This week for the Fiction Friday feature, I am reviewing the young adult fantasy novel, Destined by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast. This novel was first published in 2011 by St. Martin’s Press and has a page count of 336 pages. This is the ninth book in the House of Night series. The audiobook is 12 hours & 44 minutes and ready by Caitlin Davies. The following overview is provided from Barnes & Noble: Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Start, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx’s gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – as long as he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father’s shadow… But there are forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-dropping gorgeous teen boy who is actually more or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him… Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate?
This novel is the whole reason, I insisted on rereading and reviewing the novels in the publication order. The novella, Dragon’s Oath, was necessary to understand Dragon’s act and outcome in Destined. This novel is so good for so many reasons. I love the characters’ stories, they aren’t stale and boring. The side characters are going through things that make you love and loathe them more. Zoey, this poor child, with her amazing pop culture references that I love. She is so strong and fierce and has a love for her friends that is so pure. Oh. and let’s not forget about Rephaim adjusting to school life, let alone human life. I also love the different family stories that so different dynamics and relationships. I feel like at different times I find myself relating to their struggles as family members in a very real way. The goddess religions and Cherokee history are beautifully intertwined within the story. I love this series, it is everything I could want in an urban fantasy young adult series.
I give this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Sunday for the Spotcast Sunday feature, I am reviewing the true-crime podcast, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. Next week for the Fiction Friday feature, I am reviewing the Gothic horror novel, My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews. Until then keep reading on; Nerd out!
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