Destinies commences in 1766 and has parallel aspects throughout: the life of Katherine II and the adventures of Christian, aged 14, a German immigrant.

Katherine II, her mother-in-law deceased and her husband conveniently dead in an “accident”, has progressive plans for Russia. On her agenda is colonization of eastern lands with German immigrants courtesy of the Russian treasury.

In Rhineland, Germany, villagers meet to discuss Katherine’s proposal. Germany is a war-ravished country on the verge of starvation. The princes of Germany demand taxes citizens are unable to pay. Twenty-four families accept Katherine’s invitation and sign the official documentation.

Thus begins a harrowing journey to Russia, which separates the villagers from everything familiar and loved ones forever. The challenges are not over upon their arrival. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles – the lay of the land, lack of housing, apportionment of lots, cruel Russian winters, regulations and restrictions – threaten their survival.

We watch Christian struggle to come to terms with life in Russia, mourn the loss of his best friend and horse, rail against life’s unfairness, witness atrocities, take on heavy responsibilities beyond his age and mature into a young man. Through Christian we see the development of a community where once only bare land existed.

Morrow excels at depicting Katherine, with her political strengths and personal flaws. A woman determined to forge a new and prosperous Russia, who quells rebellions and vanquishes threats to her throne, yet cannot live without adoration and prodigious expenditures. These personality conflicts will bring Russia and Katherine to the very brink, and sweep Christian and his fellow immigrants into the path of destruction.

At approximately 670 pages, one could maybe assume the novel will bog down at some point. Morrow writes so beautifully that even the more mundane events, such as Christian learning to trap, holds your interest. Morrow clearly portrays the daily events of an immigrant community, along with portentous happenings.

Destinies is described as an epic novel. I am usually leery of the word “epic”. Oftentimes, the “epic novel” disappoints. Not so with Destinies. Morrow has written a complex, intricately woven novel that fulfills the definition of “epic”.

I have only 2 concerns with Destinies; the novels opens with two different prologues, one Katherine’s and the other Christian’s, written in 1st person point of view. The remainder of the novel is then written from a 3rd person point of view. I was a little disconcerted in the beginning and unsure of who was exactly who for a bit.

The other time I felt discombobulated was the ending. It seemed to drift off without a clear division between the actual end and what would pass for author’s notes.

Despite these minor hitches, I wholeheartedly loved Destinies and unreservedly recommend this novel.

Karleene Morrow is an extremely talented writer. I am so impressed with her prowess with the written word, I can honestly say Morrow is on par with today’s pre-eminent historical fiction authors. ( )