The Chains of Destiny: An Epic Fantasy Series

The Chosen #5

by Marcus Lee

The Chains of DestinyOver the centuries, Malina has been many orphan, Chosen, saviour, and queen.
But has she ever walked her own path, or merely one laid for her long before she was born?

As war between fey and humankind threatens to devour both worlds, she will stop at nothing to sabotage the All Father’s dream of conquest. Yet with every move, every sacrifice, Malina forges another link in the chains of destiny that bind her course.

Unable to break free, she must decide whether vengeance or sacrifice will define her legacy ...and either choice will destroy her.

Dark, brutal, and tragic, The Chains of Destiny delivers the haunting conclusion to Marcus Lee’s The Chosen … where not even the strong will survive.

Genres: Romance

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2025

About the author

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Marcus Lee - Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Reviews

[Aidan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was definitely the worst - Personally i think that drawing this out over 5 books was just not worth it. It leads to the exact same plot lines and events occurring over and over again, just re-written a bit. I think it’s a bit of a cop out having EVERYONE being saved. Like the whole premise of the uncreation was that everything, including Melina would be gone. Overall a fantastic series but really should’ve ended after the 3rd, spilling into a modern day-esque story really took away from the fantasy of it all. Like… sniper rifles…. really?

[Darren Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been fantastic, and I loved this book so much, incredibly hard to make myself go to bed I just wanted to keep reading. Malina is one of my favourite book characters and I became so invested in her path from the very first line of The Chosen Series.

I did get a bit frustrated near the end of the book with a bit too much descriptive writing but that was really me being completely impatient and wanting to know how it ended. Thanks to Marcus Lee, I have loved both this series and The Gifted and The Cursed.

[Julie Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed The Chosen series of books, I was gripped by Malina’s story from the first paragraph. A heroine that you shouldn’t like but can’t help doing so as you are drawn into her worlds and many guises. I agree with some reviews that the last book didn’t quite have the same edge but enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished

Absolutely loved this series. Moments of uncertainty and twists that weren't always expected. This series had me hooked from the start

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading all 5 books, I will start with saying the first 3 are phenomenal books and very well written. I have even talked to the author and the books are kind of meant as a two part saga as he never intended to write a 4th or 5th book, hence the way the 3rd book ended. Now, I will also say i kind of wished i stopped reading after the 3rd book. It was a beautiful ending and I was kind of disappointed with the way these two book went. There is a significant time jump between the 3rd and 4th and changes I don't really like for Malina but is necessary for the book's plot to make any sense. I was more so disappointed with the 5th than any other, I just did not like the way it went and there was just too much description about how the world has gone to hell and is bleak and horrendous, at some point you just kind of say "ok, lets move on to the actual plot". There's alot of repeat description over and over and over. Also, i feel like the 5th book was a little rushed and both author and editor missed alot of typos and pronoun changes for a main character and added/extra words that the other books just didn't have.
All together the universe is amazing and i wish it didn't have to end; with the first three books being phenomenal and the last 2 dipping some in quality with plot and writing style but still glad i read the whole series. Definitely recommend to read and can't wait to read Marcus Lee's other series.

[Andrew Partridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcus Lee's chains of Destiny

Really good author and a new world ,to explore,great characters and a plot to keep any avid fan of the genre reading with gusto,my only gripe,and the reason I gave 3 stars instead of 5. Is sadly for me, although I have enjoyed all 5 books . Both have finished with me wanting a better explanation to the ending. For example the all father's I won't give anything away but the is an example. It's was for me at least the same as the first 3 book ending. Although I enjoyed the series of books .it might be worth thinking about.the last part i leave as a note to the author. I'm no writer nor critic,just a fan trying to help ,and hopefully give you a 5 star rating on your next series of books. Which by the way should give the reader to this review a clue about what I thought of your books. As I fully intend to read more of your books in the future.

[Ness VDH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly — this book starts with a bang and genuinely does not let up. It’s high-stakes, relentless action from start to finish, with constant danger and a real sense that no one is safe. The pacing is pedal-to-the-floor and somehow still manages to escalate without collapsing under its own chaos.

Also… whoever decided to add in a few timelines? Thank you. I feel personally listened to — excellent choice, no notes, gold star ⭐️

One thing I would have loved more of is clarity around Malina — what she actually is, how her abilities work, and how she becomes so advanced.

Overall, I genuinely think this book is a step up from the previous four — sharper, bigger, and more confident. 👏🏼👏🏼

[Kendra Hass swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read!

What did I dislike?...
Well ... Some repetitive words, it kind of felt like the author learned a new word and tried to use it as much as possible. It did annoy me a bit, but did not deter from the story line.
Likes...
I like the main character. She had a hard life for sure. Her story gets a bit choppy at times and there are some misspellings in the book, but it was free to read the whole series with my Amazon acct.

[Angelina Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book keeps you on your toes throughout it. The story is had so many possibilities but I loved the ending…although I would have loved the story to continue. The writing and descriptions are so real that for a second I imagined it was real. Masterpiece!!

[Daniel McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of an amazing series that was only ever meant to be a trilogy. It's been years since a series of books grabbed my attention like this and it's sad it's come to an end. This book itself isn't the strongest in the series, you can tell that it wasn't originally planned and there is a bit too much description rather than plot at times but I still enjoyed the story and finding out the ending.

[jean burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a brilliant, exciting series.

Really loved all five books. At first, in series one, I wasn't sure as it was different from the books that I usually read, but once I got into the first few pages, I was hooked. I really enjoyed how the story continued through the whole five series and kept the story fresh and exciting with unexpected outcomes

[Shirley Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I am so disappointed in this last
book of the Chosen series. It was long drawn out and had no real story. The heroine and story became boring and I found myself scanning parts hoping to come to the predictable end.

[Gloria Sanders-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Finish - Epic Tale

What a thrill to read a story immersive All I could do was “Hold on tight and didn’t let go’. Marcus great job loved Malina’s journey. Can’t wait to read your other books. Well done. Gloria. Sanders-Williams - Author

[Samantha Wambolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome !!!!

Well I have loved following The chosen Malina and Lotane. I’m sorry to see it end. Thank you Marcus Lee for your amazing imagination. Thank you for not stopping after the first 3 books.

[Mrs S Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing fantasy!

Have loved everything about this series! From the start its gripping and has some great twists and turns!

Marcus is a great author and this is such an easy and exciting read!

Thoroughly recommended!!

Paul Gibson! (Wife's account)

[Denise burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen

I have thouly enjoyed these books could not put them down very well written l felt like I was running on the roofs and could see the infection coming for mankind looking forward to any new books coming out way

[Nicola Beeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable romantic fantasy series

I really enjoyed this series.Loved the characters and the twists/turns in the story.Would recommend to anybody who enjoys reading fantasy with a good splash of romance.

[Marianne Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fantasy 5 book series

Alwatpys surprising. A tale full of twists and turns, good and evil. One of the best fantasy stories I've ever read. Good and evil are cleverly nuanced. A magical read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I was hooked from the first line of book one. I devoured the first 4 books. Knowing this was the final I slow read it. I didn't want the story to end.
I won't be a spoiler...let's just say Dear Reader, you will be satisfied!

[Kylie Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Truly an amazing story of strength love and forgiveness I was completely surprised with the telling of this story. I loved this thank you for I will forever look at this world differently

[Anina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

The first book was a bit of a shock and I wasn't sure if I'd get through it but I'm so glad I did. This series is fantastic and I loved reading the books. Malina is one very strong character and I would recommend anyone join her in her journey 😊

[Kellie Sinkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST READ!!

This series is beautifully written and ends with a timeless message! It is the perfect combination of life, death, love, war, faith, and the human condition. I couldn't put it down! It was truly beautiful!

[Leah Tunney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

The fantasy world was believable, the characters amazing. I am so glad I started reading this series, after it was completed. The plot had twists you didn't see coming & I had to reread like I rewind because...DAMN!!!!

[Tracee Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book is deeply dark and disturbing because of what happens to children and innocents. However, if you can get past that the entire series provides a fresh and wonderful epic dark fantasy with strong characters and world building. It's one that resonates with the reader.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

I devoured this book. It was so good, with so many unexpected twists. It was absolutely worth the wait and definitely one of my favorite series now.

[Natalie Baziotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

I can’t describe how much I loved this series and this final book did not disappoint! What a way to end an epic saga.

[Pamela Duko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 did not disappoint. I loved the entire series !

[Daniel Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end.

This is a great ending to a long journey. A end that begins anew. As Marcus said, A full circle.

[Shelley Biehn-Recker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I read the first 4 and. Then had to painfully wait for the 5th and final. It was well worth the wait. Excellently writen Marcus Lee!! I highly recommend!!!

[Alisha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series i have ever read

I couldnt put the book down once i started the first chapter. I read all 5 books within a month and loved every single one of them.