Three Meant to Be

Branches of Past and Future, Book 1

De: MN Bennet

Narrado por: Kirt Graves

Telepathic high school teacher Dorian prepares teen witches for professional casting—because going in unprepared is what killed one of his partners. But new state mandates on magical proficiency make it nearly impossible, and Dorian worries he can’t give his students the education they really need.

Seeking a distraction from work, Dorian kisses his still-living on-again off-again clairvoyant boyfriend, Milo. Instead of a distraction, Dorian glimpses Milo’s vague vision involving the murder of Caleb—one of Dorian’s new students. Already devastated by the loss of his partner, Dorian refuses to stand aside and let Caleb die. He searches for clues by delving into Caleb’s mind.

Rooting through Caleb’s memories alongside teaching classes leads Dorian to two more students: Caleb’s ex-best friend turned rival and the prodigy with connections to dangerous warlocks. However, each step further into his students’ minds forces Dorian to confront his deteriorating relationship with Milo.

After discovering a link involving illegal casting, Dorian resolves to work with Milo to prevent the impending vision. To succeed, Dorian will have to explore the potential of a future with Milo and find closure on their third partner, whose loss looms between them. But meddling with fate to save Caleb inadvertently draws the warlocks near, putting all his students in danger.

Dorian will have to risk his life and gamble his second chance with Milo to keep his students alive.

©2023 MN Bennet (P)2025 MN Bennet

Just wow’

Ok I’ll guess I’ll start with Kirt Graves! This book is full of characters, like there are a lot of different personalities, voices, and emotions to convey and Kirt did them all so well! All of the students voices🤌. The aperitif tone of Dorian, perfection! I seriously loved his performance, such a great listen. Now let’s get to the story, this was such a SURPRISE. I love Mn Bennett books, but this one blew me away. Dorian poor sweet, grouchy, cig loving Dorian. My heart broke for him and I cried many times. The past with Finn and Milo mixing with his present, the memories, Finn coming back to help Dorian, the end 😭! It was so dang good, perfect easy to follow magic system, the cast of queer high schoolers, low spice, all the banter. The DANG ROOSTER! I wish book 2&3 were in audio already.

So good!

Magic, second chance, old pain, a mystery, a big bad, and two generations of characters all woven into a finely crafted and most enjoyable story. I’m ready for more!

I want to protect them all.

I had already read and fallen in love with this book when I was given a chance to get a free copy of the audiobook to review.
I love the entire vibrant cast. Each character has their own strengths and aspirations. The main character, Dorian, is a soft spoken introvert, but still passionate about helping his students grow.

Kirt Graves does a great job bringing the entire cast to life. Each has their own voice. I found myself the least in love with Dorian's, but I'm not going to fault the narrator for not reproducing the voice I'd already assigned him in my head. Dorian's voice feels a little flat, compared to the rest of the cast, but I realize that might actually be a decent way to contrast him with the more energetic, extroverted people around him.

My Hero Academia Fan Fic - Loved it 5/5

If you loved the anime My Hero Academia,
You’ll love this book too.
- imagine if Shōta Aizawa was the main character of MHA. And he was gay. And he fell in love with a hero in that universe.
- dope seeing the high school students learn their abilities.
- lgbt 🏳️‍🌈 Rep.

Mind blown! 🤯

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- all the stars. This is one of the most interesting magical/ witch and warlocks story’s I have encountered.

First off - Kirt graves is absolutely stunning and I will always devour anything he narrates.

Second- I’m at a loss as to adequately describe how much I LOVED this book!

Dorian is the most prickly, soft hearted, emo out there. Aka Mr.Frosty 😉

Milo is funny but has the weight of the futures on his shoulders. All while battening grief at the loss of Finn and the Distance Dorian forces between them.

I love all the students and the different magics. And
The diversity!! Nothing turns out quite like it seems it will. All around just a fantastic listen. I can’t wait to read more of MN Bennet.

Past Present Future everything points to yes

I absolutely love the start of this series and cannot wait for more!

The set up for a killer series has been laid.

MMM

This was a great story. I’m a huge fan of Louisa Masters and Lily Mayne who also write great fantasy books like this. It is a slow burn but I have enjoyed getting to know the characters. I have two other books on my book shelf by this author and I excited about starting those books too.

Beginning of a great paranormal series

"Three Meant To Be," the debut novel by M.N. Bennet, marks the beginning of the captivating "Branches of Past and Future" series. A slow-burner, this narrative skillfully weaves an intriguing plot centering around Dorian, a telepathic high school teacher whose character reflects the struggles and dedication often seen in educators. Bennet adeptly portrays Dorian's pessimism, coping mechanisms, and underlying desire for his students' success, offering a refreshingly unique perspective rarely explored in the YA genre.

"Three Meant To Be" is a compelling debut that sets the stage for an enthralling series. With its richly developed characters, immersive world-building, and seamless integration of various thematic elements, it is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the "Branches of Past and Future" saga.

Kirt Graves did an amazing job bring this book to life. I look forward to the other audiobooks in the series.

Magic, Chaos and strong bonds

This series was different in that we see everything through the eyes of the adult rather than a student, but it was still good!

the magic system created and the multiple different branches were so interesting!

I love Dorian and his storm cloud personality. Milo and his sunshine personality which evens out Dorian. All the students were great! I loved all of them and some more than others!

MN Bennet wrote a story about a teacher dealing with his own problems, yet making connections with his students. The connections within the homeroom coven are great, watching them get to know each other and build friendships or even relationships.

Kirk Graves did a great job bringing these characters and world alive. I have read the whole series and know they just get better!

You'll gasp, laugh and maybe want to cry, but I assume you it's worth it.

Need to listen more than once... a bit confused.

I received this title free for an honest review.

First of all, I like the premise, and think its a good story, but I was so confused through most of it. While there aren't a ton of characters, only the main character, his love interest, and the homeroom of 12, the bad guy, as well as a few very minor side characters, it felt like a lot to keep track of. I did appreciate that the author did a sort of file read whenever a character did something to push the story forward. It helped me keep track.

I think I was confused because there were flashbacks, and while those in themselves aren't overly confusing, the fact that a dead character is active in another's mind, as well as being a character listed in the blurbs of future books, I keep thinking that he isn't really dead. I finished the book today, and I'm still not sure.

I'll continue with the series just to find out the fate of that one character, but if I wasn't so invested there I'm not sure I would continue.

One big plus, Kirt Graves does an amazing job, no matter what story he tells.