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Cruel Destinies
Being the prophesied savior of shifter-kind is a heavy burden, especially when you don’t have a clue how to use your powers.
Arya now knows she’s destined to kill the infamous vampire leader, Hadrian. But how is she supposed to do that when she hasn’t mastered a single one of her shifter abilities? Her schedule is now full of intense training for the fight to come, which is especially daunting when the general of the shifter army is determined to turn her into the ultimate weapon.
Shea continues to play witch-in-the-middle between the sexy gryphon professor and the broody vampire spy. What could go wrong there? Umm, everything!
Tobias knows he can no longer resist his imprint bond with the vexing mermaid—and he doesn’t want to. Struggling to tread lightly the path of an actual romantic relationship proves more difficult than he thought, and he makes a bold move—one that could save them both or end badly for everyone.
Will any of our heroes be able to rise to the occasion of this centuries-long vampire-shifter war, or will their hearts put them in greater danger?
If you like the steamy shifter action of Zodiac Academy and the dark thrill of A Court of Thorns and Roses, you’ll devour this third book in the Dark Shifter Academy by USA Today’s Bestselling Author Tricia Barr. One-click today!
Arya now knows she’s destined to kill the infamous vampire leader, Hadrian. But how is she supposed to do that when she hasn’t mastered a single one of her shifter abilities? Her schedule is now full of intense training for the fight to come, which is especially daunting when the general of the shifter army is determined to turn her into the ultimate weapon.
Shea continues to play witch-in-the-middle between the sexy gryphon professor and the broody vampire spy. What could go wrong there? Umm, everything!
Tobias knows he can no longer resist his imprint bond with the vexing mermaid—and he doesn’t want to. Struggling to tread lightly the path of an actual romantic relationship proves more difficult than he thought, and he makes a bold move—one that could save them both or end badly for everyone.
Will any of our heroes be able to rise to the occasion of this centuries-long vampire-shifter war, or will their hearts put them in greater danger?
If you like the steamy shifter action of Zodiac Academy and the dark thrill of A Court of Thorns and Roses, you’ll devour this third book in the Dark Shifter Academy by USA Today’s Bestselling Author Tricia Barr. One-click today!
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
82 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Barr
114 books162 followersBy day, Tricia is a full time mom to two beautiful toddler girls and a wife/business partner to a handsome hard-working husband. By night--and nap times--she writes unique and thrilling young adult fantasies inspired by her vivid, somewhat creepy dreams and her own adventures around the world.
Sign up for her Email List and be automatically notified about new releases: http://www.tricia-barr.com/
List of Tricia's books:
THE BOUND ONES:
Ignite (Book 1)
Submerge (Book 2)
Unearth (Book 3)
Haunt (Standalone)
THE AMARANT:
The Vampire Secret (Book 1)
The Vampire Unleashed (Coming soon)
Steamy Adult Paranormal Romance Standalones:
Devilish
Sign up for her Email List and be automatically notified about new releases: http://www.tricia-barr.com/
List of Tricia's books:
THE BOUND ONES:
Ignite (Book 1)
Submerge (Book 2)
Unearth (Book 3)
Haunt (Standalone)
THE AMARANT:
The Vampire Secret (Book 1)
The Vampire Unleashed (Coming soon)
Steamy Adult Paranormal Romance Standalones:
Devilish
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 15, 2024
Pins and needles!
Blurg still not done but loving the series! And I absolutely avoid cliffhangers but this one keeps me coming back…. Third book in the series, relationships FINALLY come together while one from one of my favorite side characters comes apart. The big fight is still coming and Arya is learning more about her skills and what she’s expected. Ok, keep it coming!
Blurg still not done but loving the series! And I absolutely avoid cliffhangers but this one keeps me coming back…. Third book in the series, relationships FINALLY come together while one from one of my favorite side characters comes apart. The big fight is still coming and Arya is learning more about her skills and what she’s expected. Ok, keep it coming!
September 8, 2024
Chimera training and boyfriend drama
This book gives us a deeper look into history for the series and what has led them to this point in time. This book goes up through Christmas.
Arya now knowing how much rests on her shoulders due to a prophecy is forced to put more focus on her battle ready training. Mermaid/water training, harpy/light and healing training, siren training, plus hand to hand training does not leave a lot of free time.
Now knowing she is also a harpy will she be able to access the abilities that come from that lineage? Will she struggle as much as she does with her mermaid abilities?
Now that it has been confirmed who she is Tobias' father wants to drag her away from the school so he can use her to end the war.
Tobias begins researching his curse with hopes of finding a way to break it? His imprint is making it hard for him to not fall in love with Arya. I think it is frustrating as well as so sweet that he cares enough not to save her from his mother's fate.
A lot happens with Shea in this book. What will happen with her and Caesar? What's going on with her and Julian? Why is she so drawn to both men? Will she be able to fulfill her promise to Julian?
I am so invested in all of the things going on. I can't wait to see what happens next. Can the shifters win this war? Will Arya, Shea, and Ashlyn figure out all the boy troubles? Can the curse be broken? Will Julian get his wife back? What will the vampires next move be?
This book gives us a deeper look into history for the series and what has led them to this point in time. This book goes up through Christmas.
Arya now knowing how much rests on her shoulders due to a prophecy is forced to put more focus on her battle ready training. Mermaid/water training, harpy/light and healing training, siren training, plus hand to hand training does not leave a lot of free time.
Now knowing she is also a harpy will she be able to access the abilities that come from that lineage? Will she struggle as much as she does with her mermaid abilities?
Now that it has been confirmed who she is Tobias' father wants to drag her away from the school so he can use her to end the war.
Tobias begins researching his curse with hopes of finding a way to break it? His imprint is making it hard for him to not fall in love with Arya. I think it is frustrating as well as so sweet that he cares enough not to save her from his mother's fate.
A lot happens with Shea in this book. What will happen with her and Caesar? What's going on with her and Julian? Why is she so drawn to both men? Will she be able to fulfill her promise to Julian?
I am so invested in all of the things going on. I can't wait to see what happens next. Can the shifters win this war? Will Arya, Shea, and Ashlyn figure out all the boy troubles? Can the curse be broken? Will Julian get his wife back? What will the vampires next move be?
November 16, 2025
Cruel Destinies (Dark Shifter Academy Book 3)
Cruel Destinies (Dark Shifter Academy Book 3) ~~ Book 3 absolutely gutted me in the best way. The emotional punches come one after another — betrayals, sacrifices, and jaw-dropping reveals that change the direction of the entire story. I mean, I was actually yelling at my Kindle at one point.
The power battles escalate, the enemies get bolder, and the truth about who she really is finally comes rising to the surface. When she’s pushed to her breaking point, watching her refuse to give up made me love her even more. And the moments between her and her mate? Beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
The final chapters were explosive — a fight scene I won’t spoil, but WOW. That ending hurt my soul and I couldn’t swipe to Book 4 fast enough.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself — you won’t regret it.
Cruel Destinies (Dark Shifter Academy Book 3) ~~ Book 3 absolutely gutted me in the best way. The emotional punches come one after another — betrayals, sacrifices, and jaw-dropping reveals that change the direction of the entire story. I mean, I was actually yelling at my Kindle at one point.
The power battles escalate, the enemies get bolder, and the truth about who she really is finally comes rising to the surface. When she’s pushed to her breaking point, watching her refuse to give up made me love her even more. And the moments between her and her mate? Beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
The final chapters were explosive — a fight scene I won’t spoil, but WOW. That ending hurt my soul and I couldn’t swipe to Book 4 fast enough.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself — you won’t regret it.
September 8, 2024
Love the continuation of the lives of the students, professors and the witch, Shea, the vampires and their plans for Arya .
Tobias comes to term with Arya and his feeling for her and the curse. I loved learning more about the curse.
Shea works her magic and her discoveries new spells.
Julian gets a new pet , courteous of Shea. Loved the twist.
Arya is working hard and discovering new gifts . Of course Arthur, Tobias's father is starting to get involved. Which is not a good thing. I'm glad she took Tobias's suggestion to heart.
Loved the drama between Caesar and Shea, and Shea and Julian.
Can't wait to see what happens at the New Year's Ball. With Tobias and his father and Arya.
Action and suspense through out. Romance and heartache also. Can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tobias comes to term with Arya and his feeling for her and the curse. I loved learning more about the curse.
Shea works her magic and her discoveries new spells.
Julian gets a new pet , courteous of Shea. Loved the twist.
Arya is working hard and discovering new gifts . Of course Arthur, Tobias's father is starting to get involved. Which is not a good thing. I'm glad she took Tobias's suggestion to heart.
Loved the drama between Caesar and Shea, and Shea and Julian.
Can't wait to see what happens at the New Year's Ball. With Tobias and his father and Arya.
Action and suspense through out. Romance and heartache also. Can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2024
More danger, more excitement! Curses and Prophecies continue to cause problems! Arya continues to train since she is supposed to help take out the big bad; she's still having a bit of a tough time with mastering her abilities, but it's nice that she's making progress and growing as a character. Got a bit of drama going on with Shea; well, most of the characters have some type of drama going on. I'm not huge on more than a couple POVs, but I do find all the characters interesting, so I enjoy getting a more in depth look into each character. I would've liked a bit more progression on some of the storylines, but I'm liking how the story is developing. Looking forward to everyone coming into their own and taking on that big bad. An entertaining series so far!
September 15, 2024
I like to think of this book as the third book drama! This is when all the drama starts! We find out more about Arya’s heritage and how it pertains to the prophecy.
We have Tobias with his imprint, being sort of a love martyr to make you feel for him.
Shea has SO much drama coming with her, it’s hard to keep straight. Plus keep up with shifters versus vampires?!?
It’s the perfect union of coming to a head to start heading down the path of the prophecy!
The writing is good, fairly fast paced, and intriguing. Definitely read the novels in order to keep up with the story line and join the rest of us waiting to hear what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Tobias with his imprint, being sort of a love martyr to make you feel for him.
Shea has SO much drama coming with her, it’s hard to keep straight. Plus keep up with shifters versus vampires?!?
It’s the perfect union of coming to a head to start heading down the path of the prophecy!
The writing is good, fairly fast paced, and intriguing. Definitely read the novels in order to keep up with the story line and join the rest of us waiting to hear what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2024
"In this moment, he was no monster but a god. And I was more than willing to be his sacrificial lamb."
Another good book added to this series. I like the storyline and the character development. I wish the Appendix info was put at the front of the book instead of the very back, but thats just me. I can't wait to read book 4.
The only thing I didn't like was Shea's relationship with Ceasar and Julian. she's 17, so a minor being in a relationship with men that are 9 years & a whole century older than her just feels gross and cringy. It made me loath reading all of shea's chapters. I'm just not a fan of age gap romances when one of them is a minor. I just wish she could've been 18 and it wouldn't have felt as cringy.
Another good book added to this series. I like the storyline and the character development. I wish the Appendix info was put at the front of the book instead of the very back, but thats just me. I can't wait to read book 4.
The only thing I didn't like was Shea's relationship with Ceasar and Julian. she's 17, so a minor being in a relationship with men that are 9 years & a whole century older than her just feels gross and cringy. It made me loath reading all of shea's chapters. I'm just not a fan of age gap romances when one of them is a minor. I just wish she could've been 18 and it wouldn't have felt as cringy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
A battle looms!
Now that her abilities have been revealed, and Anya is training to use her shifter powers, the General pressures the Academy to turn her over to him for military training. Tobias knows what will happen to Anya and their relationship if his father gets his way before he finds the cure for his curse. The Dome is in even greater danger now that Hadrian knows where Anya is. No one is safe!
The storyline weaves between the relationships of the characters and creepy vampire lord schemes. The shifter magic is non-stop. This paranormal romance/adventure story will hold the attention of any shifter fan. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Now that her abilities have been revealed, and Anya is training to use her shifter powers, the General pressures the Academy to turn her over to him for military training. Tobias knows what will happen to Anya and their relationship if his father gets his way before he finds the cure for his curse. The Dome is in even greater danger now that Hadrian knows where Anya is. No one is safe!
The storyline weaves between the relationships of the characters and creepy vampire lord schemes. The shifter magic is non-stop. This paranormal romance/adventure story will hold the attention of any shifter fan. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
September 23, 2024
Cruel Destinies (Dark Shifter Academy Book 3) By: Tricia Barr. Shea attracted to two men Caesar and Julian. Although,there is more to this magnetism she has for both. Tobias is fighter for his bond with Arya. He is not willing to give up just yet. His biggest fear is the curse . It’s a mystery that involves Julian love , Shea ancestor, Tobias ancestor. I can’t wait to read how this curse will change all of them. Arya she is working very hard to become stronger, mentally and physically to protect everyone from her father and his minion . Great story with an emotional intensity in all the characters. Can’t wait to read the next book.
October 15, 2024
Ayra learns that she can now heal as well as make white light into a weapon. Learning that she is a chimaera has changed things and now things have gotten further along with Tobias. We also learn who has cursed his family and he is hoping he has found a way to break the curse. The part I liked the best was when Ayra is learning to use her siren call and gets to practice on Cora. This was a good read, cannot wait to see what happens next. Especially between Shea, Julian and Caesar.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2025
I am obsessed with this series, this book was 4 stars. This book was abit slower read for me almost like a filler. Not much going on, still good though. We learned at the end why and who put the Dracul curse on the family.
Shea is still in her love triangle and hasn’t figured her shit out 😆 Arya and Tobias FINALLY became a couple and Tobias is now determined to break this curse before he fully falls in love. I still think this series has been my favorite so far of 2025.
On to the next book ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shea is still in her love triangle and hasn’t figured her shit out 😆 Arya and Tobias FINALLY became a couple and Tobias is now determined to break this curse before he fully falls in love. I still think this series has been my favorite so far of 2025.
On to the next book ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2024
Cruel Destinies continues where book two left off. Arya still struggles in training with her shifter abilities getting ready for the coming prophesied battle. See where all the twists and turns take this entertaining and captivating story. Loving all the characters and their problems.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2024
Really falling for the characters in this book as we get to know more about them. Arya has her work cut out for her. Is she up to the task? I'm rooting for her in any case! I hope she won't become a means to an end. So looking forward to the next book :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2025
First of all, I want to say that I LOVE Rainbow. He is my new favourite character, and I was sad about Goldie 😭
I’m not sure how much more I can take, my heart breaks for Tobias! I am so very glad we got to see more of Ashlyn’s POV, and Shea’s story seems to be coming to a climax (as is she apparently), now we just need to find out who Mr. Guyliner is 👀
I’m not sure how much more I can take, my heart breaks for Tobias! I am so very glad we got to see more of Ashlyn’s POV, and Shea’s story seems to be coming to a climax (as is she apparently), now we just need to find out who Mr. Guyliner is 👀
September 4, 2024
This was another good story to add to this series. I was expecting more action with the way the second story ended, but I did like the direction this story took. There is a cliffhanger at the end. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story progresses.
September 6, 2024
Arya, Shea, and Tobias are back and things are heating up and trouble is around the bend. Boy trouble and issues cause some trouble and intrigue is around too. I laughed at times and shook my head at others. And there is what is going on with the vampires.
September 11, 2024
I absolutely love this series. The characters draw me in and I just can’t get enough of them. I’m a big fan of academy storylines and this series hits the sweet spot for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2024
More species than the average story
I loved the story line but was disappo
inted how this ended, it just stopped. I'm hoping the rest of the story is coming.
I loved the story line but was disappo
inted how this ended, it just stopped. I'm hoping the rest of the story is coming.
September 17, 2024
I love this series. I can't wait for another one to find out what happens next! 🥰🫣 So much spice in this one 😍.....
January 5, 2025
Oh how the plot just keeps twisting!! This is definitely my favorite book so far in the series!
January 16, 2025
Third book in and still hooked! This book delves more in depth into the dynamics of the love relationships/triangles and the challenges ahead. Reaching for the next book......
September 17, 2024
Another great installment in the series and I cannot wait for more!! I love following all the characters, their dramas, boy troubles, learning new skill... although there felt like a different pace in this book compared to the last one I am still completely invested in each of their stories and how this is all going to pan out!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews