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About The Book

In a world where past lives determine your future, a sharp-witted girl confronts a major twist of destiny, embroiling her in a high-stakes political game in this “clever, thrilling, and impossible to put down” (Kirkus Reviews) young adult speculative romance perfect for fans of Scythe and Matched.

Two hundred years after World War III, the world is at peace, all thanks to the soul-identification system. Every eighteen-year-old must report to the government to learn about their past lives, a terrifying process known as kirling. Good souls leave the institute with their inheritance, a career path, and if they’re lucky, a soulmate. Bad souls leave in handcuffs.

It’s a nerve-wracking ordeal for Sivon, who, given her uncanny ability to win every chess match, already suspects her soul isn’t normal. Turns out, she was right to worry. Sivon’s results stun not only her, but the entire world, making her the object of public scrutiny and anonymous threats.

Saddled with an infuriating and off-limits bodyguard, Sivon is thrust into a high-stakes game where souls are pawns and rules don’t exist. As deaths mount, Sivon must decipher friend from foe while protecting her heart against impossible odds. One wrong move could destroy the future lives of everyone Sivon loves, and she can’t let that happen, even if they’ll never love her back.

About The Author

Photograph © Rebecca Danzenbaker

Given Rebecca Danzenbaker’s lifelong love of reading, it’s quite possible her author career was predestined. But what a gift it is not knowing what the future holds. The fun lies in the journey, discovering what new adventure awaits. She carries that credo through the always-challenging-but-oh-so-rewarding writing process as well. Predestined is Rebecca’s second published novel. Her first, Soulmatch, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. When she’s not planning plot twists, she’s daydreaming about her next vacation.

About The Reader

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (July 29, 2025)
  • Runtime: 14 hours and 56 minutes
  • ISBN13: 9781668138243
  • Ages: 12 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

"Gilli Messer narrates this YA thriller set in a dystopian future on Earth. Two hundred years after WWII, 18-year-olds around the world must report to government centers to have their past lives revealed. Sivon, who is unremarkable aside from her board-game skills, fears she’ll be pronounced a bad soul. Instead, her unprecedented talent pushes her into the spotlight, and she finds herself wondering what secrets the leaders of the world have kept hidden for lifetimes. Messer’s distinct character voices make it easy for listeners to distinguish dialogue from narration and women from men. She respectfully depicts a nonbinary character, as well. Overall, her sobs, excitement, anguish, and flirtatious inflections for the various characters add personality to the audiobook."

AudioFile Magazine

Awards and Honors

  • Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers
  • Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

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