Reviews for Fate, Coincidence, and Other Curse Words

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Plot/Idea: Fate, Coincidence, and Other Curse Words is a striking work of YA fantasy about 17 year-old Jonathan Daniels, his best friend, Destiny, and new kid Chance, all growing up in the  town of Eureka, IL. Unbeknownst to Jonathan, Destiny and Chance are the reincarnation of ancient gods Fate and Coincidence. Continuing their millennia-old rivalry, they decide to help Jonathan. But with their newfound mortality comes vastly weakened powers, and helping anyone--themselves included--might well be out of reach.

Prose: Creech's prose is lively and maintains the reader's interest. But for all the light-hearted events in the book, Creech also makes clear that the gods, even those diminished and/or reincarnated, are not to be trifled with, or underestimated.

Originality: Creech uplifts the genre via a story about diminished gods who must navigate among mortals *as* mortals, which means, among other things, slowly reconstituting their powers and obsessing about prom.

Character/Execution: The characters come across as real people enmeshed in serious dilemmas. And while Chance and Destiny are thousands of years old, their interest in and compassion for humanity remains strong, and they learn all over again to appreciate what they have.

“A lovely take, through a shining queer lens, on whether the events of our lives are thanks to fate or coincidence. When these two influences are personified into Gods who are determined to help Jonathan Daniels navigate everything from first love to prom—you find yourself not only rooting for the protagonist, but this incredibly fresh take on found family. A YA romance with a magic twist that checks every box!”

"FATE, COINCIDENCE, AND OTHER CURSE WORDS is a love letter to every high school kid, out of their element, who wants to feel love for the first time. We follow two reincarnated gods who navigate what it’s like to be a teenager. Powers abound, they focus on helping a mortal—naturally, as gods do. Featuring a wide array of gay/, pan, and aro/ace representation, Creech covers the spectrum of inclusivity. With loads of sharp humor, a touching show of found family, and a fresh twist on ancient mythology, this is a must-read for this fall." 

I absolutely loved “Fate, Coincidence, and Other Curse Words” by Kenneth Creech. From the first page, I was hooked by the unique blend of Greek mythology and a contemporary high school setting—it was pure fun. The way Creech wove divine elements into Jonathan's everyday teenage life felt seamless and fresh. I found myself completely absorbed by the story, especially the mystery surrounding Jonathan and why Destiny and Chance's godly powers didn't seem to affect him. It kept me intrigued all the way to the end.

The characters in this book are nothing short of lovable. Jonathan, even though he can be insufferable at times, is someone you can't help but root for. His struggles with self-doubt and his search for love and acceptance are so genuine that they tug at your heart. Destiny and Chance, as reincarnated gods, bring charm and wit to every scene they’re in. Their rivalry and banter add a layer of humor that balances out the more serious themes of Jonathan’s journey, making the story an absolute delight to read.

What I loved most was the romance. It’s sweet, honest, and incredibly heartfelt. Jonathan's connection with his love interest (see how I don’t spoil it?) is tender and real, and the way their relationship develops feels natural and pure. The story gave me all the warm, cozy feelings—like a big hug from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile long after you’ve turned the last page.

"This was a fun and cozy YA novel. It mixed Greek mythology and high school so perfectly. The innocence of the teenagers was very refreshing as was the comedy and romance!"