The Destiny Ring by Paul Bird is a thrilling blend of contemporary family life, Australian Indigenous culture, and science fiction intrigue. It follows Jacinta Bowen, a teenager who stumbles upon a mysterious ring at a local market, only to discover it is a powerful artifact linked to a secret organization known as STEALTH. Her journey takes her through time and across continents, revealing truths about her family and herself. The story interweaves coming-of-age themes with a gripping plot about time travel and ancient lore.

Paul Bird’s writing is evocative and rooted in place and culture. The opening chapter, where Jacinta dreams of ancient Aboriginal gatherings, sets the tone beautifully. Bird paints the Australian bush in vivid colors, evoking sights, smells, and sounds that transport the reader straight to the granite monoliths and eucalyptus forests. The scene where Jacinta witnesses the Bundjalung, Jukambal, and Gamilaroi peoples trading and storytelling feels like stepping into a living history book, showcasing Bird’s respect for and knowledge of Indigenous traditions.

I found Jacinta’s interactions with her best friend, Cecelia, and her teacher, Mrs. Tindall, to be genuine and heartfelt. One of my favorite scenes is when Jacinta stands up to a school bully, blending her jujitsu training with raw courage. This moment encapsulates her spirit and determination, qualities that make her a compelling protagonist.

What really stood out was the transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary. When the ring is activated by lightning and propels Jacinta into the Viking age, the story shifts gears dramatically. Bird’s descriptions of the storm, the flash of lightning, and the surreal sensation of time travel are electrifying. However, it is the aftermath—the revelations about STEALTH and the syndicate—that cement this as a riveting sci-fi adventure. The detailed discussions about time travel technology and its ethical implications added depth, although I sometimes wished for less exposition and more action.

The Destiny Ring is a page-turner that will appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of contemporary realism, cultural heritage, and speculative fiction. Fans of time travel stories like A Wrinkle in Time or The Time Traveler’s Wife will find themselves hooked, as will those who appreciate strong, relatable heroines. Paul Bird has crafted a story that is as much about family and identity as it is about saving the world, and it left me eagerly awaiting a sequel.