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Predestiny #1
Predestiny
Robbie Stone thought he was on the right side of history. He wanted to make a difference by protesting Butterfly, a megacorporation slowly taking over the United States in the near future. But after he’s attacked by a group of assassins, Robbie’s rescuer, a mysterious white-haired girl named Jane, makes a startling claim: the assassins were sent to kill Robbie and prevent his fate of becoming a merciless dictator responsible for the genocide of millions across the globe. Horrified by his destiny, Robbie must now face a choice: give up his vendetta against Butterfly or risk becoming the worst mass murderer the world has ever seen.
196 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2018
About the author
C.T. Phipps
93 books690 followersC.T Phipps is a lifelong student of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. An avid tabletop gamer, he discovered this passion led him to write and turned him into a lifelong geek. He is a reviewer for Before We Go, Fanfi Addict, and Grimdark Magazine.
He's written the Cthulhu Armageddon, Dark Undermaster Saga, Futurepunk, Lucifer's Star, Space Academy, The Supervillainy Saga, United States of Monsters, and Wraith Knight series.
Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blog...
Website: https://ctphipps.com/
C.T. Fanclub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14917...
He's written the Cthulhu Armageddon, Dark Undermaster Saga, Futurepunk, Lucifer's Star, Space Academy, The Supervillainy Saga, United States of Monsters, and Wraith Knight series.
Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blog...
Website: https://ctphipps.com/
C.T. Fanclub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14917...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 29, 2018
4-2021
Predestiny
The Predestiny Series, Book 1
By: C. T. Phipps, Frank Martin
Narrated by: Thomas Machin
This is the second round for me with this book and loved it the second time too. I normally don't care too much for YA books but there isn't the teenage angst often found in many of those books.
This follows a teen, Robbie, that protests against mega corps and has a abusive father. He encounters an assassin from the future. Seems he is to be a terrifying ruler that destroys the world and goes by the name of Scorpion. Several assassins were sent to kill him but Jane, a white haired girl, decides to give him a chance. Maybe he will change.
It's an action packed and thought provoking book with good characters and plot. However I did not care for the narrator as much as previous Audible books from this author. I think it brought the book down some. Overall, 4 stars. Audible version.
Oct. 2018- 5 stars ebook
Predestiny (The Predestiny Series Book 1) by C.T. Phipps and Frank Martin is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. This book is going in my favorite book of the year folder!
This has time travel in it which I normally don't like to read because it can get messy but this doesn't.
The main character is a teenager who meets someone from the future who is sent to kill him. Actually there is a team sent to kill him! But the assassin changes her mind and helps him instead. It turns into a crazy adventure with assassins after him and one helping him. Slowly he learns the reasoning behind everything! Wow!!! So exciting!!! Can't wait for the next book! There is never a dull moment in this futuristic world!
Predestiny
The Predestiny Series, Book 1
By: C. T. Phipps, Frank Martin
Narrated by: Thomas Machin
This is the second round for me with this book and loved it the second time too. I normally don't care too much for YA books but there isn't the teenage angst often found in many of those books.
This follows a teen, Robbie, that protests against mega corps and has a abusive father. He encounters an assassin from the future. Seems he is to be a terrifying ruler that destroys the world and goes by the name of Scorpion. Several assassins were sent to kill him but Jane, a white haired girl, decides to give him a chance. Maybe he will change.
It's an action packed and thought provoking book with good characters and plot. However I did not care for the narrator as much as previous Audible books from this author. I think it brought the book down some. Overall, 4 stars. Audible version.
Oct. 2018- 5 stars ebook
Predestiny (The Predestiny Series Book 1) by C.T. Phipps and Frank Martin is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. This book is going in my favorite book of the year folder!
This has time travel in it which I normally don't like to read because it can get messy but this doesn't.
The main character is a teenager who meets someone from the future who is sent to kill him. Actually there is a team sent to kill him! But the assassin changes her mind and helps him instead. It turns into a crazy adventure with assassins after him and one helping him. Slowly he learns the reasoning behind everything! Wow!!! So exciting!!! Can't wait for the next book! There is never a dull moment in this futuristic world!
October 29, 2018
I had a lot of fun writing this book with Frank Martin. While I've dipped my toe in YA before, this is my first actual swim in the genre. Robbie is a character who just wants to live his vaguely normal activist life and protest against the megacorporations taking over America. If I were to say what it's like, I'd say "he lives in a less violent version of Robocop's future, the original not the remake." But unfortunately, Robbie's not-quite cyberpunk life is disrupted by suddenly swerving in Terminator.
Jane is from the post-apocalyptic future and Robbie needs to come with her if he wants to live. The assassins from the future don't want to kill him because he's the savior of the future, though, but because he's the destroyer. It's all too much for Robbie, really. Edward Furlog's John Connor he is not. Plus, the part of him which WILL become the Scorpion isn't ready to give up stopping the megacorps.
I think people will like this if they give it a try.
Jane is from the post-apocalyptic future and Robbie needs to come with her if he wants to live. The assassins from the future don't want to kill him because he's the savior of the future, though, but because he's the destroyer. It's all too much for Robbie, really. Edward Furlog's John Connor he is not. Plus, the part of him which WILL become the Scorpion isn't ready to give up stopping the megacorps.
I think people will like this if they give it a try.
December 31, 2021
If you’re a C. T. Phipps fan, then you know his engaging style of fast-paced action thoroughly laced with pop culture references. Here, with co-author Frank Martin, the pace is a little slower, the tone a bit more serious, and there are fewer pop culture references. It’s good even though it’s not as light-hearted as much of Phipps’s works.
Robbie is 17 and struggling with the usual teen things – fitting in, keeping Anna (girlfriend) happy, avoiding his dad’s drunken fists, and wanting to make a positive difference in the world. Anna is involved in the protest organization Hope, which is solidly against megacorporations like Butterfly. Christine, the leader of Hope, has an important hold on Robbie, even if she doesn’t know it. Robbie really wants to make her proud but he also finds himself unexpectedly attracted to her, which he then feels guilty about since he’s with Anna. Yep, the complicated emotional hormonal life of a teen boy.
But not to worry! This is not some angsty teen love triangle. Nope! Such info is laid out for the reader but not lingered over. The main plot centers on Robbie and Jane and there attempt to alter the future and keep Robbie from becoming the Scorpion, a mass murderer and horrible dictator in the future who plummets the USA into a rough dystopian land. You might be thinking this is kind of like that age-old question of ‘what if we went back in time and killed Hitler before he gained power?’ In fact, the main characters have a chat about that very thing. If the assassins succeed in killing Robbie, will the Scorpion never be? Will the USA be saved from a dystopian future?
While Robbie believes Jane is indeed from the future, he struggles to see himself ever becoming such a murderous jerk as the Scorpion. In fact, Jane is struggling to see how that can happen too. While she strives to keep Robbie from Hope, Robbie goes back and forth between supporting it and ignoring it. There’s plenty of action amongst all this soul searching. I never got bored with the story even as I enjoyed the deep thoughts.
The story ends with some answers, with a few things wrapped up, and a reveal that floors Robbie. So I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 to find out how Robbie copes. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Thomas Machin did a pretty good job. I like his voice for teen Robbie. He also gives Robbie’s dad a gruff older voice. While he has a variety of voices, his female voices could use a bit more femininity. The pacing was good and I appreciated how he handled all the serious emotions of the story. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
Robbie is 17 and struggling with the usual teen things – fitting in, keeping Anna (girlfriend) happy, avoiding his dad’s drunken fists, and wanting to make a positive difference in the world. Anna is involved in the protest organization Hope, which is solidly against megacorporations like Butterfly. Christine, the leader of Hope, has an important hold on Robbie, even if she doesn’t know it. Robbie really wants to make her proud but he also finds himself unexpectedly attracted to her, which he then feels guilty about since he’s with Anna. Yep, the complicated emotional hormonal life of a teen boy.
But not to worry! This is not some angsty teen love triangle. Nope! Such info is laid out for the reader but not lingered over. The main plot centers on Robbie and Jane and there attempt to alter the future and keep Robbie from becoming the Scorpion, a mass murderer and horrible dictator in the future who plummets the USA into a rough dystopian land. You might be thinking this is kind of like that age-old question of ‘what if we went back in time and killed Hitler before he gained power?’ In fact, the main characters have a chat about that very thing. If the assassins succeed in killing Robbie, will the Scorpion never be? Will the USA be saved from a dystopian future?
While Robbie believes Jane is indeed from the future, he struggles to see himself ever becoming such a murderous jerk as the Scorpion. In fact, Jane is struggling to see how that can happen too. While she strives to keep Robbie from Hope, Robbie goes back and forth between supporting it and ignoring it. There’s plenty of action amongst all this soul searching. I never got bored with the story even as I enjoyed the deep thoughts.
The story ends with some answers, with a few things wrapped up, and a reveal that floors Robbie. So I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 to find out how Robbie copes. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Thomas Machin did a pretty good job. I like his voice for teen Robbie. He also gives Robbie’s dad a gruff older voice. While he has a variety of voices, his female voices could use a bit more femininity. The pacing was good and I appreciated how he handled all the serious emotions of the story. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
September 16, 2019
A very good start to the Predestiny series!
The story starts with the seventeen-year-old Robbie, in a massive protest crying out against a mega corporation marchers believe is going to take over the United States because of its politically corrupt lobbying and environmental abuse practice.
The march is attacked, but Robbie and his friend managed to escape. However, a group of assassins go after them and almost murdered them. They are rescued by Jane, a mysterious white-haired girl. Later, he finds out she had been sent from the future to kill him and prevents him from becoming a merciless dictator. Then, she changes her mind and becomes his protector, so he can change his horrible fate.
Yes, the story sounds a lot like 'Terminator'. But the story develops and takes its own course. Robbie and Jane are very interesting characters, with an engaging dynamics between the two. Robbie fights against himself, and fears every decision he has to make afraid of becoming the worst mass murderer the world has ever seen. Jane, on the other hand, has to learn to live in a whole new world that is unfamiliar to her, while protecting Robbie from the other killers who were sent along with her.
I had read a book by Frank Martin before, and I loved it. And ‘Predestiny’ is not different. It's a must read.
The story starts with the seventeen-year-old Robbie, in a massive protest crying out against a mega corporation marchers believe is going to take over the United States because of its politically corrupt lobbying and environmental abuse practice.
The march is attacked, but Robbie and his friend managed to escape. However, a group of assassins go after them and almost murdered them. They are rescued by Jane, a mysterious white-haired girl. Later, he finds out she had been sent from the future to kill him and prevents him from becoming a merciless dictator. Then, she changes her mind and becomes his protector, so he can change his horrible fate.
Yes, the story sounds a lot like 'Terminator'. But the story develops and takes its own course. Robbie and Jane are very interesting characters, with an engaging dynamics between the two. Robbie fights against himself, and fears every decision he has to make afraid of becoming the worst mass murderer the world has ever seen. Jane, on the other hand, has to learn to live in a whole new world that is unfamiliar to her, while protecting Robbie from the other killers who were sent along with her.
I had read a book by Frank Martin before, and I loved it. And ‘Predestiny’ is not different. It's a must read.
August 14, 2019
Predestiny by C. T. Phipps is a gripping dystopian novel that will connect with young adults. The world, with its mega companies, is changing quickly. The older crowd is blind to the danger ahead, and the younger crowd is scared for their future. Robbie Stone is one person who can make a difference, but will it be for the best? He wonders if it set his future in stone or if he can change his destiny.
I was spellbound from the beginning as Robbie Stone witnesses the power of the mega company, Butterfly, first hand. C. T. Phipps steps on the verge of a dilemma our culture is facing right now, the influence of big corporations that affect everyone. Predestiny is thrilling and enchanting. The science fiction twist of time travel adds a unique dimension. It fascinated me with Jane’s thought the Scorpion was once a kid who became bad; he didn’t start that way. There are many things within this novel that will make the reader think about where they are going in life and the paths they chose.
I was spellbound from the beginning as Robbie Stone witnesses the power of the mega company, Butterfly, first hand. C. T. Phipps steps on the verge of a dilemma our culture is facing right now, the influence of big corporations that affect everyone. Predestiny is thrilling and enchanting. The science fiction twist of time travel adds a unique dimension. It fascinated me with Jane’s thought the Scorpion was once a kid who became bad; he didn’t start that way. There are many things within this novel that will make the reader think about where they are going in life and the paths they chose.
August 6, 2019
A fun mystery adventure through time
This story is a fun read about a guy named Robbie Stone who is on a mission to destroy a group set on taking over the United States. Robbie must face a harsh reality when he meets Jane and find out people have been sent to kill him because he becomes a crazed tyrant who is responsible for the deaths of millions of people. This book is an adventure and a great read for anyone who likes time travel , mystery, and adventure. Check this one out folks. I was hooked from the first page.
This story is a fun read about a guy named Robbie Stone who is on a mission to destroy a group set on taking over the United States. Robbie must face a harsh reality when he meets Jane and find out people have been sent to kill him because he becomes a crazed tyrant who is responsible for the deaths of millions of people. This book is an adventure and a great read for anyone who likes time travel , mystery, and adventure. Check this one out folks. I was hooked from the first page.
September 5, 2019
Wow!
Wow! That about sums up this gem! It takes the usual trope of people being sent from the future to save a 'chosen one' and twists it around. Instead, our protagonist finds out that he is destined to bring humanity to its' knees.
I won't spoil any of the plot (Or those twists!), but it was so we'll written and fantastic that I couldn't tear myself away. It was really that good.
I'd really recommend giving this one a try. You won't be disappointed!
Wow! That about sums up this gem! It takes the usual trope of people being sent from the future to save a 'chosen one' and twists it around. Instead, our protagonist finds out that he is destined to bring humanity to its' knees.
I won't spoil any of the plot (Or those twists!), but it was so we'll written and fantastic that I couldn't tear myself away. It was really that good.
I'd really recommend giving this one a try. You won't be disappointed!
February 9, 2021
What happens when a time traveler shows up and saves your bacon when you're protesting the growing machinations of a megacorporation? And you almost immediately learn that she was supposed to kill you, not save you? Well, that's what happens to Robbie, and things only get more interesting from there.
January 16, 2026
Tons of potential in this story, I just can’t get into the writing style. With all the other things calling for my attention this is just another young adult book, when it could be a good book period, if it wasn’t trying to be a young adult book so much.
May 13, 2021
Jumped Off the Page
By my count, this is my 26th C.T. Phipps novel – so when I mention anything about this, I think I’m up there in recognizing his work. This was the first book in all 26 that I read that I had to stop in the middle and think “who am I reading again?”. I say that because a lot of Phipps’ books take place in the same place and same universe. Now, I believe that this one does too, don’t get me wrong, but I think this might be an interesting alternate universe or maybe before everything happens that leads to the other books. I also mention that this one feels different because it had a slightly different pacing to it. Now, that being said, different does not in this case mean worse. I enjoyed it just as much and if I was looking for a book in Phipps’ catalog to compare it to it would be some of the Agent G books (especially the ones where they go into his back story).
That’s easily the longest opening to a review I’ve ever written and it was the only part of this review I was sure of. Well that, and the fact that this is definitely a 5-star book. Phipps and Martin wrote a book that jumped off of the page. There were elements in it that really grabbed my attention early, and then as the book continued on, more and more kept getting thrown at the reader and at the main characters.
I liked Robbie as a person and really enjoyed his story arc (including the “jump” that this book is sort of based around). I also really enjoyed the final scenes and the final payoff moment that Phipps and Martin wrote in. (I want to talk about it but… spoilers).
Butterfly (clever with the butterfly effect mentioned numerous times) was a company that you could hate and living in the world that we do today, it’s one of those companies that you can see spawning from any of the big tech companies. They were the right amount of “bad guy” to distract from a lot of the other stuff going on. And allow Robbie to have an origin story unlike many of the other ones that I’ve read before.
I also need to call out that I though Machin did a great job narrating this. He helped Phipps & Martin’s words jump off of the page and really turned Robbie from just a kid to someone real.
Overall, an excellent story that might easily become one of my favorites from Phipps.
By my count, this is my 26th C.T. Phipps novel – so when I mention anything about this, I think I’m up there in recognizing his work. This was the first book in all 26 that I read that I had to stop in the middle and think “who am I reading again?”. I say that because a lot of Phipps’ books take place in the same place and same universe. Now, I believe that this one does too, don’t get me wrong, but I think this might be an interesting alternate universe or maybe before everything happens that leads to the other books. I also mention that this one feels different because it had a slightly different pacing to it. Now, that being said, different does not in this case mean worse. I enjoyed it just as much and if I was looking for a book in Phipps’ catalog to compare it to it would be some of the Agent G books (especially the ones where they go into his back story).
That’s easily the longest opening to a review I’ve ever written and it was the only part of this review I was sure of. Well that, and the fact that this is definitely a 5-star book. Phipps and Martin wrote a book that jumped off of the page. There were elements in it that really grabbed my attention early, and then as the book continued on, more and more kept getting thrown at the reader and at the main characters.
I liked Robbie as a person and really enjoyed his story arc (including the “jump” that this book is sort of based around). I also really enjoyed the final scenes and the final payoff moment that Phipps and Martin wrote in. (I want to talk about it but… spoilers).
Butterfly (clever with the butterfly effect mentioned numerous times) was a company that you could hate and living in the world that we do today, it’s one of those companies that you can see spawning from any of the big tech companies. They were the right amount of “bad guy” to distract from a lot of the other stuff going on. And allow Robbie to have an origin story unlike many of the other ones that I’ve read before.
I also need to call out that I though Machin did a great job narrating this. He helped Phipps & Martin’s words jump off of the page and really turned Robbie from just a kid to someone real.
Overall, an excellent story that might easily become one of my favorites from Phipps.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews