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Sunday, February 22, 2015

Book Review: Seducing Destiny (The Fae Chronicles #4) by Amelia Hutchins

Seducing Destiny (The Fae Chronicles #4)
by Amelia Hutchins
January 20th 2015

Less than six months ago my life was twisted and flipped on its side. Things have changed so much I barely recognize myself anymore.

I am no longer an Enforcer.

I am no longer a Witch.

I no longer hate the Fae. (For the most part)

And the sex-on-a-stick-gorgeous-Fae? He isn't really the Dark Prince.

No, he is the father of my children and with the babies on the way, the land dying and the Mages closing in; alliances will have to be formed if we are all to make it through the war that is coming to our front door.

Between warring Gods and Goddesses, how are any of us supposed to win?


The fourth installment of the Fae Chronicles opens with the hoard’s premiere couple Synthia and Ryder bracing for war. Malevolent mages have gained a foothold in the human world that threatens to spill into faery, placing the entire fae race in peril. Heavily pregnant, Synthia is desperately trying to grapple with rapid changes and a growing feeling of isolation.

The novel is full of transition. The characters grapple to keep up as they transition from crisis to crisis while they themselves transform, some more remarkably than others. True to this series, this book is action packed. Synthia is a formidable opponent for ne’re-do-wells alike, even in her pregnant state. With a sharp tongue and confidence to spare, Synthia is an unapologetic match for her hoard-king boyfriend, and baby daddy, Ryder. I’ve always appreciated her kick-ass self-confidence; however, I've become weary of her over the top bravado. I found myself rolling my eyes several times as this forceful character, a relative newbie in Faery, bosses around fae warriors and nobility alike. But I suppose sleeping with the most feared creature in Faery doesn’t hurt.


Ryder remains one of my favourite paranormal alphas. His refusal to succumb to human conceptions of romance and love make him a greater challenge for the reader. But, alas, Ryder inevitably endures transformation as well and this book, I fear, makes him a softer character. While this makes him a more rounded, multidimensional character, a slight loss of edge makes him less appealing to me. But isn’t that always the way?

One thing that has remained consistently effective, perhaps even improved, is the explosive sexual relationship between Ryder and Synthia. Amelia Hutchins can craft a sex scene like few others I’ve read. I mean, I was blushing on several occasions and I feel I’m a fairly seasoned romance reader. Just when I thought there was no other place for these two to go, they upped the ante. The author includes a disclaimer at the beginning of each installment, one such advising “buying batteries or securing a willing victim to your bed while reading”. So, be warned, because she delivers.

This book is long, but it didn’t have to be. Granted, a lot happens, perhaps even too much, but I think Hutchins could have accomplished the same thing in less times. There’s a lot of dialogue of the philosophical and strategic planning variety I could have done without. I had a difficult time finishing the last third of the book, but ultimately glad I did. While I sometimes find the abundance of characters in this series daunting, the inclusion of a few promising new characters have me undeniably intrigued and hooked in for the next installment.

3 ½ sheep





Bianca Greenwood


About the Author:
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Amelia lives in the great Pacific Northwest with her family. When not writing, she can be found on her author page, hanging out with fans, or dreaming up new twisting plots. She's an avid reader of everything paranormal romance.

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