Predestined

by Rachel Byrne

IN A PLACE WHERE NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS, WHO CAN BE TRUSTED?

Mysteriously invited to attend the elite Haverford Pines Academy, sixteen-year-old Lina Jamison feels out of place. With mediocre grades and no special talents, she questions why she was chosen to be among her generation’s brightest and most promising teens. Only after Lina saves a fellow trainee’s life does she begin to glimpse her
own potential.

Settling into the academy’s training, she starts to uncover secrets and question Haverford Pine’s motives. Why is HP monitoring its trainees’ conversations? How were they selected? And what’s behind the alarming rumors of former trainees meeting dark fates?

As the term progresses, Lina realizes that her presence there may not be a coincidence. With danger lurking around every corner and her own destiny hanging in the balance, Lina must uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Thriller, Ebooks

303 pages, ebook

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

I LOVE to read, especially thrillers, mysteries, YA, or anything that gets me to keep turning the page. I was a shy kid who hid in the corner with my book instead of going to recess, and not much has changed!

A proud Colorado native, I used the gorgeous Rocky Mountains as a backdrop for Predestined. When I'm not writing, I'm skiing, playing tennis, or playing with my dogs.




Follow Predestined on Instagram: @rachelbyrneauthor
TikTok: rachelbyrnewriter

My website:

Reviews

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predestined by Rachel Byrne — 4.5 Stars
Narrated by Madeline Smith on Audible

I was gifted Predestined on Audible by the author—thank you, Rachel Byrne! I truly enjoyed listening to this YA novel.

The story follows Lina, a 16-year-old girl who’s unexpectedly invited to attend a prestigious academy over the summer. Once she arrives at Haverford Pine, she begins a rigorous training program, all while trying to figure out why she was chosen—especially since she doesn’t believe she has any special talents.

The pacing was spot-on, and the characters actually sounded like real teenagers. Their conversations felt authentic, not like an adult’s interpretation of how teens speak—which is refreshing. The story had a nice flow, with enough intrigue to keep me wanting to listen. There were characters I liked, and a few I definitely didn’t (in a good way!), along with mystery, action, and even a bit of a thriller vibe.

I gave this book 4.5 stars—knocking off half a star only because of the fantasy/sci-fi element. I usually prefer realistic fiction, but honestly, with how fast technology is evolving, who's to say what's not possible?

All in all, a great listen and a strong debut!

[avery hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA is so back

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story! maybe it was supposed to be YA but it didn't matter to me. I loved it and the magical elements were everything! If you are into dystopian and magical settings, this is for you! loved that i got to listen to this and i wish i could listen to it again for the first time!

[Carol Gulliford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible, and it was fast-paced and thrilling. The narrator was fantastic and the storyline engaging. It's a YA book, but can be read by anyone. The author's writing was flawless and dragged me into the story from the first line. I loved Lina and her inner monologue, debating if she was good enough. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

[Sonia Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced Adventure!

This great YA read has twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, while developing believable characters that had great chemistry, and created an investment in their outcome! It is relevant and eerily easy to believe in these tumultuous times, but light and action packed as well!

[Traci Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Byrne's first novel is a heart-pumping mystery/action/thriller YA book that introduces a flawed but easy-to-love character, Lina. Lina's character arc from a misunderstood and friendless teen to a fearless leader of a band of rebels is a captivating read. Byrne creates a new and interesting world, a camp for carefully selected teens sent to the Colorado summer camp of Haverford Pines Academy to find their "purpose." Soon, Lina finds out that the camp is more than what it appears; even as she begins to achieve her potential, secrets about the true purpose of the camp send her on a life-threatening journey as she and her friends race to uncover the nefarious plot behind the camp. With Haverford, Byrne has crafted a sci-fi mystery thriller that young adults should get their hands on now.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

YA is always a mixed bag. If it's adult stories with teenage protagonists, I'm all in. If it's meant for children yet lets dirty things like rape and murder show up without the associated trauma for survivors, I'm solidly out. This book fell perfectly in the latter camp.

It had a few strong points. The thing I most want to brag about is the opening line. I'm a sucker for a great opening line, and Predestined had my favorite I've read for the year. I also appreciated that the main character, Lina, had numerous flaws that were legitimate flaws. Typically, the heroines in YA aren't as imperfect as they should be. Lina has anger issues and is fully toxic. It doesn't mean she can outfight people. In fact, she usually loses her fistfights and loses bad. She poisons people she doesn't like and justifies slipping them laxatives as "they deserved it." That's a foul attitude. It makes me hate her as a person but appreciate her as a character. The front half of the novel was good because of the intriguing mystery. It was too bad when the revelations came, they often appeared with allusions of magic and layers of plot armor for the teens trying to take down an evil cabal.

Unfortunately, the bad heavily outweighs the good. Lina's purpose is to be a future military leader, but the way the "military" characters behaved resembles Hollywood with barely anything reflecting real life. I'm currently a senior officer in the U.S. military with 23 years of experience. I mentioned Lina was quick to fight but gave Becky a pass after almost killing her. If Lina was on the verge of quitting, why not throw hands? Lina had trauma tied to why she never learned how to swim. It was an unnecessary step above just being ignorant, so when she learns over the course of a few pages, without a hint of PTSD/worry, it felt very fake.

The villains are the worst! The author alternated from an underground world order of the brightest/strongest/most attractive people alive to bumbling Saturday morning mustache-twirling villains. Pick a lane. If they are so powerful and skilled, then they should have security that isn't beaten by a half dozen fifteen-year-olds. Definitely not multiple times. The author appeared to realize this massive plot hole because she constantly has characters mention how lazy security is. Military geniuses are alumni from HP. They wouldn't be content with anything but the best if they truly meant to keep the program running. The Geekits would have sensors and cameras covering every hidden area. They definitely wouldn't have obvious, 4-digit, numbers only codes that have unlimited guess attempts before locking intruders out. By the back half of the story, the villains were a bunch of dorks running around without any of the faculties described in the front half.

The NiCU connection between two character was pure magic. Magic felt against the rules in this story.

The teens never experience fear or trauma. They go with everything in stride. What? We're all monitored via our belly buttons? That tracks, I guess. They get beaten and never betray their comrades. None of them. Getting punched repeatedly in the face hurts. It isn't shrugged off by everyone. One or two? Sure. Not everyone. Lina and crew always take the many murder attempts in stride. They're ready to fight the good fight they didn't know about a month earlier. They smart and trusting to a fault. If so intelligent, why can't Lina recognize a picture of Hitler? The man with the most notorious mustache in history? Shouldn't she have at least guessed Charlie Chaplin, the only other person any knows who wore that mustache? It makes her seem beyond ignorant and unworthy of the leadership role she plays.

I could keep listing what I found disappointing, but I feel I've made my point. Had this been firmly a children's story (therefore no attempted rape with descriptions of pink panties) then I probably would have given an extra star. The adult nature of the material means this plot armor must be addressed. Lina wore too much, and it was too thick.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a debut young adult speculative fiction novel, which is terrific! Rachel Byrne happens to be a parent of a former student of mine, and I am grateful that she gave me a copy! Because she is a mom, I imagine she knows some of what it's like for kids to feel somewhat outside the group, never fitting in. Not that her children experienced this. I don't know that. But as a mom, she does understand kids growing up with all kinds of feelings about self, which she shows so beautifully in this book!
In Predestined, the story that is told to us by Catalina, called Lina, sixteen, about her days filled with conflict, some with her parents or at school, though it's clear she loves her parents and her younger sister, Emma Claire. Although the outcome means a lot of trouble, being grounded at home or suspended at school, often the acts Lina does are for good reasons. She's alone in a sea of upset!
And that is how Rachel Byrne lets us readers begin to know this new young woman, and the final conflict she loses is a surprising and intriguing invitation to spend her summer at an exclusive academy nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Haverford Pines. Lina was counting on a summer job at the local rec center, doing a lot at the climbing wall, but she finally gives in, and off she goes to a summer she doesn't want, yet one that gives her more than we readers will ever imagine! Just wait until you see!
This school has a history of educating many famous people, both the good and the bad, and its prime purpose is to help those just starting to find their own, special, purpose and train in all ways to perfect it! Lina bonds surprisingly with her roommate, Brittany, an aspiring model, and as the days' extraordinary, often not so fair, challenges increase, Lina finds other friends who help, encourage, and as teens say, "have her back"! Along with Gabi, Charles, Hayden, and Eric, mysterious information about the school's history is discovered. The activities seems to find Lina especially singled out in harmful ways by others who have hopes she will leave or be kicked out. She fights back, but some of those who are in charge appear to support those who've become her enemies. The mysteries and challenging rules continue; Lina and her friends keep questioning and helping each other!
The action becomes one for breath-holding as I watch Lina and the other strong, intriguing characters add to both hope for some and disgust for others. As I did, I'm sure other readers will continue to ask, "What in the world is going on?"
I enjoyed the story very much, and cannot help but wonder, maybe hope, that we'll see these kids a little older and wiser, but ready to tackle still another challenge. The story may not be quite over yet!
Thanks for an amazing book, Rachel!

[Amanda Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predestined is the debut novel by Rachel Byrne, a captivating page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Catalina “Lina” Jamison is an average high school student just hoping to get through the summer without any drama—work her job, stay out of trouble, and ensure she can graduate without facing more lectures from her parents, who just don’t seem to understand her. But one evening, Lina’s parents sit her down and drop a bombshell: she’s been invited to attend Haverford Pines Academy, an exclusive six-week summer program in the Rocky Mountains. Lina’s mother, D.J., proudly points out that many of her friends' children didn’t even get an invite—so this is a rare and incredible opportunity.

When Lina arrives at the academy, she quickly becomes friends with her roommate, Brittany. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that this program has a history of famous and infamous attendees, from Ben Franklin to Lee Harvey Oswald. The academy offers a wide range of areas of study, from science and technology to physical training. Many notable individuals, from Nobel Prize winners to authors, actors, and musicians, have passed through its doors—making it clear this is a place where future leaders and innovators are shaped. Lina begins to wonder if this might be her path too, so she dives into the rigorous training.

At first, Lina feels like an outsider, but when she saves Charles, a boy with asthma, from dying during an asthma attack, she starts to find her place. With her new friends—Gabi, Charles, Hayden, and Eric—Lina begins to uncover that there is much more to the academy than meets the eye. When she discovers a brainwashing scheme, along with extreme restrictions on the students’ phones, strict rules, bullying, and more, Lina begins to question the true motives of the organization. She starts to wonder how and why she was selected to be part of this elite group of students, and whether the invitation was part of some larger plan. What she uncovers puts not only her own life at risk, but the lives of her friends as well.

Predestined concludes in a way that works perfectly as a standalone novel but also leaves the door open for a sequel. It’s a must-read that I promise you won’t be able to put down. Rachel Byrne creates authentic, multi-dimensional characters who work well together and feel incredibly real. Her writing is beautiful, rich with vivid imagery that draws you in. Even better, the audio book is very well done perfect for a long drive or just to immerse yourself in the world of audio. If you're a fan of dark academia, this is a book you won't want to miss. Just be warned—you’ll want to clear your schedule for this one, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Thank you to the author for providing me a free audio book for my honest review.

[Liudmila Brus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predestined is a thrilling young adult novel about a girl called Lina, whose school holidays don’t go as planned. I love stories set in educational institutions and even more so stories about misfits, so I was hooked from the start.

The first half of the book is slow-paced, immersing us in the daily life of the extraordinary summer academy. However, the second half is packed with action and breathtaking moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The strongest aspect of this novel is its teen characters. First and foremost, I liked the main character, Lina. At the beginning of the story, she sees herself as a hopeless loser and an outsider in her own family (which, as we later learn, is not without reason). She has bursts of anger, struggles with her classmates, and is often punished at school for her “bad behavior,” which stems from her strong sense of justice.

Unlike her younger sister, the little ballerina Emma Claire, Lina doesn’t demonstrate any talents. However, she has a passion for solving mysteries and spying on people she finds suspicious. At the start of summer vacation, after getting herself into yet another round of trouble, she unexpectedly receives an invitation to Haverford Pines - a prestigious summer camp for gifted teens. It's an offer she is convinced must have been sent by mistake. But to Lina's surprise and , her parents insist that she must go, hoping that a summer in such a place will help her "find her purpose." Instead, the girl finds a new mystery to reveal, the mystery which will change her forever.

While reading, I could see Lina and the kids who surrounded her at Haverford Pines so vividly, as if they were my own classmates. The teenage characters, both protagonists and antagonists, are portrayed in a very realistic and engaging way. Lina’s parents evoked antipathy in me, but they still felt quite lifelike. Other adult characters, however, are mere walking functions—they feel empty and uninteresting, even though some of them are the very source of the evil that has taken root in Haverford Pines. This is what prevented me from falling in love with this book as much as I did with Harry Potter.

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predestined is Rachel Byrne’s debut novel set in a prestigious teen summer camp academy that has for centuries been the catalyst for graduating the majority of alumni who launch the most famous and successful careers in the country and world (in sports, government, entertainment, military, science, medicine, etc.) There’s enough mystery and danger to keep you invested, memorable characters in their different cliques, themes of failure and triumph (through competition), rebellion, power and control, and more mystery and danger and a huge twist at the end!

You won’t find mystical characters here, no dragons or spells. And because it’s relatable on a human level, it’s the reason I believe that sets this story apart and perhaps even above many of the current trendy academia books.

It follows Lina who receives a rare and coveted invitation to attend her first year in the summer camp program which is designed to find every student’s ‘purpose’. Lina’s very successful parents insist that she attend, because unlike them and her younger sister, Lina is a loner, misunderstood and at times gets herself into big trouble.

It is Lina’s coming-of-age story as she navigates and discovers not only ‘her purpose’ at the Haverford Academy, but also her strengths and what she’s capable of achieving. Through discipline, hard core training and newfound friendship she intends to prove to herself that she is worthy of earning her spot in the program.

I thought that this book would be more for a teen/YA reader, but Rachel Byrne’s writing is so vivid, it transported me back to my own high school years. All of her characters and what they experience was so tangible and relatable on some levels. The plot and conflicts were very well-developed and exciting, I found myself immersed in every part of the story! I'm really looking forward to discovering more about the main characters (and new characters) in a set of sequels! It’s a great read for all ages!

Question to author: How soon can we get our first sequel? 😁

[Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This YA novel includes the almost mandatory romantic thread, but it’s actually a techno-thriller, and it’s pretty good. The focus is high school freshman Lina (short for “Catalina”) Jamison of Southern California, who has spent most of her life getting in trouble at school and everywhere else and exasperating her parents. She’s not really a bad kid, and she’s very bright, but that’s just the kind of person she is -- forceful, unwilling to take crap from anyone, and not afraid of anything, but also an impulsive troublemaker with anger issues and a tendency to overreact. But she also has certain unusual talents.

And then one day, a letter comes from Haverford Pines Academy in the Colorado Rockies, inviting her to take part in their six-week summer session. It’s one of the most prestigious youth-training programs anywhere, so her parents are all for I -- in fact, they’re not giving her a choice about it -- but Lina is suspicious. Why her? She’s a mediocre student at best, she doesn’t win awards, she’s not notable in any way. Turns out Haverford has its own ways of selecting its students and its own methods for turning them into future leaders, whether it’s in politics, sports, the arts, science, or business. If you do well the first year, you’ll be invited back for a second and third year, and then you can get pretty much to land in a position of power and influence.

The physical training is tough, the demands of the instructors are unremitting, and there’s an air elitist entitlement about the place, but Lina makes a few friends (and a few very nasty enemies), all of them oddballs like her. And she begins to notice oddities in the other students and in the way things are done. And the basic question comes to a head: Why me? Why any of them? Which leads her and her friends to investigate, and to uncover---. Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out what they discover.

[Lynn Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this engrossing YA book, told in first person, Lina is invited to Haverford Pines, an elite summer academy that promises students will discover and develop their purpose in life. But until then, Lina had been frequently in trouble and felt that she hadn't been what her parents wanted. So why would an elite academy want her to attend? While there, she discovers some oddities. What's really going on at the academy?

The story contains some of the common YA elements of rivalry, attractions, and friendships, but also adds some danger and mystery, plus some violence. There is plenty going on, with great twists and turns as Lina works to uncover the secrets lurking within the academy and figure out what they mean. There's a fairly large cast of characters, most of them unique and bringing different skills to the story. The tale moves at a great pace as the intriguing mystery develops.

Some elements didn’t connect well for me. One was a student deciding another is a hated rival, when that second student had only seemed inept to that point. A second was a student described as someone to whom rope climbing was "a breeze" but who later was only able to hold herself up grasping a rope for "a moment". These little blips gave me pause, but didn't really affect my enjoyment of the book.

Overall, I really liked this engaging story, with its mystery and danger, friendships and found family. The ending was satisfying, while still leaving an opening for another book. It's an entertaining read and not just for young adults.

(I read this book through Kindle Unlimited.)

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predestined is about a girl named Lina who is shipped off to a camp in the middle of the mountains in Colorado by her parents for the summer. They think she needs this camp to help her find her purpose. But what Lina finds is so much more. Not everything is as it seems, and along the way of solving the mystery of this camp, she learns about trusting herself, and that family doesn’t always come with biological strings.

The pacing of this book was spot on. And the tale was woven together in a way that kept not only me, but my two 12-year-olds engaged to the last page. Yes, my pre-teens let me read one more book to them (and dare I say it may be our last, but that’s a vent for another page).

The flow of the book was great, and the prose was descriptive without being wordy. I felt like I really knew the characters, and was eager to find out how their story ends. Though it had a great conclusion, the book definitely was left a little open ended…. I’m crossing my fingers this means a sequel?!?

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in YA (not just the young folk!).

From the 12-year-old: I liked the pacing a lot, and enjoyed the characters even though I didn’t really relate to them. I loved that they had flaws.

**Thank you Rachel Byrne for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

[Jas Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted a copy of the audiobook by the author and thank her very much for this.

Predestined has been on my TBR for a while and I'm really glad I've gotten round to enjoying it. I am a huge fan of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and all those sorts of books so this seemed very much up my street despite it being marketed for a younger audience.

The story follows protagonist Lina who has been sent to an elusive summer camp for an academy that claims to help harness people's purpose. With an array of impressive alumnus Lina is initially confused as to why she was selected but that and many of the secrets of the academy will become clear as the story progresses.

The story has good pacing, well developed characters and a good amount of intrigue and twists. The characters are easy to root for or root against. There is mild violence and no spice but for a kissing which is important for a novel aimed at a younger audience.

The audio narration was good though I do have to confess that the attempts at English and Scottish did fall a little short likely due to the narrator being American.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and hope the author will do more in the future.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predestined by Rachel Byrne
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very entertaining, fun and unique, YA story! I was sucked in from the beginning and stayed intrigued through the end!
This story is fast paced, with suspense, mystery, sci-fi, and secrets!! The book is well written and I enjoy how the author tells the story.
Lina, a teenager who never seems to fit in, gets a mysterious invitation to an elite school for the brightest and most promising teens. Lina has no idea how she was picked to go to this prestigious school, as she doesn’t seem to fit this mold. Everyone there has a special talent and Lena doesn’t think she has one. However, as Lena spends time at this new school, she begins to realize her own potential. She also starts to see some strange coincidences going on. Lina and her new friends have lots of secrets and crazy discoveries and answers they are trying to figure out.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the narration!!
This is the author’s first book, but I’ll be looking out for more!
*It’s out now, and I recommend giving this a read!!*

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predestined features Lina Jamison, aged 16. She’s not happy in her life, she feels an otherness, a square peg trying to fit in to a round hole. An unexpected invitation to an elite summer academy isn’t quite as it seemed. Very quickly it transpires that The Haverford Pines Academy, is very far from a genteel programme.

Predestined is a young adult adventure thriller, which dips its toe in the speculative fiction genre. It’s filled with twists and turns. The good pace, and sense of urgency keep the pages turning quickly, making the reader eager to find where the story will take them. The feeling of threat and menace permeates throughout, but not too darkly, considering the target readership.

There is so much to appeal to the 12-16 age group, and for some older readers too. In recent years, YA books have become increasingly popular with adult readers.
It is an engaging and entertaining read, and I feel the author has left the door open for a further book, featuring the same characters.

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun dystopian in a summer school setting.

When Lina is invited to spend the summer at a prestigious school, she assumes there has been some mistake. Imagine her surprise when she not only manages to fit in and find friends, but she actually realises she has the skills to succeed in this new world.

The story is fast paced, as the characters work together to try to figure out what's going on behind the scenes at the school. I liked the hints of the school working behind the scenes in conflicts like WW2, and would love to see that explored more in the second book.

At times, I found the cast of characters overwhelming, and since many of the characters seemed to perform the same function, it might have been good to drop a few (I'm not sure that having Crystal, Becky, AND Spiky/ Barbie were all necessary, and I'm still not sure who Ryan was, and whether Theo's small role could have been filled by Hayden).

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! This book is going to be a hit! Seriously—read it now and don’t wait. And then share it with a friend. This book is going to blow up. It’s literally nearly perfect. I have no notes. It’s good for 13 and up but I loved it as an adult as well. It does have moments of racism, misogyny, and homophobia but fights back with teeth. Kids doing the right things even when they are being taught to ignore the evil of the system they are within is everyone’s favorite trope. But it’s rarely done well. This is that story done VERY WELL. I read in nearly one sitting because I couldn’t stop. And there isn’t even swearing lol. That’s rare for me. This is great for nearly all audience and is written impact fully. I don’t even know the right words to capture the story that has had me thinking about it for the last few days since I finished it. Please read this one. Truly. Read it sooner rather than later!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧4.75⭐️

I had the audiobook of this impressive debut YA thriller with sci fi and action elements read by Madeline Smith who has a good range of young sounding voices.

Lina a 16 year old is invited to attend a prestigious summer academy, she is trying to work out why she is there, as everyone else seems to know their special skill set. Lina and her friends start discovering secrets and start questioning the motives of the academy.
This has a different premise, I felt the sci fi aspect is believable. It maintains a good pace throughout, bags of interest, characters to love and h@te. It feels like there could be a sequel or series which I’d be interested in following. I’m not the target audience but loved it, so also suitable for adult readers. I loved it and highly recommend it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Predestined,” author Rachel Byrne explores the complex world of bioethics through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Catalina. Catalina is mysteriously recruited to Haverford Pines Academy to ‘discover her passion’ only to uncover that the camp is hiding secrets with sinister intent. The novel intertwines Catalina’s personal struggles with broader ethical dilemmas and the interplay of building trusting relationships with new friends.

My 15 year-old son also enjoyed this book. It took him a a few chapters to dig in, but once Catalina had her first real challenge at the academy, we were both flipping the pages at great speed towards the final chapter. We are looking forward to a sequel!

[Amber Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about "Predestined" the old-fashioned way, word-of-mouth. I can tel you, I was not disappointed. I have always been a fan of great YA fiction, and this fits the bill.

The author set the bulk of the story in her native Colorado. Our heroine is invited to an elite camp to help her find her purpose. The story hits on many of the anxieties of teens, including not fitting in, establishing friendships, parental strife, and more.

The story moves along and carries the reader with it.

A touch of sci-fi, a conspiracy, action, and relatability made this engaging and a great read.
Definitely check it out!

[T.E.W. Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cool read.
Predestined by Rachel Byrne had me hooked from page one. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I got was mystery, suspense, and a story that made me question everything, fate, purpose, and who’s really pulling the strings.

The MC felt real. Her doubts, her courage, the way she finds her voice, it all hit me hard. And the school? Total goosebumps. The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I had it figured out... nope.

If you're into stories that mess with your head in the best way and make you feel something deep, this one’s for you. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Valerie Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Byrne
Rachel Byrne has created a masterfully complex world in Predestined that rivals Frank Herbert and Tolkien. The book skillfully encompasses the stealth manipulations of a self-serving State. Dystopian? While the threats are real and viable, the challenger who rises considers herself an "ordinary" girl. Main character, Lina, is surprised to learn the truth as she pulls on threads that seem out of place. As she unravels the plan, she realizes there will be no cavalry racing in. No spoilers here - so get Predestined and experience the complete story. You will not put it down until you know it all.

[Propp · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Predestined” is a captivating and action-packed novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its surprising twists and turns. The story follows Lina as she delves deeper into the mysterious Haverford Pines Academy, uncovering secrets that make her question whom to trust and why she and her friends were chosen for such a prestigious institution. The suspense builds with each chapter, making it hard to stop reading. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery and thrilling adventure. You won’t be disappointed!

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It grabs your attention from the beginning and does not let go. The heroes and the villains of this story were brought to life with such vivid detail, you will feel like they’re real people! I loved reading about the characters and hope I will see them again if the author is planning a sequel, or in a movie someday. This story, with all its wonderful adventure and drama would look excellent onscreen. If you want an adventure/sci-fi/unforgettable story, stop reading my review and pick up this book now!

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not typically a YA reader, but this story captured my imagination, and I was soon rooting for Lina to discover her personal capabilities and harness them to her “purpose” at the mysterious and exclusive Haverford Pines — and then to a greater purpose than she could have imagined. These teens’ ability to decode and address an evil empire of bioscience is fascinating, and at the same time it’s fun to tag along for the friendships and experiences that they discover. Ready for a sequel!

[Abygail Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I fell in love with Hayden, Lina, Charles, Brittany, Gabi, ALL OF THE CHARACTERS! They’re so endearing, and I became so attached.
I loved going on the adventure of discovering Haverford Pines secrets with actual consequences hanging in the balance, it made me nervous and eagerly turning the page.
I hope this is a trilogy for the rest of Lina’s career at Haverford Pines because I NEED MORE! ❤️

[Jane Shand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although many of the ideas in this have been done before, and once I got into the book and realised what I was reading I could make some educated guesses, there was plenty of mystery, action and excitement to keep you reading. I haven’t read this combination before and it was well written with great characters. I don’t know what would go in a sequel, but I find myself wanting to know how Lina and her friends get on over the next year or two. Exciting and enjoyable.

[JennyBlattner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this YA novel by new author. Hope there are sequels! Has a traditional theme like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson where teens are sent to a special school or camp to train their special abilities. But these kids don’t have magic powers, their abilities are more real and the story deals more in reality teens today. Fun to read too.