Heromaker #1
by Kendare Blake
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Sep 2023
480 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History
Publication Information
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake is back with an epic duology starter that follows a young woman training to join a fabled order as she attempts to lead a hero to his critical first victory. A must-read for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard.
Aristene are an order of mythical female warriors. Though heroes might be immortalized in legends, it's the Aristene who guide their paths to victory. They are the Heromakers.
Raised by the order after being orphaned, Reed grew up surrounded by her future sisters-in-arms and the incredible stories of their quests. She's been counting the days until her initiation, and now one final test stands in her way: shepherding her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and her place in the order is secured. Fail, and she'll be cast out of the only home she's ever known.
But Reed didn't count on Hestion, her assigned hero, being both infuriating and intriguing. When their strategic alliance turns into something more, it forces Reed to question the cost of becoming an Aristene. As battle looms and fate hangs in the balance, Reed must make an impossible choice: her hero or her order.
"The novel features enthralling worldbuilding and a nail-biting character arc that genuinely surprises with its twists and turns. Its highlights are the strength of the female friendships, the bonds between the Aristene, and the ties formed between the Aristene and their heroes. Explorations of tragedy, myth, and the power of agency versus fate enrich the story...A fabulous series opener combining true thrills and deep relationships." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"[T]hrilling...Curiosity-stoking worldbuilding paired with the characters' fully fleshed-out histories—particularly the lore and the tight-knit relationships between the women of the Aristene—keep the story's stakes high, and electric fight scenes proffer steady pacing." —Publishers Weekly
"Immersive from the very first moment—I would follow Kendare Blake into any world she creates." —Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods
"An enthralling tale of fierce warriors, devastating betrayal, and an aching romance." —Suzanne Young, New York Times bestselling author of The Program series
This information about Champion of Fate was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kendare Blake is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series. She holds an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University in northern London. She is also the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a Cybils Awards finalist; Girl of Nightmares; Antigoddess; Mortal Gods; and Ungodly. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, have been featured on multiple best-of-year lists, and have received many regional and librarian awards. Kendare lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington.
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