Jake had found love and happiness when he had least expected it. He had made a life for himself, raised a family. Concerns, however, gave him cause to reflect on what he wanted for them, what was for the best. The answer, however, turned him onto a path of destiny he never would have imagined. In Wind River, Dakota's home town, visions have been haunting the medicine man, visions which have come to pass, and those that warn of forthcoming battles and the need for a warrior. A storm is coming to Wind River, and now more then ever it is told she will need a warrior beside her.

The Temptation of Destiny is a suspenseful novel written by D.M. Earley. Following destiny and the path fate weaves before someone is something often considered as not without its challenges, but easy to follow. Prepare to lose your misconceptions. Following his fate, Jake is led through trials and tribulations he could never have seen coming, all tempering him for the difficulties of what is still in store, but at the same time, he is given the tools needed to survive. I enjoyed watching the characters grow and develop, as well as the immersion into different cultures, survival, and values. It was amazing to see how the pasts of the characters and their experiences all combine to ensure they are in the right place, position, and have the capacity to do and be exactly what is needed. Past, present, and visions of the future pave the way, and the depth and detail ensure the reader will be left satisfied. The Temptation of Destiny is beautifully written, expressive, and enjoyable. I loved the idea and themes behind the plot, and how everything came together.

The Temptation of Destiny by D.M. Earley is the first entry in the Call of Destiny series. The narrative is atmospheric, written in prose that entices the reader and featuring characters who are caught between their dreams and a future that threatens those dreams. We encounter Dakota at the opening of the story, just recently graduated from law school and looking forward to settling in Wind River. Then there is Jake whose life is just wonderful, a man who has three lovely children and a successful marriage. But a glimpse into the future compels him to make choices that will affect the lives of everyone. How do we respond to prophetic visions and can we embrace the present when we know the future spells doom? This is the question that haunts the characters in The Temptation of Destiny.

This novel opens a powerful series and I loved how the author deals with existential themes. The descriptions are terrific and they capture details of the setting, leaving readers with clear pictures of the environment in which the story takes place. The story has a thought-provoking premise: what happens to our lives when we have an idea of what our future looks like? The spiritual themes run through the narrative in which two worlds seem to collide and the lives of the characters are tested. The Temptation of Destiny explores some of the hidden fears of the human spirit, exploring the anxiety that affects people when danger looms ahead. The scenes are beautifully written, the points of views clearly narrated, and the conflict is so skillfully constructed that it drives the story forward. A great read, indeed.

First a disclaimer: I had the distinct pleasure of editing this book. But hey, I'm also an avid reader, and as such I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I came to cherish each of the two main characters, Jake and Dakota, and I'm so pleased to know they'll be returning to us in future books. Yet there are so many characters to invest in here, whether you love them or hate them, and the glimpse into the American Indian culture is one I really enjoyed. I also think the fabulous Wyoming setting came alive, such that one might almost consider it a character of its own. The story is full of suspense, wonder, intrigue - it pulls on so many emotions. Truly a terrific read!