This was an interesting turn to the storyline of the first book. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists and turns and definitely enjoyed reading this book more than the first one.

Tasha is still a little self centered and not always questioning things that raise huge red flags, but she's sorta growing as a person and after the final twists and turns I am interested in what happens in the next book. Elodie and Mason are still interesting and the issues between Braxton and Killian are explosive.

This reminds me of The Inheritance Games with a time twist.

4 out of 5 stars, some sexual tension and fade to black scenes of sexual situations.

Wow! This book was such a good addition to the series!

The questions right from the start, who to trust, all of Tash’s distrust, all of the confusion and time travel! It was so intense!

uling Destiny, the second book in Alyson Noel's enthralling series, expands upon the rich world established in its predecessor, captivating readers with its blend of fate, magic, and self-discovery. Continuing the journey of the protagonist, this sequel delves deeper into the intricacies of destiny while introducing new characters and testing the bonds of love and friendship.

One of the strengths of Ruling Destiny lies in its character development. The protagonist undergoes a significant transformation, grappling with her newfound powers and the responsibilities they entail. Alyson Noel adeptly explores the complexities of her emotions, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level. Moreover, the sequel introduces a vibrant cast of new characters who bring freshness and intrigue to the story. Each character serves a purpose in the narrative, contributing to the overarching plot and adding depth to the relationships that develop and evolve throughout the book.

In comparison to the first book, Ruling Destiny raises the stakes and expands the mythological aspects of the series. While the debut novel introduced readers to the magical realms and the protagonist's initial journey, this sequel delves deeper into the mechanics of destiny itself. The world-building remains immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into a captivating realm. The pacing is well-maintained, striking a balance between thrilling action and introspective moments that further explore the characters' motivations and inner conflicts.

Alyson Noel's writing style is engaging and elegant, ensuring that readers are glued to the pages from start to finish. While the pacing occasionally feels rushed during the climax, the plot twists and revelations are skillfully executed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Ruling Destiny is a worthy sequel that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, providing an exhilarating continuation that will leave fans eager for the next installment.

Overall, Ruling Destiny is an enchanting and thrilling addition to the series, boasting compelling character development and a deeper exploration of destiny. Alyson Noel's masterful storytelling transports readers into a world where magic and fate intertwine, and the bonds of friendship and love are put to the test. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel will not disappoint, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating series.

I can’t stop falling for this series, it’s addictive!!

This book starts with a bang and didn’t let me go! That prologue- oh my goodness, my heart!

These books are fast paced, full of twists and turns, secrets abound, agendas are aplenty, and the romance is gripping and angsty!

THIS is what I love about the YA genre and this series does it all so well!

Read if you like:
-dark academia vibes
-time travel
-heists
-romance
-secrets
-history
-art
-tarot and numerology

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for my advanced E-Arc of this book! I’m obsessed and can’t wait for book 3!!

Is the third book out already??? Please, tell me it is!
While Stealing Infinity left us with so many questions but in a quiet place, Ruling Destiny gives us more questions and a cliffhanger. And not one where everything is rainbows and sunshine, nooo, it'd be too much to ask. But that's how we like them, don't we?
In this second installment, Tasha had me pray so many times when it came to her choices, and dare I say, I was not disappointed. In fact, sometimes, I was annoyed at her reasoning, at her uncertainty, but I must say she's not living the best of lives, or the most truthful, or is she surrounded by the most trustworthy people. Let's say, if you're not already by default, Grey Wolf will make you paranoid, and with a good reason!
I must say, this felt too much like a love triangle to me, which, yes, it's the trope that it wants to give, but it's also one of those triangles in which the choice is pretty damn clear, all you have to do is wait for the story to unfold.
This to say that we got too much Killian for my taste (something I'd never thought I'd say when referring to a Killian, but here we are lol), and very little Braxton, but again, there's a good reason for that so, if you're like me and love him, hold on to your seat and enjoy the ride.
I did love the historical aspect of it, quite accurate (yes, a quick research can give all the answers, but this has gone way beyond that) and interesting to read (my patriotism is rising, yes).
So now I guess I'll stay here, rolling my thumbs, trying not to go insane while waiting for book three. God, how I wish I could trip, too!!!

Thank you @netgalley and @entangledteen for the eARC!!!

I enjoyed the suspense of this book. I do t typically enjoy love triangles but this story didn't have the same feel. Knowing some back ground info as the reader definetly made me want to scream things at them...
I am excited for the next book.

The first book in this series was an unexpected joy for me. The cover intrigued me and it turned out to be a really good book.

I was nervous about the second book, but it was a good follow up!

We pick up almost exactly where the last book left off. It has all of the troups a YA fantasy has. But in this case, that's ok! This one is fast paced and I flew through it. The love triangle is good and even though I was HIGHLY ANNOYED that this is not a duology...I'm here and waiting for the next one. I must know if a certain character really is...well I don't want to spoil it so READ THE BOOK!

Thank you to Net Galley for the Arc.

All opinions are my own.

Ruling Destiny is the second part in the Stolen Beauty series by Alison Noel. I really liked the first part called Stealing Infinity and couldn’t wait to continue reading. I had some high expectations, but will this book be able to meet them?

I’m a threat to time itself
After discovering some of the secrets of Gray Wolf Acadamy everyhing seems possible. With the ability to travel through time everything just seems a bit strange for Natasha. All of the persons around her are keeping secrets, and her life soon becomes a web of lies and strange truths. But somehow this is all connected to an elaborate puzzle and Natasha’s strange gift. Even though she discovers more and more of what her father thought her is true, Arthur has other plans for her. She can be a threat to anyone. But who can she trust? What will Natasha do with her ability?

This book is once again a real ride through time. It is full of mystery and historical facts. You’ll get to know more about Natasha as well as her fellow students like Braxton, Killian and Elodie. They all have secrets, which are also a big element in this book.

Alyson Noel has a nice writing style. The pace is perfect and the worldbuilding just is awesome. The story is full of twists and it just is really great. In addition it really connects to the first part. There are many small yet important element in this story, which are all really well shown troughout the story.

I really liked reading Ruling Destiny. The storyline itself I liked just a bit less than the one from Stealing Infinity. However this book still just is really awesome. I give it a 4 star rating.

If you enjoyed Stealing Infinity, then I think you will be satisfied with this continuation of the series. This is definitely NOT a duology, although I’m still not sure if the series is a planned trilogy or longer.

Like its predecessor, Ruling Destiny is comprised of short, suspenseful chapters that keep the story moving at a fast pace and the pages turning. This coupled with the language make the story feel not anywhere near 500 pages. With the time travel, it is a fun blend of upper YA contemporary fantasy and historical fiction that particularly explores art, numerology, tarot, and other occult interests.

Again, this series is full of cliche YA tropes. While the clique-iness and bullying were toned down in this installment, it is the love triangle’s time to shine. Based on the prologue, a lot of the book is waiting for Natasha to learn information the reader already knows, but I’m still undecided at the effectiveness of this dramatic irony on the romance.

While we do learn more about Arthur’s motivations at Gray Wolf Academy at the Timekeepers, there are still many questions that need answering in the next book. Despite myself, I am looking forward to news about book 3!

“Throughout history , it’s the nonconformists who are the true wayfinders of their day.”

ALYSON NOEL, WHY MUST YOU HURT ME SO??????

From the prologue this book decided to sink my ship before it could even set sail. I'm heartbroken. Ruined. I will never recover. Goodbye.

DESPITE ALL OF THAT, I'm still holding out hope, that somehow someway you know who will redeem himself and he and Natasha will be together!!! I DO NOT CARE THAT HE'S THE VILLAIN, I REALLY DO NOT.

As for the other guy well, I still don't like him, I'm sorry. There's still no chemistry there, like at all. I feel the two of them are forced together while her chemistry for you know who is off the charts.

Speaking of chemistry, did I highlight a bunch of cute lines concerning those two? Why yes, yes I did.

I'm intentionally trying to be vague here for anyone who didn't yet read the first book and who might stumble upon my review of this one. By the way, if you haven't read Stealing Infinity yet despite my endless screaming about it, go do it now. Thanks.

I've been looking forward to this book for so long, I was checking NetGalley DAILY for when it would appear on there, and it really didn't disappoint (except with ruining my ship but, yeah).

The same feeling from the first book is present here, it's fast paced and you can't stop reading. We learn more secrets, and I can't help but be amazed at how Noel has tied them all together. There's even more to come in the next book.

As for the characters, Natasha got some development, and a few others did too. I wish we saw more of Mason though, I miss him.

In the first book we got introduced to tarot cards right? Well, get ready for magick (with a k)!!! Mostly just the idea of it, for now, but I can't wait to see how it will be used.

I like that I can't predict what's going to happen next, or if something will go wrong (it probably will, you never know with time travel). I could even see this stretching beyond three books? I really hope it does, because I need more of this world like I need air.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

The author of this book has me hooked. I am in it for the long run ! For a YA book it packs a punch! Dark lies, stolen secrets and dangerous truths are not the only things hidden with in these pages. There’s a love triangle that left me twirling.

The author does a great job picking up where book 1 ended. Giving me just enough to refresh my brain with out risking being on repeat. I fell harder for these characters. And the plot of time traveling treasure hunters. I mean come on this fantastic. The pacing was right on. Though there was sense of calm at the end that I got a little too cozy in. It was like walking down the street all calm cool and collected and BAM the sidewalk just reaches out and snags you sending you flat out on your bum. I can not wait for book three.

If you’re a YA reader and love a good adventure with a puzzle to figure out this book is perfect!

In short:
Did I like it? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
Would I read more by this author? Yup!

Ruling Destiny by Alyson Noël is the stunning sequel to Stealing Infinity. After the events of the first novel, this book follows Natasha as she leaves through the web of lies and mysteries at her fancy boarding school, Gray Wolf Academy. She isn't sure who she can trust as she and her friends Trip through history on a quest to steal historical relics. But Natasha will come to find out that she may just be a threat to time itself.

