The Ailunnean's ancestors fought a devastating war and fled when their planet was destroyed. They settled in a remote corner of the galaxy on the planet Reatar and created the underground domed city of Reverlore so they'd remain undetected. The city lay buried far beneath the icy surface of the desolate planet. Now centuries later, the people still cower in fear of an enemy who may have perished years ago. In a society that no longer believes in committed relationships, Ailunnean females, who have come of age, take sexmates--a reliable male partner for the life sustaining sexual rituals after shapeshifting.

But, one woman dreams of having more. Etaoine je E'henhess, a priestess of the Goddess Adoru, dreams of finding her heartmate, a deeper relationship, just as Adoru, has eternally found in her lover, Inne.

Etaoine and her sexmate, Teilar je Ruthmea, join forces with another priestess Quintanna je Mowbry and her sexmate, Norrath, to escape from the dying city of Reverlore. Two major obstacles stand in their way; the priesthood opposes any attempts to leave Reverlore and the tunnels leading out of the city are mined with explosives. One hope is left; during the Mayavore Festival, Etaoine would be chosen by High Priest Rith je Loirun as God's Mate--a great honor. At that time, the High Priest joins with one priestess, during her first coming-of-age shape-shift. Before the festival crowd, they shift to the image of the Goddess Adoru and her lover, Inne. He takes her on the massive alter in front of the temple--so intense is the sustained mating that their minds touch and they share a vision given to the priestess from the Goddess. During the moment their minds merge, Etaoine would probe deep into the High Priest's mind and find the safe route through the tunnels, known only to him. But a few obstacles lay in their way; first Etaoine has to be chosen as God's Mate, to the dismay of Teilar, her sexmate and man who loves her. Then the four would face navigating the tunnels and plumb the depth of the ocean for a lost city. Would the myth of a great starship, said to stand in the sunken city of Errock prove true?

Thoroughly enjoyable, Destiny Earth has boisterous sex and is downright fun. One hell of an adult read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Donna E. Bedrick
June 20, 2003