Destined Death: Book One in the Destined Series

by Tanem Tatlidil

Destined Death is the first book in the spellbinding Destined Series — perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, banter, betrayal, and fast-paced romantasy.

“A thrilling and unique tale that takes you on a journey with these characters, their development and the obstacles they face! Be prepared for a wild ride filled with friendship, love, and betrayal; you'll find twists and turns at every corner.” — Sarita Res

A monster she was called. A monster she was made.
Evangeline Isadora Valandra was gifted with something unforgiving — a power she was never meant to survive. In a world of Preternaturals and Elementals, she is neither.

Locked away, tortured, experimented on, betrayed by those who claimed to love her, she has spent her life running from what she was told she is.

But when the world burns to ashes, she doesn’t run. She fights.

As memories awaken and secrets unravel, something stirs within her — something far older than magic, far more dangerous than anyone claims. Hunted by a kingdom that fears her, and haunted by the past she was forced to forget, she must

Is she destined to destroy the world… or save it?

Start the journey today and discover a world of magic, betrayal, and a heroine who refuses to be controlled.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[margot౨ৎ]

enemies-to-lovers, banter, betrayal, and fast-paced romantasy? say NO more. i can't wait to read this soon 🤸‍♀️

[Lyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOO MUCH. The writing style is a little different than I'm used to. I love the characters and the plot so much but I was sad to finish it since none of the other books are out yet. I can't wait to read all her books and keep going in the story ❤️❤️❤️

[Kara Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined Death was truly an amazing debut novel, and Tanem delivers on every single page. I was hooked from the very beginning, and the cover is so pretty and ties in with the book really well. The characters are so vivid, and Evangeline has officially joined my list of favorite FMCs. Also how am I supposed to pick between Ace and Lucien😭 Both of their dynamics are chefs kiss, and the fact that this writing is from a teen author is honestly mind-blowing.

Now, I’m no psychic (unlike Casper), but I already know the next books are going to slap. I can feel it in my bones. I’ll be first in line, probably sprinting. This is just the beginning...

Also, here's a quote because it's too good to not show you. "When I'm powerful one day, I'll make every sunset beautiful for you!"

If you’re reading this review, what are you waiting for? Drop whatever’s in your hands and go pick this up. You’re destined, I promise.

[Anne Goossens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone ofcourse knows about the curse of the first book, if that was also for this book I can’t believe how anazing the second one will be! I absolutely loved this! The only thing that was kinda bad was that there were alot of small spelling/grammar mistakes. Wich I didn’t really mind but that is why it’s bot five stars! I can’t wait for the second book!!

[Isobel Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was thrilling and entertaining, the writing was incredible although some parts felt rushed but that's just my opinion. the entire thing kept me on my toes and I fell in love with how the characters were written. overall this is a really good book to pick up, though it is hard to put down, and the writing is incredible and inspiring especially to someone of a similar age to the author. I really do recommend everyone read this.

[Lila Rosalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a very long thorough review ahead. I felt like overall the story was hard to follow. Especially in the beginning of the book many chapters seemed to start in the beginning of something else without a direct connection to the last chapter and I didn’t understand what was going on. Once she got to Bane Root I felt like the chapters fit better together chronologically but it still felt like key information was missing or skipped over to get to action over a short explanation. There were lots of spelling errors or missing words in sentences like “kin” instead of “skin” (i don’t remember which page but she said “My kin crawled” or something along those lines instead of “My skin crawled”) as well as a quote from Ace that I believe was pretty much “I’ll wrap those scars in light until they _______ were ever made in darkness” I assume the word “forget” should’ve been there so I insinuated it; however it was not. There were others but this is just a few examples. It could use editing to sort out those errors, and there were a few random slashes “/“ at the end of sentences which was probably a mistype. I felt like it was unclear sometimes on important facts: I didn’t know she was supposed to be royalty until she narrated about Ace calling her “princess” and I didn’t understand the magic system enough for the Thirteenth Element part to truly make sense as she was learning it. I think that with Lucien it moved to fast since she never previously mentioned him and then one chapter she started to think about him then the next he appeared at Bane Root. I also feel like Lucien switched sides too quickly, if his loyalty was that weak how can we prove he’s loyal to Evangeline? I didn’t really catch a motive to why she even left her home in the first place or how she really met up with Ace. Reading this book I felt a lot of vibes towards Shatter Me and Powerless, especially with Bane Root seeming a lot like the Omega Point. Once it got to Chapter 49 I had no idea what was happening or her relationships with the characters at this point. Anything from that point on didn’t make much sense. This book was very similar to Shatter Me with: Ace having a quote about why Lucien shouldn’t use vulgar language in similarity to Aaron, the parents experimenting on their children, the FMC ripping her mother’s heart out of her chest, Bane Root like the Omega Point, Kairo similar to Kenji, Locke similar to Castle, and a lot more. I don’t even know what happened at the end so I can’t even begin to explain my thoughts on it. Overall the book was enjoyable but in the beginning it never officially made sense and as new information was introduced the plot twisted so much I didn’t know which direction the story was taking anymore.

[na jiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start with this bookhonestly,
it completely pulled me in from the very first page. It’s one of those stories where you tell yourself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly it’s 3am and you’re still reading.
The world felt so vivid and real, and following Evangeline’s journey was intense in the best way possible. There were so many moments that genuinely surprised me, especially towards the end I did not see that coming at all. It wasn’t just the twists though, it was the emotions behind everything. You could feel the tension, the betrayal, the weight of every decision.

What I loved most is how gripping it was without feeling rushed. Everything built up so naturally, and by the end, I was completely invested. And that cliffhanger?? I’m still thinking about it.
as a writer myself,Tanem Tatlidi’s writing feels fresh and addictive, and it’s honestly impressive how strong this book is. If you’re into books like Shatter Me or Powerless, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
I don’t give 5 stars easily, but this one absolutely deserves it. I’m already waiting for the next book because I need answers.

[Anali Bider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a perfect read for a fans of Shatter me and Powerless. The world-building and the magic system were unique and complex. At first I was a little confused about all the different powers, but as I continued to read, it all became clear (I was quite frustrated for not understanding everything in the beginning) The pace was slow at first but then near the middle of the book it became faster and really action paced. What I loved the most were the characters. Each had a different and unique backstory, which made them very relatable and fun to read about. The chemistry between the characters was beautifully written, and I loved that it was a very slow burn that brought the whole book to another level. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mix of fantasy and dystopian with high stakes, banter, and a slow burn enemies to lovers love triangle that you'll truly enjoy. Overall for self-published work, this book was surprisingly clean and well written with the story that has the potential to become a future bestseller.

[Nazneen Bukhari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book so much 😭

Like the CHARACTERS??? Evangeline and Ace have my whole heart. Evangeline is just 😩💔 I felt everything she was feeling, and Ace??? Don’t even get me started.

The writing is actually sooo good. As someone who writes (I do thrillers and mysteries), I know fantasy is HARD because you have to describe everything and build a whole world, but this was done so well. It wasn’t confusing at all, just really immersive and pretty. And honestly, I’m so happy to be reading a fellow teen author’s book like this 🥹 (I’m an ARC reader btw!!)

It gave me major Shatter Me and Powerless vibes, which I’m OBSESSED with. Like, for example, Locke gave sooo much Castle energy, and Locke and Kairo together?? They were literally giving Castle and Kenji vibes, and I was living for it.

The whole story is just so addictive, like once you start, you actually can’t stop. The magic, the drama, the emotions??? EVERYTHING.

You should 100% read this if you loved Shatter Me or Powerless, like I’m not even joking.

[Evie Sullivan-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a work of art it was so unique to any fantasy i have read before and there was never a dull moment so you're always at the edge of your seat. You're thrown into Evangeline's world straight away following her journey which is intense, rocky, powerful and full of tension and betrayal. The plot twist at the end is something that i would have never expected or guessed before. I ate this book up in one day which is usually difficult for me but with a book like destined death i couldn't put it down. I am still hung up on the painful cliffhanger and i need more of this book series NOW!!! Tanem Tatidil is an incredible and creative writer and though she is still very young now she is still better than a lot of older writers today so i'm sure she will do loads more amazing things in the future. This young adult book is definitely perfect for all ages and if you loved Shatter me and Powerless you gonna devour this book too. So if you are still debating reading this groundbreaking book then STOP and get it now you wont regret it.
I will never forget this book and I can't wait for the next to be in this series.

[Haya Aljarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Spoiler free)

This book was INSANE. I had so much fun and also was so stunned by the writing style, because the vocabulary for this young of an author was so impressive and also inspiring to me. <3 ‎The story is so interesting and the history and magic system are extremely well written.

Some comments I have: I found it a little hard to imagine the world in this book. I don't mean that it was badly described, but I mean that it was hard to imagine the kind of setting, also because it was very fast-paced, so many events and character arcs in one book can be confusing,

BUT besides that, I enjoyed reading this so much, I freaking loved Evangeline's character, and the plot twists are crazy?!?! I feel like it deserves so much more recognition & love.
‎So happy to have read this. 🌈

[Hamnawritesstuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I could genuinely go on and on about this novel.
The amount of effort visible in the world building, the map
the well EVERYTHING???
I legit can't explain how this book pulled me in from the very first
pages. This book is like taking a rollercoaster ride and you never
see the plot twists coming. I fell in love with the characters. Evangeline
is legitimately one of the most well written characters. Please spare
her Tae. If you love shatter me, hunger games then this book is for you
You will be giggling,. gasping, crying late at night. Also that ending??
CRIMINAL
This book will not disappoint just read it.

[Sangita Kumari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such unique fantasy book to any other fantasies I've ever read. There was not any part that felt rushed. The plot twist was something I could have never ever guessed. It was written in such beautiful way that I felt the words, tension, betrayl and literally every single emotions the author put into those words.
I ate this book up. I will never forget this book and am still waiting for the other partss. Want to get more of Tanem Tatlidil. She's such a great author for any YA recommendations. In such a young age writing something like this is mind blowing😶
6 star readss⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Thebibliobanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such unique fantasy book to any other fantasies I've ever read. There was not any part that felt rushed. The plot twist was something I could have never ever guessed. It was written in such beautiful way that I felt the words, tension, betrayl and literally every single emotions the author put into those words.
I ate this book up. I will never forget this book and am still waiting for the other partss. Want to get more of Tanem Tatlidil. She's such a great author for any YA recommendations. In such a young age writing something like this is mind blowing😶
6 star readss⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

« Beautiful things have flaws to protect itself. »
- Destined Death


I was lucky enough to have received an arc for Tanem's debut novel. And to think that she wrote it at just 14??? Girl, what sorcery is this??
The only thing that I have to say is that the style of writing in the book took me some time to like get into. But other than that: the world building, the magic system, the touch of romance and (idk if it counts as that) but it has like that love triangle (that's what I consider it) between Ace, Lucien and Evangeline and it's OMG
I need a reread and I need BOOK TWO
RIGHT NOWWW!!!

[Alexis Faller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was good. One thing was that I felt it was super fast paced and it didn’t give enough attention to detail for some scenes. I would fell lost sometimes. Also was Lucien mentioned at the beginning of the book because if he was I completely forgot cuz I was so lost when he came in. However I like him more than ace ngl. It almost felt like shatter me but a little different too. Still recommend not my fav but still good.

[Abigail Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. I thought that it was clearly very well thought out and the pacing seemed just right for being in a series. I found myself not being able to put it down and sometimes even stopping to squeal before going right back into it. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoyed Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi since it has the same dystopian vibe to it. Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and cannot wait for future installments <3

[Nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved her writing style! There were so many lines I had to highlight because they were just that good. The last 100 pages were insane. The FMC goes through so much, starting from the very first line, so you just have so much empathy for her. Seeing all the betrayals and what happens to her at the very end was both excruciating... and exciting. Highly recommend!!

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! the fact that it was written by a teen author still baffles me. It was well written and easy to follow. Don’t get me wrong tho it was a crazy the plot twists and the MMC and the FMC oh I lovedddd her! It was truly amazing 100% recommend!!!

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book expecting it to be good, it disappointed me so much i don’t think i will ever read a book again. It’s so easy to tell it’s AI, at the end of the story it said here’s the generated text, want a different style? Let me know! Gimmme a refund rn. And the glaze is overrated asf holyyy shii. I genuinely never wanna read a book again. the other reviews probably ur friends ngl…

[Tina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book ! The plot twists, the romance and the writing were amazing !! This was definitely a 5 star read !! ✨📖

[Zahhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely LOVED this book. it was such an adventure and i had so much fun reading it. cant wait for the next book cuz tae absolutely ATE w this one

[Héloïse Van Gemerden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destined death is very fast paced, with short chapters. The writing style is unique, almost rythmic.
Evangeline was a character that I liked shortly into reading the book!

[Blessings Chebet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enthralling book.
It's such a good read and I highly recommend it.
It follows a girl branded a murderer after her parents lied to her that she killed her twin brother. She later discovers that she holds the Earth's magic; both her and her brother.
She later finds out that he is still alive and he is kept in a laboratory where her father conducts experiments.

To save the dying Earth's magic, she must find her brother and save him.

It has a great world building, with themes like abuse of power, egocentrism are explored.

I will consider the book in the dystopian category and as well as fantasy. It is adventurous and some characters are well portrayed.

Although at some point I felt like I would have dnf it because it was somehow slow (in my opinion). But I guess it's because I am new to the genre; dystopian.

The author's writing was poetic which was attractive.

I highly recommend it to someone who loves reading books like shatter me series. I am also looking forward for the other books that are part of this series :).

[Shylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off with how proud I am ofmy
best friend, Tanem for writing this book. I was completely invested in Destined Death from the start. The story is really engaging and the characters feel so real and well-developed. I can definitely imagine myself in their world. I especially loved how everything flowed and kept me wanting to read more. Definitely a book I’d recommend 100%.