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Destiny Trilogy #1
Destiny Revealed
Twins Jack and Maddie Austin discover their magical birth rite in a realm of wizards, gnomes, and hidden secrets. they must rescue their parents from the evil wizard Tardon and, have their destiny revealed.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
21 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 23, 2015
Cris Pasqueralle’s DESTINY REVEALED is an outstanding book on a multitude of levels! What makes this book so incredible is that kids, young adults, adults, and parents alike will all enjoy this epic fantasy read. In all honesty, I see this as the next up-and-coming HARRY POTTER and PERCY JACKSON. Yes, it’s THAT good! Cris Pasqueralle’s masterful writing style is captivating from the very beginning. You latch on to the two main characters, Jack and Maddie, before the adventure even begins. Twins, Jack and Maddie, have very different yet complementary personalities. Maddie is more of the quick thinker and the brains, you’ll instantly love her smart character and relate to her. Jack is an action-loving boy who is always up for an adventure. Together - they will tackle some incredible challenges and rely on each other to brave the new world they discover.
13 is a powerful number and an even more powerful year. Most people make a big deal out of 13th birthdays - but Jack and Maddie’s 13th is in a whole different realm of “coming-of-age.”
This is a powerful, intense, imaginative, and refreshing children’s fantasy book. I highly recommend this one to parents who are looking for ways to bond with their children and/or get their kids into reading. Cris Pasqueralle’s writing style is spot-on and downright astonishing. His ability to craft such a great story that’s enjoyable for all ages is extremely rare! The writing is visual and descriptive beyond compare. I found myself captivated in a whole new, previously unimaginable, world surrounding by characters I grew to care about as I do my friends. His extraordinary ability to build character depth and development is previously unmatched by any other book of its genre that I’ve read; and trust me I’ve read a lot! The plot moves steadily at a rate that perfect for children and adults alike; you certainly won’t get bored or let this book fall by the wayside. Once you begin, you won’t want to stop reading!
This is a promising and riveting beginning to a sure to be fantastic series!.I can hardly wait for the next one.
DESTINY REVEALED is sure to grab the attention of weathered readers and new readers alike. This book has it has; character depth, plot twists, action, suspense, evil wizards, and hours upon hours of entertainment! Honestly, what more could you ask for?
13 is a powerful number and an even more powerful year. Most people make a big deal out of 13th birthdays - but Jack and Maddie’s 13th is in a whole different realm of “coming-of-age.”
This is a powerful, intense, imaginative, and refreshing children’s fantasy book. I highly recommend this one to parents who are looking for ways to bond with their children and/or get their kids into reading. Cris Pasqueralle’s writing style is spot-on and downright astonishing. His ability to craft such a great story that’s enjoyable for all ages is extremely rare! The writing is visual and descriptive beyond compare. I found myself captivated in a whole new, previously unimaginable, world surrounding by characters I grew to care about as I do my friends. His extraordinary ability to build character depth and development is previously unmatched by any other book of its genre that I’ve read; and trust me I’ve read a lot! The plot moves steadily at a rate that perfect for children and adults alike; you certainly won’t get bored or let this book fall by the wayside. Once you begin, you won’t want to stop reading!
This is a promising and riveting beginning to a sure to be fantastic series!.I can hardly wait for the next one.
DESTINY REVEALED is sure to grab the attention of weathered readers and new readers alike. This book has it has; character depth, plot twists, action, suspense, evil wizards, and hours upon hours of entertainment! Honestly, what more could you ask for?
April 1, 2014
Reviewed for Readers Favorite.
Jack and Maddie are read to celebrate their 13th birthday, their parents are a little nervous because they have a great deal to tell them. When the day comes, just as they are about to find out and their parents start to talk, evil magicians sweep in and kidnap Mom and Dad. Uncle Benny takes Jack and Annie to the magic realm, and it becomes a little much for them to handle. While they are natural talents for the magic, Jack wants nothing to do with it, he just wants to find his parents and go home, or back to what he thought was home. Maddie isn't sure what to think, but she is thinking that this is suppose to be there home, and for a close as they are, they begin to bicker. The embark on the journey to find and rescue their parents. Destiny Revealed to the children is not the way their parents wanted, and they find there is a prophecy about them, and this makes Jack even madder. Cris Pasqueralle does a good job of using new and different ideas to set this magic revealed novel apart from others.
Destiny Revealed at first seems to be just another magic child that never knew they were magic, but it is different. This is a set of twins, their parents are alive, and it is much more of a true nature magic than a wizard magic. Cris Pasqueralle has written a new story in a familiar genre that feels different and fun to read. Although I will say that at times in the book, I really wanted give one of the characters a time out. This is definitely a great book for the preteen and teen set seeing as the main characters are just turning 13. Those readers will be able to relate best to the material, and not get the mom feelings of wanting to send someone to time out.
Jack and Maddie are read to celebrate their 13th birthday, their parents are a little nervous because they have a great deal to tell them. When the day comes, just as they are about to find out and their parents start to talk, evil magicians sweep in and kidnap Mom and Dad. Uncle Benny takes Jack and Annie to the magic realm, and it becomes a little much for them to handle. While they are natural talents for the magic, Jack wants nothing to do with it, he just wants to find his parents and go home, or back to what he thought was home. Maddie isn't sure what to think, but she is thinking that this is suppose to be there home, and for a close as they are, they begin to bicker. The embark on the journey to find and rescue their parents. Destiny Revealed to the children is not the way their parents wanted, and they find there is a prophecy about them, and this makes Jack even madder. Cris Pasqueralle does a good job of using new and different ideas to set this magic revealed novel apart from others.
Destiny Revealed at first seems to be just another magic child that never knew they were magic, but it is different. This is a set of twins, their parents are alive, and it is much more of a true nature magic than a wizard magic. Cris Pasqueralle has written a new story in a familiar genre that feels different and fun to read. Although I will say that at times in the book, I really wanted give one of the characters a time out. This is definitely a great book for the preteen and teen set seeing as the main characters are just turning 13. Those readers will be able to relate best to the material, and not get the mom feelings of wanting to send someone to time out.
March 26, 2015
Mystery surrounds the first part of this book. Twins, Jack and Maddie, are followed home from school. Their mother is worried, when she learns of the follower, but Jack reassures her that it was just a boy that likes Maddie and that he took care of it. On the day of their thirteenth birthday, they receive a special gift from their Uncle Benny: two necklaces, and a mysterious note from someone in their parent's past. The note says, the Earth will revolve around the sun, until time when the sun is done. Then, the revolutions will be none, as their great power becomes one.
The celebration is interrupted by three intruders, led by the evil being Tardon, who kidnaps the parents. Benny escapes with the kids. Benny takes them to a forest to Benny's home in a tree. He reveals to them what their gifts mean and who they really are: powerful young wizards from the magical realm. Now that they know who they are, they make the decision of a lifetime and return to that realm to rescue their parents. In the end they must save all the realms from imminent doom, while learning about love, sacrifice and coming of age.
I enjoyed this story very much! Cris Pasqueralle did a great job in character development and making the story flow. Read it, you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
The celebration is interrupted by three intruders, led by the evil being Tardon, who kidnaps the parents. Benny escapes with the kids. Benny takes them to a forest to Benny's home in a tree. He reveals to them what their gifts mean and who they really are: powerful young wizards from the magical realm. Now that they know who they are, they make the decision of a lifetime and return to that realm to rescue their parents. In the end they must save all the realms from imminent doom, while learning about love, sacrifice and coming of age.
I enjoyed this story very much! Cris Pasqueralle did a great job in character development and making the story flow. Read it, you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
April 9, 2015
Destiny Revealed is the first of a thrilling, fantasy and adventure trilogy in which the balance of powers in the world threaten to destroy it. Jack and Maddie find out that they possess magical powers which they must hone and learn to control in order to survive on their quest to save their parents from the evil wizard Tardon. Along their journey into the magical realm, Jack and Maddie meet many people who may or may not be on their side. Jack has to learn to control his emotions, and Maddie has to learn how to tell who she can trust. The twins, Jack and Maddie, are also known as the Destined Ones, but they don't know it yet. In a world filled with magical creatures, Gnome armies, and Sasquatches, the Destined Ones learn many life lessons and make difficult choices along the way. This is the beginning of a magical coming-of-age tale that fantasy lovers will delightfully devour! Highly recommended!
April 19, 2015
Destiny Revealed is a magical coming of age tale.
Every preteen can't wait to finally have the honor of being called a teenager. They see that as a time where life really begins, and in this book, it's true.
Maddie and Jack are really looking forward to their thirteenth birthday party, but the day before the party, they think someone is following them home from school. Jack tells his mother it's just a boy who interested in Maddie so their mother doesn't think it's something to worry about. Boy, is she wrong. The next day right in the middle of their party all hell breaks loose. Maddie and Jack's parents are kidnapped and their Uncle Benny has to whisk them off before the evil wizard, Tander, carries them away too.
What happens next? A magical tale of two kids discovering who they really are and what they can do if they put their minds to it. This is a wonderful story for the young and old alike.
Every preteen can't wait to finally have the honor of being called a teenager. They see that as a time where life really begins, and in this book, it's true.
Maddie and Jack are really looking forward to their thirteenth birthday party, but the day before the party, they think someone is following them home from school. Jack tells his mother it's just a boy who interested in Maddie so their mother doesn't think it's something to worry about. Boy, is she wrong. The next day right in the middle of their party all hell breaks loose. Maddie and Jack's parents are kidnapped and their Uncle Benny has to whisk them off before the evil wizard, Tander, carries them away too.
What happens next? A magical tale of two kids discovering who they really are and what they can do if they put their minds to it. This is a wonderful story for the young and old alike.
March 28, 2015
Great read that adults, young adults and children will love. Jack and Maddie are twins and upon the thirteenth birthday they are given an amazing present, they find put that they are not who they thought they were. The twins, their parents and a a few relations are all part of a wizard group. On the day the twins learn the secret they learn another about evil wizards when Tardon, the leader of bad wizards takes off with the twin;s parents and the adventure begins. great story with an amazing writing style that makes the reading fun and compelling. Their is plenty of mystery, action and supernatural to satisfy readers of all ages.
May 11, 2015
If Your Teen Loves Harry Potter, Here’s a New Series…
This is a neat fantasy novel that is book 1 of a trilogy. What I liked best were the characters. They were completely individual. Even the twins had their own personalities – complete with faults, weaknesses and strengths. The writer does a great job of showing you the twins in their old world before taking you on their journey into a new land that is dangerous for novices like themselves. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who reads YA fantasy. I would say the best audience is probably ages 11-13.
This is a neat fantasy novel that is book 1 of a trilogy. What I liked best were the characters. They were completely individual. Even the twins had their own personalities – complete with faults, weaknesses and strengths. The writer does a great job of showing you the twins in their old world before taking you on their journey into a new land that is dangerous for novices like themselves. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who reads YA fantasy. I would say the best audience is probably ages 11-13.
April 15, 2015
What a fabulous YA adventure/fantasy!! The story started right up and quickly moved into interesting territory. I found myself shaking my fist at the bad guys and rooting for the twins, and enjoyed the realistic portrayals of two formerly ordinary preteens suddenly thrust into fantastic and dangerous magical situations! It was really fun and I look forward to the next one!
April 9, 2018
I give this about 2.5 stars. Seemed like it has a good idea and would be interesting but it’s very very slow at the beginning a very slow start. Way too many dialogue tags happens at everything they say and a bit too much telling.
May 21, 2015
Jack and Maddie are average fraternal twins. As they turn 13, they realize that they are not so very normal at all! Their parents are kidnapped and taken to a world full of magic. Once they have followed, in their attempt to rescue them, they discover they have magical talent. They meet "Uncle Benny" and his friends who have come to train them. Before their training takes place they must save parents and battle an evil wizard. This is a Heroes Journey for the young teen set in a classic Coming of Age format. Young readers will easily identify with these twins as they experience these magical life changes and adjust to their new lives. The reader will be eagerly waiting to see how all of this plays out in the next book!
March 20, 2015
Interesting but . . .
This book reminded me of Return to Witch Mountain twins with magical powers from another world.
I found there were too many characters to keep track of and found it distracting to the story to keep meeting new people along the way. There are magical creatures, but it's never explained where they come from or why.
Also I keep reading about this destiny of the twins, but it's not really explained until the end.
I liked the concept but overall I had a hard time finishing this book, it just did not keep my interest.
This book reminded me of Return to Witch Mountain twins with magical powers from another world.
I found there were too many characters to keep track of and found it distracting to the story to keep meeting new people along the way. There are magical creatures, but it's never explained where they come from or why.
Also I keep reading about this destiny of the twins, but it's not really explained until the end.
I liked the concept but overall I had a hard time finishing this book, it just did not keep my interest.
April 7, 2015
I haven't read anything like Destiny Revealed in a long time, if ever. It was a great read with a lot of action, coming of age issues, etc. Jack frustrated me and I wanted him to let the older, more experienced people lead the group. But, he is a lot like any other boy his age and doesn't listen. It was also a great story of the bond between a brother and sister, one that I had with my brother while growing up, even though we weren't twins like the characters in this story. Wonderful book and now I need to read the next to find out what happens!
April 16, 2015
FIVE STAR FANTASY FOR ADULTS AND KIDS
I enjoyed DESTINY REVEALED, a lot! Mr. Pasqueralle writes with a lightness that is a joy to read. His characters are well developed and the story moves along at a quick pace, engaging the reader. You won't have to wade through this one... you will have a hard time putting the book down. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Lucky for us, this story is part of a trilogy!
I enjoyed DESTINY REVEALED, a lot! Mr. Pasqueralle writes with a lightness that is a joy to read. His characters are well developed and the story moves along at a quick pace, engaging the reader. You won't have to wade through this one... you will have a hard time putting the book down. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Lucky for us, this story is part of a trilogy!
October 27, 2015
A wonderful coming of age story of twins just before their thirteenth birthday.
It has all you could wish for: magic, adventure, suspense and a great fantasy plot.
Jack and Maddie are the Destined Ones who need to learn to control their supernatural powers, fight the evil wizard and grow up fast as they face their adversities.
This is really enjoyable fantasy fun with inspiring characters and some wonderful messages about becoming th ebest you can.
Marvellous.
It has all you could wish for: magic, adventure, suspense and a great fantasy plot.
Jack and Maddie are the Destined Ones who need to learn to control their supernatural powers, fight the evil wizard and grow up fast as they face their adversities.
This is really enjoyable fantasy fun with inspiring characters and some wonderful messages about becoming th ebest you can.
Marvellous.
March 27, 2015
A fast-paced and enjoyable story which should appeal to teens and older folks alike. The author moves the story along briskly and makes the book quite a page-turner. The characters are fun and I found myself warming to them as the story progressed. I would recommend to anyone, particularly younger readers, who like well-paced fantasy / sci-fi with a healthy dose of action.
March 12, 2015
Fast moving adventure
An excellent adventure for readers, young and old. A tale dealing with the coming of age of twin wizards, torn from the everyday routine of this world to a new and dangerous world, their destiny. Lessons involving power and responsibility, love and treachery.
An excellent adventure for readers, young and old. A tale dealing with the coming of age of twin wizards, torn from the everyday routine of this world to a new and dangerous world, their destiny. Lessons involving power and responsibility, love and treachery.
July 22, 2018
This is a fairly fast paced story. The twins Jack and Maddie are unique. On their 13th birthday, just as a secret that has been kept from them is about to be revealed, their parents are kidnapped and their uncle manages to get the twins away. Suddenly in another realm, they learn some of their true history and work towards a plan to rescue their parents.
I enjoyed the story. The magic of the twins evolves quite quickly (and sometimes a little too conveniently). The kids are of course surprised by this newly disclosed information and Jack becomes a defiant teenager. My issue with the story however is...he quickly decides he knows best how to rescue his parents and takes charge and the adults let him. Knowing full well he’s inexperienced and since he has no idea how his magic works, I found it a bit annoying that he made decisions especially when he was clueless to the potential power of the kidnapper Tardon and others lives were at stake too. A more collaborative plan would suit my tastes. Who knows how this will play out in the following books however.
Not much is said about the multiple realms and I hope we learn more in the next books.
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to another.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Elizabeth Phillips) and I would listen to another. She did well choosing voices for each character and had a nice pace to her reading. She’s pleasant to listen to.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
I enjoyed the story. The magic of the twins evolves quite quickly (and sometimes a little too conveniently). The kids are of course surprised by this newly disclosed information and Jack becomes a defiant teenager. My issue with the story however is...he quickly decides he knows best how to rescue his parents and takes charge and the adults let him. Knowing full well he’s inexperienced and since he has no idea how his magic works, I found it a bit annoying that he made decisions especially when he was clueless to the potential power of the kidnapper Tardon and others lives were at stake too. A more collaborative plan would suit my tastes. Who knows how this will play out in the following books however.
Not much is said about the multiple realms and I hope we learn more in the next books.
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to another.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Elizabeth Phillips) and I would listen to another. She did well choosing voices for each character and had a nice pace to her reading. She’s pleasant to listen to.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
February 24, 2021
I learned of this author and this book through the Authors Exchange on Facebook. I chose to peer review this book and was happy to do so. While Young Adult fiction is not my usual choice in reading, I tore through the book in two days. The Wizard twins and gnomes, the sasquatch, and the Gici Awas all gave this tale a magical feel that wrapped up lessons in loyalty, bravery, and reluctance to believe in authority. All lessons that a young adult would be well served to know.
Just as Jack and Maddie come to learn a hard truth in this book in the wake of adversity, that will affect the rest of their lives, so too may young readers who come of age in the times of Covid and political upheaval gain perspective on the worlds around them thanks to the experiences shared through the destined twins.
If your looking for a good adventure and fun read, Destiny Revealed hits many of the points. My only criticism falls to the editor who missed a few too many edits, but that's just an author's eye and shouldn't affect the enjoyment of the hungry reader.
Just as Jack and Maddie come to learn a hard truth in this book in the wake of adversity, that will affect the rest of their lives, so too may young readers who come of age in the times of Covid and political upheaval gain perspective on the worlds around them thanks to the experiences shared through the destined twins.
If your looking for a good adventure and fun read, Destiny Revealed hits many of the points. My only criticism falls to the editor who missed a few too many edits, but that's just an author's eye and shouldn't affect the enjoyment of the hungry reader.
April 16, 2018
•audiobook• 3 stars - an extra star because narrator brought more life to the writing
It’s okay. But the characters weren’t really likable, overall. As siblings, their relationship worked. Everything else were puzzle pieces struggling to fit together.
The ‘big reveal prophecy’ to the twins 30 minutes til the end is too cliche and typical.
The writing is simplistic and unimaginative. The world building is nearly vanilla and didn’t evoke any wonderment.
Elizabeth Phillips is a narrator I recently came across and liked. Searching her works, I stumbled upon this. And with a main character sharing the same name as my granddaughter, I had hoped to share the story with her one day.
I’m really confused how this book is 300 pages/ 4h 50min and book 2 is 167 pages and 4h 40mins. But it’s a different narrator on book 2 and one I usually avoid because she sounds like she’s sleeptalking. So no foul. Seems like it’s just not meant to be.
Audiobook is being returned and the series - acutally, serial because it’s like incomplete - will be forgotten.
It’s okay. But the characters weren’t really likable, overall. As siblings, their relationship worked. Everything else were puzzle pieces struggling to fit together.
The ‘big reveal prophecy’ to the twins 30 minutes til the end is too cliche and typical.
The writing is simplistic and unimaginative. The world building is nearly vanilla and didn’t evoke any wonderment.
Elizabeth Phillips is a narrator I recently came across and liked. Searching her works, I stumbled upon this. And with a main character sharing the same name as my granddaughter, I had hoped to share the story with her one day.
I’m really confused how this book is 300 pages/ 4h 50min and book 2 is 167 pages and 4h 40mins. But it’s a different narrator on book 2 and one I usually avoid because she sounds like she’s sleeptalking. So no foul. Seems like it’s just not meant to be.
Audiobook is being returned and the series - acutally, serial because it’s like incomplete - will be forgotten.
May 20, 2018
Destiny Revealed is the first in a trilogy similar to the Harry Potter series. The storyline is good, and develops well, although it is a very quick jump into the story’s struggle. There is little time to get acquainted with the main characters, Jack and Maddie, so it’s difficult to know how much they change later in the book. The pinnacle of the story is exciting and dramatic, drawing the reader in. The final chapter is darker than expected and definitely points to the second book in the series.
As for writing, the style is not great. The dialogue is very mechanical and dialogue markers are too prevalent. They do more to break up the flow of conversation rather than guide it. Also, many of the metaphors are out of place in the book.
It’s a good book, but readers will need to read it for the story, not for the great literary contribution.
As for writing, the style is not great. The dialogue is very mechanical and dialogue markers are too prevalent. They do more to break up the flow of conversation rather than guide it. Also, many of the metaphors are out of place in the book.
It’s a good book, but readers will need to read it for the story, not for the great literary contribution.
February 19, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
April 21, 2019
Quite a good book. It is suitable for teenagers, YA and even children and adults. Has a vast variation of fantasy characters from dragons to gnomes and wizards of course. Only downside is Jack started to really annoy me with his behaviour in the end. I will be buying the next 2 books soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2018
I really enjoyed Destiny Revealed. It's a terrific book that I couldn't put down & would recommend it to most middle-grade readers. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I didn't love the cliff-hanger.
December 26, 2024
Destiny Revealed begins with the thirteenth birthdays of Jack and Maddie. They aren’t your average teenagers though. They have no idea just how special they are. Their lives are turned upside down when their parents are kidnapped and taken to a different realm, and they discover it is their responsibility to rescue them as well as save all the realms!
I don’t read a lot of Fantasy or a lot of YA fiction, but I enjoyed this story. It was like a breath of fresh with it being so different to what I generally read. A great start to a series. One I think will appeal to many readers, young or old!
** I purchased the kindle edition of this book on 19th April 2020 **
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2024/12/2...
I don’t read a lot of Fantasy or a lot of YA fiction, but I enjoyed this story. It was like a breath of fresh with it being so different to what I generally read. A great start to a series. One I think will appeal to many readers, young or old!
** I purchased the kindle edition of this book on 19th April 2020 **
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2024/12/2...
February 19, 2017
This was a pretty enjoyable, very quick, read. The adventure was engaging and the magic system, or the little we got to see of it anyway, was quite interesting. The characters were a lot more distinguished and well-rounded than I expected, and the dialogue felt convincing (particularly for the younger protagonists). My problem was that I can't think of a single original thing in this story. It sounds harsh, but it's the truth - the characters, the plot, the world, it all felt like something I'd seen before, or could easily find in any other book. That's not to say they weren't good, but I had trouble connecting to something I felt I could easily forget.
What did really impress me was the fast pace of the book, not lingering on anything for too long but still managing to establish characters and sub-plots, which is obviously great for a kid's book. The characters did start to annoy me a little as it went on (well, just Jack actually) and even though this is the first in a series, I would've liked a little more pay-off at the end - as it was it didn't feel quite complete as a novel. Elizabeth Phillips, the narrator of the audiobook, did a really great job of bringing the dialogue to life in my opinion, but as soon as she came out of that, even for a simple 'he said', she would become almost automatically robotic which I found a little strange. But it was an enjoyable reading experience all the same. Not sure if I'll bother picking up the next book, but I'm sure this would appeal to many younger readers.
What did really impress me was the fast pace of the book, not lingering on anything for too long but still managing to establish characters and sub-plots, which is obviously great for a kid's book. The characters did start to annoy me a little as it went on (well, just Jack actually) and even though this is the first in a series, I would've liked a little more pay-off at the end - as it was it didn't feel quite complete as a novel. Elizabeth Phillips, the narrator of the audiobook, did a really great job of bringing the dialogue to life in my opinion, but as soon as she came out of that, even for a simple 'he said', she would become almost automatically robotic which I found a little strange. But it was an enjoyable reading experience all the same. Not sure if I'll bother picking up the next book, but I'm sure this would appeal to many younger readers.
September 14, 2015
Destiny Revealed is the first in what promises to be an enthralling, young-adult fantasy series. I have to admit it's been an awful long time since I have read anything in the young-adult market, so I was quite looking forward to this book. My first comment would be that it is very much in line with the Author's stated intentions of giving middle-school and young adults, exciting, compelling fantasy stories to read and encouraging them to read in general.
Destiny Revealed is indeed all that, exciting and compelling. I did have some difficulty with the two principal characters Jack and Maddie, two twins who were about to discover that they are much more than they ever realised or believed they were. Maybe it's just that I can't remember way back to when I was thirteen, but certainly Jack seemed way too mature in attitude and action to be only thirteen. That aside, this was a very pleasant read, full of exciting adventures with the ending setting the scene perfectly for the sequel.
I think if we are to encourage children to read, then this is exactly the sort of book that can get them involved. It is very much in the "magical realm" with wizards, mountain gnomes and forest gnomes, plus of course the obligatory dragon or two thrown in for good measure. One aspect the author did bring into the story, which may possibly go over his readership's heads was some questions on morality and who indeed makes the decisions about what is best and right for the world. I found this very interesting and hope the author chooses to expand on this in future books in the series.
A good, solid fantasy Cris Pasqueralle and well enjoyed by me.
Destiny Revealed is indeed all that, exciting and compelling. I did have some difficulty with the two principal characters Jack and Maddie, two twins who were about to discover that they are much more than they ever realised or believed they were. Maybe it's just that I can't remember way back to when I was thirteen, but certainly Jack seemed way too mature in attitude and action to be only thirteen. That aside, this was a very pleasant read, full of exciting adventures with the ending setting the scene perfectly for the sequel.
I think if we are to encourage children to read, then this is exactly the sort of book that can get them involved. It is very much in the "magical realm" with wizards, mountain gnomes and forest gnomes, plus of course the obligatory dragon or two thrown in for good measure. One aspect the author did bring into the story, which may possibly go over his readership's heads was some questions on morality and who indeed makes the decisions about what is best and right for the world. I found this very interesting and hope the author chooses to expand on this in future books in the series.
A good, solid fantasy Cris Pasqueralle and well enjoyed by me.
May 2, 2015
‘Destiny Revealed,’ by Cris Pasqueralle, is a no-brainer for young readers. It’s got light and dark wizards, gnomes, dragons, fairies, and even a sasquatch or two for good measure.
Written in a simple and easy to follow style, it tells the story of young, twin teens Jack and Maddie, as they undertake a dangerous journey into a strange land to save their mother and father, kidnapped by a dark wizard bent on dominating not only his own magical realm but our non-magical world as well.
Jack and Maddie learn as much about themselves as they do their other, magical family members while making both friends and enemies along the way. There is danger, friendship, love, loss, and sacrifice all told in a story that plunges headlong to its climax with hardly a rest.
‘Destiny Revealed’ is perfect for those young readers just starting to dip their toes into the world of heroic fantasy. The story is engaging, the characters diverse, and the action nonstop.
What more could anyone want?
Written in a simple and easy to follow style, it tells the story of young, twin teens Jack and Maddie, as they undertake a dangerous journey into a strange land to save their mother and father, kidnapped by a dark wizard bent on dominating not only his own magical realm but our non-magical world as well.
Jack and Maddie learn as much about themselves as they do their other, magical family members while making both friends and enemies along the way. There is danger, friendship, love, loss, and sacrifice all told in a story that plunges headlong to its climax with hardly a rest.
‘Destiny Revealed’ is perfect for those young readers just starting to dip their toes into the world of heroic fantasy. The story is engaging, the characters diverse, and the action nonstop.
What more could anyone want?
October 4, 2016
This was a really good book. I started listening to it in my car and then restarted it for my 6 & 8 year old kids. They LOVED it. Maddie and Jack are twins with a destiny that their parents are going to tell them about on their 13th birthday. That all comes to a screeching halt when their parents are taken. Uncle Benny is there and takes the twins to safety but then has to explain about magic and why their parents were taken.
I really liked the characters in this book. Honestly, Maddie seemed naive and Jack was too full of himself, but then again, they are 13! There was action, a touch of potential romance, and lots of love for family in this book. It isn't a long book but it kept both kids' attention throughout and they were begging for book 2 as soon as we finished this one.
5/5 for me. I love that this book is clean and interesting enough to keep both mine and my kids' attention.
I won this book in a giveaway from the author so Thank you!
I really liked the characters in this book. Honestly, Maddie seemed naive and Jack was too full of himself, but then again, they are 13! There was action, a touch of potential romance, and lots of love for family in this book. It isn't a long book but it kept both kids' attention throughout and they were begging for book 2 as soon as we finished this one.
5/5 for me. I love that this book is clean and interesting enough to keep both mine and my kids' attention.
I won this book in a giveaway from the author so Thank you!
October 26, 2015
Loved spending time with the twins Jack and Maddie and especially when they begin to find out that they have ever known is about to be turned on its head and things will never be the same ever again. Thirteen years is not long to spend in the world but then again, long enough to accept that the world is such a way and there's not much else going on, same old, same old. Don't know what I'd do if an evil wizard showed up out of the blue, kidnapped my parents and I found out that there exists other realms apart from this one and it was my job to oppose the evil wizard Tardon to keep them apart and not let him merge them together so that he can have power over everything. A lot to take in but the twins handle it with aplomb and needless to say, will have to wait for the sequel to find out if they have succeeded, for good!
March 21, 2016
"Hey, what's that?" said my 13 year old daughter as I sat down to read Destiny Revealed. She quickly read the back cover and fell in love. We took turns reading aloud to each other until the book was finished. Her review: "This book is awesome! Ask him to please not kill Jack or Maddie. Can we get the next one?" We did download book two and I can't wait to get started. My review:
Jack and Maddie are 13 year old twins who unbeknownst to them have magical powers. Turns out they are destined to save the magical realm and the world. When their parents are kidnapped they set out on a journey to find them. What they find is a world they never knew existed. They make new friends as well as powerful enemies. Can the destined ones save their parents? Will they lose themselves in the process?
Jack and Maddie are 13 year old twins who unbeknownst to them have magical powers. Turns out they are destined to save the magical realm and the world. When their parents are kidnapped they set out on a journey to find them. What they find is a world they never knew existed. They make new friends as well as powerful enemies. Can the destined ones save their parents? Will they lose themselves in the process?
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