Predestined

De: Rachel Byrne

Narrado por: Madeline Smith

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

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

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

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

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

©2024 Humboldt Press (P)2025 Humboldt Press

Great YA Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stunning world building and lovable characters !

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

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

A gripping YA book read by an amazing narrator

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

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

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

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