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Hanged by Fate
356 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
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December 30, 2025
Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Hanged by Fate is an ambitious and immersive epic fantasy that follows a group of siblings torn apart by prophecy each marked as a potential harbinger of the world’s end. From the start, the story carries a sense of inevitability and tension, making their separation and individual journeys emotionally compelling and of course their journey back together.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the rich world-building. The setting feels layered and thoughtfully constructed, with history, politics, and magic woven naturally into the narrative. The magic system itself is especially unique and intriguing, adding depth to the story and setting it apart from more traditional fantasy frameworks. It never felt over explained, yet there was enough detail to make it feel grounded and intentional.
The story is told through multiple points of view, which allows readers to see the broader scope of the world and how each sibling is shaped by their circumstances. While it took a few chapters to fully settle into the rhythm of the POV shifts and clearly identify whose perspective we were in at any given moment, once that clarity set in, the narrative became much easier to follow and increasingly engaging.
Overall, Hanged by Fate delivers a strong epic fantasy experience with a compelling premise, well-developed worldbuilding, and a creative magic system. It’s a thoughtful, layered story that rewards patience and attention, and I’m very interested to see where this series goes next.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
Hanged by Fate is an ambitious and immersive epic fantasy that follows a group of siblings torn apart by prophecy each marked as a potential harbinger of the world’s end. From the start, the story carries a sense of inevitability and tension, making their separation and individual journeys emotionally compelling and of course their journey back together.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the rich world-building. The setting feels layered and thoughtfully constructed, with history, politics, and magic woven naturally into the narrative. The magic system itself is especially unique and intriguing, adding depth to the story and setting it apart from more traditional fantasy frameworks. It never felt over explained, yet there was enough detail to make it feel grounded and intentional.
The story is told through multiple points of view, which allows readers to see the broader scope of the world and how each sibling is shaped by their circumstances. While it took a few chapters to fully settle into the rhythm of the POV shifts and clearly identify whose perspective we were in at any given moment, once that clarity set in, the narrative became much easier to follow and increasingly engaging.
Overall, Hanged by Fate delivers a strong epic fantasy experience with a compelling premise, well-developed worldbuilding, and a creative magic system. It’s a thoughtful, layered story that rewards patience and attention, and I’m very interested to see where this series goes next.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
September 21, 2025
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Okay this was so good! It started off a little slow to world build and introduce a large cast of characters. But the payoff was well worth it. I can see myself counting down to release day for the sequel on this one.
The characters are complex and LAYERED. The setting is beautifully high-fantasy. The magic system is fun and unique. And the little sprinkle of romance in there was the perfect amount to give me my dopamine hit.
Absolutely recommend this book to all fantasy readers. My only other caveat is there are several POVs that make it a little hard to keep up until you’re able to see how they’re all connected. 4.5⭐️
Triggers:
Imprisonment
Torture
Abduction
Slave-trade
Okay this was so good! It started off a little slow to world build and introduce a large cast of characters. But the payoff was well worth it. I can see myself counting down to release day for the sequel on this one.
The characters are complex and LAYERED. The setting is beautifully high-fantasy. The magic system is fun and unique. And the little sprinkle of romance in there was the perfect amount to give me my dopamine hit.
Absolutely recommend this book to all fantasy readers. My only other caveat is there are several POVs that make it a little hard to keep up until you’re able to see how they’re all connected. 4.5⭐️
Triggers:
Imprisonment
Torture
Abduction
Slave-trade
December 31, 2025
Hanged by Fate began so well, with a grandfather’s desperate bid to buy back his stolen grandchildren. Unfortunately, things fell apart after the first chapter. While the stakes of recovering the lost children were clear and compelling, the reason for their abduction was not at all clear—just a vague prophesy about world-destructive powers, but there was never an explanation of why that ancient prophesy applied to these specific children or what were the motivations of the abductors. The narrative then skips ahead 23 years and slows to a crawl, giving the reader little else to chew on than a host of narrative flaws that serve primarily to confuse.
At the most basic level, the novel’s language usage is odd at best. Countless times, words are used that might technically be correct, but in such strange phrases that would cause readers to scratch their heads. For example, “The watch counts the descent of time” (in chapter “Denmero”), “keep whispers to his chest” (in “Open the Barred Doors”), or “her heart fell into her stomach” when some thrilling good thing happened (in “Just for Fun”). In other cases, words are employed irrespective of their usual connotations, such as “floor” for the outside ground (in “Running Bones”), “painful reminiscence” (in “Chains in the Stable”), “the throng prattled further amongst themselves in shock and whispers” (in “Return to Where You Came”), “muscles worn from training” (in “Private Conversations”), or “manipulating steep stairs” (in “Denmero”). At times, the usage is simply wrong outright, such as “The man’s concentration refused to be waned” (in “8 Qerus Street;” wane is intransitive and so cannot be used in a passive construction) or “attempting to calculate the date the clock precluded” (in “Denmero”). Or just bizarre, as in “those ancient stories had grown fangs. The fangs grew claws and legs to stand on” (in “Caveats”)—fangs grew claws and legs?
This isn’t just nitpicking or differences in style preferences—the language is so frequently odd as to be distracting, and consistently unclear language hinders the reader from understanding what is going on in the novel. Take for example the vague pronoun referents in this passage: “When we returned, I … went around the chain of command, told the queen what she [my aunt] had done. The next day, she [who? The Queen? The aunt Commander?] arranged a battle between us in the tower” (in “Larkspur”). The reader is tripping over language from start to finish.
Confusion results not just from vague and odd language, but also from a lack of attention to adequately explaining the world as it is revealed. For example, Sissel muses “Was being a mal’soniure such wickedness?” followed by Thaesla’s comment “They have no proof I’m a mal’soniure” (“Denmero”). But, the reader has no idea what a mal’soniure is or why it might motivate hatred—the meaning of this made-up word (which refers to people of mixed ancestry) is not revealed until chapters later. This pattern of referring to world elements before describing what they are happens frequently throughout the novel, layering frustration upon confusion. Certainly, a world should be built up bit by bit, but having too many of these unexplained world elements pending for too long only serves to alienate readers.
In this vein, the chapter epigraphs are utterly impenetrable: They come in three varieties—a quotation in an untranslated foreign language (incomprehensible gibberish); a biosketch of a seemingly random personage (completely disconnected from the story?); or an English-language quotation, usually from either a particular diary or a famous novelist mentioned in the main narrative. The English-language quotations have the greatest likelihood of bearing some meaning, but they seem to have absolutely nothing to do with the contents of the chapter over which they sit. It’s possible that Wolf wove some meaning or symbolism through them, but they are so disconnected as to be next to meaningless.
Moreover, the narrative suffers from a vague timeline that compounds the confusion. Aside from the 23-year time jump after the second chapter, there are few indications of when events are happening. It isn’t until some phrase pops up here or there that the reader realizes that the events portrayed as happening one after the other are actually weeks or months apart. This gives the impression that very little must be happening, if the only events worth mentioning are a few discussions about what to do over the course of months—completely undercutting the vivid urgency built up in the first chapter.
Continuity errors further muddy the timeline: For example, “Lenora grasped Ariaas and Brenor, pulling them into the kitchen Brenor mouthed across the room to Ariaas, ‘I am proud of you.’” (in “Chains in the Stable”). But, if Lenora was pulling both of them, how are they across the room from one another? Or this: “Brenor is here with me. He waits in the forest” (in “Guardian of the Glass House”), except that Brenor had clearly come into the building with Ariaas in the previous chapter, rather than waiting in the forest. Or the “bitter, late spring air” nipping at Lenora’s checks while waiting for Sissel’s winter transfer (in “Open the Barred Doors”). One or two of these errors wouldn’t be a problem, but in combination with all of the other confusing elements, they only serve to reinforce the impression that the reader has to work extra hard just to follow what is happening.
Finally, the characters are flimsy, one-dimensional things. Despite a rotating limited third-person narration, we see relatively little of the interior lives of the characters, feeling what they feel and hearing what makes them tick. Even when we do get some sense of the characters’ motivations, they usually lack the complicating layers that give characters satisfying and realistic depth. Ariaas is a good example of the missed potential, here: We only have narration from his perspective at the very beginning and end of the novel. In between, he is simply an irascible jerk and obstructionist. But, something must have happened to him in those 23 missing years to turn his zealous passion for recovering his grandchildren into a jaded protectionism. If more of the narrative had been from Ariaas’ perspective, we might have been able to appreciate the complexities of his personality that motivate his infuriating nay-saying.
Hanged by Fate wasn’t ready for publication—it needed more work at every level: language usage, character, narration, pacing, world-building. The beginning and end have a lot of promise, but most of the novel does not deliver on the potential. I received a review copy from NetGalley and Alex Parker Publishing; if I weren’t reading the book for review purposes, I would have abandoned it after the first few chapters.
At the most basic level, the novel’s language usage is odd at best. Countless times, words are used that might technically be correct, but in such strange phrases that would cause readers to scratch their heads. For example, “The watch counts the descent of time” (in chapter “Denmero”), “keep whispers to his chest” (in “Open the Barred Doors”), or “her heart fell into her stomach” when some thrilling good thing happened (in “Just for Fun”). In other cases, words are employed irrespective of their usual connotations, such as “floor” for the outside ground (in “Running Bones”), “painful reminiscence” (in “Chains in the Stable”), “the throng prattled further amongst themselves in shock and whispers” (in “Return to Where You Came”), “muscles worn from training” (in “Private Conversations”), or “manipulating steep stairs” (in “Denmero”). At times, the usage is simply wrong outright, such as “The man’s concentration refused to be waned” (in “8 Qerus Street;” wane is intransitive and so cannot be used in a passive construction) or “attempting to calculate the date the clock precluded” (in “Denmero”). Or just bizarre, as in “those ancient stories had grown fangs. The fangs grew claws and legs to stand on” (in “Caveats”)—fangs grew claws and legs?
This isn’t just nitpicking or differences in style preferences—the language is so frequently odd as to be distracting, and consistently unclear language hinders the reader from understanding what is going on in the novel. Take for example the vague pronoun referents in this passage: “When we returned, I … went around the chain of command, told the queen what she [my aunt] had done. The next day, she [who? The Queen? The aunt Commander?] arranged a battle between us in the tower” (in “Larkspur”). The reader is tripping over language from start to finish.
Confusion results not just from vague and odd language, but also from a lack of attention to adequately explaining the world as it is revealed. For example, Sissel muses “Was being a mal’soniure such wickedness?” followed by Thaesla’s comment “They have no proof I’m a mal’soniure” (“Denmero”). But, the reader has no idea what a mal’soniure is or why it might motivate hatred—the meaning of this made-up word (which refers to people of mixed ancestry) is not revealed until chapters later. This pattern of referring to world elements before describing what they are happens frequently throughout the novel, layering frustration upon confusion. Certainly, a world should be built up bit by bit, but having too many of these unexplained world elements pending for too long only serves to alienate readers.
In this vein, the chapter epigraphs are utterly impenetrable: They come in three varieties—a quotation in an untranslated foreign language (incomprehensible gibberish); a biosketch of a seemingly random personage (completely disconnected from the story?); or an English-language quotation, usually from either a particular diary or a famous novelist mentioned in the main narrative. The English-language quotations have the greatest likelihood of bearing some meaning, but they seem to have absolutely nothing to do with the contents of the chapter over which they sit. It’s possible that Wolf wove some meaning or symbolism through them, but they are so disconnected as to be next to meaningless.
Moreover, the narrative suffers from a vague timeline that compounds the confusion. Aside from the 23-year time jump after the second chapter, there are few indications of when events are happening. It isn’t until some phrase pops up here or there that the reader realizes that the events portrayed as happening one after the other are actually weeks or months apart. This gives the impression that very little must be happening, if the only events worth mentioning are a few discussions about what to do over the course of months—completely undercutting the vivid urgency built up in the first chapter.
Continuity errors further muddy the timeline: For example, “Lenora grasped Ariaas and Brenor, pulling them into the kitchen Brenor mouthed across the room to Ariaas, ‘I am proud of you.’” (in “Chains in the Stable”). But, if Lenora was pulling both of them, how are they across the room from one another? Or this: “Brenor is here with me. He waits in the forest” (in “Guardian of the Glass House”), except that Brenor had clearly come into the building with Ariaas in the previous chapter, rather than waiting in the forest. Or the “bitter, late spring air” nipping at Lenora’s checks while waiting for Sissel’s winter transfer (in “Open the Barred Doors”). One or two of these errors wouldn’t be a problem, but in combination with all of the other confusing elements, they only serve to reinforce the impression that the reader has to work extra hard just to follow what is happening.
Finally, the characters are flimsy, one-dimensional things. Despite a rotating limited third-person narration, we see relatively little of the interior lives of the characters, feeling what they feel and hearing what makes them tick. Even when we do get some sense of the characters’ motivations, they usually lack the complicating layers that give characters satisfying and realistic depth. Ariaas is a good example of the missed potential, here: We only have narration from his perspective at the very beginning and end of the novel. In between, he is simply an irascible jerk and obstructionist. But, something must have happened to him in those 23 missing years to turn his zealous passion for recovering his grandchildren into a jaded protectionism. If more of the narrative had been from Ariaas’ perspective, we might have been able to appreciate the complexities of his personality that motivate his infuriating nay-saying.
