Fates Divided

J. Barnard

Aug 2015 · Halven Rising Book 1 · Fresh Fiction Pub

About this eBook

Elena must save the very beings who would kill her if given the chance...

There's nothing Fae despise more than the half-breed called Halven, a race of lesser beings produced by the mating of a Fae and a human.

Only now those Halven are looking more useful each day, because a deadly virus unleashed in Faery is killing immortal Fae, and the only person capable of healing them is a Halven living on Earth.

A mere slip of a girl named Elena Rosales descended from a line of Fae known for their powerful magic, and she'll come into her ability soon. An ability that could destroy the virus--if she can master it.

Her only shot at learning to control her magic and creating a cure? Enlisting the help of her brooding, though brilliant, chemist neighbor, Derek, who rivals the Fae in masculine beauty.

But when Elena and Derek get together, more than chemicals spark fire. They soon discover how complicated attraction can get when they find themselves on the other side of the portal, enemies by birthright, and fighting for survival.

"I don't have words to describe how good this book is. It's full of intrigue, emotional tension and love. Let's not forget how well written it is." ~ Reviewer

"…an exciting new fantasy adventure series…" ~ Library Journal

"I need more of this series right now… if you are like me, and have been dying for a new adult paranormal or fae series, this is the one for you!" ~ Book Briefs

"…an action-packed and intriguing paranormal romance book that touched on the themes of life-changes and forbidden love." ~ EscapeNBooks

"Fates Divided is one of the best PNR books I’ve read so far this year." ~ Wicked Babes Blog Reviews

"This novel takes you on an adventure of new worlds, uncharted territory, danger, and romance." ~ Books Need TLC

"Outstanding romantic fantasy!!" ~ I Heart Books

"Derek and Elena make a marvelous team. While trying to save the Fae they gain something in each other that is priceless and beautiful." ~ A Closet Full of Books

"Well written, deeply exciting and brimming with romance…" ~ The Rest Is Still Unwritten

"Fates Divided was a perfect example of new adult, paranormal romance…I highly recommend this to paranormal romance lovers as the story is original and hooks you right from the beginning." ~ BookCrushin

"…a MUST READ paranormal romance…" ~ Whispered Thoughts

"The complex relationship between races was intricate and intriguing, it drew me in and totally captivated me." ~ Young Adult Book Madness

"I love me a good paranormal story and this one fits the bill…a unique flare to the Fae and allows the reader to enter a world that is different and intriguing." ~ Typical Distractions Book Blog

A captivating twist on forbidden love with unique world building, seductive romance, and a deadly noble race for dominance that will make your heart pound. Grab FATES DIVIDED today!

Keywords: fantasy, romantic fantasy, paranormal, Fae, faery, magic, angels, star-crossed lovers, coming of age, first love, college romance, new adult, young adult paranormal, young adult fantasy, mature young adult, Fae nobility, royal

Ratings and reviews

The story had a great message about prejudice of being half human and half fae which could be related to our world today for YA readers. Elena is thrown into a realm she didn't know existed. At first the story was a bit slow, the character were captivating but lack some hook until the middle to the end of the book. I liked the main character loved to cook. Too many girls now a days don't even know how to boil water and have no desire to cook which is sad. I wish the story was more focused in the fae realm but I guess that's what we will get in book 2.

Jules Barnard has given us a truly wonderful beginning to a YA paranormal series with this book. With great writing she brings the fantasy world to life. The story did have parts that seemed to drag a little and it took me a bit to understand all the new terminology (Fae, Halvens etc,) but once that all clicked into place the story moved along. The romance that develops between Elena and Derek is sweet and while not the main focus of the book it definitely adds to the story. If you love paranormal, this is a good one. I recommend it.

The Good +well written +invested in the characters +intriguing world building +thrilling action +cover love +unique twist on Fae +liked how it handled science & magic +Enjoyed the journey +will continue the series The Bad & The Other -Plot hole -Ugh angels=blonde & white again -Don’t like angels, hate their mythology -heteronormative gender norms, stereotypes & slut shaming -special snowflake virgin protag -tiring repetition (shut up about falling in love with her & her beauty & his muscles already.) Fates Divided starts with Elena freaking out over something unexplained and unscientific happening in the lab and her flurry to figure it out. I was immediately hooked. Her roommate Reese seemed cool and I liked their relationship. Soon after, we meet Derek the aforementioned broody neighbor. He’s mega-hot, standoffish and there’s an immediate reaction from Elena. Par for the course, and I was rolling right along. The first minor blimp for me was the incident during their first meet. Elena accidently brushed her boob on his arm. And it was painfully obvious and awkward. Like I almost wanted to stop reading. Elena’s attitude of “well, it’s not the first time these jugs have got me in trouble” didn’t help. Thankfully, we get back to what’s really important in the lab quickly. Then Dereck’s POV comes into play. His perspective was important to have, it wouldn't have worked without him. Their romance is everything you expect from New Adult. Amazing perfect sex between two ridiculously attractive people, one being a special snowflake virgin while the other has more experience. Take a guess who is which. Their relationship goes push and pull for a bit and rockets off into soul-mated instalove. At least it’s important to the plot for reasons I cannot reveal. But safe to say if you love star-crossed lovers, you’ll love it. Me? Not so much, but it wasn’t terribly bad. Besides Dereck going creepy stalker, alpha protector bro. Worse though was the heteronormative gender roles, stereotypes, and slut shaming. Basically, whenever their crew would talk relationships, it pissed me. Ugh. If you can’t tolerate this nonsense, feel free to skip it. Don’t become enamored with another problematic as hell fav like me. Sadly, that’s not the biggest socially conscious critique that can be made. Angels. First let me say this take on Fae with Angel origins is pretty clever and original. And my grips aren’t just that I do not like angels, their mythology, and the way authors use them but avoid questions/consequences while making Christian assumptions. No. See, these angels are the Nordic type: big, tall, and blonde with blue eyes. They are, of course, racist against half-breeds like Elena. Elena’s Mexican heritage is used to highlight the very obvious parallels, themes, and overall message of “Let’s all love one another, kumbaya.” It feels heavy-handed and I did not appreciate being beat over the head with this very goddamn obvious fact. It became so irritating, I felt like Elena’s race was a tool for this. If you’re looking for subtly and finesse, this is not where it’s at. So why in the hell am I continuing? I became invested in the characters and their relationships. I want to see more of the Fae realm. I want to see Reese and Keen get it together. I keep wondering days later what’s going to happen to them and the realm. I want the little details and the big picture. I’m hooked. I can’t really explain why. I just am. The writing and plotting are damn good to make this happen. And while I’m not a fan of how angels screw everything up, it is an original paranormal I won’t soon forget. In fact, I’ve signed up for the tour to review the second novel, Fates Entwined that follows Reese and Keen because I need to know how this goes so damn badly. Join me in the “omg I enjoyed it but whyyyy do this” corner so maybe we can figure it out together or avoid the torture chamber.

About the author

J.Barnard is a USA Today Bestselling author of new adult fantasy. For over ten years, she has delighted readers with "real" characters in extraordinary worlds filled with romance, magic, and humor. Library Journal calls her Halven Rising series “…an exciting new fantasy adventure.” To find out more, visit jbarnardauthor.com or follow @jbarnardauthor on Instagram.