Fated to the Hollow King

This book ended up really impressing me! I usually avoid anything that's labeled as 'dark', but I'm glad I gave this a chance! The book definitely set out with the goal of giving the reader a distinct feeling, and yes, that feeling is on the darker end, but without feeling heavy and depressing. It permeates the book, and leaves you sitting with it for a while afterward as well. I found it to be impressively deep, somber, and a little twisted but not so dark that it weighs heavily on you. (Speaking as someone with chronic anxiety and depression.) Gazelle being a dancer is huge to the book, and interestingly, as I read I felt like the plot and writing moved along methodically/rhythmically, like a dance, itself. The spice was more of just steamy yearning, with 2-3 brief and non-descriptive scenes that are easily skippable but generally won't be needed, since it's alluded to so simply and briefly. The FMC felt generic to me at first, but by the end...wow. Let's just say she was actually quite unique! Also, the plot twist at the end was INSANE. Definitely something I've never seen before. (If you see something that seems contradictory or not make sense, just keep reading! It's not an author mistake!) I devoured this book in one sitting, and it's lingered with me into the next day. Again, I am very impressed by this book and the author's writing!

Katie C. 5/5 August 26, 2026

Fated to the Hollow King

I enjoyed this one! I went into it expecting something a little different based on the cover, 👀 so I was surprised to realize it leaned more YA than I expected. That said, I really enjoyed the plot and the Phantom of the Opera vibes! There was something really intriguing about the atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the characters, and I thought the plot twist was really well done. It was also a quick, easy read, which I appreciated. I stayed interested throughout and definitely wanted to see how everything would play out.

Silvia C. 4/5 August 25, 2026

Fated to the Hollow King

Gazelle Dakari dances to seal the demons below. She has been the lead Rift Dancer for years, sacrificing parts of her soul to keep her world safe. But the price is steep and one slip-up during the ceremony opened a door she doesn't know how to close. In the depths, she meets the Hollow King, a man who swears the ritual she performs is not what it seems. In the light, a monster murders those closest to Gazelle, placing her under scrutiny and suspicion. As she tries to find answers, she only returns with more questions. Questions that the Hollow King will answer… for a price. Is there truth in this king’s promise? Or has she made a bargain with someone far worse than the demons she fears? “Fated to the Hollow King” by Angela J. Ford is the first novel of the “Fated to the Enemy” Collection. A series of standalones, each book will follow a pair of enemies that unwillingly find themselves bound together by fate, fascination, or flirtation. This particular novel is a murder is a mystery inspired by “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Black Swan”. Gazelle was one of the most intriguing gothic heroines I've read, working to solve the mystery she is ensnared by while her own body seemingly works against her. As for Airen? How he draws her in, tempts, and is tempted by Gazelle is absolutely swoony. Every single one of their interactions is a tense scene that leaves even you the reader dizzy. I was so excited for this novel that I could hardly stop myself from reading it; in fact, it cut ahead of several books on my tbr. And I don't regret it! With plot twists as winding as a dark maze, “Fated to the Hollow King” will leave your jaw on the floor (😂). Even I, a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast with a penchant for guessing the end of a movie 10 minutes in, could not get to the bottom of this mystery before the last page. When all was said and done, I was surprised and delighted by the resolution. Now, I highly recommend you grab your own copy and enter the Sacred Palace. Nothing is what it seems and you'll be left haunting the halls long after it is over.

Brandi 5/5 August 23, 2026

Fated to the Hollow King