A Ruinous Fate - by Kaylie Smith

About the Book

In a world on the brink ofwar where one more roll from a magical die may set her down a dangerous path, nineteen-year-old Calla Rosewood joins a ragtag group of witches that ventures into an enchanted forest to find a way to reset their fates, only to discover that the forest may be more than any of them bargained for.

Book Synopsis

For fans of Leigh Bardugo, enter a world on the brink of war where one more Roll from a magical dice may set a witch with a secret down a dangerous path. Featuring a swoon-worthy ensemble cast and majestic world-building, this is the first book in a planned YA fantasy series by debut rising star Kaylie Smith.

Fate does not choose the weak. Fate chooses the ready.

Illustros is a cursed realm ruled by the ruthless Gods of Fate, and no one understands the Fates' wrath more than Calliope Rosewood. Blessed with unspeakable powers that terrify even the most dangerous witches and fae, Calla hides her forbidden magic in shame and fear that one wrong touch could send her to her death. With only her two best friends in tow, Calla deserted her coven and has been on the run ever since.

Worse, Calla is concealing an even darker secret: fate has chosen her as the final prophesied Blood Warrior, the being destined to start the Fates' War, which will decimate her people and eradicate their magic.

After a betrayal from her infuriating ex Ezra leads her one step closer to fulfilling that age-old prophecy, Calla is desperate to do whatever it takes to reset her fate. So when a mysterious and charming witch offers to help Calla do just that, she immediately agrees to his plan. Only catch? That plan includes journeying into the deadly Neverending Forest with Ezra and said witch, who just so happens to be Ezra's tempting older brother. Torn between her past desires and alluring new possibilities, Calla brings along her best friends to fight what lies ahead.

As the group ventures into the enchanted woods together, they'll all soon learn that choosing your destiny comes with dire consequences . . . and the Fates are not to be tested. Calla believes the Fates have it out for her, while others believe they have chosen her for a reason. But in the end, Calla will have to fight to forge her own destiny and decide if the risk of choosing herself is worth the possibility of damning everyone else.

Review Quotes

"A page turning debut that's sure to delight, A Ruinous Fate is a whimsical, action-packed thrillride. Kaylie Smith's richly imagined world and lively cast of characters will leave readers transported and begging for the sequel."--Adrienne Tooley, author of Sweet & Bitter Magic

"With an unforgettable cast and stratospherically high stakes, A Ruinous Fate is a lush debut that explores what it means to take control of your own destiny despite the cards, or dice, you've been given. Smith expertly weaves swoon-worthy romance into an action-packed plot, and readers will root for Calla to choose herself and change her fate."--Andrea Hannah, author of Where Darkness Blooms

"A spellbinding debut brimming with adventure, romance, and loveable characters you'll gladly follow into the shadows of their vivid world. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the twists are as unpredictable as a roll of the dice."--Alexandra Bracken, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Lore

"A Ruinous Fate is filled with fantasy tropes you know and love, made all the richer with a diverse cast of magical beings. A story about the power of defying fate and fighting for the ones you love, this action-packed fantasy adventure and high stakes roll of the dice is like playing Dungeons Dragons with your best friends! I'm at the edge of my seat until book two!"--Aiden Thomas, New York Times best-selling author of Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods

About the Author

Kaylie Smith is a writer and lover of all things fantasy. She grew up in Louisiana where she frequently haunted bookstores and practiced her craft. After college she decided to pursue her life-long dream of becoming an author, but when she isn't writing or reading, she can be found at home with her menagerie of animals, fussing over her houseplants, or annoying people about astrology. You can find her on all social media as @KaylsMoon or check out her website at KaylieSmithBooks.com.