After a devastating tragedy lands Walker behind bars, he’s left with nothing but time — and the memories that won’t let him go. Love, trust, hope? He gave all that up the day his world fell apart.
But when Sadie — a girl from his past — unexpectedly re-enters his life, everything starts to shift. What begins as cautious friendship slowly kindles into something deeper, something dangerous. Because just as Walker starts to believe in second chances, the man who destroyed everything resurfaces.
And he’s not after forgiveness.
He’s after silence.
Torn between the life he’s rebuilding and the one he’s desperate to forget, Walker must decide how far he’ll go to protect the people he loves.
And what pieces of himself that he’s willing sacrifice to do it.
TRIGGER Mental Abuse, PTSD & Depression, Cancer/Death of Loved One, Graphic Depictions of Child Sexual Assault, Graphic Depictions & Suggestions of Adult Sexual Assault, Graphic Depictions of Suicidal Death, Graphic Depictions & Suggestions of Homicide, Violence, Suicidal Ideations & Self-Harm, Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Infidelity, Domestic Abuse, Adult Language, & Consensual Sexual Content
To put into words a review for this book is almost impossible. First and foremost, check the trigger warnings before diving in, because this story doesn’t shy away from heavy, real-world issues. I can honestly say I will not be able to do it justice—it was completely amazing. I’m sitting here wrecked. COMPLETELY WRECKED.
What makes this book so impactful is that the events within it are not just fiction—they happen every single day. That’s what makes this story so important to share. It raises awareness in a way that feels urgent and necessary.
The mental health representation was beautifully and thoughtfully done. The story was layered with suspense, action, gut-wrenching heartache, fear, and so much more. I found myself devouring the pages, unable to read fast enough. And the anger—oh, the anger. I felt it deeply: as a mother, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a woman, and even as a mental health counselor.
I still can’t believe this is Erin’s debut novel. The writing is stunning—it pulls you in and refuses to let go, even long after you’ve finished. I truly can’t remember the last time a book made me feel this deeply.
This book was everything it needed to be and more. I cannot wait to see how far it goes. Erin is an incredible talent, and I’m completely obsessed.
There are books that entertain you, books that move you — and then there are books like Unspoken Destiny that change something deep inside you.
From the very first page, Erin Silva doesn’t just tell a story — she invites you into the raw, tangled, breathtaking emotions of people navigating some of the darkest, most fragile corners of life. This isn’t just about pain or tragedy; it’s about feeling it — about living inside moments where love meets loss and connection flickers in the shadows of despair.
Every page pulses with unspoken emotion. I felt like I wasn’t just reading — I was experiencing the grief, the beauty, the quiet desperation, the aching hope.... Silva’s writing doesn’t just describe emotions — it delivers them straight to the chest.
It reminded me how powerful a single glance, a word left unsaid, or a shared silence can be. How connection — even fleeting — can be life-changing.
How the most broken moments can still hold something sacred.
If I could go back and read this again for the first time, I would. I crave that first experience again — the unraveling, the tears, the quiet awe, the heartbreak....
This book is for anyone who has ever felt deeply, loved silently, or lost someone they never got the chance to hold for the last time.
A note from the author Erin Silva "This is for all those lovely souls damaged by trauma, Who hide their hurt with a smile to protect others. This is to bring awareness to sexual assault and suicide, hoping to give a voice to all those affected by these tragedies that The world has to offer." With that said please look at all the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book. I consider myself to be a strong person but I had to think twice before I could continue reading a few chapters without crying my heart out. The book has a strong message that truly needs to be brought up more to bring awareness to all ages. The characters were vividly described and well developed and easy to fall in love with. This part where Walter shouts to Sadie "you can't play with trucks! You're a girl! You'll make em gross with germs!" I remember that being said to myself and gave me a little laugh reading it. Erin Silva purpose for writing this book was for awareness and her message is strongly received to bring discussions concerning all aspects of life that are happening still to this day. Please spread her message to others of all ages. Highly recommended!
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and will be voluntarily be giving my honest review!! First and foremost just WOW!! Before diving into this book please please check your trigger warnings!! This book is by far a book that duplex mental health to a tee!! You can feel the emotions of this book and the situations described are on point!! Loved this book I hope that there will be another one to follow because I need to know what happens!! Great job on this book Author Erin Silva!!
“Some ghosts haunt your mind. Others come back in flesh and blood.”
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Mental Abuse, PTSD & Depression, Cancer/Death of Loved One, Graphic Depictions of Child Sexual Assault, Graphic Depictions & Suggestions of Adult Sexual Assault, Graphic Depictions of Suicidal Death, Graphic Depictions & Suggestions of Homicide, Violence, Suicidal Ideations & Self-Harm, Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Infidelity, Domestic Abuse, Adult Language, & Consensual Sexual Content
So first things first, read the trigger warnings in this book, it may not be everyone's cup of tea and that's okay. This author has gone above and beyond to ensure you are informed and can protect your mental health. They include the triggers not only at the beginning of the book but it is also listed at the start of the chapter what triggers each chapter contains.
Now, onto the good stuff. This is not a romcom, this is such a well written and emotional story. Each character in this book is put through it. But there is a wonderful balance, it can be absolutely gut wrenching, but there are sweet moments to balance put that bitterness.
The ending isn't happy, it is gut wrenching and made me cry, but also it is realistic. Real world isn't sunshine and rainbows and this was a book that really resonated with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don’t even know how to put into words what Unspoken Destiny did to me. This book broke me, healed me, and made me feel everything in between.
From the very beginning, Erin Silva pulls you in and refuses to let go. This story doesn’t just touch on hard topics.. it throws you right into them. It’s messy, it’s real, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s something so many people actually live through every single day. That’s what makes it so powerful.
The mental health side of this story hit me hard. It’s written with so much care and honesty, but it’s also raw in a way that makes you stop and really feel it. There were times I had to put the book down just to catch my breath, but I always picked it right back up because I needed to know what happened.
I felt every emotion.. anger, sadness, hope, fear, love. It got to me as a mom, as a daughter, as a friend, as just… a person. And the fact that this is Erin’s first book? Unreal. The writing is beautiful and haunting, like it crawls under your skin and stays there.
This book isn’t easy, but it’s so important. It shines a light on things we don’t talk about enough, and it does it in a way that makes you think, makes you feel, and makes you want to share it with everyone you know.
I finished it completely wrecked, but also grateful. Grateful that a story like this exists. Grateful that Erin told it. Grateful that I got to read it.
Highly recommend!! but definitely check the trigger warnings first.
If you want to feel, to ache, to crumble inside—Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva is the book for you. It can be a challenge to write something so heavy but not leave you frustrated with the ending, but Erin Silva did it beautifully. The book is saturated with grief and the unfairness of the world. Blips of joy and happiness ease the weight of the story for a moment before it comes crashing back down. And the ending, in my opinion, is perfect. It slides into conclusion, leaving the reader with the ability to fantasize how the story might go from there, without making you feel you’ve been deprived of the rest of the story.
Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but it is so utterly beautiful as well. Perfect HEA stories are nice, but Unspoken Destiny embraces the realness of life’s unfairness and imperfections. I felt the emotions painted on the page, from the emptiness of shock to the heat of rage to the weight of sorrow.
Seriously, this book is wonderful. Yes, it’s heavy. It’s meant to be. But that didn’t take away from my absolute love of the book. I would absolutely highly recommend reading this (and maybe have a palate cleanser ready to go when you’ve finished). I can’t wait to see what Erin Silva creates next!
Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva is a rare gem in the book world❤️ a story that doesn’t just entertain, but that will resonate on a deep, emotional level with many. The characters are layered, and achingly real, each carrying a depth that makes them feel like people you’ve known your whole life. The storyline itself is more than just engaging; it’s woven with a meaningful moral that lingers long after you turn the last page, sparking reflection and empathy…
One of the most impactful elements of this book is how thoughtfully it’s written with the readers mental health in mind…like how Erin Silva included trigger warnings before each chapter isn’t just considerate…it shows a profound respect for her audience, allowing them to navigate the story at their own pace and with awareness. It’s clear she poured intention and care into every word, balancing emotional weight with hope and understanding.
Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva is a suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. The characters and the story’s complexity made it deeply engaging, and there were twists I truly never saw coming. While some parts were a bit difficult to read, Silva struck the right balance, providing enough detail to understand the moment without letting it linger too heavily.
Although the book ends on a cliffhanger, it still felt complete as a standalone, which I appreciated. I also valued the trigger warnings Erin included at the start of certain chapters. They allowed me to prepare for tougher content rather than being caught off guard, and the writing itself handled these moments with care, detailed enough to carry weight, but never overwhelming.
Overall, this was a well written story that blended suspense, complexity, and thoughtful storytelling in a way that kept me hooked.
This book is one of the most honest and powerful portrayals of mental health I’ve ever read. Erin doesn’t shy away from the raw, messy realities of what it feels like to struggle, and that vulnerability is exactly what makes the story so impactful. The characters are written with such depth that you don’t just read about them, you feel with them. Their emotions, fears, and hopes are so tangible that it’s impossible not to connect on a deeply human level.
What stood out to me most was how real it all felt. Nothing was sugarcoated, and yet there was still space for hope and resilience. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve set it down. I found myself thinking about the characters and their journeys in quiet moments of my own day. That’s the mark of truly powerful storytelling.
If you’re looking for a book that represents mental health with honesty, compassion, and unforgettable characters, this is one you’ll carry with you long after the last page.
Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva is an intense dramatic story that drew me in from page one, and continued to grip me the entire way through.
Silva’s descriptive style is quite engaging, quickly pulling me straight into the lives of Walker, Sadie and Clara. I truly felt their anguish and pain right alongside them. Whenever I had to put the book down, the story stayed with me and I couldn’t wait to rejoin the characters on their journey again.
But be forewarned: This is not just a captivating story - it presents a deep and serious message. Silva creates a powerful depiction of the inner conflicts one faces as they are attempting to mend whatever pieces are left after experiencing a traumatic experience. This thought-provoking work stirs a myriad of emotions within the soul - from excitement and hope, to fear, sorrow and heartbreak.
I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more works from Erin Silva in the future.
Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva has left me speechless. Silva captures the heart and soul of people whose lives have been permanently changed by the tragedy of sexual abuse, mental abuse and suicidal ideation. I loved how she had each character speak for themselves. After living with sadness and shame, she still gave her characters dignity. Silva brings to light the issues that need to be discussed. Listen to your inner voice and most especially listen to your children. Once a victims truth is denied, they are never the same. The ending gutted me. From the beginning, it was a book I couldn’t put down and a book I had to put down to get my sobbing together. I feel this author has a lot more to offer and can’t wait for more. Thank you, Erin Silva, from a survivor, thank you for telling our truths.
First off... CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS! I don't believe I have ever read a book that wrecked me more than this one! It had me extremely emotional and seriously ugly crying through certain parts of the book, but it also had me laughing in other parts. The entire book was an emotional roller-coaster. It deals with real-life traumas (again, check trigger warnings) and learning how to deal and cope with them to an extent. The way this story flowed together and captured very delicate details were very well thought out. The ending, though, left it open for interpretation/2nd book? I honestly loved this book and can't thank the author enough for shining light on such sensitive subjects and bringing more awareness to them. Read this book, and you will understand why. As always.. HAPPY READING!
WOW!!! I was fortunate enough to read this as an ARC and I am so grateful. This is a beautifully written heartbreaking story. This book not only highlights several devastating topics it also shows you the impact these issues have on not only the victims but family and friends. These sensitive topics need to be discussed, so people who go through them have the courage to talk about them. This author made you feel emotions for every character. The emotions ranged from anger, heartache, hope and the need for better. How many people are in our lives that are just like the characters in this book, and we are not aware.
Wow! I am heartbroken. This author did an amazing job with this book, making you have all kinds of feelings with real life situations of trauma, violence and tragedy. This book is not for the faint of heart. This is a dark romance suspense novel that will have your stomach in knots from the beginning. It had me sobbing, mad and almost sick to my stomach at times. The ending was gut wrenching and definitely left it open for interpretation. But I want more! This will take you on a journey of sacrifice, love, trauma and healing with these three main characters.
Thank you Erin Silva for letting me arc read your emotional book!!!
My heart is so full of love and support for the characters in this book. Mental health matters and this book speaks loud and clear about the different types of things people go through. Erin has written an amazing story that I didn't want to put down. I went on an emotional rollercoaster!! Happy, sad, angry and I cried.... I don't like spoiling a book for others. Please read trigger warnings and be prepared for your heart to melt.
This book truly and utterly broke me absolutely, moved me. I found myself having such a hard time putting it down. I was literally on the edge of my seat with each chapter wanting to know what was going to happen next. I definitely related to the characters (except Karl and the mom). I really hope there's another book! I highly recommend this but please check your trigger warnings if your sensitive to the subjects in the book.
Amazing book, I love how accurate it is on the emotion and feelings through out the story. I love the love story in it. Has shocking experience through the whole story. Made me want to cry and crawl into the book to comfort the characters.
My only flaw with the book was it was kinda hard to follow the time line at the beginning of the book.
Unspoken Destiny, by Erin Silva, gets all the stars! This book sent me on an emotional journey like no other. In one moment I’d be giggling alongside the characters, or swooning over the two main characters interactions, and in the next I would be balling my eyes out of the trauma that they were all repeatedly faced with.
Silva is brilliant at captivating the reader, and pulling them in with each turn of the page. The characters are incredibly relatable, and she paints each of their feelings with such depth that it almost makes you as though you are experiencing it in real life alongside of them.
This book does a fantastic job of illuminating how going through severe trauma can deeply effect mental health, as well as sometimes silence the voice of those who experience it, because of fear or shame. This book is going to bring awareness to where it is needed most, and I truly believe it will help someone struggling through some of these issues to help them feel seen and not alone, but also to know how important it is to reach out a hand when you need it most.
Erin, this was an amazing read, and I’m so excited for your future books! Can’t wait to read what else you have in store for us!
Unspoken Destiny is not just a story….it’s an emotional storm that tears through your soul and lingers long after the final page. From the very first chapter, I was completely immersed in Walker’s raw, broken world. His pain, his trauma, his desperate hope for redemption, it all felt so heartbreakingly real.
The chemistry between Walker and Sadie is slow-burning and beautifully authentic. Their connection isn’t just romantic; it’s redemptive. Watching them navigate past scars while trying to build something new was both painful and healing. Just when I thought they might find peace, the past comes crashing in with devastating force.
This book doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. It’s dark. It’s honest. And it’s necessary. The author tackles deep, triggering topics with brutal clarity and compassion, never exploiting them for shock value, but using them to tell a story that matters.
If you’re looking for a perfectly packaged romance, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that wrecks you and puts you back together….one that honors pain, survival, and the power of second chances — Unspoken Destiny is absolutely unforgettable.
Be prepared to cry, to ache, to rage….and to fall completely in love with a broken man fighting for a future he’s not sure he deserves.
So first things first, read the trigger warnings in this book, it may not be everyone's cup of tea and that's okay. I consider myself a strong person but there were times that I didn’t know if I could get through the chapter. There are so many people that put on a smile to protect others. This book brings up awareness of sexual assault and suicide and hopes to give a voice to those who feel like they don’t have a voice. This book has a strong message that truly needs to be brought up more to bring awareness to all ages. Now, onto the good stuff. This is not a romcom, this is such a well written and emotional story. Each character in this book is put through it. But there is a wonderful balance, it can be absolutely gut wrenching, but there are sweet moments to balance put that bitterness. This book isn't just about pain or tragedy; about living inside moments where love meets loss and connection flickers in the shadows of despair.
This story holds such a special place in the hearts of all that hold trauma. Trauma of SA, trauma of the mind and soul, trauma of all the physical. In a multi POV you get to experience all sides of it. From the abused to the abuser.
The characters within the book are easy to connect with, easy to love, and easy to hate. The excitement I felt for Sadie and Walker so easily ripped away for one of the best endings a reader could ask for. Leaving what happens next in our hands, a choice to decide what happens next.
I struggled for several days to come up with the words for a review of Unspoken Destiny. This is such a powerful, emotional story that trying to summarize it in a few short paragraphs feels like an injustice.
Most definitely check the trigger warnings… but also understand that some stories need to be told, no matter how tough it may be to hear the words. Silence allows the guilty to go unpunished and offers no resolution—no hope—for the victims.
Traumatic situations like Erin Silva wrote about, as well as so many others, have too long been considered taboo or shoved under the rug. We are so frequently exposed to violence and injustice these days that society has become desensitized, even to the most horrific acts. Or worse, we victim-blame (and shame), causing them to keep silent.
In Unspoken Destiny, Erin Silva attacks the “hard things” head on, in a beautifully written way. She exposes the monsters intensively, while still maintaining a respect for the innocent.
I don’t want to comment on anything specific from the story because I don’t want to give any spoilers whatsoever. This is a book you need to fully experience for yourself. There are twists and turns throughout its entirety, with the most shocking plot twist coming at the end.
There is no happy ending in this story. There is no satisfying sense of justice, being served up in a pretty red bow. What it does have is the (sad) reality that life is sometimes devastatingly unfair.
This is the first book, in a very long time, that just absolutely wrecked me. My first thoughts, after reading the last page, were: what in the tragic, heartbreaking, plot twisting, permanently cliff-hanging, sorcery did I just read??? I, quite literally, sat completely stunned for a solid five minutes, unable to even put words together. Erin Silva not only crushed it with her debut novel, she completely knocked it out of the park!
💜 What I Loved 💜 💜 Walker. I'd marry him. 💜 The little girl who lost herself. 💜 Trigger warnings at the beginning of chapters. 💜 heavy topics such as rape, child SA, domestic violence, violence were portrayed without being too graphic and detailed while still providing the necessary emotional punch. 💜 Sadie's Dad. I hope he finds happiness.
🚫 What I Didn't Like 🚫 🚫 Almost felt like the author had intimate knowledge of my family history so now I fear that Erin might be the FBI agent living inside my phone.
🖊️ What I Thought Could Be Improved 🖊️ 🖊️ Took me a little bit to actually get into the book because the jumping timelines were throwing me off. BUT once I got the hang of it, I binged the last 70% in one night. 🖊️ a sequel. because what the heck was that ending?? I need more. 🖊️ I personally would've like this more if it was written in 1st person instead of 3rd but that's a personal preference.
4 ⭐ -.5 ✨ due to there being a *touch* of spice that I decided to skip over as someone who doesn't read spice. -.5 ✨ I'm very sensitive to swearing 🤬 while overall the swearing wasn't in every single chapter, the scenes that did swear, did so quite a bit.
overall, I REALLY enjoyed this story (even if it did hit too close to home). I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Unspoken Destiny is gut-wrenching in the most honest way possible. Erin Silva doesn’t sugarcoat anything—she dives straight into the hard truths most people avoid: depression, domestic abuse, rape, cheating, suicide, and the silent battles that so many live with every single day.
What makes this book unforgettable is how real it feels. The characters aren’t just names on a page—they’re people whose pain you can almost touch. Silva writes with raw honesty and empathy, and that takes courage. She gives a voice to experiences most people try to bury, and she does it in a way that demands you keep reading, even when it hurts.
I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter pulled me deeper in, even as I cringed at what was happening. Some scenes are brutal because life can be brutal—and Silva doesn’t shy away from that.
And the ending? A complete cliffhanger that left me reeling. This isn’t a story you’ll forget in a week. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts and makes you think about the unspoken truths people carry every day.
If you’re ready for a story that’s raw, honest, and powerful, Unspoken Destiny is it. Just be prepared—it’s not an easy read, and it’s not supposed to be.
⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings before starting—this book has the power to break even the strongest hearts.
Wow… what an emotional journey. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story this relatable. From the dedication page alone, I knew I was in for something powerful, and I was right. This story is a rollercoaster—I laughed, I cried, I raged, I wanted to crawl into the book and comfort some characters, while with others, I wanted to scream and tear them apart.
What makes this book unforgettable is not just the emotion but the message it carries. Erin Silva has written a story that brings awareness and reminds us that mental health matters. She depicts its struggles and realities at so many different levels, making the story both raw and profoundly relatable.
And then… the ENDING. Why??? 😭 It left me shaken, speechless, and already wishing for more.
Thank you so much for the chance to read this early. Unspoken Destiny is a book that demands to be felt, remembered, and talked about. HIGHLYY RECOMMEND!!
Holy moly. This entire book was one massive emotional roller coaster. I was crying I was laughing and then I was sobbing again. Like not cute crying. Heaving sobbing. Heavy breathing sobbing. Hyperventilating. The author captured trauma and grief so masterfully well that I am completely floored. I'm sitting here, with the biggest book hangover I've ever had. The ending...God the ending. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME. I need more from this author, immediately.
From an emotional standpoint, I have never felt so seen within a book. Coming from my own trauma this felt so real and so rightly represented. Thank you. Thank you for voicing what society tries to silence every day. Thank you for the representation of parental neglect and swallowing your trauma because of fear. You did Survivors a justice. I am so proud of you. This is a book I will be reading again and again and again...even though I will sob every time. I am ready.
Unspoken Destiny by Erin Silva is such a raw story that tells a familiar story many know all to well: Mental health can surprise us. From the beginning of the book we are taken on a journey. We learn who Walker, Sadie, and Clara are. This is a book written for people like me, who struggle with mental health. She makes sure content warnings are placed exactly where they should be. I cried reading this, as parts of the story I connected to on a deep level.
I recommend everyone who can handle the triggers read this book! She helped me remember that I too, am important. Thats what this book is. A reminder that we all matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a very interesting book. Not the normal type of book I read but it was so good. I loved the storyline and all the characters. The author wrote a very compelling story.