Mindstorm: Book 1: The Order of Valan

by Ryan Franey, Carrie Krause (Editor)

Nathan has always known there was something wrong with him; a strange force that pushed everyone away. He welcomed the solitude, and desired nothing more than to be left alone and fade into obscurity. However, deep down, he craved for something more…

All of that changes the day a mysterious woman named Eura tells him he possesses a dark power that many seek to eradicate. When Nathan’s home is destroyed, he is thrust into an unfamiliar world beyond his wildest dreams. He must rely on his primitive instincts and self-reliance to survive.

The growing weakness within his mind threatens to consume him. If Nathan loses control of his emotions, he will turn savage and destroy everything around him.

Will Nathan fall prey to his inner demons? Or will he rediscover the true meaning of family?

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2025

Reviews

[Carrie D. Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Nathan fated to become the monster that he is feared to be? From the moment the otherworldly Eura came into Nathan’s life, he was chased by hunters and tormented. However, it was also the best time of his life as he was cared for, became part of a fascinating community, and got to experience real prehistoric creatures! I love the complex world Nathan gets to discover. This action-packed, terrifying novel explores the importance of self-worth, trust, and goodness. The author understands the difficulty of changing one's mindset and how important it is to keep going. I cannot wait to find out what happens next in this series!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like dragons? Do you like kaiju? If you answered yes to either of these, you'll want to check out this book.

While he hadn't minded a world of solitude, Nathan's world is turned upside down when he meets Eura, the first person to treat him with kindness.
However, imagine Nathan's surprise when he learns that he is not merely a solitary soul, but one in possession of great power. Eura whisks Nathan away as his old life is destroyed by those that would harm him. Nathan has to learn how to control his powers now that they've awakened. There are those that will stop at nothing to find him and even in his new home, Eura's protection may not be enough to keep those he cares about safe. But what will happen when those powers break free?

Nathan's transformation into Derekron is ultimately successful in defeating the hunter Gendrick, but at great cost. His attack is like a nuclear blast, despoiling the once green landscape. Both Nathan and Eura fail their character arcs. Nathan ultimately runs away and reverts much of his progress as guilt overtakes him. Eura fails, as she sees Nathan as her second son (her first died), and she wanted nothing more than to keep him safe.

Great read and I eagerly await the next book in the series.

[J. Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindstorm is a charming new take on a boy and his dragon. As is often the case in urban fantasy, the magic that comes into a character's life fills a hole that's been left empty. What Nathan needed was a caregiver, someone with whom he can be truly vulnerable. And he needed a safe space, where he could be freed from the constraints and obligations he grew up with. This novel takes Nathan on an unexpected journey, and only time will tell where he and Eura go from here. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Rowan Ashland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy learns the meaning of family and finds himself in a world of dinosaurs, dragons, and orcs. 100% give this one a read, it's a fun one!

[Liesel Von · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, action-packed story with dragons and Kaiju galore! I enjoyed the ride :D