Destiny

by L.M. Ransom

Twenty and some years ago, on the continent of Pentallia, the Proper kingdoms waged war on the Illumini ones, destroying their monarchies and ruining their lands. Illumination - magic- was to no longer be tolerated.

Now, an underground Illumini movement sweeps across Pentallia as discontent and discord fracture relationships between the Proper rulers.

With their families and kingdoms in danger, and a new threat converging on Pentallia from over the sea to the west, a group of young people will have to forge their own paths and claim their destinies while war gears up around them.

With traitors in their midst, who will they trust?

366 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2021

About the author

L. M. Ransom lives in a place called Blooming Valley, located not too far off the shores of Lake Michigan. She is married to her best friend, and they have two adult children. She shares her home with an older black merle Jackshund, who always keeps things interesting. L. M. works at the library in her hometown, mostly behind the scenes in the back room. She would love to have a real-life AT-AT from Star Wars, but is settling for her collection of Walkers in her home office (for now). She enjoys watching TV and movies with her family. She adores The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn 99, and The Middle, and she absolutely loves writing young adult romance. You can find L. M. on Instagram, Threads, and X at @lmransomwrites.

Reviews

[Bri Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down one of my all time favorites. The storyline is twisty, magical, and dark with a bit of hope on the horizon that keeps you thoroughly engrossed. It's very fast-paced from the beginning, and there is never a dull moment. This book does a lovely job of worldbuilding without bogging down on details, and it doesn't bore the reader as a mere "set up" story. Destiny tells a wonderful story on its own with great depth. The characters overcome challenges within Destiny's pages even while an overarching storyline is being born that will have everyone begging for a sequel ASAP. (I know I need one NOW.)

The characters are endearing and very human and relatable. It's easy to get connected and even easier to choose favorites as you try to figure out everyone's angle. Readers won't see the double crossing and backstabbing coming until it's too late to warn their favorite characters. These characters will make you forget they aren't real, and they will have you booing and cheering.

This beautiful story will leave you in a stunned silence. (And can I say I LOVE the cover??? It's even prettier in person!)

This book is a definite recommend from me.

[Shana Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.M. Ransom’s Destiny was a clever, fast-paced high fantasy novel, and I had a hard time putting it down! The world building was phenomenal, and it impressed me with how detailed Ransom was with the backstory of the Proper Kingdoms (those who did not have magic) and the Illumini Kingdom (those who had magic). The story is told from multiple different POVs, but it was not confusing and well done. I’m usually not a fan of stories told from multiple POVs, but in this story, it created a rich storyline that overlapped seamlessly. Destiny had it all–magic, political intrigue, romance, and believable characters (those I was rooting for and those I wanted to slap!) whose fates become intertwined. This is the first book in The Traitors War series, and I look forward to continuing this enjoyable story!

[Amanda Matula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Ransom has done it again. I was a fan of her Flying Ponies series, so I was thrilled to read Destiny. It blew me away. The world building was phenomenal and the cast of characters were compelling and diverse. Pentallia is filled with fallen kings, hidden magic, and assassins at every turn. I enjoyed bouncing between perspectives and experiencing different journeys with different characters. I'm most eager to see where Lisette and a certain shadow wind up! I'm chomping at the bit for book 2. Add this to your summer reading list now!

[Liz Koetsier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read, very clever and I read it fast. I loved the character development in it, especially Declan! I loved the shadowy, mildly spooky feel to parts of it (I don't like scary but at times it felt a bit like an old-fashioned thriller, and I do like suspense). The only thing that didn't appeal to me was Armand, he was a bit too swoony and perfect for my taste but maybe that he will appeal to other readers. All in all, enjoyable, well-done, and I am looking forward to book 2!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ransom has put together a fast-paced tale of loyalty, treachery and long-held secrets brought to light. Her fantasy is a lovely marriage of a traditional kingdom fantasy and a slightly more modernized world that made me feel at times I was dealing with something Napoleonic. An enjoyable read with a delicious mix of lovable and detestable characters.
Looking forward to the sequel!

[Coleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read this genre of book but I must say I was drawn in by the story. I was able to follow the characters and where they fit into the story. I anxiously await the second book as I want to know what happens next.