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Fate #4

A Matter of Forever

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It all comes down to this . . .

Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be.

Except the Elders never got the memo.

Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.

This time, neither will Chloe.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.

270 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

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About the author

Heather Lyons

26 books778 followers
Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she's also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Cristina .
452 reviews62 followers
July 17, 2014
description

This is the highly anticipated, bittersweet, final installment of the FATE Series and let me just say, I loved it. My expectations were high and Heather Lyons delivered in every possible area. And I'm not sure how to even write this review because it's impossible not to include spoilers but fear not, I will simply talk about how this book made me feel! ;)

I came to really love Chloe because she evolved into a thoughtful woman. Having had a love/hate relationship with her in A Matter of Fate, we've clearly made progress but she owns who she is, warts and all but most importantly she's at peace with her decision with regards to Kellan and Jonah.

What I will say is that I missed Kellan's presence in the first half of the book. Don't get me wrong, he's mentioned and thought about but his voice was missing and I was thrilled when he made his grand entrance.

One of the things that worked well was the love triangle and the reason for that is...there were no villains! Everyone in the love triangle was a victim and that’s why I felt a bit melancholy when I was done reading. Do I think it’s possible to fall in love with two people at the same time? Not necessarily BUT I bought it hook, line and sinker during this series and that’s what counts.

It took a few days before I could actually read another book because I could not stop thinking about all the characters and their individual journeys. There’s so much more I could say but I don’t trust myself to NOT give something away.

What you can expect from AMoF is excellent pacing, fabulous writing, wistfulness, it's heavy on the internal dialogue from Chloe and an ending that will leave you happy'ish but satisfied. ♥
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,102 reviews322 followers
April 24, 2014
I don't know if I'm going to be able to put into words just how extraordinary this book (and the whole series for that matter) is. It's not often that I find myself in with a book hangover where nothing else I read can compare, but that's where I find myself with A MATTER OF FOREVER. So much happens in this book, characters evolve, relationships change and goodness prevails, but there is just something about this book that leaves you with a tiny bit of hope that regardless of what happens between Chloe, Jonah and Kellen, they will all find their happiness and it will one day be together. It's a fitting ending to a series that has absolutely knocked me off my feet.

There is a lot that happens in the book, especially when we get the answers about the Elders and why they were attacking. My only thought every time the Magicals got into a skermish with the Elders was, "Poor Chloe is going to get her ass handed to her again." The girl took a lot of abuse, but it proved a point about the evolution of the Creator in regards to the Magical hierarchy and what those ancient Elders never understood about their roles. They were all about the take, while Chloe wanted what was good for all the trillions she was charged over...whether it was creating or destroying. In the end, that is what helped them win in that battle of good versus evil.

Ultimately, this final book was about the connection between Chloe, Jonah and Kellen. These three characters were in a situation that no one would want. Torn apart by their love for one another and the guilt when that love hurts one of more of the triad. Their emotions almost play a secondary character to everything else in their story. But it was Chloe who did the most growing throughout the series and it shows in this book. She made her decision and she's sticking to it. She knows who her connection is, truly, and she's not going to make the mistakes that have torn them apart in the past. I wanted to applaud her, especially when you knew it was killing her to not fall back into her old patters. But at the same time, it was new outlook on the relationship that had me ugly, ugly, crying at the end. BAWLING. She understood why decision were made, because it's what she had attempted to do at the end of book 2. At the same time, she was devastated. Instead of doing what she used to do, which was grasp on and plead until she got her way, she decided to live by the adage: if you love something, set it free. And that she did, hoping and praying in the end everyone found their happiness.

After reading this series (and DEEP END OF THE SEA, which I adored as well) Heather Lyons is now on my "must buy" list. She has a way of creating the emotionally gripping characters that stick with you well after you've finished the book (there are still time, days later, where I find myself thinking about something that happened in this book...which could spark tears if it's a certain scene). She's a genius storyteller and I'm ever so grateful she created Chloe, Jonah and Kellen's story. They will stay with me for a very, very long time.
Profile Image for Leigha Perlewitz.
29 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2014
First, I want to begin by saying that I am 100% completely Team Kellan. This book has basically broken my heart into a million pieces, then continued to step on them until they are merely dust... But in a good way. This end was so bittersweet for me. I struggled with finishing this book because I was not sure if I was ready for Chloe's journey to be over, but I'm so glad that I read it. I feel an immense amount of appreciation for Chloe in this book. Her character is so dynamic and grows exponentially through the course of this book. She finally does what needs to be done and makes some very hard decisions. Now, the ending. I'm still almost left speechless over this ending. It was so, so bittersweet. While it had an optimistic ending, I sobbed like a little baby through the last 15% of the book. Let it be known that I have never cried while reading a book before. Heather has gotten so many feels from me while reading this book. While Chloe may not have ended up with who I wanted her to and things may not have happened exactly the way I wanted them to, I still feel like it was a perfect ending and not really what I expected to happen. I like being surprised while reading a book because I hate feeling like everything is so predictable. I still feel like I am processing everything that has happened and this series has most definitely left a permanent mark on my heart. Heather is hands down one of my favorite authors and there has never been a series that I have experienced so many reeling emotions while reading. Well done, Heather. I feel like this was a fitting end for the series. However, on a final note: Kellan is the fictional love of my life and he, Chloe, and Jonah deserve the utmost happiness in the end of their journey.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
660 reviews
May 7, 2014
WOW!!!! I am so blown away at this one...
The last book and WOW!!!!!

FULL REVIEW:
This book was highly anticipated by me and as I have now read it, it is bittersweet.
AMOFo is the end of this series and I am a total emotional wreck.
Completely happy and terribly sad at the same time.
Everything was leading up to this book. My stomach was in knots with worry. Heather Lyons has a way of ripping your heart out and giving you an ulcer from all the worry and stress.
I almost cheated and read the end of the book just to ease my mind, but I didn't...I dove right in and met the angst of this story head on.
AMOFo wrapped up the Fate series with gut-wrenching, tear jerking moments that made me physically ache from the agony I was reading on these pages. Yet, I was also absolutely elated at the amazingly beautiful moments between some of my all time favorite characters. Even after I finished, even as I write this, I am weeping at the loss of leaving these characters.
I am not going in to details of the story. There is no way to do that without spoiling anything...
But AMOFo rounded out this series with action-packed entertainment that kept me on my toes until the very end.
The closure for these characters was like nothing I would have guessed and I am extremely happy that I could not predict the final outcomes.
Brilliantly written, AMOFo encompasses a world created that will forever be in my heart. Heather Lyons is a phenomenal writer, a pure genius, and I can't wait to see what she will bring us next...
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books327 followers
April 24, 2014
5, 500, no 5,000 glittery stars for this EPIC series ending! The story was so much better than I expected. The ending to a book can make or ruin an entire series. There were some great plot twists throughout and I was glued to the pages, one after one. I ugly book cried so much in this one, but I don't regret a single tear. Everything is right in the universe after the series ended on such a unique and satisfying conclusion. This is one new adult paranormal romance you can't miss.
Profile Image for Meredith .
251 reviews158 followers
May 20, 2014
This book shattered my feels, brought me to tears and filled me with more joy than any other book ever has or ever will. Heather’s writing is so melodic and she crafted a gorgeous ending to an incredible series, one that will stay with me forever.

I feel like I say this every time, but Chloe has grown SO much from the first book to now. She started out as a young, frightened (though never helpless) girl and matured into a bright, strong, mature young woman. She fought harder than she has ever fought before. She knew when to give up, when to ask for help and when to keep pushing until she achieved her desired goals. She also knew when to let go… But I can’t explain that because of spoilers.

Jonah was… Wow. And Kellan? Omg.. Wow… First of all, I just want to say this: You know a love triangle is amazingly well-done when you root for one person, but know the MC will end up with the other – and you’re perfectly okay with that, because you know, deep down, it’s meant to be. Now, for those of you who know which Team I’m on, this may seem like a spoilers, though I can assure you, it’s not. And for those of you who don’t know which Team I’m on, you’ll need to read the books to truly find out! But it needed to be said because Heather is such a brilliant writer, she managed to pull off one of my all-time favorite love triangles EVER. And she did it in such an amazing way, I’m completely satisfied with the way things ended. I’m still heartbroken over certain things, but I’m completely satisfied.

It’s hard to say which twin matured more in this final book. For Jonah, he got over his trust and anger issues. He was no longer like a ticking time-bomb, ready to explode. When things needed to be asked or said, he asked them and said them. He was open and honest and so, so good to Chloe in this book. Then there was Kellan. Kellan had to grow up a LOT in this series. He had to accept so many things. In the past, he ran away from his problems rather than face them. But in A Matter of Forever, he accepted things and faced them head-on. He didn’t run; rather, he came to a mature decision, weighed the pros and cons and did what he felt was best for everyone involved.

Of course, no review of a Fate book would be complete without mentioning how much I adore Astrid, Callie, Cora, Cameron, Will, Raul and so many others. Unlike some books, where secondary characters are just that – secondary and in the background, Heather has crafted these amazing characters, family and friends, people you wish you could know in real life. I don’t want to say too much and spoil things, but I’m truly happy with where their stories ended – though still heartbroken for some of them.

The deaths in this book – and yes, I’m sad to say that there were several lives lost – dealt a crushing blow. I had to stop reading after two deaths in particular. I raged against them. I kept telling myself they hadn’t actually happen, they had to be a dream. I felt both losses just as greatly as the characters did. I’m still dealing with them, mourning the losses with a broken heart. The outcome of the one, well… Spoiler. So I can’t say, but I can say that at least the one was for the best. That’s not to say I’ll ever heal from that loss (I know, I’m speaking as if this truly happened in real life… but that’s how much these characters have come to man to me), but I know I’ll heal over time.

And yes, that brings me to say that my feels were utterly destroyed with this book. After four books and one novella, these characters have become like family to me. They feel so real and we’ve been through so much together, it’s hard to see them as fictional. Though we still have Kellan’s novella to look forward to, this is pretty much the end of this series and and I just can’t fathom it. I can’t imagine not having another book in this series to look forward to. It baffles me that this is the end and I won’t get to know what happens next for these characters.

But with that said, the ending was absolute perfection. I definitely cried several times throughout the book, but the end brought me tears of joy. I can’t imagine this series ending in any other way and I’m so, so happy with where all the characters stories ended.

This will, forever and always, be considered one of my Top Three favorite series’ of all time. I can see myself re-reading it for years to come. If you haven’t read this series, then you must. With realistic, lovable characters, a plot that is like nothing I have ever read and the most amazing, satisfying ending, I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed.

You can also find more from me on my blog: Pandora's Books
Profile Image for Jessica .
843 reviews170 followers
June 23, 2016
I have been contemplating just what to say in this review for weeks now, and I still don't feel I'll be able to emphasize to you all just how in love with this series I am. It is definitely one of my all time favorites and that is saying something for the girl who can never pick favorites. Ask me my favorite book series and you will get Heather's Fate series as an answer. Even though I consider Heather a dear friend and I actually beta'd for her on this book, that did not keep me from providing you all with my honest thoughts about the book.

Being the final book in the series, I aim to keep this as spoiler free as possible and just provide you with my overall feelings, thoughts, and observations on a very surface level as I do not want to spoil this wonderful book for anyone. I have been waiting in nervous anticipation for this book ever since A Matter of Truth released last November. One of the things I loved most about A Matter of Truth was that we got to see Chloe evolve and really mature. She's not the selfish, confused girl she once was. She knows what's right and wrong and she's made her decision in terms of who she's going to be with. I'm glad she didn't go back on that because I would have felt all that maturity and development would have been for nothing.

A Matter of Forever is action packed from start to finish and I found myself holding my breath at times, terrified of the outcome. Chloe, her friends, and loved ones are being hunted by the Elders, who will stop at nothing to ensure they are destroyed. She and her protectors are in great danger and with the enemy hell-bent on destruction, you just know that not everyone might make it out alive. The entire time all I could do was worry and panic that one of these characters that I have grown to love so much would not make it through.

Not only is this an intense read, but it is also extremely emotional. There were points I felt my heart shattering in my chest and I couldn't help but tear up at the pain these characters felt. They have the weight of the world on their shoulders and every decision is critical. I was so overwhelmed for them and I love how much growth we've seen from these characters from the first book to now. Heather has truly written a fantastic set of characters that will infuriate, frustrate, and drive you crazy, but that is what makes them so great. They are REAL. They have their flaws and issues- they're not perfect. They make mistakes, they hurt the people they love more than anything in the world, and they make decisions based on what they think is best for others, even when it kills them. I've said it time and time again. I've never in all my years of reading felt more emotionally attached to a set of characters than I do Chloe, Jonah, and Kellan.

Heather will break your heart and just when you don't think you as a reader can survive the pain, she manages to put it back together and fill it with so much happiness and joy you feel you might burst.

It doesn't matter if you're Team Jonah or Team Kellan. I guarantee you will fall in love with both of these boys and agree that this is one of the most complicated love triangles to ever exist. The matters of the heart are a tricky thing and are almost never easy.

All I can say is that this book is very bittersweet. I feel the book ended the way it was meant to end and the only way it could. I tried coming up with another solution, another way around everything that transpired, and I just can't think of anything. Heather has stayed true to her characters and whenever a book evokes my emotions like this, I know it's a great one. I was so connected to the characters, their feelings, their losses, and their happiness. I cried, laughed, and loved right along with them and I know this is one series I will always hold very close to my heart because it is just that beautifully written.

Favorite Quote:

“I will love you and hate you and it fucking breaks my heart every single day even knowing that I am capable of feeling this way toward you.” - I felt this one down to my freaking SOUL.

*Received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Profile Image for Candice Willman.
359 reviews72 followers
November 27, 2014
It's over? What just happened? Why did I just finish this book? Why am I here? Who am I?
This book seriously just destroyed me.

"That moment when you finish a book, look around, and realize that everyone is just carrying on with their lives.... as though you didn't just experience emotional trauma at the hands of a paperback."

Bravo Heather Lyons. You have officially ruined me for all other books I will read the rest of my life. First I read "The Deep end of the Sea" and instantly fell in love with you, obsessed with the book, and destroyed when it was over. And yet you have done it again. This past week has been the longest emotional roller coaster of my life. I have seriously started and finished this entire series in the course of this week, even with going to school and working. Sleep has been put on the back burner. All that matters is reading these books. And now I am left incomplete and devastated and yet so thrilled that this series is now a part of me.

But the problem is, I am not ready for this to be done. You need to write more. A novella, a short story, scribbling on a napkin for gods sake, SOMETHING. There needs to be more!

Seriously, this series was amazing from beginning to end. Sure, Chloe got on my nerves every now and again with the crying and immaturity, but thats ok. I would probably be the same way if I was in her shoes. I started off a hardcore Jonah fan, and then you did the impossible. I found myself loving Kellan more and more. I can't choose between them, I wanted her with them both. I even told my boyfriend countless times that this will be okay, she can just be with the both of them and it'll all be ok. I hate love triangles and always find myself mad in the end. But this was beautiful and I cried more than anything in the last 15% of the book.
I have never been so torn before. I was hoping for a complete happy ending. But I did not expect what we got.
I would like to thank you, Heather, for writing this beautiful peace of literature. For allowing us to see into your wonderful mind and join you on this amazing journey. For tearing my heart out, stomping on it, chewing it up, putting it back together, just to do it all over again. And I beg of you, please continue writing. Please give us more.
I am already counting down the days for your new book to be published. You are easily my new all time favorite author. I still can't even put this series into words or express the feelings I am experiencing right now. All I know is, I can't move on. I cannot read anything else once more. I must dwell on this series for days until I can over come my feelings and pick up another book.
Thank you. Bravo. And now I must come to terms with my world ending.
Profile Image for Caitlin Kerry.
Author 3 books85 followers
May 20, 2014
I don't even know how to state how wonderful this series is and how heart wrenching this last book was for me. I had to sit with this story for a few days to truly take it all in. I was scared to start, knowing what Chloe, Jonah, and Kellan had to deal with. I devoured this book in almost one setting. I was an emotional mess through it all as Chloe finally finds her forever.

The last ten percent? Tears. I was in major tears. What I loved about this final book was that Heather was true to her story and while some decisions were hard, they had to be made. The final book in series can be hard to write, so bravo to Heather to delivering a gut wrenching conclusion to Chloe's journey.

This book has it all, action, romance, and trust me when I say each book brings you through a range of emotions that finds you happy and sad in only a few moments. I felt for these characters like I knew them in real life and all I wanted was for every character to have their HEA. There were no villains in this story (minus the elders- creepy fellows if I might add).

In the end, I was truly moved by this journey Chloe goes on and I loved watching her grow into this strong, independent woman, loved by many. I loved how Heather explores connections and the love we have for one another and how in many cases, love is complicated and messy and wonderful all at the same time.

I will say at the end, I wanted more and I wasn't ready to let certain characters go, but I understood the choices that were made, even if they were hard choices that left me in a puddle of tears.
May 14, 2014
Heather Lyons has accomplished the unimaginable. When I first started reading the Fate series, my initial thoughts were, “How in the world will she end this book??” because well, I don’t want to give too much away here, but the story line does not lend itself to a happy ending. In the final installment of the series, ‘A Matter of Forever’, Lyons does in fact end the story beautifully with heartache, heartbreak, love, happiness, and closure…but at the same time, manages to leave an opening for the heartbreak to be healed and giving the readers exactly what they need to be able to close the book and be satisfied.
‘A Matter of Forever’ is action packed, with main character Chloe taking on the Elders and definitely becoming quite the fighter. She learns a lot about herself and her abilities, and she accomplishes some impressive feats, one in particular at the end, but you will have to read to find out! We meet a pretty damn scary lead Elder, the original Magical…and well, he is super creepy, but not as creepy as his small legion of zombie-like henchman. The newest character of note is intriguing, another Elder, Bios, who is quite colorful, pretty hot, and educates Chloe on the real history of her people.
And then there are the twins…the beautiful and loyal twins, Jonah and Kellan. They too, kick some ass in this book, and both pay prices for their valiance. Lyons provides a lot of heat and sexiness between Chloe and the twin of her choice; you won’t be disappointed. There are some other hookups between some characters we’ve been rooting for, which is an uplifting thread in this stomach knotting finale!
I could say so much more, but I am afraid to give too much away! What I will say is that this entire series has been a truly fun read, and “A Matter of Forever” was absolutely awesome. Lyons is a great writer, both prolific and accessible, and extremely creative in her story lines and character development. And- I think it would be a fantastic movie or miniseries, don’t you?
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,674 reviews40 followers
May 17, 2014
"There's only so many times we can cut ourselves before we bleed out, C".

This review is one of the most difficult reviews I've written. The series has been amazing and it was with a heavy heart I was forced to say good-bye to Kellan, Chloe, and Jonah. It was over a year ago, that I first fell in love with this cast of characters and what a journey it has been. Chloe grew into a strong and courageous heroine. I finally learned to love Jonah (shocker). I always admired him but he finally won me over in this book. Kellan will forever and always hold a very special place in my heart - I LOVED him from the first moments of this series and never wavered. I will look at a surfer and not think of him. While I was saddened that his appearance in AMoFo was less than I expected, it didn't detract fro the overall greatness of the book.

AMoFo is full of action. I was immersed from the first chapter and couldn't stop reading until the final page. After the final page, I kept clicking my Kindle, wishing for just one more page. I had no idea how it would all end and I NEVER predicted the outcome. Heather truly amazed me with this ending and epilogue. I cried for days after, and I still tear up thinking about this book. In fact, I am crying writing this review! I will continue to harass Heather about a future novella or book expanding on the epilogue.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series to anyone!! It is one of my all time favorites. All books in the series have been 5* reads for me.

Profile Image for Amy .
2,837 reviews
December 5, 2015
5 Stars is just not enough!!!

Once in a while there comes a book or a series that completely blows my mind and A Matter of Forever has done just that for me.

A Matter of Forever picks up right where A Matter of Truth left off. And I was immediately pulled in and was freaking out, wondering what the heck was going on. This book definitely started with a bang. I don't think I took a breath for quite a while.

A Matter of Forever was everything I wanted and more! Heather Lyons did not disappoint! This book made me laugh, cry, swoon and hold my breath. This book took me on such an emotional roller-coaster ride. I haven't had a book make me cry or get such an emotional response from me in such a long time, and I mean this in the best way possible! Heather Lyons has made the characters so easy to connect with and care for. I have felt like I've been right there living each moment with them on this incredible journey!

I honestly don't know what else to say. There really aren't enough words to describe my love for this book and this series! This has been such an incredible journey and I am so sad that it's over! This book and these amazing characters will always hold a special place in my heart! If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jey .
563 reviews
August 7, 2014
I am in awe.
I have loved this series from the very beginning and applaud the authors ability to really draw you in via your emotions.
Chloe, for me, is an amazing heroine. She battles through tough choices whilst staying true to herself and she kicks arse!
Jonah, sweet, dependable Jonah. I loved Jonah from the start and he really came into his own in this final book but (and it's a biggy) from book 1, my heart was stolen by his brother and it always will belong to Kellan <3
My heart broke, no scratch that, my heart shattered into a million pieces during this final story. I sobbed, I bawled and yet I understood.
I am going to miss this series so much, it will stay with me forever.
Well done Heather Lyons! You, my lady, are an epic storyteller!
#teamkellanforever <3 <3 <3

PS. I'd really love so much more, pretty, pretty please??
Profile Image for Debra Elsner.
1,393 reviews35 followers
June 9, 2016
The conclusion to The Fate series destroyed me; I could not stop thinking about the characters who have been living in my head for the past couple of weeks. Fate is literally a terrible thing; What Chloe, Jonah and Kellan have gone through in the past 4 years is just amazing. The series starts out as a young adult story and winds up being adult. Chloe grew up a lot in the storyline and the choices that she had to make came with high prices. The ending was very bittesweet, but I understand why this had to happen. Heather Lyons wrote a masterpiece that will stay with me for a long time.
37 reviews
September 10, 2020
This series broke my heart, and made me happy. Perfection. I will read anything you create Heather Lyons.
Profile Image for Jessica Wertz.
208 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2014
Loved this series so much!!! Was impatiently waiting for this book to release and it did NOT disappoint!! Love love love!!
156 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2014
That girl? That stupid, pointless, coward of a girl? She's gone. Dead. I will never, ever be her again.

Only... she's not gone. She's back and her name is Chloe Lilywhite or Chloe Whitecombe. Whatever her name, she's still the same stupid, pointless, coward of a girl that she's been throughout this entire series.

I have a love/hate relationship with the YA or NA genre. The main characters are young, often being in high school when we as the readers are first introduced to them. But, there's alway something going on that makes them grow up fast. For Lily, it's being a Creator, and having to destroy the Elders. And so, these characters are put in situations where they really can't afford to be like normal 20-year-olds who can act stupidly sometimes. But with Chloe, all I see is the same whiny, stupid girl who thinks the worlds revolve around her. And, my beef with this is that, yes, 20 is young. However, it's all relative. Some 20-year-olds are really mature. Take Jonah, for example. Karl and Moira. Even in real life, there are some 20-year-olds that are really still just babies, and there are some who are full adults.

So, the 1-star because I liked Chloe in Book 1, was completely annoyed with her in Book 2, and thought she finally grew up in Book 3, only to find that she is still that stupid girl from Book 2 again. Characters can retain aspects of their personalities that make them who they are, but a complete regression such as what Chloe undergoes warrants a 1-star review.

The other reason for my 1-star review is that the entire plot regressed back to something very similar to Book 2, with a very rushed and unsatisfactory ending. Let me explain.

First, can I just say that I HATE the stupid love triangle. Sorry, but it was somewhat interesting for a while, but then took over the entire book making it seem pointless. Death and destruction is going around but who cares? Because nothing is more important than this stupid love triangle. And why am I so harsh as to call it stupid? Because I think Will got it right in Book 3 when he was challenging Chloe in the truck. Is there any real choice? They seem to imply that there isn't because it was all pre-ordained by Fate. Only Chloe does make a choice. Okay... But... even after the Connection has been severed, they still love each other. So, what was the point of it all? 10 years later in the Epilogue and Chloe still can't get her head straight, which is why I despise her so much. She's stupid and pointless because she can't seem to ever stick by her decisions when choices are still available. She's like a child in the sense that you need to take choices away from her.

Second, the plot seemed really rushed and imbalanced in the details. Again, so much of the plot and details are focused on the love triangle when, in my opinion, the love triangle should be the secondary plot with the Elders situation being the primary focus. The Elders are obviously focused on the Abomination as they refer to Kellen and Jonah. Why? And doesn't this seem like something important that Chloe should be sharing with others? But no, Chloe is just too stupid to think ahead. When they capture Bios, he appears more than willing to share information with Chloe, so why isn't she using this key opportunity? Here's what I would have asked him. What is it that Enlikian do to Chloe in the bathroom? What bond was he referring to and how does Chloe make one or destroy one? How does Enlikian bring back the dead? How does Chloe destroy Enlikian? There are so many questions and answers that Chloe could have received, only she doesn't ask.

And what is wrong with the Guard and Council? I've always wondered, from Book 1, what was wrong with the Council that they left their precious Creator to grow up completeley ignorant and untrained.

And, I won't even get into the ending. Why Kellan (and Jonah, but more Kellan) is the one to lose everything and make sacrifices. This ending or "resolution" was such a slap in the face to everything the author previously wrote about the imporance of Connections and Chloe's alleged commitment to Jonah. Either she was being an unfaithful slut because of the Connection and we are to feel pity for her, or well, I guess she just is an unfaithful slut with no excuses.

So, that girl? That stupid, pointless girl? She's back. She's back in the way she spends her time being guarded and protected and risking people while she hides. She's back in her guilt (which is not believable to me because she's so selfish), but her lack of change or actions. She's back in the way that she's oblivous to all the danger that the entire worlds are in as she plays in her house. She's back in how she only says she wants to be different, but is too scared to actually be someone different. She's back in how she's still just a Council Princess, and I don't mean that as a compliment. She's back in how she makes these knee-jerk decisions based on reaction that risk everyone around her (i.e., I'm through with hiding underground so I'm going to reveal myself and let Enlikian come after me. Great, but have a plan. You still have no idea how you're going to defeat him, and you've learned nothing in all the time that you were hiding).
Profile Image for Daniela  (Lost in a Book Blog).
310 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2014
My favorite book of the series. Seriously, this was awesome, I absolutely loved it.

Please, please, please. If you haven’t read the previous books, you may want to skip this review since it might be a little spoilerish. I don’t mean for it to be so, but… you know, it may reveal things that a non ;) (a person who hasn’t read the books) may want to read the series first. And you should. Just saying ;).

This is the fourth book of the Fate series. The last one about Chloe and Jonah and Kellan. After Chloe finally making a decision about who she wanted to spend her days and the rest of her life with, she’s now in a good place, a really good one, but of course, nothing couldn’t be this sweet. The Elders are still out there, people are still being killed and Enlilkian wants her to him. Bad. Chloe’s problem are now even more serious than they were before. No more boy drama, there’s no time for that. It’s time she stands up, makes a decision about doing what she needs to do to save the Magicals. There’s no more time to hesitate or to hide. Things need to be done and they need to be done now. And that’s exactly what she does. Gotta love her for that.

“This are our leaders, yet they¡re acting like a pack of confused, scared children wo don’t know their asses from their heads.”
Yep, I love how much of a badass she has become.

This book has a bit of everything. It has a bit of action, a lot of love, a bit of suspense, a bit of happy tears, a lot of sad tears too. I had happy moments, frustrating moments, very sad moments, moments in which I was telling LeAnn how much I wanted to punch her, some moments I was scared out of my mind trying to figure out what was happening, then, there were moments where I was so happy I couldn’t contain myself. So, you could say it was a roller coaster. Yes, a highly emotional one.

I wasn’t really expecting it to end the way it did. I’m happy with it, trust me. But, it had a bittersweet kind of feeling at the end. And I cried. A lot. At work, at the gym, in my car outside the gym, at home… you name it. I cried. I guess, I had a hunch about the Connections and how they were going to turn out to be, but… man I wasn’t expecting THAT. *sigh*

I absolutely loved every single moment about Chloe and Jonah in all of the books, but in this one, it was so much more beautiful. Seriously, he’s such a good guy and has a beautiful heart and mind and soul. I just love him so, so much. For me, they’re perfect together. I can’t see it any other way. And Chloe… it’s amazing how much she’s grown. She’s now a mature woman who can not only take care of herself but those she loves and not by running away. She now faces her problems head on. I adore and admire her so much. She knows her purpose. She knows what and who she wants. She knows what she needs to do and embraces it.

“Love should be easy, and yet it’s the most complicated emotion of all.”
Kellan. How do I start with Kellan? I mean, I’ve always known he’s a good and decent guy (setting his extracurricular activities aside). I can only imagine a small portion of how much he’s had to suffer with his Connections to both Chloe and Jonah and not being able to do anything about that. And I don’t dislike him or even hate him. I just love Jonah. But this book showed me a whole different side of him. He made me cry a lot. I wasn’t expecting him to break my heart the way he did. But he did. I’ve always known he loves both Chloe and his twin brother deeply, they’re the most important people in the world to him, so I can only imagine how hard it must be to see the girl you love with your twin brother, your best friend, and not only that but having to make the decision he made. It must not have been an easy thing to do and yet, he did it, not only for his sake but his brother’s and Chloe’s too, because that’s what he does. He defends and protects those he loves. He’s good like that. I’ve truly hoped he could find someone that loves him as he deserves, just not Chloe.

I loved this book. I love this series. Yes, it was hard a first, because I was so into the story and so frustrated I couldn’t think straight, but it was so interesting I couldn’t stop reading. The love triangle is not the same I’m used to, so it was a bit refreshing, even at the most infuriating parts. It was different. The whole book was amazing.

Oh, and just on the record, just so we’re clear, just in case you forgot:

I love Jonah Whitecomb.

_______________

Review to come.
May 16, 2014
Book four in the Fate series bring us 5 stars worth of emotional fireworks! ** Please do not read this review if you have not read the other books in the series as it will spoil the experience.**
I went into this book anxious because of all the ways the story could play out. After all, Chloe finally chose Jonah, leaving Kellan with a broken heart. Mix in the mess going on with the Elders and I knew this book would be packed with action and emotion. I was right on both accounts.

Chloe officially comes into her own in this novel, displaying even more maturity and strength than in A Matter of Truth. I was so proud to watch her fight for the life she wants, the world she knows, and the men she loves. Because yes, Chloe still loves Kellan despite her engagement to Jonah.

With Elders attacking, hell bent on taking Chloe and destroying the world, all of our favorite characters are back and battle ready. Unfortunately, not everyone survives unscathed and after the dust has settled Chloe is faced with what may be the most difficult decision she’s ever made. Does she let go of the man she loves so he can be free or beg him to stay by her side knowing they will continue to live in pain?

This book does have an HEA, though bittersweet, for the main characters but I will say that I have not cried over a book like I did this one in a while. I knew something BIG had to happen in order for everyone to wind up happy and Ms. Lyon’s definitely delivered. As much as the storyline broke my heart in many places, I believe she did the characters justice and probably ended the story in the only way that made sense for everyone even though I wanted to break my kindle at one point.

The writing for this author continues to improve, the storyline is strong and will keep you on the edge of your seat for most of the book. The sections not packed with action are emotionally charged (as evidenced by my sobbing through the last 30% of the book). I was pleased that the love triangle didn’t really reemerge because honestly, the character’s hearts couldn’t take much more.

I fell so in love with Will in the last book and was sad not see more of him this time around but A Matter of Forever is firmly Chloe’s as it should be. My only negative (which does not in any way affect my loving this story) is I wish we could have gotten some of the guy’s POV throughout this series. I’d love a dual POV with Kellan and Jonah hitting some of the high points but perhaps the author was smart in not giving us this as there are a lot of negative emotions involved between the too. I will have to make do with the little snippets we did get.

The epilogue is satisfying though I’d love to see another short story/novella written even farther down the line though I can’t say why since that would be a spoiler! I highly, highly recommend this series as this will be going onto my favorites of 2014 list. I love Heather Lyons and will continue to read whatever she chooses to write next.
Profile Image for LeAnn.
127 reviews
September 18, 2014
****5 shining stars****

I admit, I stayed up until 3AM to finish this book. I just HAD to know how it ended and even though it wasn't what I expected, it did not disappoint.

This series completely blew me away. From the first book to the last, the story gripped me, the characters were vivid, and the world building was remarkable.

In A Matter of Forever, the Elders are threatening the existence of the Magicals and it's up to Chloe to figure out how to defeat them before everyone she loves dies.

I think I do know how much he loves me, because if it's anything like how I feel, it's the sum of all our parts chasing infinity.

Meanwhile, Chloe is still caught up in a vicious love triangle and it's time to chose who she'll be with for the rest of her life. Will it be Jonah, the man she's dreamed of since she was a child? Or will it be his twin brother Kellan? I'm Team Jonah, but I do love Kellan too. How can you not??

Love is funny like that. Love stays with us, whether we want it or not.

As for Chloe, she is one kick-ass heroine and I loved how much her character grew in this final book. She had an entire race of people to protect and she fought for them with grace and bravery even when the odds were stacked against her.

It's been a really long time since a book has evoked such strong emotions in me. From sheer joy, to absolute terror, to complete and utter sadness. And it felt amazing even when my heart was breaking in half. Beware: this series will consume you and probably make you lose sleep, but it's so worth it!

Heather Lyons has made me a die hard fan for life with this series and I can't wait to read more of her books!
Profile Image for Megan.
230 reviews62 followers
May 20, 2014
I would like to take a moment of silence to mourn the ending of this series… I hate it when a series ends, but its even worse when it’s a series that I LOVE more than I can even express through words, alas all good things must come to an end. And man or man WHAT AN END!
When this series began, I will admit the first book sat on my kindle for quite a while waiting to be read (what was I thinking!) When I finally sat down to read it, I was hooked, right from the very beginning! Each book that was released after never had a chance to sit on my kindle for long without being read first because I HAD to know what happened next!
Chloe grew into one of my favorite characters ever, at first I was iffy about her, but by the end of A Matter of Forever I didn’t want to say goodbye to her! She had finally embraced what she was meant to do and although it seemed like she would crumple at any moment she was a hell of a lot stronger then anyone ever would have been able to guess.
Then there are the twins, Jonah and Kellan… now I don’t want to give anything away because I don’t want to ruin it for you, let me just say that my love for Kellan NEVER wavered! I will also admit that Jonah grew on me as well, just a teeny tiny little bit though.
I was seriously SO worried about how this book would end, there were a few ways that I thought for sure it would go and I was TERRIFIED! But as Heather Lyons is so freaking amazing she knew exactly how to end it without destroying me, and also left me with hope… but not for exactly the same thing I was hoping for throughout the whole series… but hope that we may see him again (sorry can’t tell you who ‘He’ is)
I also really hope that there are spin off books, there are so many characters that throughout four books you can’t help but love and want to know more, so PLEASE PLEASE give us more books on EVERYONE!
Profile Image for BookHookup.
1,403 reviews111 followers
June 1, 2014
Where do I start? I’ve been sitting on this review for a couple of weeks, thinking and rethinking how I will convey my feelings. Yet, I’m no closer today than I was when I first finished it. I feel like the emotions are still raw! Plainly put, this book kicked my butt…it took my heart, shook it, squeezed it, filled it with love and joy, and just when I though I could breath again, it threw it to the ground and started all over again. But, in a good way…a very good way!!

I feel like I should be telling you about how Heather Lyons has done it again. How this book is exceptionally well written. Or, how great the characters are and that the storyline is filled with twists and turns. I should also mention that the secondary characters wormed their way into my heart and made me love them as much as the main characters. I probably should mention that there was action, and romance, and the kind of friendship that can only be found when friends are so close that they’re actually family. Oh, and I should definitely tell you that it’s a fitting end to a great series.

But, in reality, I just want to cry on your shoulder, spill my feelings and stop thinking about all the stuff that happens in this book. But I can’t. First, because I don’t want to ruin anything for you. And second, because this story managed to grab a hold of me and, weeks later, my heart still both beats faster and breaks all over again as I think about it. So, if you’re looking for a great story filled with true emotion…or you’re looking to cleanse your soul through a bought of ugly crying…this is the series for you!

But I do have one warning *SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER* stop reading now if you’re a spoilerphobe…

……..Whatever you do, just don’t pick a team. Trust me, it’ll be easier for you! *sobs*
Profile Image for Shawna Wood.
654 reviews20 followers
January 30, 2017
This series has ripped my heart out, stomped on it, kicked it, healed it, ripped it out again for good measure and put it back together again. My emotions were push to the brink in each book and A Matter of Forever was no different.

For three books we dealt with Chloe and her love for two twin boys and the cruel twist of fate that has bonded them together. In Forever, the focus is on destroying the Elders. These evil creatures are bent on destroying everything in Chloe's world, however Chloe is no longer the scared insecure girl letting fate dictate her life. She finally knows what she wants and refuses to play nice with the Elders.

The action is top notch and I was on the edge of my seat in each battle scene and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Chloe really did turn into a kick-butt lady and was willing to sacrifice in order to rid the world of the evil creatures. But war has cost and we are forced to say goodbye to old friends as each battle is waged.

The last 50 pages of this book had me in tears. Chloe has finally made her choice, but pain and heartbreak is still in the air. While the ending was painful and heart wrenching at times, it really was the perfect ending. Chloe, Jonah and Kellen have cause each other so much pain and hurt to each other, that it was time for them to heal. And the ending gave the trio what they needed in order put the past behind them and to have the future and happiness they all deserve.
Profile Image for Tina Lee Harris.
516 reviews11 followers
December 18, 2014
5 stars

Let me start by saying that this book absolutely BLEW me away. It was impossible not to fall into this book with both feet and not look back until the last page was turned.

I loved that the author was able to make you understand the ins and outs of the characters without having read the previous books. Although there are some spots that I want to learn from the other books. I can not wait to dive into them.

As we follow Chloe, Jonah, Kellen and the other Magical people on their quest to stay alive and figure out why the Elders are attacking innocence people. Secrets are revealed. There was lots of action throughout the book.

Along with the fighting there was also self discovery for Chloe, Jonah and Kellen. They have a connection and are able to feel each other emotions. Jonah and Kellen are also able to speak silently through their minds to each other, having been born twins. But both brothers love and will protect Chloe at all cost. Chloe picked the one brother that was her soul mate, best friend and other half, Jonah. Kellen must learn to deal with that in his everyday life.

The last 20% of the book absolutely gutted me. Yes I cried, ugly cried from the sacrifice that comes at the end. WOW!!! I do believe that Heather Lyons has a new fan here forever.
Profile Image for Gabs.
382 reviews
July 20, 2015
This is one of my favorite series. It's right up there with The Infernal Devices and Legend. And yes, I chose those specific series to compare this one to for a reason...
Warning to everyone who decides to read this book: You will cry. You will cry your eyes out when you finish, you will scream, and certain songs that remind you of the books will make you feel like your heart is being ripped out of your chest. I read this book weeks ago and I still want to burst out in tears every time I think of the ending of A Matter Of Forever. It was amazing however and I don't regret it one bit... except reading it during a family car trip...
Don't make that mistake- you will worry other people and get so choked up that you can't even explain what just happened.

That being said, have fun! It's the best book in the series and I'm so glad that Chloe FINALLY knows what and who she wants. As sad as I was when she made her choice, I understood it.
BUT THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK OMFG ITS NOT OKAY I'M TRYING NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT AND FAILING AND I MIGHT CRY. AGAIN. WHY!!?? WHY MUST THIS BOOK BE SO DAMN SAD?!?
BUT IT'S SO AMAZING AND JUST... *breaks down*
This book was recommended to me by my friend, Christine, who wanted me to feel her pain. And I do. ARE YOU HAPPY NOW CHRIS?
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 28 books649 followers
September 8, 2016
Beyond 5000 stars!! The final installment of the Fate series (Chloe's arc anyway) is here and it was worth the wait! Heather Lyons has once again brought us back to the world of Magicals and Annar. Set apart from what we consider to be the "norm" the Magicals exist among us and continue to fight for their kind.

Heather brings us right back to the moment we left Chloe in A Matter of Heart ... a moment that makes us wonder what will become of the Creator. Is that Jens that has attacked her? Will she survive? Will Jonah and Kellan survive if their connection is broken? What will become of the Magicals? Are the Elders getting stronger? So many questions. For a Will fan, will Will move on? Will he embrace his craft? Are Astrid and Cameron giving in to their long ago love? Again ... questions. And the answers are there. It is a heck of a journey for everyone and whether there is a Happily Ever After for this amazing group of people is all about perception.

I laughed, cried and sighed throughout the book. The amount of love each character has for another is beyond words yet Heather seems to articulate just that.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,809 reviews41 followers
October 30, 2014
How am I supposed to recover from this series?? I am destroyed. I spent the last 20% in tears. I'm a mess. I have cried over and over with this series. My gut has been twisted in knots. My heart has been ripped to shreds. But I have loved every moment of it.

What an amazing series!! I am so glad I barely slept this week, so I could read almost non stop. I HAD to find out what was happening!! I'm glad my friend wouldn't give me the spoiler I was begging for. What a trip!!!

This series is in my top 10 series of all time. Truly.

Now I need a hug.
Profile Image for Bridget.
31 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2014
This was a beautiful conclusion to the Matter series. Heather Lyons did an amazing job wrapping up the story and the characters and moving everything along. My heart is happy and sad all at the same time for the characters...but I am walking away from my favorite series satisfied that she stayed true to the story and the characters. Sigh...time to recover now from the emotional toll this series took on me. Simply beautiful.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Brooks.
62 reviews13 followers
July 20, 2015
I'd first like to start off that this book was too short for me. When I got to the end, it wasn't enough and I needed more. That being said each character's arch was cleared up nicely (even if it wasn't how I had wanted it to turn out). Also this book broke my heart into a million pieces and it will take sometime to get over it.
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