Fate sets the path. Fortune has the final word.

In FATE AND FORTUNE, the third volume in The Gateway Saga, every desperate gamble only serves to bring the world one step closer to ruin.

Samara’s story is far from over. Nothing is more dangerous than a spurned former empress with powerful new allies, willing to risk everything to reclaim the greatest prize of all.

Consumed by vengeance, Anthea Conway’s fragile position is jeopardized as she works in exile to destroy Julian and Zhuana—and fulfill her late brother’s dream of saving the empire.

But unknown to her, Kendrick is alive and well, and finds himself in a forgotten land, where he will have to work with Bethany, Xander, and Charlton to survive and somehow find a way home.

Bethany uncovers a secret society manipulating this strange new world from the shadows. But the greatest threat is yet to come… and stopping it may prove impossible.

With Zhuana focused on confronting the peril in the south, it is up to Julian to keep the empire together, even as it fractures beyond recognition.

Darkness is coming. But it is the quest for power that takes precedence.

Published
July 23, 2026
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.
The Gateway Saga

The series

Full series details →

The Gateway Saga is an ambitious and captivating fantasy series that immerses readers in a world where magic is learned, not born. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Dymantine Empire, this series weaves together the story of a young woman, Bethany, whose quiet life as a seamstress is forever changed after a fateful encounter with a mysterious cleric. As war looms and ancient secrets unravel, Bethany must confront her destiny and the dark forces stirring beneath the empire's surface.

Read full series description

What sets The Gateway Saga apart is its innovative approach to magic and power. In this world, magic is not an innate talent but a learned discipline, blending intellect, science, and sheer will. The empire’s mystical gateways, key to its survival and expansion, are accessible only to a select few skilled in navigating them. This unique portrayal of magic adds layers of depth to the series, challenging traditional fantasy tropes and offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar themes of destiny, identity, and political intrigue.

As the story unfolds, The Gateway Saga explores the intricacies of power and ambition. With its multi-layered characters and complex political landscape, it draws comparisons to epic fantasies like Game of Thrones, but Maxwell's storytelling stands on its own, offering a darker, more introspective look at the forces that shape civilizations and the individuals caught in their wake.

Readers will be drawn to the richly crafted world-building, where every decision has weight, and the stakes are nothing short of empire-shaping. The narrative is threaded with tension and suspense, offering a thrilling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the unyielding pull of fate. With unforgettable characters, high-stakes intrigue, and an atmosphere thick with mystery, The Gateway Saga is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy who crave a series that challenges the genre's conventions while still delivering all the elements that make fantasy so compelling.

At its heart, The Gateway Saga is a story about finding one's place in a world on the brink of change—and whether that place is one of power or destruction. For those who seek more than just another epic fantasy, this series promises a journey that will leave you questioning the very nature of magic, destiny, and the empire itself.

Risingshadow

Anticipation distribution

How anonymous reader anticipation is distributed across the 1–10 scale.

102
90
81
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Risingshadow

Be the first reviewer

Sign in and write the first reader review.

Risingshadow

Readers Also Enjoyed