well...both are charming blokes. Honestly though, I thought that perhaps Jean was developing genuine feelings for Mia but she totally turned on him the moment she got attention from Ethan. What's up with that?!
Ethan, on the other hand, you will learn his deal but I still didn't get his pursuit in Mia all in all.
Over all, an enjoyable read that left me questioning the character of Mia and her judgement in character. In the end though, who will she choose? Jean or Ethan? How will things pan out? Read and you will find out!
eARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review :)
Going into it, and despite it being the 1.5 installment of the series, I had no idea going into this that it would somehow correlate to the first book. So yes, Adam, Eve, and Thor are all present and as usual, Adam is up to his schemes. Eve and Thor aren't particularly active characters in this so don't expect much from them BUT Adam is much very present within it so be on the lookout for him.
....
The plot in 3 Sentences:
To me, the story line of "Tempting Fate" is very simple. Mia, has always lived under the shadow of her sister Abby and sees Abby's wedding as an the perfect opportunity to break out of the mold. Only when she comes across her sister's new extended family, she finds herself caught amidst in a love triangle and a sticky situation that extends to mythic proportions!!
My thoughts:
Personally, I thought that Mia was kind of "just there" to me. She kind of has no personality (*outside of being whiny at times) other than spending the book trying to outlive the barricade of her sister and find her own.
I kind of didn't get her because through the majority of the time she's attracted to this one fellow and then in a split of a second she totally jumps ship!! I know there's "divine intervention" at play but I still didn't get her or the guy's reasoning too much on their choice of relationship. It still baffles me a little...
As for Jean and Ethan well...both are charming blokes. Honestly though, I thought that perhaps Jean was developing genuine feelings for Mia but she totally turned on him the moment she got attention from Ethan. What's up with that?!
Ethan, on the other hand, you will learn his deal but I still didn't get his pursuit in Mia all in all.
Over all, an enjoyable read that left me questioning the character of Mia and her judgement in character. In the end though, who will she choose? Jean or Ethan? How will things pan out? Read and you will find out!
eARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review :)
September 24, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this short novella. It gives us a little background on how Mia met Adam uhh, I mean Ethan. In the first story she just kind of shows up with him and not a lot is known about how she actually met him and if this is all just a game for Ethan or if he really likes Mia.
Mia does come across selfish and self-centered but I can’t imagine being the sister to Eve reincarnated. Let alone later marry Adam. I can’t help but think that maybe Mia might feel a little better about everything if she actually knew what was going on instead of being kept in the dark. I hope that since she married into it she does get let in on the big secret.
The novella is short and the author really lets you get an insight into Mia. After reading the first book I really didn’t feel very sorry for her nor did I really give much thought as to what everything would do to her but after reading this I understand her personality better. She is selfish and whiny but she also has always lived in her sister’s shadow and feels she has something to prove as well as she wants something that is all hers and has nothing to do with Abby. I can’t blame her for this and it would drive me crazy knowing everyone knew something but wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me.
I can’t wait to read the next book to see if Mia is let in on the secret and what about Lars with his electric eyes. Is he going to play a bigger role in the next book?
*I received this story free from author in exchange for an honest review.*
Mia does come across selfish and self-centered but I can’t imagine being the sister to Eve reincarnated. Let alone later marry Adam. I can’t help but think that maybe Mia might feel a little better about everything if she actually knew what was going on instead of being kept in the dark. I hope that since she married into it she does get let in on the big secret.
The novella is short and the author really lets you get an insight into Mia. After reading the first book I really didn’t feel very sorry for her nor did I really give much thought as to what everything would do to her but after reading this I understand her personality better. She is selfish and whiny but she also has always lived in her sister’s shadow and feels she has something to prove as well as she wants something that is all hers and has nothing to do with Abby. I can’t blame her for this and it would drive me crazy knowing everyone knew something but wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me.
I can’t wait to read the next book to see if Mia is let in on the secret and what about Lars with his electric eyes. Is he going to play a bigger role in the next book?
