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Fate’s Fools #1

Fate's Fools

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How do you find your soul mate if you’re born without a soul?

Deva Rainsong was born with dragon fire in her veins, an ursa’s generous heart, a turul’s skill with song, and the carnal appetites of a nymph. What she wasn’t born with was a soul. It’s all she ever wanted, but the one thing she can never have.

When Fate was handing out those precious things, it must have overlooked her, and a soul is required to unlock the dormant elemental powers within her. Not to mention the only thing that will ever give her a chance of finding the thing she truly desires: a soul mate.

Not only has Fate forgotten her, it seems dead set on destroying the only part of her life that gives her purpose. An ancient bloodline of mixed-breed humans linked to Deva is being hunted by a pack of rogue fate hounds, and her link to the bloodline means she’s the only one who can save them.

She doesn’t count on her quest taking her straight into the arms of a dragon, and she definitely isn’t prepared for the futile desire he incites within her, or the frustrating passion his ursa friend draws out of her. She shouldn’t want the pair so much, but when they both fall victim to the hounds, it may take nothing less than her love to save them.

Warning: This series is a spinoff of Ophelia Bell's epically sexy "Immortal Dragons" series. It is a fast-burn HOT and steamy RH odyssey, with some M/M content, not meant for the faint of heart (or libido)... #whychoose!

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2018

1240 people are currently reading
2497 people want to read

About the author

Ophelia Bell

126 books941 followers
Ophelia Bell is the author of the super steamy Sleeping Dragons series. Ophelia loves hot alpha heroes, especially if they’re dragons, but believes the world needs more alpha heroines, so has made it her mission to make that happen. Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her sexy tattooed alpha husband and five-and-a-half attention-whoring cats (one of them is exceptionally large and might actually be a dragon in disguise).

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5 stars
429 (40%)
4 stars
316 (30%)
3 stars
208 (19%)
2 stars
64 (6%)
1 star
36 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
448 reviews62 followers
January 3, 2019
DNF 22% due to bestiality (see explanation below). Aside from that, I feel like I should warn readers that this doesn’t really feel like the standalone book that the author says it is, and I definitely think you need to read the related series first. I constantly felt like I was missing some important information. The author would frequently say things such as “Ever since the Spring Equinox three weeks ago” without ever explaining what actually happened on the equinox. The author definitely assumes that, if you’re reading this book, you read the other books, and the author doesn’t bother recapping (at least in what I read) what has happened in this world so far.

I was looking forward to this one. I loved the cover, and the premise sounded super interesting. I was already somewhat disappointed because of the confusion I mentioned before, but then the human MC started having sexual contact with a dragon (a fully shifted dragon shifter), and it was time for me to bail. All the nope. I was already not looking forward to that scene because it seemed like it was going to be sex for utility to gain power (which is a bit of a trope in books about magic users). I’m really not a fan of that trope because I think those scenes often lack real consent (making sex an issue of life or death is the epitome of coercing someone), and the other human in the scene definitely wouldn’t have agreed to have sex with the MC if lives hadn’t been at stake.

I almost always stick to Kindle Unlimited books, and I’m really pretty bummed that I actually bought this book.
1 review
November 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The only thing that prevented me from leaving a 5 star review for Fate's Fool is that I was left with a lack of information from not reading the author's previous series "Immortal Dragons", which provided the origins for Deva's story. The plot is definitely intriguing and different from anything I have read before, which kept me turning each page to find out what was going to happen next. I cant wait to read more about all of the character's brought to life in this book. And the ending? I'm officially ready for book 2 to come out right now thanks to that piece. However, if you are like me and read this book without reading the previous series, please be aware that it is a slow build of information regarding the setting for Ophelia Bell's series and it could quite possibly confuse you too much to continue reading
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,998 reviews213 followers
August 7, 2019
4 star review of Fate’s Fool(Fate’s Fool #1) by Opehlia Bell

Audio Review

Opehlia Bell is a new author to me although I have listened to the narrators Ava Lucas and JF Harding before. Paranormal is not a genre I often read or listen to. Fate’s Fool was certainly steamy, hot and there is some M/M.
Even though I am not familiar with the series that this is a spin off from, I was able to listen to the story without an issue. The narrators enhanced my enjoyment and I found them easy to listen too.
556 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2018
Deva knows that the bloodline she sent a message to about not revealing the higher races knows that they are in trouble she has tried to ask for help from all her parents. Not getting through to them she runs away from the safety of the Sanctuary to try to save them and discover what and why they are being attacked. During this period she discovers three men who have fallen for her but she tried to keep them at arms length because of Ozzie and LLyr who rejected her love and mating song and she also believes she has no soul with which to bond with these men.

Ozzie has secrets and Llyr who has been sent to find her and protect her wants to know, , the dragon wants to bond with her and his lover feels jealous and afraid he will lose him while denying his own draw to Deva then there is Bhodi who is also drawn but doesn't want to step on any toes and follow through with his feeling..

Yes there is so much more to this story but you must find out for yourself because I will not reveal it. Just know that I was blown away and hoping that somehow Deva finds a soul and I am anxious for more of Deva's story in the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anna (read.all.night).
294 reviews51 followers
March 21, 2021
This book was so weird and I had 0 fucking clue what was going on. And it was pretty messed up. But also Im invested and I want to know what happens. Ughhhhhh
Profile Image for Ex Libris.
214 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Fate’s Fools – Book 1 – Ophelia Bell
This being my first time out with Ms Bell I was like - What a roller coaster!
This book held my attention from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until the cliff hanger ending!
The characters are really well developed and you can tell straight away that the author has a strong connection with each one. I love this style of storytelling. It’s so very inclusive for the reader.
Our leading lady, Deva is a mixture of the four higher races. Those being: Ursa, Dragon, Satyr and Turul. She also has healthy amount of human thrown in for good measure! She is blessed with the lush curves and beautiful qualities that come with such a powerful mixture of DNA. One might even say she’s a goddess! Her one drawback, NO SOUL! How does one find one’s soulmate without it?
Let’s look at our heroes. Our five leading men bring the qualities from each of the DNA mix that make up our girl.
Keagan is Ursa, a literal bear of a man who has fallen so quickly under Deva’s spell that he’s quite resentful. Add that he’s already in a relationship with the dragon, Rohan and he’s having some difficulties reconciling heart and head.
Rohan, our (gold) dragon. He’s wilful and playful and so sexually charged that you can feel his desire on every page and with every word he utters. He’s s sexual dynamo! He’s also fallen hard for Deva and mates with her by the end of this first book.
Llyr, the Satyr. He shares a torrid if brief past with Deva and has been tasked by her parents with her protection.
Next we have Ozzie the Turul. He’s the object of Deva’s (seemingly) true desire, but he’s keeping a secret that could blow up in his face!
Finally, Bodhi – he’s human and of the bloodline… A tattooed Adonis with a healthy sense of adventure. He has also fallen for our beautiful heroine Deva.
Without giving too much of the plot away, I’ll just say that if you love the supernatural and characters that really are larger than life and pull your heartstrings, then you should give this read.
There’s a hefty amount of playfulness and innuendo that is thrown in with the actual steamy hotness.
Be aware that there are liberal amounts of MM action in this book and I’m guessing the whole series. This book is also RH so expect a fair dose of multiples at playtime. The author is brilliantly descriptive and you can fully sense the emotions packed in to these scenes and practically smell the sexual energy lifting off the pages. Definitely has that WOW factor! It’s an 18+ read.
I loved it! I’m off to read book two.
Well done Ms Bell – I gave it five stars!
287 reviews12 followers
January 2, 2020
Reading this book felt like being put in the spin-off of a long running series. Nothing was explained about the world or about the various supernatural creatures until about 1/2-2/3rds of the way through the book; events that happened prior to the start of the book are repeatedly referred to without further explanation, as well as characters' names brought up, again, no explanation of who they are or what their significance/connection to the storyline was. Apparently there was a prequel book to this, but Goodreads says it was published a year after this one, so not sure that fixes anything.
As for that book disclaimer about m/m relationships--they are there, but the plot treats those relationships as poor substitutes for the men's relationships with the chosen one female main character, and they all think about her every time they're with a another man. (There's even a scene where one male character uses glamour to appear as the female MC while he has sex with another man, and it's only when he's appearing as the woman that the other guy agrees to have sex. Which seems like rape, since the other guy doesn't fully seem to know who he's sleeping with. But that's never addressed.) Given that handling, the queer content felt token at best, homophobic at worst.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,114 reviews30 followers
July 16, 2022
Book 1 of Fate’s Fools by Ophelia Bell
Deva is a mysterious being that has no soul but a massive heart that she wants to give to other people but Deva feels lost especially when she finds out the Bloodline have been attacked and there soul is leaking.
A lot happens and new characters are introduced which does get problematic to keeping track.
New band mates make up Fates Fools and then becomes very intense and very intimate between all characters.
I’ve struggled a lot with this book I did feel like I was being stringed along for awhile but I also struggled with the intense prolonged courting between Deva and her group of lovers, nothing developed permanently till like 90% of the book.
I was worried this book would stalemate but OMG to kept me hook whole way through and I have given 5 ⭐️ even though I absolutely hate cliffhangers.

Just finished the audiobook and it was even better then the ebook. The narrators were fantastic but it brought the book and characters to life so much. Really looking forward to other fates fools being made into audiobook
Profile Image for Rhonda.
451 reviews
December 30, 2018
This is a great book!

Deva Rainsong is searching for herself and trying to help the bloodline that the evil Mari created! Fate hounds are attacking the bloodline and draining the souls they attack! She's trying to find the how and reason for it with the help of 5 men. They are each attached to her but she refuses to believe that she can have them.
This is a great well written book! The story continues and I can't wait for the next installment!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews114 followers
Want to read
October 14, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/14/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Puna.
371 reviews18 followers
November 7, 2018
I love this whole series. Loved the characters, the story, the yummy scenes and Nikhil. (He's my favorite, shh don't tell Aodh he's my favorite too #whychoose) Anyways, I was really worried that this series would be over once Meri was gone. But luckily we are continuing into the story and it's a whole new game plan! I loved this one! I can't wait for the next book. I can't really relate to Deva yet because I've been drooling over her fathers and this is a whole new perspective of them and her mothers. But, I do like her a lot. I can't wait to see her grow into herself and for her to start growing into her powers! She's going to be awesome!

Overall: 4.5/5

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2019
Fate's Fools

I'm torn. I like the ideas behind this plot, but somehow it took me ages to finish it. This book was in my library, I read a few chapters, got distracted, picked it up again later, repeat,.. I can't really put my finger on the reason for this, butit just misses the spark and that punch to get me hooked on a series. I feel like there is too much going on without knowing where this story will eventually lead causing me to be easily distracted. This entirely my fault, because my brain is all over the place, I liked a great number of scenes and the overall writing.
710 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2019
3.5 stars

You feel like you are being dropped into the middle of a story (which you kind of really are but if you stick it out you eventually find out most of what you need to), so just prepared to not understand a lot of references at first if you haven't read the series this is a spin off from (which I have not). This is a fun sexy hot read, definite fast burn and some serious insta love, mixed in with some not so insta love and I'm kinda feeling it.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,636 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2018
I am very much enjoying reading the adventures of Deva. She is a very intriguing character and searching for meaning that the others take for granted. It is a well written story and will appeal to fans of reverse harems and paranormal romances. The author knows how to heat up a story and takes risks others might not take.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Profile Image for Shaly.
1,198 reviews
November 1, 2018
Should I be upset that all of a sudden Ms. Bell is ending her books with cliffhangers, because that’s exactly what’s happening! We are only getting small portions of Deva’s story before the book ends and we are left with a million questions and unfortunately no answers. I truly dislike that.

As far as this portion of Deva’s life after she escaped from home is more confusing than ever. I have no idea what her true purpose is, although after her night with Rohan and her new powers being displayed I think I might now where this is headed and what her purpose and that of her men are. Having no soul sucks but knowing Ozzie’s big secret and reading what Rohan shared with her, I can only assume that she is indeed connected to Rohan, Ozzie, Llyr, Keagan and Bodhi. She hasn’t realized yet how all these men can help her become whole because, like Ozzie, Deva is extremely stubborn and hardheaded.

The hounds, what the hell is up with the hounds? Every time I thought I had those suckers figured out, they would act all strange and stray from what my thoughts were. The hounds were super confusing at every turn in this book. After reading that fucked up ending, I hope that my thoughts and assumptions prove to be wrong because if what I’m thinking is right, then ‘Fate’ is totally fucked up!

Overall, I did enjoy the book, not as much as the other books that lead to this new spin-off series, especially because of the damn cliffhangers. Deva is certainly a complicated character and I honestly hope we get some answers soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joe Kendall.
716 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2018
Wow. This book leaves you on a cliff hanger and what a ride it is. I need the next book NOW.
I loved this story. It has a complex plot arc and is so engaging. I was engrossed from the 1st chapter.
Deva is very complicated. A chimera who does not know what she is, but longs for that which she believes is not her fate.
All the characters are well written with great love and attention to detail. The plot is steamy and captivating. I really need more now :-)
I highly recommend this book and hope you love it as much as me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bec.
157 reviews20 followers
April 2, 2019
I’m hooked! I won fate’s fools and fool’s folly in a competition and I have never been so glad for my ability to google rude plant pics!
The world building is a little confusing, I felt a little like I’ve come in in the middle of a series, but the back story is explained as you go.
Off to read the next one!
Profile Image for Natasha Maltman.
665 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2021
DNF at 46%

1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was good. Will maybe pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & will definitely pick up next in the series!
5 Star = Bloody Loved it! ♡
1,889 reviews8 followers
November 7, 2018
This is a reverse harem romance. This was a great fun read. The storyline was interesting and full of adventure and romance. The characters are fun and exciting. If you love a great reverse harem romance with adventure and a HEA then this story is for you.
Profile Image for Carmen Torres.
874 reviews23 followers
December 4, 2018
This book is hot and well written. The characters are well fleshed out. The book is sexy and entertaining. As usual well done Ms. Bell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
213 reviews24 followers
November 3, 2021
it's too complicated. it doesn't feel like a first book. i'm constantly feeling like i missed two books ore more. Her whole conception must fill a Trilogy . please book just stop. it makes me feel like a fool

i give up, you win, please leave
1 review
July 24, 2020
Disgusting i have not gotten past the first chapter t is full of graphic sex scenes
Profile Image for Katie.
322 reviews
August 7, 2020
DNF 25%... So yea, wasn't expecting that. Not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Lacrymosa Quiñones.
714 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2018
A very action packed new series!

I want expecting to enjoy this book the way that I did but boy was it hard to stop reading! And so much is happening with so many point of views and emotions going on. This is going to be a hella of a series!

Character breakdown;

Deva: I knew Ophelia had big plans for her but these plans were not what I expected. I loved that she was independent and willing to help those of the blood. But the girl is still quite naive and a little stubborn, I cannot wait to see how she'll be when she accepts all five men.

Rohan: I loved him! He was literally the only one who was laid back and funny as heck. He was also the only one willing to share and be open. I cannot wait how it'll go with the rest when they accept it too.

Keagan: the man was just down right bitter and it made me dislike him but I know he will redeem himself eventually.

Bodhi: don't know much about him but would love to hear more and see how he'll change with Deva and the others.

Llyr: I think he'll be the adult here lol. Looking forward to him setting everyone straight.

Ozzie: I used to have sympathy for him! I used to want him to have a happy ending, but now I don't like the brooding bitterness he carries. Aside from the petulant child temper I still want to see how this goes.

So one thing I can clarify is if you aren't into the continuous cliffhanger series. Or have zero patience this is not the book for you! It will be hard to wait but I want to see this one through. And if you are wondering how different this is from Ophelia's usual work, it just has more action the steaminess is still there.

P.s. Eff you Fate!
182 reviews21 followers
September 12, 2020
Disclaimer: I won this book from the author.

First, I would have read this book in less than a week if outside events had not affected me. I liked the story. Although it takes place in the real world, it contains many fantasy elements. Most characters have a unique personality. The only character that has a detailed backstory is the heroine. I don't know if that is due to there being so many characters or to most of the characters having histories dating back hundreds of years. Maybe their stories don't matter, since the book is about Deva. The novel ended with a nice cliffhanger. I am interested in finding out what happens next.

Problems:
One of the side characters is grievously wounded, and no one even mentions him for a day and a half. Even when he rejoins the story two days after the attack, nobody appears to care about his health.
Two different male characters express doubts about having any sexual contact with other males. One is immediately physically coerced into kissing a male while the other one is forcibly tied up and mentally tricked into thinking he is having sex with a woman. These instances caused me to lower my star rating.
Due to the large number of characters and multiple races, each with their own powers, I would have appreciated a glossary, before or after the story, with a list of the races, their abilities, and who belonged to which bloodline. Maybe a family tree would be helpful.

Note: This book contains much swearing and some graphic sex scenes.
Profile Image for Steppikenka.
199 reviews12 followers
March 28, 2024
Review Of:
~ Fate’s Fools
(Fate’s Fools #1)
By Ophelia Bell

🍌Overall review out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍋Page count: 281
🍊Chapter count: 33
🍑Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🍎Cliffhanger: Yes
🍉Can it be read as a stand-alone: Sure¿
🍇Book type: Reverse harem, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal
🫐Main character/s:
~ Deva Rainsong
~ Keagan
~ Rohan
~ Ozzie
~ Llyr
~ Bodhi
🥝Relationship type: MMFMMM, Soulmates, Insta-lust
🍐M/M: Yes
🥭 Pregnancy mentions/in plot: No

🍓 Character descriptions:

🟥 Deva Rainsong, 1/?
Chimera, A Mix of all four higher races
Ursa/Dragon/Satyr/Turul, +Human
Eyes not a single color but a variegated rainbow, darkest black in the center, then a deep green, then blue fading into purple followed by red at the outer edge, with a final searing silver ring of light.
Thick black hair
Warm brown skin
Robust and curvy, Long legs

🟡 Keagan Sundance
Ursa 🐻🪨
Sand-brown eyes
Burnished dark brown hair, Dark stubble
Light brown coloring, A lot of body hair, Tattooed back
Big stocky build, Very broad shoulders

🔴 Rohan Tanan, 500+
Golden Dragon 🐉 🔥
Shining golden irises
Gold curly hair, Clean shaven

🟣 Llyr Xanthos, 3000+
Satyr 🌊💧
Whirlpool aqua gaze
Sleek black wavy hair
Olive skin
Tall, Head taller than Ozzie, Broad chest, Lithe-lean body
Sculpted lips

🟢 Ozzie West
Turul 🦅🌫️
Gray-blue eyes
Dirty blonde hair that is short on sides and long on top
Golden skin

🔵 Bodhi Dylan, 25
Human¿🧍
Pale gray-green eyes
Black almost shoulder-length hair, Scruffy chin
Tawny brown skin, Colorful tattoos
Muscular
1,324 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2018
I HATE CLIFFHANGERS! Ok now that I have that out of my system. This is an extraordinarily well written and thought out book. I found myself reading it straight through in one sitting. Only to get to the end and have to wait for the next book.
This is the first book in the new series find Ophelia. This one is that Deva Rainsong. If you read the last series of books you’ll know she is the daughter born and the end of the story and she is literally one year old. But was forced to grow up in the span of the day. Even though she is young she has the wisdom of the ages. From all the what is infused in her Dream Hair Creations. In this book she is trying to find out what is happening to the bloodline. The one that she’s connected to and can see that something is doing something to their souls. That is where she Mets Bohdi at the hospital and then Ronon, Straus, and his friends. And when she goes home with Ro that is were she finds Ozzie and Lyhr again. And things get so turned around as she fights off what she thinks are Fate’s hounds. Only to find out more from Sophie. I need book two now. Need to know if Ozzie come clean and they all get off their butts and helps Deva find her soul.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,339 reviews67 followers
October 25, 2019
4

Fate’s Fools is first in this series by Ophelia Bell.

Everything I’ve ever read by Bell, I have loved. Fate’s Fools did not disappoint. Since I generally read with Kindle Unlimited, I haven’t been able to finish any one series yet due to only the first book in each being the only one available through the service.

Though I loved Deva’s story here, there did seem to be a lot of repetition. Constantly reiterating her soullessness. Continually connected the dots between her lack of a soul and lifelong loneliness without a soul mate.

I have one question that I’m not entirely positive I will like the answer to in either case. Because finding out that after her weird birth and subsequent immediate growth to woman, that the man who kept her safe also banged her when she was what, a minute old? Wrapping my head around that? Not gonna happen. I can even take into consideration the fact that she seemed to grow in intellect and maturity while in utero, and tank. My reluctance in this instance, may just stem from the inability to want to like someone who’s nature would lead them into such a situation. Ozzie and Llyr add the most drama to the story. If there was only Rohan, Bodhi, and Keagan to worry over in the future mate department I think it’s safe to assume there be an immediate lack of confusion.

I’m not positive I will continue the series, at the moment. Though, I fully intend o come back to it later.
Profile Image for Jessica Kostrab.
45 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
Wow.

So, to start, this is a spinoff series of Bell's "Immortal Dragon" series. according to her website, reading the OG series isn't required. IMHO, the few things I kept being confused about might be easier to understand if the OG source material is read. So, I plan to pick that series up, too. I was initially skeptical of this book because I kept getting it recommended by social media advertisements. I am really glad I didn't wait much longer to pick this up.

I also have to say that Bell tells readers that this spinoff series is NOT for the light of heart or for those who like slow burns.

Fate's Fools is just that. It's fast-paced. it's reverse harem with m/m relations. It's not as dirty as some novels, but damn is the spice in this novel makes my thighs clench. This book hits a lot of tropes. It's linked to music. It's a different way of looking at a shifter romance.

And, like I'm drawn in by the other plot that involves Mairi and her experiments. I want to watch Keagan and Deva become more. I want to know what happens if Deva gets shards of everyone's souls. Will Deva and her harem put an end to the attacks? Will Fate finally catch up with Deva? I think this book ended perfectly so that I want book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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