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Destined #6
Cursed: Briar Rose's Story
“Just think,” the curse whispered as I drifted off to sleep. “Three years from today, you’ll fall asleep like this and never wake up.”
I was almost too tired to care.
Almost.
When she was thirteen years old, Briar Rose made a terrible mistake.
She’s spent the last five years waiting for the day she’ll finally pay for it, the day she’ll be cursed to eternal sleep by cruel mages who plan to use her against her mother.
Five years of anticipation. Five years of torture.
The curse controls her every moment, waking or sleeping. Her movements and words. Her choices. Her destiny.
When her final attempt to fight the curse fails, her only consolation is that she’ll be alone in her miserable end.
She didn’t count on a twin sister who refuses to give up on her.
Or a best friend who will do anything to save her.
Or enemies who have been planning an act of unthinkable evil for centuries, forcing her to find the will to fight back when she has nothing left to give and everything to lose.
Truths are revealed and steep prices are paid in this Sleeping Beauty retelling, the thrilling conclusion to the Destined series.
I was almost too tired to care.
Almost.
When she was thirteen years old, Briar Rose made a terrible mistake.
She’s spent the last five years waiting for the day she’ll finally pay for it, the day she’ll be cursed to eternal sleep by cruel mages who plan to use her against her mother.
Five years of anticipation. Five years of torture.
The curse controls her every moment, waking or sleeping. Her movements and words. Her choices. Her destiny.
When her final attempt to fight the curse fails, her only consolation is that she’ll be alone in her miserable end.
She didn’t count on a twin sister who refuses to give up on her.
Or a best friend who will do anything to save her.
Or enemies who have been planning an act of unthinkable evil for centuries, forcing her to find the will to fight back when she has nothing left to give and everything to lose.
Truths are revealed and steep prices are paid in this Sleeping Beauty retelling, the thrilling conclusion to the Destined series.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
69 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Kaylin Lee
13 books78 followersKaylin Lee lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real-life hero husband and two sweet kiddos. After a lifetime of staying up too late reading stories, she now wakes up too early writing them. It was probably inevitable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 17, 2022
It's been a few years since I read the previous books, so there were definitely a few things I had to strain to recall. But I'm glad I finally got around to completing the series, and I do love a good Sleeping Beauty story, so I've been curious about Bri's story since it came out.
The story very loosely touched on the classic Sleeping Beauty elements, but it fit perfectly into the Destined world that Lee has created. And it wrapped up all the previous thread really well. Personally, I struggled with the pacing. The first half of the story showed flashes over a number of years and the second half still felt a little rocky in some places. It was hard to know what time when what was happening and it just made it difficult to follow. Furthermore, we spent most of the book building to two moments, and both were over pretty quickly. So, the climax felt a little out of balance with the super long wrap up. But otherwise, I was engaged in the story itself and enjoyed watching the plot develop.
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Bri. There were parts of her I liked. She was clever and had determination and grit. I liked that. I also sympathized with her situation and understood the effects it had on her after a certain event which shall remain unnamed XD But I did waver a little after the event because she seemed to doubt herself and push people away when I expected her to do the opposite. I guess I just didn't quite see where she was coming from or understand her motivation entirely. I did really like Tav, though. I wish we could have seen more of the Sentinel team stuff, but I could see why Lee would choose not to show us that. It would have been fun to dig a little more into some of the side characters, though. Tav's demeanor, ancestry, loyalty, and competence really drew me to him. And just the way he carried himself in the face of his peers and conflicts impressed me. And, of course, we had a few recurring characters that were fun to see again!
Lee's world is comprised of a few different cultures, lands, and creatures. She carried them all through the series well, I think. And the same is true in the conclusion here. Like I said, there were some plot threads and a few characters I should have brushed up on before reading, but her world didn't take very long to come back. I remembered that pretty distinctly and it was fun to get to see more of it once again.
Thematically, the story lightly touched on the trauma of abandonment, torture, and self-depreciation, but really it didn't go into a lot of depth. There's no foul language, some mild fantasy violence (but nothing very graphic), and a clean romance that's pretty mild too. I'd say maybe 13/14+
The story very loosely touched on the classic Sleeping Beauty elements, but it fit perfectly into the Destined world that Lee has created. And it wrapped up all the previous thread really well. Personally, I struggled with the pacing. The first half of the story showed flashes over a number of years and the second half still felt a little rocky in some places. It was hard to know what time when what was happening and it just made it difficult to follow. Furthermore, we spent most of the book building to two moments, and both were over pretty quickly. So, the climax felt a little out of balance with the super long wrap up. But otherwise, I was engaged in the story itself and enjoyed watching the plot develop.
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about Bri. There were parts of her I liked. She was clever and had determination and grit. I liked that. I also sympathized with her situation and understood the effects it had on her after a certain event which shall remain unnamed XD But I did waver a little after the event because she seemed to doubt herself and push people away when I expected her to do the opposite. I guess I just didn't quite see where she was coming from or understand her motivation entirely. I did really like Tav, though. I wish we could have seen more of the Sentinel team stuff, but I could see why Lee would choose not to show us that. It would have been fun to dig a little more into some of the side characters, though. Tav's demeanor, ancestry, loyalty, and competence really drew me to him. And just the way he carried himself in the face of his peers and conflicts impressed me. And, of course, we had a few recurring characters that were fun to see again!
Lee's world is comprised of a few different cultures, lands, and creatures. She carried them all through the series well, I think. And the same is true in the conclusion here. Like I said, there were some plot threads and a few characters I should have brushed up on before reading, but her world didn't take very long to come back. I remembered that pretty distinctly and it was fun to get to see more of it once again.
Thematically, the story lightly touched on the trauma of abandonment, torture, and self-depreciation, but really it didn't go into a lot of depth. There's no foul language, some mild fantasy violence (but nothing very graphic), and a clean romance that's pretty mild too. I'd say maybe 13/14+
May 27, 2020
I've been eagerly awaiting this book's release ever since the last one came out! Briar Rose's story has been a long time coming, and it did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed getting inside Bri's head and seeing how the curse affected her strange behavior as seen in the last book. Kaylin Lee's writing is eMotIoNal! Really pulls you in and tugs on your heartstrings. Once I started this book, I was already longing for a happy ending! As usual, this book is chock-full of action, drama (the good, edge-of-your-seat kind), and just the right amount of stakes. Fairytale retellings are one of my favorite genres, but a lot of books are too full of sappy romantic fluff (at least, that's how I see it; I prefer a bit more substance in my good reads). There are a few oustanding exceptions, including Kaylin Lee! The depth of her storyworld and intense plots are something the fairytale genre could definitely benefit from!
Bri was a great main character, and I really shouldn't say more for fear of spoiling some of the main events in the story. The love interest in this one was... well, a little less interesting than any of the other male leads in this series? I wish he had more personality. He's probably one of my two only problems with this book.
The other is that the ending drew out waayyy too long. The actual action sequence of the story ends around the 70% mark, which left everything else for the resolution. I hate super-brief endings, especially for long series, but this one just dragged on with little left to the story.
I'mma end this review on a positive note, that is to say-- I had no idea Lee based her storyworld off cities here in the East! Suffice it to say I am a huge fan of her worldbuilding; not a lot of fairytale retellers try to expand their worlds into memorable settings, but the Destined series world almost gives off a dystopian feel (or maybe it's just the big-city modern-ish vibes?). Anyway, I love it and am sorry to say goodbye.
On that note, I can't wait to see what Kaylin Lee will be releasing in the future!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
I really enjoyed getting inside Bri's head and seeing how the curse affected her strange behavior as seen in the last book. Kaylin Lee's writing is eMotIoNal! Really pulls you in and tugs on your heartstrings. Once I started this book, I was already longing for a happy ending! As usual, this book is chock-full of action, drama (the good, edge-of-your-seat kind), and just the right amount of stakes. Fairytale retellings are one of my favorite genres, but a lot of books are too full of sappy romantic fluff (at least, that's how I see it; I prefer a bit more substance in my good reads). There are a few oustanding exceptions, including Kaylin Lee! The depth of her storyworld and intense plots are something the fairytale genre could definitely benefit from!
Bri was a great main character, and I really shouldn't say more for fear of spoiling some of the main events in the story. The love interest in this one was... well, a little less interesting than any of the other male leads in this series? I wish he had more personality. He's probably one of my two only problems with this book.
The other is that the ending drew out waayyy too long. The actual action sequence of the story ends around the 70% mark, which left everything else for the resolution. I hate super-brief endings, especially for long series, but this one just dragged on with little left to the story.
I'mma end this review on a positive note, that is to say-- I had no idea Lee based her storyworld off cities here in the East! Suffice it to say I am a huge fan of her worldbuilding; not a lot of fairytale retellers try to expand their worlds into memorable settings, but the Destined series world almost gives off a dystopian feel (or maybe it's just the big-city modern-ish vibes?). Anyway, I love it and am sorry to say goodbye.
On that note, I can't wait to see what Kaylin Lee will be releasing in the future!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
April 22, 2020
A wonderful wrap up to an excellent series! I have enjoyed them all. Sleeping Beauty was always my favorite princess. This Briar Rose is a fully developed character. She has flaws but many good qualities too. This is a relaxing feel good read which everyone needs now and then. Also a good role model for young girls. Looking forward to more from this author!
May 18, 2020
Very satisfying series conclusion. I would love to read more stories set in this world, but this last book ties everything up completely. It also did a fabulous job delving into the mind of the main character in a way that showed the devastation of being trapped in one's own mind while also holding out hope that it wouldn't always be this way and dealing with the aftermath of trauma.
Kaylin Lee's writing was great to begin with and has only gotten better with each book. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Kaylin Lee's writing was great to begin with and has only gotten better with each book. I look forward to reading more of her works.
June 5, 2020
Loved it!
A fitting end to a wonderfully written series. I like Briar Rose much more than Alba - personal preference, I think i just naturally relate to her better - and i loved how this book ties the whole series together, while STILL being quite satisfactory even if you didn't read the other books, yet not endlessly repeating the story of the previous books. Kaylin Lee absolutely has a gift for writing a largely overlapping story from different perspectives and making you love both independently (like Fated and Hidden). I can't wait to read more of her work!
A fitting end to a wonderfully written series. I like Briar Rose much more than Alba - personal preference, I think i just naturally relate to her better - and i loved how this book ties the whole series together, while STILL being quite satisfactory even if you didn't read the other books, yet not endlessly repeating the story of the previous books. Kaylin Lee absolutely has a gift for writing a largely overlapping story from different perspectives and making you love both independently (like Fated and Hidden). I can't wait to read more of her work!
February 24, 2021
Sleeping Beauty Retelling
A twist on the no beloved story of Sleeping Beauty. Briar Rose and be her twin sister Alba are free to learn and grow. Sinister Mages want ultimate power and control over everyone. Curiosity leads Briar Rose, or Bri, to their hidden castle. Will she be cursed to bring all she loves here to die? Is her will strong enough to become a mighty sentinel? Can she and those she loves defeat the evil afterall? Find it out in this spellbinding story! I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
A twist on the no beloved story of Sleeping Beauty. Briar Rose and be her twin sister Alba are free to learn and grow. Sinister Mages want ultimate power and control over everyone. Curiosity leads Briar Rose, or Bri, to their hidden castle. Will she be cursed to bring all she loves here to die? Is her will strong enough to become a mighty sentinel? Can she and those she loves defeat the evil afterall? Find it out in this spellbinding story! I highly recommend it. Happy Reading!
May 6, 2020
One of the Best!
A set of fairytale retelling for the ages, Destined combines a dystopian magiscape with steampunk flair for a believable, inspiring read that transports you to another world. Tough heroines, beautifully respectful love stories and a Big Bad that will give you the heerbie jeebies blend seamlessly with fantastic dialogue and complete cultures that leave you wanting more.!
A set of fairytale retelling for the ages, Destined combines a dystopian magiscape with steampunk flair for a believable, inspiring read that transports you to another world. Tough heroines, beautifully respectful love stories and a Big Bad that will give you the heerbie jeebies blend seamlessly with fantastic dialogue and complete cultures that leave you wanting more.!
May 14, 2020
So good that I am sad it is finished!
Excellent conclusion to an excellent series! This book is a fantastic mix of telling relevant events that have already happened from Briar Rose’s perspective and new events that bring this world to a beautiful conclusion! Loved this series that turned into a dynamic world with heart warming characters. Has elements of Sleeping Beauty, but is definitely a story all its own.
Excellent conclusion to an excellent series! This book is a fantastic mix of telling relevant events that have already happened from Briar Rose’s perspective and new events that bring this world to a beautiful conclusion! Loved this series that turned into a dynamic world with heart warming characters. Has elements of Sleeping Beauty, but is definitely a story all its own.
May 28, 2020
Great ending to an interesting series!
This series of six books has been an interesting read. I like reading romantic retellings of fairy tales. However, a lot of those books just become about the romance. Not so these books. There is plenty of romance but a lot of issues were touched on, such as prejudice, drug addiction, the impact of trauma on people etc. This stores had substance to it.
This series of six books has been an interesting read. I like reading romantic retellings of fairy tales. However, a lot of those books just become about the romance. Not so these books. There is plenty of romance but a lot of issues were touched on, such as prejudice, drug addiction, the impact of trauma on people etc. This stores had substance to it.
May 5, 2020
Superior!
I love when an author winds the fairytales of my youth together in a great retelling. Kaylin Lee has written a superior series with Destined. From the 1st page of Book 1 to the final page of Briar Rose's tale, I was enthralled. I will defintely read more from this author & will recommend this series again & again.
I love when an author winds the fairytales of my youth together in a great retelling. Kaylin Lee has written a superior series with Destined. From the 1st page of Book 1 to the final page of Briar Rose's tale, I was enthralled. I will defintely read more from this author & will recommend this series again & again.
June 4, 2020
Wonderful
I loved this series. It was a great retelling of all the fairytale princesses we know and love but it keeps you guessing. This was not the traditional telling of the stories so it's fresh and new. Anyone who loved Disney princess movies as a child and likes books about adventure and love will love this book!
I loved this series. It was a great retelling of all the fairytale princesses we know and love but it keeps you guessing. This was not the traditional telling of the stories so it's fresh and new. Anyone who loved Disney princess movies as a child and likes books about adventure and love will love this book!
June 7, 2020
Ahhhhhhh it finally came to an end but it was completely worth the wait until this final book in the series. Loved Bri’s character development and the ties back to the other books with the characters. I highly recommend the series if you love clean romance and adventure books with some amazing female main characters!
June 21, 2020
Great finale
Briar rose is not just tormented by a spindle and the possibility of centuries of sleep. No. She is cursed from the beginning of her tale and has to learn to fight against it to save not only those she loves, but the whole world. Like the way all the stories wrap up in this last book!
Briar rose is not just tormented by a spindle and the possibility of centuries of sleep. No. She is cursed from the beginning of her tale and has to learn to fight against it to save not only those she loves, but the whole world. Like the way all the stories wrap up in this last book!
October 3, 2020
Great Final Book
I was sad this was the last book in the series, but it was possibly the best one. I don't think it was just because it wrapped up the series.
The action and love story of Bri was heartbreaking at times. It brought light to the darkness of scars that can't be seen because they are on the inside. For that alone it was a great story.
I was sad this was the last book in the series, but it was possibly the best one. I don't think it was just because it wrapped up the series.
The action and love story of Bri was heartbreaking at times. It brought light to the darkness of scars that can't be seen because they are on the inside. For that alone it was a great story.
October 24, 2020
This whole series
This whole series is fantastic. The characters are compelling. I love how the timelines in the books meet up. Her characters are strong, yet vulnerable. Her world building is great. I'm truly sorry to see the series end. I wish we could the saving of the Western continent.
This whole series is fantastic. The characters are compelling. I love how the timelines in the books meet up. Her characters are strong, yet vulnerable. Her world building is great. I'm truly sorry to see the series end. I wish we could the saving of the Western continent.
