Forged by Fate by Reese Monroe – a Review

Forged by Fate
Bound by Hades – Book #1
by Reese Monroe
Release Date: December 9, 2013Links to order Forged by Fate: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
He’s waited more than 900 years to love her…

Being the Gatekeeper to Hades is no small feat, and waiting almost a millennia to meet your mate is damn near impossible. But Theo Bradford’s mark has finally surfaced on his intended. Now all he has to do is find her and convince her to embrace her supernatural heritage.

Young genius, Sadie Nowland, has got life figured out. Graduating college at the age of eighteen and accepting a six-figure job is just what she needs to prove she’s made something of herself. But when a strange tattoo mysteriously appears on her shoulder and Theo starts talking about Mates, it catapults her neatly laid out life into chaos.

Somehow a vicious demon banished to Hades defies Theo’s vanquish and returns, setting his target on Sadie, and she is thrust into the volatile world of Shomrei warriors and a connection to Theo her brain can’t comprehend and her body can’t deny. That primal bond proves more imperative to their survival than either could have ever imagined—and just may be the key to the world’s survival.

Review:

Forged by Fate by Reese Monroe is the 1^st book in her Bound by Hades series.  I was offered this book to replace another book that had been delayed.  I was not sure how this book would be, nor did I know Reese Monroe.  Now that I have finished this book, thank you thank you for allowing me to read this book, as I loved it; and Reese Monroe is now being added as an author I want to read.

Forged by Fate begins as we meet our hero, Theo, who it turns out is a powerful supernatural.  Theo is a Gatekeeper of Hades, who vanquishes the demons back to hell, and was created by the Great One. His brother Justin, is his companion, someone who is not as powerful, but who is responsible for helping the gatekeeper.  Justin is the funny and womanizing one. Theo is reserved, serious and dedicated to his responsibilities; he also remains celibate all these years, waiting for his mate.  Theo now knows his mate, whom he has waited for over 900 years is now ready for his claiming. 

Sadie is our heroine, and we meet her as she prepares for her graduation, and moving on to a promising career.  Sadie is a genius, having graduated with high honors, and is also a black belt. Around her 18^th birthday, she discovers a strange tattoo on her shoulder and from there on her life begins to change.  She is getting stronger, and slowly, especially after meeting Theo, begins to gain more powers.  Theo, a gorgeous hunk, introduces himself as her mate.  Sadie at first, freaks out, trying to keep her distance from Theo.  Shortly after, she sees demons, who are after her, gets kidnapped and taken to Hades; where Theo will rescue her.  Theo and Justin try to help Sadie understand her destiny, and despite her  original disbelief, she slowly realizes her life as she knew it is over. 

The story was non stop action, as Theo, Sadie, Justin and their friends find themselves under attack by Demons, who have gained abilities to get past Theo’s Gatekeeper powers.  As Sadie learns more, she discovers that she will be the one to help stop evil from taking over, and must find the answers before it’s too late.  Along the way, both Theo and Sadie find themselves in very dangerous & deadly situations.

Reese Monroe has created a fantastic New Adult fantasy storyline with Gatekeepers, Demons, God, Lucifer, Angels and Humans.  The characters she has created are awesome:  Theo is a wonderful hero, not only gorgeous, powerful, a real hunk, but he is sweet and totally devoted to Sadie.  Sadie is a fabulous heroine, as she is strong, independent, brave, and has no qualms stepping up to take control. They are fabulous together, as we watch their romance build slowly.  Justin, whom I loved; Sadie’s friend Dasha;  Halena, a female gatekeeper, all play major parts in the story.  

The best part of the story is watching Sadie come into her own, gaining some awesome powers, discovering the truth about the parents she never knew, coming to terms with what she is & will be, and seeing her fall in love with Theo.  This was a beautiful romance with an awesome couple.  The story keeps you engrossed from the start to the exciting climax.  I hope Reese Monroe continues with more Theo and Sadie, so we learn more about them; and hopefully the charismatic Justin will get his story.  This was a great fun action filled story, and a new wonderful author to add to your list, as I have done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher