What do you think?
The Descendants #1
The Descendants
To be powerless... I've always wondered what it would be like to step outside of the walls of Lytonia. They were meant to protect us from the dangers of the Wild Lands, but if anything, we were all being imprisoned. Especially, within the heavily guarded walls of Monroe Academy, a school meant to teach us how to develop and improve our powers through severe methods using torture. Pain is something that I suffer from almost every day, but in the Lighter Nation, I can't show any signs of weakness. Especially, not in my condition. I'm surrounded by others with special abilities, none of which I have developed, and as a penalty for my lack of power, I've been branded a Null, a nothing, and at the time, the only one of my kind. Suicide was becoming the better option next to living more and more each day. Being bullied, tortured, and in constant fear of being made a slave to my very torturer made breathing seem pointless... but then I met Soren... And found myself fighting for air..
162 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2016
About the author
Destiny Hawkins
34 books1,003 followersDestiny Hawkins is a multi-genre author with a love for inner discovery.
She enjoys exploring the freedom of life, writing, listening to music, reading, and of course watching some anime! Her favorite genres to read and work in are Christian Fantasy, Dystopian, Sci-fi, and Young Adult.
Destiny loves creating stories and building worlds that both teach and entertain! When writing, she sticks to her slogan: Where light can be discovered within!
Get ready for The Undefeated, Book Four of The Descendants Series!
She enjoys exploring the freedom of life, writing, listening to music, reading, and of course watching some anime! Her favorite genres to read and work in are Christian Fantasy, Dystopian, Sci-fi, and Young Adult.
Destiny loves creating stories and building worlds that both teach and entertain! When writing, she sticks to her slogan: Where light can be discovered within!
Get ready for The Undefeated, Book Four of The Descendants Series!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 26, 2018
Good idea, needs plot work and editing
The basic idea of the book is interesting and shows a lot of potential. However, there are a lot of pacing problems with this book, as well as characterization issues. Sometimes the characters reminded me of characters in old anime, with sudden outbursts or bizarre actions that don’t fit with what we’ve been shown. The book also ends with what would be the rising action in any other book, so it reads as more of an episode than an actual book. The most grating things were the grammar issues - specifically possessives used in place of plurals and sentence fragments that don’t make contextual sense. There are several issues with verb tenses slipping around, so it’s hard to know when things are happing. There are also a few spots that are simply missing text. All-in-all, the book has potential but needs better beta readers or an editor.
The basic idea of the book is interesting and shows a lot of potential. However, there are a lot of pacing problems with this book, as well as characterization issues. Sometimes the characters reminded me of characters in old anime, with sudden outbursts or bizarre actions that don’t fit with what we’ve been shown. The book also ends with what would be the rising action in any other book, so it reads as more of an episode than an actual book. The most grating things were the grammar issues - specifically possessives used in place of plurals and sentence fragments that don’t make contextual sense. There are several issues with verb tenses slipping around, so it’s hard to know when things are happing. There are also a few spots that are simply missing text. All-in-all, the book has potential but needs better beta readers or an editor.
September 5, 2021
The only complaint that I have about this book is that it was too short! It only took about 3 hours to read, which flew by so fast!
I thought the concept for this book was unique and interesting and this was the first work I read by this author. The book started off a little slow as the world and storyline were set up, but then the rest of the book was pretty fast paced. There was a good amount of suspense as the reader finds out whether or not Rayah has powers, which I appreciated. I've found that some authors stretch the big reveal on a bit too long, but Hawkins provided just enough information to keep things interesting without giving too much away. I'm 25 and enjoyed reading the majority of this book, but some parts seemed to definitely be more geared towards teens, who I think would be the perfect demographic for this book. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I thought the concept for this book was unique and interesting and this was the first work I read by this author. The book started off a little slow as the world and storyline were set up, but then the rest of the book was pretty fast paced. There was a good amount of suspense as the reader finds out whether or not Rayah has powers, which I appreciated. I've found that some authors stretch the big reveal on a bit too long, but Hawkins provided just enough information to keep things interesting without giving too much away. I'm 25 and enjoyed reading the majority of this book, but some parts seemed to definitely be more geared towards teens, who I think would be the perfect demographic for this book. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
November 10, 2021
After reading the first book of this series, I am hooked. This author’s style of writing is brilliant. There are many circumstances that pull you into the life of Rayah, and what it is like to be part of an academy for Lighters, children and people who can create light energy. Only problem is that Rayah has not been able to access the power within her. She has only til her 20th birthday to produce light energy, and if not, then slavery to an Elite is in the future. There is one elite member that has his eye on her, and demands extra punishment for any wrongdoing. That being said, he makes her life miserable and at the bottom of her class, worthless, so she thinks. But there is a bright future building within her. Join Rayah as she survives being bullied, tormented and cast aside by most, until one night when she wakes up in a different place full of free people. A must read for all who enjoy the uprising of the underdog, and the emotional ride to become a Lighter
December 6, 2018
Rayah is a light at the academy but she has one problem - she is a null - she cannot access her power no matter what she tries. Because of this the other students and teacher all treat her badly so much as bulling her. But because of who her parents are they were able to make a deal giving Rayah more time to access her powers. But this has to be achieved by the time she is 20 or she will become a slave.
all of a sudden she starts dreaming of being outside the walls of the city where she lives and she meets Soren. He is a Child of the Gods and tries to make her believe that it is all real and not a dream. She also becomes known to Psycho who is a Depleter and after Soren and his power and decides he wants Rayah as well even though she tells him he that she is a null.
This book carries on from Children of the Gods and I really got into this story. The author has a way of drawing you in and you cant help but want to keep reading. You cant help but feel sadness for Rayah with everything that happens to her. And you cant help but love Soren. This book definitely leaves you wanting to know what happens next and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
all of a sudden she starts dreaming of being outside the walls of the city where she lives and she meets Soren. He is a Child of the Gods and tries to make her believe that it is all real and not a dream. She also becomes known to Psycho who is a Depleter and after Soren and his power and decides he wants Rayah as well even though she tells him he that she is a null.
This book carries on from Children of the Gods and I really got into this story. The author has a way of drawing you in and you cant help but want to keep reading. You cant help but feel sadness for Rayah with everything that happens to her. And you cant help but love Soren. This book definitely leaves you wanting to know what happens next and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
Rayah is a null and is considered an outcast for not being able to harness her lighting powers. She has been allowed to continue in an academy where she must reach level 6 in her skills or become a slave to Major Artemis. She is desperate as her mother was required to take her place for 6 years while she continued to try to harness her power. if Rayah fails, she dreads the life that she would face afterwards.
After an extreme torture training, Rayah awakens in the Wilds, outside of Lytonia. After meeting Soren, A Child of God (supposedly wicked and evil), Rayah learns that everything she has been told about the world outside the walls is freedom. Sadly, she is only able to get to the Wilds in her "lighter form." Soren and is family attempt too teach Rayah how to access her powers. Will it be enough to pass at the academy to earn her mother and her freedom from Artemis?
After an extreme torture training, Rayah awakens in the Wilds, outside of Lytonia. After meeting Soren, A Child of God (supposedly wicked and evil), Rayah learns that everything she has been told about the world outside the walls is freedom. Sadly, she is only able to get to the Wilds in her "lighter form." Soren and is family attempt too teach Rayah how to access her powers. Will it be enough to pass at the academy to earn her mother and her freedom from Artemis?
December 19, 2022
One Sentence Summary: Just like every other person in Lytonia, Rayah is sent to Monroe Academy to learn and to level up her light magic, except she can’t get her light to manifest, so endures constantly bullying, until she starts to spend her nights dreaming of impossible places and an impossible man.
My thoughts:
The Descendants is the first in the series of the same name. It follows Rayah, a citizen of Lytonia, as she nears the end of her years at the academy all children are sent to. Unfortunately, the reader is only treated to a short amount of time with Rayah as this felt more like just the first quarter of a whole book. The ending leaves the reader hanging quite a bit, though it does nicely finish off the main story of this part, namely whether the man Rayah meets while she’s sleeping is real or not. There is definitely a larger story, though, which was a big part of the story, but is clearly far from finished. I really liked how darkly dystopian this world is, but some of it, especially when it came to the characterizations, puzzled me.
The Descendants tells the story of Rayah, a young woman approaching her twentieth birthday, which is when every student must level up their magic to a certain level or else become enslaved. It’s definitely looming on the horizon for her, especially since she has never been able to manifest light so is called a null. Being the only null, she’s short on friends and practically mobbed by people, teachers and students, who despise her. Life at the academy isn’t easy for her, but things seem a little better when she starts to fall asleep and find herself in another place. Out in the Wild Lands things are different, but she’s certain it’s only a dream. There she meets a young man, Soren, who is a gods child, who have different colored light and the capability of turning dark, and a horse who takes a liking to her. But they’re in just as much danger as Rayah is at the academy. And her deadline is still looming.
As this felt like the first quarter of a larger book, most of The Descendants is world building. The reader is introduced via some info dumps and Rayah’s own experiences to the highly civilized and dystopian world of Lytonia as well as the Wild Lands that lie beyond. In this world, everyone is capable of manifesting light and the color of the light determines which group they belong to. It’s a fascinating concept, one which directly contributes to the stratification of society as only one group is highly preferred. But I do love the idea that the academy more or less equalizes everyone, meaning if they, no matter which color light they have, cannot level up to a certain level by the time they turn twenty, they are automatically enslaved. Their whole society felt quite rigid, which was a direct contrast to the Wild Lands, which are, aptly, wild. Full of nature and people who live with a great deal more freedom, there’s also a sense of lawlessness as there are individuals called depleters who deplete the people they capture of their magic. However, despite how interesting and fascinating the world is, I failed to get a real sense of what Lytonia looked like. Even the academy felt more like a jumble of buildings and training areas, but I couldn’t quite grasp the concept of a school. The Wild Lands felt more detailed and I definitely would have loved to spend more time there.
The one thing I didn’t quite understand about this world was all the pain students are put through. I think it was mentioned that pain is supposed to help with their powers, but it’s not an idea that’s reinforced, or even one that the reader actually gets to see much of. So it makes the pain and torture on the pages present just to make this into dark fantasy. There are torturous and disturbing scenes, but the students, and even the adults around them, seem relatively well-adjusted, capable of forming close relationships and enjoying whatever passes for normal life there. With early separation between parent and child in this society and all the pain and torture they all undergo for years, I’m surprised there’s any kind of loving relationship these people can form so some of the relationships the reader gets to see feel a little off. I would expect more hardened, calloused, and probably traumatized people wandering about regardless of how well-meshed this idea and practice is in society.
I did, though, enjoy the diversity as there seems to be a strong, diverse gene pool in Lytonia and I liked the villain’s characterization. Rayah herself puzzled me a little. Heavily bullied, I expected her to either be more meek and frightened or keen on fighting back. She, however, seemed to be in neither camp. Instead, she endures it and seems to hope for the best, though her looming deadline creates a good deal of anxiety even if I didn’t think she tried hard enough considering she has less than a year. Overall, she felt a little too even tempered and even keeled, so it left me wondering a bit about the necessity of having her so despised and so tortured. There is a nice glimpse of why at the end, though, which is tantalizing.
But much of the story revolved around Rayah and her powerless self and the world she visits in her sleep. I loved seeing her and her mysterious man together. They felt like old friends and Soren was just such a carefree and friendly man that I think it helped even things out in terms of the kinds of people in Rayah’s life. It was nice to see her with someone who didn’t live under the dictates of Lytonia’s society. But this story feels like a typical story of a powerless individual ending up being super powerful and everything will later on depend on them. The predictability is a little disappointing, but I like a lot of the details about the world.
The Descendants has an interesting concept and an unoriginal story, but, while a part of it puzzles me, I think it was executed well enough to give the reader a sense of the world and the story. Some threads are given closure and others are left wide open, so the ending wasn’t the terrible cliff hanger it could have been. It does make this book feel like it was all about the world building and the story is more of an after thought, but they work hand in hand most of the time so I hope the rest of the books really get into the meat of the story.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
My thoughts:
The Descendants is the first in the series of the same name. It follows Rayah, a citizen of Lytonia, as she nears the end of her years at the academy all children are sent to. Unfortunately, the reader is only treated to a short amount of time with Rayah as this felt more like just the first quarter of a whole book. The ending leaves the reader hanging quite a bit, though it does nicely finish off the main story of this part, namely whether the man Rayah meets while she’s sleeping is real or not. There is definitely a larger story, though, which was a big part of the story, but is clearly far from finished. I really liked how darkly dystopian this world is, but some of it, especially when it came to the characterizations, puzzled me.
The Descendants tells the story of Rayah, a young woman approaching her twentieth birthday, which is when every student must level up their magic to a certain level or else become enslaved. It’s definitely looming on the horizon for her, especially since she has never been able to manifest light so is called a null. Being the only null, she’s short on friends and practically mobbed by people, teachers and students, who despise her. Life at the academy isn’t easy for her, but things seem a little better when she starts to fall asleep and find herself in another place. Out in the Wild Lands things are different, but she’s certain it’s only a dream. There she meets a young man, Soren, who is a gods child, who have different colored light and the capability of turning dark, and a horse who takes a liking to her. But they’re in just as much danger as Rayah is at the academy. And her deadline is still looming.
As this felt like the first quarter of a larger book, most of The Descendants is world building. The reader is introduced via some info dumps and Rayah’s own experiences to the highly civilized and dystopian world of Lytonia as well as the Wild Lands that lie beyond. In this world, everyone is capable of manifesting light and the color of the light determines which group they belong to. It’s a fascinating concept, one which directly contributes to the stratification of society as only one group is highly preferred. But I do love the idea that the academy more or less equalizes everyone, meaning if they, no matter which color light they have, cannot level up to a certain level by the time they turn twenty, they are automatically enslaved. Their whole society felt quite rigid, which was a direct contrast to the Wild Lands, which are, aptly, wild. Full of nature and people who live with a great deal more freedom, there’s also a sense of lawlessness as there are individuals called depleters who deplete the people they capture of their magic. However, despite how interesting and fascinating the world is, I failed to get a real sense of what Lytonia looked like. Even the academy felt more like a jumble of buildings and training areas, but I couldn’t quite grasp the concept of a school. The Wild Lands felt more detailed and I definitely would have loved to spend more time there.
