J. Lawrence

I was given a copy of “Inborn” by author J. Lawrence in exchange for an honest review. I met Mr. Lawrence on www.goodreads in a forum, where he was discussing his book. After looking at the book jacket summary, I was ready to go on an adventure that Mr. Lawrence had penned.

“Inborn” takes place in Arth. Mr. Lawrence provides a well drawn out map that helps you visualize what the world of Arth. I found myself referring to this just so I could grasp the concept of the travels. It’s always a nice detail when you’re reading a fantasy novel and the author designs a map. Granted their main job is to paint a picture in your mind of what the world looks like. However, a map just gives us a little extra perk.

Thaniel, a messenger for the Ontar Hold has fallen in love with Elycia. Timing could be more perfect for Thaniel. The Festival of the Caller is just beginning and he has already once failed on trying to ask for a kiss from the beauty. Making a fool of him when trying to give Elycia an ice blossom the first time, didn’t measure up to par. Hoping to avoid another mishap, he places the largest ice blossom on her bed. To his delight, she is wearing this beautiful flower in her hair on the day of the festival.

While many are aware that her beauty has caught the eye of Thaniel, one isn’t too pleased over this notion. Keriim, a First guard, is deeply crushed and maddened. Keriim has a taste for brutality. He has a knack for slicing off the fingertips of the women he rapes, beats then brutally murders. Only problem is that the people who should be aware of his vile behavior are in the dark. While the slaves of Ontar Hold are aware of what this man is capable of.

In the meantime, Liselle Ontar is busy trying to prepare for the Festival of the Caller. She’s been busy studying the Prophecies of the Code. It’s basically a “manual that would instruct the next Ontar, the one for whom the code sang, in all things necessary to usher glory back to their clan.” Through this there is supposed to be the calling of a mythical creature, the Dra, summoned.

Thaniel has no idea how he knows the things he knows, but he finds that Elycia is in trouble. Running in the dark cistern he finds her hiding from Keriim. He’s able to lead her to safety in the crowd of slaves waiting for their turn to touch the carving of the Dra.

Unknowing that he possess something magical in himself, Thaniel, sets off chain reaction of events that not only confuses, frustrates and jeopardizes his life as well as many around him. It all has to do with him being The Caller. He’s able to summon a Dra to the chamber. He’s able to touch the beast and not become harmed. All the while, he is not fully aware of how this is capable.

Given his freedom after the Dra is captured, Thaniel, Elycia and his best friend Jorel are headed to Navillus. This being the home of Thaniel and Elycia, he has promised to take her back to their village. Setting out on their way, they meet multiple people who have hidden agenda’s that will prevent them from their making their destination. Only problem is who are they going to be able to trust. Are they ever going to learn the truth of who they are?

*****

I feel bad that this took me a while to finally read this book. I had been swamped with requests to review books and this one just slipped through. I don’t know what happened with My Precious kindle, but one day it was there, then the next…POOF! It was gone. After sorting through my Amazon account, I noticed this book was missing on my kindle. Without delay, I started reading this book.

I did enjoy this story. The way that Mr. Lawrence detailed the journey of Thaniel, Elycia and Jorel was well done. Also the editing was perfect. I don’t know who he used, but he did a fabulous job in finding a professional editor.

I will say that I had a hard time following the story from time to time. I was confused at who some of the people were in the story. I’m certain that this issue will be cleared up in the next few installments. However, I was lost on who the Caller actually is. Same with The Order. There was a lot of discussion on who The Order was, but not much clarification about who they actually were. I was also confused who all the people were at the dam. As I said, I’m certain that he will clear these matters up in the next book or two. However, for the first book, it left me with a lot of questions. I guess this is what makes a great segue into wanting to read the second book…you need to know who these people are their purpose to the story.

There is one passage that I believe sums up the entire story: "Less than two weeks ago all she had to worry about was wheter or not to wear a blossom in her hair. Whitin that span of time she'd seen Thaniel call a dra, been chawed by wolves, and found out that the boy she'd been named eternal kiss to was the pery of an ancient evil band of magical killers called ramphyr."

Other than the above issues, I did honestly enjoy this story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Ramphyr. I believe this is going to clarify one of the above issues.… (mehr)