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.

I had a great time with this book! This is the second book in the Stealing Infinitely series which really needs to be read in order since this book builds on the information learned in the first book. Natasha is part of the Gray Wolf Academy run by a man named Arthur that sends people with a certain set of skills through time to acquire valuable objects. Arthur has Natasha working to acquire a special set of items that he is desperate to acquire.

Natasha is juggling more than just the demands of the academy. She isn’t sure that her boyfriend, Braxton is telling her everything. He seems to be involved in a lot of secret missions and she cannot help but wonder what is going on. She isn’t quite sure of her friend Killian either. Killian and Braxton have some history together and she isn’t exactly sure what really happened between them.

I thought that the premise of the story was incredibly interesting! I love seeing this group travel through time and I loved the setting of Renaissance Italy. Cameos by a historical figure only added to the fun. The story took a few twists that kept me guessing until the very end. It was a bit of an emotional whirlwind for a bit but I was satisfied with how things worked out in the end.

I would recommend this book to others. I think that this is a fun time-traveling story that kept me glued to the pages. The ending of the book has left me very excited to see what happens next!

I received a digital review copy of this book from Entangled: Teen.

Ruling Destiny by Alyson Noël is the second book in the Stealing Infinity series, and it remains every bit as enjoyable as the first book. It starts a bit slow as Natasha must deal with a bit of a love triangle, but once she puts that aside, the story takes off.

Part of the fun of Ruling Destiny is the time travel at the heart of Gray Wolf Academy. Ms. Noël puts so much detail into these scenes that they are the best parts of the story. She also makes it all too easy to relate to Natasha's fish-out-of-water feelings each time she takes a trip, no matter how much training she has. It is as if Ms. Noël reviewed every time travel story and decided to explain just how WEIRD it would be. Because it would be weird. And otherworldly. And mind-blowing.

Another aspect of Ruling Destiny that surprised me is how well Ms. Noël plays with our knowledge of each side character. This is particularly true with Braxton and Killian. Even though the reader is privy to certain information about each boy and their pasts, it doesn't stop the reader from questioning that knowledge each time they interact with Natasha. This constant guessing game keeps the story from being too predictable and eliminates any advantage in understanding the overarching mystery the reader may have had from the previous information.

The slow start to Ruling Destiny is because Natasha spends the first part of the story questioning her attraction to Braxton and Killian. These scenes are a bit too angsty for my taste, but I'm not the targeted demographic. Once Natasha moves past this obsession, the story goes on a different trajectory that ups the tension. We get a few answers to our questions about the Academy and Natasha's abilities. Thankfully, there remain plenty of unanswered questions to keep our interest.

To me, Ruling Destiny is a fun story. The time travel scenes are exquisite, while Natasha remains a strong hero you can't help but cheer on as she struggles to find answers. Ms. Noël does an excellent job of keeping you on your toes, changing your understanding of the Academy and Trippers with every scene. Given where we last see Natasha, I am eagerly awaiting the next book to learn even more!

This book left me speechless, it is a brilliant example of fantasy interwoven with betrayal and romance while keeping you on your toes through every page.

I was thrown for so many loops, found so many twists that shocked me, and had more wait what I just read moments than I can count, and everything led me to a fantastic experience reading this book. Have I mentioned yet that I love it?

Natasha, Braxton, and Elodie are back for another installment in this fabulous series and I couldn't be happier, through Ruling Destiny we see them growing, being tested, and having to learn for themselves that things aren't always what they seem.

All of this while opening up to each other, learning to trust, and seeing what can happen when you trust the wrong person.

Through friends lost and found our group of time-traveling art thieves find themselves in situations they never expected over and over again and each time they surprised me.

I found myself questioning all of our characters, could I have been wrong about E? Is B really evil and just a very good actor? Is N a time traveler or a timekeeper? Will K ever find his way? So many questions and now the wait for the answers begins. Bravo Alison Noel this is bloody fantastic and I need more.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Natasha is still unraveling the secrets within Gray Wolf Academy. She isn’t sure who she can trust. She knows that Arthur is rich and his rule is law, Killian is hard to read, and Braxton has her heart. Natasha is learning to be a better liar herself, she has to since she travels back in time to steal treasures to bring back to her present. She also has a gift that the other trippers don’t … she can see through time. Is there anyone she can trust? What is in store for her during this next adventure?

Ruling Destiny is the second book in the Stolen Beauty series. This fantasy adventure takes place shortly after the conclusion of the first book and Noel jumps right into a new story. Natasha must question everything she knows and everything she is learning along the way. What historical figures will she see as she goes to Renaissance Italy and Regency England? Goodreads doesn’t have a third book listed (yet), but once you finish this book, it is evident that Noel is planning more adventures for this heroine.

Alyson Noel was a new-to-me author with Stealing Infinity. It’s a time-travel fantasy with romantic elements, and while I’m not a time-travel fan for the most part, it came highly recommended, so I wanted to see what the hype was all about. The writing was excellent, the plot was intriguing, and the author wrote the characters in such a way that I still wasn’t 100% sure how I felt about any of them, which meant I couldn’t stop with book one, so on to book two I went.

Unlike the first book, Ruling Destiny hooked me from the outset and moved at a faster pace for its entirety. There were some parts where the author delved into history more than I cared for, but again, it’s all about time travel, and some people love that kind of thing. I skimmed those (very few) parts. And I still haven’t quite figured out how I feel about some of the characters, yet some I finally know I don’t like but wonder if they might redeem themselves at a future point, and some I do finally understand and like who they’ve been revealed to be. With this book ending on a cliffhanger, I eagerly await book three.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alyson Noel's Ruling Destiny is the second installment in the authors Stolen Beauty series. The story’s jumping-off point is an academy called Gray Wolf Academy for teens who travel through time to collect/steal valuables, but it gets much deeper than that when we discover the heroine is linked to the (real-life) mysterious Antikythera. The Antikythera mechanism is an Ancient Greek hand-powered orrery, described as the oldest example of an analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance.

The story, which takes place 3 weeks after the first installment, is told in the first person narrative by Natasha Clarke. When Natasha was 9 years old, her father disappeared, her mother broke down, and Natasha all but gave up on doing well in order to be the adult in the family. After a series of events that didn't exactly go her way, Natasha was recruited to Gray Wolf Academy. The Academy is located on a private island, and owned by a extremely wealthy man named Arthur Blackstone who trains students for time travel missions.

The 90 plus students who call Gray Wolf home are separated by colors. Green means you are a newbie, Yellow means you've did well, and Blue is where a core of students like Elodie, Braxton, Jago, Oliver, and Finn belong. Natasha has been tasked by Blackstone to bring back certain items for Antikythera but he never did explain to her why she was so special. Natasha's next mission is to find where the Moon is and bring it back from Renaissance Italy in 1497. In order to do so, Natasha meets some interesting historical individuals which makes for a much more enjoyable story.

While Natasha is trying to figure out what Arthur is really doing, her relationship with Braxton is about to get tested. Especially after Braxton is replaced by Killian. Natasha's biggest thing going for her is that she has the capability to not only see through the past, but if she touches an item, she can see the history of who held that item. Natasha has to also deal with Elodie who seems to be Arthur's favorite, and either a thorn in her side, or an ally that wants something from Natasha that she hasn't yet revealed.

Especially the reason why several students like Song seemed to have disappeared without a trace, and nobody seems to care that they have left. This book reveals some shocking and curious secrets while jumping from the present day to Regency England to Renaissance Italy. The author wants you to read the prologue so that you are not left out in the dark once she drops the reason by Braxton and Killian are so interested in gaining Natasha's trust and maybe her love as well. Natasha's ability to touch an object and see what happened finally gets some much needed explanation after she touches a certain pair of boots. Things are about to get really interesting. But can she truly trust either Elodie or Braxton or Arthur for that matter?

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

First and foremost, Ruling Destiny has to be read after Stealing Infinity, and I highly suggest reading them one right after the other. It’s been a year since the first book came out, and a refresher read will do wonders when it comes to certain plot lines and nuances.

Second, the books are grittier, with elements (including an attempted rape) that are better suited to more mature, older teens.

That said, Ruling Destiny certainly has the same devour-worthy essence as its predecessor. The pacing is strong, though it doesn’t quite have the same new luster, making it a fairly strong second book in the series.

Once again, time travel, tarot cards, numerology, art, history, mystery, intrigue, adventure and romance all play a role with some bits working better than others. For instance, readers without a background in tarot might get a bit lost there while others may get a bit bogged down in history. Still, there’s enough that overlaps to keep interest and fill in the gaps.

In Ruling Destiny, Natasha is still the main character, and she seems to have figured herself out a bit better. She’s grown in confidence and isn’t afraid to push some boundaries. And it’s fun to solve puzzles alongside her.

There’s a love triangle that comes into play in Ruling Destiny, which creates a nice bit of tension, but the love interests — Braxton and Killian — remain under developed. I really wanted more depth from both of them.

One of the highlights of Ruling Destiny is its cliffhanger ending, which makes me more than a little excited for the next book in this series. Noël has created an enticing setup there that I look forward to exploring.