Spin of Fate - (The Fifth Realm) by A A Vora

About the Book

"In a universe that segregates beings based on the weight of their souls into upper realms of peace and lower realms of strife, three teenagers join a rebel group defying the powers that be by bringing aid to the inhabitants of the lower realms"--

Book Synopsis

In a world inspired by karma, three teens encounter magnificent beasts, unforgiving magic, and epic battles in this propulsive and wholly original young adult fantasy.

"Evocative of Sanderson, Pullman, and Fullmetal Alchemist, yet at the same time shockingly original." --Rosaria Munda, author of Fireborne

Aina's world is governed by Toranic Law, a force that segregates people into upper and lower realms. It's said that if the sinful lowers commit themselves to kindness and charity, their souls will lighten, allowing them into the peaceful upper realms.

But Aina, one of the few lowers to ever ascend, just wants to go back home.

Aina is desperate to reunite with her mother, hoping she's survived the beasts and wars of her homeland alone. After failing to weigh down her soul with petty crimes, Aina joins a rebel group defying the authorities and bringing aid to those condemned to a life of suffering in the lower realms. Alongside Aina are two new recruits: Meizan, a ruthless fighter trying to save his clan from extinction, and Aranel, a spoiled noble spying for the powers that be.

Before long, the rebels find themselves in the middle of a brewing war. On one side, a violent king of a lower realm is bent on destroying Toranic Law; on the other, the authorities of the upper realms will do anything to stay on top. Now the young rebels must face both sides head-on if they want to stop a conflict that could break not only Toranic Law--but the universe itself.

Fans of epic, propulsive fantasies like Six of Crows and innovative world-building like Avatar: The Last Airbender will delight in A. A. Vora's ambitious, unmissable debut.

Review Quotes

Praise for SPIN OF FATE

A B&N Reads Most Anticipated YA Book for May 2024
A Paste Magazine Best New Fantasy Book of May 2024
One of Elle Magazine's Best Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books of 2024, So Far

★"Epic battles, a distinctive magic system, and moral ambiguity will engage fantasy readers seeking a new high-stakes adventure. . . . An exhilarating series opener." --Kirkus, starred review

"Vora's trilogy opener is sprawling, energetic, and complex, featuring memorable characters, dynamic magical feats, and bizarre monsters. . . . A wholly original and engaging adventure." --Publishers Weekly

"This action-packed epic fantasy immerses readers from prologue to finish. . . . Readers will love being immersed in the beautiful worldbuilding Vora has successfully created, but will also begin to question the characters, their actions, and a society adhering to laws that may not be best for all. Fans of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, and Alison Goodman's Eon and Eona will be captivated by this new world. VERDICT: A must-have." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Ambika Vora-Nagino (writing as A. A. Vora) is an Indian Japanese author born in Mumbai and based in Tokyo. After receiving a bachelor's in economics from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Cambridge, she worked in management consulting with a focus on digital transformation and healthcare. Outside work, she is a fervid Naruto fan who enjoys competitive Pokémon battling with her husband, playing with her newborn, and going on runs with her spitz dog Fëanor.