Destined

Destined by Jessie Harrell

Rating: 2 stars


I'm not quite sure what to say about this book, but firstly let me clarify that the rating is probably about 2.5 stars, but closer to the 2-stars side. Also, I'm not totally sure, but there might be spoilers in this review.

I was quite interested in this book after reading the blurb, thinking that it would be another remake of a Greek tale (I really like Greek mythology). But as I started reading the book, I found that the writing immensely disappointed me. The emotions in the book felt a bit fake to me at times, as well the connection between the characters and I were just not there. 

I found this author's twist of the classic tale of Cupid and Psyche is very unnecessary. I didn't feel that she did a good job. This change of plot/retelling of the Greek myth seemed senseless at worst and unrealistic at best. The development of the relationship between Eros and Psyche seemed to grew too fast, in real life, this would be absolutely impossible. How can someone really change from hating someone on Day 1, and suddenly loving that same person on Day 2? And that is under the circumstance that neither of these characters did anything to improve their connection with each other. I can understand that if you are giving a love potion/magic that force one person to love another, you will obviously fall in love with another person. But after that magic is lifted, how can you still go on loving them the same way as if you are controlled by that magic?? It makes no sense! And if you think that you have been taken away to a terrible monster, how can you starting kissing that same person which you can't even SEE because they hide himself in darkness on the second day you have met him??!! It's just a bunch of romantic notion that are impossible packed into one package really... 

Another problem with the book is that even after I have finished reading it, I still didn't know what time period it is set in!! I know that it's set in Greece, but the combination of princes, kings and princess all with their kingdoms, at the same time mixed with modern and old technology/items just didn't make any sense... As well as that the style of language spoken by the characters seemed so modern-day-time, no way that olden day people will speak like this. Maybe a bit more research is need?

I didn't quite connect with any of the characers. Psyche struck me as a very weak heroine who is a bit pathetic at times and always seemed scared and didn't know what to do. The Goddess Aphrodite seemed so evil/ill intended in this book and this perception is only altered at the very end. 
The reason I didn't totally dislike this book is because I did like the character Eros. He seemed to develop and mature through the book. He seemed very loving when he wanted to be and he would make a good God of love. Also, as I did finished reading this book and actually finished it quite fast do say that it is a readable book, and some people may very well enjoy it and fall in love with the romantic notions this book contains. It's an ok read, and if you are into romantic stuff, you might like to read it. Otherwise, don't waste your time.  


Synopsis from Goodreads


When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.
As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.