*I received this story free from author in exchange for an honest review.*
September 19, 2013
So, I have to admit, when I put TEMPTING FATE on my to-read list (as soon as it was announced), I hadn't actually read what it was about beforehand. I honestly didn't care. I loved the first book in the series (FORGED BY FATE), loved Dillin's writing style etc. And when it finally came out, it didn't feel like a risk to me to purchase TEMPTING FATE before I even sampled it (which is how I normally go about cautiously selecting books to purchase). I just knew I couldn't go wrong. And I didn't. I ended up loving it, as I did the first.
But…there was a tiny instance, when I first got going with it, where I felt disappointed with myself for not better preparing for the fact that TEMPTING FATE follows different characters than FORGED BY FATE. It's the same story, so to speak, just a different POV. Anyway, I had a moment of panic--"Oh, no! I wasn't going to like it!" I was worried that maybe FORGED BY FATE was a one-hit-wonder for me as the reader. But after a few pages, you know what?...
I. Was. Hooked. I consumed it in a day. (It's fairly short, so that's totally doable)
Writing from the little sister's POV was a pretty cool move, I think. And it had me begging for more when I was through. I'm anxiously awaiting the third (technically #2 since TEMPTING FATE is only 1.5). This little interlude with the other characters has proven to me that whomever Dillin decides to pick up as a POV character in later books, I know they'll be fun to read. Each in their own way.
But…there was a tiny instance, when I first got going with it, where I felt disappointed with myself for not better preparing for the fact that TEMPTING FATE follows different characters than FORGED BY FATE. It's the same story, so to speak, just a different POV. Anyway, I had a moment of panic--"Oh, no! I wasn't going to like it!" I was worried that maybe FORGED BY FATE was a one-hit-wonder for me as the reader. But after a few pages, you know what?...
I. Was. Hooked. I consumed it in a day. (It's fairly short, so that's totally doable)
Writing from the little sister's POV was a pretty cool move, I think. And it had me begging for more when I was through. I'm anxiously awaiting the third (technically #2 since TEMPTING FATE is only 1.5). This little interlude with the other characters has proven to me that whomever Dillin decides to pick up as a POV character in later books, I know they'll be fun to read. Each in their own way.
August 13, 2013
Amalia Dillin does it again! TEMPTING FATE is just as captivating as her debut, FORGED BY FATE.
In this novella (approx 20,000 words), we get a chance to learn more about Mia, Abby's sister, and what happened behind the scenes in Paris. I must confess, I was very curious about Ethan (Adam) and Mia's relationship, so I'm glad Ms. Dillin gave us their side of the story.
Although I adored the writing (flawless, as always), and the plot was interesting, I'm going to be honest here when I say that Mia drove me a bit crazy. I'm almost positive that's what the author wanted, but I found it difficult to connect with her as a character. I kept trying to feel sympathy for her situation--being the sister to Eve would be difficult for anyone--but I found her behavior off-putting. As I said, I'm pretty sure that's what Ms. Dillin intended in the first place, but I kept hoping Mia would redeem herself somehow. Perhaps later in the series? =)
Overall, another fabulous read. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!
4.5/5
In this novella (approx 20,000 words), we get a chance to learn more about Mia, Abby's sister, and what happened behind the scenes in Paris. I must confess, I was very curious about Ethan (Adam) and Mia's relationship, so I'm glad Ms. Dillin gave us their side of the story.
Although I adored the writing (flawless, as always), and the plot was interesting, I'm going to be honest here when I say that Mia drove me a bit crazy. I'm almost positive that's what the author wanted, but I found it difficult to connect with her as a character. I kept trying to feel sympathy for her situation--being the sister to Eve would be difficult for anyone--but I found her behavior off-putting. As I said, I'm pretty sure that's what Ms. Dillin intended in the first place, but I kept hoping Mia would redeem herself somehow. Perhaps later in the series? =)
Overall, another fabulous read. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!
4.5/5
August 20, 2013
This novella was not only an interesting storyline but a great addition to the Forged By Fate series. I really loved reading a story from Mia's point of view and the dynamic she had with her sister. We really get an in depth look at Mia, and her relationship with both Adam and Eve, her sister. I was intrigued from the beginning and was sucked in throughout the whole story! I was sad to reach the end of the story! It was a compelling story but also gave me a better understanding of Eve and Mia's relationship but also the family bond. This is a wonderful story that i would recommend everyone go read! You can read it without reading Forged By Fate and still understand the storyline! (Although I would highly recommend Forged By Fate, also!)
August 19, 2013
I loved being back in this world. Amalia does a wonderful job with her characters, given the length of the novella. It's really fun seeing more of the House of Lions, especially from someone other than Eve's POV. Mia was an understandable, flawed character. But the one who really took the cake was Adam. Don't get me wrong--I love Thor. I even liked his role here. But I adored Adam in this. Being in his head and seeing how he was thinking and his feelings for Eve and Mia and just all of it--I loved it. So well done. If you haven't picked up Forged by Fate, I highly recommend it. And then definitely this as well.
February 4, 2014
Some people have mentioned finding Adam more sympathetic in this novella. I disagree, I still got a very creepy vibe from him. I don't want to give too much away, but most of his inner monologue just sounded like a stalker convincing himself he didn't have an ulterior motive. The guy can't help himself.
Otherwise, this was a really interesting read from the perspective of Mia, Adam, and (to a slightly lesser extent) some of the Lions. All three are secondary characters in the first book. It's a great follow up to Forged by Fate, and a good bridge to the next part of the series. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see where Amalia Dillin takes the story!
Otherwise, this was a really interesting read from the perspective of Mia, Adam, and (to a slightly lesser extent) some of the Lions. All three are secondary characters in the first book. It's a great follow up to Forged by Fate, and a good bridge to the next part of the series. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see where Amalia Dillin takes the story!
September 12, 2013
I didn't think there was any way Amalia Dillin could make me sympathize with Adam after learning about his beginnings in Forged By Fate, but although he's still a bit of a jackass in Tempting Fate, he's a sympathetic jackass. In fact, I think I like him better then Eve now, which makes me even more excited to read the next book in this series!
August 22, 2013
This book is so fun! I adore Adam in this series, and I LOVE seeing him in one of his lives being exactly who he is... and falling in love, too!! Mia is his perfect match--at least during THIS lifetime. ;) She is carefree, playful, sweet, and someone Adam can spoil and love without reservation. Pick up this novella for a fabulous time, you won't regret it!
August 13, 2013
Ugh, so good!!!!
I particularly loved the way that this novella addresses Eve/Abby through the eyes of two very important people in her life. Mia's viewpoint, as the thoroughly human little sister, was particularly interesting.
If you liked Forged By Fate, you're going to LOVE this! ♥♥♥
I particularly loved the way that this novella addresses Eve/Abby through the eyes of two very important people in her life. Mia's viewpoint, as the thoroughly human little sister, was particularly interesting.
If you liked Forged By Fate, you're going to LOVE this! ♥♥♥
February 4, 2016
I quite enjoyed this novella. It hooked me and kept me interested. It was nice to see Eve's sister's point of view and a little bit more of Adam. I really feel bad for Jean now, when I hadn't thought much about him in the first book.
April 22, 2014
no spoilers...no spoilers...
loved this little peek into Mia...and into the way the Adam works...
can't wait to start the next installment!!
loved this little peek into Mia...and into the way the Adam works...
can't wait to start the next installment!!
October 21, 2013
I really enjoyed seeing Mia's story and, especially, getting into Adam's head. A really fun novella that has me completely psyched for the second book in the series!
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August 30, 2020Fate of the Gods readalong thread on my FB authorpage: https://www.facebook.com/AmaliaDillin...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews