Defying Destiny looks at choices

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Are you (or your kids) looking for a novel where the villain keeps the heroine on her toes? Do you like stories where good triumphs evil, but you’re not sure how this problem can be resolved until you reach the end, cringing through the climax and fretting that the characters you have come to admire are in great danger? Do you like romance where the two people attracted to each other appear unlikely to find what their hearts desire because the world is against them? Do you wonder how the heroine can overcome betrayal and find hope and peace again?

Well, I recommend Defying Destiny, by Sharon Rene, which includes all this. In one word, this novel is intense. Sharon Rene, a skillful storyteller, released Defying Destiny, the third book in the Devine Destiny Chronicles on October 4. You may recall my reviews of her other books in this series: Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. You may read Defying Destiny, a prequel, alone, read it first, or read it in order of publication.

Praises for Defying Destiny

Sharon Rene created realistic characters who expressed emotions I felt as I read. I cared about the characters and wrestled with them through questions many of us struggle with at some time in our lives. One such question Sierra posed was, “Oh, Lord, what have You done to me and where do I belong?”

Have you ever believed you were following an honorable plan backed by God himself? Throughout history many have been in Sierra Stone’s shoes. She fights against a man determined to rule the world. Her loyal troops adore her, and she feels the losses deeply when any of them dies in battle. She has a conscience.

But so does the aspiring “dictator,” Hunter Wallis. Hunter’s sister, River, however, is crazy, evil, unpredictable, untrustworthy. Captured, Sierra fears she may never get out of her fancy castle prison alive.

River wants Sierra dead, but smitten Hunter desires to win her heart, protect her, and recruit her to his world government plan. River plans to set him up with Sierra’s best friend Cimmaron, but his heart doesn’t cooperate. He laments, “What is wrong with me? That unpredictable rebel is the only woman I want.”

Both Sierra and Hunter think themselves the biggest fool on the planet.

Deep characterization used

River is a calculating bully, messing with Sierra’s thinking also. She sets people important to Sierra against her, and puts her down with such comments as, “See, I am needed, and you are not.” Sharon Rene delivered an antagonist in River Wallis that keep the reader and the heroine guessing at what will happen.

River thinks she makes her mother proud by how she lives. Hunter thinks he protects his sister and refuses to see her actions for what they are. This alone provides plenty of tension.

Since the story is set in a war, it tends to be more serious, but I appreciated the humor sprinkled in. One of my favorite chuckles was this description: “Mr. Parker could speak six paragraphs without taking a breath, and she wanted to get home before dark.” Don’t you just love it? You can’t help but smile.

I also admire the heroine because she realizes “she would never be happy living a lie.” That’s very true. We must remain faithful to who we are, or we won’t be at peace. Life may throw junk at us, but if we stick to our beliefs, we can hold our heads high.

Recommended for older teens

Will Hunter realize his sister is crazy? Will River pay for her crimes, or will the world be swept up without questioning? Will Hunter stand up for what is right? Guess you’re going to have to get yourself a copy!

While this novel is marketed on Amazon for kids 12 and up, I’d like to say that I believe it is for kids 15 and up because of references to mature topics. I recommend this clean novel and the other titles in this series.

Defying Destiny is available on Kindle and in paperback. If you haven’t read Hesitant Heroes or Relentless Rebels, now is your opportunity to read the trilogy together.  

What kinds of books do you enjoy?

Read my reviews on Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels.