Caffeinated Reviewer | Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop
11th Nov
Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. It did not disappoint! If you love Bishop’s Others series, you will absolutely love this first in the Isle of Wyrd series. I pre-ordered the hardcover but had to listen to the audiobook narrated by Jesse Vilinsky.
Turn of Fate
by Anne Bishop
Series: Isle of Wyrd #1
Narrator: Jesse Vilinsky
Length: 17 hours and 45 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A young detective investigating crimes of the uncanny will learn that bargains can change your fate—for good or ill—in this darkly enthralling fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Others and the Black Jewels series.
Words have power. Intentions matter.
Most people come to Destiny Park for entertainment. They come to have their cards read to tell them a bit about their future. They come to walk through a beautiful park and to eat at the hotel’s restaurant. They come in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Arcana, the paranormal beings who rule the Isle of Wyrd.
But some people come to make a bargain with the Arcana—to change their fate. And some people come for dark purposes.
When Detective Beth Fahey is sent to Destiny Park to inquire about a “ghost gun,” she will begin a strange journey on which she must learn to navigate the Arcana’s unforgiving laws and dangerous attractions. Her search will draw her into seemingly impossible cases and the secrets of her own past as tensions rise between the Arcana and their human neighbors across the river.
For the Isle of Wyrd is a place where the dead ride trains to their final destinations, predators literally become prey, and seekers’ true natures are revealed in the ripples of destiny unknowingly stirred in their wakes.
Who will live? Who will die? And who will be lost in between?
Full disclaimer- I love the Others series and own it in hardcover, audio and ebook formats. It is one of a handful of series I reread for pure pleasure. The world-building and characters are among my favorites. If you are like me, you’ll be thrilled to dive into Turns of Fate and meet the uncanny on Wryd Island. This story is about fate.
The story begins with Detective Beth Fahey’s first day on the job. She is a new detective at Precinct 13 in Penwych. It’s on the banks of Fate River and is just a ferry ride away from the Isle of Wyrd. Humans fear what they do not understand, and many travel the ferry to Destiny Park seeking to have their cards read or glimpse the Arcana who call the island home. Some come to change their fates, and others have dark intentions. The tale that unfolds pulled me in and left me craving more.
Detective Beth Fahey is sent to Destiny Park to inquire about a “ghost gun” that was used in a recent murder. Beth is both fearful and curious about the inhabitants. Her captain and fellow officers are surprised at the details she uncovers. The uncanny and their leader are curious about Beth and I was thrilled to unravel her secrets and theirs.
Tensions are high between the Arcana and humans when a group of boys goes missing. While the story reminded me a lot of the world of the Others, it is uniquely different. It was fascinating to see the rift build between Beth and her colleagues at work even as her friendships with the Arcana grew. Bishop doesn’t rush the tale as it takes place over the span of a year. We’ve got multiple mysteries, including the disappearance of the sheriff’s own son. As Beth investigates, we learn more about the island, the uncanny and the creatures who inhabit the island. We see what happens when humans interfere and how the Arcana let fate determine the outcome.
The island and its inhabitants were fascinating, from the fortune tellers to the strange creatures. In the gardens are portals; there are villages with humans who have chosen to live among the uncanny and more. Their views on justice and fate were intriguing, and those in the village have formed a family.
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. She captures Beth and the others, giving each a unique voice. Her pacing and tone enhanced my overall enjoyment, and it is her voice I will hear when I read the novel. Turns of Fate definitely earned a spot on my bookshelf.
About Anne Bishop
Anne Bishop lives in upstate New York where she enjoys gardening, music, and writing dark, romantic stories. She is the author of fourteen novels, including the award-winning Black Jewels Trilogy. Her most recent novel,Twilight’s Dawn, made the New York Times bestsellers list. She is currently working on a new series, which is an urban dark fantasy with a bit of a twist.
About Jesse Vilinsky
Jesse Vilinsky is a classically trained actress, voice-actor, and multiple award-winning narrator. In addition to narrating audiobooks, Jesse’s voice can be heard in commercials, live-action dubbing projects, films, and television shows. A New York City native, she now lives in Los Angeles with her husband.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
