Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Destined
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Rating: 5/5

In Destined, Aprilynne Pike's New York Timesbestselling Wings series comes to an explosive conclusion, bringing to a close the story of a not-so-ordinary girl named Laurel.

Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.

She hated how much it felt like good-bye.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful--and deadly--of all, and Klea plans to use her to help conquer or destroy Avalon. But Klea's reach extends far beyond one wild Winter faerie. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares to face what may be Avalon's final days.

~~~~~

   Destined is the fourth and final book in author Aprilynne Pike's Wings series. I have been following this series since the release of Wings in 2009! I've fallen in love with the plot, the characters, and most importantly the love triangle ;) I have to start off by saying that Destined was everything I hoped for- a perfect finale to a series I will always treasure.

   Destined takes place after the events of Illusions. Let me tell you, Destined is very different from the previous three books. It is packed full of action, battles, and conflicts from the beginning to end. So much is constantly going on that it makes it nearly impossible to stop reading. 

   What's really nice about this series is that I don't hate any of the characters. I'm able to understand and relate to the reasoning behind every character's decisions and feelings. Because of this, the ending was  that much better and more depressing because I was saying good-bye to four amazing, kick-ass friends. 

   As for the love triangle, I'll just say I was very happy with who Laurel ended up choosing. Personally, I don't think there was any question that she would end up with who she did, and I'm so glad Laurel saw that. (Unlike some previously frustrating characters....ahem...I'm talking to YOU Wendy) ***SPOILER ALERT*** I have been Team Tamani since book one! I was all giddy when Laurel finally admitted to herself that she had always been in love with Tamani. Agghh I'm still smiling about it :D ***SPOILER ENDED***

   Although I was happy with the ending of the series, it also became bitter-sweet for me. Aprilynne Pike included a letter written by a special character that she warns readers "isn't for those who like happy endings." Even though I love happy endings, I still read on and I was very transformed once I had finished reading it. I wasn't expecting how things turned out for this particular character, it was kind of surprising actually. But I think, by adding this in,  Aprilynne Pike made the characters even more real to me. It was the most beautiful, emotional ending I have ever read. Just wonderful!

Favourite Quotes...

Tamani pulled out his cell.

"He has an IPhone?" her mom whispered as the second ring sounded in Laurel's ear.

Laurel nodded. "I was saving that little tidbit of ammunition the next time we discussed me getting a cell."

"I'm begging you, to come be with me." And she pressed her mouth against his and murmured against his lips. "Forever."

For a few seconds he didn't respond.

Then a groan escaped his throat and he thrust his fingers in her hair, pulling her mouth back to his with a fierce hunger.

"Kiss me," she whispered. "And don't stop."

Overall...

   Overall Destined was a magical, beautiful ending to a wonderful series. Although I am sad to see these characters go, I am completely satisfied with the ending they got. I would definitely recommend this series to all you bookworm out there- even the younger ones because the Wings series is pretty light compared to some other Y.A. series :) Thank you Miss Pike for giving me, and many others, a series that we will always cherish! What do guys think about Destined? Have you gotten your copy yet?! Let me know in the comments, on twitter, facebook, or goodreads. Keep Reading!

Your Y.A. Bookworm,

Caitlin <3