Fighting Fate – Shaila Patel

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Empath Liam Whelan is determined to protect Laxshmi “Lucky” Kapadia, the girl he loves, at all costs–even if it means breaking her heart to keep her alive. Stopping the joining cold means Liam’s life is in danger from the Soul Seekers and the ruthless Minister Gagliardi who now has designs on Lucky. Liam has no choice but to find the strength to fight his desires, fight the joining, and fight fate.

After the unthinkable happened, Lucky’s “hallucinations” have been working double-time. Heartbroken and plagued by doubts, she meets a man who gives her a mind-blowing explanation for her predicament. Her apparent savior provides her with an escape from her hell: run away with him or return to her drab existence and watch Liam move on with her heart in his hands. All Lucky ever craved was to be in control of her own fate, but when her only choices fight against her heart, can she find the strength to battle for what she wants?

I typically begin by discussing the cover art of the book I am reviewing. However, I participated in the cover reveal and you can see my thoughts in that post. So, I will move onto my review but first I would like to mention that sadly I was unable to fit it into my schedule. I will say this…I was able to fully enjoy the story without it! The author even kindly added an excerpt from Soulmated, the first book, at the end. Now…I am not saying do not read the first one, you definitely should. I am only saying if you are like me and found yourself with this and have yet to read Soulmated, you will still enjoy the story.

Speaking of enjoying the story, I loved this book so much. The connection that the reader builds with the characters is phenomenal. Making a reader relate to each person is vital to fully immerse them in the tale. I felt the pain, desire, and love of both Liam and Lucky…no I am not an empath, merely a reader of the work by a talented author. Each character is incredibly well developed. Liam, a multicultural Irish American, is portrayed in such detail I can hear him speak in an Irish accent. His speech and vocabulary, as well as Lucky’s, fit their backgrounds perfectly. The author really did well with showing their cultural differences. The detail added is just the beginning, Shaila Patel also added a glossary of terms and phrases each character use to help the reader understand or learn them. From my knowledge, her information regarding Irish and Indian culture was accurate. It is nice to see the diversity in charcters in a young adult book.

When you say a book is full of emotion, I think of this one. The story relies on emotions. The stuggle of being confused and not knowing where to go with this new found bond they share. Romance, over the top romance, consumes this young couple. Fear of what is yet to come. Loss of those you hold clsoest. The reader is never left wondering what Lucky or Liam are feeling. With a plot that brings unexpected turns, the intense emotion between the two teenagers is a refreshing break from the action.

With an ending that leaves you craving more, impatiently waiting for what is next, this is a great young adult read. Fighting Fate will take you an an adventure, evoking many emotions and never letting go of the grip it forms on you from the beginning.