March 15, 2021
Worth reading
I'm normally not a fan of fantasy fiction but the description had me intrigued. The description stated that it was a new take on the old fairy tales. While there is an element of fairy tales to it, the lead female characters are awesome. They fight and rule, strategize and also are wild and adventurous.
I'm normally not a fan of fantasy fiction but the description had me intrigued. The description stated that it was a new take on the old fairy tales. While there is an element of fairy tales to it, the lead female characters are awesome. They fight and rule, strategize and also are wild and adventurous.
July 12, 2021
Read the whole series
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited I was able to binge on the whole story arc, to me riveted delight. While each is tale could be a standalone e, the layers and complexity of the whole are so much more satisfying when read in sequence. I love retellings of the old fairy tales, and these are masterful. Thank you for hours of pleasure.
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited I was able to binge on the whole story arc, to me riveted delight. While each is tale could be a standalone e, the layers and complexity of the whole are so much more satisfying when read in sequence. I love retellings of the old fairy tales, and these are masterful. Thank you for hours of pleasure.
January 1, 2022
I've been reading this series for the last several years and WOW this was a phenomenal wrap-up to the overarching story and an incredible take on Sleeping Beauty. The way details of the original were worked through this retelling, as well as the depth of relationship that was built was wonderful. Some of the solution via Chloe seemed a little to easy, but overall I liked this book a lot.
May 12, 2020
A great ending to this epic series! I didn't enjoy the story as much--it's so depressing--but learning about everyone is wonderful. And, again, it's a great lesson to learn about the inner life of someone who's so aloof and rude.
June 21, 2020
Great Series
I thought this whole series was really well written. I loved how all of the books weaved an interesting tale together with characters from each one showing up in the next! I would highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy this genre.
I thought this whole series was really well written. I loved how all of the books weaved an interesting tale together with characters from each one showing up in the next! I would highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy this genre.
July 31, 2020
Wonderful!
This book was so good! I just love Briar Rose’s story and all its twists and turns. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. And yes, even during a pandemic we need it, maybe especially.
This book was so good! I just love Briar Rose’s story and all its twists and turns. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. And yes, even during a pandemic we need it, maybe especially.
May 1, 2020
So fantastic
I hate writing reviews because I can't leave just what I think I have to write a certain amount of words.... But seriously I love this series
I hate writing reviews because I can't leave just what I think I have to write a certain amount of words.... But seriously I love this series
May 24, 2020
Love it
What a Wonderful retelling. Hoping that this is not the end and there’s a new series to continue the story.
What a Wonderful retelling. Hoping that this is not the end and there’s a new series to continue the story.
June 1, 2020
A good bad thing
The good, another wonderful story set in the Destined world. The bad, the final book in this series. Hopefully the ending will spawn a sequel series!
The good, another wonderful story set in the Destined world. The bad, the final book in this series. Hopefully the ending will spawn a sequel series!
June 19, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope this isn't the last book I read from this author.
August 6, 2020
Review coming soon!
January 20, 2021
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
June 7, 2021
Delightful clean fantasy with good life values
I have really enjoyed this series and hope you publish Chloe’s story. I would love to read it soon please
I have really enjoyed this series and hope you publish Chloe’s story. I would love to read it soon please
December 17, 2020
Storms a brewing
This is a fun retelling of "Sleeping Beauty". Bri is breathtakingly tortured. After five years of living with a dark curse she is ready to end it all. Life won't let her go so easily. Tav and Alba come to her rescue, only to have her parents kidnapped by a team of Sentinels and taken as prisoners. Now a new curse threatens all life. If the survive, they still have a whole continent to the West to salvage.
This is a fun retelling of "Sleeping Beauty". Bri is breathtakingly tortured. After five years of living with a dark curse she is ready to end it all. Life won't let her go so easily. Tav and Alba come to her rescue, only to have her parents kidnapped by a team of Sentinels and taken as prisoners. Now a new curse threatens all life. If the survive, they still have a whole continent to the West to salvage.
March 28, 2024
This was a good conclusion to this series. I'll be honest, I couldn't get through the last book but overall I enjoyed the whole series (except of course Hunted).
Content:
Language: none
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: mild
Content:
Language: none
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: mild
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews