Choice of the Traveler

Traveler #1

by Toni Binns

A war between two worlds. A destiny she can't escape...

When Betha transfers to her best friend's university to study, life is looking hopeful.

Her dream to open up her own café could finally become a reality, and all she has to do is study, enjoy nights out, and try not to make her crush on the tasty and intense Self-Defence trainer, Carter, too obvious.

But her world is shattered when demons invade.

As powers Betha didn't know she had begin to emerge, hopes of stopping the invasion fall to her, and Carter is tasked with keeping her alive.

Betha has no fighting ability, no matter how hard she tries, but everyone she knows is dying.

With Carter and her other friends surrounding her, will she be able to unlock the truth of her magic in time? Or will a cloak of darkness and despair shroud the land and destroy everything she loves?

If found family, slow burn romance, and unknown magic are your thing, pick up Choice of the Traveler today!

Genres: Young Adult

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

I'm an author who loves a good cozy fantasy. My stories are filled with warm vibes, found families, and just enough magic to make things interesting. I started writing to escape the real world, and I hope my books can be a warm hug for you, too.

Reviews

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished "Choice of the travelers" by Toni Binns by reading it on my tablet thanks to the Kindle Unlimited subscription of my girlfriend.

This is the first book in the Travelers series by this author. The story follows Betha, a young girl with dreams of studying in university and opening her own coffee shop business.

However, her plans take an unexpected turn after a demon attack reveals her true identity as a Traveler, one of the guardians of portals between different worlds. With the help of her diverse group of friends, including shifters, angels, and more, she must learn to harness her newfound powers and protect Earth from further demonic threats.

As I delved into the pages, the story captivated me and the author skillfully introduced the intricate plot and worldbuilding. The pacing of the book varies, with some intense chapters followed by more subdued ones, but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

The characters are likable, especially as they develop their powers and face increasingly more dangerous foes. I appreciated that the focus of the book was on action and worldbuilding rather than romantic relationships between the characters.
I also liked how the book ends with that powerful cliffhanger but I missed a little bit more of background of the evil villain of this book (the demon prince) and more of the future villains.

In conclusion, this urban fantasy book is an entertaining read for young adults seeking an enjoyable story. I highly recommend it.

[Kelly Bourgon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice of the Traveler is a fun, fast-paced story of friendship and fighting your demons, both literally and figuratively. If you enjoy stories of found family, world traveling, and slightly awkward flirting, you should pick up this book right away.

The author does a wonderful job of developing multiple characters while keeping the main focus on our Traveler, Betha. Friendship and trust are huge themes in this story due to the nature of the Traveler’s powers. One of the best parts of this book is the relationship between Betha and her best friend, Angie. They love and support each other no matter what, and this relationship is only strengthened when Betha gets her newfound powers. It is also fun to follow Betha as she adjusts to her new life and forms bonds with new characters throughout the book.

Where the protagonists are very well developed, it would be nice to get a little more backstory on the main villain. We do find out more about the demon world near the end of the story, so this will probably play a larger role in the next book.

This book is a great start to the series and lays a foundation for stories on plenty of other worlds. I am excited to follow Betha’s future adventures!

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sometimes it's hard to pull off an older MC new to the magic system in an UF, but this does it really well. Magic is established and widely known in this world, but Betha spent her whole life thinking she was 100% human. After she sells everything to make sure her ailing mother has the care that she needs, she joins her shifter friend at school and her whole world turns upside down.

I instantly felt a connection with Betha because of my personal life, and even though this book has sat on my shelf for a year, I know it came into my life just when I needed it. I can't wait to dive into book 2 and see where this storyline goes as Betha learns more about being a Traveler and her own history, while also building her group of friends into her chosen family.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent contemporary fantasy

The worldbuilding is imaginative, the characters are likeable, and the story is gripping. There is death, violence, and sorrow which are offset by humor, found family, and romance. I read MEOW first and wanted to know more about Carter and his world in the Nexus.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 3.5 stars rounded to 4 ✨


I would describe this book as The Medoran Chronicles but more paranormal, probably closer to what I imagine the Shadowhunters books to be like! It has shapeshifters, elves, angels, demons, vampires, trolls and humans who all live in an acquired peaceful society, with the occasional demon invasion. With an amazing found family demon-fighting squad and one girl who is supposed to save them all with her unknown magic.

