Title:  Finding Fate (Stone Sisters #4)

Author:  J.N. Stein

Published:  December 12, 2024

Source:  ARC received from Torch Lit Ink

Type:  e-copy

Blurb: 

Pearl Stone is the youngest of the Stone Sisters. Despite there being the Fated Plague, which killed her parents, and thousands of werewolves around the world, Pearl never lost hope in fated mates, or the Moon Goddess. During a rescue mission to recover missing werewolves, Pearl is convinced one of the survivors is her fated mate. When he does not share her enthusiasm, Pearl is forced to reconsider her outlook on love. Unable to switch off her feelings for this mysterious man, Pearl becomes his shadow, protecting him from anyone who may try to cause him further pain.

Sterling Rhodes was taught from a young age to endure pain. He never thought he would be sold to monsters who would abuse him, physically and emotionally. After a year of captivity, Sterling finds a way to escape and free other prisoners. When a delicate, but strong-willed, young woman demands entry into his heart, Sterling doesn’t have the strength to open up to her. He pushes her away, choosing to focus his energy on seeking revenge on everyone who has caused him pain and torment. Despite the nightmares the plague him, he finds comfort in knowing his delicate stalker is close by, looking out for him. 

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“Finding Fate” by J.N. Stein is a beautifully crafted novel that intricately weaves themes of destiny, love, and self-discovery. It has werewolves, vampires, love beyond all, friendship and loyalty – just to list a few themes and buzz words for you guys.

Book 4 in the Stone Sister Series brings us Perl, whose excellent tracking abilities are put to use to find out who is kidnaping werewolves from different packs. She and her group arrive at the Equinox pack, where she picks up Sterling’s scent, the Alpha’s rejected son. They soon realize that the pack’s situation is more than a little weird and that there is more to the story. The plague that has taken away many fated mates in the community affected the Alpha’s judgment. After the death of his wife,  nothing was the same. Perl manages to find his scent and the enemy they face is unexpectedly strong and bloodthirsty.

Sterling has been through a lot in his year of captivity. Having already scares from childhood, the emotional trauma he faces while being prisoner far outweighs the physical one. While his wolf can withstand the pain, will his human heart be able to open up to love and what Perl has to offer?

Both characters have to face a strong enemy and they can only do that together and with the support of several pack members and leaders.  Add to it the battle against one’s convictions and you got yourself a very intense story.

You could find the bright side on a blackened piece of toast, huh, Stalker?

There are several things that stand out with this book. The main one is the strong female character. Perl is a believer in true love and the beauty of fated mates. She believes and is willing to go as far as this belief will take her to protect what is hers by destiny.

And with that, we come to another theme strongly present throughout the series: the idea that there is someone out there destined to be our soul mate. Yes, you can have something beautiful with someone else, but perfection there can be only with that fated person. The road is bumpy, wars may start. But it’s worth every sweat.

Loyalty, friendship and family are essential. Perl’s sisters are behind her every decision, regardless if they agree or not. Diego, Sterling’s “captivity colleague” and now best friend is loyal to a fault and will follow him in battle always. The idea of the entire Equinox pack contributing to their success and even financial well-being make for such a great community.

I’ve mentioned already how strong all female characters are. Without having read the prior books in the series, I can tell it’s the same for the other Stone sisters. Not only them, but also Leslie, Perl’s best friend – ok, she may be more stubborn than strong, but that’s how all teenagers are until a certain age. But Sterling is an excellent male character as well. His constant fight against his emotions will not settle down until he deals with his past. He must face the pain and learn to accept he’s worthy of being happy. To me, he’s the masterpiece of this entire story. The other characters are fantastic as well. The wise Beta, the best friend Diego – all bring their side to the story and have a contribution to Sterling’s development.

Pearl taught me that there is still good in the world. She showed me that we have to be our own light at times.

The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life and dialogue that feels natural and meaningful. The author brought us a lengthy story, but I had no idea when the pages brought me to the final chapter.  I was so engrossed in the action, I didn’t even feel the 400 and something pages (I did feel aftermaths of less night sleep though – not complaining at all!). If there is one thing that bothered me in a way was that sometimes there was this spike in the characters’ reaction to things. Suddenly they were too bothered by something. They seemed to raise their voice, even if it was not called for.  

We have mostly a dual POV, most of the chapters alternating between Perl and Sterling. There are some chapters told from other character’s perspectives. Although it was refreshing seeing things from someone other than our MCs, it was not necessary to the narration to have this shift.

What can I say? I loved the story. I was hungry for a werewolves and vampires book. I am sorry I missed the other 3 books, but I will gladly add them to my list. Oh, and please give me book 5 now! I won’t say anything else, because I am left speechless with that ending. Beautiful and smart!

My life… is our life now. Mate.”

Cover Review: To an extent, I like the cover. There are a lot of elements that tie to the story – we have the full moon, the terrifying branches with flowers blooming – a reminder not only of the woods they like to run into, but also the darkness that will make room for love in Sterling’s heart. But why is she wearing a semi-princess dress?

Overall, “Finding Fate” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to fans of character-driven stories and those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and reality. J.N. Stein has delivered a memorable and impactful read that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.