Magic Unleashed (The Venators Series #1)

by Devri Walls

Overview

The dark unknown beckons.

Rune Jenkins has a long-standing infatuation with anything from the supernatural world, and she's trying to hide it. If she doesn't, she angers her reckless twin brother Ryker, and starts feeling like her own sanity is slipping. But the closer she gets to Grey Malteer – an old friend who waves his fascination with fantasy like a flag – the harder it becomes to stifle her own interest.

The supernatural suddenly invades their reality when other-worldly creatures come hunting for the three college students. With help from a mysterious savior Rune and Grey escape, but must follow Ryker's abductors into an alternate dimension, Eon, and discover their true identities. They are Venators, descendants of genetically enhanced protectors and sentries between Eon and Earth. In this world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards, power is abundant and always in flux. Ryker is missing, and Rune and Grey are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game. The three must find their way through – and out of – Eon, before it consumes them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612549873
Publisher:	Brown Books Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/10/2018
Series:	Venators Series , #1
Pages:	363
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Devri Walls is a US and international bestselling author. Having released five novels to date, she specializes in all things fantasy and paranormal. She is best known for her uncanny world-building skills and her intricate storylines, and her ability to present this all in an easy-to-digest voice. Now gearing up for her first national release, Devri is excited to introduce her sixth novel, book one in the Venators Series. She loves to engage with her loyal following through social media and online sessions she organizes for her readers. Devri lives in Meridian, Idaho with her husband and two kids. When not writing she can be found teaching voice lessons, reading, cooking or binge watching whatever show catches her fancy.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Fast paced and supernaturally entertaining. It will leave you hungry for more!"

- Addison Moore, New York Times bestselling author of the Celestra series; New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Editorial Reviews

04/16/2018
Rune and Grey are just trying to fit in at college, when they pass through a gate to find that they have special genetic powers that make them Venators, ideal peacekeepers in a supernatural civil war. While Grey has long had an inkling about his place in this otherworldly dimension, Rune is of a single mind—saving her twin brother, Ryker, who was also kidnapped and brought to the strange place against his will. The action-packed first installment in Walls's (Wings of Arian) new series features a dizzying array of werewolves, vampires, faeries, and dragons, all out to aid, manipulate, or kill the human Venators. At times, the plot is given to over-dramatization, peppered with dialogue that can feel unnatural and monological. Subtle hints at past conflicts between the main characters don't entirely bring them into focus, and the iconic creatures of the night ultimately come across as a paranormal hodgepodge, without distinctive characteristics. Attempts to take on racism and sexual predation are respectable but brief, instead of building blocks to a larger theme. The result is a murky telling that relies too often on witty retorts and pure adrenaline. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

''A thrilling, beautifully written book about all things supernatural. Genetically-modified humans Rune and Grey must discover who they truly are in a world where they are feared for their abilities, despite the vampires, werewolves, and more inhabiting the land. This start of the series makes readers want more, and the powerful feeling of fantasy completely takes over while reading this book. Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series or Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone series will surely appreciate Venators.''

- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

From the Publisher

04/01/2018
Gr 10 Up—A dynamic, intriguing, and magical world with interesting characters and a story that will engage teens. Rune and Grey are college students who are intrigued by the paranormal. Rune's twin brother, Ryker, mocks Grey but is also struggling with his draw to the supernatural. When their dorm is plagued by creatures from another realm, Ryker is kidnapped and taken to Eon, an alternate world where vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures are fighting to keep peace. Rune and Grey also transport to this realm to save Ryker and learn of their true ancestry. They are part of a long history of Venators, descendants of genetically enhanced humans designed to protect the inhabitants of Eon, and to keep them from harming the people of Earth. In order to save Ryker and themselves, they must learn their place in this new world. Walls' third-person narrative gives great insight into each protagonist. Each character has unique motivations that propel the story forward. The world-building is fascinating and well developed, and Walls has done everything right to create a solid series opener. Readers will be begging to see what happens to their heroes. VERDICT The fleshed-out world-building, intense action sequences, hinted-at-romance, and entertaining dialogue make this book a first purchase.—Aileen Barton, Belle Isle Library, Oklahoma City

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