After being fully enthralled by the ending of Stealing Infinity last year I eagerly awaited the sequel. It was wonderful stepping back into the doors of Gray Wolf Academy with Natasha and crew.

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this novel, Natasha reeling over who and what she can trust. It really did make the reader's head spin but it was a fun journey nonetheless.

I enjoyed diving more deeply into the story in this book as most of the world building was taken care of already in the first. Not that there aren't new settings and plot lines, just the whole time travel thing isn't new anymore so it was much easier to get into the story as a reader.

The love triangle??? I definitely have my favorite of the two. And I'm not going to spoil what happens but all I'll say is....OH MY GOD.

Given the mysteries of the novel and things that were revealed I still don't feel like we as the readers or Natasha as the main character have been given the full truths and I'm excited to see what will further be revealed or twisted in future novels. Especially considering Arthur because I don't trust man at all.

Definitely recommend this sequel to all lovers of Stealing Infinity and the series so far as a whole to anyone who loves ya fantasy with time traveling.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for a copy of this novel! All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.

Now this was a GREAT sequel! This story is so unique and the characters are both likable and unlikable in the best way.

Time isn't the only variable in this fast-paced read, where magic and secrets are only the beginning of the mystery involved.

This read starts where book one left off. So, this is a series which does need to be read in order. That said, book two offers everything the continuing tale needs and more. Natasha is caught up in a whirlwind, and she's doing her best to sort through everything around her to discover the truth. But considering she's jetting from one time to the next, each with it's own dangers and secrets, and that while trying to keep her own abilities a secret. The tension remains high as it's impossible to guess, who she can trust. And all of this doesn't get any easier when her friend is drawn into the fray.

Then, there's the love triangle. While this wasn't quite my thing, readers who enjoy the push and pull will be torn between the two interests. Each has their secrets and agendas, and each has a history with the other. Of course, all of this is also layered in secrets, adding even more to Nat's plate.

There's barely a moment's pause as the story races from one situation into the next. There's a bonus of a few historical figures tossed in, which creates a bit of fun, but otherwise, this is a darker read with magic, time travel, dark mysteries, danger, and so much more. In other words, it's a grabbing read from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a rollercoaster! I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. It surpassed the previous book and gripped from the beginning. The love triangle with Tasha, Braxton, and Killian was amazing and well done. I loved how difficult it was to tell who Tasha should believe. The deception that was woven into the whole book was great and really kept me guessing. I really cannot wait for the next book to see where this series goes. I want to see Arthur’s downfall, he is such a creepy and villainous character.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for letting me read this book. Alyson Noel has been my favorite author since 2009 so I really appreciate it! I loved this book as must as I loved the first. The book picks up right where the first book ended which I love! Natasha is really confused about who to trust while she's at Gray Wolf. It got me invested really quickly in finding out with her. This book was more intense than the first one and I love that so much. There was some light sexual tension in this book as well. I feel like there is something for every YA lover in this book as well. Time travel, romance, dark academia. There are just so many aspects to love in this story. Alyson Noel did it again. Thank you again for letting me read this arc. I am obsessed with these two books. I will be recommending the two books to everyone again this summer.

I was so excited to read this book and I can seriously say that by the end of it, I really enjoyed the plot, concept and the mystery and that damm cliffhanger too. I want the third book soon. There is so much happening like Tarot cards and Magicians and mystery waiting to get unraveled. It’s all a web of lies, deceit, and suspense where Tasha can’t decide whom to trust and whom not to. She grows exponentially throughout the story and her thinking is mind-blowing.

The story has got so much potential and Alyson did it complete Justice in writing. She birthed life to the fantasy of time travel and gave the character the ammunition to deal with all the darkness revealing itself. There is so much information to grasp and the hints are never reliable if they are actually correct or not. But all in all, it is a fun story with all the time travel and putting up the puzzle pieces together it was lots of anticipation building at every step.

Tasha deals with a lot in her mind and in reality and it is all a whirlwind of a situation. Some of the time-traveling and the sequence of things happening is interesting and I’m curious to know all about it in the next book. I wanted to see more of Braxton but it’s all the same as book one but with a positive note at the end of the story. Another character Killian comes off as a very interesting character and lots of information is unraveled about him and his major plans. Do read this story but in sequence.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Teens for my review copy!

Plot twist after plot twist?! I sped through the first 50% it was so fast paced like the first book and the more we delve into the world the more I want to just read about everyone’s life’s? Hoping we will get to see more of Elodie and her backstory! Especially now that we know more about Braxton!

This is so amazing. Alyson Noël has hit it out of the park again. The beginning started off with a bang. And, now I can’t wait for the next book to come out. It definitely had it ups and downs of the first book. Ruling Destiny kept me on my toes and I am so hooked on this series.

I loved the first book. This one did not disappoint. Not sure if it is the time traveling or the history I like better. The triangle does not hurt. Cannot wait for the next book.