Book Review: Destined

Destined

By: Aprilynne Pike

Published by Harper Teen

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Genre: YA fantasy

301 pages

Buy it on Amazon, IndieBound

 or Barnes and Noble

Source: kindly provided by publisher

My thoughts:

YES. This is the ending that fans of this series expect and deserve. Loyal readers may be split between Team Tamani and Team David, but they are all Team Laurel at heart. This book is exactly what Team Laurel wants to read.

This volume centers on the battle to save Avalon from utter destruction. That battle is devastating and hard-fought, my friends. Decisions lead to frantic action. Sacrifices are made. Desperate measures are necessary. Without a doubt, things will never be the same. 

From the beginning of the series, we have known Laurel as a girl who is told she's a faerie. By the series' end, you will finally know her as a faerie who has been living the life of a girl. Pike masterfully turns the tables on the perspective of this whole world throughout this series. It's impressive that she is able to focus our viewpoint so skillfully. Even more impressive is that the reader doesn't even notice the masterful persuasion at work. Ironically, it's by diving deeper into the world of fantasy that the most fantastic elements of the story become seemingly more realistic. 

Fangirls, there are plenty of sweet, romantic scenes interspersed with the battle scenes. Of course I won't tell you who gets the girl in the end, but I will say that Pike does a spectacular job of explaining and justifying Laurel's choice. This part of the story does not disappoint; in fact, it was better than I was hoping for.

Regarding the author's note at the end: First, don't even think about reading it before you've finished the book. Second, it contains a warning. Take heed. Because what follows it will break your heart.
I hate to say goodbye to this series, but I am really excited to see what Pike writes next. 

Summary from GoodReads:

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. 

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. 

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye.