Cels Reviews: Alyson Noel's - "Fated"

Life has certainly taken a strange twist for 16 year old Daire Santos. If it’s not bad enough that whole murders of crows have started “mocking” her, the glowing people no one else can see keep popping up at the most inopportune times. Not to mention the grandmother she’s never met who disappeared off the face of the earth all those years ago suddenly reappearing. She must be going crazy right?

Luckily for Daire her grandmother seems to have all the answers and a holiday in a padded cell may just be avoided. Although moving to the backwoodsy New Mexico town of Enchantment certainly isn’t high on Daire’s list.  Throw in some huge magical family secrets and two smouldering identical twins that are as different as night and day, and Daire’s about to learn more than she ever imagined not only about this world, but those who lay either side.

Most likely, if you haven’t read any of Noel’s previous creations you’ve certainly seen them on the shelves or heard the buzz. I must say after finally delving into one of her worlds, I totally get what all the fuss is about. Fantastical, fast paced and fresh action and the supernatural team up to bring us a tale that breathes some fresh air into the genre.

Noel’s obvious research and love for telling a story shines through, and even with the more “out-there” elements, Daire’s story feels real. In saying that though, the elements of magic and spirituality are heavy throughout and unless you like your action with a liberal dose of the theory behind it, you may not enjoy this as much as I did. The balance between the light and dark elements is perfect and I must admit that for me the scariest thing was how realistically the twisted side of human nature was shown.

Sadly, the characterisation did let the overall story down, the only one who truly seemed “polished” was Daire’s grandmother Paloma. The supporting cast were a little lack lustre and Daire often fades into the background when she should be taking centre stage.  That said, this is the first instalment and I am hoping with Daire’s growth, she will find her feet and her supporting cast will also become more rounded.

Fated is apparently set in the same world as “The Immortals” series and I’m sure fans will enjoy the return visit as much as I enjoyed the new discovery. Daire’s story certainly promises to bring much more magical mayhem and action.  The second instalment “Echo” is due to hit shelves in November.

This is a solid 4/5 star read and looks slated to be a series that will totally hook you.

Fated (Soul Seekers#1) Alyson Noel

Pan Macmillan Australia

440 Pages

ISBN:9781447206804

Released: 1 June 2012