Pure Destiny

<b>REREAD: Liked it even better this time around!</b><br><br>IT'S DONE!! HOLY CANOLI!<br><br><b>I tried to drag out this ARC read, I really did... but it's so HARD!! Even though I read the beta chapter by chapter over the past couple months that it took for the author to write it, I still couldn't put my ARC down when I got started...REALLY LOVED THIS ONE!</b><br><br>I agree with a number of other ARC readers/ fans of the series that despite it feeling AWESOME and SATISFYING to have Sophia and Dalair get their HEA, what I cared most about was BENJI and ERE!!! (and Papa and Titi)...<br><br>This book echoes and completes a lot of the threads from Book 1 <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/13637141.Pure_Healing__Pure__Dark_Ones__1_" title="Pure Healing (Pure/ Dark Ones #1) by Aja James" rel="noopener">Pure Healing</a> (which BTW is being rewritten!). In the way that Aja always said in book after book how history tends to repeat itself, there are a lot of parallels and retracing of steps and the similar expansion of the complex world with so many characters in 1 book (except we know them all by heart now!)... <br><br>But at the same time, this book proves that Destiny can be changed through choices made. Different choices lead to different paths. My interpretation of the Goddess' prophesy for Dalair - that he and Sophia was never meant to be - is that it was a warning, or it was their ORIGINAL destiny. But if it's one thing I've learned over the course of this series it's that <b>WE HAVE CONTROL OF OUR DESTINY!</b> And Sophia and Dalair took charge of theirs and said to hell to anyone else's warning or not--they were going to be together no matter what!<br><br><b>I enjoyed this "f*ck you" to destiny immensely.</b><br><br>As I'm reading Book 1 reboot now (only the first 4 chapters thus far), I'm meeting these characters for the first time, I see so clearly how much Sophia has evolved. Dalair, too, in a more subtle way. The way he took charge of her in the SCENE you know the one -- pool scene -- well, pretty sure the old Dalair would have done no such thing!!<br><br>I also meet other important, seemingly innocuous or seemingly evil characters in Book 1 and think, OMG! I never would have guessed it! Who knew a villain could be the most anticipated hero of the whole series! Who knew a minor character could be the ultimate baddie!! Who knew a little boy could be the KEY to it all!!<br><br><b>Who knew there be DRAGONS!!!!!!</b><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600791889ra/30139851.gif" width="640" height="208" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>I am on the edge of my seat for Book 13, the "extra" book to satisfy all our cravings for this series (and make us grovel for spin-offs...)<br><br>Aja simply can't write fast enough!!<br><br>*************************************************************<br><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600049011ra/30102769.gif" width="500" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Waiting for the ARC to write a proper review. All I can say is... THAT WAS F*CKING EPIC!! <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600049011ra/30102770.gif" width="500" height="228" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>And...<br><br>I WANT THE NEXT BOOK YESTERDAY!!!<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600049011ra/30102771.gif" width="346" height="615" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>OK, I am soooooo MAD at GR!! Why are all my gifs not working on status updates even tho they do when I post them?? Then suddenly they disappear into [error]?? They aren't even PG!! <br><br>Well, fine, then I will post here.<br><br>Thanks to PUC's inspiration and AlwaysV's borrowing, I am on the Can Yaman band-wagon for him being a double for Dalair... he even kind of looks like the guy on the cover...<br><br>So, here are a few gifs for my fave scenes:<br><br><b>Eh... this might not relate to any particular scene actually, I just think this is how Dalair smolders and communicates without words...<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600818969ra/30141227.gif" width="444" height="237" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Waterfall/ pond...<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1600818866i/30141221._SY540_.jpg" width="554" height="824" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>This really doesn't need any scene to post :P Anyway, Dalair spends most of the book either shirtless or naked, so...<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600474331ra/30125085.gif" width="268" height="268" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Getting more to the point....<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600733833ra/30136667.gif" width="320" height="320" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Dalair coming out of "pool"...<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600474331ra/30125087.gif" width="268" height="268" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>OK... you get my point... this is ONE FINE MAN!!!</b>

<b>ARC REVIEW</b><br><br>What can I say that others haven't already about this phenomenal book? The one that comes full circle from book 1 (but not to worry, fans, our favorite baddie will get his HEA hopefully in the "extra" book).<br><br>First check these awesome reviews out...<br><br>AND, enjoy Cecile's uber spectacular review here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.html?id=3366648317">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br>And Carmen's: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3366641644?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br>And Firstpella's: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3366637411?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br>And Claudie's: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3508933713?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br>And.....too many to tally! YOU JUST GOTTA READ FOR YOURSELF!!<br><br><b>Here's what I will say:</b><br><br>As background, you should know that Sophia and Dalair have never been my fave couple. Esp. Sophia. I like Dalair just fine. And I LOVED his novella <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/44095047.Pure_Providence__Pure__Dark_Ones__8_5_" title="Pure Providence (Pure/ Dark Ones #8.5) by Aja James" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550927860l/44095047._SY75_.jpg" alt="Pure Providence (Pure/ Dark Ones #8.5) by Aja James" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> that was told entirely from his POV.<br><br>We met Sophia from Book 1 <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/13637141.Pure_Healing__Pure__Dark_Ones__1_" title="Pure Healing (Pure/ Dark Ones #1) by Aja James" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565140211l/13637141._SY75_.jpg" alt="Pure Healing (Pure/ Dark Ones #1) by Aja James" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> when she was a bratty teenager starting college. I am not fond as a rule of teenagers. I prefer not to have to interact with them in real life, so... it's me, not you, Sophia.<br><br>But she has finally come into her own in this book. Her character arc has developed over the course of the whole series, which, including novellas, is pretty involved, culminating in her and Dalair's HEA in this book, #12.<br><br>Dalair is Dalair in this book. I still like his novella better bc I just love hearing his thoughts, since he shows so little outwardly and doesn't express verbally either. There's a LOT of silent, brooding, tortured heroes in this series. And since that's one of my fave types of heroes, I don't complain.<br><br>The best part, tho, to Firstpella's point, for me anyway, was BENJI and EREBU in this book. The epic battle at the end was incomparable IMO thus far in the series. I don't know how Aja will top this in book 13.<br><br>All in all, an absolute must-read.... AND I am on the edge of my seat for the next book!!!<br><br><br>***********************************************<br><br>Alright, since Starr and I have been trading gif-sults all morning, I'm in the mood to get my gifs going for this book that contains characters we're fighting over.<br><br>For the first part of Chapter 1--the "Hero" for Creature...<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1592164235ra/29646972.gif" width="581" height="615" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1592164235i/29646971.jpg" width="336" height="415" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Except all in gold if I recall correctly from Dark Possession <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/50375770.Dark_Possession__Pure__Dark_Ones__11_" title="Dark Possession (Pure/ Dark Ones #11) by Aja James" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578622873l/50375770._SY75_.jpg" alt="Dark Possession (Pure/ Dark Ones #11) by Aja James" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>.<br><br>Sophia-Dalair part of Chapter 1--want him but can't have him...<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1592164235ra/29646970.gif" width="500" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>She might not be doing it, but she wants to!<br><br>Chapter 2 - Kira's first look at Dalair<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1593912737ra/29763615.gif" width="200" height="298" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1593912737ra/29763616.gif" width="460" height="460" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1593912737i/29763617._SX540_.jpg" width="1600" height="900" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>My new obsession....yaman erkenci Lordy but that man is FINE! Potential double for Dalair?<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598621512ra/30027658.gif" width="202" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598622174ra/30027694.gif" width="280" height="280" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598622174ra/30027695.gif" width="350" height="240" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598622174ra/30027696.gif" width="350" height="240" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598622174ra/30027697.gif" width="498" height="354" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1598622174ra/30027699.gif" width="640" height="640" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">

<b>3,5 <i>'I want Ere's HEA'</i> stars</b><br><br>Oh, dear, where to start? It seems I'm in a minority here but I really can't say that this book blew my mind. Maybe because I was never a fan of Sophia... But let's get to positive things first.<br><br>Benji!!! My precious little human, who's probably made of sunshine and rainbows and never fails to bring a smile to my face. I loved every moment with him, especially how badass and fearless he was, coming face to face with the ultimate evil. Also, his humorous comments were priceless.<br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>Benji goggled with revelations. Octopuses, serpents, dragons and angels… he was having a wicked wild day!</i> </b> </blockquote><br>Tal and Ishtar ?? Seeing them together and in love always makes me happy!! ??<br><br>Titi and her Papa. Their scenes were so cute and adorable but also heartbreaking because I knew the outcome. I'm glad we got yet another point of view on these important events because it shed some more light on the reason why everything happened the way it did. And all these revelations who is who... Just wow! The family tree of all the characters is truly all over the place. And I don't mean that in a bad way.<br><br>The fighting scenes. That was truly amazingly done! Totally worthy of epic fantasy genre. I've always liked how detailed are fighting scenes written in this series but in the last two books, the author really outdid herself. Aja, if you ever decide to start writing epic fantasy, you have my complete support. The battle at the end was my favorite part of the book (<a href="https://youtu.be/IOEkmg7rE4M" rel="nofollow noopener">I found perfect music for it too</a>) and I can't wait to see more badass fighting in the next one.<br><br>And now I have to address the negative things too. There was nothing specifically wrong with this book but I was just so bored. In the first half of the book nothing very thrilling has happened. There was a lot of talk about prophecies and stuff, which I get that it's important for the plot but honestly, I couldn't care less.<br><br>I also couldn't bring myself to care for Dalair and Sophia. It's no secret, I was never fond of Sophia but I did like Dalair. However, since he was taken and been transformed into this super strong zombie soldier, I kind of became indifferent to him. And sadly, his personality didn't reappear after he came back to himself. I just didn't feel them together. I even skimmed through their sex scenes, which I very rarely do <i>*shocked*</i><br><br>And lastly, this isn't a critique but merely an observation. I adored that scene of friendship in <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/50375770.Dark_Possession__Pure__Dark_Ones__11_" title="Dark Possession (Pure/ Dark Ones #11) by Aja James" rel="noopener">Dark Possession</a>, when Clara, Ava, Grace and Eveline were having a girl's night. It was such a lovely moment of bonding between characters that are usually not on the scene together but we could observe them becoming friends. And it made me realize that we don't often see the characters in this series to tangibly interact with one another. They've known and fought alongside each other for centuries (some even millennias) but I didn't get the impression that they would be prepare to die for each other. For their mates - yes, for their brothers at arms - no. IMO, these relationships outside of mating partners are lacking. <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="e24d89bb-3dd1-46b4-9ee5-87fbaee97c78" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="e24d89bb-3dd1-46b4-9ee5-87fbaee97c78">For instance, when they were in a helicopter and Rhys was cracking jokes - I already knew that Rhys is a joker and I would much rather prefer to see a conversation between Eli and Tal, who were together on a scene for the first time after several thousands of years. Maybe a <i>thank you for saving my son</i> or sth like that. I admit it wasn't the most convenient moment but it was still a missed opportunity.</label><br><br>Despite this book being one of the two least liked books in the series, I'm - surprisingly - very curious about the next book. Ere, my poor child, you managed the impossible and made me fall for you. I guess, everyone deserves a second chance and you earned my forgiveness. Now, let's get you a deserved HEA!! ?? <a href="https://youtu.be/aO_dr2K0eNY" rel="nofollow noopener">And a song for the epilogue </a> - yes, the title is for a certain unnamed character, whom I can't wait to meet.<br><br><i>The ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Aja!</i><br>************************************<br>Pic inspiration as always. Apparently, we have a new Dalair.<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1600992610ra/30149574.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Credit goes to PUC ?</["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]>

I am using review space again to add a few thoughts to this particular installment of the series:<br /><br />This book was hard to write, for many reasons. <br /><br />1) It brings together almost all of the trajectories and threads (the most important ones) throughout the entire series. For this reason, I would strongly recommend against a new reader starting the series with this book! Please don't! Even if you manage not to be confused, you won't get even 10% enjoyment out of it as you would if you started from the very beginning.<br /><br />2) It's about Sophia and Dalair, one of the (if not THE) couples in the series that fans love best. That's a lot of pressure for me to live up to, so I am biting my nails whether I've lived up to it...y0ur reviews will tell, and I will read every single one, good or bad :)<br /><br />3) Sophia, in of herself, completes her arc (and perhaps begin a new one) in this book. Her character development is important to get right. I know that many readers were most interested in her since Book 1 <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/13637141.Pure_Healing__Pure__Dark_Ones__1_" title="Pure Healing (Pure/ Dark Ones #1) by Aja James" rel="noopener">Pure Healing</a>, and many were exasperated, frustrated by her as well, thinking she was a spoiled brat of a teenager, really at odds with the rest of the characters. Honestly, she irritated me too while I was writing her :P. Hopefully, she is a worthy queen now. And deserving of someone as special as Dalair.<br /><br />4) Dalair. One of the favorite Heroes of the series. Again, a lot of reader expectation to live up to, so... hopefully you all love him even more now.<br /><br />5) We are coming to the end, folks. I both hate and love it. I thought I would end this series on book 12, and novellas aside, miraculously, we're on 12! (Cecile, this is what I mean by not planning but sort of having a vision and yet "fatefully" it all works out. For the record, there is no bat-cave. :P). It will be sad to say goodbye to this series... But you never know what new joys and loves are coming around the corner.<br /><br />BUT, there is one more story to tell, so we won't say goodbye yet :)<br /><br />Enjoy!

Just when you think you know what to expect,Aja James cranks up the heat just that little bit more. And just when you think everyone has suffered enough,she puts them through the wringer,agáin! And worse than before..... <br><br>She left her own “review” here:<br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3555041101">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br>There is no way to write a review that will do this story justice. <br>No words to explain how much it made me FEEL. How it made me curse. Cry. <br>Bite my nails to the bone in Pure Agony. <br>Because of everything that is revealed and all that happens. <br><br><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/fce7e3dfeaffdc54dcb79a589708fcd3/tenor.gif?itemid=9707524%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>How it broke my heart into a million pieces,only to be mended by those,very much needed,moments of Sweet and Innocent humor,and the moments of Pure Love. <br>How it made me NEED for it to end with love and hope. <br>So,instead i’ll try and tell you,without tóó much detail,what happens.....<br><br>The Creature or,as we know him now,Ere voluntarily submits himself to “The Evil One’s” torture. <br><br><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/90daf04c3469b95fb6e99c0c26ac9bf3/tenor.gif?itemid=12190268%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Determined to survive whatever she throws at him. Because he doesn’t want her to get her filthy claws on his son. But it is AGONY! And he dóes die a few times....only to be brought back to life,and endure even MORE AGONY.... <br><br> <img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/475380e1ee310a46b7fbf88209ccba82/tenor.gif?itemid=7678255%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>In the meantime,Dalair is under Rain’s care,with Sophia staying as close as possible. Only barely breathing,injured so badly he’s near death. How to help him heal,that is the challenge. Not only his body,but his soul,too. Sophia decides to follow her heart,and it works....or does it? She dóes learn a LOT more about herself and past lives along the way,that’s for sure!<br><br>Dalair is at war with himself,he has his orders,but that insufferable woman awakens something he doesn’t know how to deal with....But she dóes help his body heal....<br><br> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1600596030i/30130582._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>What to do when she joins him on the journey back once he gets “the package” he came for? Even worse,what to do with the emotions she evokes? All those feelings he thought he could do without? The ones that nearly broke him before? Can he believe her when she shows him hers? How she’s felt about him all along? That he is,in fact, the other half of her soul? That she needs him more than her next breath? In the end,it’s simple. Nothing can stop them from their Pure Destiny. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1600595900i/30130571.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>But it also means he won’t follow orders. Benji was “the package” supposed to be delivered to “The Evil One”,but they’ll do anything to prevent thát from happening. That sweet boy is definitely not going near her if they can help it! Good thing they have enough time to “explore” eachother (AND HOW!!),because that means Dalair is at full strenght when the enemy closes in. <br><br><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/ac076212caaba77dfa50ea26c40d54b9/tenor.gif?itemid=10982267%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>But will that be enough? Seeing her Dalair in trouble,what can Sophia do? It’s a good thing friends are coming. Friends,surprising allies and someone else.....But will they get there in time? <br><br>And what about Ere? Has he become what “The Evil One” wanted him to? Has he transformed into what she envisioned? Is he the pawn she can use as she sees fit? What will he do if he sees Benji in her claws? What will she do if he defies her?<br><br><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/670dcf40a997847ffc1204ad7e971e68/tenor.gif?itemid=14128677%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br><br>This was a book stuffed to the brim with revelations. Connections that intertwine throughout the ages. A story of endurance. A tale of how true love conquers all. At times,a story that lifted my spirits with laughter when i really needed it .... <br><br>And even though my heart threatened to shatter and stop altogether at times,i’m still left with hope. I feel it in my bones. Even though the epilogue left me in tears......<br><br>I NEED Ere’s story!!!<br><br><img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/5e784c5ae1135bfe2ce52b5a6e8d8657/tenor.gif?itemid=12630467%20" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>Here are the reviews from my fellow Muses:<br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3366641644">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3368820492">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3366653612">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a><br><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3366624502">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...</a>

One of my favorite things about this series is that as much as I <b> <i>think</i> </b> I know... I quickly realize there is still so much I need to learn.<br><br>These stories about the Pure and Dark Ones have been some of the most brilliant, incredible, and emotional reads I have <b> <u>ever</u> </b> come across. And I'm a pitiful mess right now because as much as I've loved reading these books, I'm devastated that there is only one story left.<br><br><blockquote> <b>Dalair was a man of action.<br>He proved his loyalty with fists and feet, blood and sweat.<br>He defended, protected, fought, conquered.<br>And he loved.<br>Oh, how passionately he loved!</b> </blockquote><br><br>So much devastating events led to this moment... Dalair is a mind-controlled minion/general of Medusa and company's army. In Pure Requiem, after falling in love with Ere, and realizing that he was giving the good guys a chance to rescue Dalair (and so many other things), I knew that this book was going to be deep. I knew that I was going to watch Sophia struggle with controlling her Destroyer side, struggle with returning Dalair's soul back, and that everyone was going to struggle with Wan'er/Fox Spirit/Lilith. Can this person just <b> <i>die</i> </b> already? I also knew that this author was going to deliver because she has for <b> <i>Fifteen. Other. Books!!</i> </b><br><br>The following are my thoughts, feelings, conclusions, and questions while reading Pure Destiny, so if you want to avoid spoilers — <b>STOP HERE!</b><br><br>If you want more...<br><br><b>Find my <a href="https://www.nbiblioholic.com/2021/09/review-pure-destiny-by-aja-james.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">full, spoiler-filled review here</a></b><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1631035235i/31890888._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">

My deep gratitude to the incomparable Aja James for the ARC. Here's my honest from the heart thoughts.<br /><br />My feelings at the end of Dalair &amp; Sophia's story? ➡️ <i> <b>"Five Beyond-My-Dreams-of-Perfection Stars❣️"</b> </i> Yet, I didn't feel that the book itself was dedicated to telling their story but rather a trailer to the Feature Presentation . . . namely Book #13! Having realized that fact, strangely, unexpectedly, helped me appreciating the amazing couple who captured my heart and owned my imagination. <br /><br />Dalair was definitely not a heroic Hero. He was enslaved/mind controlled/enhanced to become a General of the villains' army. He defeated his own people the entire series. The only two times he fought the enemy as himself with his soul intact; one to protect Princess Kira, another to protect Sophia and Benji, he lost. How could any readers have cared for him? No one could have, if not for Sophia.<br /><br />Sophia wasn't a heroic heroine either. She couldn't control her phenomenal power as the Destroyer. As the Pure Queen, she hasn't helped her people the entire series. Except once, when her long dead father whispered in her mind ➡️<i>Darkness isn't the only way. You have Light within you too, remember? . . . You also know love . . . You have the best of us...choose wisely, ...</i> Her love finally saved Dalair as well as the others, mind-controlled minions made by the villain. <br /><br />Their haunting past, amazingly only one past life together, was both mesmerizing and breaking my heart. The scene Dalair fought 98 warriors to death, for his Princess Kira, was one of my all time favorite scenes in the series. <br /><br />This has been an amazing writing! The book practically and intentionally showcased extremely flawed Hero and heroine and dared me to take them as they were. Oh, yeah! I couldn't help myself but fall so crazy in love with them both. Their story was totally the Feature Presentation for me, never a trailer! Sharing two of my favorite scenes:<br /><blockquote> <br /> <i><b> ? </b> "Could the son of a Persian slave, the King's concubine, a no one. . . could he be standing before the most exquisite woman in the world, a being as beautiful, strong, brave and powerful . . . was Sophia truly his? "<br /><br /><b>??</b>she answered his unspoken question in her mind. <b>I choose you, Dalair. I will always choose you. Come for me again. I love you I love you I love you. . . </b><br />So he did. And together, they embarked on a whole new Destiny.</i> </blockquote>

I will honestly love any book with dragons. It's science really. So it's safe to say that I loved and devoured <i>Pure Destiny</i>. It also doesn't hurt that I got so much Dalair and Sophia. Even though he tried to stab me in the heart multiple times throughout the entire freaking book.<br /><br />It's cool though - I still love him and them being together. <br /><br />The romance between them was amazing and Dalair is probably the main reason as to why I'm loving this book. Sophia and I didn't mesh in the beginning of this series but she started to become very likable after their little novella. This book just made me fall in love with her a bit more because she never gave up. She was her usual stubborn self but she knew that Dalair was hers and dammit - she was going to make it work!<br /><br />In the end, I feel like the next book will be about Ere and his mate? Maybe? Potentially? PLEASE?!? I just need more happiness and for this series to go out with a freaking bang. I'm just a little sad that the next book isn't out on KU yet and I have to wait until May to dive into it. <br /><br />Let's hope I don't forget to dive into it!<br /><br />

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1666189370i/33515282._SX540_.png" alt="hjkl" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>The way I imagine the Nine tails, Lilitu. The much awaited book after Dalair is captured by the Pure one's hive/shield. There is closure on many conflicts but this story opens up other story lines and mysterious possibilities. <br><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="e9f4d8c9-67bd-482e-81b7-3f717e63220a" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="e9f4d8c9-67bd-482e-81b7-3f717e63220a">Big truth bomb: Sophia starts to recollect memories of her past when she was a little girl by the name of Ninti or Titi for short. She remembered her father who was a leopard beast and her mother who sometimes had red eyes whenever other women spoke to her mate. The nine tails' name is Lilitu or Lilith (not biblical). There was a prophesy that Ninti would become the Lady of Life and Light. Sophia is born of light and dark and her father told her that one day she would have to choose. Her father was the one captured by Queen Ashlu and killed in front of his lover and mate, her being the nine tail. So, Sophia is the nine tail's daughter who was left at a noble's house after her mother lost her leopard husband. The nine tails doesn't feel emotions and is completely psychopathic. She didn't even show emotions and caring to her daughter Titi like a mother would. But she did feel the loss of her mate. <br><br>Eveline came to the shield and updated them on Ramses and how he is the Chosen Elemental King.<br>The group went to Ramses to see if he would ally himself with them. They informed him that Medusa was dead, meaning, his daughter. Ramses wants Jade to rule over a hive that was under Medusa's control.<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1666188291ra/33515242.gif" alt="fghfg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>Sophia brought Dalair back with a kiss, the sleeping beauty. lol In this book, we see Sophia's POV when she met Dalair as Cambyses. Daliar escaped from the hair in the shield and attacked some of his comrades to complete his mission. Dalair's mission was to take Benji to his mistress. The reason that the Nine Tail wanted Ere and Benji is because they are both ground-bound dragons. When Dalair was backed up into a corner, he jumped from the top of a building with Benji. Sophia jumped after them, grabbed them and hugged them while falling. They were grabbed by a claw and were suspended by a helicopter until hulled up onto it. <br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1666188291i/33515243._SY540_.jpg" alt="ghjkyyy" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>She overrode his programming by reminiscing on their past and letting him know how much she loved him. She shared with him through a mental link, special ability newly found, her memories of when she first met him and how she always knew who he was when he entered her bedchamber. He abandoned mission and brought down the aircraft. He spent a night with Sophia by the river while Benji slept. The next day, they were attacked by a large group of mind-controled Pure warriors and Sophia was about to go dark mode like that time Dalair fought all those men at the temple of Neith. I think that Benji might be Sophia's father reincarnated father because he spoke to her in a different voice and said the same thing Sophia's father had said to her when she was Titi, "You have the best of us…choose wisely, my sweet Ninti…" She used her pure power instead of the dark one. But this tells me that he is her reincarnated father and the fox tail is her mother.<br>Enil, Tal, Rhys: the eagle man, Cloud and Valerius went on a mission to save Sophia, Benji, and uncontrolled Dalair but Benji was taken. Benji was in the middle of the fight when everything froze and only he could move, that is when he saw the dragon fly and he followed it; he was taken by Lilith. He heard bells and a woman's laughter beckoning him into the trees and then darkness engulfed him. They found Benji at the nine tail's lair and they rescued him after a long fight. The nine tail hacked her own head off to trigger the hydra. Ere fought the hydra as a black dragon. The black dragon fought with the hydra and won. The black dragon disappeared into the lake after the fight. A dragon went into the lake, burned the black dragon and carried him out of the lake. Sophia and Dalair finally had a mating ceremony before their friends. HEA <br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1666189812ra/33515296.gif" alt="awerwe" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></label><br><br>Now that I have the closure that I sooooo desired, I feel like I've finally eaten the carrot that was dangling in front of me and I have no where to go. I feel like I'm missing something. Can their story really be over? =[ What will I do with myself? <br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1666190095ra/33515328.gif" alt="vxcbdfx" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]>

4.25 - I received the Pure Destiny ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.<br /><br />Advance warning... This review is a rambling mess, proceed with caution....<br /><br />Edited: 10/2/20 (hopefully it makes more sense)<br /><br />This was a hard book for me to rate and review, it had nothing to do with the story or writing, it was all me. I was, mistakenly, under the impression that Pure Destiny was the final book of the series, therefore, by the end I was very torn. If that had been so, it would greatly affect my review rating and I did not want to do that. Thankfully, I have been told that an "extra" book (Dark Purity) is in the works.<br /><br />So, now on to Pure Destiny - the culmination of Sophia and Dalair's story. <br /><br />I love the way Aja James writes. She has a way of taking the very ugly and painful and writing it in such a way that ultimately makes the suffering beautiful. It is a dichotomy and this prologue shows that mastery to perfection.<br /><br />I am glad Sophia and Dalair finally have their HEA. I like them together and I know they are the favorite couple for numerous readers, but I didn't feel as much for them as I did for others within the series. Their main issues stem from a lack of communication and pretending/falsehood (for good and valid reasons), but still an easier fix than what others in the Pure/Dark Ones Series have had to contend with. They caused the majority of the issues. Since my 1st read of the goddess's warning to Dalair, after Sophia becomes The Destroyer and Dalair becomes a Pure One, I have believed he (in usual Delair fashion) misunderstood her warning. He has continuously felt unworthy, he misunderstands Kira's clues/words and I get the impression he hears only what he "thinks" the goddess said. I truly believe the answer and truth belong in the words left off, it is even an open-ended sentence. Something missing.<br /><br /><br />'...Dalair tried to recall her exact words…<br /><br />"Your soul is restless, warrior. You believe you have failed her—the one you tried to protect. You cannot return to the Balance like this. You have not yet fulfilled your Destiny. And so I offer you another path: to become a Pure One in service of the Balance. Your bravery and determination will be tested as the Paladin, but you are strong. You will triumph. Yet listen well, warrior. And heed my warning lest you lose yourself and the world around you to an eternity of Darkness and pain. You will meet her again—the one you wish to protect. She will not be the same. Do not make the mistake twice. Choose wisely this time. She was never meant to be yours…'<br /><br />Notice it says "You believe you have failed her—the one you tried 'to protect'." I am convinced that the goddess was telling Dalair that - '... She was never meant to be yours... to protect.' This makes sense to me as Kira/Sophia has an incredible power and that power is the ultimate game changer. Dalair does eventually come to this realization and does choose differently. This choice thus allows them to both live, finally able to love one another in the end. The meaning behind the goddess's statement that made Dalair believe that his love of Kira is wrong and that she was never meant to be his is never addressed. I hope that is clarified in the next book, Dark Purity.<br /><br />My rant aside, Sophia "The Destroyer" is creepy and now we know why. Aja definitely left bread crumbs and I followed them pretty early on with the origins of Sophia and Benji. Oh Benji, that little beautiful soul and how I love him. Benji is just such a perfect break of beauty and joy to help you through the sorrow and darknes. We all need our own "lamby blanket". I have said all throughout the series that it was Benji for the win and boy was I right. So much left to learn there. I can't wait.<br /><br />Erebu on the other hand... no one should have to go through that. Tal's treatment and abuse is horrific, but what Erebu has been through is beyond words. He did horrible things while under Medusa's control, but so did Dalair. Erebu's torment lasted thousands of years. As with Dalair, once he was able to break through the control he fought back with EVERYTHING he had. We don't see much of the fight, but the resulting destruction and devastating end was horrific! So yes, I feel that his HEA is paramount. Erebu, it is an absolute imperative, that he get his HEA. <br /><br />Now we just need our "extra" book, Dark Purity, for the many unresolved questions and storylines. Answers or resolutions needed include Erebu (obviously, as he is literally in the wind), Papa, Benji needs to be ok, Little Flower Orphanage etc. and I am very much looking forward to it.<br /><br />I thank Aja James again for the opportunity to review her incredible ARC of Pure Destiny and the amazing Pure-Dark-Ones Addicts - BETA READ MUSES for their insight, gorgeous gifs and hysterical "GIF-sults".<br /><br />===================<br />Thoughts while reading...<br /><br />3.0% "The Prologue 3% - ???????<br /><br />Wait a minute! I wanted this ARC and this pain? I am deliberately doing this to myself. Aja you had better let this not go unpunished! Poor Creature!<br /><br />Rant over. ? The Prologue is so incredibly powerful. You comprehend and empathize completely. Wow."<br /><br />September 18, 2020 – <br /> 17.0% "First off, Little Flower Orphanage! The previous implications are absolutely chilling.<br /><br />Poor Creature, Delair and Sophia, so much sorrow and pain. Again Benji for the win. Lol Pure love and unfiltered purity."<br /><br />September 18, 2020 – <br /> 23.0% "Oh! I thought this might be a thing! Yeah!"<br /><br />September 18, 2020 – <br /> 37.0% ""My Prince."<br /><br />Yes! Finally!"<br /><br />September 18, 2020 – <br /> 47.0% "So very good..."<br /><br />September 19, 2020 – <br /> 68.0% "Awaiting reservations on Sophia's 5 star cavern tours.<br />Oh my... Dalair's admission was beautiful. Monster Sophia is not my favorite, interesting, but I prefer her Light or balanced.<br /><br />"... the wrath of vengeful gods."<br /><br />Jade teasing Eveline was funny. Might not have been smart with Eveline's talent, hidden and emerging gifts. Definitely could have warmed up the area. Luckily she realized she had taken it far enough."<br /><br />September 19, 2020 – <br /> 70.0% ""WHAT'S IN A NAME? THAT WHICH WE CALL A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET” (ROMEO AND JULIET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, CA. 1600)<br /><br />Regardless of the name... W'aner/Lilitu/Lilith etc, it doesn't change the appalling creature she is. Very interested in the clue and almost reveal, look forward to more info. Questions following scenes in another of the books and Aja's bread crumbs are finally coming together."<br /><br />September 19, 2020 – <br /> 71.0% "Since my 1st read of the goddess's warning to Delair, I believe he (in usual Delair fashion) misunderstood her warning. He has felt unworthy and misunderstood Kira's clues.<br /><br />You will meet her again—the one you wish ... will not be the same. Do not make the mistake twice. Choose wisely this time. She was never meant to be yours...<br /><br />I truly believe the answer and truth belong in words left off, it is even open-ended."<br /><br />September 19, 2020 – <br /> 80.0% "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!!!!!! ?<br /><br />...It didn't seem real. This couldn't be happening.<br />Not again.<br /><br />?<br />Where is he?! I will not accept him being gone. I refuse to cry because this can't be over. There are "ways" and it better happen by one of them."