Hanged by Fate wasn’t ready for publication—it needed more work at every level: language usage, character, narration, pacing, world-building. The beginning and end have a lot of promise, but most of the novel does not deliver on the potential. I received a review copy from NetGalley and Alex Parker Publishing; if I weren’t reading the book for review purposes, I would have abandoned it after the first few chapters.
November 18, 2025
There was a prophecy foretelling about five children who would be born with powers that many would fear, claiming they would be monsters and would cause apocalyptic events. Ariaas knows these are his grandchildren. When most of them are taken after a raid, he’s able to rescue one and raise him until he’s old enough to find the rest of his siblings. Thus, starts a series of events of these siblings trying to find one another again.
This was a unique story. I have siblings and love books that center around sibling relationships. This one felt raw and real with how some were able to connect and others not as much. Some went through terrible trauma, and are reasonably angry, and others had no trauma and adapted a lot better. The way their relationships grow is unique for each of them and heartbreaking with others.
This starts out rather slow. And it’s a rather slow buildup until about 50% or so. It’s like interesting events occurred here and there, but nothing to really capture the attention. The writing is engaging though and made me want to know what will happen. After about the 50% mark or so, things really took a turn and there’s heists and break-ins planned and it just got super interesting.
There are a lot of characters we meet. Some we meet that I’m sure will become more prominent in the next book, such as Oedd. He was so suss at first, but I can’t help but love his character.
Sissel had the most interesting arc out of everyone. She has a unique situation and you don’t really know why she is important until the end there’s hints as to why. I really enjoyed her story. The romance is very swoony and heartbreaking and I hope she gets her happy ending, but I love how kind she is and how she breaks out of her shell suddenly and takes charge of her terrible situation. I really look forward to her story along with the others.
Brenor and Lenora hit it off really well when they meet. I think because they’re closest in age they seemed to just connect better and I loved their relationship. Thealor was the most complex and interesting of them all. I’m very curious to know how his story will go because his became twisty. There’s another sibling, but we don’t meet immediately and her story will be interesting and sad to hear.
Aside from Sissel, there are hints to other romances in here. I love the slow burn of it though and look forward to seeing how they grow and play out.
I think the world is very interesting and complex, as the characters are. My one issue is the world building was a lot to be desired. There’s clearly magic, but it’s not explained well. There’s different cultures and people, but it’s never explained what they’re like. There’s a lot of names of people, and what the people call themselves and the cities or kingdoms they’re from, but there’s no explanation about them and their culture or their magic. There are bits and pieces I out together for some, but whenever a new type of people were mentioned, I just had no idea who they were. I think the worldbuilding could really be polished and it would become an amazing epic fantasy.
Aside from that, this was a thrilling read and had a wonderful ending that just draws you in. I’m very much looking forward to the next book. I need everyone to get their happy endings!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a unique story. I have siblings and love books that center around sibling relationships. This one felt raw and real with how some were able to connect and others not as much. Some went through terrible trauma, and are reasonably angry, and others had no trauma and adapted a lot better. The way their relationships grow is unique for each of them and heartbreaking with others.
This starts out rather slow. And it’s a rather slow buildup until about 50% or so. It’s like interesting events occurred here and there, but nothing to really capture the attention. The writing is engaging though and made me want to know what will happen. After about the 50% mark or so, things really took a turn and there’s heists and break-ins planned and it just got super interesting.
There are a lot of characters we meet. Some we meet that I’m sure will become more prominent in the next book, such as Oedd. He was so suss at first, but I can’t help but love his character.
Sissel had the most interesting arc out of everyone. She has a unique situation and you don’t really know why she is important until the end there’s hints as to why. I really enjoyed her story. The romance is very swoony and heartbreaking and I hope she gets her happy ending, but I love how kind she is and how she breaks out of her shell suddenly and takes charge of her terrible situation. I really look forward to her story along with the others.
Brenor and Lenora hit it off really well when they meet. I think because they’re closest in age they seemed to just connect better and I loved their relationship. Thealor was the most complex and interesting of them all. I’m very curious to know how his story will go because his became twisty. There’s another sibling, but we don’t meet immediately and her story will be interesting and sad to hear.
Aside from Sissel, there are hints to other romances in here. I love the slow burn of it though and look forward to seeing how they grow and play out.
I think the world is very interesting and complex, as the characters are. My one issue is the world building was a lot to be desired. There’s clearly magic, but it’s not explained well. There’s different cultures and people, but it’s never explained what they’re like. There’s a lot of names of people, and what the people call themselves and the cities or kingdoms they’re from, but there’s no explanation about them and their culture or their magic. There are bits and pieces I out together for some, but whenever a new type of people were mentioned, I just had no idea who they were. I think the worldbuilding could really be polished and it would become an amazing epic fantasy.
Aside from that, this was a thrilling read and had a wonderful ending that just draws you in. I’m very much looking forward to the next book. I need everyone to get their happy endings!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 21, 2025
Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf
Canen Dera Book 1 | Epic Fantasy
✨ A prophecy driven epic fantasy where fate, family, and power collide in deeply personal ways.
Five siblings are stolen as children and raised apart under the shadow of a prophecy that claims they will end the world. Their family, fractured by grief and hunted by zealots who believe the prophecy as absolute truth, works from the shadows to bring them home. Every rescue attempt risks triggering the very future they are trying to prevent.
As the siblings grow within their separate prisons, each shaped by different cultures, beliefs, and expectations, the story asks a quiet but persistent question: are they bound by fate, or are they dangerous only because others believe they are.
What I Loved:
🔮 A prophecy plot that feels thoughtful rather than deterministic
👥 Sibling dynamics that carry real emotional weight
🌍 Strong worldbuilding that prioritizes character understanding
🧠 Magic introduced gradually in ways that feel earned
💔 Betrayals and reunions that land because the groundwork is there
🗝️ Characters whose choices drive the plot rather than convenience
💘 Light romantic threads that add warmth without overtaking the story
👑 Female characters written as strong, flawed, and grounded
Character Highlights:
🖤 Sissel’s growth and inner conflict
🤍 Brenor and Lenora’s natural sibling bond
🌀 Thealor’s unpredictability and layered motivations
Tropes & Elements:
🔮 Prophecy and Destiny
👥 Separated Siblings
⚔️ Heists and Rescue Missions
🌑 Fate vs Free Will
🛡️ Found Family Undercurrents
✨ Slow Burn Magic System
📖 Multi POV Epic Fantasy
Vibe: character driven, emotional, steadily escalating epic fantasy
Spice: minimal
For fans of: prophecy centered fantasy, family driven stakes, morally complex characters, and epic worlds that unfold patiently
💜 Hanged by Fate is a strong start to a new series with compelling characters, meaningful themes, and a payoff that rewards patience. I am fully invested in where this family’s story goes next.
#HangedByFate #RowanWolf #CanenDera #EpicFantasy #ProphecyFantasy #SiblingBond #FateVsFreeWill #FoundFamilyFantasy #CharacterDrivenFantasy #Bookstagram #FantasyTropes
Canen Dera Book 1 | Epic Fantasy
✨ A prophecy driven epic fantasy where fate, family, and power collide in deeply personal ways.
Five siblings are stolen as children and raised apart under the shadow of a prophecy that claims they will end the world. Their family, fractured by grief and hunted by zealots who believe the prophecy as absolute truth, works from the shadows to bring them home. Every rescue attempt risks triggering the very future they are trying to prevent.
As the siblings grow within their separate prisons, each shaped by different cultures, beliefs, and expectations, the story asks a quiet but persistent question: are they bound by fate, or are they dangerous only because others believe they are.
What I Loved:
🔮 A prophecy plot that feels thoughtful rather than deterministic
👥 Sibling dynamics that carry real emotional weight
🌍 Strong worldbuilding that prioritizes character understanding
🧠 Magic introduced gradually in ways that feel earned
💔 Betrayals and reunions that land because the groundwork is there
🗝️ Characters whose choices drive the plot rather than convenience
💘 Light romantic threads that add warmth without overtaking the story
👑 Female characters written as strong, flawed, and grounded
Character Highlights:
🖤 Sissel’s growth and inner conflict
🤍 Brenor and Lenora’s natural sibling bond
🌀 Thealor’s unpredictability and layered motivations
Tropes & Elements:
🔮 Prophecy and Destiny
👥 Separated Siblings
⚔️ Heists and Rescue Missions
🌑 Fate vs Free Will
🛡️ Found Family Undercurrents
✨ Slow Burn Magic System
📖 Multi POV Epic Fantasy
Vibe: character driven, emotional, steadily escalating epic fantasy
Spice: minimal
For fans of: prophecy centered fantasy, family driven stakes, morally complex characters, and epic worlds that unfold patiently
💜 Hanged by Fate is a strong start to a new series with compelling characters, meaningful themes, and a payoff that rewards patience. I am fully invested in where this family’s story goes next.
#HangedByFate #RowanWolf #CanenDera #EpicFantasy #ProphecyFantasy #SiblingBond #FateVsFreeWill #FoundFamilyFantasy #CharacterDrivenFantasy #Bookstagram #FantasyTropes
October 28, 2025
Excellent fantasy with a unique storyline and rich characters. The plot centers around a family that is driven apart due to a prophecy about 5 siblings who will bring about the destruction of the world, and this book - the first in a series - focuses on the family's efforts to reunite.
While the pacing of the first part of the book is a bit slower, this pacing is necessary in order to properly world-build and develop characters properly. The pacing picks up in the second half of the book, and the world-building and character development done in the first half pay off: betrayals feel more painful because we care about the characters; actions flow more logically because we understand character motivations; and magic that is mostly hinted at earlier starts to feature into the story, but in a believable way because the author took the time to create a world where this magic makes sense.
At its core, the book grapples with the age-old question of whether our lives are determined by fate or whether we can make our own fate, but it does so a way that feels fresh and avoids both heavy-handed and trite expositions on the topic. Characters both intentionally and unintentionally behave in ways that both challenge and uphold the prophecy, leaving the reader questioning where man ultimately stands in the man vs. fate struggle.
Ultimately, what I liked best about this book were the characters. Each character is given different motivations and personality traits; best of all, each character is beautifully flawed, which makes them relatable and multi-layered. Actions flow as a result of character behavior, not due to external circumstances, and the plot shines because of it. And the female characters are strong without being bitchy- a rarity in fantasy these days! All of this, plus a swoon-worthy romantic interest, to boot.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am definitely on board for the rest of the series.
While the pacing of the first part of the book is a bit slower, this pacing is necessary in order to properly world-build and develop characters properly. The pacing picks up in the second half of the book, and the world-building and character development done in the first half pay off: betrayals feel more painful because we care about the characters; actions flow more logically because we understand character motivations; and magic that is mostly hinted at earlier starts to feature into the story, but in a believable way because the author took the time to create a world where this magic makes sense.
At its core, the book grapples with the age-old question of whether our lives are determined by fate or whether we can make our own fate, but it does so a way that feels fresh and avoids both heavy-handed and trite expositions on the topic. Characters both intentionally and unintentionally behave in ways that both challenge and uphold the prophecy, leaving the reader questioning where man ultimately stands in the man vs. fate struggle.
Ultimately, what I liked best about this book were the characters. Each character is given different motivations and personality traits; best of all, each character is beautifully flawed, which makes them relatable and multi-layered. Actions flow as a result of character behavior, not due to external circumstances, and the plot shines because of it. And the female characters are strong without being bitchy- a rarity in fantasy these days! All of this, plus a swoon-worthy romantic interest, to boot.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am definitely on board for the rest of the series.
December 22, 2025
Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf is an epic fantasy novel that follows a group of siblings prophesied to end the world and stolen from their family as children by zealots who believe the foretelling to be absolute truth. Raised in captivity and mourned by a family working from the shadows to bring them home, the siblings grow up in starkly different environments and fight their own individual battles as they try to find their way back to one another and every attempt at their rescue risks setting the prophecy into motion.
The author’s narrative style is vividly immersive with a rich and intricate world-building and an unique magic system that makes the story feel as epic as it is intimate. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, and their journeys feel profoundly human as they grapple with buried truths from their past while discovering who they are meant to become. The author masterfully explores the theme of fate against free will with an emotional depth that makes the characters feel incredibly real. I especially loved the second part of the book, where the pacing sharpens and the skilful blend of action and intrigue with a touch of slow-burn romance really amps things up.
While I appreciated the intricacies of world-building introduced early on in the book, I felt it slowed down my pace and pulled me out of the narrative flow occasionally. Some elements of the complex magic system, along with the many cultures and peoples, left me wishing for just a bit more clarity— an extra sprinkle of magical pixie dust that could have taken the story to an even higher level. I’m also hoping to get to know some of the intriguing side characters, like Oedd, in greater depth in the books to come.
With its intricate world-building, original magic system and deeply relatable characters, Hanged by Fate is an utterly engaging and captivating read that’s impossible to put down and it has surely left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
The author’s narrative style is vividly immersive with a rich and intricate world-building and an unique magic system that makes the story feel as epic as it is intimate. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, and their journeys feel profoundly human as they grapple with buried truths from their past while discovering who they are meant to become. The author masterfully explores the theme of fate against free will with an emotional depth that makes the characters feel incredibly real. I especially loved the second part of the book, where the pacing sharpens and the skilful blend of action and intrigue with a touch of slow-burn romance really amps things up.
While I appreciated the intricacies of world-building introduced early on in the book, I felt it slowed down my pace and pulled me out of the narrative flow occasionally. Some elements of the complex magic system, along with the many cultures and peoples, left me wishing for just a bit more clarity— an extra sprinkle of magical pixie dust that could have taken the story to an even higher level. I’m also hoping to get to know some of the intriguing side characters, like Oedd, in greater depth in the books to come.
With its intricate world-building, original magic system and deeply relatable characters, Hanged by Fate is an utterly engaging and captivating read that’s impossible to put down and it has surely left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
January 14, 2026
The beginning of this book started out super strong and I was very interested, but unfortunately, after the 23 year time jump it was kind of a slog to read.
I had a hard time rating this one. I liked Sissel chapters and was invested in her story, but all the chapters for the other storyline were so hard to get through. For almost 60% of the book nothing really happened. They all just sat around discussing how they were going to save the other two siblings and why it was impossible.
The character development was not great either. Sissel was decently rounded out and I felt like I knew who Papa was, but every other character was so one dimensional and just boring.
The world building was lacking a lot. There were so many items and concepts that were brought up that were never once explained, so I spent a lot of the book confused. It almost felt like I was reading a second or third book in a series where everything you needed to know had already been explained in the first book (but even sequels normally give a little reminder…). For example, the lineages were never explained. They just kept saying these names and different powers, but didn’t give us any context or explanation so that we understood what the heck they were talking about.
Also, the little snippets before each chapter were unbelievably pointless. I guess the author maybe thought they had a point, but I kept trying to find some connection throughout the entire book and couldn’t. They felt like the author thought that was what fantasy books did, so they had to add them too. But normally they connect in with the story or history or something somehow. Whereas these were sometimes in another language (made up, I think), sometimes random people’s (who are not mentioned anywhere else in the book) birth & death announcements, or random quotes (again by people we don’t know).
The prophecy that was the catalyst for the entire plot was not well explained, which again led to confusion throughout the book.
Overall this book felt like maybe a first draft that hasn’t been shown to an editor or even a peer reader. It left me very confused for a lot of the story. I will say the overall premise and big plot points do have potential, but they weren’t executed well.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
I had a hard time rating this one. I liked Sissel chapters and was invested in her story, but all the chapters for the other storyline were so hard to get through. For almost 60% of the book nothing really happened. They all just sat around discussing how they were going to save the other two siblings and why it was impossible.
The character development was not great either. Sissel was decently rounded out and I felt like I knew who Papa was, but every other character was so one dimensional and just boring.
The world building was lacking a lot. There were so many items and concepts that were brought up that were never once explained, so I spent a lot of the book confused. It almost felt like I was reading a second or third book in a series where everything you needed to know had already been explained in the first book (but even sequels normally give a little reminder…). For example, the lineages were never explained. They just kept saying these names and different powers, but didn’t give us any context or explanation so that we understood what the heck they were talking about.
Also, the little snippets before each chapter were unbelievably pointless. I guess the author maybe thought they had a point, but I kept trying to find some connection throughout the entire book and couldn’t. They felt like the author thought that was what fantasy books did, so they had to add them too. But normally they connect in with the story or history or something somehow. Whereas these were sometimes in another language (made up, I think), sometimes random people’s (who are not mentioned anywhere else in the book) birth & death announcements, or random quotes (again by people we don’t know).
The prophecy that was the catalyst for the entire plot was not well explained, which again led to confusion throughout the book.
Overall this book felt like maybe a first draft that hasn’t been shown to an editor or even a peer reader. It left me very confused for a lot of the story. I will say the overall premise and big plot points do have potential, but they weren’t executed well.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
December 11, 2025
Hanged By Fate completely pulled me in. It follows five siblings who were separated as children and raised in very different worlds, all while carrying a prophecy that says they’ll destroy the world. Watching them wrestle with their pasts, their powers, and whether they can change their destiny is both heartbreaking and gripping.
The first half is a bit slower, setting up the world and introducing the large cast, but it’s worth sticking with because the payoff is incredible. Once things pick up, there are heists, betrayals, and emotional reunions that kept me hooked. The magic is creative, and the world feels lived-in without ever getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.
The siblings are the real highlight. Each one feels unique and real—flawed, layered, and easy to care about. Sissel’s growth was my favorite, Brenor and Lenora’s bond is sweet and natural, and Thealor keeps you guessing. The little touches of romance and found-family dynamics give it heart without slowing the action.
By the end, I was invested in every character and already desperate for the next book. If you love epic fantasy with action, emotion, and family drama, this is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The first half is a bit slower, setting up the world and introducing the large cast, but it’s worth sticking with because the payoff is incredible. Once things pick up, there are heists, betrayals, and emotional reunions that kept me hooked. The magic is creative, and the world feels lived-in without ever getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.
The siblings are the real highlight. Each one feels unique and real—flawed, layered, and easy to care about. Sissel’s growth was my favorite, Brenor and Lenora’s bond is sweet and natural, and Thealor keeps you guessing. The little touches of romance and found-family dynamics give it heart without slowing the action.
By the end, I was invested in every character and already desperate for the next book. If you love epic fantasy with action, emotion, and family drama, this is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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December 29, 2025The complex fantasy world and unique magic system are rich and engaging. The initial description of the magic system felt missing and its commonality and integration into the characters daily life was poor.
I found the flow between sentences was sometimes poor. There are a handful of awkward word choices that feel like the author is trying too hard to have a high fantasy vibe at the expense of making sense. At times young naive characters narrated scenes with a mismatched wise and worldly internal monologue.
Reading on kindle I missed scene transitions when the prose was vague and the line spacing didn’t indicate the transitions either.
I hate that both female main characters are sheltered and scared. The most dynamic character, Ariaas, feels like a jester with his forced silliness in the middle of supposedly heart wrenching moments. I think the lack of clear characterization leaves readers seeing high emotions, drama factor, and tropes drive character actions more often than logic or intelligence.
The magic system based on bloodlines sets up a strong if typical political setting where people of different origins are hated and mistrusted. There’s a lot of opportunity here to level up writing about this very interesting world!
I found the flow between sentences was sometimes poor. There are a handful of awkward word choices that feel like the author is trying too hard to have a high fantasy vibe at the expense of making sense. At times young naive characters narrated scenes with a mismatched wise and worldly internal monologue.
Reading on kindle I missed scene transitions when the prose was vague and the line spacing didn’t indicate the transitions either.
I hate that both female main characters are sheltered and scared. The most dynamic character, Ariaas, feels like a jester with his forced silliness in the middle of supposedly heart wrenching moments. I think the lack of clear characterization leaves readers seeing high emotions, drama factor, and tropes drive character actions more often than logic or intelligence.
The magic system based on bloodlines sets up a strong if typical political setting where people of different origins are hated and mistrusted. There’s a lot of opportunity here to level up writing about this very interesting world!
October 29, 2025
Hanged By Fate is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that pulls you in from the very first page. It follows siblings separated at a young age, each struggling to uncover their past and discover who they will become. Will their prophesied destiny come true? Will the environments that shaped them determine their futures—or will they rise above? And when they finally uncover their own strengths, what will they do with that knowledge and power?
If you loved the intricate world-building, politics, and intrigue of Game of Thrones — combined with the emotional depth and self-discovery of Stranger Things — this novel is for you. The author’s writing is vivid and immersive, creating a world that feels both epic and intimate. Each character has a unique voice and personality, and their journeys feel deeply human, even amid the fantastical backdrop.
Though Hanged By Fate stands strongly on its own with a satisfying conclusion, it leaves you eager for the next installment. It’s hard to believe this is a debut — it reads like the work of a seasoned storyteller. I can’t wait to see where this five-book series goes next!
If you loved the intricate world-building, politics, and intrigue of Game of Thrones — combined with the emotional depth and self-discovery of Stranger Things — this novel is for you. The author’s writing is vivid and immersive, creating a world that feels both epic and intimate. Each character has a unique voice and personality, and their journeys feel deeply human, even amid the fantastical backdrop.
Though Hanged By Fate stands strongly on its own with a satisfying conclusion, it leaves you eager for the next installment. It’s hard to believe this is a debut — it reads like the work of a seasoned storyteller. I can’t wait to see where this five-book series goes next!
September 24, 2025
Hanged by Fate is an epic tale about siblings who are destined to destroy the world. Abducted as children and raised apart in very different environments and situations, the siblings wrestle with the prediction that seals their future.
The story is absorbing and gorgeously told; the characters are complex; the fantasy world is unique and rich with detail. The seamlessly interweaving storylines crack your heart open and have you racing to read the next chapter.
You’ll find yourself wondering: if your destiny is written in stone, does it change who you are today? Do you have the power to change your future? Can you choose your fate? Yet despite these lofty themes, Hanged by Fate does not get weighed down by philosophical questions. The plot is quick and engaging, and you find yourself cheering for the characters’ small victories or broken by their desperate choices.
While Hanged by Fate, Canen Dera Book 1 comes to a very satisfying conclusion, I’m very much looking forward to the next novel in the series. Highly recommended!
The story is absorbing and gorgeously told; the characters are complex; the fantasy world is unique and rich with detail. The seamlessly interweaving storylines crack your heart open and have you racing to read the next chapter.
You’ll find yourself wondering: if your destiny is written in stone, does it change who you are today? Do you have the power to change your future? Can you choose your fate? Yet despite these lofty themes, Hanged by Fate does not get weighed down by philosophical questions. The plot is quick and engaging, and you find yourself cheering for the characters’ small victories or broken by their desperate choices.
While Hanged by Fate, Canen Dera Book 1 comes to a very satisfying conclusion, I’m very much looking forward to the next novel in the series. Highly recommended!
November 25, 2025
I am not a big reader of fantasy, but this book was a great way for me to get into the genre a little more.
The story follows four siblings, broken and separated in their youth, as they come of age and begin on a journey to reunite--even as that goal forces them to confront some hard truths about the day they were separated and the terrible prophecy that has hung over them since before they were born.
The pacing is strong, the characters each speak with their own, unique voices, and their motivations--often aligned, but at times conflicting in unexpected ways--are clear and powerful.The world-building is interesting with distinct regions and cultures, each with their own flavor of magical abilities. And speaking of, the magic system is also intuitive and (in my admittedly limited experience, at least) unique.
My only complaint is that many of the greater questions I had went unanswered, but that fact has me hooked and looking forward to the next book in the series, so how can I truly complain about that?
I have theories, and I eagerly await the day I find out if I'm right!
The story follows four siblings, broken and separated in their youth, as they come of age and begin on a journey to reunite--even as that goal forces them to confront some hard truths about the day they were separated and the terrible prophecy that has hung over them since before they were born.
The pacing is strong, the characters each speak with their own, unique voices, and their motivations--often aligned, but at times conflicting in unexpected ways--are clear and powerful.The world-building is interesting with distinct regions and cultures, each with their own flavor of magical abilities. And speaking of, the magic system is also intuitive and (in my admittedly limited experience, at least) unique.
My only complaint is that many of the greater questions I had went unanswered, but that fact has me hooked and looking forward to the next book in the series, so how can I truly complain about that?
I have theories, and I eagerly await the day I find out if I'm right!
February 21, 2026
I was so engrossed in this book I didn't want to put it down.
Four siblings are sold, ripped apart at a young age and hidden, each having completely different experiences that shape them.
For 23 years, their grandfather has waited for the time to come, when it is predicted they can be reunited despite the cruel fates.
I loved Ariaas's grumpy impatience. He waited 23 years, but when waiting for something specific he complains it has been five to seven days, when it has only been one.
My heart broke for what they each endure, especially Sissel and Arienne.
The world isn't pretty. 'The torture crawled - a crumb of humanity worn each day; a granule of your body, drained by the lack of food along with granule by granule of your sanity.'
There were some actions and characters I didn't fully understand the motivation for, and there are big jumps in time while the world building is happening.
Despite that, I think this is the start of a fantasy series I'm going to be invested in.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
Four siblings are sold, ripped apart at a young age and hidden, each having completely different experiences that shape them.
For 23 years, their grandfather has waited for the time to come, when it is predicted they can be reunited despite the cruel fates.
I loved Ariaas's grumpy impatience. He waited 23 years, but when waiting for something specific he complains it has been five to seven days, when it has only been one.
My heart broke for what they each endure, especially Sissel and Arienne.
The world isn't pretty. 'The torture crawled - a crumb of humanity worn each day; a granule of your body, drained by the lack of food along with granule by granule of your sanity.'
There were some actions and characters I didn't fully understand the motivation for, and there are big jumps in time while the world building is happening.
Despite that, I think this is the start of a fantasy series I'm going to be invested in.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
October 6, 2025
Hanged by Fate had all the markings of a great fantasy novel but just didn't quite get there.
There was a complex set of characters and I enjoyed the different paths taken by each after their separation. There's a line between a flawed character and being just purely unlikable. Arrias took vanity to a new level in situations where it should be the last thing on his mind.
The pacing really drug for a large portion of the book. Setting up backstories and context is vital but not so much that it distracts from the plot. I kept waiting for things for things to pick up. I will say once it did, I really did enjoy but it took way too long to get there.
The prophecy was done in an inventive way - it was a creative way to write a commonly used trope. Some of the plot devices felt forced but I know it's setting up for the next book.
Overall, Hanged by Fate was an okay book. I will probably give the second book a chance because I really enjoyed the romance subplot and want to see where it goes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf and Alex Parker Publishing for this free eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
There was a complex set of characters and I enjoyed the different paths taken by each after their separation. There's a line between a flawed character and being just purely unlikable. Arrias took vanity to a new level in situations where it should be the last thing on his mind.
The pacing really drug for a large portion of the book. Setting up backstories and context is vital but not so much that it distracts from the plot. I kept waiting for things for things to pick up. I will say once it did, I really did enjoy but it took way too long to get there.
The prophecy was done in an inventive way - it was a creative way to write a commonly used trope. Some of the plot devices felt forced but I know it's setting up for the next book.
Overall, Hanged by Fate was an okay book. I will probably give the second book a chance because I really enjoyed the romance subplot and want to see where it goes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf and Alex Parker Publishing for this free eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 8, 2026
*ARC review*
very grateful to have received an ARC copy.
Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf had an interesting premise and moments that genuinely pulled me in, but it didn’t fully live up to its potential for me. The world and central conflict were intriguing, and I appreciated the darker tone and emotional stakes the author was aiming for. Some scenes were intense and well-written, showing flashes of strong storytelling.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging while others moved too quickly. I also struggled to fully connect with the characters. whilst their motivations were clear, they sometimes felt underdeveloped which made it hard to stay emotionally invested. A bit more depth and smoother transitions could have made a big difference.
Overall, Hanged by Fate is an okay read with good ideas and atmosphere, but it didn’t quite hit as hard as I hoped. I’d still be open to reading more from Rowan Wolf in the future.
very grateful to have received an ARC copy.
Hanged by Fate by Rowan Wolf had an interesting premise and moments that genuinely pulled me in, but it didn’t fully live up to its potential for me. The world and central conflict were intriguing, and I appreciated the darker tone and emotional stakes the author was aiming for. Some scenes were intense and well-written, showing flashes of strong storytelling.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging while others moved too quickly. I also struggled to fully connect with the characters. whilst their motivations were clear, they sometimes felt underdeveloped which made it hard to stay emotionally invested. A bit more depth and smoother transitions could have made a big difference.
Overall, Hanged by Fate is an okay read with good ideas and atmosphere, but it didn’t quite hit as hard as I hoped. I’d still be open to reading more from Rowan Wolf in the future.
October 20, 2025
From the very first pages, the book throws us straight into the action, as Ariaas fights to get his grandchildren back. Personally, I loved all the world-building we got early on—it’s rich and immersive—but it did make it a little harder to follow what was happening at first.
The deeper I read, the more everything came together. The story unfolds through multiple character perspectives, which I enjoyed, though I would have liked clearer indicators of whose POV we were in at the beginning. Once I got to know the characters better, it was easy to recognize each narrator’s voice.
I’ve always been a sucker for prophecies in fantasy, and the author’s take on them was really well done. The world is fascinating, full of magic, conflicts, and conspiracies that kept me hooked.
In the end, I rated this 4.25⭐ — a very solid fantasy novel that set up a compelling story. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume. ❤️
Thank you to Rowan Wolf, Alex Parker Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC and the chance to share my honest opinion!
The deeper I read, the more everything came together. The story unfolds through multiple character perspectives, which I enjoyed, though I would have liked clearer indicators of whose POV we were in at the beginning. Once I got to know the characters better, it was easy to recognize each narrator’s voice.
I’ve always been a sucker for prophecies in fantasy, and the author’s take on them was really well done. The world is fascinating, full of magic, conflicts, and conspiracies that kept me hooked.
In the end, I rated this 4.25⭐ — a very solid fantasy novel that set up a compelling story. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume. ❤️
Thank you to Rowan Wolf, Alex Parker Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC and the chance to share my honest opinion!
October 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book had a promising start with an intriguing premise and multiple POVs that kept things dynamic. I appreciated following different threads and seeing how the stories intertwined — it gave the world a sense of depth and movement.
That said, the writing often felt dull and the pacing uneven. There were stretches where I found myself rereading paragraphs to grasp what was happening. Some scenes lacked the emotional pull or clarity needed to stay fully engaged, and the story didn’t quite deliver on the potential it set up early on.
I went into this with higher expectations, and while the concept was strong, the execution just didn’t hold up for me. Still, I can see how readers who enjoy slower, character-driven fantasy might appreciate the multiple perspectives and layered setup.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf and Alex Parker Publishing for this eARC🤸♀️
This book had a promising start with an intriguing premise and multiple POVs that kept things dynamic. I appreciated following different threads and seeing how the stories intertwined — it gave the world a sense of depth and movement.
That said, the writing often felt dull and the pacing uneven. There were stretches where I found myself rereading paragraphs to grasp what was happening. Some scenes lacked the emotional pull or clarity needed to stay fully engaged, and the story didn’t quite deliver on the potential it set up early on.
I went into this with higher expectations, and while the concept was strong, the execution just didn’t hold up for me. Still, I can see how readers who enjoy slower, character-driven fantasy might appreciate the multiple perspectives and layered setup.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rowan Wolf and Alex Parker Publishing for this eARC🤸♀️
October 13, 2025
english:
A grim future in which four children are declared a threat to humanity by a prophecy. The novel follows their escape, their struggle for identity and truth, and poses the question of whether fate is truly inevitable. The parallel narrative threads are complex but atmospheric. The moral ambivalence is particularly touching: Are the children monsters or victims?
german:
Eine düstere Zukunft, in der vier Kinder durch eine Prophezeiung zur Bedrohung der Menschheit erklärt werden. Der Roman folgt ihrer Flucht, ihrem Kampf um Identität und Wahrheit und stellt die Frage, ob Schicksal wirklich unvermeidbar ist. Die parallelen Erzählstränge sind komplex, aber atmosphärisch. Besonders berührend ist die moralische Ambivalenz: Sind die Kinder Monster oder Opfer?
A grim future in which four children are declared a threat to humanity by a prophecy. The novel follows their escape, their struggle for identity and truth, and poses the question of whether fate is truly inevitable. The parallel narrative threads are complex but atmospheric. The moral ambivalence is particularly touching: Are the children monsters or victims?
german:
Eine düstere Zukunft, in der vier Kinder durch eine Prophezeiung zur Bedrohung der Menschheit erklärt werden. Der Roman folgt ihrer Flucht, ihrem Kampf um Identität und Wahrheit und stellt die Frage, ob Schicksal wirklich unvermeidbar ist. Die parallelen Erzählstränge sind komplex, aber atmosphärisch. Besonders berührend ist die moralische Ambivalenz: Sind die Kinder Monster oder Opfer?
January 7, 2026
Hanged by Fate follows a group of siblings who were ripped apart from each other as children as they reunite over two decades later with the help of the grandfather. The siblings were prophesied to end the world. Each child was raised in a different environment, some treated well while others lived through unimaginable horrors. But are the children really destined to end the world, or are they simply a threat to those in power?
This an intricate tale of destiny, power, and family. Hanged by Fate is the first instalment of the Canen Dera series, bringing us into a rich and complicated fantasy world. Wolf’s writing is superb, seamlessly weaving multiple storylines and diverse character profiles all while introducing readers to a complex world and magic system.
I loved reading this book. The story starts slowly, which is to its advantage allowing readers to connect with the characters and learn about the complex world Wolf has created without the feeling of being overwhelmed. The story slowly picks up pace, culminating in a epic ending with key revelations. As I finished reading the final page, I found myself desperate to read more and find out what happens next. We’re left on a cliffhanger, one that is expertly crafted.
Thank you to Rowan Wolf, Alex Parker Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC.
This an intricate tale of destiny, power, and family. Hanged by Fate is the first instalment of the Canen Dera series, bringing us into a rich and complicated fantasy world. Wolf’s writing is superb, seamlessly weaving multiple storylines and diverse character profiles all while introducing readers to a complex world and magic system.
I loved reading this book. The story starts slowly, which is to its advantage allowing readers to connect with the characters and learn about the complex world Wolf has created without the feeling of being overwhelmed. The story slowly picks up pace, culminating in a epic ending with key revelations. As I finished reading the final page, I found myself desperate to read more and find out what happens next. We’re left on a cliffhanger, one that is expertly crafted.
Thank you to Rowan Wolf, Alex Parker Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 11, 2025
Wow, what a read - clearly the beginning of something huge! I hate to compare to other books but since I feel like it's the easiest way to get a point across: the same world-build feel I got when I read LOTR - a setting up of new language, people and regions. The intrigue of Game of Thrones - the concurrent and overlapping story lines that all connect at the right time via the diverse character set. Overall a super solid debut novel... cannot wait to read the rest - I only hope my horrible memory can contain all the characters and plot lines until book 2!
October 20, 2025
A very captivating fantasy story! Character and story development along with development of the world (language, maps) is detailed and excellent. Story leaves you wanting more (hope there’s another book coming). First half of the book is a bit of a slow burn because the story and characters are being introduced and set up. Second half is where the action, intrigue, and a little romance come in and pick up the story’s pace, making it very hard to put down. Overall a great read and looking forward to the continuation of the story.
October 23, 2025
Hanged by Fate is a dark, beautifully written fantasy that blends prophecy, power, and tragedy into a haunting tale of destiny and defiance. The story of the stolen siblings, raised in captivity and burdened by a world’s fear of their supposed doom, pulls you in with its rich atmosphere and emotional depth. The tension between fate and free will runs through every page, making it both thrilling and heartbreaking. At times, the pacing slows under the weight of its own worldbuilding, but the payoff is worth it: a layered, thought-provoking story that lingers long after the final page.
November 5, 2025
I originally started this one before release, but was having 'mood' issues and couldn't get into it. I really wanted to give this one a try and picked it back up. I don't regret it, but it wasn't what I expected it to be.
I enjoyed the author's writing style - it is engaging, but then at times I felt that things shifted and slowed down immensely. The premise of the story was unique, and I think if it had been executed a bit differently, I would have absolutely loved it. I would recommend this book to readers who prefer slower building to fast-paced action.
I enjoyed the author's writing style - it is engaging, but then at times I felt that things shifted and slowed down immensely. The premise of the story was unique, and I think if it had been executed a bit differently, I would have absolutely loved it. I would recommend this book to readers who prefer slower building to fast-paced action.
December 18, 2025
wow! Rowan really sets the tone early on for this gritty epic fantasy. you can tell she's put a good deal of time thinking about how this world exists, making it distinct from our own but grounded with her descriptions. quite often id find myself feeling like I was there in the world, feeling what the characters would feel (for better or for worse). I also found myself saying "oh that's cool" or "ooh thats interesting" as she introduced systems that were unique to her world.
excellent work Rowan, and thanks Alex Parker for the ARC.
excellent work Rowan, and thanks Alex Parker for the ARC.
February 4, 2026
Hanged by Fate is an intriguing and immersive fantasy novel about a group of siblings torn apart by prophecy, marked as potential harbingers for the end of the world.
The beginning is immediately gripping - opening with a grandather’s bid to buy back his stolen grandchildren. There were some things that could’ve been better (the worldbuilding could have been more detailed, and I personally didn’t love the chapter epigraphs) but this was an interesting story for me. The characters’ complexity easily makes up for anything else and I really enjoyed reading this.
The beginning is immediately gripping - opening with a grandather’s bid to buy back his stolen grandchildren. There were some things that could’ve been better (the worldbuilding could have been more detailed, and I personally didn’t love the chapter epigraphs) but this was an interesting story for me. The characters’ complexity easily makes up for anything else and I really enjoyed reading this.
November 2, 2025
Hanged by Fate is EXCEPTIONAL! You are CAPTIVATED from the very first paragraph. Very hard to put the book down. You must continue reading to see where the story goes next. The author's story-telling abilities always keep you on the edge of your seat and doesn't let you down. You can truly envision each character and their role in the story and truly worry about where they will go next.
Definitively a must read!
Definitively a must read!
December 6, 2025
Hanged by Fate is a dark, gripping read filled with tension, fate, and emotional intensity. The plot keeps you hooked with its twists while the characters carry a quiet weight of tragedy and hope. I loved how destiny and choice are constantly at war throughout the story it made every moment feel urgent and meaningful.
A haunting, fast-paced read that lingers after the final page.
I want book 2... please bring that soon.
Thank you so much Netgelly and publisher for providing me the Arc.
A haunting, fast-paced read that lingers after the final page.
I want book 2... please bring that soon.
Thank you so much Netgelly and publisher for providing me the Arc.
December 6, 2025
This book was really great. I loved whole premise where these siblings were lost to each other and prophesized to be these powerful forces. This book is great in that it has bit of everything in it. From a prophecy, heists to break out imprisoned siblings, and a little sprinkle of romance and heartbreak. The dynamic between the characters is written well and the ending will have the reader needing the next installment sooner rather than later.
October 24, 2025
Hanged by Fate was an extraordinary read. You very quickly become invested in the characters, and the plot is both mysterious and fun. What really stood out was the vivid writing style that paints a picture with words — every scene feels alive and meaningful. If you enjoy epic fantasy with plenty of twists and turns, this book is a must read!
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