Book Description:
In the young adult novel, “Destiny”, Gabriella is just trying to be an ordinary teenager. She wants to have fun with her friends, plan for college, and find a date to the Valentine’s Dance, all while helping her friend Monte cope with his mother’s cancer and come to terms with his sexuality. But there is another side to Gabriella. Years ago when her mother was murdered, she buried a secret so deep that she doesn’t even remember it anymore. Gabriella is a witch, and she will have to learn to let that power break free if she is going to save herself from the warlock who was responsible for her mother’s death. He craves the power in her bloodline and hopes to recruit her to his coven and turn her to the dark side of magick.
The spirit of Gabriella’s mother tries to warn her that she is in danger, but Gabriella is too afraid of magick to let her in. Desperate to help her daughter, she finds another witch—one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron takes on the seemingly hopeless task of convincing Gabriella that magick exists, while also trying to defend himself from the stronger and more experienced warlock who is not happy with his interference.
Gabriella and Darron can’t deny the attraction that is growing between them, but the two young witches have more standing in their way than just an evil warlock. There are also overbearing jocks and snobby rich girls to contend with. Hurt feelings and jealousies constantly seem to tear them apart whenever they make any progress.
Things all come to a head at the Valentine’s Dance when a dangerous situation finally forces Gabriella to accept her powers. People will die and secrets will be revealed. Gabriella and Darron realize they have been pawns in a game that began long before they were born. Now they will have to destroy the warlock, save their friend’s dying mother, and learn the true power behind Wiccan magick if they will have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
What I Can Tell You:
This is the first time I have ever been asked to review a book by one of my readers. While writing to her to tell her I had forwarded her mailing address to a sponsor for a giveaway win, she asked if I would review her book. Shocking, I had been corresponding with Laura through mostly win emails and never knew one of my very own readers was an author.
I was excited and said yes but worried that I would have to write my very honest reviews. My readers know that I will always be honest. Like or dislike, I will let you know. I need not have worried though! The book cover makes you want to open it. Friends who came over saw the book on the table (sometimes amid a lot of other books) and always picked it up talking about the cover. Honestly, the cover is pretty spectacular but it is what is inside that will make you keep reading.
There are always a ton of books to get through and they all must be read them from cover to cover in order to write an honest review.
Destiny was started a month ago and I couldn't wait to dive in. It took a month because in the middle of life, I had to stop and read three other books even though Laura's is the one I wanted to read. It called to me. It is truly a book which can be read in 1 sitting, but I hardly ever have moments like that. The past 3 months, have been especially busy with my new life, jobs, kids finishing up school, etc.
So with all that said, let's dive in shall we.
The story:
The story is about Gabriella. It is a story of love, friendship, religion, triumph, believing, and good versus evil. Always remember kids, good always wins over evil.
Gabriella is in high school, she wants to be like everyone else but she isn't. She is very different. Her mother was murdered when she was a little girl and she lives with her alcoholic father. Gabby, as everyone calls her is special, but doesn't realize the full extent of her abilities.
Gabby's mother was murdered when she was just a little girl. Gabby knows that she is special, but is in denial and doesn’t want to realize who she really is.
Darron is a friend of her from school that she is set up with for a class project. He is a witch with his own set of powers. When he is visited by Gabby's spirit mother, she tells him that she and her friends were murdered by an evil warlock named Richard and that he is coming after Gabby because of her powers. She tells him to force Gabriella to know what she is, because she needs to be ready to fight him.
Richard will do whatever he can to get Gabby and Darron to join his coven and he is not against killing innocent people Darron and Gabby love.
Gabby and her friends, team up with Darron to overpower Richard and hopefully save everyone too. The ending is intense and leaves me to believe there may be a sequel. One can only hope.
Laura is a wonderful author who created a story that will be enjoyed by book lovers of all ages. She keeps the action moving, creates characters that are likable and the story enjoyable. As we approach the ending, it is like coming to the end of a roller coaster ride. All ups and downs, fast turns, and then peace and quiet, with the wind in your hair as your body comes down from the thrill.
Highly recommend. Great Summer read for ages 14+
To Purchase:
For more information about the book and Laura, head over to her blog.
The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Destiny and incense.
Sponsor: Author, Laura Deluca
To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Follow Laura on Facebook and leave a message on her wall (leaving the link here) by Midnight, July 17, 2011
For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Follow Laura on her blog
*Subscribe to Laura's blog
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow me on Network Blogs
*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow me on Networked Blogs (2 entries)
*Follow me on Twitter and Tweet (leave your link)
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link
*Add my main button to your side bar
*Open Worldwide.
Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for Laura Deluca who provided the
review and giveaway copies.
I received no monetary compensation.
review and giveaway copies.
I received no monetary compensation.
I know exactly what you mean when you say you had to read three books, but DESTINY was what you wanted to read; I've been there and it is a terrible feeling. I can hardly wait to read DESTINY; I've been waiting for it to come out on Kindle, so that I can read/listen during my commute. But I might break down...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and for adding to I-really-want-to-read-DESTINY-anxiety!
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