Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, violent, high-stakes finale has pacing problems.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
FATE BREAKER, the Realm Breaker series ender, picks up in the aftermath of Blade Breaker, with Corayne escaping the devastation caused by Queen Erida and her deadly consort Taristan's supernatural monsters. The Companions -- the "fellowship of the sword" who've sworn to help Corayne save Allward from forces of evil -- are unsure which of their friends has survived. Scattered and facing impossible odds, Corayne, Andry, Dom, Sorasa, Charlie, Valtik, and Sigil are alive and wondering how and when they will find one another again. Meanwhile, ruthless Erida has made a secret bargain -- behind Taristan's back -- to gain even more strength, making the couple seemingly unstoppable.
Is It Any Good?
Despite pacing flaws, Victoria Aveyard's trilogy finale satisfyingly brings the Companions together for a propulsive final battle. This series, for all of its similarities to other "misfits on a mission" stories, uniquely manages to include the perspective of the two villains without making them the protagonists of the story. For fans of the villain love story, Fate Breaker brings the fieriest baddie romance yet, while readers rooting for the other couples in the narrative must wait until the very end for more than comedic banter, longing looks, brief hugs, and the slowest of slow burns. The Companions, unlike the villains, don't have time to indulge in torrid interludes. They have to find one another and somehow rally enough troops to combat Erida and Taristan's forces.
Occasionally the sheer number of points of view gets a little tedious, especially as the author has to recount the same scene from a different perspective. But after the action ramps and the Companions reunite, readers will find the book difficult to put down. This fellowship of unlikely friends goes through a long, bloody journey (not to mention a nearly interminable battle) to achieve their goals, so expect twists, turns, and a few heartbreaking revelations. The end, when it finally comes, is almost too quick by comparison, but rest assured it's still worth the long page count!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Fate Breaker and throughout the three books. What purpose does the violence serve? Is it necessary to the story?
Discuss the use of multiple points of view. Were all the characters equally as developed? Which characters' story arcs most interested you?
How is romance handled in the book? Are you surprised with how the love stories progressed? Which couple were you rooting for?
What do you think about the end? Did the story answer all of your questions and tie up all the loose ends?
Although this is a trilogy ender, do you think the author should return to this universe again in the future?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date : February 27, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 625
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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