Finding Fate Novels & Stories

The book 'What is Fate?' was written by the Japanese author Keiichiro Hirano. I stumbled upon his work completely by accident while browsing through a bookstore in Shinjuku, and his philosophical approach to storytelling immediately hooked me. Hirano has this unique way of blending existential questions with everyday life, making deep concepts feel accessible. 'What is Fate?' isn't just a novel—it's a meditation on destiny, choice, and the invisible threads that connect people. After reading it, I found myself revisiting passages late at night, wondering how much of my own life was shaped by chance versus intention.

Hirano’s other works, like 'A Man' and 'At the End of the Matinee,' explore similar themes, but 'What is Fate?' stands out for its raw introspection. It’s one of those books that lingers in your mind long after the last page, like a conversation you can’t quite shake off. If you’re into literature that challenges you to think differently about the world, this is a must-read.

If you're not familiar with the various lines and universes of 'Fate', trying to watch it is really a labyrinth. The best way is to watch the series in the order they were released. Begin with 'Fate/stay night' (2006). After that watch 'Fate/Zero' (2011-2012). Go on from there to the 'Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works' series (2014-2015). Then watch the 'Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel' movies trilogy (2017-2020). Finally, you can enjoy the spin-offs 'Fate/kaleid liner PrismaIllya' (2013-) and 'Fate/Apocrypha' (2017). You can watch it on Netflix, Crunchyroll or Funimation if you have a subscription. So have a bite to eat and get into this fantastical world!

Man, the ending of 'Chasing Fate' hit me like a ton of bricks! The final arc wraps up with this intense showdown between the protagonist and the antagonist, where all the emotional baggage from their past finally explodes. After years of running from destiny, the protagonist makes this heartbreaking choice to sacrifice their own freedom to save their friends. The last scene pans out to this quiet moment where they’re just sitting alone, watching the sunset, and you’re left wondering if it was worth it. The ambiguity kills me—was it a happy ending or just bittersweet resignation? The fandom’s still debating it, and I love that it leaves room for interpretation.

What really stuck with me, though, was how the side characters got their closures too. The writer didn’t just drop their arcs; everyone had a moment to shine, even if it was small. Like, the comic relief character finally admits they’ve been hiding their fear the whole time, and it adds this layer of depth I didn’t expect. The ending’s not perfect—some plot threads felt rushed—but the emotional payoff? Chef’s kiss. I’ve re-read it three times, and I still tear up.