Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade is a book I picked up at my local library's book sale. The blurb on the back states, “What if Frodo died and Sam had to complete his task?” And while the book does not quite measure up to the Tolkien trilogy, it has its own quirks and boons. It follows the classic high fantasy plotline of a prophesied chosen one defeating the dark lord. The main issue with this prophesied fate is that the hero, Mathias, jumps into adventure headfirst and then gets killed the very day his journey begins – not by the enemy, but by his best friend, Aaslo. Aaslo, Mathias' best friend and accidental murderer, now tasks himself with changing fate itself, challenging the prophecy, and defeating the ancient evil in Mathias’ place. Accompanied by Mathias' talking severed head, whom only Aaslo can sense, Aaslo sets out on a journey to save the world.

Fate of the Fallen, while attempting to creatively spin a genre and trope on its head, flies too close to the sun. The concept is intriguing and entertaining, but the writing is two-dimensional. The characters that interact with Aaslo feel like cardboard cutouts, and the plot armor is immediately noticeable. Every situation just happens to fall in Aaslo's favor, no matter what he faces.

While the book may have its issues, it is a decent read overall. If you encounter this book in the wild, you may be inclined to read it for yourself. Past its subtle flaws, this book has an intriguing plot, mystifying magic, and an interesting cast.

Review by: Tristan

Tristan is an 11th grader, Dungeon Master, Poet, Future Engineer, avid reader, and lover of fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi.

—Rachael Zak, Young Adult Librarian, Woodland Hills Branch Library