The one thing I didn’t quite understand about this world was all the pain students are put through. I think it was mentioned that pain is supposed to help with their powers, but it’s not an idea that’s reinforced, or even one that the reader actually gets to see much of. So it makes the pain and torture on the pages present just to make this into dark fantasy. There are torturous and disturbing scenes, but the students, and even the adults around them, seem relatively well-adjusted, capable of forming close relationships and enjoying whatever passes for normal life there. With early separation between parent and child in this society and all the pain and torture they all undergo for years, I’m surprised there’s any kind of loving relationship these people can form so some of the relationships the reader gets to see feel a little off. I would expect more hardened, calloused, and probably traumatized people wandering about regardless of how well-meshed this idea and practice is in society.
I did, though, enjoy the diversity as there seems to be a strong, diverse gene pool in Lytonia and I liked the villain’s characterization. Rayah herself puzzled me a little. Heavily bullied, I expected her to either be more meek and frightened or keen on fighting back. She, however, seemed to be in neither camp. Instead, she endures it and seems to hope for the best, though her looming deadline creates a good deal of anxiety even if I didn’t think she tried hard enough considering she has less than a year. Overall, she felt a little too even tempered and even keeled, so it left me wondering a bit about the necessity of having her so despised and so tortured. There is a nice glimpse of why at the end, though, which is tantalizing.
But much of the story revolved around Rayah and her powerless self and the world she visits in her sleep. I loved seeing her and her mysterious man together. They felt like old friends and Soren was just such a carefree and friendly man that I think it helped even things out in terms of the kinds of people in Rayah’s life. It was nice to see her with someone who didn’t live under the dictates of Lytonia’s society. But this story feels like a typical story of a powerless individual ending up being super powerful and everything will later on depend on them. The predictability is a little disappointing, but I like a lot of the details about the world.
The Descendants has an interesting concept and an unoriginal story, but, while a part of it puzzles me, I think it was executed well enough to give the reader a sense of the world and the story. Some threads are given closure and others are left wide open, so the ending wasn’t the terrible cliff hanger it could have been. It does make this book feel like it was all about the world building and the story is more of an after thought, but they work hand in hand most of the time so I hope the rest of the books really get into the meat of the story.
Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2019
Freaking fantastic!
Lately I was reading books from completely different genre and I forgot how fantastic and amazing feeling it is to deep dive to the perfectly created foreign world. I enjoyed every single word of this story. The plot is so perfectly thought through that just kept me captivated. I wanted to get my lighter form and experience all of the events myself even the most cruel and dangerous ones.
I fell in love with the characters, with the story, with the way author puts it all in words. How it transformed in my mind it was almost as I would watch it on the big screen. This book convinced me that there's nothing better than great fantasy story to dive in and forget about anything else... but then there is this feeling of emptiness when you need to go back to your reality... I just need more of this, can't wait to jump right into next part.
Lately I was reading books from completely different genre and I forgot how fantastic and amazing feeling it is to deep dive to the perfectly created foreign world. I enjoyed every single word of this story. The plot is so perfectly thought through that just kept me captivated. I wanted to get my lighter form and experience all of the events myself even the most cruel and dangerous ones.
I fell in love with the characters, with the story, with the way author puts it all in words. How it transformed in my mind it was almost as I would watch it on the big screen. This book convinced me that there's nothing better than great fantasy story to dive in and forget about anything else... but then there is this feeling of emptiness when you need to go back to your reality... I just need more of this, can't wait to jump right into next part.
July 2, 2019
An exciting, adventurous story of a young woman trying to prove herself. Prove that she is like everyone else and not a nobody. If she cannot show that in the coming months, she will continue her life as a (sex) slave. Despite all the hardships and harassment that she has to undergo, she will not let herself be broken.
In her dreams she has a better life and people appreciate her for who and what she is. But the question then comes ..... is everything really a dream?
A beautifully constructed world in which you sympathize with the main character and hope that her dream world will become her world with the chance of happiness
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In her dreams she has a better life and people appreciate her for who and what she is. But the question then comes ..... is everything really a dream?
A beautifully constructed world in which you sympathize with the main character and hope that her dream world will become her world with the chance of happiness
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2017
Hawkins, once again, dazzles the readers through a dark, dystopian, and mythological world where you either 'light up' (in my words) or you're nothing and you'll be treated as such. It's heartbreaking but all the while, you have an unfounded sense of hope. It's beautiful and twisted and I think that's the point. I'm in awe at the descriptive details and so intrigued by the mythology that this story is encapsulated in. I love the Author for her imagination. It's truly what keeps me coming back for more. No matter how torturous, strenuous, distressing, punishing, or agonizing it may be, you can't help but flip to the next page to see what comes next.
December 28, 2018
A very interesting book. Perfect for the YA reader and anyone who loves a dark dystopian thriller. Rayah is a null. A powerless level one mage incapable of calling forth the light. She lives in an awful society, mistreated and unfairly punished more harshly than any other student at the magic school. Now she dreams of forbidden magic and outlawed magic users, and being able to call up the light. But what she believes as her dreams are events that have actually happened. This is just the first installment of this intriguing series. I really liked reading this book and look forward to reading the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2018
A creative dystopian/fantasy world of magic, pain, ruthlessness and pleasure; usually pleasure at someone else's expense. Yet there is also endurance, pride and hope. Rayah has only shown the power to heal her wounds and is considered a null (having no power). Yet she's told she is powerful. Will she be able to access these powers in time to save her mom and herself?
Doesn't get much better then this! Awaiting next book in the series. Excellent read.
I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book.
Doesn't get much better then this! Awaiting next book in the series. Excellent read.
I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book.
February 11, 2019
With each dystopian/fantasy book I read I've realized I am loving this genre. This is my first book by this author and it is fantastic. The characters are interesting and well developed. The author has created an amazing world and I was captivated by the story with each page I read. Rayah is the main character and I felt so bad with everything she went through just trying to fit in. I don't want to say too much so you should definitely check out this book and I hope you love it as much as I did.
July 8, 2019
The Descendants was not what I expected, in a good way. A lot of books have rather predictable storylines but I like fantasy books for the reason that it can surprise you. This book was hard for me to put down and I kept wanting to know what happened next. It made me think about the elements in the book and how that applies to real life. I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope you do too, if you're thinking of picking it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2020
Really good storyline
I have really enjoyed reading this book. It is different. The FMC has been through the ringer and I believe there are some secrets there that will come out. This society that she is part of is horrid. It is completely backwards and seriously messed up. The Wild Lands.... that sounds like where she should be. The "villian" is horrible, he makes my skin crawl. Honestly the structure of this "lawful" society makes my skin crawl. The FMC is pretty complex. Definitely read this book. It is absolutely fantastic!
I have really enjoyed reading this book. It is different. The FMC has been through the ringer and I believe there are some secrets there that will come out. This society that she is part of is horrid. It is completely backwards and seriously messed up. The Wild Lands.... that sounds like where she should be. The "villian" is horrible, he makes my skin crawl. Honestly the structure of this "lawful" society makes my skin crawl. The FMC is pretty complex. Definitely read this book. It is absolutely fantastic!
December 8, 2018
The Descendants is an engaging tale that will have you hooked from page one!!
Rayah is a part of society that Artemis is trying to force into servitude. However he soon learns she isn’t one to be forced into anything!!
Rayah learns more about her powers, her ability, herself in general. She finds the inner strength she needs and she is now a fierce warrior!!
I am absolutely amazed by how fast the characters connect with the reader! I am super excited to read on!!
Rayah is a part of society that Artemis is trying to force into servitude. However he soon learns she isn’t one to be forced into anything!!
Rayah learns more about her powers, her ability, herself in general. She finds the inner strength she needs and she is now a fierce warrior!!
I am absolutely amazed by how fast the characters connect with the reader! I am super excited to read on!!
July 10, 2019
Amazing honestly
I was given the opportunity to read this and have it is to I read half of the book in one sitting and I wasn't disappointed in fact I'm gonna go and buy the books to keep instead of my them because I enjoyed the first so much and hopefully pre order the third one of I can but I think that assassin has something to do with the major who is her worst nightmare at what I would call the base and I want to see her free her mom from him. Off was just amazing
I was given the opportunity to read this and have it is to I read half of the book in one sitting and I wasn't disappointed in fact I'm gonna go and buy the books to keep instead of my them because I enjoyed the first so much and hopefully pre order the third one of I can but I think that assassin has something to do with the major who is her worst nightmare at what I would call the base and I want to see her free her mom from him. Off was just amazing
November 18, 2022
Spoilers: Many Science Fiction dystopian novels have characters being separated by some arbitrary type, as an analogy on how modern society separates people from larger categories like race and social class to minor sets like IQ's or personality types. Whether it's by brain type like in Brave New World, social and personality factions like in Divergent, or assigned careers like in The Giver.
In each one, there is a character (or characters) that doesn't fit into these assorted categories and questions the system that does this.
The themes often are that people are people. They are flexible, learning, adaptive, complex, messy, and can't always be put into a box. Human nature by its own definition is changeable and often resists such placement. A person who prefers to be introverted in private may be extroverted in their jobs. A person with a high IQ may not have a lot of common sense or street smarts.
While sometimes exploring such concepts may be interesting, that's a poor way of viewing the society at large.
Studying one's race and culture may drive a person to look into their own family history and where they came from. When someone takes a personality quiz, they could find favorite interests or a career in which they shine. But what is problematic is when people use those types to maintain superiority rather than equality. When they use those categories as an excuse to isolate and segregate people as a means to maintain that superiority.
That is the main theme that can be found in Destiny Hawkins' YA Dystopian Science Fiction novel, The Descendants. It is set in an alternate future in which people have different abilities in which they can control energy. They are called Lighters and are in charge of the Lighter Nation.
The Lighters are then put into three categories: Brighter (possessing incredible speed and strength), Elem (the ability to control earth, air, fire, and water), and Dim (create darkness). They are then separated into subcategories depending on the color that the Lighter emits like soma for dark blue, vex for turquoise blue, and kali for white. They then operate on different levels depending on the brightness of their light. As if to make the point less subtle, the narrator even remarks that it's a terrible way to separate people by color and by shades of that color (get it?).
Then there are the Nulls, people who cannot bring light forward at all. Rayah Bardeau, the narrator and protagonist, is one such Null. Nulls are treated horribly. If they can't demonstrate Lighter powers by the time they finish school, then they have to become slaves.
Major Artemis St. James, Rayah's former owner, is licking his lips in anticipation for that moment. While Rayah is at the Academy, her mother has taken her place as a slave but it is clear that he intends to use Rayah for more than chores.
Nulls are subjected to pain tests and other students are allowed to bully them. There are many intense scenes where Rayah is bullied by Artemis and the Lighter students. She isn't a slave by name, but it is apparent that most people in Lighter Nation do not treat her as a human being with equal rights.
What is particularly fascinating about the scenario that Hawkins writes is that The Descendants is almost the exact opposite of the scenario of X Men. Whereas the Marvel franchise depicts the people with powerful abilities as the outsiders, The Descendants portrays the ones without abilities as "The Others." Either way, they make the same point: that somehow bigoted people will find someone different to scapegoat, to look down upon, to isolate, to hate, to threaten, to hurt, and sometimes to kill just for who they are.
Some of the most interesting passages are when Rayah is in the Wild Lands, an area outside her homeland in which the citizens are forbidden to go. Of course, Rayah does and encounters people who live outside of Lighter rules and regulations. Her romance with Soren, one of the people from the Wild Lands, is a typical one for this genre though they are likable characters.
Soren is particularly helpful in that he sees Rayah as a person not a Null. She also sees Soren as a person and not a wildling. They see beyond the programming that society has given them into the soul inside.
What the Wild Lands chapters do is give Rayah chances to reveal her own power. During her academy studies, she has shown a strong talent for hand to hand combat. She is able to use that to defend her new friends when they are threatened. She also discovers new abilities that were never dead, just dormant.
Without spoilers, on the one hand this revelation plays into the problems in Rayah's society by revealing that she fits in after all. However, on the other hand, that could also be the point. The Lighter Nation citizens may believe that they need someone to look down on to the point that they will deprive someone of their innate abilities to make it happen. They would rather have a class of slaves than admit that everyone could be treated as an equal.
The Descendants has a lot to say about how we separate people into various types and categories and sometimes use them to look down upon others. It also shows how we can use our personal power to stand against that categorization and be seen as individuals.
In each one, there is a character (or characters) that doesn't fit into these assorted categories and questions the system that does this.
The themes often are that people are people. They are flexible, learning, adaptive, complex, messy, and can't always be put into a box. Human nature by its own definition is changeable and often resists such placement. A person who prefers to be introverted in private may be extroverted in their jobs. A person with a high IQ may not have a lot of common sense or street smarts.
While sometimes exploring such concepts may be interesting, that's a poor way of viewing the society at large.
Studying one's race and culture may drive a person to look into their own family history and where they came from. When someone takes a personality quiz, they could find favorite interests or a career in which they shine. But what is problematic is when people use those types to maintain superiority rather than equality. When they use those categories as an excuse to isolate and segregate people as a means to maintain that superiority.
That is the main theme that can be found in Destiny Hawkins' YA Dystopian Science Fiction novel, The Descendants. It is set in an alternate future in which people have different abilities in which they can control energy. They are called Lighters and are in charge of the Lighter Nation.
The Lighters are then put into three categories: Brighter (possessing incredible speed and strength), Elem (the ability to control earth, air, fire, and water), and Dim (create darkness). They are then separated into subcategories depending on the color that the Lighter emits like soma for dark blue, vex for turquoise blue, and kali for white. They then operate on different levels depending on the brightness of their light. As if to make the point less subtle, the narrator even remarks that it's a terrible way to separate people by color and by shades of that color (get it?).
Then there are the Nulls, people who cannot bring light forward at all. Rayah Bardeau, the narrator and protagonist, is one such Null. Nulls are treated horribly. If they can't demonstrate Lighter powers by the time they finish school, then they have to become slaves.
Major Artemis St. James, Rayah's former owner, is licking his lips in anticipation for that moment. While Rayah is at the Academy, her mother has taken her place as a slave but it is clear that he intends to use Rayah for more than chores.
Nulls are subjected to pain tests and other students are allowed to bully them. There are many intense scenes where Rayah is bullied by Artemis and the Lighter students. She isn't a slave by name, but it is apparent that most people in Lighter Nation do not treat her as a human being with equal rights.
What is particularly fascinating about the scenario that Hawkins writes is that The Descendants is almost the exact opposite of the scenario of X Men. Whereas the Marvel franchise depicts the people with powerful abilities as the outsiders, The Descendants portrays the ones without abilities as "The Others." Either way, they make the same point: that somehow bigoted people will find someone different to scapegoat, to look down upon, to isolate, to hate, to threaten, to hurt, and sometimes to kill just for who they are.
Some of the most interesting passages are when Rayah is in the Wild Lands, an area outside her homeland in which the citizens are forbidden to go. Of course, Rayah does and encounters people who live outside of Lighter rules and regulations. Her romance with Soren, one of the people from the Wild Lands, is a typical one for this genre though they are likable characters.
