About the Book:
Fate: Tales of History, Mystery and Magic
If you had a crystal ball to predict what lay ahead, would you be tempted to use it? Or would you leave the future to the turn of Fate?
Tales of Variety. Tales of History, Mystery and Magic – some comprising just one of these popular fiction genres, others, a mild mixture of all three.Perhaps you prefer historical fiction rather than a story about magic or fantasy? Maybe you enjoy exploring new themes or prefer sticking to the familiar? Historical fiction can often inform, imparting knowledge of the past, of its events and its people. Stories of mystery exercise the ‘little grey cells’ as Poirot would say, while fantasy and magic create new worlds and awed wonder.
Whatever result, this is where anthologies come into their own, and where short stories are often appreciated as enjoyable, entertaining, quick or easy reads shown through the eyes of a variety of extraordinary characters and situations. In this instance: an Anglo-Saxon woman facing the consequence of conquest, the pursuit of alchemy, the concern of a mother for her daughter, the shifting of time, the necessity of hidden identity, souls who will linger as ghosts, a warning from the supernatural, the necessity for (justifiable?) revenge. All mingled with the rekindling of romance through a mutual quest, and the preparations for a Cotswold village celebration. (Along with a good tip if illicitly snaffling cakes.
The binding theme? Destiny... Kismet... FATE!Published 2025 ✧ Elizabeth St. John ✧ Taw River Press ✧ KU Loan
Review:
Elizabeth St. John's "Following Fate" is arguably the most charming installment of the Fate: Tales of History, Mystery, and Magic anthology. Set in contemporary England, the story follows a history enthusiast as she unlocks the secrets hidden in a rare portrait of Sir Allen Apsley.
Julia's unexpected reunion with Oliver, a former flame, adds a romantic layer that feels natural and understated. Their connection, shaped by shared history rather than contrived drama, deepens the story without overshadowing the central plot. The relationship unfolds with a refreshing ease, balancing emotional warmth against the investigation at the heart of the narrative.
"Following Fate" reflects St. John's longstanding interest in the Stuart era, but unlike her longer works, the historical details of this piece are woven seamlessly into the plot, scattered like breadcrumbs across a modern landscape. The result is a narrative that appeals to both casual readers and those familiar with the period.
