Fate [Hardcover]

'This is very special. It's a family history of a character introduced to us in Farundell, but this completely works as a standalone. An epic historical novel with magic undertones as a man searches across Europe for the elixir of life. It's 18th-century drama full of science, adventure and mystery on a grand scale. Wonderful stuff, highly recommended' (Bookseller )

'Fate is an intricate, Gothic novel in elegant style. Fredericks brilliantly absorbs the detail of eighteenth-century cities, country, clothes, food, theatre, music and architecture. This fast-paced fiction transcends the genre . . . Read Fate: discover its secrets; meets its characters; experience Damory's quest; above all enjoy a deeper sense of what it is to be human' (Historical Novels Review )

'A sensationally engrossing read . . . elegant characters in an eloquently told tale of mystery, magic and timelessness . . . a sublimely enjoyable book that will leave you filled with wonder and thinking about it long after you have closed the cover' (www.bookclubforum.co.uk )

'Brings to live a vivid, exciting portrait of the eighteenth-century world . . . Though undoubtedly an adventure story, Fate unfolds as an intricate, dark treatise on the costs of attaining knowledge and the double-edged sword of eternal life on earth . . . This beautifully written book presents the question of whether a man is truly in charge of his own destiny or whether fate - and the fate of those around him - is determined by forces beyond his control' (www.welovethisbook.com )

'Lord Francis Damory, bit player in Farundell, deserved a volume of his own, and this is it . . . A funny, enthralling prequel . . . It's an action-packed story as many events (and people) happen to him but one accepts they wouldn't be as entertaining recounted by anyone else. This Lord Damory is a kind, generous scientist and polymath, but most of all, Ms Fredericks has blessed him with an excellent sardonic, sarcastic wit and sense of irony' (www.thebookbag.co.uk )

'A story with a whole host of elements that blend together to create a great whole. If you want a love story, you have it, you want adventure, yep that too and if you like something that pushes boundaries bringing historical fiction and fantasy together then you're in for a treat. Add to this some solid prose with a huge cast and all in all it's a standalone that works very well. Back that up with an author who loves to tell a story that brings their own identifiable style and you've got something a little bit special. Great' (www.falcatatimes.blogspot.com )

'Fredericks writes absolutely beautifully . . . You can get completely, wonderfully lost in Fredericks' impeccably imagined lazily unfolding world. This novel is a genuine thing of beauty . . . Science, magic and history all combine seamlessly to make this a novel that really stands out from the crowd. I've not read anything that I could really compare it to, it's utterly unique. Add to this Fredericks' impressive elegance of narrative, and you've got a real winner. A beautiful, beautiful read. Can't recommend it highly enough' (www.fantasybytes.net )

Praise for Farundell, L. R. Fredericks' first novel:

'Farundell is a marvellously dark and intricate literary gothic novel. The style is elegant and engaging and the storyline compelling. This is an author to watch.'

(Joanne Harris, bestselling author of Chocolat )

'A richly ambitious debut novel . . . one cannot help but be swept away by Fredericks' bold intentions' (Financial Times )

'Beautifully written . . . I am sure it will appeal to many people' (Daily Mail )

'Descriptively, conceptually and emotionally captivating' (Easy Living )

L. R. Fredericks lives in Oxfordshire. Fate is her second novel. Her first novel, Farundell, was shortlisted for the Authors' Club First Novel Award and is available from John Murray.