Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch– one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabriella and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabriella and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabriella and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over
when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt
Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter
from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds
a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of
the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that
may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face
devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but
the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes
face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true
destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her
hands.
Cast for The Destiny Series
I think every writer dreams of the day they'll see their books on the big screen. Even if that did happen with Destiny, I doubt I would have much say over the casting. But it’s still fun to dream, and to pick out the cast! I have been working on my cast for Destiny since I first started writing the books back in the 90's. I've made changes as new faces have emerged, but there are a few that have stayed the same all these years. Today I thought I'd share by current picks for the main characters in Destiny & Destiny Unveiled. Some of these folks may already be too old to play teenagers, but it’s all in good fun.
Gabrielle DiPaola - Nina Dorbrev
I have been struggling with my pick for the lead of Gabriella for years. But finally, thanks to my husband's love of the Sci Fi channel, I have made my decision. He was watching some movie about a werewolf and she was the star. Nina is exactly the way I envisioned Gabriella. She will need some colored contacts for the violet eyes, but I think Hollywood can pull it off.
Darron Zukawski-Evan Williams
Having a tween in the house has really helped with this task. I saw this guy in an episode of "Victorious" and I knew I had finally found my Darron. Looks like he has only had a few small roles, but I want to give him his big break as the male lead in Destiny.
Monte Holden - Andrew DiPalma
Believe it or not, this handsome young man is my baby cousin. He has been doing pretty well on the acting scene with some small roles in movies like "We are Marshall" and most recently, a hilarious part in an episode of "Cougar Town". He just turned thirty, so we always joke that they need to hurry up and make Destiny into a movie before he's too old to be in it. You can check out my cousin on his website ( www.andrewdipalma.com ). Wow, an actor and a writer! Aren't we one seriously talented family?! LOL
Flora Zarfati-Heather Matarazzo
My daughter definitely had a hand in finding Heather. She loves the Princess Diaries, and Heather played Mia's best friend. While I had to stereotype such a great actress into the dorky best friend role, she is definitely fitting for that part.
Richard Hodge-David Bowie
I always knew I wanted David Bowie to play Richard. He was the right look, and even the sexy British accent. And we all know he has that dark side to him after his amazing portrayal of the Goblin King in "The Labyrinth". On a side note, Richard name was originally Gunther, but I decided to change his name after meeting one of the insurance underwriters I worked with from Lloyds of London. He wasn't an evil warlock or anything, but he did have a hot British accent.
Adelaide DiPaola - Laura Bonariggo
I grew up watching "One Life to Live" with my grandmother, and Laura played one of my favorite characters, Cassie Carpenter. I always thought she was so beautiful when I was a little girl, so of course she would be my first pick to play the role of Gabby’s mom.
Hugh DiPaola-Kevin Sorbo
I have always been a huge fan of Kevin Sorbo ever since he was on Hercules (I know my dorkiness is showing again), so I had to squeeze him into the cast somewhere. He's definitely too old play a teen, but I decided he'd be perfect for Gabby's dad. But maybe that's just because I want to see him in his underwear...
Cassie is another “One Life to Live” star (I am so sad that they cancelled it). She is not only a fabulous actress and amazing singer; she's also a really nice lady. I have an aunt with Downs Syndrome who adores Cassie, and she sent her a personal letter in her own handwriting , as well as a bunch of signed photos. It will also be really cool to reunite Cassie and Laura because they played cousins on “One Life To Live”.
If you've seen “Stardust”, you might recognize Sarah Alexander as one of the three witches. I chose her to play Donna because she actually has similar features to the real Donna, and the same small, pixie like stature. I would want her to darken up her hair for the role, but aside from that, she's perfect. Donna is one of my best friends and coven sisters. She is also the one who encouraged me to make Destiny a series, so it only seemed fitting to make her a character.
Miranda has an attitude from the second she comes on the scene, and Elizabeth Gillies has experience with attitude. She plays one of the characters in "Victorious" and I don't think I ever saw her smile.
Of course, there are other characters who I’d like to cast, but I didn't want to make this post go on forever. These are the main characters. Most of them are in both books, except for Donna and Miranda who make their first appearance in Destiny Unveiled. I really don't watch much television or movies, so finding suitable actors is harder than you might think.
Did you read the books? Do you like my casting choices, or do you know of someone who might be a better fit? I'd love for others to share their casting choices for the Destiny series.
***Photos as seen on www.imdb.com***
Her eyes scanned the room, from the pale blue sofa to the bloody dent in the wall. But she didn’t need
her eyes to know Darron was there. Her heart sensed his presence before her eyes saw him lying in a heap on the ground. His body shuddered with occasional spasms, and even though he wasn’t fully
conscious, his lips were twisted in a grimace of pain.
Uttering a gasp of surprise, Gabriella flew to his side. She knelt beside him, and choked back a sob as
she took his hand in her own. She saw his chest rise and fall and was glad to know was alive, but she felt helpless as she watched his face contort in pain. She noticed something wet and sticky on her fingertips. She gently titled his head and saw a large gash that looked like it needed medical attention. The skin around the gash was so deeply bruised it looked almost black.
“Darron, what happened to you?”
He didn’t move or reply. Gabriella moved her hand from the cut on his forehead, and her fingers dripped with blood. She bit her lower lip with fear. She knew enough about head injuries to know that the wound could be serious. She grabbed a few tissues from a box on the coffee table, and tried to apply pressure to the wound, but it was useless. The tissues were soaked through in seconds.
“Darron?” She squeezed his hand, and fought back tears of fear and frustration. “Darron, please open
your eyes. Please be all right!”
He squirmed and groaned a little in response. Looking at his contorted features, Gabriella felt incompetent and useless. She didn’t know what to do to help him. The cut must need stitches. The
blood was gushing through her fingertips, and she was sure his life was slipping away just as quickly.
More than anything, Gabriella wanted to help Darron, to end his suffering. Her thoughts, her
desperation, caused something deep inside of her to stir. Something that had long been napping was
awoken. The power she had fought so hard to deny was forcing its way to the surface. This time she
didn’t struggle against that power. Her instinct to hide from it was finally overcome by the thought of
losing someone else she cared about.
Gabriella was pulling strength and warmth from the earth, as though her legs were tree roots taking
nourishment from the element. A tingling sensation began in the tips of her toes and spread slowly
though her body as she breathed in the essence of the element of air. Her blood flowed and grew warm, the element of water, bringing the power to the surface. She was overcome by a vigorous strength as she envisioned her spirit encircled by the element of fire. She felt so powerful that she thought she could stop the world from churning if that was what she wished. Gabriella focused the power, remembering for a moment her mother’s lessons. She looked down at her battered friend. She willed him to open his eyes and look at her. She demanded it of him.
Gabriella would have thought it was impossible, but she felt herself grow warmer. Her face dripped with perspiration. The power within her reached a climax. Then finally, when she thought she might burst, she felt the energy release. It seeped through her fingers, and shined with an illumination that only she could see. She heard herself chanting unfamiliar words, and scarcely recognized her own voice.
“By the power of earth, water, fire and air,
Heal this man who’s in my care.
Goddess, hear your daughter’s plea.
As I will it, so mote it be!”
Gabriella repeated the words three times. Three was the number of power. Then she watched as the wound on Darron’s forehead healed before her eyes, becoming smaller and smaller, until finally it was
gone. The blood was still warm and sticky, but beneath the blood, the skin was smooth and unmarred.
Even the horrible bruise had vanished. Gabriella stared in open astonishment, marveling at the work she
had done.
Destiny Unveiled Excerpt:
After collecting the offering from his followers, the leader returned to the center of the circle and the
waiting initiate. With one quick motion, he sliced open his own palm. He held his hand over the cup,
letting his blood drip slowly into the chalice, until the wound miraculously healed before Darron's
startled eyes. When the chalice was full, he carried it to the eager initiate who took the cup firmly into
his hands and tilted it towards his lips.
"As this blood makes you one with our flesh, so your soul follows to become one with the darkness," the English voice intoned.
As the initiate drained the last of the liquid in the chalice, his hood fell away, revealing a blonde ponytail pulled back over a pale white face, made even paler by the outline of bright red blood around his lips. Darron watched in stunned, horrified silence as his own face turned to meet his gaze. Eyes turned as black as coals stared back at Darron with a grim smile of satisfaction.
"Rise Darron," the leader commanded. And as he spoke, he lifted the hood from his head. Rise brother
of the Dark Coven."
About the Author
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Visit her on her
websites at http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com or http://newagemama.blogspot.com .
Thanks so much for sharing my books on your blog.
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