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The Destiny #1
Breathe
Dearra comes into possession of the magical Sword of Cyrus just as the evil Breken attack her island home. Though her people succeed in driving their enemy back to the sea, one of the invaders remains behind, left for dead by his cruel kin.
Now, Dearra doesn’t know what to be more surprised by, the fact that her sword can speak to her, or that it has imperiously informed her that the handsome Breken warrior is her destiny.
The two are bound together by a chain of events that was set into motion a thousand years earlier, and everything they thought they knew about themselves, their history, and their future is about to change.
Now, Dearra doesn’t know what to be more surprised by, the fact that her sword can speak to her, or that it has imperiously informed her that the handsome Breken warrior is her destiny.
The two are bound together by a chain of events that was set into motion a thousand years earlier, and everything they thought they knew about themselves, their history, and their future is about to change.
351 pages, Unknown Binding
263 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
Christine Grey
8 books40 followersChristine Grey lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Dan, and their eight children, three dogs, and two cats. With a family like that, she knows how important it is to escape from reality from time to time. She and her husband have grown their family through foster care adoption and are advocates for helping children find the permanency and support they all deserve. When she isn’t busy chasing children, running a household, or savoring a hot cup of tea, Christine spends her free time creating worlds of magic, romance, and humor.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 4, 2016
Got this book to read for free. There were no reviews at the time.
Although, I am glad I picked it up. Every once in a while I like to read
A book where I can relax and focus on the story. (Also, I don't feel the
Need to hide my spot when my children approach!) I enjoyed the
characters, the storyline, and look forward to the next book.
Although, I am glad I picked it up. Every once in a while I like to read
A book where I can relax and focus on the story. (Also, I don't feel the
Need to hide my spot when my children approach!) I enjoyed the
characters, the storyline, and look forward to the next book.
May 20, 2018
This is the first book I've read of this author and despite a slow beginning, a bit of a confusing ending, and some editing errors, I thought the story was great. Grey pens an enjoyable story of a young woman, Dearra, who is a naturally gifted swordsman and chooses to follow the path of a warrior, rather than the more sedentary life of a healer, her mother hoped her to be. Her brother Phillip, Pip as he is called, adores his big sister but is constantly reminded, much to his frustration, that he's still too young to go to battle. Dearra's father, Hugh is the Lord of Maj, the vanguard island they live on and is adored not only by his children but by all those occupying the island of Maj. Lord Hugh's children are his life, as his wife is dead.
Dearra's close friend and sword master Daniel is commanded by an enchanted sword to present it to Dearra as the new rightful master, before a forthcoming attack from their arch enemies, the Breken. The sword, Brin'du Drak'Tir, affectionately known as Brin has long been concealed and revered as a sword of great power among the Maj. The reason Dearra is chosen is mostly unknown to all with the exception of Brin, who tells her it's her destiny.
When Maj is finally attacked, Brin protects Dearra throughout the battle, ending in a face to face encounter with a young Breken warrior, Darius, the son of the Breken chief. Both foes positioned for attack, hesitate as their eyes lock and a connection of sorts is established. Daniel thinking Dearra is going to be killed, bashes Darius in the head, knocking him out. In the meantime, Pip, is captured by the Breken leader and carried away on their ships, for ransom at a later time.
Without giving much more away, the story is about the relationship that develops between Darius and Dearra. Brin who talks to Dearra can also be heard by Darius as the story goes on, creating an often humorous go between with Dearra and Darius. Once into the book the story flows and keeps you involved. Grey does a good job portraying the emotions, hormonal and otherwise between the young warriors and Maj's coming acceptance of the Breken and the planned rescue of Pip.
This is the first book in the Destiny series and a good read for the epic fantasy lover. I have chosen to continue the series and started Book II - Whisper. We shall see what we shall see. So far, thumbs up.
Dearra's close friend and sword master Daniel is commanded by an enchanted sword to present it to Dearra as the new rightful master, before a forthcoming attack from their arch enemies, the Breken. The sword, Brin'du Drak'Tir, affectionately known as Brin has long been concealed and revered as a sword of great power among the Maj. The reason Dearra is chosen is mostly unknown to all with the exception of Brin, who tells her it's her destiny.
When Maj is finally attacked, Brin protects Dearra throughout the battle, ending in a face to face encounter with a young Breken warrior, Darius, the son of the Breken chief. Both foes positioned for attack, hesitate as their eyes lock and a connection of sorts is established. Daniel thinking Dearra is going to be killed, bashes Darius in the head, knocking him out. In the meantime, Pip, is captured by the Breken leader and carried away on their ships, for ransom at a later time.
Without giving much more away, the story is about the relationship that develops between Darius and Dearra. Brin who talks to Dearra can also be heard by Darius as the story goes on, creating an often humorous go between with Dearra and Darius. Once into the book the story flows and keeps you involved. Grey does a good job portraying the emotions, hormonal and otherwise between the young warriors and Maj's coming acceptance of the Breken and the planned rescue of Pip.
This is the first book in the Destiny series and a good read for the epic fantasy lover. I have chosen to continue the series and started Book II - Whisper. We shall see what we shall see. So far, thumbs up.
April 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this fantasy story of finding love where you least expect it, acceptance and seeing past differences. It has fierce invaders, suspense, sorrow, treachery and romance. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the story and characters to life and I was presently surprised by his melodic singing voice too. I really liked the characters in this story, they had depth, with life like flaws, worries and insecurities, but they still created distinct cultures. I look forward to the continuation of the story in the next audiobook
August 14, 2018
Breathe was a good read; the story was detailed, and the imagery was vivid. The characters were fun and comical at times; Dearra was a unique character, and I loved having a strong female as the main character, even if she did behave like a child at times. I loved the adventurous and suspenseful parts of the story the most. Unfortunately, there was a lot of unnecessary text in between the good parts. I felt a bit overwritten at times and slowed the story down, but it was worth it in the end. I rate the story with 3 stars.
I listened to the audio version of this, and the voices the narrator gave the characters kept me listening. He is a creative and talented narrator! I give the narration five stars.
Overall rating for this book is four stars.
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I listened to the audio version of this, and the voices the narrator gave the characters kept me listening. He is a creative and talented narrator! I give the narration five stars.
Overall rating for this book is four stars.
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July 14, 2016
2.5
As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I just couldn't get passed the writing. It was... The book felt like a first draft that needed lots and lots and lots of long and arduous work to smooth things out and stretch scenes and delve into real, actual descriptions. The entire book felt rushed, and there were several awkward places that desperately needed improvement. For instance, I imagined the attack near the beginning would be... Big and detailed and... dramatic and important. But it couldn't have lasted more than three or four pages, and it felt... minor. Like a skirmish here and there. It just... wasn't what it was built up to be.
The story definitely had potential. I can tell the author put a lot of thought into the world this book was set in... I have to admit, though, that I truly expected the climax of the book to be the adventure into Breken lands and the rescuing of Dearra's brother, but it was not. They had not left Maj by the end of the book, and I can only assume this will take place in the sequel...
Because of this, I felt the book was kind of... plotless. Yes, they're building towards venturing into Breken, but therefore the book just kind of sits... and waits... for winter to pass and explains the stuff that happens in the meantime.
The characters. Overall, I liked the characters. Dearra was cute, and Darius was a good manly man who has to control his evil Breken urges, so that's always fun. I loved Brin, the magical talking sword. He was delightfully sarcastic and by far my favorite character of the book.
"I believe I already told you how this would go. Don't listen to me, though. What do I know? I'm just a magical weapon of unsurpassed power. No, no you're right. Please continue to rely on your own pathetic intuition. I'm sure that's for the best."
However, there was insta-love. Very, crazy powerful, meaningless insta-love. They met each other, they were struck by the other's attractiveness, they were drawn to each other as Dearra tended Darius's wound the next couple of days, and then, pretty much, they were in love. I might be skipping one or two conversations, but seriously, this was just too much.
Sometimes insta-love is alright... If there's an actual reason why the characters are drawn to each other or if it's just... done really well. This... This was not done well, I'm sorry.
So, overall, I had to give it a 2.5. I finished it, so that counts for something. There were times when I enjoyed it, when I was worried about the characters or I chuckled at something Brin said, but it needs work, that's all I can say.
This was a goodreads giveaway, and I sincerely thank you for it.
As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I just couldn't get passed the writing. It was... The book felt like a first draft that needed lots and lots and lots of long and arduous work to smooth things out and stretch scenes and delve into real, actual descriptions. The entire book felt rushed, and there were several awkward places that desperately needed improvement. For instance, I imagined the attack near the beginning would be... Big and detailed and... dramatic and important. But it couldn't have lasted more than three or four pages, and it felt... minor. Like a skirmish here and there. It just... wasn't what it was built up to be.
The story definitely had potential. I can tell the author put a lot of thought into the world this book was set in... I have to admit, though, that I truly expected the climax of the book to be the adventure into Breken lands and the rescuing of Dearra's brother, but it was not. They had not left Maj by the end of the book, and I can only assume this will take place in the sequel...
Because of this, I felt the book was kind of... plotless. Yes, they're building towards venturing into Breken, but therefore the book just kind of sits... and waits... for winter to pass and explains the stuff that happens in the meantime.
The characters. Overall, I liked the characters. Dearra was cute, and Darius was a good manly man who has to control his evil Breken urges, so that's always fun. I loved Brin, the magical talking sword. He was delightfully sarcastic and by far my favorite character of the book.
"I believe I already told you how this would go. Don't listen to me, though. What do I know? I'm just a magical weapon of unsurpassed power. No, no you're right. Please continue to rely on your own pathetic intuition. I'm sure that's for the best."
However, there was insta-love. Very, crazy powerful, meaningless insta-love. They met each other, they were struck by the other's attractiveness, they were drawn to each other as Dearra tended Darius's wound the next couple of days, and then, pretty much, they were in love. I might be skipping one or two conversations, but seriously, this was just too much.
Sometimes insta-love is alright... If there's an actual reason why the characters are drawn to each other or if it's just... done really well. This... This was not done well, I'm sorry.
So, overall, I had to give it a 2.5. I finished it, so that counts for something. There were times when I enjoyed it, when I was worried about the characters or I chuckled at something Brin said, but it needs work, that's all I can say.
This was a goodreads giveaway, and I sincerely thank you for it.
September 28, 2016
.....
It started off good and held so much promise. Then it went downhill. I really wanted to lobe this book. I found myself bored and ready to be done
It started off good and held so much promise. Then it went downhill. I really wanted to lobe this book. I found myself bored and ready to be done
February 11, 2020
Breathe
The Destiny Series, Book 1
: Christine Grey
Breathe, is the first book in The Destiny Series. There is plenty of action and adventure. Romance between unlikely pair keeps everyone on their toes. I like the strong female protagonist!!! There is great humor from a sarcastic talking sword, who has a secret of its own.
If you like fantasy this is one for you.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The Destiny Series, Book 1
: Christine Grey
Breathe, is the first book in The Destiny Series. There is plenty of action and adventure. Romance between unlikely pair keeps everyone on their toes. I like the strong female protagonist!!! There is great humor from a sarcastic talking sword, who has a secret of its own.
If you like fantasy this is one for you.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 14, 2017
It was quite good (although needing some polish with wrong word errors and awkward spots, but not excessive), but the ending just wasn't satisfying and had a good bit of a cliffhanger. It could have been adjusted to a spot that felt more satisfying pretty easily--something that felt more like a breaking point or transitional point in the adventure without the new little bomb that got dropped. 3 i guess because so interesting otherwise
February 29, 2020
This is a wonderful story. I loved the characters and couldn’t do anything but hope for their happy ending. I was easily drawn into this. It has adventure, action and sarcasm. The humor is done very well. Many times I was smiling or laughing while listening to this. It’s very enjoyable.
I listened to this on audio. J Scott Bennett is the narrator. I love listening to his voice. He does a great job with the different characters. When he was singing....awesome!!
I listened to this on audio. J Scott Bennett is the narrator. I love listening to his voice. He does a great job with the different characters. When he was singing....awesome!!
April 4, 2018
Invaders come to your land leaving one of their own behind but yet he seems different than the rest. A strong woman given a sword she can hear. The woman ends up befriending the invader that was left behind seeing that he isn’t quite like the others and could help recapture a boy that was taken. Very interesting fantasy that does end in a cliffhanger.
October 12, 2017
A Special Lady, A Unique Sword, An Extraordinary Man and Love
Great fantasy! A good read! Loved story and people. The humor and romance were bonus gold! Would recommend for the mature teenager/young adult and the young at heart.
Great fantasy! A good read! Loved story and people. The humor and romance were bonus gold! Would recommend for the mature teenager/young adult and the young at heart.
October 30, 2019
Excellent
This starts out rather dull, but Don't Stop Reading! It turns out to be a wonderful story that is well written. The characters are fantastic. I can't wait to start on the next book.
This starts out rather dull, but Don't Stop Reading! It turns out to be a wonderful story that is well written. The characters are fantastic. I can't wait to start on the next book.
September 8, 2017
Great read most enjoyable
Everyone needs a little fantasy in there live can't wait until next book is out and everyone is save and happy
Everyone needs a little fantasy in there live can't wait until next book is out and everyone is save and happy
October 16, 2019
A fun read. Good clean romance. An understandable villain and modest hero.
June 8, 2020
Full circle
Nice story. Mystery and forbidden love. Sarcasm and a bonus surprise! A little childish here and there but not too bad.
Nice story. Mystery and forbidden love. Sarcasm and a bonus surprise! A little childish here and there but not too bad.
November 8, 2020
Dragon
Who doesn't love dragons and true love? This was the kind of story I really enjoy, true love, community and togetherness against life's challenges
Who doesn't love dragons and true love? This was the kind of story I really enjoy, true love, community and togetherness against life's challenges
March 19, 2017
Good
This is a very good book. Full of action, friendships, mystery, magic, and a surprise in the end. Great characters and a good story line. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
This is a very good book. Full of action, friendships, mystery, magic, and a surprise in the end. Great characters and a good story line. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
May 30, 2016
First of all, Christine Grey is a grand master story teller. Her characters are well developed, vivid, and very alive. Her attention to detail is amazing; the use of imagery is so well done it's almost like I was watching a movie. The story's very comical when it comes to the main character's temper, which is very hilariously similar to how I've seen the authors temper flare. From time to time, I have experienced my own anger bubble out of control and that makes me relate to the author and Dearra so much more. Another thing that made this book seem really good to me was that it had it's happy little priceless moments, but it wasn't perfect, things went wrong for the main characters just like accidents happen in real life. I'm excited to continue with this series.
September 22, 2016
I downloaded Breathe as a free book from Amazon. A unique and inspired story, narrated to a little girl by an unnamed storyteller (well, we learn a little more in the Epilogue). Wonderfully imaginative storytelling, Breathe is well paced with great character development of protagonists and secondary characters. This over-arching plot will definitely span into a couple more books, although the author could possibly squeeze out more with secondary characters. Loved the writing and loved the story. I will try to wedge book two into my TBR (to be read) list, as I'm curious to see how things progress.
November 6, 2016
This was a sweet, magical, humorous little romance. Someone should send this book to the Disney Studios. I could just see this as I read it, as an animated movie on the big screen at the theaters. I did struggle at first; but ended up loving this book. It has a simple plot, with wonderful characters especially 'Brin'....
dnf
September 22, 2016DNF at 8% - there was just walls and walls of text without things happening. After the third or fourth mention of her dead mother and how she died, and then the walls and walls of "dialogue" via data dumping story - I gave up.
February 11, 2016
Pretty good
Editing is really atrocious. This alone costs one star. Grammar, composition poor. Allowing Jacob so much leeway was unbelievable. Can't build a ship from green wood.
Editing is really atrocious. This alone costs one star. Grammar, composition poor. Allowing Jacob so much leeway was unbelievable. Can't build a ship from green wood.
May 19, 2016
Love story
What an amazing love story. Lovely characters and an exciting plot. I highly recommend it you won't be disappointed. I'm ready for book two.
What an amazing love story. Lovely characters and an exciting plot. I highly recommend it you won't be disappointed. I'm ready for book two.
June 14, 2016
This is a great read! Can't Wait to read book 2! I loved the humor of the talking sword relationship! It got a little twisted at times but it worked!
December 20, 2016
Great story and easy read
Great start to a saga filled with twists and turns that leave the reader surprised and unable to wait for the next chapter. This is a fun, relaxing read.
Great start to a saga filled with twists and turns that leave the reader surprised and unable to wait for the next chapter. This is a fun, relaxing read.
Want to read
December 7, 2018FREE on Amazon today (10/14/2017)!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews