Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop

Fans of Bishop’s The Others series will sense a familiarity in Turns of Fate. While the story and world are different, the tale is one of “other” beings called Arcana. They are part of the uncanny (aka supernatural), and they do not care for silly humans who do not follow the rules.

The book opens with Beth, a newcomer to the 13th precinct in Penwych, a human town across the river from Destiny Park and the Isle of Wyrd. While each town has its own police department, the 13th investigates crimes and strange occurrences that may be associated with the Arcana, the non-human residents of Wyrd. Destiny Park is a place where humans can visit, have their fortunes told, and see a bit of the Uncanny, but the rest of Wyrd is not meant for human eyes.

Turns of Fate is multifaceted and vast, with tangled threads that overlap and then refine the overall story. One could make the argument that Beth is the main character, as she makes decisions and molds her fate over the course of a year. However, I would argue that this is an ensemble cast with Beth being one of the principal drivers. Meanwhile, there are other humans who, by their actions, set into motion several events that end up involving Beth, her captain Charles Forrester, several other police offices and a handful of locals from the various towns on the human side of the river. 

The story is rich and full of details, and so utterly engaging. The shifting POVs allow the reader to understand the motives driving every character. We can see both evil and good. Each storyline, no matter small or primary, has intent, and I enjoyed seeing small pieces become part of a bigger whole. It’s clear who and what are “bad” and “good,” making me invested in seeing justice. While it’s a lot to keep track of, it doesn’t feel like work; I was able to listen and enjoy, while becoming emotionally invested.

Narration: The story is shared from multiple third person POVs, each performed by the same narrator. Vilinsky does a wonderful job altering cadence and volume to match persona and situations while infusing the scene with emotion. The narrator alters her performance based on age, gender, and species for character dialogue. Vilinsky’s range is spectacular, creating unique voices for every character.

The Arcana live by the motto: words have power, intentions matter. This theme is played over and over again as individuals make choices. Many times these choices have dire outcomes, especially for those humans who are unkind. There are poignant moments that brought tears to my eyes. There are tense moments that got my heart racing. I look forward to future installments from the Isle of Wyrd! 

My Ratings
Story: A+
Narration: A

Jen

About the Book:

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?

Author: Anne Bishop
Narrator: Jesse Vilinsky
Series: An Isle of Wyrd #1
Genre: Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: Date
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Length: 14 hours
Source: Publisher
Audio Speed: 1.3x