Review: Destiny Gift

Title: Destiny Gift (Everlast #1)

Author: Juliana Haygert

Publication Date: April 1, 2013

Genres: New Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Thirty years in the future, a sinister New York City exists in permanent darkness.

A student at the secured NYU, nineteen-year-old Nadine has visions of Victor Gianni, an imaginary guy she has real feelings for. Afraid of being truly insane, she explains the visions away as simple daydreams, but she can no longer deny them when she bumps into Victor in real life. But this Victor doesn’t know her, and turns her away. After the encounter, Nadine’s visions change to those of eerie fates, gods she’s never heard of, demons with sharp claws they are not too timid to use … and instructions.

To discover if she’s losing her mind, Nadine follows the vague directions—with the real, rude and reluctant Victor—leading to a man who knows it all: Nadine can restore an ancient creed by unveiling the clues on her visions, and bring sunlight and peace to the world again. But that’s only if the demons and the other evil forces behind the darkness don’t stop her first.

My Thoughts

**Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for this review opportunity. This in no way affected my thoughts for this novel.

Okay, I forgot what the synopsis for this was about, and I just dived right into it so I totally wasn't expecting this one to involve mythology, and that's what made me love it more. Even though it wasn't Greek Mythology, this one is awesome and pretty much like it except for the names and all. I was immediately sucked in to the story. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, what Nadine's visions mean, and what things will unfold. I didn't just like the plot itself, I fell in love with the characters.

Right from the start, I admired Nadine's selflessness. For her to do things not because it's what she wants, but because it's what's needed to help her family. For all the things that was happening to her, she found the time not only to be worried for herself, but also worried for others. Whenever she had moments wherein she'd freak out, I'd find myself freaking out too. I was with her throughout the entire time: whether she had been bursting of love, or going crazy, or being frustrated and sad. It was hell of a roller coaster to be in her story. Her ability to remain steadfast and strong despite her world slowly crumbling down around her is truly admirable.

I found Victor at first despicable because he was just so cold-hearted and seemed to only use Nadine. I was basically raging whenever he appeared to be showing little to no care towards Nadine. However, as the story progressed, I realized that there was more to him than being that kind of person, and I fell in love with him. He was caring and thoughtful beneath all those cold layers. I actually couldn't make up my mind until now on who I want Nadine to end up with, Victor or Micah? Micah was more upfront with his feelings and attraction towards Nadine than Victor. Micah was so ready to sacrifice just for Nadine and also cares deeply for her.

All in all, there were a lot of heartache and pains, especially towards the latter part of the story where the revelations come out one by one. As the truth unfolded, I could just feel my heart breaking into two. I CRY.

There were a few things that got predictable, though. Nevertheless, Destiny Gift is such an astounding story about making choices and following our hearts. It was so much bigger than just being about love and life. I truly recommend reading this, especially if you're a fan of mythology! Please go read this NOW!