Reeling from the news that her father is still alive, Caroline is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her family and her former life in this thrilling second volume of the intriguing new series Destine Academy.
Caroline Destine’s world hasn’t been the same since her 16th birthday. As if it wasn’t enough to find her mother and brother missing without a trace, now Caroline must find her place among the magically gifted students at Destine Academy. She quickly discovers that, not only has her family hidden many important secrets from her, but now her mother and brother might not be the only ones in danger. Yet, despite the darkness gathering around her, Caroline takes refuge in her new friendships, including the confusing attraction to the polar opposites, the athletic and charming Corbin Chevalier, and the studious and brooding Aldrick Vieux. With the help of her supernaturally talented friends at Destine, Caroline vows to unravel the mysteries that might lead to her mother, her brother, and some answers.
The only question is, will she live long enough to finish her quest?
We have a book that I think young readers and young adults would love to read or listen to. A little mystery and new friendships. Charoline's father has shown up, but where has he been? Why did he make his family think he was dead? What are the secrets they are keeping? Will I find my mother and brother" Did I pick the right Fraction" I received a free audio and borrowed the book for my honest review.
“Ten years ago I faked my own death. It was both the easiest and hardest decision of my life. It was easy because I would give my life to protect my family. Yet, it also meant never seeing them again - or should I say, never letting them see me again. Only a select few in our community knew of my plans, including my sister, and I was to stay dead, at least in name. However, we have reason to believe Tempeste Barrere is back and with her, The Entiere. This can only mean that they are either in possession of a new prophecy or they have found a way back to their original one - neither scenario is a good one for anyone in this room.” - Gasper Destine
Reeling from the revelation that her father is still alive, Caroline is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her family and her former life. Unfortunately, her father is less than forthcoming on his reasons for faking his death. “A man doesn’t leave the love of his life and his two small children he adores unless there is no other way,” he assures Caroline. The disappearance of her mother and brother has proven that the threat is as viable now as it was ten years ago and Caroline is also in danger.
Despite the darkness gathering around her, Caroline takes refuge in her new friendships including the brooding and enigmatic Aldrick Vieux, who she feels an attraction towards. When she finally finds her key, Caroline vows to unravel the mystery surrounding her family’s troubled past and find her mother and brother.
Destine Academy: The Return is the second instalment of what is fast turning out to be an intriguing series. While each instalment is relatively short, I feel that the author made considerable progress in setting up the plot and world-building. Crucially we learn about Tempeste Barrere and the threat that she and The Entiere pose to the Academy. Tempeste believed that by uniting all the factions (Magiques, Voyante, Surnatural and Metamorphs) under one, she could tap into all sources of power and essentially become the most powerful person on the planet. Following her failed attempt to fulfil the prophecy, Tempeste went into hiding. Why she may have possibly resurfaced now or how Caroline and her family are connected to this prophecy remains to be seen.
This was a fast-paced, absorbing read which I finished in one sitting. My only gripe is the length of each instalment. Nevertheless, my interest has been piqued enough to seek out the next instalment.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Destine Academy and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Melissa Topscher’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing.
“The Return”, the second volume in the “Destine Academy Series” by Sara Snow, follows seamlessly the events depicted in the previous book. After the disappearance of her mother and brother and her move to France to attend the prestigious Destine Academy (Book 1 of this Series), Caroline has come a long way in decipher parts of her hidden past, this time however, life throws her a very unexpected curve ball: her supposedly deceased father is very much alive, standing right in front of her eyes in the Headmistress office. What follows is a very intricate plot that reveals some missed pieces in Caroline’s background together with some very unexpected new information. While dealing with her father reappearance Caroline will also have to choose with of the four Academy fractions she would like to joint, she must choose wisely as they are consequences to each decision.
The book mix coming of age narrative tropes with urban fantasy elements, into a story that feels real and fresh, and keeps the reader interested page-to-page until the very end. Caroline character is likeable and approachable and her two closed friends Corbin and Aldrick offer a fine counterpoint to her own personality.
Sara Snow’s written style is enjoyable, funny and crisp, combining action elements and character development to get the reader interested in the plot and invested in the characters. A worthy and satisfying YA Urban Fantasy Series. Looking forward to seeing how the story develops in the next installment.
Caroline is still at the academy while awaiting news of the whereabouts of her brother Justin and her mother who have disappeared from her previous residence. In the meantime, she has learned that her father is not dead but quite alive and that he had to take his own death. He never came back to see them and broke her mother's heart as well as her own. In other words, being a teenager, she is elated to see him but also pissed at him for what he made them go through. If that is not enough, she learns that she must choose her faction amongst the four magics and, on a whim, she chooses "The Magiques" and is assigned her new friend and guide, Nadine. Needless to say that the adventure has just begun.
The author continues her journey in the world of the fantastic and thrilling mystical world of paranormal that grips the reader from the start with all that is thrown at sixteen years old Caroline, at the same time, without leaving her anytime to adjust. The gift displayed by the author is such that the reader cannot help but tag along on this fantastic voyage. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and rate this short but good sequel 5 Stars as I highly recommend this book.
ONE ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE!!! Holy hell! Sara brought her A-game, blazing through like a flaming inferno, ratcheting up the heat and kicking the gates of hell wide open, melding this bad boy together sleek shiny and tight. Non-stop, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, lighting up this sparkling gem and watching it burn. A tumultuous whirlwind of unpredictable circumstances and surprising mishaps, catapults those churning emotions into play, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration. A multitude of formidable trials and challenging tribulations along with compelling twists and wicked turns, propels this jewel into a tailspin with an explosive culmination. The characters, dialogue, interactions, charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open, making the storyline pop. Amazing job Sara, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
The Return (Destine Academy #2) by Sara Snow was received through BookFunnel and I am now giving an honest review. LOVE THE SERIES so far and highly recommend. In this book after her mother and brother go missing Caroline Destine is brought to Destine Academy and has just recently discovered her dad is still alive. Now she must also find her place among the magically gifted students and she not only discovers her family had hidden many important secrets from her but now her missing family might not be the only ones in danger. With the help of her supernaturally talented friends at Destine Caroline vows to unravel the mysteries to get her family back. The only question is will she live long enough to finish her quest? This, and the rest of the series, is available on Amazon
The book opens where book 1 ended with Caroline standing in her aunt's, the headmistress, office. Her father is there. He faked his own death 10 years prior. Caroline decides which of the four groups at school to be part of. The little details from book one become important in Caroline's well-being. There is a group out to take over the world and Caroline decides she will find the leader because she thinks it will get her mom and brother back. So the bulk of the book, which is 50 some pages told in a few sentences. This series reads more like a series of vignettes.
Well C is still at the Academy, trying to find out where she fits in. She had a HUGE shock, and people aren't being forthcoming with her, so she's dealing with ALL the feels. Cute books who make her heart skip a beat, girls who could be come great friends, but how long will she be @ the Academy? Where is her mom and brother? Are they in danger?
Read on, it's short, but sweet. I am reading these in the full collection avaliable via KU, but I'll review each one as I go :)
YA and up, read, learn about Destine Academy, and learn what faction YOU fit into....
The second book was just as exciting and absorbing as the first, as soon as I started it I was sucked into the fantasy world of Destine Academy as Caroline struggles to accept her new reality and the amazing return of her father to her life. Secrets from the past are revealed, and new paths open up to her if she can accept them. A fantastic book with expressive narration, I can't wait for the next book!
Snow Balls #2 Destine Academy #2 Second part of the series, basically the second chapter of a novel really, but anyway I digress, it basically features one dramatic incident and of course a heroic geezer. Already going down the dreamy geezer route. Not much intrigue and this one had a weak cliff hanger type ending.
Caroline's father is alive and shows up at her new school. An old menace shows up. Any more and it will be spoilers. Good story, again too short. I again can only give it 4 stars because of length. I was given a free copy of this book at my request and this is my honest review.
These are really quick reads but pack a punch! The author manages to get enough into the few chapters for to get the story and the drama but also leaves you wanting more! I’m really enjoying them. This starts with Caroline discovering her dad is still alive to finding her key power.
The storyline so far has been intriguing but I think rather than split it into so many different books it would have been better to just write one longer book.