Review: Chosen By Fate

Posted October 25, 2011 by Jen in 3.5 stars, Paranormal Romance, Rating B Tags: , ,

Chosen By Fate
Author: Virna DePaul 
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Para-Ops Series #2
ISBN: #978-0425243992
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
Although he keeps company with a vampire and a were, human Shaman Caleb O’Flare can definitely hold his own. But neither his psychic ability nor his healing powers can help his sexy-as-hell teammate, Wraith—a ghost with no memory of her human existence, who cannot experience touch without pain.
No wraith has managed to exist past its tenth year, so her time is about to run out. She wants only two things before accepting her fate: to learn her human identity, and experience one night with Caleb. Willing to risk any amount of pain, Wraith propositions him. But when a sign of impending death appears on his chest, Wraith sacrifices her own needs on the chance that sex with her could kill him.
Caleb doesn’t understand Wraith’s change of heart but refuses to let her push him away. As the team travels to Los Angeles to investigate a series of crimes in the feline community, Caleb sets out to prove to Wraith that pleasure and love are worth any risk—including death.
What B is talking about:
Ten years ago, Wraith awoke with no memory, no identity, and no family. Reborn as a wraith, she’s spent that time trying to build a new life, only discovering one she thinks is worth living recently, when she joined the Para-Ops team assembled by the FBI. Carrying a secret that prevents her from getting too close to anyone else, she’s facing her greatest battle yet trying to stay away from her team’s healer, Caleb O’Flare.
As a Shaman, Caleb has devoted his life to helping and healing others whenever he can. Used to talking to his ancestors, the spirit guides of his people, nothing should rattle him about working with his Para-Ops team; comprised of a dharmire, a were, a mage, and one very sexy wraith. Too bad his body and his heart have other ideas when it comes to the independent, immortal Wraith: he’s never wanted anyone more. 
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Chosen By Fate, but was pleasantly intrigued right from the prologue. I do feel that I missed quite a lot by beginning the series with the second book, rather than the first, Chosen By Blood. DePaul has created some wonderful creatures, called Otherborn, but a lack of full understanding of these different species made some aspects of the novel difficult to follow. 
DePaul is definitely a capable author, maintaining what appear to be multiple, unrelated machinations, then drawing them together at the end, while keeping most of the “tells” throughout the narrative low-key, if not altogether invisible. She’s likewise able to balance several complex characters within most scenes, all of them somehow damaged, yet none falling victim to their pasts, nor acting overly valiant.
Wraith and Caleb’s maneuvering around one another, which was interrupted by bouts of one of them being in pursuit of the other, was a little frustrating at first. Once their desires have evolved into a mutual need, however, they crash into one another, taking whatever they can before it’s too late. And together, they’re scorching.
Chosen By Fate turned out to be a surprising trip through the often dangerous world of the Para-Ops team. DePaul adeptly gives each member of the team a vibrancy that allows for a willing investment in their roles within the story as a whole. While I’d very much like to go back to read the series origins, and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for the next addition to the series. 
B’s Rating:

Liked it a lot – recommend (B+)






For a free prequel novella to Para-Ops Series #2, Chosen By Blood, click HERE. 
Books in the series:

4 responses to “Review: Chosen By Fate”

  3. Rummanah Aasi

    This one sounds awesome, B! I’m always up for a new UF series to read but not always sure where to start. I’ll definitely put this on my tbr pile. Thanks for the recommendation!