Soren is particularly helpful in that he sees Rayah as a person not a Null. She also sees Soren as a person and not a wildling. They see beyond the programming that society has given them into the soul inside.
What the Wild Lands chapters do is give Rayah chances to reveal her own power. During her academy studies, she has shown a strong talent for hand to hand combat. She is able to use that to defend her new friends when they are threatened. She also discovers new abilities that were never dead, just dormant.
Without spoilers, on the one hand this revelation plays into the problems in Rayah's society by revealing that she fits in after all. However, on the other hand, that could also be the point. The Lighter Nation citizens may believe that they need someone to look down on to the point that they will deprive someone of their innate abilities to make it happen. They would rather have a class of slaves than admit that everyone could be treated as an equal.
The Descendants has a lot to say about how we separate people into various types and categories and sometimes use them to look down upon others. It also shows how we can use our personal power to stand against that categorization and be seen as individuals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2023
I will be honest, this book was a hard read for me and I didn’t end up finishing it. It’s the only book I have ever marked as a did not finish, though that option isn’t available here. It wasn’t simply that I hated the book, I actually found the idea quite interesting. With some more time to flesh out the plot idea and major plot points it could be a really good book! What really threw me off were the pacing issues and the overall randomness that each chapter brought with it.
Right from the first chapter, it’s as if we’re thrown in and nothing truly explained. The main character’s name isn’t even written in the first chapter at all and so I was genuinely lost. Huge plot twists in my opinion seemed to just pop up out of no where in the beginning chapters when they would’ve done much better being kept for later. If they were necessary information for the start, maybe a better transition for that information is better as it just feels so out of place and thrown in for shock value.
The information that’s given about the world is almost like strange sidebars. Like, Emperor Kuzco pausing the movie to draw out the game plan strategy sort of sidebars. They helped explain things but it felt awkward and more like notes for the author instead of to help the reader learn. It also would have been beneficial, I think, to have switched chapter 2 with chapter 1, as it explains aspects of Rayah far better so you can understand the information in chapter 1 much better. Or combining them would work, too. Just to make things a little less confusing because I found myself very confused a lot of the time while reading this book.
I believe the characterization could use a lot of work too. I was deeply confused on what Rayah’s character was supposed to be, as she constantly seemed to flip between meek and frightened powerless mouse to super conceited and determined to prove she was worth keeping around. It just gave huge whiplash every time she would talk about needing to go along with the expectations of everyone else but then a paragraph later flip to feeling the need to prove herself and that she was capable. Like, which is it?
There were also weird colonizing vibes to me when it came to the “savages”. Perhaps it was explained later on why they were given such a name but nothing about them ever gave the notion they deserved that name. And having someone say that they “needed to be tamed” is very very strange. They’re people who deserve to live life how they choose. I can see why the government that Rayah lives under would want to portray the people not following their system as others but it just rubs me the wrong way especially the whole “I’ll buy him out of slavery” bit.
There are a lot of grammatical issues overall, too, and just a lot of plot line work that needs to be done. The idea is incredibly interesting it just needs some work and attention. Honestly, this is the first I have ever just stopped reading a book and even the idea of attempting to pick it back up makes me feel too stressed in the sense that things will be so all over the place and confusing I won’t be able to enjoy it. Even with only reading up to about chapter 7 I just couldn’t bring myself to finish the book.
Good luck, though!
Right from the first chapter, it’s as if we’re thrown in and nothing truly explained. The main character’s name isn’t even written in the first chapter at all and so I was genuinely lost. Huge plot twists in my opinion seemed to just pop up out of no where in the beginning chapters when they would’ve done much better being kept for later. If they were necessary information for the start, maybe a better transition for that information is better as it just feels so out of place and thrown in for shock value.
The information that’s given about the world is almost like strange sidebars. Like, Emperor Kuzco pausing the movie to draw out the game plan strategy sort of sidebars. They helped explain things but it felt awkward and more like notes for the author instead of to help the reader learn. It also would have been beneficial, I think, to have switched chapter 2 with chapter 1, as it explains aspects of Rayah far better so you can understand the information in chapter 1 much better. Or combining them would work, too. Just to make things a little less confusing because I found myself very confused a lot of the time while reading this book.
I believe the characterization could use a lot of work too. I was deeply confused on what Rayah’s character was supposed to be, as she constantly seemed to flip between meek and frightened powerless mouse to super conceited and determined to prove she was worth keeping around. It just gave huge whiplash every time she would talk about needing to go along with the expectations of everyone else but then a paragraph later flip to feeling the need to prove herself and that she was capable. Like, which is it?
There were also weird colonizing vibes to me when it came to the “savages”. Perhaps it was explained later on why they were given such a name but nothing about them ever gave the notion they deserved that name. And having someone say that they “needed to be tamed” is very very strange. They’re people who deserve to live life how they choose. I can see why the government that Rayah lives under would want to portray the people not following their system as others but it just rubs me the wrong way especially the whole “I’ll buy him out of slavery” bit.
There are a lot of grammatical issues overall, too, and just a lot of plot line work that needs to be done. The idea is incredibly interesting it just needs some work and attention. Honestly, this is the first I have ever just stopped reading a book and even the idea of attempting to pick it back up makes me feel too stressed in the sense that things will be so all over the place and confusing I won’t be able to enjoy it. Even with only reading up to about chapter 7 I just couldn’t bring myself to finish the book.
Good luck, though!
February 10, 2022
The Decendants Review
Um, wow. Idk how I've gone so long without coming across this book but I am so glad the author reached out to me because holy moly. I just finished this book in like 3 hours. I am hooked!! I need MORE!!! I will definitely be grabbing book 2 in a bit here if it's out already!!
But man, just like any great series book 1 is a bit slow since it explains everything and builds up the world for you. But even so, I was sucked in by Rayah and her story. I literally could not stop reading!! I kept needing to know more!! I was sorely disappointed that the book was over, the cliffhanger leaves you in desperate need of book 2!!
So if you've read any of my reviews of high fantasy books then you know that I love it when an author doesn't hold back on the details because the details are what make it easier for readers to visualize the world of the book!! Not only did she do a fantastic job world building and making it easy to visualize the world but she did an outstanding job with the character development!!
I know sometimes with books like this one it can be difficult to understand the magic system and the classes and rankings of the magic and such of the world but she really did an awesome job explaining everything little by little so I can absorb all of that information!! And coming from me, you know that says quite a bit about her writing since I have ADHD and absorbing huge amounts all at once is a huge struggle for me.
She broke everything down and made it all flow seamlessly with the story!! Not only did that make it easy for me to absorb and understand everything it made all the explaining highly enjoyable for me!!
I can't tell yall how much I love when authors reach out to me because a lot of times I somehow don't come across their books! Which is such a damn shame because um, this book was absolutely fantastic!! I can't wait to dive into book 2!!! I'll definitely have to wait until tomorrow since it's currently 10pm and I already know that when I start that book I will be hooked and I won't sleep until I have devoured the whole thing!!
Oh right, I checked to see if book 2 was available yet and thank the gods it is!!! I highly recommend yall check this series out!!
Um, wow. Idk how I've gone so long without coming across this book but I am so glad the author reached out to me because holy moly. I just finished this book in like 3 hours. I am hooked!! I need MORE!!! I will definitely be grabbing book 2 in a bit here if it's out already!!
But man, just like any great series book 1 is a bit slow since it explains everything and builds up the world for you. But even so, I was sucked in by Rayah and her story. I literally could not stop reading!! I kept needing to know more!! I was sorely disappointed that the book was over, the cliffhanger leaves you in desperate need of book 2!!
So if you've read any of my reviews of high fantasy books then you know that I love it when an author doesn't hold back on the details because the details are what make it easier for readers to visualize the world of the book!! Not only did she do a fantastic job world building and making it easy to visualize the world but she did an outstanding job with the character development!!
I know sometimes with books like this one it can be difficult to understand the magic system and the classes and rankings of the magic and such of the world but she really did an awesome job explaining everything little by little so I can absorb all of that information!! And coming from me, you know that says quite a bit about her writing since I have ADHD and absorbing huge amounts all at once is a huge struggle for me.
She broke everything down and made it all flow seamlessly with the story!! Not only did that make it easy for me to absorb and understand everything it made all the explaining highly enjoyable for me!!
I can't tell yall how much I love when authors reach out to me because a lot of times I somehow don't come across their books! Which is such a damn shame because um, this book was absolutely fantastic!! I can't wait to dive into book 2!!! I'll definitely have to wait until tomorrow since it's currently 10pm and I already know that when I start that book I will be hooked and I won't sleep until I have devoured the whole thing!!
Oh right, I checked to see if book 2 was available yet and thank the gods it is!!! I highly recommend yall check this series out!!
May 15, 2019
Fail the tests and become a slave. Display defectiveness and be put to death.
Monroe Academy was built to separate the weak from the strong. Pass the biyearly leveling and be released into society upon graduation. Fail to be promoted and be stripped of rank and forced into servitude.
That was a rule that applied to all but Rayah Bardeau. A student of Monroe Academy, branded as a Null because of her absence of Lighter energy. With her mother standing as a slave in her place, Rayah was given until the age of twenty to make level six, but at nineteen-years-old and with only eight months until her twentieth birthday, she was only a mere level one. The same level she’s been since she was ten.
With the stress of her upcoming test, the loss of a friend, and the constant wrongdoings towards her, Rayah could only dream of escaping from Lytonia, and escape she did. Only, when she awakened in her dorm, she couldn’t distinguish if she had only dreamt of meeting Soren, a wild and adventurous defect in the Wild Lands, or if she had somehow used her Lighter Form to get there.
But only the elite ― the most powerful of Lighters ― could tap into their Lighter Forms. Right?
And what was the dark energy she used when she and Soren were attacked by Depleters? Was Rayah really as powerless as she thought? Was she a defect? And if she used dark energy, could she call herself a Lighter at all?
The Descendants by Destiny Hawkins in a fantastic read that will leave you hooked straight from the beginning.
In a place called Lytonia, you are either a powerful lighter or your a slave. A lighter is a person who can use their powers to produce a ball of energy (a light) that can be used to fight with. You only have from the age of 10 until 20 to prove you can do this.
I'm not giving any more away about this. I just loved the plot and story as it is amazing.
I love the characters that have been created and was even moved to tears reading some of this.
I am absolutely hooked and can't wait to read more on this series.
Highly Recommend!!
I received a free copy via Book Funnel.
Monroe Academy was built to separate the weak from the strong. Pass the biyearly leveling and be released into society upon graduation. Fail to be promoted and be stripped of rank and forced into servitude.
That was a rule that applied to all but Rayah Bardeau. A student of Monroe Academy, branded as a Null because of her absence of Lighter energy. With her mother standing as a slave in her place, Rayah was given until the age of twenty to make level six, but at nineteen-years-old and with only eight months until her twentieth birthday, she was only a mere level one. The same level she’s been since she was ten.
With the stress of her upcoming test, the loss of a friend, and the constant wrongdoings towards her, Rayah could only dream of escaping from Lytonia, and escape she did. Only, when she awakened in her dorm, she couldn’t distinguish if she had only dreamt of meeting Soren, a wild and adventurous defect in the Wild Lands, or if she had somehow used her Lighter Form to get there.
But only the elite ― the most powerful of Lighters ― could tap into their Lighter Forms. Right?
And what was the dark energy she used when she and Soren were attacked by Depleters? Was Rayah really as powerless as she thought? Was she a defect? And if she used dark energy, could she call herself a Lighter at all?
The Descendants by Destiny Hawkins in a fantastic read that will leave you hooked straight from the beginning.
In a place called Lytonia, you are either a powerful lighter or your a slave. A lighter is a person who can use their powers to produce a ball of energy (a light) that can be used to fight with. You only have from the age of 10 until 20 to prove you can do this.
I'm not giving any more away about this. I just loved the plot and story as it is amazing.
I love the characters that have been created and was even moved to tears reading some of this.
I am absolutely hooked and can't wait to read more on this series.
Highly Recommend!!
I received a free copy via Book Funnel.
February 7, 2024
The Descendants starts a story that I can't tell if it will be a good one, or one that languishes in lack of detail or something else entirely. So far, the only thing that happens in this story is that a young woman who is about to turn 20 (the age at which all citizens are either level 6, or they're slaves), is still level 1, and while this story is supposed to be her story, showing how she bucked the odds, and actually made her advancement despite all odds, is actually a story about this young woman cowering at everything around her, spirit walking at night, where everyone tells her how strong and powerful she is, then back to the daily routine of being fearful and cowardly. That's pretty much all there is to this piece of the story. As it stands, it does not inspire me to want to read more. There was a single sentence in this first book that does encourage me that it gets better, when it says something along the lines of if she hadn't done it, then she wouldn't have levelled. Only, no levelling happened. By the end of the book, the only thing that changed with her circumstances is that she's now two months closer to her 20th birthday, and absolutely nothing has changed in her daily routine, other than her taking the out of body strolls during the night. If there's a point, I haven't found it.
I don't think I'll continue with this series, because this first book was quite disappointing. It has lots of potential, but I'm not seeing it in this first book.
I don't think I'll continue with this series, because this first book was quite disappointing. It has lots of potential, but I'm not seeing it in this first book.
February 8, 2022
I was very kindly sent a copy of this by the author in return for my honest opinion. In no way has this influenced the following review.
Fail the tests and become a slave. Display defectiveness and be put to death. In the lighter nation of Lytonia, life is harsh and at Monroe Academy it's vicious. Particularly for Rayah, a null who cannot access her lighter energy. Her parents got her a second chance-she has until 20 to reach level 6-something that never happens and with 8 months to go she's still a mere level 1.
I was hooked from the first page until the last and pretty much read it in 2 sittings. The writing style almost welcomes you into this world with an easy introduction to society. Not that it's a great society to be honest, it sounds ghastly to me however it feels very much original. The book has a strange pace. I found it flowed fairly well though it is a bit stop start at times. It works for the tale though so I don't mind.
I fell in love with our female protagonist Rayah in a page or 2. Hardly surprising considering I'm from Yorkshire and we love an underdog here. She gone through hell and it's made her tough and resilient. There are quite a few characters involved but we don't really get to know them any more than Rayah does as the story is told from her perspective.
So my only disappointment with this book was that it was too damn short. I really wasn't ready for it to end....I was gutted when it did. So much so that I've already finished the next installment and I'm eagerly anticipating the rest.
Fail the tests and become a slave. Display defectiveness and be put to death. In the lighter nation of Lytonia, life is harsh and at Monroe Academy it's vicious. Particularly for Rayah, a null who cannot access her lighter energy. Her parents got her a second chance-she has until 20 to reach level 6-something that never happens and with 8 months to go she's still a mere level 1.
I was hooked from the first page until the last and pretty much read it in 2 sittings. The writing style almost welcomes you into this world with an easy introduction to society. Not that it's a great society to be honest, it sounds ghastly to me however it feels very much original. The book has a strange pace. I found it flowed fairly well though it is a bit stop start at times. It works for the tale though so I don't mind.
I fell in love with our female protagonist Rayah in a page or 2. Hardly surprising considering I'm from Yorkshire and we love an underdog here. She gone through hell and it's made her tough and resilient. There are quite a few characters involved but we don't really get to know them any more than Rayah does as the story is told from her perspective.
So my only disappointment with this book was that it was too damn short. I really wasn't ready for it to end....I was gutted when it did. So much so that I've already finished the next installment and I'm eagerly anticipating the rest.
July 7, 2019
The three of them were best friends.and the only thing making the Monroe Academy bearable. Suddenly, Tristan was taken away to be a slave, he had failed to progress in his lighter ability. That left Carmen, who had already passed her requirements and Rayah, a person without lighter power, a Null. Shortly after Tristan is taken, Rayah is attacked and beaten quite badly. Surprisingly her torturer Artemis provides the evidence to prove the crime occurred. But in the nation of Lytonia, things were never free. Outside the walls life was free but here there were always consequence and fear. Rayah only has a few months to show her power or she becomes a slave to her tormenter, Artemis.
This is the first book in a fantasy series. It is a great starter, filled with amazingly developed characters. The narrative does an excellent job of describing the setting and letting the reader know more about the characters. The dialogue is well done. The author creates a whole new world with unique societal practices and creative characters with interesting powers. The history is relayed making this world seem real. This book does a fantastic job of grabbing the reader’s interest and I am looking forward to more of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in a fantasy series. It is a great starter, filled with amazingly developed characters. The narrative does an excellent job of describing the setting and letting the reader know more about the characters. The dialogue is well done. The author creates a whole new world with unique societal practices and creative characters with interesting powers. The history is relayed making this world seem real. This book does a fantastic job of grabbing the reader’s interest and I am looking forward to more of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2021
The Descendants
By
Destiny Hawkins
My Review:
There are very few books that has the power to capture reader's attention from the very first page. Destiny Hawkins' The Descendants is one such book. It is a dark fantasy fiction. Story revolves around Rayah Bardeau, a student of Monroe Academy who was branded as null because of her absence of Lighter energy. No student was given a second chance except Rayah. Years ago, Bardeau's were told that their child is a null so there is no place for her at the academy but Rayah's parents requested more time for her.
Her parents are legendary for their skills in combat and time in the Wild Lands. For years they have served the nation well. So, Bardeau's wish for more time for their daughter was granted but it came with a price. What is the price that Rayah's parents may have to pay in case she won't be able to go to level six by the age of twenty?
This is an engaging story. It caught my attention to the level that I forgot the outer world. The dialogs are so strong that I felt like I was witnessing everything happening in front of me. Characters are nicely written and the world building is unique and interesting. Story has some depictions involving violence, loss, etc. It's a story worth reading. I am sure you won't regret reading it.
My Rating: 5/5
By
Destiny Hawkins
My Review:
There are very few books that has the power to capture reader's attention from the very first page. Destiny Hawkins' The Descendants is one such book. It is a dark fantasy fiction. Story revolves around Rayah Bardeau, a student of Monroe Academy who was branded as null because of her absence of Lighter energy. No student was given a second chance except Rayah. Years ago, Bardeau's were told that their child is a null so there is no place for her at the academy but Rayah's parents requested more time for her.
Her parents are legendary for their skills in combat and time in the Wild Lands. For years they have served the nation well. So, Bardeau's wish for more time for their daughter was granted but it came with a price. What is the price that Rayah's parents may have to pay in case she won't be able to go to level six by the age of twenty?
This is an engaging story. It caught my attention to the level that I forgot the outer world. The dialogs are so strong that I felt like I was witnessing everything happening in front of me. Characters are nicely written and the world building is unique and interesting. Story has some depictions involving violence, loss, etc. It's a story worth reading. I am sure you won't regret reading it.
My Rating: 5/5
December 6, 2021
I could not put this book down! Destiny Hawkins showcases her talent for writing, imagination, colorful imagery, and storylines in book #1 of The Descendants! It has been a while since I have been sucked into a full day read-a-thon! Papers to grade, they can wait! Shopping and meal prep, take out it is! Too much TV time for the kids, no big deal because Mama is reading!
The story introduces us to a society based on birth, ability, and hierarchy. Rayah is the main character, ostracized by her academy mates due to a deal her parents made to keep her from a life of slavery. No one gets that kind of break in this society so she is taunted, bullied, harmed, and alienated. The story moves through her last few months to prove her powers to the leadership of the academy. Her self-confidence is lacking at the start, however, the author shows us glimpses of power and growing self-esteem. Her journey introduces us to her only close friendships, catches a glimpse of her parents, and the potential of a future for her.
This book definitely builds characters, introduces us to the evils that will start to appear in future books, and leaves the reader excited for the books to come. I look forward to the journey I started today with Destiny Hawkins and The Descendants series! @theoriginalmrsp
The story introduces us to a society based on birth, ability, and hierarchy. Rayah is the main character, ostracized by her academy mates due to a deal her parents made to keep her from a life of slavery. No one gets that kind of break in this society so she is taunted, bullied, harmed, and alienated. The story moves through her last few months to prove her powers to the leadership of the academy. Her self-confidence is lacking at the start, however, the author shows us glimpses of power and growing self-esteem. Her journey introduces us to her only close friendships, catches a glimpse of her parents, and the potential of a future for her.
This book definitely builds characters, introduces us to the evils that will start to appear in future books, and leaves the reader excited for the books to come. I look forward to the journey I started today with Destiny Hawkins and The Descendants series! @theoriginalmrsp
June 7, 2022
I started reading a couple pages back in May and then stopped. At first page I was really intrigued! But then I got sick, really sick (not Covid but I was out for a few weeks). I didn’t have the energy to read at all for awhile. That made me really sad. Not to be able to read, but also to start a new book that had mega potential??!!! It was heartbreaking!
I am happy to say that I finally got well and started reading again. In fact, I started reading this book yesterday with the intention of taking my time- only to check my clock and see 2am popping back at me. I haven’t stayed up late to finish a book in one sitting in years!
I am giving The Descendants 5 stars. The Dark fantasy/ distopian sci fi was a fantastic read! I connected with the main character easily, and I really enjoyed how there wasn’t an overplayed love story, or cheesy romance that seems to plague a lot of YA books. Instead, you find a female character who isn’t a super young teen, mature in thought, and someone to fight for- she truly endures tragic loss, pain, and horror.
You can tell she has power deep inside, and the mystery really captures your attention.
I put down the story a few minutes ago and bought the kindle version of the 2nd book right after.
I’m very excited to start it and leave another great review in the future!
I am happy to say that I finally got well and started reading again. In fact, I started reading this book yesterday with the intention of taking my time- only to check my clock and see 2am popping back at me. I haven’t stayed up late to finish a book in one sitting in years!
I am giving The Descendants 5 stars. The Dark fantasy/ distopian sci fi was a fantastic read! I connected with the main character easily, and I really enjoyed how there wasn’t an overplayed love story, or cheesy romance that seems to plague a lot of YA books. Instead, you find a female character who isn’t a super young teen, mature in thought, and someone to fight for- she truly endures tragic loss, pain, and horror.
You can tell she has power deep inside, and the mystery really captures your attention.
I put down the story a few minutes ago and bought the kindle version of the 2nd book right after.
I’m very excited to start it and leave another great review in the future!
February 19, 2023
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book follows the story of Rayah, a null in a society where lighter abilities are highly valued. Due to her lack of abilities, she should have been a slave, but she pays a high price for a second chance. Despite her friend's support, Rayah faces constant shunning and bullying. However, her goal to live for keeps her going.
But one night she finds herself in the Wild lands and not in her dorm in Monroe Academy. How did she get here, is this a dream? She meets Soren, a God's son, whom she initially considers evil. But slowly she likes this dream, it's an escape of all the torture, the bullying and general life as a null.
I was drawn into the life of Lytonian, where a harsh reality breaks the spirits of children at a young age. Some even try to escape, only to meet their death. Emotions are discouraged, and life is a constant struggle. The world between Lytonian and Wild Lands are different. The Wild Lands may offer freedom, but depleters seek to strip lighters of their abilities. A fascinating world building, lots of action, adventure and true friendships. The flow of the story is amazing, truly a part of Lytonian life. What I loved the most is Rayah's determination to not let anything get her down.
The book follows the story of Rayah, a null in a society where lighter abilities are highly valued. Due to her lack of abilities, she should have been a slave, but she pays a high price for a second chance. Despite her friend's support, Rayah faces constant shunning and bullying. However, her goal to live for keeps her going.
But one night she finds herself in the Wild lands and not in her dorm in Monroe Academy. How did she get here, is this a dream? She meets Soren, a God's son, whom she initially considers evil. But slowly she likes this dream, it's an escape of all the torture, the bullying and general life as a null.
I was drawn into the life of Lytonian, where a harsh reality breaks the spirits of children at a young age. Some even try to escape, only to meet their death. Emotions are discouraged, and life is a constant struggle. The world between Lytonian and Wild Lands are different. The Wild Lands may offer freedom, but depleters seek to strip lighters of their abilities. A fascinating world building, lots of action, adventure and true friendships. The flow of the story is amazing, truly a part of Lytonian life. What I loved the most is Rayah's determination to not let anything get her down.
August 30, 2021
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: The Descendants
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Destiny Hawkins
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Recently I got my hands on the book The Descendants written by the author Destiny Hawkins. At Monroe Academy, there are different classes that separate students by their light color and not by money, skill or intelligence. Students are given different labels: a Dim, an Elem, or a Bright. Rayah is a null because she couldn't produce even a speck of light. Since day one at the Academy, Tristan and Carmen have been Rayah's friend but Tristan had been taken to be a slave as he couldn't level up to level six at the age of twenty. Only eight months are left and Rayah couldn't afford to fail the test. If she fails, her mother will suffer.
With so much stress and pressure on Rayah, will she escape from Lytonia? Read this book to unveil the suspense yourself. Pace of the story is fast and I didn't feel bored anytime while reading this book. Cover photo of the book looks lovely and the narration is strong. I was totally hooked into this story from page one. The author has constructed a great fantasy world and I appreciate her vivid imagination. Language used in the book is easy to follow. I enjoyed this book and I am very curious to read the next book by the author.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Destiny Hawkins
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Recently I got my hands on the book The Descendants written by the author Destiny Hawkins. At Monroe Academy, there are different classes that separate students by their light color and not by money, skill or intelligence. Students are given different labels: a Dim, an Elem, or a Bright. Rayah is a null because she couldn't produce even a speck of light. Since day one at the Academy, Tristan and Carmen have been Rayah's friend but Tristan had been taken to be a slave as he couldn't level up to level six at the age of twenty. Only eight months are left and Rayah couldn't afford to fail the test. If she fails, her mother will suffer.
With so much stress and pressure on Rayah, will she escape from Lytonia? Read this book to unveil the suspense yourself. Pace of the story is fast and I didn't feel bored anytime while reading this book. Cover photo of the book looks lovely and the narration is strong. I was totally hooked into this story from page one. The author has constructed a great fantasy world and I appreciate her vivid imagination. Language used in the book is easy to follow. I enjoyed this book and I am very curious to read the next book by the author.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
August 30, 2021
The Descendants penned by the author Destiny Hawkins is the first installment in The Descendants series. Story is set in Lytonia. Main character of the story is Rayah Bardeau. At Monroe Academy, she is a null meaning someone who couldn't produce even a speck of light. Other students of the Monroe Academy are lighters, citizens of the Lighter Nation. They could produce light to protect their nation from outside enemies.
Years ago, Rayah's parents requested Artemis and others on the council to give their daughter a second chance. Rayah was given time until the age of twenty to make level six. But only eight months are left and she is still level one. Grab a copy of this book and read it yourself to know will Rayah be able to produce light? Will she be successful in making her mother free?
This is a unique story and I enjoyed every bit of it. Plot of the story is super interesting. I was on the edge the whole time while reading this. Writing style of the author is nice. Cover photo looks amazing and the title is suitable.
If you love reading dark fantasies then don't miss to grab this book.
Years ago, Rayah's parents requested Artemis and others on the council to give their daughter a second chance. Rayah was given time until the age of twenty to make level six. But only eight months are left and she is still level one. Grab a copy of this book and read it yourself to know will Rayah be able to produce light? Will she be successful in making her mother free?
This is a unique story and I enjoyed every bit of it. Plot of the story is super interesting. I was on the edge the whole time while reading this. Writing style of the author is nice. Cover photo looks amazing and the title is suitable.
If you love reading dark fantasies then don't miss to grab this book.
October 26, 2021
Toda su vida Rayah ha estado en Lytonia pero sobre todo en l academia Monroe, tratando de desarrollar sus poderes a pesar de no tenerlos o ser una Null, pero a unos cuantos meses de su cumpleaños 20 en donde se sabrá si seguirá en la academia o se convertirá en esclava, cosas empiezan a suceder si no sabe si son reales o si es solo un sueño, un mecanismo de defensa contra toda la tortura a la que es sometida.
Un libro con una premisa interesante en la cual solo vemos la superficie de lo que se encuentra en este mundo, esperando adentrarnos mas en los siguientes libros.
All her life Rayah has been in Lytonia but especially in the Monroe Academy, trying to develop her powers despite not having them or being a Null, but a few months from her 20th birthday where it'll be known if she'll continue in the academy or she'll become a slave, things begin to happen and she doesn't know if they are real or if it is just a dream, a defense mechanism against all the torture to which she is subjected.
A book with an interesting premise in which we only see the surface of what is in this world, hoping to delve further into the following books.
Un libro con una premisa interesante en la cual solo vemos la superficie de lo que se encuentra en este mundo, esperando adentrarnos mas en los siguientes libros.
All her life Rayah has been in Lytonia but especially in the Monroe Academy, trying to develop her powers despite not having them or being a Null, but a few months from her 20th birthday where it'll be known if she'll continue in the academy or she'll become a slave, things begin to happen and she doesn't know if they are real or if it is just a dream, a defense mechanism against all the torture to which she is subjected.
A book with an interesting premise in which we only see the surface of what is in this world, hoping to delve further into the following books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews