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Tales of Nevaeh #1
Born to Magic
Welcome to Nevaeh— a world where technology no longer exists, but magic does.
Long ago, the violence and radiation of the terrorist wars killed America. Those left dwell in a world of ritual and magic where ten dominions struggle for supremacy and a dark power rises to claim all.
Areenna, the only daughter of the King of Freemorn, is barely eighteen, yet her psychic ability is strong. She is summoned to ‘The Island’ and learns that the fate of her world is in her hands. She must undertake a perilous journey to save Nevaeh from destruction. But she will not travel alone.
Mikaal, the son of the High King of Nevaeh, has as much at stake as Areenna. Their quest takes them through haunted wastelands filled with mutants while an evil force does everything in its power to stop Areenna and Mikaal—for it wants Nevaeh as its own.
Long ago, the violence and radiation of the terrorist wars killed America. Those left dwell in a world of ritual and magic where ten dominions struggle for supremacy and a dark power rises to claim all.
Areenna, the only daughter of the King of Freemorn, is barely eighteen, yet her psychic ability is strong. She is summoned to ‘The Island’ and learns that the fate of her world is in her hands. She must undertake a perilous journey to save Nevaeh from destruction. But she will not travel alone.
Mikaal, the son of the High King of Nevaeh, has as much at stake as Areenna. Their quest takes them through haunted wastelands filled with mutants while an evil force does everything in its power to stop Areenna and Mikaal—for it wants Nevaeh as its own.
302 pages, Nook
First published February 15, 2015
981 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read
About the author
David Wind
50 books304 followersInternational award winning author and double B.R.A.G. Honoree, I have published forty-six novels including Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and suspense thrillers. I live in Florida, with mywife Bonnie.
A Hybrid Traditional and Independent Author, I became an independent publisher, author, and writer in 2008 with Angels in Mourning, my 'homage' to the old-time private detective's of the 50's and the 60's. (I used to sneak them from my parents' night tables and read them as a young boy.) Angels is a contemporary take on the old-style noir detective and won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader's Choice Award.
The first book of my Sci-Fi Fantasy series Tales of Nevaeh. Born to Magic, is an international Amazon genre Best Seller, Awarded the Silver medallion from the Drunken Druid International Literary Awards, and was a Kindle Review of Books finalist for Fantasy Book of the year. The final book of the series, A Dance of Light and Dark, Volume 8, was released on September 1, 2022.
Among my Mysteries & Thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary Guild alternate selection); The Sokova Convention, The Morrisy Manifest, Desperately Killing Suzanne, The Whistleblower’s Daughter, and Out of the Shadows.
My first non-fiction book, The Indie Writer’s Handbook, Designed for Independently Published authors, was honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion for literary excellence, and awarded the Bronze Medal by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
I wrote a contemporary fiction novel, based on the Harry Chapin Song, A Better Place to Be, was named a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, signifying a book of the highest literary quality, and written by an independent writer; and, A Better Place to Be also received the Bronze Medal Award from Ireland's Drunken Druid International Literary Awards.
--Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/davidwindauthor
--Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/David_Wind
--Visit myWebsite at https://.davidwind.com
A Hybrid Traditional and Independent Author, I became an independent publisher, author, and writer in 2008 with Angels in Mourning, my 'homage' to the old-time private detective's of the 50's and the 60's. (I used to sneak them from my parents' night tables and read them as a young boy.) Angels is a contemporary take on the old-style noir detective and won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader's Choice Award.
The first book of my Sci-Fi Fantasy series Tales of Nevaeh. Born to Magic, is an international Amazon genre Best Seller, Awarded the Silver medallion from the Drunken Druid International Literary Awards, and was a Kindle Review of Books finalist for Fantasy Book of the year. The final book of the series, A Dance of Light and Dark, Volume 8, was released on September 1, 2022.
Among my Mysteries & Thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary Guild alternate selection); The Sokova Convention, The Morrisy Manifest, Desperately Killing Suzanne, The Whistleblower’s Daughter, and Out of the Shadows.
My first non-fiction book, The Indie Writer’s Handbook, Designed for Independently Published authors, was honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion for literary excellence, and awarded the Bronze Medal by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
I wrote a contemporary fiction novel, based on the Harry Chapin Song, A Better Place to Be, was named a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, signifying a book of the highest literary quality, and written by an independent writer; and, A Better Place to Be also received the Bronze Medal Award from Ireland's Drunken Druid International Literary Awards.
--Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/davidwindauthor
--Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/David_Wind
--Visit myWebsite at https://.davidwind.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
April 29, 2015
Naming is a power given to Adam in the Old Testament. Sorcerers and practitioners of magic in tales of power know that to have access to a Real Name is to control the named one. Just think of Rumplestiltskin!
In Born to Magic , names given to lands and characters mostly have the power to disturb and distract the reader. Some, like Llawnroc, Nosaj, Tolemac, Atir, and Nevaeh itself, are familiar place- and person-names, reversed. Once I noticed this pattern, each time a new name was introduced I had to work out what it might spell backwards.
Prince Mikaal, son of the High King? Okay that's not one. But the High King's wife Enaid? Jackpot!
Once I got the naming disturbance out of my system, though, I began to see the story more clearly. Wind has used a classic sci-fi strategy, changed something about a technology, culture or people, and projected it into the future to reveal its impact on life. And despite the themes of magic and sorcery, Born to Magic is post-apocalypse science fiction.
In the future Earth created by David Wind, post-nuclear-holocaust Earth was destroyed by never-named Dark Others, who seem to be located "across the oceans to the East". Because of this nuclear catastrophe, or perhaps because of undetailed environmental damage, the power of magic has departed men, and only women can wield it. Women have completely assumed the mantle of magical power, yet men—Kings—still rule territories in Nevaeh, commanding armies of bowmen and sword-wielders.
By the time I have absorbed this concept, we meet Solomon Roth, the High King, who hails from Nevaeh's past. He got there by way of an interstellar colonization project that failed because the colonists carried along a tailored virus that mutated into a killer. Roth was the only survivor when the starship returned to Earth. He provides the "current-day" perspective on what happened in almost three intervening millennia.
Areena, the female lead, is a powerful wielder of magic. (Quick check—okay, her name, like Mikaal's, is not reversible.) Mikaal is a male born with magical power, and he and Areena need to get together for mutual training in order to save Nevaeh. He will teach her to use a sword; she will teach him to access and wield his power. Together, they must travel to a mysterious Island where their power will be confirmed. (Except males must never approach the Island upon pain of death.)
Now the tale becomes even more confusing. (Hard to believe, I know.) This is when we learn that Areena's magic is really science. You know, the same science that was studied by Karl Zener and J.B. Rhine, used by Uri Gellar to bend spoons, and tapped by Nostradamus to write his prophecies.
Areena and Mikaal have just reached the Island. (I haven't finished the story yet.) There might be something in the last chapters that would wrap the whole story in comprehension. But I will stop while I'm ahead, tiptoe away and leave these two magic-wielders to their fate. Like a Regency romance whose characters say, "Too cool!" and "I'm outta here," this story just reached my limit of inconsistencies.
I'm outta here.
In Born to Magic , names given to lands and characters mostly have the power to disturb and distract the reader. Some, like Llawnroc, Nosaj, Tolemac, Atir, and Nevaeh itself, are familiar place- and person-names, reversed. Once I noticed this pattern, each time a new name was introduced I had to work out what it might spell backwards.
Prince Mikaal, son of the High King? Okay that's not one. But the High King's wife Enaid? Jackpot!
Once I got the naming disturbance out of my system, though, I began to see the story more clearly. Wind has used a classic sci-fi strategy, changed something about a technology, culture or people, and projected it into the future to reveal its impact on life. And despite the themes of magic and sorcery, Born to Magic is post-apocalypse science fiction.
In the future Earth created by David Wind, post-nuclear-holocaust Earth was destroyed by never-named Dark Others, who seem to be located "across the oceans to the East". Because of this nuclear catastrophe, or perhaps because of undetailed environmental damage, the power of magic has departed men, and only women can wield it. Women have completely assumed the mantle of magical power, yet men—Kings—still rule territories in Nevaeh, commanding armies of bowmen and sword-wielders.
By the time I have absorbed this concept, we meet Solomon Roth, the High King, who hails from Nevaeh's past. He got there by way of an interstellar colonization project that failed because the colonists carried along a tailored virus that mutated into a killer. Roth was the only survivor when the starship returned to Earth. He provides the "current-day" perspective on what happened in almost three intervening millennia.
Areena, the female lead, is a powerful wielder of magic. (Quick check—okay, her name, like Mikaal's, is not reversible.) Mikaal is a male born with magical power, and he and Areena need to get together for mutual training in order to save Nevaeh. He will teach her to use a sword; she will teach him to access and wield his power. Together, they must travel to a mysterious Island where their power will be confirmed. (Except males must never approach the Island upon pain of death.)
Now the tale becomes even more confusing. (Hard to believe, I know.) This is when we learn that Areena's magic is really science. You know, the same science that was studied by Karl Zener and J.B. Rhine, used by Uri Gellar to bend spoons, and tapped by Nostradamus to write his prophecies.
Areena and Mikaal have just reached the Island. (I haven't finished the story yet.) There might be something in the last chapters that would wrap the whole story in comprehension. But I will stop while I'm ahead, tiptoe away and leave these two magic-wielders to their fate. Like a Regency romance whose characters say, "Too cool!" and "I'm outta here," this story just reached my limit of inconsistencies.
I'm outta here.
November 14, 2022
I love the cover for the amazing adventure I had with Areena and Mikaal. The world David created is vividly detailed, filled with creatures, magic, evil, love and hope. Taking place in the future, sparks of our possible reality mesh seamlessly with the magical world. The danger is not over, but this adventure finished with a happy ending. I am curious about their next adventure, and hope to be there for it.
April 3, 2016
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
December 18, 2015
Tech Details
• Written by: David Wind
• Narrated by: Helene McCardle
• Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release Date: 09/17/15
• Publisher: David Wind
• Reviewed for AudiobookReviewer.com
This is a post-apocalyptic and a fantasy story all in one. The year is 5271 and the world as we know it has been destroyed by nuclear war and while the human race has survived it is more like medieval times, with castles, keeps, Kings, Queens and High Kings. Men are stronger and women can do magic. The radiation has caused many changes in plants and animals of the world. I’m having a hard time coming up with anything more descriptive without giving spoilers, while a bit frustrating, learning as the characters do makes the story more compelling (at least to me it does).
I enjoyed this story, even though at times it seemed to drag a bit, it kept my interest. The world building was good and you did not have a big info dump at the beginning, information is doled out as the story progresses. While not the same, the theme of this story reminded me a lot of The Golden Compass/His Dark Materials series….different worlds, ages but the theme of Good versus Evil and an young man and woman journeying together to fight it….an oversimplification of the plot but you get the idea. The scary part to me is how this reflects so much of what is going on in the world today. The dark circle wants to conquer and enslave all if Neveah and the Dark Circle of 5271 are from the same terrorist group that launched the nuclear war…they use dark sorceresses to cause strife, disharmony…if they can get the kingdoms of Neveah to go to war with each other, the negative energy from this will make them more powerful.
Helene McCardle does an excellent job narrating, while some of the male characters were not quite as easy to distinguish, all the female characters were very distinct. I do think that this story is one hat would do well as either a graphic novel or just in general a full cast narration.
As usual, the most frustrating part is that the adventure is not yet over but the audio for the next book is not yet available….while I could pick up the e-book, this story really works well as an audio so I will wait to continue until it is out.
Audiobook provided by the Author/Publisher via Audiobook Reviewer for an honest review
• Written by: David Wind
• Narrated by: Helene McCardle
• Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release Date: 09/17/15
• Publisher: David Wind
• Reviewed for AudiobookReviewer.com
This is a post-apocalyptic and a fantasy story all in one. The year is 5271 and the world as we know it has been destroyed by nuclear war and while the human race has survived it is more like medieval times, with castles, keeps, Kings, Queens and High Kings. Men are stronger and women can do magic. The radiation has caused many changes in plants and animals of the world. I’m having a hard time coming up with anything more descriptive without giving spoilers, while a bit frustrating, learning as the characters do makes the story more compelling (at least to me it does).
I enjoyed this story, even though at times it seemed to drag a bit, it kept my interest. The world building was good and you did not have a big info dump at the beginning, information is doled out as the story progresses. While not the same, the theme of this story reminded me a lot of The Golden Compass/His Dark Materials series….different worlds, ages but the theme of Good versus Evil and an young man and woman journeying together to fight it….an oversimplification of the plot but you get the idea. The scary part to me is how this reflects so much of what is going on in the world today. The dark circle wants to conquer and enslave all if Neveah and the Dark Circle of 5271 are from the same terrorist group that launched the nuclear war…they use dark sorceresses to cause strife, disharmony…if they can get the kingdoms of Neveah to go to war with each other, the negative energy from this will make them more powerful.
Helene McCardle does an excellent job narrating, while some of the male characters were not quite as easy to distinguish, all the female characters were very distinct. I do think that this story is one hat would do well as either a graphic novel or just in general a full cast narration.
As usual, the most frustrating part is that the adventure is not yet over but the audio for the next book is not yet available….while I could pick up the e-book, this story really works well as an audio so I will wait to continue until it is out.
Audiobook provided by the Author/Publisher via Audiobook Reviewer for an honest review
April 23, 2016
A good story will sell itself on each page, without having to rush along as if the reader has the attention span of a goldfish. It's subtly evident from the beginning that Born To Magic is worth reading. A sci-fi and fantasy story showing an humanity with Paranormal abilities enabling them to battle the horror of their past. With prose that is crisp and clear, the pages seem to turn themselves. The main characters Areenna and Mikaal work well together in the usual boy/girl ways, but this is more than a tale of love or loss, it is a tale of hardship and redemption, with some uncertain triumphs over evil. Readers can't go wrong here; pick it up.
July 9, 2015
Areenna is a princess living in a futuristic world where the earth has been hit by radiation and changed drastically. Magic is now real and Areenna must use her gifts to help protect it. She begins a journey along with Prince Mikaal to a mysterious Island.
This was a great fantasy read. The world is well created and I could picture it clearly. It was a unique mix of the past and future and I enjoyed reading about the different creatures. It had a good mix of action, adventure and fantasy. Highly recommended.
This was a great fantasy read. The world is well created and I could picture it clearly. It was a unique mix of the past and future and I enjoyed reading about the different creatures. It had a good mix of action, adventure and fantasy. Highly recommended.
January 11, 2016
I loved this book and can’t wait to get into the next one in the series. It was great that it was the women in this world who had magic. A touch of feminism. Of course things always gets turned upside down in a story.
I see some readers didn’t like it, but I loved the use of heteropalindromes (Something that spells something else when reversed).
The characters, Areena and Mikaal (hope I spelled them right) were likable and I thought, believable.
I see some readers didn’t like it, but I loved the use of heteropalindromes (Something that spells something else when reversed).
The characters, Areena and Mikaal (hope I spelled them right) were likable and I thought, believable.
Want to read
December 19, 2015This sounds cool and is currently free on Amazon! Go forth and grab it!
December 7, 2022
I like to alternate between science fiction and fantasy in my reading, so when I finished my last sci-fi read, I picked up a copy of David Wind’s sci-fantasy book Born to Magic. I was really excited to read it, because I love when books mix Science Fiction and Fantasy.
The story takes place on a future version of Earth, about 3000 years after a nuclear apocalypse. This isn’t much of a spoiler because it’s revealed pretty early on, and the map is fairly transparent about the location.
The world has settled into a medieval state, with a twist. Although what used to be the United States has been cleared of radiation, many animals have mutated, and so have the remaining humans.
People are taller than they used to be, as are most of the animals, and women often develop the ability to do magic, although the author insists there is a scientific basis for it.
The nation of Neveah takes up most of what used to be the United States. In an early reveal, we find out that the high king who rules the 10 states of Neveah is actually a person from closer to our own time, who was part of a mission to find a new home for humanity and ended up coming back to a vastly changed world. One of my few small gripes with the story – I wish this reveal had been held for later in the story when it would have had more impact.
Areenna is the daughter of one of the ten lesser kings, and is the most promising magical student of her generation. Her mother died young, but not before passing on everything she knew to her only daughter.
Areenna has visions that lead her to believe that a vast darkness that was banished a generation before is about to return to Nevaeh. After a few strange and dangerous occurances prove her vision true, she sets off on a quest with a high kings, son, Mikaal, and together they cross the lands, gathering more abilities as they go and learning about their shared destiny together, on a journey to a mysterious place called the island. There they will be tested, and if not found worthy they will both die.
The book started off a little slow and a little scattered, with a number of points of view that took a bit to sort out. The author also is in the habit of head hopping within scenes, something that always annoys me.
But once the quest starts, things really start moving. Mikaal is the first man who can do Magic – up until then, powers have been reserved only to women – and he has an unexplained connection to Areenna. As they travel together, they learn more about each other and their powers, and how to combine them in a way that makes both of them stronger.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the idea that, in order to master his own magic, Mikaal needed to learn how to release his desire to control everything. But it’s not a one-way street Arena also has things to learn from Mikaal, including how to defend herself physically, although she’s no slouch to begin with.
I also loved the bits of present day technology and the ruins that fill the story. They provide a wonderful bit of sci-fi flavor in what’s otherwise a fantasy quest story. The dark forces in the book are suitably evil, although they tend to try the same tactics over and over again. I’m hoping in future stories, they’ll get a little more creative.
Born to Magic is an inventive, entertaining fantasy quest that most put me in mind of the Green Land books by J.G. Follansbee. As a story goes on, we become more and more invested in Areenna, and Mikaal and their quest, and in their relationship together. It’s a great start to a promising new series – I can’t wait to see what happens next.
The story takes place on a future version of Earth, about 3000 years after a nuclear apocalypse. This isn’t much of a spoiler because it’s revealed pretty early on, and the map is fairly transparent about the location.
The world has settled into a medieval state, with a twist. Although what used to be the United States has been cleared of radiation, many animals have mutated, and so have the remaining humans.
People are taller than they used to be, as are most of the animals, and women often develop the ability to do magic, although the author insists there is a scientific basis for it.
The nation of Neveah takes up most of what used to be the United States. In an early reveal, we find out that the high king who rules the 10 states of Neveah is actually a person from closer to our own time, who was part of a mission to find a new home for humanity and ended up coming back to a vastly changed world. One of my few small gripes with the story – I wish this reveal had been held for later in the story when it would have had more impact.
Areenna is the daughter of one of the ten lesser kings, and is the most promising magical student of her generation. Her mother died young, but not before passing on everything she knew to her only daughter.
Areenna has visions that lead her to believe that a vast darkness that was banished a generation before is about to return to Nevaeh. After a few strange and dangerous occurances prove her vision true, she sets off on a quest with a high kings, son, Mikaal, and together they cross the lands, gathering more abilities as they go and learning about their shared destiny together, on a journey to a mysterious place called the island. There they will be tested, and if not found worthy they will both die.
The book started off a little slow and a little scattered, with a number of points of view that took a bit to sort out. The author also is in the habit of head hopping within scenes, something that always annoys me.
But once the quest starts, things really start moving. Mikaal is the first man who can do Magic – up until then, powers have been reserved only to women – and he has an unexplained connection to Areenna. As they travel together, they learn more about each other and their powers, and how to combine them in a way that makes both of them stronger.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the idea that, in order to master his own magic, Mikaal needed to learn how to release his desire to control everything. But it’s not a one-way street Arena also has things to learn from Mikaal, including how to defend herself physically, although she’s no slouch to begin with.
I also loved the bits of present day technology and the ruins that fill the story. They provide a wonderful bit of sci-fi flavor in what’s otherwise a fantasy quest story. The dark forces in the book are suitably evil, although they tend to try the same tactics over and over again. I’m hoping in future stories, they’ll get a little more creative.
Born to Magic is an inventive, entertaining fantasy quest that most put me in mind of the Green Land books by J.G. Follansbee. As a story goes on, we become more and more invested in Areenna, and Mikaal and their quest, and in their relationship together. It’s a great start to a promising new series – I can’t wait to see what happens next.
March 4, 2019
Two likeable characters headline this fantasy novel combatting good against evil. Young Areenna knows she has magical abilities but needs training. What no one expects is that Prince Mikaal hides his own burgeoning powers. Only the females on this planet have magic. A man possessing these qualities would be viewed as an abomination. Their parents recognize the pair’s destiny and set them on a course that will change everyone’s lives forever. They’re the only ones who can defeat the evil approaching from across the sea, but can they survive their training? First they must travel to the Island, where either they’ll become stronger together or they’ll perish in failure. Can they find the strength to succeed? This action-packed story has excellent world-building, a memorable cast, and a saga you won’t want to end. Fortunately, the story continues in a sequel. If you’re a fan of fantasy mingled with a touch of scifi, this is the book for you.
December 9, 2020
This was a very unique premise in the fact that it deals with an apocalyptic event with the world based kind of on actual events (the destruction starts with the events of September 11th)- then time progresses another 3000 years and we get to see the world now. The world has moved back to pre technological times with no electricity, but now the world has magic. And radiation has caused massive changes in humans and in the landscape. It has also caused certain mutations and has brought about the magic lines that now exist.
This was a first time author for me and I must say that I enjoyed the beginning of this series. I alternated between listening and reading and had no problems with the narration. The premise is interesting and very different and I find that I am curious to continue on with the next book to see what is going to happen to our two main characters. They are easy to like and very easy to root for.
This was a first time author for me and I must say that I enjoyed the beginning of this series. I alternated between listening and reading and had no problems with the narration. The premise is interesting and very different and I find that I am curious to continue on with the next book to see what is going to happen to our two main characters. They are easy to like and very easy to root for.
December 24, 2023
Normally, I like a good dystopian and/or a Sci-fi-fantasy.
This was not one of them.
I didn't connect to this story, and it became a struggle to read, not a joy - and life is too short to waste on books that you don't like.
This was not one of them.
I didn't connect to this story, and it became a struggle to read, not a joy - and life is too short to waste on books that you don't like.
January 14, 2015
Enchanting and simply irresistible!
This book has astounded me. For one, this genre is not my cup of tea. Although I love science fiction, I’m not a big fan of fantastical worlds, especially when a medieval type of life is involved. Yet, this book has been a delightful surprise for me.
Other than enjoying the enchanting story of Princess Areenna and Prince Mikaal who set out on a treacherous journey to save their magical world, I was also greatly amazed by the concept of the storyline. David Wind has set this world into the very far future of the USA, at a time when worldwide terrorism has used technology to pollute the world with radiation, ending civilization as we know it.
In his fantastical world, the author introduces an array of mutated animals that all appear intriguing as well as surprisingly endearing, so much that they made me wish they existed in the real world; treygones and kraals in particular. There are beautiful descriptions of forestland, rivers and medieval-type castles and keeps and in this world, the women are revered and have magical powers. When the dark forces who have destroyed the world as we know it today return to try and rule even this new, devastated world, the gifted Areenna is summoned to travel with Prince Mikaal to The Island as to come face to face with the bare truth about the destruction that was brought upon it. On their way there, they get to know each other better as friends, they gather new gifts from other realms and of course, they get to master their newly acquired abilities that will help them in their final battle against Evil.
David Wind has created a world that expresses magic in every way; not just with the sparks and orbs of light that are expelled into the air with every wave and flick of the youngsters’ hands, but also with the suitably old-fashioned dialogue and the masterfully described scenes of the magnificent landscape. This amazing future world is simply irresistible and as I read on, I felt suitably mesmerized by it. I’ve had the best ‘mind trip’ of my life in years with this book. A true gem of its genre. Well done, David Wind!
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Tales of Navaeh Series as to see what else this highly imaginative author has in store for the reader.
Don’t miss out. If you love fantasy, trust me, you want to read this book!
This book has astounded me. For one, this genre is not my cup of tea. Although I love science fiction, I’m not a big fan of fantastical worlds, especially when a medieval type of life is involved. Yet, this book has been a delightful surprise for me.
Other than enjoying the enchanting story of Princess Areenna and Prince Mikaal who set out on a treacherous journey to save their magical world, I was also greatly amazed by the concept of the storyline. David Wind has set this world into the very far future of the USA, at a time when worldwide terrorism has used technology to pollute the world with radiation, ending civilization as we know it.
In his fantastical world, the author introduces an array of mutated animals that all appear intriguing as well as surprisingly endearing, so much that they made me wish they existed in the real world; treygones and kraals in particular. There are beautiful descriptions of forestland, rivers and medieval-type castles and keeps and in this world, the women are revered and have magical powers. When the dark forces who have destroyed the world as we know it today return to try and rule even this new, devastated world, the gifted Areenna is summoned to travel with Prince Mikaal to The Island as to come face to face with the bare truth about the destruction that was brought upon it. On their way there, they get to know each other better as friends, they gather new gifts from other realms and of course, they get to master their newly acquired abilities that will help them in their final battle against Evil.
David Wind has created a world that expresses magic in every way; not just with the sparks and orbs of light that are expelled into the air with every wave and flick of the youngsters’ hands, but also with the suitably old-fashioned dialogue and the masterfully described scenes of the magnificent landscape. This amazing future world is simply irresistible and as I read on, I felt suitably mesmerized by it. I’ve had the best ‘mind trip’ of my life in years with this book. A true gem of its genre. Well done, David Wind!
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Tales of Navaeh Series as to see what else this highly imaginative author has in store for the reader.
Don’t miss out. If you love fantasy, trust me, you want to read this book!
May 13, 2015
This is the first book I have read from David Wind.
Born to Magic: Tales of Nevaeh Vol. 1 is a story of a futuristic world of fantasy. A world that used to be our own until war erupted and ravaged the land. Now this world is facing another threat. One which could wipe out all life in Nevaeh and send it back to an age of darkness. Nevaeh is now a land where the inhabitants dwell in a world of ritual and magic, where ten dominions struggle for supremacy and a dark, formidable power has emerged.
Areenna, the only daughter of the King of Freemorn, was pushed by her mother to develop her gift sooner than most girls normally would. After her mother's death, Areenna is secretly trained by Enaid the High King's wife, because the Queen has foreseen the future. A future of darkness for all who live in Nevaeh.
While Areenna, her father the King of Freemorn, and the other Dominions which make up Nevaeh hold counsel, discoveries are made and foretellings come to light. Areenna must visit the Island. A journey she must make much earlier than most, but a journey which all women of magic must endure. She cannot go alone and succeed, but the future of all depends on her success.
Accompanied by Mikkal, the High King's son Areenna sets off on her journey.
I loved Areenna. Her character is one, which while well developed still learns and grows throughout the story.
A tantalizing tale which held me captured until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed David's story and look forward to the Tales of Nevaeh Vol 2.
Born to Magic: Tales of Nevaeh Vol. 1 is a story of a futuristic world of fantasy. A world that used to be our own until war erupted and ravaged the land. Now this world is facing another threat. One which could wipe out all life in Nevaeh and send it back to an age of darkness. Nevaeh is now a land where the inhabitants dwell in a world of ritual and magic, where ten dominions struggle for supremacy and a dark, formidable power has emerged.
Areenna, the only daughter of the King of Freemorn, was pushed by her mother to develop her gift sooner than most girls normally would. After her mother's death, Areenna is secretly trained by Enaid the High King's wife, because the Queen has foreseen the future. A future of darkness for all who live in Nevaeh.
While Areenna, her father the King of Freemorn, and the other Dominions which make up Nevaeh hold counsel, discoveries are made and foretellings come to light. Areenna must visit the Island. A journey she must make much earlier than most, but a journey which all women of magic must endure. She cannot go alone and succeed, but the future of all depends on her success.
Accompanied by Mikkal, the High King's son Areenna sets off on her journey.
I loved Areenna. Her character is one, which while well developed still learns and grows throughout the story.
A tantalizing tale which held me captured until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed David's story and look forward to the Tales of Nevaeh Vol 2.
August 5, 2016
What a gorgeous read! I loved David Wind's world of Nevaeh. It was so intricately detailed and beautifully thought out. I especially loved the Roth aspect. A human from present time that happens upon earth 3000 years in the future and he's armed with the intelligence and forsight to help this new world to better itself and not fall through the same issues as our current world. That was my favorite part. How hard must it have been for him to decide what to keep and what to lose/leave behind on that ship, in his old life.
I would love to read a prequel about that, his life when he first showed up and adapted and saved the new inhabitants of Earth from themselves and the dark forces threatening them and their way of life.
I'm sure alot of people have commented on the romance between Areena and Mikaal as they came into both their powers and their love so I won't stick on that except to say that it was well done and unhurried just the way I like it.
Even without the magical angle, if it was simply a scifi instead of a mixture of fantasy and science fiction and I would have still been totally engrossed by this novel. 10/10 would recommend.
I would love to read a prequel about that, his life when he first showed up and adapted and saved the new inhabitants of Earth from themselves and the dark forces threatening them and their way of life.
I'm sure alot of people have commented on the romance between Areena and Mikaal as they came into both their powers and their love so I won't stick on that except to say that it was well done and unhurried just the way I like it.
Even without the magical angle, if it was simply a scifi instead of a mixture of fantasy and science fiction and I would have still been totally engrossed by this novel. 10/10 would recommend.
February 15, 2015
Born To Magic, Tales of Nevaeh (1) by David Wind
The story takes place in Nevaeh. America is gone (by war) many, many years before. The women there have super strength and psychic abilities. One woman Areena, the daughter of King Freemorn is the future Queen.
She learns that the fate of the world is in danger and it is up to her to save it. Along with Mikaal, the son of Nevaeh's King, they set off to fight to save humanity. They face many dangers along the way and secrets are revealed. Will Areena be saved from the darkness? Will their quest be a success?
A very original story, very detailed and well written.I liked Areena, she was a great female lead. Each character has their own qualities, some are likable while others are not. There is suspense, adventure and magic. All the qualities of a great fantasy. I highly recommend Born To Magic to those who like dystopic-fantasy.
The story takes place in Nevaeh. America is gone (by war) many, many years before. The women there have super strength and psychic abilities. One woman Areena, the daughter of King Freemorn is the future Queen.
She learns that the fate of the world is in danger and it is up to her to save it. Along with Mikaal, the son of Nevaeh's King, they set off to fight to save humanity. They face many dangers along the way and secrets are revealed. Will Areena be saved from the darkness? Will their quest be a success?
A very original story, very detailed and well written.I liked Areena, she was a great female lead. Each character has their own qualities, some are likable while others are not. There is suspense, adventure and magic. All the qualities of a great fantasy. I highly recommend Born To Magic to those who like dystopic-fantasy.
March 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for review.
While the premise of this book was very interesting to me, I'm afraid it fell a bit short of my expectations. I think the issue (for me) is that there was too much going on. This book was sci-fi, fantasy, action, adventure, magical, scientific, historical, futuristic, romantic, and more. Some books can pull that off, but this one felt more like a Jack of All Trades, Master of None type thing.
The writing was quite well done. The only thing that bothered me was the constant She and Her every single time that character was mentioned. Italics like that are okay in moderation, but it just got annoying after a while.
Also, the "evil-doers" across the seas was just a very preachy and narrow-minded ideal. It felt like 1950s racism.
The sci-fi aspect with Roth was very interesting, but also very underdeveloped. If that had been explored in more detail, I think the book's overall competence would have benefited.
Not a bad book, but just not interesting enough to hold my attention.
While the premise of this book was very interesting to me, I'm afraid it fell a bit short of my expectations. I think the issue (for me) is that there was too much going on. This book was sci-fi, fantasy, action, adventure, magical, scientific, historical, futuristic, romantic, and more. Some books can pull that off, but this one felt more like a Jack of All Trades, Master of None type thing.
The writing was quite well done. The only thing that bothered me was the constant She and Her every single time that character was mentioned. Italics like that are okay in moderation, but it just got annoying after a while.
Also, the "evil-doers" across the seas was just a very preachy and narrow-minded ideal. It felt like 1950s racism.
The sci-fi aspect with Roth was very interesting, but also very underdeveloped. If that had been explored in more detail, I think the book's overall competence would have benefited.
Not a bad book, but just not interesting enough to hold my attention.
April 17, 2015
This was the first book by David Wind that I've read, but from the very first paragraph I knew he's an accomplished story-teller. I devoured the book in a few hours, unable to put it down. A unique mix of fantasy and science fiction, Born to Magic follows the adventures of a gifted caster and the only man to possess magical abilities in a post-apocalyptic Earth, destroyed 3,000 years ago by terrorists.
The action was flawless, as was the writing and pacing. And yet, what I most enjoyed was the philosophy behind the story. I usually prefer a less maniheistic look of the world in my books (more grey than black and white), but Wind offers fascinating insight in the male and female psyche. The Island scenes were particularly haunting and I find myself thinking back to them every now and then.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!
The action was flawless, as was the writing and pacing. And yet, what I most enjoyed was the philosophy behind the story. I usually prefer a less maniheistic look of the world in my books (more grey than black and white), but Wind offers fascinating insight in the male and female psyche. The Island scenes were particularly haunting and I find myself thinking back to them every now and then.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!
December 31, 2014
A dystopic fantasy with a feminist twist! In the new world that develops long after the old one was destroyed, women have the upper hand. They wield the magic while the men wield swords. But a strong, dark power is rising from the old world, determined to destroy the cooperation and ties that the kingdoms have painstakingly developed for mutual protection. It falls to two young people to ward off the threat--Areenna, a woman-child with great potential powers, and the young prince Mikaal, who has a terrible secret of his own.
David Wind has penned a classic fantasy quest and a fabulous first installment in what promises to be an epic series.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
David Wind has penned a classic fantasy quest and a fabulous first installment in what promises to be an epic series.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
In the beginning I thought this book had great potential, but then there was all those different time jumps and different point of views and everything got confusing real quick. Like I said, this book had great potential, but it fell flat for me. I didn't care one bit for the characters and the so called "boggymonsters" those evil creatures, I thought those were just 'meh'.
Sorry, but this book ain't gonna get more than 1 star from me.
And then the narrator (I have both the kindle edition and the audible edition since they allow me to read and/or listen to a/the book whenever and however I want), what was she doing? I thought she was sleeping whenever she read the female characters lines/dialogue.
Horrible; just plain and simply horrible.
Sorry, but this book ain't gonna get more than 1 star from me.
And then the narrator (I have both the kindle edition and the audible edition since they allow me to read and/or listen to a/the book whenever and however I want), what was she doing? I thought she was sleeping whenever she read the female characters lines/dialogue.
Horrible; just plain and simply horrible.
February 2, 2015
This was a wonderful futuristic dystopian novel that faces serious issues from our time while empowering young women. Solomon being the link from our near future to their present was clever, and Enaid was a wonderful image of wife queen and mother. I loved watching Areenna and Mikaal come into their strengths and that before the island which seems as much like an introspection into finding one's true self, a woman must first accept and learn the gifts given by the women in her life. I can boot wait to learn when book two is out. David was a new author to me but he's earned a pair of fans in my teen and I.
March 17, 2015
I received a copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
This story takes place in Nevaeh, America was destroyed by war many years ago. The Women have psychic abilities and super strength. Areena is the Daughter of King Freemorn she is the future Queen . When she learns the world is in danger and it is up to her along with Mikaal, the Son of Nevaeh's King to save it. They face many dangers along the way and secret's are revealed . Will Areena be saved from the darkness? Will they succeed in their quest? A very detailed orginal story each character is well written, some are likeable some aren't. There is suspense, magic and adventure. I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy stories.
This story takes place in Nevaeh, America was destroyed by war many years ago. The Women have psychic abilities and super strength. Areena is the Daughter of King Freemorn she is the future Queen . When she learns the world is in danger and it is up to her along with Mikaal, the Son of Nevaeh's King to save it. They face many dangers along the way and secret's are revealed . Will Areena be saved from the darkness? Will they succeed in their quest? A very detailed orginal story each character is well written, some are likeable some aren't. There is suspense, magic and adventure. I highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy stories.
May 13, 2020
Amazing world-building.
Every time I read anything in this world, I have the worst book hangover when it’s over! This is an epic story, worthy of getting lost in.
Character development, much like the world building is extremely advanced.
Hints and peeks into the past—which is our present, as it happens—are completely plausible and add a whole other level of entertainment to the reading experience.
Manages to pack in real feels even though the romance is really just a side effect of this epic story.
Very much looking forward to seeing all I can of this world and plan to re-read it in its entirety. A much-needed escape.
5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Every time I read anything in this world, I have the worst book hangover when it’s over! This is an epic story, worthy of getting lost in.
Character development, much like the world building is extremely advanced.
Hints and peeks into the past—which is our present, as it happens—are completely plausible and add a whole other level of entertainment to the reading experience.
Manages to pack in real feels even though the romance is really just a side effect of this epic story.
Very much looking forward to seeing all I can of this world and plan to re-read it in its entirety. A much-needed escape.
5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 27, 2015
David Wind's Born to Magic showcases a master storyteller's ability to create a world and breathe life into it with compelling complex characters. He's written an epic fantasy built around an original mythology and shows he knows how to paint a visual spectacle with amazing action sequences and memorable set pieces. Most importantly, Born to Magic is about something greater than a quest, not only exploring the nature of men and women and their reliance on one another, but examining the very foundation of society and the paths of both ruin and hope available to humanity.
July 2, 2015
This one is a 5 star book for sure.
It is a great tale of what happens when anger and hatred get the upper hand. Very well done. This one kept me reading when I should have turned out the light. I’m ready for the next installment. Excellent plot.
It is a great tale of what happens when anger and hatred get the upper hand. Very well done. This one kept me reading when I should have turned out the light. I’m ready for the next installment. Excellent plot.
July 9, 2015
Review to come
March 19, 2016
Sorry...just...couldn't.... :/.
Read
June 24, 2018A well written enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.
March 22, 2022
I really thought I would enjoy this book. The synopsis sounded interesting enough and a sci-fi-fantasy mix can be really cool. Sadly, this wasn’t.
I felt like the story was rather linear and boring, with not that much happening. The goal was to get to that one island, which is the only real plot you have. The end honestly felt seriously anti-climatic to all the “omg it's so awful there” before…There were stakes and yet I couldn’t really get myself to care, because they basically were riding through some forests and that’s it. I sometimes didn’t really read parts and just checked if anything happened and then skipped forward, hoping that something cool would happen.
The characters didn’t really convince me. I’m not sure what it was, aside from the ridiculous “let’s learn in two weeks what others need decades for”. They’re both kind of set up like a Mary Sue/Gary Sue, with enormous powers and so ridiculously powerful and have these super powerful allies, but the threats didn’t seem even remotely their league. Like, they just think something and BAM! Magic! We’re save for another three days.
The world building….First impression were the names…which my sister aptly described as “it looks like a cat sat on the keyboard”. Many are today’s names but backwards. It was probably supposed to be world-building, but just seemed entirely ridiculous. Seriously, I just rolled my eyes whenever a new name came up.
I read another scifi+fantasy series and loved it. But here it felt like the sci-fi aspect was an unnecessary afterthought. It wasn’t needed. Some parts might even have worked better without it. You could replace it with fantasy systems and perhaps would get a more coherent world.
Also, the evil forces that started the nuclear war and thus destroyed the earth and led to all these mutations and super powers? Yeah, obv the Near East…And the evil guys who now try to take over America, the only place where humans still thrive? (While the rest just mutated into weirdass beings without a brain?) Obv the magical/sci-fi Near East…
Like, there are so many people already who are really xenophobic towards people from that region, why write a book with them as the evil guys? What does it add? Nothing, aside from a very bitter taste in my mouth. The Americanisim is high in this book, honestly. With just North America having living humans, the rest mutated savages that can’t think straight....Me thinks there might be some bias here?
The style wasn’t good. I was honestly surprised when, at the end of the book, I learned that this author had written already 40+ novels. It reads like a debut novel to me. The descriptions were meh, the emotions and thoughts felt meh, there was nothing that could make me sympathise or capture me. Add to that the underwhelming end fight…
Also, the pronoun game is strong here too. The sorceress is just called that, no name, and always referred to as she/her IN EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE!! Like, that was the clumsiest writing ever. Sorry, but those parts of the chapters I usually just skipped, they didn’t really add anything content wise AND were badly written.
The most positive thing about this is that the editor did good work! I couldn’t find a single spelling or grammar mistake, which some books really suffer from!
All in all, 2.5 stars, because I liked the idea of it and it wasn’t as bad as other books I’ve read. If you think this post-apocalyptic magic world setting works for you, go for it!
I felt like the story was rather linear and boring, with not that much happening. The goal was to get to that one island, which is the only real plot you have. The end honestly felt seriously anti-climatic to all the “omg it's so awful there” before…There were stakes and yet I couldn’t really get myself to care, because they basically were riding through some forests and that’s it. I sometimes didn’t really read parts and just checked if anything happened and then skipped forward, hoping that something cool would happen.
The characters didn’t really convince me. I’m not sure what it was, aside from the ridiculous “let’s learn in two weeks what others need decades for”. They’re both kind of set up like a Mary Sue/Gary Sue, with enormous powers and so ridiculously powerful and have these super powerful allies, but the threats didn’t seem even remotely their league. Like, they just think something and BAM! Magic! We’re save for another three days.
The world building….First impression were the names…which my sister aptly described as “it looks like a cat sat on the keyboard”. Many are today’s names but backwards. It was probably supposed to be world-building, but just seemed entirely ridiculous. Seriously, I just rolled my eyes whenever a new name came up.
I read another scifi+fantasy series and loved it. But here it felt like the sci-fi aspect was an unnecessary afterthought. It wasn’t needed. Some parts might even have worked better without it. You could replace it with fantasy systems and perhaps would get a more coherent world.
Also, the evil forces that started the nuclear war and thus destroyed the earth and led to all these mutations and super powers? Yeah, obv the Near East…And the evil guys who now try to take over America, the only place where humans still thrive? (While the rest just mutated into weirdass beings without a brain?) Obv the magical/sci-fi Near East…
Like, there are so many people already who are really xenophobic towards people from that region, why write a book with them as the evil guys? What does it add? Nothing, aside from a very bitter taste in my mouth. The Americanisim is high in this book, honestly. With just North America having living humans, the rest mutated savages that can’t think straight....Me thinks there might be some bias here?
The style wasn’t good. I was honestly surprised when, at the end of the book, I learned that this author had written already 40+ novels. It reads like a debut novel to me. The descriptions were meh, the emotions and thoughts felt meh, there was nothing that could make me sympathise or capture me. Add to that the underwhelming end fight…
Also, the pronoun game is strong here too. The sorceress is just called that, no name, and always referred to as she/her IN EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE!! Like, that was the clumsiest writing ever. Sorry, but those parts of the chapters I usually just skipped, they didn’t really add anything content wise AND were badly written.
The most positive thing about this is that the editor did good work! I couldn’t find a single spelling or grammar mistake, which some books really suffer from!
All in all, 2.5 stars, because I liked the idea of it and it wasn’t as bad as other books I’ve read. If you think this post-apocalyptic magic world setting works for you, go for it!
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