I obtained a overview copy from the writer. This doesn’t have an effect on the contents of my overview and all opinions are my very own.

Turns of Destiny by Anne Bishop

Mogsy’s Ranking: 4.5 of 5 stars

Style: City Fantasy

Collection: E-book 1 of Isle of Wyrd

Writer: Ace (November 11, 2025)

Size: 528 pages

Creator Info: Web site

As an enormous fan of Anne Bishop’s The Others collection, anytime I see her return to the paranormal and concrete fantasy style, I’m instantly on board. And because it so occurs, despite the fact that Turns of Destiny introduces a brand-new world with brand-new characters, it carries that very same uncanny atmospheric vibe that made The Others so memorable, and in some ways appears like a non secular successor.

The story follows a number of views, however the linchpin character holding all of it collectively is Detective Beth Fahey, the most recent member of Precinct 13’s investigative squad. Her division is answerable for liaising with the otherworldly residents of the Isle of Wyrd, a mysterious hidden realm that people can solely attain by taking a ferry to a managed zone referred to as Future Park. Past that’s the Arcana, a spot the place the foundations of our actuality don’t at all times apply, and guests enter at their very own threat. Right here, the legal guidelines of the Isle reign supreme, and breaking them can have dire penalties.

Nonetheless, Beth’s first project appeared simple sufficient, not less than initially. Clues to a horrific murder-suicide case leads her to the Isle of Wyrd to inquire a couple of “ghost gun,” however after all, nothing about this place is ever easy. Her investigation finally ends up serving as a doorway to an odd chain of occasions that weave collectively the lives of a number of strangers, from a determined lady looking for refuge from her abusive boyfriend to an adolescent caught up in a harmful sport.

What struck me most about Turns of Destiny was how character-driven it’s regardless of its broad scope and a number of POVs. Certain, there are occasions when Beth appears like one facet character of many, however even because the plot bends this fashion and that, it’s the individuals who anchor us to the larger journey. The supporting solid is large, however every character has a memorable position to play, particularly as they showcase the completely different elements of the Arcana and the interactions that common people have with their inhabitants.

Nevertheless, my favourite side of the guide was the world-building, which is Bishop’s forte, in spite of everything. Very similar to in The Others, the world of Turns of Destiny is one the place people coexist uneasily with beings way more historic and highly effective than they’re, but some are nonetheless silly sufficient to check their limits. The Isle of Wyrd maintains its personal boundaries and codes with a concentrate on bargains and contracts however remains to be keen to assist guests who are available good religion, opening Future Park to curious vacationers who need to sightsee or to have their fortunes instructed. That mentioned, Isle residents are extraordinarily unforgiving in relation to individuals making an attempt to reap the benefits of their hospitality, and when you find yourself on the fallacious facet of their justice, nobody can prevent.

The world itself additionally feels oddly alive with its personal distinctive logic. Time behaves otherwise, for instance, and the Isle can be a lot bigger than it seems, with trains that run endlessly and portals that result in elsewhere. One will get the sense that, even for those who had a lifetime, there could be no technique to uncover all its secrets and techniques. And that’s precisely why the pacing works, with every chapter revealing simply sufficient to maintain your curiosity piqued, even when hyperlinks between completely different characters could really feel tenuous, or when a few of the POV switches really feel extra like brief vignettes. The narrative by no means feels unfocused, because of the overarching affect of the Isle of Wyrd which grounds the completely different storylines and ties all of them collectively.

In conclusion, Turns of Destiny is a wonderful begin to a brand new collection, crammed with the type of richly imagined world-building that made me fall in love with Anne Bishop’s writing once more. Whereas the novel could share some themes together with her earlier work, it nonetheless feels recent with touches which might be comfortably acquainted. Simply one among my favourite reads of the 12 months, and I can’t wait to return to the Isle of Wyrd, so right here’s hoping this marks the start of an extended, thrilling collection.