In the aftermath of worldwide terrorism, a new world is born: Nevaeh! It’s where medieval/magical kingdoms exist in consensus under the rule of High King Roth and his wife Enaid; and only women are gifted with natural psychic ability, while Men focus on learning the physical arts of combat. However, the Dark Ones have already infiltrated the kingdoms with spies, and are rallying their forces for another war. Areenna, gifted with the most powerful psychic abilities, is Nevaeh’s best hope.

Born to Magic is an unusual epic fantasy adventure. The premise and overarching message was the hideous and very real threat of annihilation by a former enemy. It’s unusual because the minor message of the story is that whatever has happened in the past, society must be open-minded to change; and is ironic because it introduces a new world within a new world? This introduction is brought about when Areenna is destined to be joined by Mikaal, son of High King Roth, on an adventure. Both are told of their importance to one another and must go on a journey of discovery to realise their full potential. On their adventure they clash not just with dark forces, but also the status quo of Nevaeh. Their coming will bring about a change that must occur for the sake of human survival.

Once I read the lines ‘He is not Olrac!’ I knew I was in for something profound. The first half of the book was bursting with anticipation, where dangers lurked everywhere, and was imbued with some kind of writing sixth-sense, where the reader knows something perilous is going to happen. It’s exactly this kind of writing that attaches me to this author’s work. Once the second half of the story commenced, I could not stop reading! Expect deranged dark forces hunting while the protagonists must grow and adapt to survive. Areenna and Mikaal forge a believable connection that really allows the reader to get inside their heads, and warps you into a world where the saving of a kingdom is paramount. Imaginatively crafted, yet also familiar, mutated magical beasts roam the lands. Humans form bonds with many of these beasts, which along with magic, brings them closer to the Earth.

Other than this being a fantasy adventure written by David Wind, there wasn’t another compelling reason why I should have been as exhilarated as I was with this. The storyline was simply sublime and I will be reading more of this series.