Child of Destiny

Divide #2

by T.E. Bradford

ACROSS THE DIVIDE, A STORM IS BREWING. In a world where power determines position, word is spreading of the girl who possesses all three factors of magic. Some feel her existence heralds a new era. Others cling desperately to old traditions. The struggle will pit neighbor against neighbor in a conflict poised to spiral into civil war. At the heart of the maelstrom an adversary thirsty for domination wields a weapon of untold magnitude. When power can be harvested like wheat, no one’s magic is safe—even the Trine’s.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Christian

Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2020

About the author

Tracy is a writer, singer-songwriter, cancer survivor and proud wife and mother. Born and raised in Central New York, she will tell you that her parents gave her the two best tools in her arsenal by reading to her and raising her in a Christian household. In spite of the long CNY winters she continues to live there with the husband that God created just for her, and the son who is her forever best story. In her heart, she feels that her gift of writing is a little piece of magic, and that it is both her privilege and grandest adventure to find new ways to stretch a hand out to touch the wonder of this vast universe God created.

Reviews

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child of Destiny by T.E. Bradford is the second novel in the Divide series. Nova and her friends are back in Threa and this time they have to stop a war between the magic users of the realm. Again, stopping the evil falls on Nova’s shoulders, although she does lean heavily on her friends (unlike the last book). Many of the story questions asked in the first book are answered in this one but new ones are asked, leaving it open for another book.

I liked the friendship between the characters and how love, mercy, and grace are part of the growing process in them. The adults actually stick around, unlike a lot of YA novels, and play an integral part of the plot. It’s a nice change, really.

Something that didn’t sit well with me was the sheer number of characters and their plot lines. It got confusing quickly as to who was doing what and when. I wrote down names and their plots to keep them straight. If you haven’t read the first book, this one is going to be confusing as it relies a lot on knowing what happened before this story.

A heads up for the sensitive readers. There are a few characters who have sunk into sin and do not find redemption. Some of that sin is lust and although Ms. Bradford does not write explicitly, it can be a little icky reading what some characters are thinking about others and the actions they take because of their immersion in sin. It’s not graphic but it can be unsettling. I do admire Ms. Bradford for not shying away from some tough topics, though.

In the end, though, I can only say that I liked this book. It’s a solid entry into the Christian fantasy genre. If you’re interested in more of my thoughts on this story, you can head over to my blog for the complete review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child of Destiny is book two in T. E. Bradford’s Divide series. She successfully continues the fantasy world. The relationship between Nova, Quentin, and Laura continues and we see growth in the characters as they are faced with greater responsibilities. The battles they face and the decisions they must make, require strength they didn’t realize they had. Readers will be re-acquainted with characters from Child of Prophecy - Mira, Grandpa Zeke, Lucien, Morra, Sol, Seth, and more. Readers will also meet some new characters - some they will like and others, not so much.
I love the parallels between the fantasy world of Threa and the life of a Christian including a reliance on the “one God.” I could see the salvation story played out in the plot of the series.
Child of Destiny has a satisfying ending but I do hope that T. E. Bradford has more books planned in the Divide series. I’d really love to see what happens between Nova and Quentin and what happens in Threa, and how Nova, Quentin, and Laura finish out their high school years. There are also a couple of new relationships begun in Child of Destiny that I’d like to see how they play out.
I think that readers should read Child of Prophecy first to fully understand the fantasy world and relationship between characters. Since it has been a while since I read Child of Prophecy, a “previously in…” section at the start of the book would have been helpful.
I would not hesitate to add Child of Destiny to a k-12 Christian school library. The main characters are high school age but I think the book would be appropriate for fifth grade and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Child of Destiny. This is my honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited when this book came out. I already knew that the author would blow me away with her imagination and I was not disappointed at all. I am glad to see that my friends Nova, Quentin and Laura are off on another journey together. Hands down my favorite character is Nova. I love the way she handles herself in stressful situations and never backs down from anything.

What I found a little ironic was the storyline about the fear of Civil War breaking out. With the turmoil that 2020 has thrown at us this year, I have heard rumors about a possible Civil War right here in the United States. Nova is on high alert as the threat draws near. I was anxious reading the story because I know the author is good at throwing twists in her stories. I say to Nova, “get your armor on and be prepared.” I loved this quote in the book, “Life isn’t fair. Things are thrust at us we can’t control.But events don’t define us-how we respond does.” I thought this was a good example of the trials we go through in life. We may face difficult situations, but we need to have faith that God is there to help us.

The story is very well plotted out and leaves readers wondering if Nova and her friends can survive. I think middle school aged and up would enjoy this book because it is about a group of kids around their age. The book is filled with subtle lessons and an adventure that tops the chart of intrigue and a world like no other. Will a war break out? Can Nova and her friends keep danger from their world? Grab a copy and join the adventure .

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Becca Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back again with Nova, Quentin, and Laura. And some extra characters who I instantly fell in love with! This is the second book in T.E. Bradford’s Divide series. I really did enjoy this book. What I really love about this series is that it reminds me of the Narnia series. And now I just want to go back and either read those books or watch the movies.

I really enjoyed getting to see Nova and her gang again, but what I liked was Sylvie’s story the most. I loved meeting her and getting to know her and honestly, I kind of want to BE her. I think she is now my favorite character out of all the characters.

Something else that I really liked was the addition of music. I wish I could almost see this book in movie form so that I could actually hear what the music sounds like, because the way the author describes it, it sounds really beautiful.

I was also happy to learn a little bit more about Laura, but I with everything else going on in the novel, I was slightly underwhelmed and wished the author had focused on Laura’s story a bit more. But other than just that slight (and I mean SLIGHT) thing, this series has become one of my favorite fantasy series.

I can’t wait to see what else T.E. Bradford has in store for her readers. It will be interesting to see what happens with Nova and her friends, Threa, and Sylvie.

I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Child of Destiny" by T.E. Bradford is the second book in the "Divide Series". I recommend that you read the first book first because this book starts when the other ends of. I was not sure I was going to like this book at first because I am a not a fan of stories with magic and spells. But the more I read, the more I liked the book. This book is somewhat like the "Chronicles of Narnia" series.

I think I would enjoy this story more as a movie, wow, did I just say that, but it is the honest truth.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy with a subtle message of the Gospel. Yes, if you read my review of the first book "The Child of Prophecy" this is mostly a repeat of that one because it is the truth of this book also.

In this book we see Nova and her friends worried about their land being at Civil War. This book is more about music than the color of sounds like the first book.

I wouldn't have chosen these books to read if I went to the library because they are not my normal read but I am glad I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and was given the chance to read these books. I really did enjoy them more than I though I would.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child of Destiny is the second book in a series. You do want to read book one first or you’re going to be lost. This book answers questions that were leftover from the first book and then makes you ask more questions as well. The main character Nova and her friends are back and they must fight to win the battle with evil.

There are characters who are pure evil and so you will be encountering sin though nothing too graphic. It’s done with tact.

I really liked this cover.

I’m not a huge fantasy fan so this is not my favorite series but I have found it to be well written. It does hold my attention and makes me want to continue reading as I’m invested in these characters and need to see how it ends up. I do feel that it’s needing to be continued so a third book is probably coming.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child of Destiny is book 2 in the Divide series by T.E. Bradford. I would recommend reading book 1 so that you completely understand what is going on. I was a little lost. This book is geared toward Middle to late grades. The book is well written and contains an original theme. I will say that this book was not my cup of tea. I was confused and lost throughout the book. This is not a genre that I read a lot. However, that being said -- The author writes very well. Her words flowed right off the page. She crafted an intriguing story that I can see being placed in Middle and High Schools.

In this book we see Nova and her friends worried about their land being at Civil War. The book opens describing how another caravan was attacked. You can tell that they are worried about what is happening around them. The book then pans to Nova and her friends. Nova is a very likable character. The worlds and space that the author has created is believable and entertaining.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program - all thoughts are my own.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nova and the crew are headed into battle once again. This time, it’s her own father causing trouble across the divide.

Nova’s selflessness and her desire to do what is right is what I love about this book. She does not second guess what needs to be done, she simply does what is right. The only time she seems more like the teen she is, is when considering her feelings for Quentin.

I love the storytelling that is done in Child of Destiny. We see both sides of the battle, through the protagonist and antagonist, and there are dragons. Doesn’t get much better than that.

If you’re looking for YA Christian Fantasy for your kids, or if you’re like me and you enjoy it for yourself, I recommend this book. Get book one (Child of Prophecy) and read it first though.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Ken Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in magic?

Nova and her friends journey across the Divide once again. A powerful force threatens to overthrow Threa, plunging the land into civil war. Facing the enemy will put all of Nova's resources to the test, and will force her to confront her own past. Along the way, we are treated to a powerful tale that resonates across space and time, from the parallel world of Threa to our own troubled times. And we hear the song of magic. The story plays like a symphony, building to a crescendo, with mesmerizing language and imagery that pulls you in and holds you captive. You feel as if you are part of Nova's world. Tracy Bradford is truly a gifted writer. Somebody needs to adapt this for a movie. Final scene, cue soundtrack: The Lovin' Spoonful, Do You Believe in Magic. "...how the magic's in the music and the music's in me..."

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child of Destiny is the second installment from the Divide series and my first introduction to the talents of T E Bradford. Since this is the first book I have read of hers and is part of a series, I feel I was able to get enough information to be able to read it as a stand alone. I thought it was a good read and worth reading. I enjoyed getting to know Nova and her friends. It was full of action and adventure that I liked.

Child of Destiny is getting three and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading from the clean science fiction and fantasy genres. I would like to read the first book from the Divide series, Child of Prophecy, to see what had happened previously to this one.

I received Child of Destiny from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in this series picks up where book one left off. That said, I'd not say this is a stand-alone. It needed a "previously" or to be sure you have read book one first. That aside, it flows well, in a clearly built world. It's not lost on me that the main topic is one we seem to be on the brink of now, and have had in our country's past, civil war. It really made this story hit closer to "home" for me. There's a huge cast of characters. Some are new to this book, others we know from the first book. Good and evil are clearly shown while retaining a beautiful emphasis on the One God. Nova is sure to pull at other's heartstrings, as she has pulled at mine. What will be the final purposes of a girl who has the most power of them all?

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review wasn't required.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a unique book. I think it would have made more sense to start and I would have felt more invested in the characters had I read the first book, but that being said, it was still good. The author does a good job with characters and I really liked Nova.

There is a lot going on and at times I felt a little lost, but I have no doubt that had I read the first book, it would have been smooth sailing. I liked the music and the fantasy. The author did a great job with the world. I truly enjoyed this and I will go back and read the first one and more from this author.

It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second book in the Divide series for Young Adult series. Combining characters I wanted to read about along with a plot that kept my interest. I definitely recommend reading the books in order.

This book illustrates how some individuals often insist on keeping to tradition while others want to use a person to wreak havoc. The story moved along at a reasonable pace. I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series as well.

If you have a young person in your life, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[K.V. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sequel. The author is an expert at weaving subplots together and giving each character a chance to shine. My favourite was Sylvie. Having read book 1 a while ago, I was worried I'd get lost, but there were a few sentences here and there about previous events so it was easy to continue where I left off. My only critisism is the front cover; it's kind of blurry. Maybe it's been fixed since I bought the book, but my version is not very good quality. Anyway, loving the series so far and will keep reading.

[Joni Truex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child of Destiny by T. E. Bradford is that rare fantasy meets Inspirational fiction story. This is a classic good vs. evil story where the good strongly resembles God. The evil one is even named Lucien, reminiscent of Lucifer. This story is well written with memorable characters. The scene descriptions are vivid. I appreciated the care and consideration the author used in writing about the differences in people. From the book: “No one deserved to be treated differently merely because of the type of magic they possessed.” There are many different character types with a variety of abilities and gifts. I would recommend this book for fantasy fans, fiction fans, romance fans and for those wishing to try a new genre.

This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.