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Predestined

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Predestined

By: Rachel Byrne
Narrated by: Madeline Smith
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About this listen

IN A PLACE WHERE NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS, WHO CAN BE TRUSTED?

Mysteriously invited to attend the elite Haverford Pines Academy, sixteen-year-old Lina Jamison feels out of place. With mediocre grades and no special talents, she questions why she was chosen to be among her generation’s brightest and most promising teens.

Only after Lina saves a fellow trainee’s life does she begin to glimpse her own potential.Settling into the academy’s training, she starts to uncover secrets and question Haverford Pine’s motives.

Why is HP monitoring its trainees’ conversations? How were they selected? And what’s behind the alarming rumors of former trainees meeting dark fates?

As the term progresses, Lina realizes that her presence there may not be a coincidence. With danger lurking around every corner and her own destiny hanging in the balance, Lina must uncover the truth before it’s too late.

©2024 Humboldt Press (P)2025 Humboldt Press Depression & Mental Health Difficult Situations Family & Relationships Friendship Literature & Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Self Esteem & Self Image Thrillers & Suspense Destiny
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Listener received this title free

When I started this book, I wondered if it would be as I have found some YA books to be, a bit corny and not fleshed out enough. Let me tell you, that was NOT the case! This book ranks in my top favorites for the year so far for many reasons. To begin with, the author spent so much time building the world and fleshing out the plot that I was completely immersed in with the help of a fantastic narrator, she brought to life a compelling story that had me listening to it from start to finish with NO breaks. The characters in Predestined are so relatable and lovable that I’m clasping my hands together in prayer that this will be the first in a long series of books. I need to know how their story continues!
The bad guys in this story had all of the right traits to make them easy to hate, and interesting enough to make you want to know more about them.
The plot itself is absolutely fabulous. It has a group of people fighting against the system, while learning more about themselves along the way and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.
I truly believe this could be the start of an amazing new series resonant of Harry Potter by JK Rowling or Shelter by Harlan Cohen. No matter if you’re an adult or a teen, you will find great enjoyment when reading Predestined. I know I did. I can’t wait to see where this story goes !

A special note to the narrator : it is in great part because of you that this cast of characters was so beautifully brought to life. Well done on giving each of them their own voice and mannerisms and adding such an eloquent touch to an already amazing story.

Stunning world building and lovable characters !

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Listener received this title free

I had no idea who to trust, there were so many twists and turns, tbh the beginning was a bit slow but I can see that it was setting up for a bigger story! I kinda got Goonies vibes from the kids, they were in a big adventure and I loved the way they worked together! I think my favorite character was Hayden lol I think the narrator did a great job too even though there were so many moving parts. I can't wait to see if there is a sequel!

Adventure is right around the corner!

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Listener received this title free

This book is the next big YA hit. Great for 13 and up and was perfect for adults too. Amazing message told in a deeply moving story. And the audiobook is even better. They knocked it out of the park. This is insanely good. You won’t retreat it!

My Goodreads review:

Whoa! This book is going to be a hit! Seriously—read it now and don’t wait. And then share it with a friend. This book is going to blow up. It’s literally nearly perfect. I have no notes. It’s good for 13 and up but I loved it as an adult as well. It does have moments of racism, misogyny, and homophobia but fights back with teeth. Kids doing the right things even when they are being taught to ignore the evil of the system they are within is everyone’s favorite trope. But it’s rarely done well. This is that story done VERY WELL. I read in nearly one sitting because I couldn’t stop. And there isn’t even swearing lol. That’s rare for me. This is great for nearly all audience and is written impact fully. I don’t even know the right words to capture the story that has had me thinking about it for the last few days since I finished it. Please read this one. Truly. Read it sooner rather than later!

A 10/10 TRULY!

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Listener received this title free

Predestined by Rachel Byrne
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very entertaining, fun and unique, YA story! I was sucked in from the beginning and stayed intrigued through the end!
This story is fast paced, with suspense, mystery, sci-fi, and secrets!! The book is well written and I enjoy how the author tells the story.
Lina, a teenager who never seems to fit in, gets a mysterious invitation to an elite school for the brightest and most promising teens. Lina has no idea how she was picked to go to this prestigious school, as she doesn’t seem to fit this mold. Everyone there has a special talent and Lena doesn’t think she has one. However, as Lena spends time at this new school, she begins to realize her own potential. She also starts to see some strange coincidences going on. Lina and her new friends have lots of secrets and crazy discoveries and answers they are trying to figure out.
I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the narration!!
This is the author’s first book, but I’ll be looking out for more!
*It’s out now, and I recommend giving this a read!!*

Mysterious and entertaining!!

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Listener received this title free

Predestined by Rachel Byrne — 4.5 Stars
Narrated by Madeline Smith on Audible

I was gifted Predestined on Audible by the author—thank you, Rachel Byrne! I truly enjoyed listening to this YA novel.

The story follows Lina, a 16-year-old girl who’s unexpectedly invited to attend a prestigious academy over the summer. Once she arrives at Haverford Pine, she begins a rigorous training program, all while trying to figure out why she was chosen—especially since she doesn’t believe she has any special talents.

The pacing was spot-on, and the characters actually sounded like real teenagers. Their conversations felt authentic, not like an adult’s interpretation of how teens speak—which is refreshing. The story had a nice flow, with enough intrigue to keep me wanting to listen. There were characters I liked, and a few I definitely didn’t (in a good way!), along with mystery, action, and even a bit of a thriller vibe.

I gave this book 4.5 stars—knocking off half a star only because of the fantasy/sci-fi element. I usually prefer realistic fiction, but honestly, with how fast technology is evolving, who's to say what's not possible?

All in all, a great listen and a strong debut!

Great YA Book

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Listener received this title free

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕫𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪! 𝕞𝕒𝕪𝕓𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕤𝕦𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕐𝔸 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕕𝕚𝕕𝕟'𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕖. 𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘! 𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕡𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕤𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤, 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦! 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚 𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕚 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖! 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚊 5 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍!

Destiny isn’t for everything

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Predestined grabs the reader right from the beginning. Lina, an average student with a rebellious streak, receives an invitation to join an elite Academy, Haverford Pines, for a six week summer program. Not only is she skeptical but she is strongly resistant to attending. Once Lina’s parents drop her off at HP, there is no turning back. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing throughout the book.

I have listened to many audiobooks but this narrator is amazing. Unlike other narrators who use a relatively modulated tone throughout a book, Madeline Smith matches her voice to the scene by varying her speed and pitch. She literally brought the characters to life for me, particularly Lina, the protagonist.

I look forward to hearing other audible selections from Ms. Smith, who kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Kudos to both Ms. Byrne and Ms. Smith. I hope to read more of Lina’s and her HP friends’ adventures. Predestined has a predestined future as a series similar to The Hunger Games.

A gripping YA book read by an amazing narrator

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Listener received this title free

As soon as I read the description. I knew this book was in my wheelhouse. I loved the character development. I was afraid that it was going to have a predictable end, but found it nuanced and hopeful. I just finished the book yesterday and I am already missing it. I am crossing my fingers that this is the start of a series.

I am ready for more in this universe

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Listener received this title free

Predestined is the debut novel by Rachel Byrne, a captivating page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Catalina “Lina” Jamison is an average high school student just hoping to get through the summer without any drama—work her job, stay out of trouble, and ensure she can graduate without facing more lectures from her parents, who just don’t seem to understand her. But one evening, Lina’s parents sit her down and drop a bombshell: she’s been invited to attend Haverford Pines Academy, an exclusive six-week summer program in the Rocky Mountains. Lina’s mother, D.J., proudly points out that many of her friends' children didn’t even get an invite—so this is a rare and incredible opportunity.

When Lina arrives at the academy, she quickly becomes friends with her roommate, Brittany. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that this program has a history of famous and infamous attendees, from Ben Franklin to Lee Harvey Oswald. The academy offers a wide range of areas of study, from science and technology to physical training. Many notable individuals, from Nobel Prize winners to authors, actors, and musicians, have passed through its doors—making it clear this is a place where future leaders and innovators are shaped. Lina begins to wonder if this might be her path too, so she dives into the rigorous training.

At first, Lina feels like an outsider, but when she saves Charles, a boy with asthma, from dying during an asthma attack, she starts to find her place. With her new friends—Gabi, Charles, Hayden, and Eric—Lina begins to uncover that there is much more to the academy than meets the eye. When she discovers a brainwashing scheme, along with extreme restrictions on the students’ phones, strict rules, bullying, and more, Lina begins to question the true motives of the organization. She starts to wonder how and why she was selected to be part of this elite group of students, and whether the invitation was part of some larger plan. What she uncovers puts not only her own life at risk, but the lives of her friends as well.

Predestined concludes in a way that works perfectly as a standalone novel but also leaves the door open for a sequel. It’s a must-read that I promise you won’t be able to put down. Rachel Byrne creates authentic, multi-dimensional characters who work well together and feel incredibly real. Her writing is beautiful, rich with vivid imagery that draws you in. Even better, the audio book is very well done perfect for a long drive or just to immerse yourself in the world of audio. If you're a fan of dark academia, this is a book you won't want to miss. Just be warned—you’ll want to clear your schedule for this one, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Amazing debut dark academia

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Listener received this title free

This was an interesting read straight from the start. It was a fresh and exciting read. I loved the narrator too. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and they seemed to all be well rounded. There were some interesting twist and turns that come together nicely for a satisfying ending

Great storyline

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