The more I think about this book the more things I find I loved about it! The author wrote the characters so well and I loved all their personalities and relationships. I am definitely a fan of the multi-race societies that come together to form an ultimate fighting team, with the chosen one who has undiscovered magic! I mean that's like the plot of my favourite series. This book did this plot in such a unique way! I absolutely loved the whole idea of the Traveler and their anchors like it was such a cool idea and the author just wrote it so well!

Not to mention she wrote the characters into this experience so well! All the characters were great and the relationship and bond between Angie and Betha was such a great thing to read about! These coming of age, and discovery of self themes are definitely YA but I enjoy them and again just loved the whole dynamic between the main characters, I also loved how we got multiple perspectives from a whole range of characters throughout the story. It definitely helped with setting up the world and plot, although the main villain and demon concept was not delved into as much, but I have a feeling it will be in the next book.

One thing I will say is that the writing style is a little simple and took me a while to get used to, I don't really know how to explain it in another way. Just a little jarring and didn't flow as well as I thought, also the start was a little forced and did make me cringe in sections.

Anyway I do think this was a good read and recommend it to people who love the deep friend relationships between characters and want a new refreshing type of magic coupled with a found family demon-fighting group and a whole cast of diverse supernatural races.

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating based on all 3 books currently in the series.

I absolutely loved all 3. The FMC grew from a shy student to a leader that knew what must be done and then doing it. Her friendships were solid and giving and supportive. Her romance grew from shyness to friendship to love. No triangle. No insta-lust. No teenaged hormones. It was a small sidestory but constant in the background.

The worldbuilding was easy, but complex. We learned with the FMC. The characters were morally good, and their decisions based on whats right for others. They were self sacrificing.

The books were action packed. Especially the last one. A lot of questions were answered. And it had a great conclusion and ending.

Unfortunately, it still stopped somewhat abrupty with a clear notion its not the end. Some questions still left unanswered. I don't know if and when a new book or spinoff series would be available. I hope soon.

I'm surprised for a book with SO much action, such a fast pace and immense world, the author's next series was sooooooo slow and boring in comparison.

In this one we get to see fight after fight. Desperate measures paying off. Flights and regrouping and planning. Execution of plans and recovery of wounds. New power appearing. Meeting characters of all worlds and building friendships with them.

In the coffee shop series it feels like a side show. Sitting in the window watching time goes by. Eating bacon and drinking coffee. No lovestory. No action. No major friendships from other worlds except those inside the bookshop. No adrenaline rushes. No fighting or fleeing or power developing.

This series on the other hand was perfect! I adored it and hope the author would come back to it soon.

[Belinda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

​I loved every second of this action-packed read in an impressive world with amazing characters. It was easy to fall in love with them.

Betha had always thought she was a human without any magical powers. Until she entered college and figured out she was a Traveler. She also learned that the world was in danger and only she could save it.

Betha was an incredible character and I loved her from the beginning. Her dream was to open a coffee shop after college! When she learned she had magical powers and she had to save the world, she adapted and learned all she needed. Every time she saw a shifter in their animal form, she immediately wanted to pet them 🤣

She needed Anchors to use her magic better. She got the much needed help from her best friend and her pack. I enjoyed watching the relationships form among them and develop as they spent more time together. The characters were intriguing and well developed. I enjoyed the diversity they brought to the story, with them being shifters, angels, vampires and humans.

The world building was detailed and exciting. The author has taken the time to lay the groundwork for this world with different magical beings with their own worlds, politics enmeshed in the plot and demons with their Prince as an enemy. Getting to the bigger picture has been developed wonderfully and made the book an exciting page turner.

Trust and freedom of choice are important concepts in the plot. I e​​njoyed watching the characters learn their role and execute it well. This was a fun and engaging read till the end!

Thank you to the author and BOMM for sending me a copy of the book to review!

[Amelia Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The portals are doorways, passages to
other worlds via the leylines. As a Traveler, it’s easy to lose yourself in leylines. It’s one reason we have Anchors—they ground us so we don’t lose parts of our souls to the Universe."
This book was really fast paced and easy to love from the very first pages. The anchors dynamic was one of my favourite things to read about, Carter and Betha sometimes when they trained reminded me of Dimitri and Rose from vampire academy and I got nostalgic about that kind of relationship between characters (in this case nobody is underage so I loved that too).
This world is full of interesting characters, some humans and a lot of supernatural beings, modern day setting is always fun to read in fantasy books. The other-focused university, birthmark that is more than just a star shaped sign, shifters and their banter, everyday college life and jumping into action in a blink of an eye to save your peers and loved ones, found family, angels and demons, wolves and golden lab (both in dog form and human with the golden lab energy) there's everything for everyone.
I couldn't stop reading and ended up staying till 6am to finish the book and I wanted to read sequel too, good thing it's coming out in July.
And this dedication, it has my heart, I am a dreamer after all:
"To all the dreamers, and those who want to read those dreams."

[Akansha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice of the traveler has a unique world-building with a simple magic system and species. It has shifters, angels, vampires, demons, and fae (only mentioned). This is the kind of book that is beginner friendly with likable characters. I’ll highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for books to get into fantasy.
Choice of the Traveler follows Betha and her friends as they chase demons and close tears that are letting these monsters into their world. The story moved at a fast pace and the characters go through life-altering changes.

I liked all the side characters a lot. Carter, Angie, and Eric were the kind of support system an MC deserves. I wish there was more of Joey and Ben, especially in the second half when they completely were out of the picture. Joey is adorable with his puppy eyes and cinnamon roll image. (There is a bonus scene of Angie and Joey’s first date available for free if you sign up with your email.) They are cute. I’ll also like to see more of Carter and Eric considering they were quite close as brothers and would still give their lives to save each other.

Read this if you like:
- Found family
- Shifters and angels
- Slow-burn romance

Thank you to Book Of Matches Media and Tori Binns for the review copy

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Beth’s always thought she was human, that is until meeting up with an old friend exposed her to some people, who tell her that she is a Traveler, one who can walk between the worlds.
It’s a talent in great need, since rips in the world are occurring, rips through which demons come through, attacking those in the Terran realm.
Betha needs to learn what it is to be a traveler, so that she can help her world in its hour of need…

This book begins Betha’s journey, and that means that it is a little slow starting out, as the world and the way it works is all set out for us.
There’s a lot going on, and Betha is as much in the dark as we are, learning pretty much as the reader does.
It’s an enjoyable tale though, with some interesting characters, and a fascinating universe in which it is all set.
This is a good read for the urban fantasy fan, and contemporary fantasy lover alike.

[Athenns Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great debut book

Yes there are a few lil issues as all debut an early works tend to have. The fact is though that this book has great "bones" and string lovable characters. The plot is so interesting and refreshing.
There is a few places I wish Toni would have allowed us to see since they would have added to the drama, that she instead had brought up but decided to skip over in terms of witnessing the scenes. Maybe she will go back and give us short stories of those times that were hinted at might be full of drama her lil group.
I love her Meow series and hope she writes several other possible "branches" and timelines she mentions throughout this book and the Meow series. No explicit scenes so great for younger kids who read at higher levels clear up to those of us who just want an adventure fantasy book with romance but not all triple x fun times that we have read a million times before :p

[Cheri Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise of this! Leylines, Others, heaven, hell, etc. I did feel there were some pretty big gaps. It would have been a 5 star read if there had been more of the story fleshed out. Betha is human, and her mother has early onset dementia. Betha has to sell her home to afford to place her mother in a home. After the sale, Betha goes to St. Luna's where her best friend is. From there, the story progresses very quickly. Betha isn't what she seems althought that is news to her and her best friend. Now, the fate of Terra lays on her shoulders along with a somewhat unlikely team. As I said, there are a few areas I would have loved more details and the time line is a little choppy and it felt as though I needed a deeper knowledge of this world in order to really understand everything happening. Overall, a fun, quick read and I will definitely keep reading the series!

[Sandy Monterrosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Betha is captivating and fun to read. The story follows Betha who finds out she is a traveler and has to save the town she lives in as well as other towns. Turns out she is the only one that can save them so she is forced to become a soldier after she was used to being human. The story is full of friendship with building ties and loyalties. I really enjoyed reading about all her friends. The author did a great job creating fun characters for each with their own characteristics that stood out. The book also had fighting scenes that were well written full of suspense. The story flowed nicely and was a quick read. Not once was I bored, I read it throughout a 3 hour flight and really enjoyed it. The next thing I knew we were landing.

Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up for creativity. This was not listed as a YA/Coming of Age book, but it definitely is. The FMC is 22 and all of her friends are of similar or slightly older age. The original setting is a college campus for the "Others" or those with paranormal abilities. The fmc, Betha, is supposedly 100% human. An assumption changed within the first week of school. Almost immediately training begins and Betha and team, starting with her best friend, Angie (a Shadow shifter) are thrown head first into saving their part of the world from a demon incursion. Betha is learning on the fly but excels in all things (of course). Obviously more will come as the team is growing and changing and the real enemy has yet to be unveiled. Overall, a fun and easy read with plenty of action. Luckily, despite heavy hints, romance definitely takes a back seat for now. I do plan to try Book 2.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice of the Traveler is a fantasy/supernatural YA book that is highly entertaining and easy to read. There is a lot of action, some very mild romance, and a lot of relationship building in this story.

The book could use a little more background, and details. Characters become part of the story but are given a very small introduction, if any at all. Aside from the two main characters, Betha and Angie, it made it a little hard to relate to the characters or feel for them. Other than that, I found this a great read and I enjoyed following Betha’s growth into a Traveler. I look forward to reading where Betha’s journey takes her next.

While I would consider this a YA read, there is some strong language.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite aspect of this book was the friendship between Betha and Angie. They were completely loyal and supportive of each other and it was nice to read of a female friendship in such a positive light. The supporting characters and “team” they then created were enjoyable to read.

The writing isn’t too complex and the magic system was familiar but easy to understand so this would also make a good beach read/book to read by the pool. Although the individual characters could have used a little more development for me, this is a good choice for readers who like plot driven novels who want a quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are my own.

[Anya Josephs]

Betha is a young human who, looking to escape her mother's descent into dementia, follows her best friend Angie to a university populated by shifters and other magical creatures. Along the way, she learns that she is not the ordinary girl she thought she was but actually has a desitny as a traveler.

What I Liked: I really liked the friendship/found family dynamic between Betha and Angie! It's one of my favorite tropes, and I felt like they had such a lovely, supportive friendship. I also thought the relationship between Betha and her mother was very well-done.

What I Didn't: The writing style wasn't for me! The style here is very simple, while I like more complex writing.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met this author at a Con and picked up the first book in this series there. This seems as if it could be a YA book but I still enjoyed it. The concept of a Traveler was interesting, in addition to the traditional angels, shapeshifters and trolls. There were times, when characters would gain attributes, that it felt a little like a D&D game, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for me. The writing flowed (despite the more than usual number of typos and grammatical errors in a book - yes it annoys me - so sue me) and I became vested in the characters. I will consider getting the next in the series.

[Crim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got the audiobook in exchange for a review.
This book is great for the story it has. Lots of action, lots of intrique. Its not my cup of tea per say but someone out there that loves shifters and adventure and academia would love this book! I do feel like something needs work I just cant put mu finger on it. I feel some things could have been focused on more and it would have pulled it together a bit more. But all in all I did finish the book in two days listening to it and it kept my interest.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This was my first experience with Toni Binns' work, and I was entertained. The story focused on Betha and her associates as they worked to repel a demon invasion. I appreciated the world-building, and I liked the creative magic along with its use and properties. I enjoyed the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Emily Beresford's narration was great. She gave distinctive voices to the various characters and performed the narrative part with emotion and inflection. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Jennie Gills · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read her other series contracts & and cats, and it was awesome she really came a far way from this book in her writing style. C&C felt like you were traveling a winding country road across the country, no rush, investing in the journey as much as the destination. This book it like you hopped on the interstate and can't take any time for a bathroom break. I'm not invested in any of the characters. We have seen a bunch of viewpoints but no depth in any of them. I'm hoping book two she slows it down and lets us get to know the characters a bit.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betha has a curse - or a gift - and she is struggling to handle the invasion. However, she realises something that comes naturally to her is revealed to be her ability in defending herself. There are various perspectives so readers can view the overall view of the story instead of following Betha's journey solely from her perspective.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.

[Kenzathome · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to Book Of Matches Media and author Toni Binns for allowing me to feature and review Choice Of The Traveler. I was really intrigued by this story and I'm so glad I read it. It had such a unique magic system with so many details that I loved learning about. Betha was such a strong character and I admired how she faced all the changes, hardships and loss in her life. I was super invested in the outcome and look forward to reading more in this series!

[Aislinn Jernigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice of the Traveler
Toni Binns
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At a glance:
🔥Unknown Magic
🔥Found Family
🔥Slow Burn Romance
🔥A Golden Lab 🐶
🔥Elves, Shapeshifters, Goblins, Angels, Demons

A great plot with fantastic tropes. It has some really great bones to the story and while the writing style isn’t one I usually seek out it was captivating and interesting. The characters had great interactions with each other and showed tons of growth throughout the book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought she was human.

Betha lives in a world where there are both humans and Others. Others are beings we know as trolls, fairies, vampires, shifters, etc. Betha thought she was human until an assistant of the college mentioned that the mark on her wrist might be a sunspot and suggested that she see a doctor about it. She did just that. Now the adventure begins! What is a Traveler? How does being an Anchor protect a Traveler? What is the Nexxus?

[Mybookmemories · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so enjoyable! The world building was really interesting and I loved all the characters. Their growth throughout the book was wholesome and made me adore them even more. The plot was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat at times. If you enjoy a slow burn romance, fantasy and a found family trope then I would definitely this book. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Hillary Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to a 4. Betha is a human in an other world. The others are Fay, angels, demons, trolls, shifters (like Angie) and many others. Angie is Betha’s best friend and they are in college living their best college life until Betha gets news that changes her life forever. That change is further progressed by a demon attack and sets Betha on a course that no one could have predicted… well unless you’re a seer.

[MedicatedxSiren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choice of the traveler was a good "coming of age" and "learning who you are" type of story. It was more on the YA side than I'm used to reading, but I definitely enjoyed getting to meet Betha, Angie, and the rest of the characters! Loved all the different types of creatures we got to know that exist in this universe, and I'm hoping to find out a lot more in a 2nd book.

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, friendships to envy, and a really unique world make this a great book to read! Great great great character dynamics between Betha and Angie, good world building and a nice steady pace help keep you engaged. More than I expected and easy to read. Some characters I'm hoping to get to know better, and I can't wait to see how the story continues!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actions filled Urban Fantasy Adventure

You are immediately drawn in to the story and the characters lives. The beginning slowly builds the story but quickly the action, adventure, & the characters personalities and developing bonds blossom. This is a well rounded story that is well thought out and written. Will start book 2 after dinner. ⛪ 😍🐺🐻🗡✨👹👺💫