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Storms of Destiny
TORVEN
The expedition was supposed to be easy—transport a research team, keep them safe, go home. But I didn’t count on the challenge that is Dr. Zara Rivers. The beautiful human female overpacks, talks too fast, and forgets safety protocols when she gets excited about data. When we crash-land and have to take shelter together, I tell myself my protective instincts are professional concern, until mating marks appear on my neck, marking us bonded for life. Now we’re stranded on a storm-churned world where ancient enemies must cooperate or face extinction, and the real danger isn’t the hostile planet hunting us—it’s how much I need her.
ZARA
When my research ship crashes on a storm-ravaged planet, I’m trapped in an abandoned weather tower with Captain Torven Korvath, who alternates between criticizing my equipment choices and throwing himself between me and danger. My gruff Destran companion is more attractive than any dataset I’ve ever laid eyes on, but somewhere out there, my best friend and scattered crew are fighting to survive. When we discover the storms aren’t natural, it’s a race against time to shut down the secret ancient tech powering them. And he thinks I’m a challenge.
Storms of Destiny is book two in the Return to Destra series, which is set loosely in the Lords of Destra world. You can enjoy this series without having read the Lords of Destra. I write what I love to read, so there are no cliffhangers or cheating, and there's always consent and a happy ending. Cheers!
The expedition was supposed to be easy—transport a research team, keep them safe, go home. But I didn’t count on the challenge that is Dr. Zara Rivers. The beautiful human female overpacks, talks too fast, and forgets safety protocols when she gets excited about data. When we crash-land and have to take shelter together, I tell myself my protective instincts are professional concern, until mating marks appear on my neck, marking us bonded for life. Now we’re stranded on a storm-churned world where ancient enemies must cooperate or face extinction, and the real danger isn’t the hostile planet hunting us—it’s how much I need her.
ZARA
When my research ship crashes on a storm-ravaged planet, I’m trapped in an abandoned weather tower with Captain Torven Korvath, who alternates between criticizing my equipment choices and throwing himself between me and danger. My gruff Destran companion is more attractive than any dataset I’ve ever laid eyes on, but somewhere out there, my best friend and scattered crew are fighting to survive. When we discover the storms aren’t natural, it’s a race against time to shut down the secret ancient tech powering them. And he thinks I’m a challenge.
Storms of Destiny is book two in the Return to Destra series, which is set loosely in the Lords of Destra world. You can enjoy this series without having read the Lords of Destra. I write what I love to read, so there are no cliffhangers or cheating, and there's always consent and a happy ending. Cheers!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
45 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 18, 2025
So far this new Destran series has been disappointing. I feel like 2 stars is being generous.
Zara is the FMC, an atmospheric scientist who talks too much, blames herself for anything that goes wrong, and describes herself as antisocial but comes across as anything but. Aside from the martyr complex and the disconnect between how she describes herself and how she acts, she's not too bad. Although I was really annoyed when the overpacking situation came up. It's not quirky and endearing. Just stop. Irritatingly the fact that she studies weather patterns (or something) is presented as this big deal but has literally no impact on the story (despite the author trying to make 'fetch' happen).
Torven is the MMC, a supposedly "gruff" and grumpy Destran pilot, although he doesn't really come across that way. 12% into the book and he's already waxing lyrical about how she's "more than just a passenger". He was kind of bland to be honest.
The romance is very....meh. They start lusting after each other pretty much from the start although there's nothing really to demonstrate why, other than potentially high emotions from the situation they're in. I suppose his side can be explained by the biological factor, but she comes across as kind of desperate the way she reads deeper meaning basic decent behaviour. I expect sudden attraction to some extent with "fated mates" books, but give me something to make it believable. Mentally I just started assuming that any behaviour that explained the attraction happened off-page before the book started since they were at least prior acquaintances. But I shouldn't have to make this stuff up myself.
There is a lot of repetition in this book, mostly just analysing the same situations and feelings again and again and again. The one that made me laugh the most was:
I mean seriously, WTF is that?
There is another classic towards the end when she breaks up a fight but anyone wanting to read this should experience that for themselves.
So the romance is boring. There is a sex scene but I skipped it because I couldn't care less about them as a couple, and there is so much repetition that you can skim whole chapters and pretty much miss nothing. Even with all of this, if there was at least a good plot then I would have still been able to enjoy the book. But although there are some good scenes and a bit of a story, the resolution to the conflict is so bloody ridiculous and "white human saviour saves the planet by using a combination of common sense and some magical ability to figure out the answers to problems when there is no possible way she could have known them."
My 2 stars are more to do with the fact that I usually enjoy this author - although after this book I'm wondering if I was just in an easier-to-please mindset when I read her earlier work. Despite this I will probably read the next book in the series and hope that this has just been a blip. But I'll probably wait until it's on sale.
Zara is the FMC, an atmospheric scientist who talks too much, blames herself for anything that goes wrong, and describes herself as antisocial but comes across as anything but. Aside from the martyr complex and the disconnect between how she describes herself and how she acts, she's not too bad. Although I was really annoyed when the overpacking situation came up. It's not quirky and endearing. Just stop. Irritatingly the fact that she studies weather patterns (or something) is presented as this big deal but has literally no impact on the story (despite the author trying to make 'fetch' happen).
Torven is the MMC, a supposedly "gruff" and grumpy Destran pilot, although he doesn't really come across that way. 12% into the book and he's already waxing lyrical about how she's "more than just a passenger". He was kind of bland to be honest.
The romance is very....meh. They start lusting after each other pretty much from the start although there's nothing really to demonstrate why, other than potentially high emotions from the situation they're in. I suppose his side can be explained by the biological factor, but she comes across as kind of desperate the way she reads deeper meaning basic decent behaviour. I expect sudden attraction to some extent with "fated mates" books, but give me something to make it believable. Mentally I just started assuming that any behaviour that explained the attraction happened off-page before the book started since they were at least prior acquaintances. But I shouldn't have to make this stuff up myself.
There is a lot of repetition in this book, mostly just analysing the same situations and feelings again and again and again. The one that made me laugh the most was:
I pressed myself against Torven's back, wishing that we had real weapons instead of improvised clubs and tenuous hope.
"I wish we had some weapons right about now," I muttered.
"Me too," he replied grimly. "If they survived the crash they'd be in our hands right now."
I mean seriously, WTF is that?
There is another classic towards the end when she breaks up a fight but anyone wanting to read this should experience that for themselves.
So the romance is boring. There is a sex scene but I skipped it because I couldn't care less about them as a couple, and there is so much repetition that you can skim whole chapters and pretty much miss nothing. Even with all of this, if there was at least a good plot then I would have still been able to enjoy the book. But although there are some good scenes and a bit of a story, the resolution to the conflict is so bloody ridiculous and "white human saviour saves the planet by using a combination of common sense and some magical ability to figure out the answers to problems when there is no possible way she could have known them."
My 2 stars are more to do with the fact that I usually enjoy this author - although after this book I'm wondering if I was just in an easier-to-please mindset when I read her earlier work. Despite this I will probably read the next book in the series and hope that this has just been a blip. But I'll probably wait until it's on sale.
December 13, 2025
good
While searching for the long lost home planet of the Destrans, atmospheric scientist Zara and the crew she was assigned to under the leadership of Captain Torven, find themselves crash landing on a planet with an unstable atmosphere.
The weather is destructive, there is natural interference preventing them from communicating, and it’s not long before they realise that conditions are only getting worse. Separated from the rest of the crew, Zara and Torven have to work hard to figure out the best way to survive.
This book picks up some months after the events of the first book in this series, with the research trip set up using the information found in the newly discovered Sola. Adverse conditions make things difficult, but Zara and Torven manage to make things work for themselves. This of course results in a couple of steamy scenes, and a particularly intriguing set of revelations as far as the Destrans and their heritage are concerned.
It’s a fast, but exciting read, with some fun sci-fi romance tropes that fans of the genre will enjoy; and those revelations that will make fans of the Destrans very interested in finding out more. While we don’t get to see Cleo in this one, her story is setup as a hook at the end of this book, and I admit I am very interested in seeing where that leads!
Overall, an enjoyable read for both Destran and Sci-fi fans alike.
While searching for the long lost home planet of the Destrans, atmospheric scientist Zara and the crew she was assigned to under the leadership of Captain Torven, find themselves crash landing on a planet with an unstable atmosphere.
The weather is destructive, there is natural interference preventing them from communicating, and it’s not long before they realise that conditions are only getting worse. Separated from the rest of the crew, Zara and Torven have to work hard to figure out the best way to survive.
This book picks up some months after the events of the first book in this series, with the research trip set up using the information found in the newly discovered Sola. Adverse conditions make things difficult, but Zara and Torven manage to make things work for themselves. This of course results in a couple of steamy scenes, and a particularly intriguing set of revelations as far as the Destrans and their heritage are concerned.
It’s a fast, but exciting read, with some fun sci-fi romance tropes that fans of the genre will enjoy; and those revelations that will make fans of the Destrans very interested in finding out more. While we don’t get to see Cleo in this one, her story is setup as a hook at the end of this book, and I admit I am very interested in seeing where that leads!
Overall, an enjoyable read for both Destran and Sci-fi fans alike.
December 13, 2025
I found the overall plot of the story really engaging. It's exciting to know that I’ll need to be patient as the truth unfolds gradually throughout the series, but in the meantime, I’m enjoying getting to know the main characters in each book.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I never quite knew what was coming next for our main characters—whether enemies were lurking nearby or if their rescuers were truly friends or might even be foes. There are so many possibilities to consider. But one thing remains constant—the powerful mating bond between our main characters. Surprisingly, those marks seemed to take on an even deeper significance.
Our female lead is incredibly clever and lively, and I was surprised to see her become bloodthirsty at the end! Still, she played a vital role in saving the Destra. Kudos to the MMC, he was the ever protective and supportive mate.
There’s so much more to look forward to in this series, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I never quite knew what was coming next for our main characters—whether enemies were lurking nearby or if their rescuers were truly friends or might even be foes. There are so many possibilities to consider. But one thing remains constant—the powerful mating bond between our main characters. Surprisingly, those marks seemed to take on an even deeper significance.
Our female lead is incredibly clever and lively, and I was surprised to see her become bloodthirsty at the end! Still, she played a vital role in saving the Destra. Kudos to the MMC, he was the ever protective and supportive mate.
There’s so much more to look forward to in this series, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!
December 15, 2025
Zara is brilliant, resourceful, and full of life. Her intelligence and courage shine throughout the book. Torven is steadfast, protective, and devoted. Their chemistry—even before they know they are mates—is intense and sweet. The way he sees her is heart-melting: "She was smart, brave, and had a way of looking at the world that made me want to see it through her eyes."
His determination to keep Zara safe and his unwavering support of her is completely endearing. The mating bond takes on an even deeper significance this time around. The world-building is fantastic, and the lore that unfolds throughout their journey is fascinating.
The intriguing revelations about the Destran's heritage adds exciting new elements to the ongoing story and the tease at the end about the fate of the missing crew members left me eager for what’s next!
His determination to keep Zara safe and his unwavering support of her is completely endearing. The mating bond takes on an even deeper significance this time around. The world-building is fantastic, and the lore that unfolds throughout their journey is fascinating.
The intriguing revelations about the Destran's heritage adds exciting new elements to the ongoing story and the tease at the end about the fate of the missing crew members left me eager for what’s next!
December 6, 2025
Torven and Zara. Ok first thing, if you are looking for an acton packed story from start to finish you've come to the right place! The excitement starts on page 1 and continues throughout. I had no doubt I was going to love Dr. Zara Rivers just from the glimpses we got of her in Maps Of Destiny (if you haven't read it yet, you really should..it's that good). I wasn't disappointed at all. Torven I wasn't as sure about but omg he melted me right to the ground! I loved him so much. He takes protective to a whole new level! The other characters also shine pretty bright though there is one I wanted to kick in the rocks. The story is so good! I love Ella Blake, gets me feeling all the feels. Her world building is outstanding. This book is worth your time and your money.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ella Blake's Storms of Destiny has a group of humans and Detrans working together to save a planet along with various species of natives. Long ago a weather monitoring system had been put in place that, over the millenia, had failed, wreaking havoc on the planet and the peoples on it. Zara and crew crash on the planet due to dangerous weather, separating her from all but Captain Torven. His mating marks appear, and they realize they are interested in a long term relationship and saving what could be his people's original home. Love how it takes all the various peoples to turn off the weather machine.
December 18, 2025
Enjoyed Zara and Torven’s story!
This is book two in the series. In this story, Zara and Cleo are in a mission together with a Destran crew. Unfortunately, they are forced to land on a planet that has severe weather. Escape pods were strewn across the planet. Zara and Toren end up together and have to figure out how to survive and how to get to the other teammates. They go on quite the journey. There is a happy ending for now. Read On!
This is book two in the series. In this story, Zara and Cleo are in a mission together with a Destran crew. Unfortunately, they are forced to land on a planet that has severe weather. Escape pods were strewn across the planet. Zara and Toren end up together and have to figure out how to survive and how to get to the other teammates. They go on quite the journey. There is a happy ending for now. Read On!
January 25, 2026
OH My
Wow! What a violent book. Only it’s not really violent , greedy aliens or corporations in this book but the weather! Torven and Zara had a rough time of it. Crash landing while on a research mission, finding two species all connected to the Destrans, all while dealing with an unexpected mate bond. Secrets are ancient animosity’s are revealed and healed. It was a lot but so good.
Wow! What a violent book. Only it’s not really violent , greedy aliens or corporations in this book but the weather! Torven and Zara had a rough time of it. Crash landing while on a research mission, finding two species all connected to the Destrans, all while dealing with an unexpected mate bond. Secrets are ancient animosity’s are revealed and healed. It was a lot but so good.
January 17, 2026
Good read❤
Zara Rivers is a weather scientist. Torven is the pilot taking his crew and Zara's friend to a planet thought to be the Destran home world. Great story with heart stopping events. Enjoy
Zara Rivers is a weather scientist. Torven is the pilot taking his crew and Zara's friend to a planet thought to be the Destran home world. Great story with heart stopping events. Enjoy
January 15, 2026
Torven, Zara and the rest of the crew have to abandon ship when it becomes damaged beyond repair. The escape pods don’t land in the same location and communication is practically nil. The two manage to find shelter before becoming casualties of the hostile planet. The forced proximity triggers Torven’s mate markings resulting in their pledging their troth.
Being stuck in a deadly environment isn’t bad enough. Torven and Zara are “rescued” by some of the planet’s inhabitants. The leader of the community is fairly level headed but some of the warriors resent Torven for being a descendent of those that fled the planet and left them behind. Zara is disliked just for being a different species. She might redeem herself if she can find a way to stop the destruction of their world. Otherwise they’re just dead weight.
Being stuck in a deadly environment isn’t bad enough. Torven and Zara are “rescued” by some of the planet’s inhabitants. The leader of the community is fairly level headed but some of the warriors resent Torven for being a descendent of those that fled the planet and left them behind. Zara is disliked just for being a different species. She might redeem herself if she can find a way to stop the destruction of their world. Otherwise they’re just dead weight.
December 10, 2025
Awesome alien/fated mate romance! Loved it! Great adventure, suspense, and drama.. Very romantic!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews