Fate Hollow Academy by Lyra Winters
This is a completed 4 book series available on KU! Blurb by Lyra Winters...
A loud laugh belted out of Mirella, and I looked back over to see her sitting in Grayson’s lap, playing with his hair. “Who’s the white-haired girl staring over here?” she asked, loud enough for anyone in the cafe to hear even if they weren’t paying attention.
My lips trembled, and I pressed them together as I lowered my head. I didn’t want to hear what Grayson would say, but with my enhanced hearing, I’d hear it even if I ran from the cafe right this second.
“She’s an orphan fox that my pack picked up as a kid. She’s terrified of humans, so she probably overheard you,” he said without an inkling of emotion, and the pain began radiating through the bond again.
“A shifter scared of humans?” Another laugh bubbled out of her. “That’s absolutely pathetic!”
My head shot up, and my gaze met hers. She smirked at me, and anxiety crawled up my throat.
I’d never experienced bullying directly to my face. Was this it? I was an outcast at the Arctic Wolf Village, sure, but they never went out of their way to make me feel like this. Besides, what did she know about humans? Had she ever seen them up close? Had she watched them hunt our kind for fun? Humans had weapons that could match our magic.
Heat licked up my spine, wrapping around my chest and raising my core temperature.
I tore my gaze from hers and locked onto Grayson’s, and smugness pulsed through the bond as he stared at me.
“Yeah,” he said to Mirella, not breaking eye contact as he spoke. “She’s nothing but a weak fox. No wonder she’s the last of the species.”
My chest tightened. I sucked in air, my lungs expanded, but I couldn’t seem to fill them.
Grayson was chosen by the Fates to be my mate. I never had much faith in the Fates, but they really messed up with choosing him. We both rejected the bond, so why wouldn’t the Fates let it break for good?
I wouldn’t forgive him for the words he’d spoken during the rejection or now.
Giggling, the girl next to them hushed her. “Come on, that’s mean!”
I bit my lip to choke back a sob, and a tear burned its way down my cheek.
Collective gasps rang out around my table, and Grayson’s smugness fell. There was a hint of guilt through the bond as I forced the hurt down it so he knew just what his words had done.
A warm tongue licked the tear away, and I turned my head to find Damien towering over me.
Dark gray eyes pierced mine as he leaned forward until his lips were less than an inch from mine. “Don’t cry, little bird. I’ll cut out his tongue and gift it to you tonight.”
A growl reverberated through the cafe, and I knew it was Grayson. Damien’s threat must’ve hit a nerve.
Damien pulled back, angling his head up to glare at Grayson. Two black horns protruded from his head as black smoke curled around his body and mine, as if he were claiming me.
I glanced around the table to see everyone glaring at Grayson. Thorn, Lachlan, Trixie, and even Kian. My gaze snagged on Alister’s, who was staring directly at me. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, and there was something dark swirling in his red eyes.
What I would’ve given to know what he was thinking at that moment.
Grayson stood up and Mirella scrambled to her feet to avoid falling, placing her hand in his before tugging him out of the cafe with her.
The cafe was silent, and I could feel everyone’s stares on me.
Opening 'Fate Hollow Academy' by Lyra Winters was like stepping into a whole new world, and honestly, I was captivated from the very first page! As a huge fan of paranormal romance, I'm always on the lookout for series that truly immerse you, and this four-book saga did exactly that. The book cover itself is stunning – that starry castle backdrop with magical symbols really sets the tone for the rich fantasy world you're about to enter. It perfectly hints at the academy setting, which is far from your average school. Instead, it’s a crucible where our heroine, an orphan fox shifter, navigates treacherous social dynamics and hidden dangers. The promotional image mentioning a 'supernatural war' isn't just hype; it's a core element that adds a thrilling layer of tension, making every decision feel high-stakes. What truly pulled me in was the intense fated/rejected mates dynamic. The excerpt gives you a raw taste of the heartbreak and drama, but throughout the series, you see the FMC (who starts off quite naive, bless her heart!) grow immensely as she contends with betrayal and finds her inner strength. It’s a journey of self-discovery wrapped in a compelling plot. And let’s not forget the intrigue of those seven protective supernatural men! The way their paths intertwine with hers, each with their own secrets and motivations, creates a truly addictive reading experience. It's not just a love story; it's about survival, finding your place, and forging unbreakable bonds in a world determined to break you. Lyra Winters has a masterful way of crafting characters you can't help but root for, even when they're making questionable decisions! I found myself totally immersed in the emotional rollercoaster of their journey, especially with the complex relationships born from fated mate bonds. The magic system is intricate and well-explained, and the various shifter species add so much depth to the world-building. Every twist and turn felt earned, and I appreciate how the author developed the overarching plot of the supernatural war alongside the personal growth of the characters. If you're a fan of dark paranormal romance, especially with high-stakes academy settings and a captivating reverse harem aspect, this series is an absolute must-read. It delivers on all fronts: action, magic, emotional depth, and scorching romance. I devoured all four books and honestly wish there were more! For anyone looking for a series that combines fantasy, romance, and gripping action, 'Fate Hollow Academy' delivers. It’s a completed series, so you can binge-read it to your heart's content, which is exactly what I did! I highly recommend giving it a try if you're into supernatural drama and intense fated mate bonds that will keep you guessing until the very end.
