In Street XG's Destiny; Divine: Book I, death isn't the end. Instead, our protagonist awakens in a mystical forest, reborn with a divine mandate: become a god. This isekai-inspired fantasy throws him into a world of vicious beasts, demanding cultivation, magic, and brutal combat. Guided by a fairy and an elf, he must conquer both external threats and his own inner demons, grappling with the trauma of his past life. Expect a fast-paced progression fantasy filled with graphic violence, explicit content, and unconventional relationships as he navigates this second chance at life, loosely exploring themes of psychology and mental health. Reader discretion is advised due to mature content.
Review DESTINY;DIVINE
Destiny; Divine: Book I was a genuinely surprising read! Going in, I wasn't expecting much from a book with such a bold premise – a suicide leading to a fantastical isekai adventure – but Street XG managed to weave a compelling and surprisingly accessible narrative. The initial setup, while dark, immediately hooked me. The idea of a character literally reborn with a second chance at life, complete with a demanding god-level system and a fantastical world to explore, felt fresh and exciting.
What truly impressed me was the balance the author struck. The world-building, while clearly inspired by various fantasy tropes (cultivation, western fantasy elements), felt distinct and creative. The mystical forest, the vicious beasts, the beautiful fairy and elven instructor – they all came together to create a vivid and immersive experience. I especially appreciated the way the magical system was introduced; it wasn't overwhelming, allowing for a gradual understanding of its complexities without bogging down the pacing.
The characters are another highlight. They're well-developed, relatable, and each has their own unique personality and motivations. I found myself deeply invested in their journeys, cheering them on as they navigated the challenges presented by this new world. The author’s skill in showcasing the main character's resilience is particularly noteworthy; their journey felt authentic and emotionally resonant, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. The relationships between characters, even the unconventional ones, felt genuine and added another layer of depth to the story.
The story itself is captivating. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, taking you on a thrilling ride through highs and lows. While the description mentions graphic violence and explicit content, it never felt gratuitous; instead, it served to enhance the stakes and create a more realistic and intense narrative. The author doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the protagonist's past, exploring themes of mental health and self-discovery in a nuanced way. This adds a layer of complexity that I appreciated, making the protagonist's journey of self-discovery all the more meaningful.
While the book ends on a cliffhanger (a common trope, but effective nonetheless!), leaving me desperately wanting more, that's a testament to how well-written and engaging the story is. I was completely engrossed, often finding myself reading late into the night, completely lost in the world Street XG created. It's the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Honestly, I can't wait for Book 2! Destiny; Divine has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a blend of isekai, cultivation, and western fantasy elements with a strong emphasis on character development and a captivating plot. It’s a hidden gem with a huge potential, and I have high hopes for the series' continuation.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.78 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 345
- Publication date: 2024
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