The Grimoire of Grave Fates Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen: Review

The Grimoire of Grave Fates has a cast of characters as diverse as its 18 authors – that’s right, 18! This gripping fantasy murder-mystery is told through 18 individual perspectives, with each chapter written by a different author. Each author gives their character their own unique flair, and every reader will find something relatable in this cast.

The plot takes place in Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, where young magicians are trained in all aspects of sorcery. Here life is as normal as possible for a magical travelling school, until a professor is murdered. No one is too upset to see Professor Dropwort – the most hated professor at Galileo – dead, but the students are determined to solve the murder. As Dropwort’s secrets are gradually revealed, the students get closer and closer to finding out the truth. With each student desperate to be the Chosen One to save the school, every chapter explores a different part of the vast and detailed world.

In between the chapters lie pieces of evidence, text conversations and interview transcripts, which are a fun addition. From the opening chapter to the final plot twist, this novel is intriguing from start to finish. However, I found the amount of characters to be a little overwhelming at times, and I struggled to really get to know any of them. The contrast between chapters can also be a bit jarring and having to start afresh with new characters each time maybe sets the plot back a bit. Overall, I have really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any fans of fantasy.

Clara Kamlah, 17