Book Review – Fated
Fated
by S.G. Browne, 2010ISBN: 9780451231284
Imagine that the Deadly Sins, the Lesser Sins, Virtues, Muses, Attributes, and any other intangible, abstract concept are in fact immortals who “work” within the mortal world. Lady Luck does bless gamblers, Failure is a visitor we wish never came, Disease does in fact spread disease, and Fate watches as his humans march down their depressing predetermined paths.
Fate, or Fabio as he is known in the mortal world, has grown tired of his job, which makes sense after two hundred and fifty thousand years. He is jealous of Destiny, who at least gets to see her humans become great and do amazing things. But Fate’s humans have predetermined lives that don’t amount to much—boring. Fate finds himself intrigued, then, when he meets a human woman whom he can’t read her future. She must be on the Path of Destiny, he figures, but that also makes her appealing. So, he begins to break the rules, primarily Rule #1: Don’t get involved.
He begins to date Sara, trying to keep his job as Fate and his status as an immortal from her. But being with her begins to change him and he starts helping his humans move to better paths. He is more interested in his job and he cares more about humanity. All while hoping that Jerry, or God, doesn’t find out. Or Jerry doesn’t punish him too much.
I love books where concepts or abstracts are personified. Browne offers a look at Fate, Destiny, Death (or Dennis), Sloth, Gluttony, Karma, Lady Luck, Failure, and many others, yet makes them more “human” by giving them flaws and quirky personalities. This was a very fun book with an interesting look at humanity. Fate could be any of us who have lost interest in our jobs and our lives and just need a little something to get us back on track. I like the twists and turns and the ending is definitely a surprise!
