I could not get over the themes in Spin of Fate. If you love training montages, subterfuge, and an immersive world, you’ll have to check it out. Keep reading this book review of Spin of Fate for my full thoughts.
Summary
The world is governed by Toranic Law, an ancient magical force that segregates people into upper and lower realms based on their morality. It’s said that if the sinful lowers commit themselves to kindness, their souls will lighten, allowing them into the blissful upper realms.
But Aina, one of the few lowers to ever ascend, just wants to go back. Desperate to reunite with her mother, who remains stuck in their horror-infested homeland, Aina joins the Balancers—a group that defies Toranic Law by bringing aid to those condemned to a life of suffering in the lower realms.
Alongside Aina are two new recruits: Aranel, a spoiled noble spying for the upper authorities; and Meizan, a ruthless fighter trying to save his clan from extinction.
Before long, Aina, Aranel, and Meizan find themselves in the midst of a brewing war. On one side, a violent lower king is bent on destroying Toranic Law; on the other, the upper authorities will do anything to stay on top.
The trio must face both sides head-on if they want to stop a conflict that could break not only Toranic Law… but the universe itself.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
In Spin of Fate there’s this stark class difference. It’s a story revolving around this idea of being ‘worthy’ enough to ascend. But how one does that, how does one become worthy, who knows. It’s this nebulous idea of being good and this strong difference in worlds between the upper and lower realms. We have Aranel, Meizan, and Aina who all have different beliefs about the system. Aina just wants to get back to the lower realm and her mother. Immediately I was drawn to her and her commitment to her mother and the way she so easily calls out the unfairness of the system.
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And my heart broke for Meizan who’s so desperately trying to save the clan. Both of these characters have very clear desires. They have to evolve, learn to harness their powers, and figure out what path forward is available to them. Seeing through each of their eyes helps us not only get to know the world, but the motivations – and lies – of each of them. The frustration in this sense of intrinsic goodness without rhyme which is used to excuse so much unfairness. Aranel is a more difficult character, but definitely for those who are drawn to characters who have to awaken, to open their worlds, and experiences.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the world of Spin of Fate even when I was done reading. It’s one of those ideas about whether we are judged for who we are, the ‘value’ of our souls, even upon birth. Find Spin of Fate on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.